Bismillah [IslamCity] File - Setting in receiving email
Dear Netters: If your mailbox clogged with mails from IslamCity, you may wish to change your membership settings as below: Please note of the 3 ways in receiving email/messages: - individual email - daily digest (all messages combined in one single email per day) - no email (receive no messages but still allow you to read the messages on the web) The above settings can be changed by yourself or alternatively, you can email the moderator of your request. Wassalam IslamCity Moderator
Bismillah [IslamCity] The Muslimeen and the procedures of the modern day taghout 3
The Muslimeen and the procedures of the modern day taghout http://www.darultawhid.com/en/forum/index.php?topic=2291.0 Driver’s Licences When it comes to the matter of driver’s licences as there is no evidence that obtaining a driver’s licence and using a driver’s licence is kufr we also did not come across any evidence that during the procedure of obtaining this certificate there is any contract containing kufr etc. If there is any information that we have missed in regards to this matter we request that those who do have information and the knowledge regarding this do post here that which they have come across as haraam, shirk, kufr etc. Regarding the relationship between the driver’s licence and the identification card we could say the following: today the driver’s licences are also used and accepted as identification. The hukm of the identification card is linked to the hukm of citizenship. Now citizenship can be described as “all those born to the mother/father who is the citizen of the ‘x’ state is all the citizen of the ‘x’ state” in the constitution. According to this description as citizenship is not kufr itself the carrying of the identification card which also certifies ones citizenship is not kufr. However due to doubts which may be contained in this matter the best is not to carry such documents/cards/certificates etc. Especially when these certificates have symbols such as the flag of the kufr state on them although they are only carried in the pocket without reverence to it this only increases the doubts. Now the driver’s licences are also given to the non citizens (in most cases) meaning it is not a symbol of citizenship. The driver’s licences being accepted as identification is not because it is related to the status of the individual within the state it is only a decision made and accepted by the administrator of the state and this is most likely because they contain personal identification information. For this reason in comparison to the identification card it is much less doubtful. By mutilating kufr representing symbols and expressions most of these doubts will be rid. (Allahu alam) Passport As far as we know there is nothing wrong with having a passport unless there are alfazl kufr on the applications which should be mutilated before signing. Without mutilating any paper which contains alfazl kufr the form or paper can not be signed. Using passports is not regarded as a type of nationalism to the taghout state because the purpose of it is simply to identify a person and the country which he/she is a citizen of. If anyone uses the passport for the purpose of boasting and acting superior to others, or to express national/tribal pride of the taghout state he/she is a citizen of then there is no doubt this is something blameworthy and an evil act that Islam has prohibited. This act of his/her could be haram or it could be kufr depending on the manner he/she carries this out. I tried to reach online American, UK and Canadian passport applications to view as an example however I was not able to get any of them. If anyone has any of the passport applications of any country they may post them here so we may have an idea of what they contain. I believe they mostly contain only information regarding identifications, name, sex, date of birth, address etc. If anyone is aware that any of these applications contain alfazl kufr/haram please do inform us so others may be alerted and be able to protect themselves. The other point I would like to mention regarding passports is, that I saw one passport which had a brief announcement on the front inner page which stated: the ministiry of foreign affairs (of taghout and the taghout requests in the name of the taghout) all those whom it may concern to allow the bearer to pass freely without let or hindrance and to afford the bearer such asistance and protection as may be necessary. This statements draws the lines of aman (crossing/passing/entering the borders and residing and protection of life and belongings) and therefore it seems there is no harm inshaAllah. Wallahu alim Civil registered marriage certificate It is kufr to have a civil registered marriage certificate due to the fact that the authority which marries the Muslim belongs solely to the Muslim. It is kufr to exalt a kafir in a position that he/she marries a Muslim. This is kufr and even if one makes some tricks to get this certificate or mutilates the agreement it does not affect the hukm of it being kufr. These certificates usually include both the kufr of giving walayah to the kuffar over the Muslim and also it is a ceremony which contains kufr. Even if someone is able to skip the ceremony it still is kufr to obtain such certificate which is signed by both parties (the bride/groom and the marriage official) and shows clearly that a kafir had married a Muslim (in this case). This is not acceptable other than the person
Bismillah [IslamCity] Reverts To Islam
Bismillah Hir Rahmaan Nir Raheem Assalaamu alaykum wa rahmatuallahi wa barakatuhu Reverts to Islam Those who conceal the clear (Signs) We have sent down, and the Guidance, after We have made it clear to the People in the Book, on them shall be Allah's curse, and the curse of those entitled to curse. Except those who repent and make amends and openly declare (the Truth): to them I turn; for I am Oft-Returning, Most Merciful. Those who reject Faith and die rejecting on them is Allah's curse, and the curse of angels and of all mankind; they will abide therein. And your God is One God: There is no god but He, Most Gracious, Most Merciful. (Qur'an 2:159-163) Abu Said Al-Khudri[may Allah be pleased with him] narrated that Allah's Messengerr said: If a person embraces Islam sincerely, then Allah shall forgive all his past sins, and after that starts the settlement of accounts, the reward of his good deeds will be ten times to seven hundred times for each good deed and an evil deed will be recorded as it is unless Allah forgives it. (Al-Bukhari Vol. 1 Hadith 40) Abu Burda's [may Allah be pleased with him] fathert narrated that Allah's Messengerr said: Three (kinds of) persons will have a double reward: 1. A person from the people of the scriptures who believed in his prophet (Jesus or Moses) and then believed in the Prophet Muhammadr (i.e., has embraced Islam). 2. A slave who discharges his duties to Allah and his master. 3. And a master of a woman-slave who teaches her good manners and educates her in the best possible way (the religion) and manumits her and then marries her. (Al-Bukhari Vol. 1 Hadith 97) *By Mamarinta Omar Mababaya and Dr. Norlain D. Mababaya * -- *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] Volume 1, Book 3, Number 77
Volume 1, Book 3, Number 77: Narrated Mahmud bin Rabi'a: When I was a boy of five, I remember, the Prophet took water from a bucket (used far getting water out of a well) with his mouth and threw it on my face.
Bismillah [IslamCity] America's finest!
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Bismillah [IslamCity] Punishments for NOT Paying Zakat
WHAT IS ZAKAH? The word Zakat means both 'purification' and 'growth'. Our possessions are purified by setting aside a proportion for those in need, and, like the pruning of plants, this cutting back balances and encourages new growth. It refers to the purification of a Muslim's wealth and soul. To purify is to purify them from the faults of stinginess, greed and meanness, and lack of remorse towards the needy, and other similar depravities. Zakah is an obligatory form of charity expected from every Muslim individual. This form of charity is an act of worship and a form of social investment. , zakah is a fixed proportion collected from the surplus wealth and earnings of a Muslim. It is then distributed to prescribed beneficiaries and for the welfare as well as the infrastructure of a Muslim society in general. The Messenger of Allah (saws) said: He who discharges Zakah of his property, his sins shall leave him. The Prophet Muhammad used to give to the needy all the money and gifts that exceeded his needs on a daily basis. He placed his faith in God to provide for his future needs. Every Muslim male or female who at the end of the year is in possession of the equivalent of 85 grams of gold (or 596gms of Silver) or more in cash or articles of trade, must pay his or her zakah at the minimum rate of 2.5%. INJUNCTIONS OF ZAKAH As it has been mentioned, zakah is mentioned vis-à-vis with Salat (prayer) in 30 verses of the Qur'an. It was first revealed in Surah Al Muzzamil: 20; and establish regular prayers and give regular charity; and loan to Allah a beautiful loan. And whatever good ye send forth for your souls, ye shall find it in Allah's presence, Yea, better and greater in reward and seek ye the grace of Allah: for Allah is oft-forgiving, Most Merciful. BENEFITS OF ZAKAT The literal and simple meaning of Zakah is purity. The technical meaning of the word designates the annual amount in kind or coin which a Muslim with means must distribute among the rightful beneficiaries. But the religious and spiritual significance of Zakah is much deeper and more lively. So is its humanitarian and sociopolitical value. Here is an explanation of the far-reaching effects of Zakah: 1. Zakah purifies the property of the people with means and clears it from the shares which do not belong to it anymore, the shares which must be distributed among the due beneficiaries. When Zakah is payable, a certain percentage of the wealth should be distributed immediately in the right manner, because the owner no longer has moral or legal possession of that percentage. If he fails to do so, he is obviously retaining something which does not belong to him. This is corruption and plain usurpation from every point of view, moral and spiritual, legal and commercial. It means that the unlawfully retained percentage makes the whole lot impure and endangered. But, on the other hand, if the poor’s dividends are assorted and distributed among due beneficiaries, the remaining portions of the lot will be pure and decent. Pure capital and decent possessions are the first requisites of permanent prosperity and honest transactions. 2. Zakah does not only purify the property of the contributor but also purifies his heart from selfishness and greed for wealth. In return, it purifies the heart of the recipient from envy and jealousy, from hatred and uneasiness; and it fosters in his heart, instead, good will and warm wishes for the contributor. As a result, the society at large; will purify and free itself from class warfare and suspicion, from ill feelings and distrust, from corruption and disintegration, and from all such evils. 3. Zakah mitigates to a minimum the sufferings of the needy and poor members of society. It is a most comforting consolation to the less fortunate people, yet it is a loud appeal to everybody to roll up his sleeves and improve his lot. To the needy it means that it is by nature an emergency measure and that he should not depend on it completely but must do something for himself as well as for others. To the contributor it is a warm invitation to earn more so that he can benefit more. To all parties concerned, it is, directly as well as indirectly, an open treasure for spiritual investment that compensates abundantly. 4. Zakah is a healthy form of internal security against selfish greed and social dissension, against the intrusion and penetration of subversive ideologies. It is an effective instrument in cultivating the spirit of social responsibility on the part of the contributor, and the feeling of security and belonging on the part of the recipient. 5. Zakah is a vivid manifestation of the spiritual and humanitarian spirit of responsive interactions between the individual and society. It is a sound illustration of the fact that though Islam does not hinder private enterprise or condemn private possessions, yet it does not tolerate selfish and greedy Capitalism. It is an expression
Bismillah [IslamCity] Forthcoming Muslim Marriage Networking Events and Notices
Assalamu 'alaykum wa rahmatullahi wa barakatuhu, Please find below details of forthcoming marriage networking events notices CONTENTS - Islamic Circles Marriage Events in Brief - Other Events in Brief - Ongoing Services - Supported Notices - Islamic Circles Marriage Events in Detail - Other Events in Detail 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. * ISLAMIC CIRCLES FORTHCOMING EVENTS IN BRIEF ** 1) OVER 35s MUSLIM MARRIAGE EVENT 2) CITY MUSLIM PROFESSIONALS MARRIAGE EVENT: London, 7th November 3) DIVORCED AND WIDOWED MUSLIM MARRIAGE EVENT: London, 12th November 4) INDIAN MUSLIM MARRIAGE EVENT: London, 15th November 5) BENGALI MARRIAGE EVENT: London, 21st November 6) PAKISTANI MUSLIM MARRIAGE EVENT: Birmingham, 29th November 7) ARAB MUSLIM MARRIAGE EVENT: London, 20th December * OTHER EVENTS IN BRIEF * 1) MARRIAGE EVENT IN SOUTH LONDON: London, 1st November 2) A-Z OF LOVE AND MERCY: London, 9th November 3) 40+ MUSLIM INTRODUCTIONS: London, 14th November 4) MARRIAGE INTRODUCTION EVENING: Stockport, 15th November 5) AR'RUM MANCHESTER MUSLIM INTRODUCTIONS EVENT: Manchester, 22nd November 6) LAUNCH EVENT: MUSLIM ACCOUNTANTS NETWORK: London, 26th November 7) MANCHESTER MUSLIM NETWORK: Manchester, 5th December 8) EMERALD EID NETWORK EVENT: Birmingham, 20th December ** ONGOING SERVICES ** Islamic Circles Presents: FREE WEEKLY WALK-IN COUNSELLING AND MEDIATION SERVICES Date and time: By appointment only 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: Tel: 07909 941 179 Mediation: 079410 22 371 E-mail: [EMAIL PROTECTED] *** SUPPORTED NOTICES MUSLIM REMARRY The UKs ONLY dedicated marriage introduction agency for Divorced Muslims. For more information please contact: Tel: 0800 781 4768 Website: www.muslimremarry.com * EMERALD LOUNGE AT THE FAIR FACTORY: GREEN THURSDAYS Date: Every Thursdays Time: 6.30pm Venue: Muslim Aid Fair Factory coffee shop, 103 Whitechapel Road London, E1 1DT [Opposite East London Mosque/next Islamic Bank of Britain] An open invitation to all to relax, enjoy a cup of tea and lite bites from the Fair Factory, fair trade menu. 100% profits to Muslim Aid - taste the difference, and make a difference. No advanced bookings will be taken - simply first come/served on the evening. With the onus on networking, there may be ]little or limited seating. For more information please contact: Tel: 07830 100678 E-mail: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Website: www.emeraldlounge.co.uk * MAURITIAN MUSLIM MATRIMONIAL EVENT Date: TBC - InshAllah during October/November 2008. Please register now we will only go ahead once we have 50 registered singles. Location: Froud Centre - 1 Toronto Avenue off Romford Road, Manor Park, London, E12 5JF Time: 3pm to 7pm
Bismillah [IslamCity] US studying features of Islamic banking
US studying features of Islamic banking Md. Rasooldeen | Arab News INTEREST: Robert M. Kimmitt, US deputy secretary of the Treasury, right, and US Ambassador Ford M. Fraker at the press conference held at the US Embassy in Riyadh on Saturday. (AN photo by Mohammed Rasooldeen) RIYADH: The US government is currently studying the salient features of Islamic banking to ascertain how far it could be useful in fighting the ongoing world economic crisis, Robert M. Kimmitt, US deputy secretary of the Treasury, said at a press conference held at the US Embassy here yesterday. Kimmitt, who is on an official visit to the Kingdom, also held discussions with Finance Minister Ibrahim Al-Assaf. Today, he is scheduled to meet Saudi Arabian Monetary Agency (SAMA) Gov. Hamad Al-Sayari, Saudi Arabian General Investment Authority (SAGIA) Gov. Amr Al-Dabbagh, Prince Alwaleed bin Talal, chairman of the Kingdom Holding Company, and Saudi investors and bankers. He said that the agenda for the G-20 summit to be held in Washington on Nov. 15, has to be carefully prepared since important topics are to be discussed in just one day. I am not sure that Islamic banking will also be itemized in the agenda, but it is a subject that is often dwelt in the public and private sectors, he noted. He said that experts in the US Treasury Department are currently learning the important features of Islamic banking. However, he added that his country is focusing on activities of various governments and central banks in tackling the economic issues. He pointed out that the member countries in the G-20 also includes Islamic countries such as Indonesia and Turkey, besides the Kingdom which has been a member for the past 10 years. Representatives from these countries could present their experiences of Islamic banking in the light of the prevailing situation. He hoped the G-20 summit will provide an effective platform for the member countries to exchange their views on the current economic problem and lay out a plan for the countries to draw out their respective national plans to ease the situation. Commenting on his meeting with Al-Assaf, Kimmitt said the items that could be included in the agenda were also discussed. The geographical representation from member countries would provide a broader view of the crisis and would also benefit the non-member countries through their experiments, he added. The G-20 summit, said Kimmitt, was proposed by Europeans which was readily accepted by President George W. Bush, who is seeking a common response to the global crisis. Spelling out the purpose of his visit to Saudi Arabia, Kimmitt said that he has been associating with the Kingdom for more than two decades, but this is a significant visit since he was coming to the Kingdom at a time when there is a threat to the global financial market. It's an opportunity for me to present the US perspective ... and hear from the Saudi leadership on the current situation in the Kingdom and in the region, he said, adding that even at a time of crisis, US wants to stress its commitment to tell the countries in the region of the US open investment policies. Pointing out that a good number of American investors are coming to the Kingdom, Kimmitt said the US government expects reciprocation in the same manner. The deputy secretary is slated to visit the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Kuwait and Iraq where he would meet the leadership and investors on similar lines. http://www.arabnews.com/?page=6section=0article=115802d=26m=10y=2008 pixel.gifkimmit26_.jpg
Bismillah [IslamCity] Job Opportunities in KSA
AS RECEIVED AS SALAM WALEKUM Dear all We are Al-Jasriah Chocolate Sweet Factory, based in Riyadh we manufacture and distribute high quality chocolate products throughout Saudi Arabia, we have branches in Jeddah, Medina, Al-Qaseem, and Dammam, now we are going to open two more branches one each in Northern Southern province. Therefore we are looking for professional sales marketing people as mentioned below: 1) Sales Supervisors (For Sakaka Khamis Mushet) 2) Marketing Supervisor for Riaydh 3) Key Account Sales executives (For Riyadh, Jeddah Dammam) 4) Wholesale sales Representatives (For Riyadh, Dammam, Sakaka, Al-Qaseem Khamis Mushaet) 5) Van salesman (For all the branches) 6) Merchandisers (For Riyadh , Jeddah Dammam) 7) Sales Accountants 8) Store Keepers Interested candidates may apply to: ksachocolate@ gmail.com Fax: 012413336 Please people with relevant experience should apply Hafeez Siddiqui Sales Marketing Manager Al-Jasriah Chocolate Factory P.O. Box 4263 Riyadh 11491 Kingdom Of Saudi Arabia Fax: +966 1 2413336 Get rid of Add-Ons in your email ID. Get [EMAIL PROTECTED] Sign up now! http://in.promos.yahoo.com/address
Bismillah [IslamCity] Earthquake Strikes Pakistan - Donate to Help 15,000 Homeless Survivors
As Salaamu Alaikum (Peace be with You),Two hours before dawn on Wednesday Oct. 29, 2008 a strong 6.4 magnitude earthquake struck Balochistan, the South-Western province of Pakistan, surrounding areas of Ziarat being the worst hit. Hidaya's team in Pakistan immediately contacted the local authorities, including the Judicial Magistrate of the area who explained that as of 1:30 PM (local time), 150 deaths have been confirmed. Ziarat, has a population of 32,000 to 40,000 people, of which over 15,000 have become homeless. The death toll continues to rise while the meager infrastructure of hospitals are having difficulty attending to the injured population. Click here to read more about Hidaya's efforts. Donate online via check or credit card by visiting the following link: https://donation.hidaya.org/donation.aspx?projectId=65 Donate checks by mail payable to: Hidaya Foundation, P.O. Box 5481, Santa Clara, CA 95056 Sincerely, Waseem Baloch Office: (408) 244-3282 Toll free: (866) 244-3292 E-mail: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Hidaya Foundation is a US based non-profit 501(C)(3) charitable organization, with Tax ID # 77-0502583. Its mission is to implement charitable projects in economically depressed areas of the world.
Bismillah [IslamCity] Pray with Wife
Asaalamualiekum, Question : I am doing job in a Pvt. Firm and its owner is a Non- muslim guy. I get permission only to go for Friday prayer after a huge request. So i cant able to pray 3 times day prayer. Thats why i am praying Kaza prayer of all 3 times day prayer in Issa Prayer time. In that time my wife also pray beside me? Is it fine to pray with my wife side by side? Please let me know what i should do? thanks regards rehman
Bismillah [IslamCity] Fw: the latest from (www.xpis.ps)
Heated encounter with the head of W.B. Teachers' Union on the dismissal of pro-Hamas teachers From Khalid Amayreh in Ramallah 29 October, 2008 The head of the Fatah-run teachers' union in the West Bank, Jamil Shehada, has defended the dismissal by the Palestinian Authority (PA) Mukhabarat or General Intelligence of hundreds of school teachers because of their wrong party affiliation. In a heated interview this week, Shehada argued that any country has the right to protect its security against internal and external threats. Shehada described the issue as having to do with security and having nothing to do with the rule of law. The following are excerpts of the interview: visit www.xpis.ps
Bismillah [IslamCity] India: The 29-year-old nun raped by a Hindu mob
The 29-year-old nun lodged a complaint on 25 August alleging rape by a member of a Hindu mob in Kandhamal district. Police are criticised for being slow to act - they say they have been trying to keep the peace in the area, which has seen weeks of Hindu- Christian violence. Riots began after a Hindu religious leader was shot dead. Although left-wing Maoist rebels in the state claimed responsibility for the killing, hard-line Hindu groups blamed the minority Christian community for the death. More than 30 people have been killed in the violence and dozens of churches and Christian institutions have been vandalised. 'Confirmed' Kandhamal police chief Praveen Kumar confirmed the rape and told the BBC that four people had been arrested. He said the absence of the nun from the area had hampered the investigations. But we are taking action and the culprits will be punished, he said. The Catholic nun, working with the Divyajyoti Pastoral Centre at Kanjemandi village, alleged that she was dragged out of a Hindu man's house where she had taken shelter along with a 55-year-old priest, Father Thomas Chellantharayil. She was taken to an abandoned house where she was raped by a member of the mob, she said in her complaint filed on 25 August. She also alleged that she was paraded naked through the streets. Sangeeta Mishra, the doctor who conducted the medical test on the nun the same evening, also confirmed the rape. We immediately informed the police, but they never came to collect the report, Dr Mishra said. The BBC's Sandeep Sahu in the Orissan capital Bhubaneswar says the police finally began investigating the case on Thursday - a full 38 days after the incident - following reports of the rape in the media. Police in the Kandhamal area have said they were unable to take action earlier as they were busy trying to deal with the violence. I was very busy maintaining law and order. I have just one sub- inspector and 13 constables at my disposal. For me, maintaining law and order was the first priority, police officer K Narayan Rao said. Officials in Bhubaneswar said Mr Rao had now been suspended. Clashes between Hindus and Christians began in Orissa in August when a Hindu religious leader was shot dead. Attacks on Christians have also been reported in the southern states of Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Kerala and in the central state of Madhya Pradesh. Hindu groups have long accused Christian priests of bribing poor tribes and low-caste Hindus to convert to Christianity. Christians say lower-caste Hindus convert willingly to escape the Hindu caste system. Original Article: http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/south_asia/7649984.stm
Bismillah [IslamCity] Halloween - An Outright Pagan Practice
Halloween An Outright Pagan Practice Compiled by Muhammad al-Jibaly © Al-Kitaab As-Sunnah Publishing HISTORICAL ORIGINS OF HALLOWEEN Ancient Celtic Pagans For many centuries before Christianity, the pagan Celts in ancient Britain and Ireland celebrated the eve and day of their New Year, called the Samhain, on October 31st. In the Celtic language, Samhain (or Samain) meant End of Summer. During Samhain Eve, it was believed that the world of the gods became visible to mankind, and that they played many tricks on their mortal worshipers; it was a time loaded with danger, fear, and supernatural episodes. The Celts made sacrifices and offerings to ward off the perils of the season and the anger of the deities. Samhain was also the Day of the Dead. During it, it was believed that the souls of those who had died during the year were allowed access into the land of the dead. Furthermore, the ancient Celts believed that on that evening the Lord of the Dead called forth hosts of evil spirits, and the souls of the dead were believed to revisit their homes. Thus, Samhain acquired sinister significance, with spirits, ghosts, witches, hobgoblins, black cats, fairies, and demons said to be roaming about. Huge bonfires were set on hilltops to frighten away evil spirits. In addition, being the last evening of the year, Samhain Eve was regarded as a most favorable time for examining the portents of the future. Divinations were performed concerning marriage, luck, health, and death; and the devil's help was invoked for such purposes. Romans and Early Christians After the Romans conquered Britain, they added to Samhain features of the Roman harvest festival, held on November 1st in honor of Pomona, goddess of tree fruits. The pagan practices influenced the Christian festival of Halloween (Hallow-Eve), celebrated on the same date (October 31st), and elements of the Samhain festival were incorporated into it. Hallow-Eve (or All Hallows' Eve) is the Christian festival of the night preceding All Saints' (Hallows') Day, celebrated on November 1st in the Western churches. In some parts of Europe, the people continued to believe that on this night the dead walked among them, and that witches and warlocks flew in their midst. Thus, bonfires were lit to ward off those malevolent spirits. Therefore, most historians consider Samhain the predecessor of Halloween, which has preserved many of the practices and beliefs of its precursor: Samhain. Contemporary Europe and America By the 19th century, witches' pranks were replaced by children's tricks. Immigrants to the U.S., particularly the Irish, introduced Halloween customs that became popular in the late 19th century. Boys and young men performed mischievous acts on this occasion, often causing severe damage to properties. Halloween thus gradually became a secular observance, and additional customs and practices developed, many of which turning to games played by children and young adults. In recent years, the occasion has come to be observed mainly by small children; they go from house to house, often in costume, demanding trick-or-treat. The treat, often candy, is generally given, and the trick is rarely played. Many traditional beliefs and customs associated with Samhain, however, continue to be practiced on the 31st of October. Most notably, the practice of leaving offerings of food and drink (now candy) to masked and costumed revelers, and the lighting of bonfires. A common symbol of Halloween is the jack-o-lantern, which is a hollowed-out pumpkin carved in the appearance of a demonic face and with a lighted candle fixed inside. Satan Worship Since Halloween was largely based on rituals involving dead spirits and devil worship, it now represents, among other things, a most sacred day for the devil worshipers. Because of this sinister nature, many devout Christians condemn the Halloween festival. They realize that the spiritual forces that some people experience during this festival are indeed real, but are manifestations of Satan. Thus, they reject the customs associated with Halloween, including all symbols of the dead (ghosts, vampires, and human skeletons), the devil, and other malevolent and evil creatures. THE ISLAMIC STANDPOINT Islam Is the Perfect Din By Allah's blessing and grace, Islam contains the complete and perfect guidance for humanity: «This day I have perfected your religion for you, have completed My favor upon you, and have chosen for you Islâm as your religion.» [1] Islam does not neglect any information that the people need to achieve happiness and avoid harm, in all aspects of their lives. It directs them to all that would save them from the Fire and admit them into the gardens of Paradise. This was the mission of all of the prophets, including the Final Messenger (sallallahu alayhi wassalam) who said: There is nothing that would bring you closer to Jannah and farther from the
Bismillah [IslamCity] ON DUELING
Bismillah Hir Rahmaan Nir Raheem Assalaamu alaykum wa rahmatuallahi wa barakatuhu CHAPTER 9: ON DUELING: http://www.alkhilafah.net/jihad.html Dueling is allowed according to the consensus of the scholars. Accepting the invitation to a duel by a nonbeliever is recommended. Asking for a duel is neither recommended nor discouraged according to the Madhab of al Shafi’i. It is appropriate for the experienced and is discouraged for the weak, who doesn’t have sufficient confidence in himself. In fact it is said that it is prohibited for such a person to ask for a duel. It is Sunnah to get the permission of the Amir (leader) but it is still allowed without his knowledge. Imam Malik was asked about the ones who stand out in front of the army and ask for a duel. He said: It depends on his intentions. If he is doing it for the sake of Allah, I do not see a problem with that. Since that was the tradition of the ones before us. Imam al Shafi’i said: I don’t see a problem with duels. Know that duels during wars, and accepting the invitation to it, is the way of the heroes, it is the badge of honor for the brave men, and it has been their pride during Islam and before. 156. Amr bin Abdwod (one of the greatest fighters of Quraish) during the battle of the trench came out asking for a duel. Ali, veiled in iron armory, stood up and said: “I would” The Messenger of Allah refused to allow him and said: “It is Amr! Sit down!” Amr called again saying: “Isn’t there a man among you! Where is the Paradise that you claim whoever dies among you will enter it? Isn’t there a man among you to stand up and face me?” Ali stood again and said: “I would” The Messenger of Allah said: “It is Amr! Sit down!” Amr called again, this time reciting lines of poetry challenging the Muslims. Ali stood for the third time and said: “I would”. The Messenger of Allah said: “It is Amr” Ali responded: “And what if it is Amr!” The Messenger of Allah this time allowed him. Ali walked up to Amr reciting to him lines of poetry. Amr told him: “Who are you?” He said: “Ali the son of Abu Talib” Amr said: “Have someone of your seniors step forward instead. I wouldn’t want to spill your blood my son!” Ali said: “But I would be happy to spill yours!” Amr was furious. He walked towards Ali and pulled out his sword violently from its sheath as if it was a blaze of fire. He struck Ali angrily but Ali protected himself with his shield. The strike was so strong it passed through the shield and injured Ali in the head. However, Ali surprised Amr with a swift strike on his shoulder that threw Amr down in a cloud of dust that erupted from their fight. The Messenger of Allah then heard the thunderous takbir of the Muslims. Ali has killed Amr bin Abdwod.282 157. While Khalid was laying siege to a town, one of their fighters came out of the gates with a sword in his right hand and a shield in his left and he asked for a duel. A Muslim volunteered to fight him and killed him. Then the Muslim asked for a duel so they sent out to him their greatest fighter. The Muslim killed him. He asked for a third duel. This time they told him: “Let the devil fight you!” 158. Ali said: Utbah bin Rabi’ah, his son al Walid and his brother Shaybah came out in Badr asking for duels. Three young men from Al Ansar went to face them. Utbah asked them who they were. When they told him, he said: “We have no desire in fighting you. Sent out to us our equals from our own people (meaning from Quraish)” The Messenger of Allah said: “Stand up Hamzah. Stand up Ali. Stand up Ubaydah bin al Harith” Hamzah faced Utbah and killed him and I faced Shaybah and killed him, while Ubaydah and al Walid both injured each other and fell down. Hamzah and me walked up to Al Walid and finished him off and we carried Ubaydah away.283 282 (Ibn Hisham) 283 (Abu Dawud) - 95 - Source Mashari Al-Ashwaq Ila Masari Al-Ushaaq Wa theer Al-Gharaam Ila Daar Assalaam 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 Get perfect Email ID for your Resume. Grab now http://in.promos.yahoo.com/address
Bismillah [IslamCity] Fw: At Israel's beck and call...the latest from Khalid Amayreh
visit: www.xpis.ps At Israel's beck and call By Khalid Amayreh in the West Bank 29 October, 2008 Under the manifestly false rubric of restoring law and order, hundreds of American-trained Palestinian troops have been rounding up Islamic political activists and suspected Hamas sympathizers in the Hebron region. The operation, code-named Ishraqato Watan or sunrise of the motherland began three days ago after the Israeli occupation army allowed the 558 troops to move from Jericho to the Hebron area. The operation is being carried out under the command of Gen. Thiyab al Ali, aka Abu al Fath, who bears the official title of General Commander of Palestinian National forces. Read more...visit www.xpis.ps clip_image001.jpg
Bismillah [IslamCity] Is there something wrong with being a Muslim
Rabbi Maskow asks: The Obsession film: Is there something wrong with being a Muslim in America? By Rabbi Arthur Waskow The Shalom Center http://www.shalomctr.org/node/1461 http://origin.ih.constantcontact.com...=1102298516362Said Colin Powell in a recent major interview, The correct answer is, he [Obama] is not a Muslim. He's a Christian. He's always been a Christian. But the really right answer is: 'What if he is?' Is there something wrong with being a Muslim in this country? The answer is no. That's not America. Of course Colin Powell is only partly right. Fear and even hatred of Islam is a part of the actual America at this moment of our history. It is also true that in part of America there is a real effort of Muslims, Jews, and Christians to learn from each other, make peace with each other -- and beyond each other, make peace between humankind and the rest of the web of life upon our planet. In the warp and woof of all our communities, whether defined, by religion or by nation, there are some streaks of blood woven in the fabric. And -- there are some streaks of respect and compassion and celebration of the One Who encompasses all others. Indeed, celebration of the One Whose infinitude can be reflected only through the diversity of our unique traditions. Whose Infinity can be honored only by honoring our differences. Two parts of America. And, as usual, a third and larger part -- uncertain, silent, more willing to honor sameness than difference, yet open to seeing sameness in Muslims and Jews and Christians and Buddhists. Powell was appealing within and beyond the actual America to that patriotic vision of America that sings, O beautiful for patriots' dream that sees beyond the years/ Thine alabaster cities gleam --- undimmed by human tears. Now why did it take Colin Powell to say this? Why were not a slew of Senators, Presidential candidates, university presidents, heads of churches and synagogues, saying it? Both a sweet and a sour way of answering that question occur to me. Sour: Was it because he's a retired general who actually led a war against a Muslim nation, and a former Secretary of State who justified a war against a Muslim nation? -- so nobody could accuse him of being a raghead-lover? Because he's not running for elected office in a country where many voters think Muslims are traitors? Sweet: Is he actually in the process of doing tshuvah (turning, repentance)? Has he come to the conclusion that his complicity in the second of those wars was a profound ethical as well as practical mistake, and is he doing at least some repair of the bloodshed that flowed from that mistake -- some effort to prevent the blood that could yet flow from more fear and hatred of Islam? There are related Why's we need to ask. Why didn't either Senator McCain or Senator Obama carry their campaigns into a mosque, after speaking at many synagogues and churches? Why did Obama's campaign feel they needed to apologize for sending a speaker to a meeting where one of the sponsors was CAIR -- the Council on American-Islamic Relations? Evidently because CAIR is listed by the Ashford-Gonzales-Mukasy Department of Justice as an unindicted co-conspirator in a case where a Muslim charity is accused of channeling money to an organization which is accused of assisting some terrorists. Let us examine this unindicted co-conspirator business. The most clever -- and most disgusting -- thing about the label is that the Department of Justice can affix the label totally on its own. By definition, they have not even presented evidence to a grand jury that would justify indicting the organization on probable cause, let alone taking the case to a jury that could convict or acquit. Indeed, since CAIR is not a defendant, it cannot even be acquitted --- although that did in fact happen to most of the people and groups whose actual indictment they got hooked onto. In that case, the government had years to amass the evidence they claimed showed support for terrorism. But a jury in Texas --- hardly a hotbed of pro-Muslim sentiment -- acquitted the defendants on almost all the charges, and was divided on a small number of them. Indeed, an examination of CAIR'S website and a review of speakers at its national and local functions show that it condemns terrorism and participates with vigor in the normal processes of American democracy. But the partially hung jury gave the government the opening to bring the case for retrial, and to keep alive the unsubstantiated smear against CAIR. This is Middle East McCarthyism. A candidate as brave and as principled as Colin Powell is evidently trying to be, in his present reincarnation, would have denounced it. But a candidate who is himself thought by 13% of Americans to be a secret Muslim, and therefore to be a traitor, evidently felt he could not be that brave and principled. The atmosphere of fear and hatred toward Islam has actually
