Bismillah [IslamCity] Friday: Reciting Surat al-Kahf, Virtues of Friday
The Virtues of Jumu'ah 1 . Rasulullah (Allah bless him give him peace) said: Friday is the best of days. It was on this day that Hadrat Aadam alayhis salaam was created, it was on this day that he was granted entry into jannah, it was on this day that he was removed from jannah (which became the cause for man's existence in this universe, and which is a great blessing), and the day of resurrection will also take place on this day. (Sahih Muslim) 2 . It is related from Imam Ahmad rahmatullahialayh that he said that in certain aspects the rank of the night of jumu'ah is even higher than Laylatul Qadr One of the reasons for this is that it was on this night that Rasulullah (Allah bless him give him peace) appeared in the womb of his mother Rasulullah's (Allah bless him give him peace) appearance in this world was a cause of so much good and blessings both in this world and in the hereafter that they cannot be enumerated. (Ash'atulLama'aat) 3 . Rasulullah (Allah bless him give him peace) said: There is such an hour on Friday that if any Muslim makes dua in it, his dua will definitely be accepted. (Bukhari, Muslim) The ulama have differed in specifying that hour which has been mentioned in the Hadith . Shaykh Abdul Haq Muhaddith Dehlawi rahmatullahialayh has mentioned 40 different opinions in his book Sharh Sifrus Sa'aadah . However, from among all these opinions he has given preference to two opinions: (1) That time is from the commencement of the khutbah till the end of the salaat, (2) That time is towards the end of the day . A big group of ulama have given preference to this second opinion and there are many Ahadith which support this opinion . Shaykh Dehlawi rahmatullahialayh says that this narration is correct that Hadrat Fatimah radiallahuanha used to order her maid on Fridays to inform her when the day is about to end so that she could occupy herself in making zikr and duas. (Ash'atulLama'aat) 4 . Rasulullah (Allah bless him give him peace) said: Of all the days, Friday is the most virtuous. It is on this day that the trumpet will be blown. Send abundant durood upon me on Fridays because they are presented to me on that day. The Sahabah radiallahu anhum asked: O Rasulullah! How will they be presented to you when even your bones will not be present after your death? Rasulullah (Allah bless him give him peace) replied: Allah Ta'ala has made the earth haraam upon the prophets forever . (Abu Daud) 5 . Rasulullah (Allah bless him give him peace) said: The word shaahid refers to Friday . There is no day more virtuous than Friday. There is such an hour in this day that no Muslim will make dua in it except that his dua will be accepted. And he does not seek protection from anything except that Allah Ta'ala will grant him protection . (Tirmidhi) The word shaahid appears in Surah Burooj . Allah Ta'ala has taken an oath of that day. He says in the Quran: By the sky in which there are constellations .By the promised day (of judgement). By the day that witnesses (Friday), and the day that is witnessed (day of Arafah). 6 . Rasulullah (Allah bless him give him peace) said: Friday is the mother of all days and the most virtuous in the sight of Allah Ta'ala. In the sight of Allah Ta'ala it has more greatness than Eid ul-Fitr and Eid ul-Ad'haa. (Ibn Majah) 7 . Rasulullah (Allah bless him give him peace) said: The Muslim who passes away on the night or during the day of Friday, Allah Ta'ala saves him from the punishment of the grave . (Tirmidhi) 8 . Once Hadrat Ibne Abbas radiallahu anhu recited the following verse: This day, I have completed your Deen for you. A Jew was sitting near him. On hearing this verse being recited he remarked: If this verse was revealed to us, we would have celebrated that day as a day of eid . Ibne Abbas radiallahu anhu replied: This verse was revealed on two eids, i. e . on the day of jumu'ah and the day of arafah. In other words, what is the need for us to make that day into a day of eid when it was already a day of two eids? 9 . Rasulullah (Allah bless him give him peace) used to say that the night of jumu'ah is a lustrous night, and the day of jumu'ah is a lustrous day. (Mishkaat) 10 . After qiyaamah, Allah Ta'ala will send those who deserve paradise into paradise, and those who deserve hell into hell . The days that we have in this world will also be there. Although there will be no day and night, Allah Ta'ala will show us the extent of days and nights and also the number of hours. So when Friday will come and that hour when the people used to go for jumu'ah will approach, a person will call out saying: O dwellers of jannah! Go into the jungles of abundance, the length and breadth of which are not known to anyone besides Allah Ta'ala. There will be mounds of musk which will be as high as the skies. The prophets alayhimus salaam will be made to sit on towers of light, and the
Bismillah [IslamCity] Awesome Recitations
Abida Rahmani If all the trees in the world were used to make paper it would not be sufficient to write all the blessings provided to us. --- On Sun, 8/24/08, ALQURANIC [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: From: ALQURANIC [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subject: Awesome Recitations To: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Date: Sunday, August 24, 2008, 9:43 AM ALQURANIC Mail [The Ultimate Guide ALQURAN] Assalam-u-Alaikum Wa Rahmatullahi Wa Barakatuhu, Forward this message to as many people you can. [3. Surah Al-e-Imran : Ayah 104] And from among you there should be a party who invite to good and enjoin what is right and forbid the wrong, and these it is that shall be successful. Downloadable Audio Quran and Video Quran Refer this Group/Site to your friend/relative Refer Quran Urdu Translation Download or View Awesome Recitations Listen to or Download Recitations AbdulAzeez al-Ahmad AbdulBari ath-Thubaity AbdulBaset AbdulSamad [Mujawwad] AbdulBaset AbdulSamad [Murattal] AbdulBaset AbdulSamad [Warsh] Abdullah Ali Jabir Abdullah Ali Jabir [Studio] Abdullah Awwad al-Juhaynee Abdullah Basfar Abdullah Khayat AbdulMuhsin al-Qasim AbdulRazaq bin Abtan al-Dulaimi [Mujawwad] AbdulWadood Haneef Abdur-Rahman as-Sudays AbdurRashid Sufi [Khalaf] Abdurrashid Sufi [Soosi] Abu Bakr al-Shatri Ahmed ibn Ali al-Ajamy Al-Hussaynee Al-'Azzazzee w/Children Ali Abdur-Rahman al-Huthaify Aziz Alili Fares Abbad Hamad Sinan Hani ar-Rifai Ibraheem Al-Jibreen Khaalid al-Qahtaanee Maher al-Muaiqly Mahmood Khaleel Al-Husaree Mishaari Raashid al-Aafaasee Muhammad AbdulKareem Muhammad al-Luhaidan Muhammad al-Mehysni Muhammad Ayyoob Muhammad Jibreel Muhammad Siddeeq al-Minshawi Muhammad Siddeeq al-Minshawi [Mujawwad] Mustafa al3azzawi Nabil ar-Rifai Sa'ud al-Shuraym Saad al-Ghaamidi Sadaqat Ali Sahl Yaaseen Salaah Bukhaatir Salah al-Budair Saleh al Taleb Sodais and Shuraim Tawfeeq ibn Saeed as-Sawa'igh Recitations from Haramain Taraweeh Madinah Imaams Madinah Taraweeh 1423 Madinah Taraweeh 1426 Madinah Taraweeh 1427 Madinah Taraweeh 1428 Makkah Taraweeh 1424 Makkah Taraweeh 1425 Makkah Taraweeh 1426 Makkah Taraweeh 1427 Makkah Taraweeh 1428 Recitations with Translations AbdulBaset AbdulSamad with Ibrahim Walk [Saheeh Intl Translation] AbdulBaset AbdulSamad with Naeem Sultan [Pickthall Translation] Abdullah Basfar with Ibrahim Walk [Saheeh Intl Translation] Mishaari Raashid with Ibrahim Walk [Saheeh Intl Translation] Mishaari Raashid with Saabir [Muhsin Khan Translation] Muhammad Ayoob with Mikaal Waters [Muhsin Khan Translation] Nadir al-Qallawi with Bilaal Abdul-Karim [Muhsin Khan Translation] Shakir Qasami with Aslam Athar [Pickthall Translation] Sodais and Shuraim with Aslam Athar [Pickthall Translation] Sodais and Shuraim with Naeem Sultan [Pickthall Translation] Sodais and Shuraim [Urdu Translation] . Our Lord! surely we have heard a preacher calling to the faith, saying: Believe in your Lord, so we did believe; Our Lord! forgive us therefore our faults, and cover our evil deeds and make us die with the righteous. Give your Suggestion, help us improve Suggest Invite a Friend to join the ALQURANIC Group Invite or If you'd like to add your relatives/friends emails in this mailing list then Email us (one address per line) If you are receiving this email as a forwarded message, Join Now New in Downloads Section Complete Sahih Bukhari in Urdu (Zip Format) *File Size 295 MB Complete Sahih Bukhari in English (Zip Format) *File Size 1.43 MB Qari Waheed Zafar Qasmi MP3 Audio Quran (Zip Format) *File Size 385 MB Shuraim Sudais MP3 Audio Quran (Zip Format) *File Size 525 MB Yahoo Group ALQURANIC Website URL: www.alquranic. com Group URL: www.yahoogroups. com/group/ alquranic Previous Messages: www.yahoogroups. com/group/ alquranic/ messages
Bismillah [IslamCity] Ramadan: Iftar for Non-Muslims
*Islam Question Answers* ** *Iftar with Non Muslims* *Sheikh Muhammed Salih al-Munajjid* *http://www.islamqa.com/en/ref/38125/iftar%20and%20non%20muslims*http://www.islamqa.com/en/ref/38125/iftar%20and%20non%20muslims Praise be to Allaah. It is permissible to have iftaar with non-Muslims if there is a shar'i reason for doing so, such as calling them to the true religion, or softening their hearts towards Islam, etc, which are what is hoped for if they come and eat iftaar at the tables set up for communal iftaar, as happens in some countries. But if it is done just to be friendly towards them and enjoy their company, this is a dangerous matter, because the principle of al-wala' wa'l-bara' (befriending the believers and showing enmity towards the disbelievers) is one of the basic principles of Islam, and one of the most important duties of the believers. This principle is referred to in a number of verses in the Book of Allaah and ahaadeeth of the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him), for example: Allaah says (interpretation of the meaning): You (O Muhammad) will not find any people who believe in Allaah and the Last Day, making friendship with those who oppose Allaah and His Messenger (Muhammad), even though they were their fathers or their sons or their brothers or their kindred (people). For such He has written Faith in their hearts, and strengthened them with Rooh (proofs, light and true guidance) from Himself. And He will admit them to Gardens (Paradise) under which rivers flow, to dwell therein (forever). Allaah is pleased with them, and they with Him. They are the party of Allaah. Verily, it is the party of Allaah that will be the successful [al-Mujaadilah 58:22] O you who believe! Take not for Awliyaa' (protectors or helpers or friends) disbelievers instead of believers. Do you wish to offer Allaah a manifest proof against yourselves? [al-Nisa' 4:144] O you who believe! Take not the Jews and the Christians as Awliyaa' (friends, protectors, helpers), they are but Awliyaa' of each other. And if any amongst you takes them (as Awliyaa'), then surely, he is one of them. Verily, Allaah guides not those people who are the Zaalimoon (polytheists and wrongdoers and unjust) [al-Maa'idah 5:51] O you who believe! Take not as (your) Bitaanah (advisors, consultants, protectors, helpers, friends) those outside your religion (pagans, Jews, Christians, and hypocrites) since they will not fail to do their best to corrupt you. They desire to harm you severely. Hatred has already appeared from their mouths, but what their breasts conceal is far worse. Indeed We have made plain to you the Ayaat (proofs, evidences, verses) if you understand [Aal 'Imraan 3:118] Based on this, the ruling on gathering with these people for iftaar depends on the intention. And Allaah knows best]Sympathy for the unfortunate Further, the Hadith states that it is the month of sympathy, especially for the poor and destitute. Sympathy should be of a practical nature. When ten things are placed before us for if'taar, at least two or four of them should be set aside for the poor and needy. In fact they should be treated preferentially, if not then at least equally. They should certainly be remembered. In showing sympathy for the poor, as in all other matters, the Sahaabah R.A. were living examples, and in this, it is our duty to follow or at least try to follow them. In the matter of sacrifice and sympathy only the courageous can emulate the Sahaabah. There are numerous instances, if they are cited, will only leave one in astonishment. Let us see the following example, Abu Jahm (RA) relates that: During the battle of Yarmouk he went in search of his cousins, taking with him a water bag to give him to drink and also wash his wounds if he was found alive or wounded. He found him lying among the wounded. When I asked him whether he wanted some water, he indicated 'yes'. At that moment someone near him moaned. My cousin pointed to that person indicating that I should first quench the thirst of the neighbour. I went to him and found that he too needed water, but just as I was about to give him water, a third person groaned near him. The second one pointed to this third person meaning that I should give the third one to drink first. I went to the third person but before he could drink, I found out that he had passed away, whereupon I returned to the second one only to find that he too had passed away. When I came to my cousin, he too had become a martyr. ** * http://www.islamonline.net//english/index.shtml* *Question Answers* ** *Topic: Organizing Iftar for Non-Muslims* http://www.islamonline.net/servlet/Satellite?pagename=IslamOnline-English-Ask_Scholar/FatwaE/FatwaEcid=1119503546196 Date : November 13, 2002 *Question:* Can Muslims organize *Iftar* for non-Muslims? *Answer:* In The Name of Allah, Most Gracious, Most Merciful. All praise and thanks are due to Allah, and peace and blessings be upon His
Bismillah [IslamCity] Is Satan A Jinn or an Angel?
Is Satan A Jinn or an Angel? Question: I was just wondering if Iblis was actually a jinn or an angel. This particular issue recently sparked my curiosity when it was presented to me by a person I know. If he is an angel, then how is it he disobeyed Allah, when Angels have no will of their own and follow only Allah's command. If he is really a jinn, then it would better explain his disobedience as then he actually had the choice to obey or disobey Allah. I would appreciate a response, even if it is a brief one. Answer: Praise be to Allaah. Ibless _ may Allaah curse him _ is one of the jinn. He was not an angel for a single day, not even for an instant. The angels were created noble; they never disobey Allaah when He commands them to do something and they do what they are commanded. This is clearly stated in the Qur'aanic texts which indicate that Iblees is one of the jinn and not one of the angels. These texts include the following: 1. Allaah says (interpretation of the meaning): And (remember) when We said to the angels: Prostrate yourselves unto Adam. So they prostrated themselves except Iblees (Satan). He was one of the jinn; he disobeyed the Command of his Lord. Will you then take him (Iblees) and his offspring as protectors and helpers rather than Me while they are enemies to you? What an evil is the exchange for the Zaalimoon (polytheists, and wrongdoers, etc). [al-Kahf 18:50] 2. Allaah stated that He created the jinn from fire, as He says (interpretation of the meaning): And the jinn, We created aforetime from the smokeless flame of fire [al-Hijr 15:27] And the jinn He created from a smokeless flame of fire [al-Rahmaan 55:15] And it was narrated in a saheeh hadeeth that `Aa'ishah said: the Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: The angels were created from light, the jinn were created from smokeless fire and Adam was created from that which has been described to you. (Narrated by Muslim in his Saheeh, no. 2996; also narrated by Ahmad, no. 24668; by al-Bayhaqi in al-Sunan al-Kubra, no. 18207 and by Ibn Hibbaan, no. 6155). One of the attributes of the angels is that they were created from light, and the jinn were created from fire. It was mentioned in the Qur'aan that Iblees _ may Allaah curse him _ was created from fire. This is what Iblees himself said when Allaah, may He be glorified and exalted, asked him the reason for his refusal to prostrate to Adam when Allaah commanded him to do so. He _ may Allaah curse him _ said: `I am better than him (Adam), You created me from fire, and him You created from clay' [al-A'raaf 7:12; Saad 38:76 _ interpretation of the meaning]. This indicates that he was one of the jinn. 3. Allaah has described the angels in His Book, where He says (interpretation of the meaning): O you who believe! Ward off yourselves and your families against a Fire (Hell) whose fuel is men and stones, over which are (appointed) angels stern (and) severe, who disobey not, (from executing) the Commands they receive from Allâh, but do that which they are commanded [al-Tahreem 66:6] And they say: `The Most Gracious (Allaah) has begotten a son (or children).' Glory to Him! They [whom they call children of Allaah i.e. the angels, `Eesaa (Jesus) son of Maryam (Mary), `Uzair (Ezra)], are but honoured slaves. They speak not until He has spoken, and they act on His Command [al-Anbiyaa' 21:26-27] And to Allaah prostrate all that is in the heavens and all that is in the earth, of the moving (living) creatures and the angels, and they are not proud [i.e. they worship their Lord (Allâh) with humility]. They fear their Lord above them, and they do what they are commanded [al-Nahl 16:49-50] So it is not possbile for the angels to disobey their Lord, because they are protected from sin and they are naturally inclined to obey Allaah. 4. The fact that Iblees (Satan) is not one of the angels means that he is not compelled to obey Allaah. He has freedom of will just as we humans do. Allaah says (interpretation of the meaning); Verily, We showed him the way, whether he be grateful or ungrateful [al-Insaan 76:3] There are also Muslims and kaafirs among the jinn. It says in Soorat al-Jinn (interpretation of the meaning): Say (O Muhammad): `It has been revealed to me that a group (from three to ten in number) of jinn listened (to this Qur'aan). They said: `Verily, we have heard a wonderful Recitation (this Qur'aan)! It guides to the Right Path, and we have believed therein, and we shall never join (in worship) anything with our Lord (Allaah).' [al-Jinn 72;1-2] In the same soorah, it states that the jinn said: `And indeed when we heard the Guidance (this Qur'aan), we believed therein (Islamic Monotheism), and whosoever believes in his Lord shall have no fear, either of a decrease in the reward of his good deeds or an increase in the punishment for his sins. And of us some are
Bismillah [IslamCity] Boycott Israeli Dates
Boycott Israeli Dates part 1: http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=uVpl01_7eKY part 2: http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=wzT8a_ZTMso
Bismillah [IslamCity] Sighting the Moon and the Beginning of Ramadan
Sighting the Moon and the Beginning of Ramadan Adil Salahi, Arab News The problem of sighting the moon arises every year as the month of Ramadan approaches. Some people suggest that Muslims should do away with the old method of sighting the moon with the naked eye and rely instead on calculation. They argue that it is possible to determine the exact time, down to the hour and minute, of the birth of the new moon long in advance. We can also determine the minute of its rise and visibility for every night throughout the year, many years in advance. Why should we continue to rely on sighting with our eyes, which was an appropriate method for the days when such accurate calculations were not available? All this may sound both logical and expedient. It will save people the many problems associated with making late announcements of the beginning and end of Ramadan, as happens very often. Many readers have put this question to me in the past, especially with the problems that occasionally happen when errors are made. Only an Islamic Jurists' Council could make a decision that has to be backed, ratified and implemented by governments. What we will attempt to do here is to discuss some of the Hadiths which relate to this problem in order to shed some light on its different aspects. I hope that this discussion will go some way to make the readers, especially those who have taken the trouble to write to me for clarification, more aware of the Islamic viewpoint in this connection. It is worth noting at the outset that Islam is a religion revealed by God in order to be implemented by all communities and societies, regardless of the degree of their material or scientific advancement. It was revealed more than 1,400 years ago and it will continue to be the last guidance God gives to mankind through revelation for the rest of time. Therefore, when it tackles certain aspects of human life, it limits itself to laying down a number of broad guidelines, leaving the details to be filled in by every Islamic society according to the degree of progress it has achieved. As long as any society continues to live within the framework of these guidelines, it remains Islamic. In other matters, particularly those which affect the inner human personality which does not undergo any fundamental change, Islam lays down specific rules which remain valid for all time. Every Muslim has to implement them. One such rule is fasting in Ramadan. Every human being needs the benefits which fasting ensures. Hence, we are all commanded to fast in the month of Ramadan. Islam adopts the lunar year because it is the easier to follow by all societies, including very primitive ones. Every new moon signals the beginning of a month. Moreover, the lunar year has the advantage of varying the time of those acts of worship, which occur annually, such as fasting, zakah, and pilgrimage. The Prophet was keen to give us guidance for the determination of the beginning of the month of Ramadan which allows for all different situations. The general principle he has laid down is that fasting begins on the day, which follows the sighting of the new moon. We have a number of Hadiths, all authentic, which state this principle in varying modes of expression. A very clear statement by the Prophet is that related by Abdullah ibn Umar that when God's messenger mentioned Ramadan, he said: Do not fast until you have sighted the new moon, and do not end your fasting until you have sighted it. If your sighting is beclouded, use your discretion. Here we have a specific instruction that we must not begin fasting or end it unless the moon is sighted. This is due to the fact that Islam does not like confusion to spread among the Muslim community in matters of worship. They, therefore, must act on the basis of certain knowledge. If the moon is not sighted, then we do not begin fasting unless we have used our discretion in the way outlined by the Prophet in other Hadiths. This clear instruction closes the door before any thought of fasting an extra day, in order to be on the safe side. Many Muslims may have such thoughts, especially if a mistake should happen in a sighting the moon one year. The next year you will find many people wondering: why do we not fast the day before, in order to be absolutely certain that we have fasted at the beginning? They will claim that an extra day of fasting is not too much trouble! Yet this is exactly what Islam does not want its followers to do. The fact is that a lunar month could be 29 or 30 days. Therefore, on the evening of 29 Shaaban, people are advised to go out and try to sight the moon. The following day is termed as 'the day of doubt', because it could be the last day of Shaaban or the first day of Ramadan. The thought of fasting it may be attractive to many people. The Prophet says, however: He who fasts the day of doubt has disobeyed Abu Al-Qasim. Abu Al-Qasim is a name of
Bismillah [IslamCity] The Jewish Journal:Biden and the Jews: Strong ties and friendly disagreements
“When I was a young senator, I used to say, ‘If I were a Jew I’d be a Zionist.’ I am a Zionist. You don’t have to be a Jew to be a Zionist.’” August 23, 2008 Biden and the Jews: Strong ties and friendly disagreements By Ron Kampeas and Eric Fingerhut U.S. Sen. Barack Obama campaigns with his newly named running mate, U.S. Joe Biden, on Aug. 23, 2008 in Springfield, Ill., Obama campaign photo. DENVER (JTA)—Before he announced his vice presidential pick on Saturday, U.S. Sen. Barack Obama (D-Ill.) said he wanted someone to spar with but who ultimately would be loyal enough to create a comfortable working relationship. No one knew then that he had picked U.S. Sen. Joe Biden (D-Del.), 65, but his ISO ad fit Biden’s relationship with the Jewish community perfectly. The loquacious Biden, who has served in the U.S. Senate since 1973, has sparred frequently with the pro-Israel community and with Israelis, particularly on the issue of settlements. But he has a sterling voting record on pro-Israel issues, and has as chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee helped shepherd through key pro-Israel legislation. His straightforwardness is considered an asset, even among those supporters who have disagreed with him. “He’s open minded, he votes his own conscience,” said Gary Erlbaum, a Philadelphia-based real estate developer who has backed Biden among other politicians, Democrats and Republicans alike. “I don’t always agree with him” but “he does not try to sugarcoat.” Biden has been especially sharp in criticizing the U.S. and Israeli failure to support Mahmoud Abbas in 2003, when he was the Palestinian Authority prime minister attempting to establish a power base to challenge then-president Yasser Arafat. Abbas was eventually sidelined by Arafat, allowing the Palestinian leader to continue his policies of corruption and stasis until his death—and creating a vacuum ultimately filled in large part by Hamas terrorists. Biden’s longstanding relationship with the Jewish community should reassure Jews who still feel anxious about Obama, who has deep ties to the Chicago Jewish community but who has been on the national stage barely four years, said Cameron Kerry. “I’ve seen the enormous respect he commands in the pro-Israel community,” said Kerry, himself a convert to Judaism and a senior adviser to the 2004 presidential campaign of his brother, U.S. Sen. John Kerry (D-Mass.).He has a well-established record, he knows the issues, and he can talk the talk. He’s may be the best goyische surrogate I’ve seen in the Jewish community.” Biden’s son married into a Jewish family, but his keen interest in the region dates back to his first visit as a U.S. senator, not long before the 1973 Yom Kippur. He met Israel’s then-prime minister, Golda Meir. He came away from that meeting understanding that “there is this inextricable tie between culture, religion, ethnicity that most people don’t fully understand—that is unique and so strong with Jews worldwide,” Biden said in an interview with Shalom TV last year, when he launched his own presidential bid. “When I was a young senator, I used to say, ‘If I were a Jew I’d be a Zionist.’ I am a Zionist. You don’t have to be a Jew to be a Zionist.’” Mark Gittenstein, who worked for Biden from 1976-1989, said no one matched his breadth of knowledge on Israel—not even his Jewish staffers. “He was much more knowledgeable about Israel and its problems than I was.” Biden has a keen understanding of the Holocaust, partly because of his relationship with Tom Lantos, the late California Democratic congressman who was the only Holocaust survivor elected to the U.S. House of Representatives. Biden hired Lantos as an adviser in the late 1970s, a leap into politics that led the Hungarian-born economist to consider a political career. At a memorial service for Lantos in February, Biden cracked up the somber crowd recalling how Lantos marveled at his son-in-laws very Middle American names. “My daughters married Aryans,” Biden recalled Lantos as saying. More substantively, his tutoring by Lantos led Biden to take the lead on genocide issues, and he is currently a champion on efforts to isolate Sudan over the massacre of hundreds of thousands of civilians in its restive Darfur province. “Any country that engages in genocide forfeits their sovereignty,” he said to applause at a National Jewish Democratic Council presidential candidate forum last year. Obama, who has been outspoken in opposing the Iraq war, had considered a number of centrist and conservative Democrats as running mates to balance his own dovishness. Picking Biden, also a war critic, allows Republicans to describe the Democratic ticket as much of a muchness. Among Republican Jews, that means scoring both men for opposing some of the tougher anti-Iran measures embraced by the Republican presidential candidate, U.S. Sen. John McCain
Bismillah [IslamCity] israel: The dog ate my medal': Top 10 excuses of Israelis poor showing in Beijing Olympics
'The dog ate my medal': Top 10 excuses for Israel's poor showing in Beijing 10) - Delila Hatuel, fencing: I guess I lost because of the pressure. 9) - Arik Ze'evi, judo: In the days before the competition, I cried too much, like a pregnant woman. 8) - Itai Magidi, hurdles: I hurt my knee, and my preparation wasn't good. Even now, I'm limping and can barely stand on my left leg. 7) - Tomer Or, fencing: Udi, my coach, told me something, but I didn't feel confident about it so I did something else and lost. It suits me; leading but not winning. 6) - Yoni Erlich, tennis: There's a lot of pressure in the Olympics, it's not just Andy [doubles partner Andy Ram] and Yoni - there's an entire country behind you. 5) - Alexandr Shatilov, gymnastics: This is the first time I've fallen like that. 4) - Alex Ashkenazi, judoka Gal Yekutiel's coach: Gal had a mental problem. Even if he had made the quarterfinal he would have only taken fifth place. It's not the first time he's lost the battle for the bronze. 3) - Niki Palli, high jump: After I hit 2.20, my leg suddenly started to hurt. 2) - Guy Starik, shooting: Right as I was shooting a gust of wind came. I knew right away it would be ninth place. What can you do? 1) - Sergei Weisbrod, Shatilov's coach: It's all politics. It's because of the Korean judge - he wants the Asian guy in the final. (Source: Israeli daily Ha'aretz, August 19, 2008)
Bismillah [IslamCity] Regardless from the Geographical-preconceptions.
Automatically, when you say Georgia you think of the Black-Sea, a land bordering Russia You can reach it via the Aegean sea and then via the Straights of Istanbul. When you say Iran you think of the Persian-Gulf, a land bordering Iraq You can reach it via the Straights of Hormuz down by the Arabian Sea. Look again at the world map and then tell me the distance between the south end of Georgia with the northern top of Iran.??? Forget the cliches and prejudices and calculate the factual distance between Iran and Georgia Regardless from Geographical-preconceptions. Forget your political preferences and calculate how long needs for a middle-range-missile to travel from Georgia to Iran Forget any wishful thinking and calculate, analyse and conclude why the West does cherish the Georgian democratic process Try to understand ,now, why the NATO loves Georgia ?? Sherlock Hommos Stunt-man for Geopolitical-logic Send instant messages to your online friends http://uk.messenger.yahoo.com
Bismillah [IslamCity] A Walk In Paradise
Bismillah Hir Rahmaan Nir Raheem Assalaamu alaykum wa rahmatuallahi wa barakatuhu *Surah Tawbah* 9:72 Allah hath promised to believers men and women gardens under which rivers flow to dwell therein and beautiful mansions in gardens of everlasting bliss. But the greatest bliss in the Good Pleasure of Allah: that is the supreme felicity. 73 O Prophet! strive hard against the unbelievers and the Hypocrites and be firm against them. Their abode is hell an evil refuge indeed. 74 They swear by Allah that they said nothing (evil) but indeed they uttered blasphemy and they did it after accepting Islam; and they meditated a plot which they were enable to carry out: this revenge of theirs was (their) only return for the bounty with which Allah and His apostle had enriched them! If they repent it will be best for them; but if they turn back (to their evil ways) Allah will punish them with a grievous penalty in this life and in the hereafter: they shall have none on earth to protect or help them. 75 Amongst them are men who made a covenant with Allah that if He bestowed on them of His bounty they would give (largely) in charity and be truly amongst those who are righteous. *A Walk in Paradise* http://rapidshare.com/files/100802109/Paradise1.mp3 http://rapidshare.com/files/100802111/Paradise2.mp3 Lecture by Imam Anwar Awlaki -- *Surah Isra 17 verse 80 Say: O my Lord! let my entry be by the Gate of Truth and Honor and likewise my exit by the Gate of Truth and Honor; and grant me from Thy Presence an authority to aid (me). Ameen Transliteration :Wa qur rabbi adkhilni mudkhala sidqiw wa akhrijni mukhraja sidqiw wa-j'al li mil ladunka sulta_nan nasira_(n). Al-Tirmidhi HadithHadith 2482 Narrated by AbuHurayrah (May Allah be pleased with him) Allah's Messenger (peace be upon him) used to say, O Allah, grant me benefit in what Thou hast taught me, teach me what will benefit me, and increase my knowledge. Praise be to Allah in all circumstances. I seek refuge in Allah from the state of those who go to Hell. Tirmidhi and Ibn Majah transmitted it, Tirmidhi saying this is a tradition whose isnad is gharib. Ameen *
Bismillah [IslamCity] Ramadan song from Sami Yusuf
Bismillah, http://www.alifmusic.net/video/video/show?id=1973186:Video:10167 j786SURAH22
Bismillah [IslamCity] When Muslims saved Jews
Dear members, Assalmu Alaikum. Please read the report below. The Muslim relation with the Jews was always good except a short period in the beginning of Islam and before Israeli occupation of Muslim land their oppressive policies there. Islam does not allow killing or mis-treatment of any group of people .Islam considers the Jews Ahlal Kitab and they have all rights in an Islamic jurisdiction.Whatever commentary Quran makes about bad activities of the Jews are about the Bani Israil of the past and of the time of the prophet(sm) or people like them now. Shah Abdul Hannan - Original Message - From: azhar habib To: S A Hannan Sent: Monday, August 25, 2008 4:05 AM Subject: When Muslims saved Jews As-salamu Alaikum wa Rahmatullahi wa barakatuhu. Plz see the contributions of generous muslims in saving lives of many Jews. May Allah bless them. May Allah help us to rebuild the Ummah in the light of the Quran and Sunnah. Habib. BESA…When Muslims Saved Jews By Dina Rabie, IOL Staff They came in as guests. They were given Muslim names, they were living with Muslim families, Gershman told IOL. CAIRO — Norman Gershman has become accustomed to the reactions from people who see his photos and read his stories about Muslims sheltering Jews and saving their lives during the Holocaust. I had people say 'Muslims save Jews! How is that?' the American Jewish fine art photographer told IslamOnline.net in a telephone interview. Gershman has been engaged in a 5-year project that honors stories of Albanian Muslims' heroism in saving thousands of Jews, who either lived in Albania or sought refugee there, during World War II. The BESA… a code of honor project began when he was seeking out photographs of righteous, non-Jews who helped Jews during the Holocaust, in New York. Gershman was amazed to find among them Muslim names that he was told belongs to Albanians. His quest then took him to Yad Vashem, the holocaust museum in Jerusalem, where he found more Albanian names. I traveled all through Albania and Kosovo where I met the rescuers' children, who are in their sixties or even older, the rescuers' widows, and in some cases the rescuer himself. After more than four years of collecting stories and shooting black and white photos, Gershman's first exhibition was held last November at Yad Vashem. The exhibition then went the UN headquarter in New York before starting a world tour. A full length documentary is in progress along with a fine art book of the heroic profiles of Muslims saving Jews in Albania and Kosovo. The premier of the film worldwide is expected in 2009. I am proud and happy to show this story to the world, Gershman says Qur'anic BESA Albanian Muslims saved Jews from the Nazis to go to paradise. People usually ask Gershman about the title he chose for the fruit of his painstaking five-year efforts. BESA is a tribal Albanian culture that goes back to thousands of years, he explains. What BESA says is that if some one knocks on your door you have an absolute obligation – no matter who that person is – to save their lives. There is no any evidence that any Jew was turned over to Nazis in Muslim-majority Albania. There were ten times more Jews in Albania after WWII than before. In fact, Albania is the only Nazi occupied country that sheltered Jews, says Gershman. They came in as guests. They were given Muslim names, they were living with Muslim families. From the saviors' tales, Gershman found that Albanian Muslims considered BESA a manifestation of the Islamic teachings of keeping the promise and protecting the weak. I remember that some of them said 'there is no BESA without the Qur'an.' Gershman believes that to Muslim Albanians, the idea of not saving Jews from the Nazis was inconceivable. They did this in the name of their religion. They absolutely had no prejudice what so ever. I asked them 'why did you do this? What was in the Qur'an that you did this?' They would only smile. Some of them said 'we have saved lives to go to paradise.' Message to West Gershman believes the Albanian Muslim heroism is of extraordinary significance. In one way it's a small story because we are not talking about hundreds of thousands of people being saved. But it's an important story, he insists. It says that there are good people in
Bismillah [IslamCity] Ahmed in the Apocalypse of Peter (Prophet Muhammad in the Bible)
Asalamualaykum, I thought this was interesting, so I thought I'd share it... I was reading The Apocalypse of Peter (discovered with the Nag Hammadi codices)(1). In it is an account of the crucification that is similar to the Islamic version (2). What I later noticed and found even more interesting was that its as close as you get to the mention of Ahmed (peace be upon him) in a bible. Check out the one who gives praise. The Savior said to me, He whom you saw on the tree, glad and laughing, this is the living Jesus. But this one into whose hands and feet they drive the nails is his fleshly part, which is the substitute being put to shame, the one who came into being in his likeness. But look at him and me. But I, when I had looked, said Lord, no one is looking at you. Let us flee this place. But he said to me, I have told you, 'Leave the blind alone!'. And you, see how they do not know what they are saying. For the son of their glory instead of my servant, they have put to shame. And I saw someone about to approach us resembling him, even him who was laughing on the tree. And he was filled with a Holy Spirit, and he is the Savior. And there was a great, ineffable light around them, and the multitude of ineffable and invisible angels blessing them. And when I looked at him, the one who gives praise was revealed. -- Google tells me there is no elaboration about this on the web... Even here (3), the discussion is about the crucification aspect, not the one who gives praise being revealed. Comments?? Input from experts? Ahmed Elewa albostoni.blogspot.com Notes: 1) Full text of translation here: http://www.gnosis.org/naghamm/apopet.html 2) This website talks about the crucification narrative being in sync with the Islamic one, which is how I learned about the text in the first place: http://www.answering-christianity.com/nt_confirms_apocalypse_of_peter.htm 3) http://curezone.com/forums/fm.asp?i=807315
Bismillah [IslamCity] israel: Boycott Israeli Dates
source: http://www.inminds.co.uk/index.html RAMADAN CAMPAIGN: BOYCOTT ISRAELI DATES Medjool Dates produced in the illegal Israeli settlements in the West Bank Did you know that every Ramadan Europes Muslims are unknowingly bankrolling the suffering of their brothers and sisters in Palestine? Every year at Ramadan Israel especially produces an early crop of dates in time for Ramadan which with the collaboration of Muslim shops serving the Muslim community in this country it sells to Muslims who unaware break their fasts with stolen dates - grown on land stolen from the Palestinians, making a mockery of their faith - their act of worship in opening their fast is perverted in to financing the suffering of their brothers and sisters in Palestine who are starving this Ramadan caged behind apartheid walls. How can this be, and what can we do about it? [ Join the campaign.. ] part 1: http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=uVpl01_7eKY part 2: http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=wzT8a_ZTMso What the BBC won't show: Israel Targets Children Yesterday (15 July 2006) Israel gave the people of Ter Hafra village in South Lebanon two hours to leave their village or face destruction. Those who were able to flee went to the nearby UN base. The UN refused to shelter these children, not wanting to take responsibility after the Qana massacre in 1996 when Israel massacred the civilians taking shelter in the UN headquaters. Left on the open road without shelter these fleeing civilians made easy picking for the Israeli airforce with their US donated F-16 fighter planes. Most of the victims were children, their bodies burnt in the precision targeted missle attack. The photos are from Associated Press but it seems no western media is prepared to show them. Original Source: http://angryarab.blogspot.com/2006/07/i-have-just-received-these-pictureshtml Action Alert: Protest Israeli war against Lebanon and Gaza
Bismillah [IslamCity] To vow to other than Allah is an act of Shirk Part 12
Surah *76. Al-Insan verse 7 They (are those who) fulfill (their) vows, and they fear a Day whose evil will be widespreading.* Surah *2. Al-Baqara verse 270 And whatever you spend for spendings (e.g. in Sadaqah charity etc. for Allah's cause) or whatever vow you make, be sure Allah knows it all.* Narrated 'Aishah (May Allah be pleased with him) that Allah's Messenger (May the peace and blessing of Allah be upon him) said: Whoever vows that he will be obedient to Allah, he should be obedient to Him; and whoever made a vow that he will disobey Allah, he should not disobey Him. (Al-Bukhari)
Bismillah [IslamCity] Signs of Allah in Our Tongues
Signs of Allah in Our Tongues And on the earth are signs for those who have Faith with certainty, And also in your ownselves. Will you not then see? Holy Quran: 51:20 21 Have you ever wondered about your tongue? It is one of the wonderful creations of Allah. Allah Ta'ala gave each of us one tongue. But this one tongue is able to taste thousands of different types of food and drinks. If our taste buds on the tongue were to become inactive, we would not know the difference between an orange or a stone. Moreover, like finger print, everyone has a different tongue print. Relative to its size, tongue is also the strongest muscle in the human body. And it is the only muscle which is connected to only one side. The tongue is so strong that it can create a pressure on the roof of the mouth equivalent to the weight of two double decker busses! The strongest muscle of our body, the tongue, has been created by Allah for us to glorify Him. Trully, with the help of this tongue, we are able to recite the Glorious Quran and talk about Allah's Greatness. Let us not spoil the tongue by backbiting, slandering and lying. http://www.inminds.co.uk/boycott-israeli-dates.php
Bismillah [IslamCity] Georgia - Who Are the West Trying to KID
*Georgia**: Who are the West Trying to Kid?* * **Mary Dejevsky I The Independent* * http://arabnews.com/?page=7section=0article=113212d=22m=8y=2008pix=opinion.jpgcategory=Opinion * AS Russian forces started to hand over control of the Georgian town of Gori, you could detect a note of surprise, even disappointment, in many media reports. So the all-out Russian invasion of plucky little democratic Georgiamight not be going to happen after all. Could it be that the bear was drawing in his claws? *Well, **Russia** did not have long to worry about losing its reputation as backyard bully. Within hours, the United States envoy to Georgia was spinning a whole new myth to the BBC about how it was only decisive US intervention — by which he presumably meant the warplanes laden with humanitarian aid by then ostentatiously parked at Tbilisi airport — that the mighty erstwhile Red Army had been turned back.* The many Georgians who had counted on more timely and robust assistance from their US protector surely laughed a bitter laugh. But there were signs, with the arrival of the US secretary of state in Georgia, that this version was gaining hold. The story of this war, it seems, will be that the US faced down a snarling, expansionist Russia, and forced it to limp back to its lair. *This is a travesty. But it is only the latest and most glaring in a series of Western misrepresentations and misreadings of Russian intentions throughout this sorry episode. They began with the repeated references to Russian aggression and invasion, continued through charges of intended regime change, and culminated in alarmist reports about Russian efforts to bomb the east-west energy pipeline. None of this, not one bit of it, is true.* And anyway, how did hostilities begin? Georgia sent troops into South Ossetia. The status of that region — which declared unilateral independence — is anomalous. It is inside Georgia's borders, but outside its control. But one reason why the dispute has not been solved is that the fudge over independence brought with it a degree of stability. Georgia's action upset that stability. But did anyone describe it as aggression? Trying to explain Russian aggression, many reports went further, observing a new mood of Russian aggressive nationalism. Today's Russia, they reasoned, was uniquely liable to lash out, because energy wealth had fueled new national ambitions. Where, though, is the evidence that Russian national pride is automatically malign? *If you exclude **Chechnya**, which Russians have always regarded as part of **Russia**, then neither Putin, nor Medvedev, had sent troops outside Russian borders before this point. Why was it so difficult for outsiders to believe that **Moscow** wanted precisely what its leaders said they wanted — a return to the situation that had pertained before **Georgia**'s incursion into **South Ossetia**? Yes it does. If outsiders impute to **Moscow**motives and objectives it does not have, they alienate **Russia** even further, and make a long-term solution of many international problems that more difficult. It is high time we treated **Russia**'s post-Soviet leaders as responsible adults representing a legitimate national interest, rather than assuming the stereotypical worst.* *Beware! Don**'**t Bait the Bear!* *Linda Heard I Arab News* * http://arabnews.com/?page=7section=0article=113211d=22m=8y=2008pix=opinion.jpgcategory=Opinion * *ON Wednesday, US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice and Polish Foreign Minister Radoslaw Sikorski signed a joint Missile Defense Pact amid great fanfare. This involves 10 American Patriot interceptor missiles being stationed on Polish soil as part of a global missile shield that also includes controversial **US** radar bases in the **Czech** **Republic**. Russians have long objected to this plan which they believe is a Cold War-type provocation and they do not buy Ms. Rice**'**s repeated statements that the interceptors will not point in **Russia**'**s direction. Indeed, ** Moscow** characterizes these moves as a threat to its national security and has warned it is ready to retaliate. With the signing ceremony beamed about the world, this could be deemed by **Moscow** as a blatant slap in the face. * Russia is right to be skeptical, especially given the White House's refusal to share an early warning system in Azerbaijan and the harsh and biased rhetoric currently emanating from Western capitals. While Ms. Rice tries her futile best to pull the wool over Russia's eyes to the effect the defense system is entirely benign, Sikorski's own statement contradicts this. *This rampaging over **Georgia**, bombing over **Georgia**, degrading ** Georgia**'**s not just military but also civilian infrastructure has shown a face of **Russia** that we hoped belonged firmly to the past, he said on Tuesday.* *Russia may have overreacted by warning Poland its decision leaves it vulnerable to a nuclear strike, but Moscow is right to be concerned
Bismillah [IslamCity] The Virtues Of Sitting In The Masjid
The Virtues Of Sitting In The Masjid The Prophet (saas) Said:“… Then when he enters the Masjid, he is in (the state of) prayer as long as it is the only thing keeping him from leaving (i.e., the only reason why he is staying in the Masjid is to wait for the next prayer). And the Angels send prayers upon one of you as long as he is in the seat (spot) that he prayed in; they say, ‘O Allah, have mercy on him; O Allah, forgive him; Allah, accept his repentance,’ as long as he does not harm anyone (with speech or deed) while he is in it , and as long as he does not nullify his state of purity (i.e., by passing wind, etc..)..”” 1 From Allah’s vast mercy to His slaves, He (swt) gives them a reward similar to the person who is praying, just for sitting in the Masjid and waiting for the next congregational prayer; furthermore, He (swt) makes His angels supplicate for them. We must keep in mind that, as the Hadeeth informs us, certain conditions must be fulfilled if you are to achieve the aforesaid reward and honor. First, nothing other than the prayer should be preventing you from going back to your home or work or elsewhere. Second, for the angels to supplicate for both those who wait for the prayer anywhere in the Masjid and those who remain seated in the spot they prayed in. If you harm Muslim worshippers with speech or deed, or if you do something to nullify your state of purity (i.e., pass wind,etc.), you will not gain the reward of a person who waits for prayer, and the angels will not make the aforementioned supplication for you. ___ 1) Related by Bukhaaree (176), Muslim (649), Ahmad (7382), An-Nassaaee (733), Abu Daawood (559), and Maalik (382). And the wording mentioned above is from Muslim’s narration of the Hadeeth http://www.inminds.co.uk/boycott-israeli-dates.php
