Boycott Israel [IslamCity] =?windows-1252?Q?How_could_Yoosuf_have_"inclined_towards"_the_wife_of_al-`Azeez_when_he_was_chaste??=
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Reference: http://books.google.com/books?vid=ISBN1861791542
Reference: http://books.google.co.uk/books?vid=ISBN1861791542
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45365: How could Yoosuf have "inclined towards" the wife of al-`Azeez when he
was chaste?
Question:
What is the tafseer of this verse in Soorat Yoosuf (interpretation of the
meaning):
"And indeed she did desire him, and he would have inclined to her desire"
[Yoosuf 12:24]?
If Yoosuf (peace be upon him) was chaste and refused to answer the call of the
wife of al-`Azeez, how could he have inclined towards her desires (i.e., how
could that have entered his mind)?.
Answer:
Praise be to Allaah.
Allaah says (interpretation of the meaning):
"And indeed she did desire him, and he would have inclined to her desire, had
he not seen the evidence of his Lord"
[Yoosuf 12:24]
Her desire was to commit sin, but as for Yoosuf (peace be upon him), if he had
not see the evidence of his Lord, he would have inclined to her desire _
because of human nature _ but he did not, because of the evidence mentioned.
Because he hadseen seen the evidence of his Lord, he did not incline to her
desire.
Abu Haatim said: I used to recite ghareeb al-Qur'aan to Abu `Ubaydah, and when
I reached the verse (interpretation of the meaning): "And indeed she did desire
him, and he would have inclined to her desire" [Yoosuf 12:24], Abu `Ubayd said:
This is to be understood as meaning that he saw the proof of his Lord, and so
he did not incline to her desire.
Al-Qurtubi, al-Jaami' li Ahkaam al-Qur'aan, 9/165.
Al-Shanqeeti said in Adwa' al-Bayaan (3/58):
This may be answered from two angles:
1 _ That what is meant by saying "Yoosuf would have inclined to her desire" is
that a thought crossed his mind, but the influence of taqwa (piety) deflected
that thought. One of them said: this is the natural inclination and the
instinctive desire that is restrained by taqwa. There is no sin in that because
this is something that is instilled in man and is not under his control. It
says in the hadeeth that the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon
him) used to divide his time equally among his wives and treat them fairly,
then he would say: "O Allaah, this is how I divide that over which I have
control, so do not take me to task for that which is beyond my control" _
meaning the inclination of the heart. [Abu Dawood, al-Sunan, hadeeth no. 2134.
This is like the fasting person's inclination towards cold water and food,
while at the same time his taqwa prevents him from drinking or eating whilst he
is fasting.
The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: "Whoever thinks
of an evil action but does not do it, one hasanah will be recorded for him."
[Narrated by al-Bukhaari in his Saheeh, no. 6491; Muslim, no. 207]
2 _ Yoosuf (peace be upon him) did not think of doing anything at all, because
he was prevented from doing so because of the proof of his Lord. This view
which was favoured by Abu Hasaan and others is more correct according to the
rules of the Arabic language.
Then he started to quote the evidence to support the view he favoured. Based on
the above, the meaning of the verse _ and Allaah knows best _ is that if Yoosuf
(peace be upon him) had not seen the proof of his Lord, he would have inclined
towards her desire, but because he had seen the proof of his Lord he did not
incline towards her desire and did not think of it at all. Similarly, just
thinking of something without doing it is not regarded as a sin. And Allaah
knows best. May Allaah send blessings and peace upon his noble Prophet.
-
Reference: http://books.google.com/books?vid=ISBN1861791542
Reference: http://books.google.co.uk/books?vid=ISBN1861791542
-
***
{Invite (mankind, O Muhammad ) to the Way of your Lord (i.e. Islam) with wisdom
(i.e. with the Divine Inspiration and the Qur'an) and fair preaching, and argue
with them in a way that is better. Truly, your Lord knows best who has gone
astray from His Path, and He is the Best Aware of those who are guided.} (Holy
Quran-16:125)
{And who is better in speech than he who [says: "My Lord is Allah (believes in
His Oneness)," and then stands straight (acts upon His Order), and] invites
(men) to Allah's (Islamic Monotheism), and does righteous deeds, and says: "I
am one of the Muslims."} (Holy Quran-41:33)
The prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said: "By Allah, if
Allah guides one person by you, it is better for you than the best types of
camels." [al-Bukhaaree, Muslim]
The prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) also said, "Whoever
calls to guidance will have a reward similar to the reward of the one who
follows him, without the reward of either of them being lessened at all."
[Muslim, Ahmad, Aboo Daawood, an-Nasaa'ee, at-Tirmidhee, Ibn Maajah]
--
Boycott Israel [IslamCity] Debate: Quran or Bible which is God’s Word - Ahmed Deedat vs. Dr. Anis Shorrosh
Quran or Bible which is God’s Word Debate: Ahmed Deedat vs. Dr. Anis Shorrosh http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=-5846830623419914840 Looking for a deal? Find great prices on flights and hotels with Yahoo! FareChase. http://farechase.yahoo.com/
Boycott Israel [IslamCity] The Month of Sha'baan & Laylatul Bara'ah
AL-ISLAAH PUBLICATIONS P.O.Box 1106 Kroonstad,South Africa, 9500 Tel no.: 27-56 -2124604 / Mobile no: 083 477 3786/ Fax no: 086 602 9424 e-mail: [EMAIL PROTECTED] web-site: www.everymuslim.net The Month of Sha'baan & Laylatul Bara'ah The month of Sha'baan enjoys a very special place in the Islamic Calendar because in this month lies a very auspicious night known as LAYLATUL- BARAA'AH (The Night of Emancipation; The night of Freedom from fire). The word Sha'baan means branches of good a'maal (deeds). FASTING IN SHA'BAAN: In this month Nabi(sallallahu alaiyhi wassallam) used to fast more than in the preceding months. Hadhrat Ayesha(radhiyallahu anha) reports that: " I never saw the Messenger of Allah(sallallahu alaiyhi wassallam) fasting in a month so profusely as he did in the month of Sha'baan. He used to fast in that month leaving only a few days, rather, he used to fast almost the whole of the month." (Tirmizi) However, Nabi(sallallahu alaiyhi wassallam) advised in several other Ahaadeeth that when the (first) half of Sha'baan has passed, one should not fast (i.e. during the second half of the month). Ulama explain that one should not unduly exert and strain one's self by fasting much (in the second half), for fear of one's health deteriorating before Ramadhaan begins; instead one should rather build strength and prepare one's self for the fasts of Ramadhaan. However, should one have the strength and health, then it would be meritorious and virtous to keep fasts according to one's ability. SPECIAL SIGNIFICANCE OF THE NIGHT OF BARAA'AH On this night Allah's Special Mercy and Forgiveness descends upon His fortunate servants from the commencement of the night (i.e. from Maghrib) until dawn. Furthermore, the announcements seeking out those who want forgiveness well exceed those, which occur every other night of the year. It is narrated from Hadhrat Abdullah bin Amr(radhiyallahu anhu) that Rasullullah(sallallahu alaiyhi wassallam) said: "Allah looks with special attention towards His creation on the fifteenth night of Sha'baan and forgives all His servants except two categories of people, the person who harbors enmity(hatred) and a murderer." ( Imam Ahmad reports this Hadith with a slightly weak chain of narrators- Targhib-wat-Tarhib) Hadhrat Uthmaan bin Abil 'Aas(radhiyallahu anhu) narrates that Rasullullah(sallallahu alaiyhi wassallam) said: : "On the fifteenth night qf Sha'baan Allah's (special mercy) descends to the nearest heavens. Thereafter, a proclaimer announces:" Is there anyone who seeks forgiveness so that I may forgive him? Is there anyone who desires anything so that I may grant his wishes? Allah thus fulfills the requests of all accept the adulteress and idolator." ( Baihaqi has reported this Hadith -Durre Manthur Page 27 Vol.6) UNFORTUNATE PEOPLE According to the Ahaadeeth, certain people are deprived of Allah's mercy even on this auspicious night. These unfortunate souls are: 1) Those who ascribe partners unto Allah. 2) Those who harbour enmity against others. 3) Those who habitually consume alcohol. 4) Those who disobey their parents. 5) Those men who wear their trousers etc.below their ankles. 6) Those who commit adultery and murder. 7) Those who sever family ties. Every Muslim should take stock of oneself and if one is involved in any of the above vices, one should turn to Allah and sincerely implore for forgiveness, lest one be deprived on this night. SINCERE TAUBAH(REPENTANCE) Allah Ta'aala says in the Noble Qur'aan: " O you who believe, turn to Allah with sincrere repentance, in the hope that your Lord will remove from you your evil deeds." (Quran: Surah Tahreem - Para 28). One should turn towards Allah with sincere regret and shame for the sins that one has committed. One should seek Allah's forgiveness for one's sins and make a firm resolution and promise not to commit sin again. However, sins relating to the rights of fellow beings will not be forgiven by mere taubah alone. Allah will only forgive such sins if forgiveness is first sought from the person who had been harmed and a sincere effort to redress the wrong committed against him/her is made. What should one do on this night? During this night one should engage oneself in Salaah, Qur'aan Tilaawat, Du'aa, Istighfaar and Zikr, according to one's ability and strength. PREPARATIONS FOR RAMADHAAN Nabi(sallallahu alaiyhi wassallam) frequently recited the following du'aa: " 0 Allah bless us in Rajab and Sha'baan and make us reach Ramadhaan." We should earnestly begin preparing for Ramadhaan during this month of Sha'baan by making Istighfaar and cleansing ourselves of sins. We must endeavour to curtail our desires of committing sins, especially with the eyes, ears, tongue, mind and heart. Then we should begin inculcating good practices and bring about a spiritual and moral transformation in our lives in anticipation and eagerness for Ramadhaan. The virtue of this night as established from Ahaad
Boycott Israel [IslamCity] RELIGIOUS LEADERS - AUTHENTICITY
In present day we find many religious scholars/leaders in almost all religions who are misleading people by inventing new innovations in the religion which have no relation with the basic teachings of particular religion and also diverting people from the truth which is mentioned in the sacred scriptures. They hide the original commandments mentioned therein and sell religion just to eat people money. Allah(swt) has said in the Holy Quran about such people: Those who conceal Allah’s revelations in the Book, and purchase for them a miserable profit – they swallow into themselves naught but Fire; Allah will not address them on the Day of Resurrection, nor purify them: grievous will be their Penalty. They are the one who buy Error in place of Guidance and Torment in place of Forgiveness. Ah! What boldness (they show) for the fire! Al-Quran 2 (174-175) We find such people in all major religions. Did we ever think why people are following them. The main cause is LACK OF KNOWLEDGE and IGNORANCE. We, instead of going through our sacred scriptures, just follow them with closed eyes and never care about authenticity of the same. Remember! On the day of judgment we will not be spared by saying that we followed our elders or religious leaders with closed eyes. This is duty of each one of us to get knowledge about religion. Definitely when GOD is one then how it is possible that all religions are acceptable to him. Only one religion is true and acceptable to GOD. God has given us choice and it is our duty to check authenticity of any action or belief, which we faithfully follow on instructions of religious leaders, and choose right path by going through our sacred scriptures comparing with others to find out truth. Soon we have to die and we will loose all the luxuries we are enjoying in this life. We definitely have to reply to our Creator one day. So why not think on it now. God will definitely show us right path if we try to find out. Let’s try together to achieve success of hereafter where there is no end. May God show us right path.Aameen Repeating and Reminding is a Key to the success of Effective Communication. You are FULLY allowed to copy / forward any or all part of it. Yaa ALLAH ! We are ful of sins. we ignore you in our life don't ignore us and please guide us towards your path with the help of Hazrat Muhammad Sallal La ho Alaihay Wassalum Sunnat. And open our hearts to understand our Deen..Ameen Visit this site for Islamic Material.www.quranacademy.com Join the forum : www.forum.quranacademy.com JAZAA"A KALLAH This is my alternative Email Address [EMAIL PROTECTED] Repeating and Reminding is a Key to the success of Effective Communication. You are FULLY allowed to copy / forward any or all part of it. Yaa ALLAH ! We are ful of sins. we ignore you in our life don't ignore us and please guide us towards your path with the help of Hazrat Muhammad Sallal La ho Alaihay Wassalum Sunnat. And open our hearts to understand our Deen..Ameen Visit this site for Islamic Material.www.quranacademy.com Join the forum : www.forum.quranacademy.com JAZAA"A KALLAH This is my alternative Email Address [EMAIL PROTECTED] Be a better Heartthrob. Get better relationship answers from someone who knows. Yahoo! Answers - Check it out. http://answers.yahoo.com/dir/?link=list&sid=396545433
Boycott Israel [IslamCity] Refelection on PBS Documentary: The Rise and Fall of Islamic Spain
Dear members,
Assalamu Alaikum.Please see this letter of Dr. farid Ahmad.
Shah Abdul Hannan
- Original Message -
From: Farid Ahmed
Sent: Thursday, August 23, 2007 6:14 AM
Subject: Refelection on PBS Documentary: The Rise and Fall of Islamic Spain
Assalamu alaikum.
PBS aired the documentary last night (August 22, 9:00 PM EST) “Cities of Light:
The Rise and Fall of Islamic Spain”. It was a very good one. Watching the
documentary I thought the title could very well be ‘The Rise and Fall of
Muslims (in general)’.
As demonstrated, the two most significant ingredients of the rise of Islam in
Spain were i) Love for learning, scholarship, and technology, ii) Tolerance to
other faith-pluralism, multiculturalism, dialogue and exchange of ideas for a
common good.
On the other hand, if only one reason is to be singled out for the Fall of
Islam in Spain, that would be the ‘internal feud of muslims’.
As this was true for the muslims in Spain, this had also been true for the
muslims in any other civilization they created in the past, and most sadly,
this is also true now. Muslims today, are the victims of their own negligence
of learning and scholarship, exacerbated by intolerance and internal feud.
How can we use this time-invariant lesson of history for the coming days?
Obviously enough, the two factors leading to the ‘Rise’ are two of the
unparallel traits of Islam, whereas the reason for the ‘Fall’ (internal feud),
is just the opposite of what Islam says. It is the opposite of Islamic
Brotherhood (“Wa’ tasimu bi Hablillahi Jamiyan…. [3:102] meaning “And hold
fast, all of you together, to the Rope of Allâh (i.e. this Qur'ân), and be not
divided among yourselves “.)
So, simply said, muslims rise as they thrive in Islamic values, and they fall
as they neglect Islamic values. Common sense.
=
Farid Ahmed
College Park, MD, USA
["...Then where are you going?"(81:26)]
***
{Invite (mankind, O Muhammad ) to the Way of your Lord (i.e. Islam) with wisdom
(i.e. with the Divine Inspiration and the Qur'an) and fair preaching, and argue
with them in a way that is better. Truly, your Lord knows best who has gone
astray from His Path, and He is the Best Aware of those who are guided.} (Holy
Quran-16:125)
{And who is better in speech than he who [says: "My Lord is Allah (believes in
His Oneness)," and then stands straight (acts upon His Order), and] invites
(men) to Allah's (Islamic Monotheism), and does righteous deeds, and says: "I
am one of the Muslims."} (Holy Quran-41:33)
The prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said: "By Allah, if
Allah guides one person by you, it is better for you than the best types of
camels." [al-Bukhaaree, Muslim]
The prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) also said, "Whoever
calls to guidance will have a reward similar to the reward of the one who
follows him, without the reward of either of them being lessened at all."
[Muslim, Ahmad, Aboo Daawood, an-Nasaa'ee, at-Tirmidhee, Ibn Maajah]
--
Recommended:
http://www.ikhwanweb.com
http://www.islamonline.net
http://www.islam-guide.com
http://www.prophetmuhammadforall.org
--
All views expressed herein belong to the individuals concerned and do not in
any way reflect the official views of IslamCity unless sanctioned or approved
otherwise.
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Boycott Israel [IslamCity] The Comic War Between the CRUSADER and Iran
The Comic War Between America and Iran 03/ 05/ 2007 http://en.rian.ru/analysis/20070503/64838548.html MOSCOW. (RIA Novosti political commentator Pyotr Romanov) - I used to think football was the silliest pretext for war. I am talking about the Football War, also known as the Soccer War or the 100-hours War, a six-day conflict fought by El Salvador and Honduras in 1969. First football fans clashed on the field, and then the two countries took up arms. I was wrong: Iran has decided to outdo the Latin Americans. Their fury has been fuelled by "300," a recent American movie supposedly telling "the true story of 300 elite Spartan warriors led by their fearless king Leonidas, who repel the charge of Xerxes and his massive Persian army at the battle of Thermopylae" in 480 B.C. Iran's cultural attache in Moscow, Mehdi Imanipour, said at a news conference at RIA Novosti that "the movie is provoking a confrontation and will most likely lead to a war." But history cannot be rewritten, and the Spartans' fearless confrontation with the Persians is part of it, even though modern Iranians may chastise the movie "for its monstrous portrayal of Ancient Persians" and denounce it as "American psychological warfare against Iran." On the other hand, it is true that the movie has little connection to real history. I suspect that the Iranian cultural attache has not seen the movie, which is an adaptation of the graphic novel "300" by Frank Miller, and is only a fictional account of the Battle of Thermopylae. Everyone knows that comic books are not serious literature. If they were, we would be crossing swords over Superman. "300" is one more horror movie shot for teenagers with an incredible number of dead bodies, just another movieland make-believe. The goal of producers is to profit from teenagers' desire to kill time without bothering them with too many true facts. This is exactly what the movie about the 300 Spartans is. Its producers and directors did not make it to annoy modern Iranians. I observed the audience's reactions in the darkened movie theater and can tell you that the scandal I was expecting did not materialize. Teenagers watched the muscular Spartans and the effeminate Persians with incredible body piercing equally eagerly. One of them wrote on the Net: "Xerxes could have chosen a better tactic, but he probably lost what control he had of his mind when he had his piercing done. This is probably why he threw his army against the half-dressed Spartans so mindlessly." I wonder why Greece did not take offence at "half-dressed Spartans" while Iran was infuriated by "the effeminate Persians"? Maybe the Greeks have a sense of humor, while the Iranians' seems to have been badly injured by the continued confrontation with Washington. Mr. Imanipour said without a hint of irony that the movie could lead to "an ethnic clash." With whom? Americans? But the United States did not exist as a country during Xerxes' time. And then, what ethnicity is an ordinary U.S. GI? Maybe the cultural attache meant Greeks? But the Spartans became extinct long ago. Besides, there are problems with the "Persians" in the movie too, because Xerxes' army consisted mainly of mercenaries. His Mydian cavalry was made up of Kurds, his fleet was manned by Phoenicians and Egyptians, and the majority of the foot soldiers were lightly armed archers from Central Asia and javelin throwers from the eastern Mediterranean. There were also Parthians, Khorezmians, Bactrians, Arabs, Ethiopians, Thracians, and people from the small nations of the Caucasus. Mr. Imanipour did not say if the descendants of these nations would attack Hollywood for inciting ethnic strife. Personally, I don't think so. The Iranian diplomat said the movie producers had portrayed Xerxes as the embodiment of evil. Well, although the Spartans were no vegetarians either, it is a historical fact that it was Persia that attacked Greece, and not vice versa. Didn't Mr. Imanipour know that? If the movie is indeed part of the Americans' "psychological warfare against Iran," they have won it, judging by Tehran's reaction. For what can be more comical than fighting a character from the comics? However, I think there is a simpler explanation. Tehran is nervous and therefore taking minor things too seriously. It has overrated its nuclear achievements, promised to erase a member state of the UN from the face of earth, and begun an absurd war against movie characters. Everything has a beginning and an end. Iran's arguments have come to an end, and its negotiating partners have become tired. The next meeting of the UN Security Council on Iran, scheduled for late May, might approve additional sanctions against it. You can say that Iran will survive them, just as it survived previous sanctions. But what will it do after that? This is where the endless comic-bo
Boycott Israel [IslamCity] Upcoming marriage events
Forthcoming Muslim Marriage & Networking Events and Notices Assalâmu 'alaykum wa rahmatullâhi wa barakâtuhu, Please find below details of forthcoming marriage & networking events & notices. Please NOTE Islamic Circles does NOT take responsibility for any of the events, notices or comments, presented in this e-mail bulletin, other than its own. Those who are interested in taking part in any event or enquiring about a particular notice, should contact the appropriate organisations or individuals. This e-mail is offered as a community service, and is compiled on a best endeavours basis. If you wish to put up an announcement please email Islamic Circles. We reserve the right to edit submissions and not to include requests. * FORTHCOMING EVENTS IN BRIEF * 1) UMMAH MARRIAGE CHARITY EVENT - Summer 2007 2) PRACTICAL GUIDE TO MARRIAGE & PARENTING - Saturday 25th 2007 3) MUSLIM FAMILIES NETWORK MARRIAGE EVENT IN BIRMINGHAM - Monday 27th August 2007 4) SALAM NETWORK - MUSLIM FLAVOURS - Saturday 1st September 2007 5) PROFESSIONAL MUSLIM SINGLES MATRIMONIAL EVENT IN LONDON - Sunday 2nd September 2007 6) 3RD PALS MARRIAGE EVENT 2007 - Sunday 2nd September 2007 7) CONVERTS/REVERTS MUSLIM MARRIAGE EVENT - Saturday 8th September 2007 8) MARRIAGE EVENT WITH FAMILY IN MANCHESTER - Saturday 8th September 2007 9) MUSLIM MARRIAGE EVENT IN BIRMINGHAM - Saturday 8th September 2007 10 PROFESSIONAL MUSLIM SINGLES MATRIMONIAL EVENT IN LONDON - Sunday 9th September 2007 ** Islamic Circles presents: CONVERTS/REVERTS MUSLIM MARRIAGE EVENT Date: Saturday 8th September 2007 Time: 2pm - 5pm [Registration 12.45pm] Venue: Rooms 541, 540, 5th Floor,Birkbeck College, University of London,Malet Street,Bloomsbury, London WC1E 7HX DEADLINE FOR BOOKING: WEDNESDAY 5TH SEPTEMBER 2007 A marriage event especially geared towards to Muslims Converts/Reverts ONLY. People of all statuses are welcome. 'Born' Muslims are also welcome if they are open to marrying converts but will have to pay a double the entrance fee. [Proceeds going towards a local charity] Light refreshments will be provided. Registration will be at 12.45pm and latecomers will be penalised. Prior registration is necessary and please book online at our website www.muslimmarriageevents.org. This event is for sincere and serious people only, not time wasters and people with bad manners. To book or for more information please contact: Tel: 07956 983 609 E-mail: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Website: www.muslimmarriageevents.org ** ONGOING SERVICES ** Islamic Circles Presents: FREE WEEKLY WALK-IN COUNSELLING AND MEDIATION SERVICES Date: Every Saturdays Time: 5pm - 7pm Venue: Froud Centre, Romford Road, Manor Park, London, E12 5JF This service has been organised due to the increasing number of social problems within the Muslim community and the pitiful lack of support from mosques and Muslim organisationsin addressing such issues. The sessions will be run by experienced and practicing Muslim counsellors, and both brothers and sisters will be available. We hope to offer a confidential and professional service to all Muslims with concerns ranging from personal, social, family or academic worries to longer term, often more complex, psychological problems. Attendees will benefit from a one-to-one service. We will also be joined by the Muslim Mediation Service* who will be offering one-to-one drop in sessions with a Muslim Mediator, where you can discuss any matters arising from any conflicts you are experiencing within the home or the community free of charge. *The Muslim Mediation Service has been resolving family and community conflicts since 2003. Their trained and experienced Mediators have been supporting individuals, parents and children and couples facing disputes by working with them to resolve their issues through listening, understanding and communicating effectively. Please note that the initial session will be free and if the person requires further help then they would need to contact alternative services or the individual counsellors themselves. All are welcome. For more information please contact: Brothers: 07894 915 183 / 07864 980 890 Sisters: 07909 941 179 / 0770 6187 058 Mediation: 079410 22 371 E-mail: [EMAIL PROTECTED] *** DIVORCED OR GOING THROUGH DIVORCE? - THERE IS HOPE Are you divorced or going through divorce? Would you like to talk to someone, or perhaps you have something to say and would like to share it with other Muslims in the same boat? The HOPE support group offers support to Muslims going through this test. You can visit our website at www.my-hope.org.uk for more information. *** LONDON COFFEE BUDDIES We are a social gr
Boycott Israel [IslamCity] Egyptian politics--report of Al-Ahram
Endless clampdowns http://weekly.ahram.org.eg/2007/859/eg5.htm Arrests, more arrests and military trials, such was the Muslim Brotherhood's week, writes Amira Howeidy In the lazy month of August when Egypt is slumbering away what remains of the long, hot summer and the local press has little to report on, an unexpected series of security clampdowns on the Muslim Brotherhood, which controls a fifth of the seats in parliament, over the past week has had the effect of a rock thrown into still waters. The first police operation started on the evening of 16 August and targeted 16 Brotherhood members, including leader Essam El-Erian who heads the groups political section and a number of academics and university professors. The police raided an apartment in the middle- class district of Mohandessin where the men were present and also arrested their host Nabil Moqbel, an affluent businessman and in-law of film star Adel Imam. The state security prosecutor remanded all 16 men in custody for 15 days pending investigations, accusing them of belonging to an illegal organisation and plotting to overthrow the regime. Among the 16, the name of El-Erian has raised eyebrows because this would be his fifth detention under the countrys emergency law. In 1995, he was among a group of Brotherhood leaders referred to military courts and sentenced to five years of hard labour. El-Erian was most recently arrested in 2006 while on his way to participate in a solidarity demonstration with judges demanding guarantees of an independent judiciary. A member of the 1984 and 1987 parliaments, and assistant secretary-general of the Doctors Syndicate, El-Erian was a key player in the Brotherhoods brief political flourishing in the 1980s. During his long period of imprisonment from 1995 onwards, El-Erian, who graduated from medical school and obtained an MS in clinical pathology and a degree in law, enrolled at Al-Azhars Faculty of Islamic Sharia and Law and the Faculty of Arts History Department. Although not a member of the Guidance Council, the Brotherhoods highest body, El-Erian, an eloquent and savvy politician, enjoys great leverage within the group and is one of its more famous figures who is constantly sought by the media. According to reports published in the state- run media, a team from the public prosecutors office which is investigating the case said that the Mohandessin gathering was part of a series of meetings the Brotherhood was holding to prepare for the groups internal elections. These elections, said reports, were to be held within the Guidance Council. The group was holding organisational meetings, the reports said, in violation of the emergency law which bans meetings of more than five people. An unidentified senior security source told the daily Arabic Al-Ahram on 19 August that El-Erian was planning to contest these elections because he felt his membership in the Guidance Council was overdue. Two days after the Cairo raid, security forces arrested 18 more members and leaders of the group on 19 August in the Mediterranean city of Alexandria and in Sharqiya governorate. On the same day a military court resumed its trial of 40 Brotherhood leaders, including the groups deputy supreme guide and wealthy businessman Khayrat El-Shater, who were arrested last December. Facing charges of money laundering, belonging to an illegal organisation and attempting to revive the Brotherhoods paramilitary wing, the men were referred to a military tribunal. This was followed by a decision to freeze the assets of 29 of the 40 accused. The military court held its fifth session on 19 August when it listened to the only witness in the case, Atef El-Husseini, a State Security Investigation (SSI) officer. Media representatives and representatives of local and international human rights groups, in addition to the defendants families, were prevented from attending the trial. According to the Brotherhoods defence team, El-Husseini could not answer the courts questions without reading from a notebook he had with him. Following the defence teams protests, the court postponed the trial to 21 August. These clampdowns on the group coincide with the Brotherhoods plans to release its platform for a political party for the first time since the groups establishment in 1938. A draft of the long-awaited programme was leaked to the media two weeks ago, triggering a wave of reactions from political pundits. According to Abdel-Moneim Abul-Fotouh, a member of the Brotherhoods Guidance Council, the arrests have not affected the groups plans, and the final copy of the programme should b
Boycott Israel [IslamCity] The meaning of Ramadhan
JAMIATUL ULAMA (KZN) ISLAMIC WEBSITE Council of Muslim Theologians The Meaning of Ramadhan By Khalid Baig Fasting during Ramadan was ordained during the second year of Hijrah. Why not earlier? In Makkah the economic conditions of the Muslims were bad. They were being persecuted. Often days would go by before they had anything to eat. It is easy to skip meals if you dont have any. Obviously fasting would have been easier under the circumstances. So why not then? The answer may be that Ramadan is not only about skipping meals. While fasting is an integral and paramount part of it, Ramadan offers a comprehensive program for our spiritual overhaul. The entire program required the peace and security that was offered by Madinah. Yes, Ramadan is the most important month of the year. It is the month that the believers await with eagerness. At the beginning of Rajab --- two full months before Ramadan --- the Prophet Muhammad, Sall-Allahu alayhi wa sallam, used to supplicate thus: "O Allah! Bless us during Rajab and Shaban, and let us reach Ramadan (in good health)." During Ramadan the believers get busy seeking Allahs mercy, forgiveness, and protection from Hellfire. This is the month for renewing our commitment and re-establishing our relationship with our Creator. It is the spring season for goodness and virtues when righteousness blossoms throughout the Muslim communities. "If we combine all the blessings of the other eleven months, they would not add up to the blessings of Ramadan," said the great scholar and reformer Shaikh Ahmed Farooqi (Mujaddad Alif Thani). It offers every Muslim an opportunity to strengthen his Iman, purify his heart and soul, and to remove the evil effects of the sins committed by him. "Anyone who fasts during this month with purity of belief and with expectation of a good reward (from his Creator), will have his previous sins forgiven," said Prophet Muhammad, Sall-Allahu alayhi wa sallam. "Anyone who stands in prayers during its nights with purity of belief and expectation of a reward, will have his previous sins forgiven." As other ahadith tell us, the rewards for good deeds are multiplied manifold during Ramadan. Along with the possibility of a great reward, there is the risk of a terrible loss. If we let any other month pass by carelessly, we just lost a month. If we do the same during Ramadan, we have lost everything. The person who misses just one days fast without a legitimate reason, cannot really make up for it even if he were to fast everyday for the rest of his life. And of the three persons that Prophet, Sall-Allahu alayhi wa sallam cursed, one is the unfortunate Muslim who finds Ramadan in good health but does not use the opportunity to seek Allahs mercy. One who does not fast is obviously in this category, but so also is the person who fasts and prays but makes no effort to stay away from sins or attain purity of the heart through the numerous opportunities offered by Ramadan. The Prophet, Sall-Allahu alayhi wa sallam, warned us: "There are those who get nothing from their fast but hunger and thirst. There are those who get nothing from their nightly prayers but loss of sleep." Those who understood this, for them Ramadan was indeed a very special month. In addition to fasting, mandatory Salat, and extra Travih Salat, they spent the whole month in acts of worship like voluntary Salat, Tilawa (recitation of Quran), Dhikr etc. After mentioning that this has been the tradition of the pious people of this Ummah throughout the centuries, Abul Hasan Ali Nadvi notes: " I have seen with my own eyes such ulema and mashaikh who used to finish recitation of the entire Quran everyday during Ramadan. They spent almost the entire night in prayers. They used to eat so little that one wondered how they could endure all this. These greats valued every moment of Ramadan and would not waste any of it in any other pursuit Watching them made one believe the astounding stories of Ibada and devotion of our elders recorded by history." This emphasis on these acts of worship may sound strange --- even misplaced --- to some. It requires some explanation. We know that the term Ibada (worship and obedience) in Islam applies not only to the formal acts of worship and devotion like Salat , Tilawa, and Dhikr, but it also applies to worldly acts when performed in obedience to Shariah and with the intention of pleasing Allah. Thus a believer going to work is performing Ibada when he seeks Halal income to discharge his responsibility as a bread-winner for the family. However a distinction must be made between the two. The first category consists of direct Ibada, acts that are required for their own sake. The second category consists of indirect Ibada --- worldly acts that become Ibada through proper intention and observation of Shariah. While the second category is important for it ext
Boycott Israel [IslamCity] Encouragement to fast al-ayyaam al-beed and the month of Sha�baan
Encouragement to fast al-ayyaam al-beed and the month of ShaÂbaan Question: I have developed the habit of fasting al-ayyaam al-beed each month, praise be to Allaah, but this month I did not fast. When I wanted to fast I was told that it is not permissible and is bidÂah. I fasted on Monday the 1st of the month, then I fasted on Wednesday the 19th of ShaÂbaan, and if Allaah wills I will fast tomorrow, Thursday, then I will have fasted three days. What is the ruling? And what is the ruling on fasting a great deal during the month of ShaÂbaan?. Answer: Praise be to Allaah. Firstly: Allaah has forbidden us to speak about Him without knowledge, and He mentions that alongside shirk and major sins. Allaah says (interpretation of the meaning): ÂSay (O Muhammad): (But) the things that my Lord has indeed forbidden are Al-Fawaahish (great evil sins and every kind of unlawful acts) whether committed openly or secretly, sins (of all kinds), unrighteous oppression, joining partners (in worship) with Allaah for which He has given no authority, and saying things about Allaah of which you have no knowledge [al-AÂraaf 7:33] An example of speaking about Allaah with no knowledge is what is mentioned in the question, that some people say it is a bidÂah (an innovation) to fast three days in ShaÂbaan in the manner described in the question. Secondly: it is mustahabb to fast three days each month, and it is best to fast the ayaam al-beed, which are the 13th, 14th and 15th of the month. ~~ It was narrated that Abu Hurayrah (may Allaah be pleased with him) said: "My close friend [the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him)] advised me to do three things which I will not give up until I die: fasting three days of each month, praying Duha and going to sleep after Witr." Narrated by al-Bukhaari (1124); Muslim (721). ~~ It was narrated that ÂAbd-Allaah ibn ÂAmr ibn al-ÂAas (may Allaah be pleased with him) said: The Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said to me: ÂIt is sufficient for you to fast three days every month, because for every good deed you will have (the reward of) ten like it, so that will be like fasting for a lifetime. Narrated by al-Bukhaari (1874); Muslim (1159). ~~ It was narrated that Abu Dharr said: The Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said to me: ÂIf you fast any part of the month, then fast the thirteenth, fourteenth and fifteenth. Narrated by al-Tirmidhi (761); al-NasaaÂi (2424). This hadeeth was classed as hasan by al-Tirmidhi, and al-Albaani agreed with him in Irwa al-Ghaleel, 947. Shaykh Muhammad ibn Saalih al-ÂUthaymeen (may Allaah have mercy on him) was asked: It was narrated in the hadeeth that the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) advised Abu Hurayrah (may Allaah be pleased with him) to fast three days of each month. When should these fasts be observed, and should they be one after the other? He replied: It is permissible to fast these days one after the other or separately, and they may be at the beginning of the month, or in the middle, or at the end. The matter is broad in scope, praise be to Allaah, because the Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) did not state any specific days. ÂAaÂishah (may Allaah be pleased with her) was asked: Did the Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) fast three days of each month? She said: Yes. It was asked: In which part of the month did he fast? She said: He would not bother in which part of the month he would fast. But the 13th, 14th and 15th are better, because these are al-ayyaam al-beed. Narrated by Muslim, (1160). Majmoo Fataawa al-Shaykh Ibn ÂUthaymeen, 10/ question no. 376. Thirdly: Perhaps the one who told you not to fast on those days in this month (ShaÂbaan) said that because he knew that the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) forbade fasting in the latter part of ShaÂbaan. In the answer to question no. 49884 we have explained that this prohibition applies to one who is starting to fast in the latter part of ShaÂbaan and does not have a prior habit of fasting. But if a person starts to fast in the first half of ShaÂbaan and continues to fast in the latter half, or he has a prior habit of fasting, then there is nothing wrong with him fasting in the latter half of ShaÂbaan, such as one who has the habit of fasting three day
Boycott Israel [IslamCity] Japan courts India to counter China: analysts
Japan courts India to counter China: analysts the big powers of the 21st centuryby Staff Writers New Delhi (AFP) Aug 23, 2007 Japan's bid for a strategic partnership with India aims to counter China's rising influence, with Tokyo omitting Beijing from its vision of an Asian 'arc of freedom', analysts said Thursday. The highlight of Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe's three-day visit to India was the signing of a roadmap for strategic and global partnership between the two Asian giants. Abe called for greater political, security, defence and trade relations. "They are keen to consolidate their relations with India, which they see as a balance of power in the east against China's growing influence," said Sushila Narsimhan, professor of Japanese history at Delhi University. Abe made no reference to China on Wednesday when he called for the creation of an "arc of freedom and prosperity" bringing together Australia, India, Japan and the United States, but Beijing loomed large in the background. Analyst C. Raja Mohan said the trip had highlighted Abe's key strategic aims -- rebuilding a "foreign policy that is rooted in Japan's Asian identity and constructing a new Asia that is committed to democratic values and freer trade." "Deepening strategic cooperation with India is essential for Japan's ambition to forge a new Asian architecture," Mohan, a professor at Singapore's Nanyang Technological University, wrote in the Indian Express. Abe has long championed improving ties with India. But the conservative premier paid his first visit in office last year to China in a bid to improve sour relations between the East Asian giants. "Obviously his visit to India is related to Abe's secret intention to contain China," said Kenichi Odawara, a professor emeritus at Japan's Nihon University. "Although Abe's first trip abroad was to China, it was a fence-mending trip for the sake of Japan's national interest," he said, adding that Abe would win "leverage from stronger ties with India" if he wanted a harder line on China. Abe and his Indian counterpart Manmohan Singh called for improved security of regional sea lanes and a massive increase in bilateral trade to 20 billion dollars by 2010 from eight billion today. While trade between India and Japan remains low, the size of their economies makes the potential for expansion huge. "India's poor infrastructure has been a big hurdle in attracting Japanese investment, but given the obvious threats from China, they will increasingly look to India," Narsimhan said. Abe announced the two countries had also agreed on a basic currency swap agreement to tide each other over in case of a short-term liquidity crunch. Even though no new initiatives were announced, analysts said Abe's high-profile visit marked a new shift in Indo-Japanese relations. "Earlier, India's expectations from Japan were limited to economic factors, but now the two countries are talking about a partnership for global reach," said H.S. Prabhakar, associate professor of Japanese studies at Jawaharlal Nehru University. "There were many references to a quadilateral strategic force (including the United States and Australia) in Abe's speech." "A new broader Asia that broke away from geographical boundaries is now beginning to take on a distinct form," Abe said in an address to a special session of the Indian parliament. However, despite the positive mood, New Delhi failed to get Tokyo's public backing for a historic civilian nuclear deal with the United States under which India will get access to nuclear fuel and technology. Abe remained non-committal, saying Tokyo would "wait and watch closely" the outcome of negotiations between India and the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). India also has to win the approval of the 45-member Nuclear Suppliers Group -- of which Japan is a member -- before the accord takes shape. But analysts said that Japan's failure to deliver a public endorsement was unlikely to affect strengthening bilateral ties. "Japan may not openly support it, but it will not create any problems for India," said Narsimhan. - Once upon a time there was 1 GB storage in your inbox. Click here for happy ending.
