Islamic Society of Central Virginia: News

‘AL-Hijab’ - The veil

بِسْمِ اللَّهِ الرَّحْمَـنِ الرَّحِيمِ

‘AL-Hijab’ - The veil

Introduction

One of the controversies of today is the issue of the veil or hijab, what is commonly known as the covering of the Muslimah (Muslim women). The west looks upon Muslim countries that encourage the covering of its women as something oppressive, barbaric and demeaning; this point was clearly seen when the Taliban regime was in power in Afghanistan, and the condemnation it received from countries such as Britain and America. France has even outlawed the hijab in its schools and government institutions. Countries such as Turkey and Tunisia had taken similar steps long before even France, and they are supposed to be Muslim countries! In the name of modernism and feminism many groups have risen in Muslim countries to dissuade Muslim women from covering, apparently this reformation will bring Islam into the 21st centaury.

This treatise has been written in order to provide clarification on the issue of the hijab.

Why do Muslim women cover?

Muslim women cover in order to fulfil an obligation from Allah (swt), and that is to cover all that is considered awrah (parts of the body that are not supposed to be exposed to others) and to leave exposed all that is allowed to be apparent, which the scholars of Islam agree are the face and hands of a woman.

The evidences supporting the request to cover

Allah (swt) says in the Qur’an,

﴿ قُل لِّلْمُؤْمِنِينَ يَغُضُّوا مِنْ أَبْصَارِهِمْ وَيَحْفَظُوا فُرُوجَهُمْ ذَلِكَ أَزْكَى لَهُمْ إِنَّ اللَّهَ خَبِيرٌ بِمَا يَصْنَعُونَ ﴾

“Say to the believers to lower the gaze and to protect and cover their awrah, [Surah An Nur 24:30]

The above verse is general for both the believing men and women; the two main points being:

1. To lower the gaze and

2. To cover the awrah.

And in another verse,

﴿ وَقُل لِّلْمُؤْمِنَاتِ يَغْضُضْنَ مِنْ أَبْصَارِهِنَّ وَيَحْفَظْنَ فُرُوجَهُنَّ وَلَا يُبْدِينَ زِينَتَهُنَّ إِلَّا مَا ظَهَرَ مِنْهَا وَلْيَضْرِبْنَ بِخُمُرِهِنَّ عَلَى جُيُوبِهِنَّ ﴾

And tell the believing women to lower their gaze (from looking at forbidden things), and protect their private parts (from illegal sexual acts, etc.) and not to show off their adornment except only that which is apparent (face and hands), and to draw their veils all over Juyubihinna (i.e. necks and bosoms, etc.) [Surah An Nur 24:31]

This verse specifically addresses the believing women and mentions four points:

1. Lowering the gaze

2. Chastity

3. Covering all except hands and face

4. Special reference to ensure chest area is covered.

The correct manner of covering

Though the command to cover is accepted by most Muslim women, we find there are different interpretations to what is considered covering. For some just wearing western clothes such as a trouser suit or jeans and tee-shirt is enough. For others a more traditional look of shalwar and khameez (loose trouser and shirt), or the sari (one piece wrap) is considered covering.

The fact is whatever is worn must fulfil the divine requirements for covering, which is to leave only the hands and face of a women showing.

What must be considered?

1: The Extent of Covering

Amongst the authentic ahadith which clarify this point is the following:

Ibn `Umar (raa) reported that the Messenger of Allah (saw) said,

“On the Day of Resurrection, Allah will not look at the man who trails his garment along out of pride.” Umm Salamah then asked: “What should women do with (the hems of) their garments?” He replied: “Let them lower them a hand span. She said: Their feet would be exposed! He then said: Let them lower them a forearm’s length but no more.” [At-Tabarani-Sahih]

2: Thickness‎ of the Garment

The garment should be thick and opaque so as not to display the skin color and form of the body beneath it. Delicate or ‎transparent clothing does not constitute a proper covering.

Imam Al-Qurtubi reports a narration from ‎‎‘Aiesha (ra) that some women from ‘Banu Tameem’ (an Arab tribe) came to see her ‎wearing transparent clothing. ‘Aiesha said to them: ‘If you are believing women, these are not the clothes of believing ‎women.”

He also reports that a bride came to see her, wearing a sheer, transparent ‘Khimaar’ whereupon ‘Aiesha (ra) ‎said,

“A woman who wears such clothing does not believe in ‘Surah An-Nur’.

Moreover, the ‎following ‘hadith’ (narrative) makes this point graphically clear. The Messenger (saw) said,

‎"There will be in the last of my ‘Ummah’ (Muslim Nation), scantily dressed ‎women, the hair on the top of their heads like a camel’s hump. Curse them, for ‎verily they are cursed.” ‎

In another version, the Messenger (saw) said: “…scantily dressed women, who go astray and makes others go ‎astray; they will not enter Paradise nor smell its fragrance, although it can be smelled from afar.” [At-‎Tabarani] [Muslim]

“Scantily dressed women” are those who wear clothing which ‎reveals more than it conceals, thereby increasing her attractiveness while opening the ‎path to a host of evils.‎

3: Looseness ‎of the Garment

The clothing must hang loosely enough and not be so tight-fitting as to show the shape and size of the woman’s body. ‎This obviously includes such things as skin-tight body suits, etc. The following hadith proves this point clearly:

Usama ‎ibn Zayd (ra) said, ‘The Prophet (saw) gave me a gift of thick Coptic cloth he had received as a gift from ‎Dahiah Al- Kalbee, and so I gave it to my wife. Thereafter the Prophet (saw) asked me: “Why didn’t you ‎wear the Coptic cloth? I replied: I gave it to my wife. The Prophet (saw) then said: Tell her to wear a thick ‎gown under it (the Coptic garment) for I fear that it may describe the size of her limbs.” [Ahmad] [ Al Bayhaqi] ‎and [Al-Hakkim]‎

4: Color, Appearance and Demeanor ‎of the Garment

‎A garment which is intended to conceal a woman and her beauty from public view cannot be a thing which enhances her beauty. Therefore, the garment cannot contain bright colors, bold designs or shiny and reflective material that draws men’s attention to the wearer, this is called Tabarruj.

The Arabic word, ‘At-Tabarruj’ means not only “to display oneself” but also “to spruce up one’s charms for the purpose of exciting desire”.

Imam Adh-Dhahabi says in his book Kitab Al-Kaba’ir (The Book of Major Sins):

“Amongst the deeds which a woman is cursed for are displaying the adornments she wears, wearing perfume when she goes out, and wearing colorful clothes...” Hence, the Muslim woman is encouraged to wear muted, somber colors and to avoid bright designs, patterns and colors.

5: Difference from Men’s Clothing‎

‎The clothing of a Muslim woman must not resemble the clothing of men. The following two hadith explain ‎this.

Abu Hurairah (ra) said, “The Prophet (saw) cursed the man who wears women’s clothes and the ‎woman who wears men’s clothes”. [Abu Dawud] and [Ibn Majah]

Abdullah ibn `Umar (ra) said he heard Allah’s Messenger (saws) say, “The man who resembles a woman and the woman who resembles a man is not of us (i.e., not of the believers).” [Ahmad] and [At-Tabarani-Sahih]

Additionally, Abu Dawud relates a narration from Umm Salamah (ra) which shows that the Prophet (saw) forbade women to bundle their Khumoor on their heads in such a way as to resemble the turban of a man.

‎ ‎

‎6: Difference from the Clothing of Unbelievers ‎

‎ ‎

Her clothing must not resemble the clothing of the unbelievers. This is a general ruling of the ‘Sharia’h which ‎encompasses not only dress but also such things as manners, customs, religious practices and festivities, transactions, ‎etc. Indeed, dissimilarity with unbelievers is a precedent that was established by the first generation of Islam.

‘Abdullah ‎ibn ‘Amr ibn Al-’Aas said, “The Prophet (saw) saw me wearing two saffron colored garments, so he said: ‎‎“Indeed, these are the clothes of ‘Kuffar’ (unbelievers), so do not wear them.” [Sahih Muslim]‎

‎ ‎

‎7: The garment must not be perfumed ‎

‎ ‎

On the authority of Ad’Diya Al-Maqdisi, the Prophet (saw) said,

“Any woman who perfumes herself ‎and passes by some people that they smell her scent, then she is a ‘Zaniyah’ (adulteress).” ‎

‎ ‎

‎8: No Vanity or Ostentatious Dressing

‎ ‎

The woman’s dress must not be an expression of ostentation, vanity or as a status symbol by being excessively showy ‎or expensive, nor must it be excessively tattered so as to gain admiration and fame for being extremely humble.

Ibn ‎‎‘Umar (ra) reported that the Prophet (saw) said: “Whoever dresses for ostentation in this world, Allah will ‎dress that person in a dress of humiliation on the Day of Resurrection, and then set it on fire.” [Abu Dawud]

From islambase.tk

The Cartoons: Where do we stand? - by Fadi El-Ahdab

Since the cartoons portraying Prophet Mohammed Peace Be Upon Him (PBUH) were published in Europe, the reactions to this “unusual event” have drawn the world’s attention. The event is unusual because it represents a public offense to 1.3 billion human beings at a time when the cultural gap between the Muslim world and the West is growing to an all time level.

There is no doubt that the cartoons published in “Jullands-Posten” and other journals reflect a deep misunderstanding of Islam and of the instructions of Muhammad (PBUH). The cartoons clearly represent the picture of Islam as understood in the mind of the cartoonist and probably the minds of the Danish and many Western people in general.

What the West needs to know is that Muhammad was a man of honor who was highly respected by all those who knew him before and after Islam, whether enemies or friends. Muhammad was a man who devoted his life to spread the message of Islam, that there is only one God, The God of Abraham, Moses and Jesus, the God of Jews, Christians and Muslims. Muhammad was tortured and insulted by his people for more than twenty years, yet when he had a chance for revenge he forgave them and made supplication for them to be saved. Such a man deserves praise and respect, not to be portrayed as a terrorist carrying a bomb on his head and a sword in his hand.

It is for this reason that the offensive cartoons stirred strong feelings of anger and frustration in the Muslim world leading to massive demonstrations, political tensions and boycotting of some European products.

So where do we stand? We, Muslims, are supposed to act according to the instructions of the Quran and the commands of Muhammad (PBUH). When Muslims face a problem, they look for answers in the Quran and the teachings of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). The Quran makes it clear that those who insult the Prophet will be punished by God Himself (Quran 9:61). The Quran, however, does not approve violence and instead calls for forgiveness and for peace: “help one another in righteousness and piety and do not help one another in sin and transgression” (Quran 5:2). As per Mohammed (PBUH), his instructions to his followers and consequently to all Muslims is to respect neighbors, respect guests and to do no harm to innocents under any circumstances. There should be no doubt in our minds that if Mohammed (PBUH) were alive, he would not approve the property damage that the World witnessed in some western embassies in the Muslim world.

When “freedom of speech” offends twenty percent of the World’s population by ridiculing the most respected man in their religion, this “freedom to speak” becomes “freedom to insult”. On the other hand, Muslims should be careful in their reactions. The role of Muslims is to correct the misunderstanding of Islam and to rectify the West’s views of Mohammed and of Islam in general. The response to an offense that others consider freedom of speech should be a collaborative and peaceful effort by Muslim governments, scholars, religious institutions and Muslim individuals to educate the Westerners about Islam and to bridge the gap.

ISRA’ AND MIRAJ - The Night Journey & Ascension of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH)

Many times in our lives we come upon events that make us have feelings of hopelessness, despair, and sometimes even anger. School, work and everyday life just might make us feel fatigue and stress. Many of us get by knowing that things will eventually get better and these temporary feelings of despair will just go away with time. Others however take the example of Prophet Muhammad (SAW) and the miraculous event of Isra’ and Miraj. The experience of Isra’ and Miraj was a sign that all prophets, just as ordinary people, go through hardships but with faith and supplication, Allah (SWT) eventually will give strength and help to whomever He wills.
Prior to the event of Isra’ and Miraj, the Prophet (SAW) had been suffering severely from the pagans of the Quraish tribe. Distress came in every corner especially when the Prophet went to the city of Taif where the people humiliated him. The Prophet (SAW) turned to Allah for hope and made supplication. He ended the supplication by saying that as long as Allah is not displeased with him, then he will always be satisfied, something to keep in mind when we are not at our best. Right after this event, the Isra’ and Miraj took place to honor him and to renew his courage and he strived to serve Allah.
There are many lessons we can learn from the events prior to Isra’ and Miraj but the most important one is a sign that all prophets go through hardship just as normal human beings do. Following the events of Isra’ andMiraj, the Prophet (SAW) renewed his courage and strived to serve Allah, something we all should do when we get out of tough situations in life. One must remember that Allah (SWT) blesses everyone he loves with a gift or some extraordinary event, that we may not realize at the time, such as the birth of a baby, recovery of a disease, or the simple occurrence of finding a job. Perhaps we may never experience the joy and bliss that Prophet Muhammad (SAW) experienced in Isra’ and Miraj but sometime in our lives, Allah (SWT) will bless us with an event that will give us hope and renew our courage. We must not forget that supplication is essential for these blessings.

The Importance of Salat by Shariffa Carlo (from www.islamway.com)

When I was researching this, I was surprised to see how few sources we have which encourage salat and so many that instruct. Especially in light of the fact that so many of our brothers and sisters have abandoned the salat --- May Allah guide us all.

Some of the greatest blessings imaginable are so simple yet we try so hard to make them so unattainable. Great rewards are the blessings that Allah has given us for various acts that we perform. The greatest of them all is the salat. Allah has enjoined on us five prayers a day. Simple, efficient, and packed with benefit, this small amount of time that we spend in remembrance of Allah, speaking to Him, seeking from Him, gaining from Him...this short time that we give to Him from the multitude of time He has given us is so tiny, yet so power-packed.

Imagine the honor Allah has bestowed upon us by actually providing us with a time and a place for a private audience with Him. When we pray, we are actually talking to Allah who is listening to us and will, if we are sincere and humble in our supplications, grant us what we ask. Narrated Anas bin Malik: The Prophet said, "A faithful believer while in prayer is speaking in private to his Lord..." Sahih Bukhari: Volume 1, Book 8, Number 405:

Just the blessing and honor we get from reciting the Fatiha in our salat should be sufficient incentive for us, but the unfortunate truth is that it is not.

Narrated AbuHurayrah: The Apostle (peace be upon him) said: If anyone observes prayer in which he does not recite Umm al-Qur'an, it is deficient (he said this three times) and incomplete. It was said to AbuHurayrah: At times we are behind the Imam. He said: Recite it inwardly, for he had heard the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) declare that Allah the Exalted had said: I have divided the prayer into two halves between Me and My servant, and My servant will receive what he asks for. When the servant says: Praise be to Allah, the Lord of the universe, Allah the Most High says: My servant has praised Me. And when he (the servant) says: The Most Compassionate, the Merciful, Allah the Most High says: My servant has lauded Me. When he (the servant) says: Master of the Day of Judgment, He remarks: My servant has glorified Me, and sometimes He will say: My servant entrusted (his affairs) to Me. When he (the worshipper) says: Thee do we worship and of Thee do we ask help, He (Allah) says: This is between Me and My servant, and My servant will receive what he asks for. Then, when he (the worshipper) says: Guide us to the straight path, the path of those to whom Thou hast been Gracious--not of those who have incurred Thy displeasure, nor of those who have gone astray, He (Allah) says: This is for My servant, and My servant will receive what he asks for. Sahih Muslim: Book 4, Number 0775.

The immensity of this honor is mind-boggling if we really think about it in its reality. Reciting Quraan, the Words of Allah -- Speaking directly to Allah! Think about it in worldly terms. May of us are awe - struck by even the lowest of creatures on this earth. Some of us would literally be left speechless if we were to have an opportunity to meet with one of these kafir singers or some King or President, but we take our audience with Allah so casually that we sometimes have the audacity to blow it off. We don't even show up. Allah guide us!!!! Even though, Allah has promised us to accept the sincere prayers and to reward them:

Allah says: And when My servants ask you concerning Me, then surely I am very near; I answer the prayer of the suppliant when he calls on Me, so they should answer My call and believe in Me that they may walk in the right way. 2:186

And: Those who believe, and do deeds of righteousness, and establish regular prayers and regular charity, will have their reward with their Lord: on them shall be no fear, nor shall they grieve. 2:277

And: But the firm in knowledge among them and the believers believe in what has been revealed to you and what was revealed before you, and those who keep up prayers and those who give the poor-rate and the believers in Allah and the last day, these it is whom We will give a mighty reward. 004.162

Allah does not need us. We need Him. We must call upon Him to achieve in this life and the next. He is our Creator and our Master. Our Rabb (Lord) and our Malik (King). He is the one who deserves all the awe, fear, love, respect and reverence, but in our petty life-mindedness, we forget this or ignore it or, Allah forbid, disbelieve in it.

Allah says: O you who believe! whoever from among you turns back from his religion, then Allah will bring a people, He shall love them and they shall love Him, lowly before the believers, mighty against the unbelievers, they shall strive hard in Allah's way and shall not fear the censure of any censurer; this is Allah's Face, He gives it to whom He pleases, and Allah is Ample-giving, Knowing. Your (real) friends are (no less than) Allah, His Messenger, and the (fellowship of) believers - those who establish regular prayers and regular charity, and they bow down humbly (in worship). 5:54-55

Does nothing affect us anymore or even faze us? Are our hearts and souls sealed so tightly? We must recognize the power and importance of the prayers. We must establish them, and we must seek the blessings that accompany them. Otherwise, we are beyond lost.

Yet, instead of doing this, we are consistently calling upon that which has no true power to help us or hurt us. We give our awe and our respect to the Kings of the earth and devalue the King of the Worlds. How many of us -- out of fear or shame --- will remove our coverings or our beards because we fear losing an employment opportunity or fear jail? Too many of us have done it already.

I have seen brothers and sisters leave their salat -- waiting till they arrive at their home -- after the prayer times have elapsed --- because they were at work or at school and/or they either did not want to be seen in public doing this thing or were afraid of their boss or their teacher's reaction or --- the silliest yet -- because the available locations were not up to their comfort standards. Ya Allah! How far has the Muslim fallen that we had a prophet who rostrated in the mud but his followers can not prostrate on cement or concrete instead of nice cushy carpet or sweet grass?
When will we remember and adhere to the words of Allah?

Say: Shall we call on that besides Allah, which does not benefit us nor harm us, and shall we be returned back on our heels after Allah has guided us, like him whom the Shaitans have made to fall down perplexed in the earth? He has companions who call him to the right way, (saying): Come to us. Say: Surely the guidance of Allah, that is the (true) guidance, and we are commanded that we should submit to the Lord of the worlds.

And to establish worship and be dutiful to Him, and He it is unto Whom ye will be gathered. 6:71-72
And: Every soul will taste of death. And ye will be paid on the Day of Resurrection only that which ye have fairly earned. Whoso is removed from the Fire and is made to enter paradise, he indeed is triumphant. The life of this world is but comfort of illusion. 3:185.

Brothers and sisters, I beg you, for your own soul's sakes. Let us stop fearing social reactions. Let us stop following the ways of Shaitan. Let us stop worrying about our own comforts. Let us stop worshipping these things with our actions or inaction and let us return to worshipping, fearing and loving Allah.

Allah has made it so easy for us to worship Him. If you can't do it standing, sit. If you can't do it sitting, lie down. If you can't move your trunk, move your head. If you can't move your head, move your eyes. If you can't move even your eyes, at least move your heart!

I challenge anyone to find one other activity so blessed by Allah or man. Can you go to your employer for one hour a day and reap as much reward? Can you be a student for an hour a day and get such reward? What activity can you do that will give you so much for so little, and if this is not enough, to make it even easier, this hour --- this insignificant morsel of time --- is divided up into five periods over twenty-four hours. Subhana Allah! Allah is truly the Most Generous, the Most Merciful, the Most Beneficent!

You want more easy blessings? What about this?

A man questioned his companions, "If there was a river at the door of anyone of you, and he took a bath in it five times a day would you notice any dirt on him?" They said, "Not a trace of dirt would be left. That is the example of the five prayers with which Allah blots out (annuls) evil deeds." This was narrated from our beloved Prophet by Abu Huraira:Sahih Bukhari: Volume 1, Book 10, Number 506.

And: Narrated Uthman ibn Affan: I heard Allah's Apostle (peace be upon him) say: When the time for a prescribed prayer comes, if any Muslim performs ablution well and offers his prayer, with humility and bowing, it will be an expiation for his past sins, so long as he has not committed a major sin; and this applies to for all times. Sahih Muslim: Book 2, Number 0441.
What a blessing! Something so simple -- praying --- blots out every single one of the minor sins committed till we are as clean from our sins as a man who bathes five times a day is clean from the dirt. What more can we ask for? What greater ease is there in gaining the pleasure of Allah? Allah has commanded us to pray. The fear of burning forever in the hellfire should be enough to motivate us to perform this duty, but Allah, in His infinite Mercy and Justice has given us both the carrot and the stick. Don't pray, and He will punish you. Pray, and the blessings you get are beyond description: Paradise everlasting. Subhana Allah! One spot in paradise is worth all of this world and everything in it!!!! Narrated Abu Huraira: The Prophet said, "A place in Paradise as small as a bow is better than all that on which the sun rises and sets (i.e. all the world)." He also said, "A single endeavor in Allah's Cause in the afternoon or in the forenoon is better than all that on which the sun rises and sets." Sahih Bukhari: Volume 4, Book 52, Number 51.

Why so great a punishment and so great a reward? Because Allah created us for one purpose alone, to worship Him. Allah says, I created the jinn and man only that they might worship Me. 51:56

We are here only to worship Allah, not to get that perfect job, that house, that car, that man, that woman, that degree, that (fill in your own blank). We are the slaves of Allah. As such, we need to show our gratitude for the blessings He has bestowed on us. Can you see? Can you walk? Can you hear? Can you speak? Can you love? Can you work? Can you study? Can you feel? Choose a blessing, and show the proper gratitude. For the doctor who removes our appendix in the nick of time, we shower him with thanks. For the teacher who gave us the recommendation that got us into college, we are eternally grateful, but to Allah who gave us everything we have, we can not find the hour a day to thank Him? Where are our priorities?
Don't get me wrong. Gratitude to the one who helps is part of the Islamic character: The prophet said Those who are not grateful to the people are not grateful to Allah". (sahih) We have to be grateful to those who help us, but we can never forget that the greatest gratitude belongs to Allah. It is His right upon us!

Narrated Mu'adh: I was a companion rider of the Prophet on a donkey called 'Ufair. The Prophet asked, "O Mu'adh! Do you know what Allah's right on His slaves is, and what the right of His slaves on Him is?" I replied, "Allah and His Apostle know better." He said, "Allah's right on His slaves is that they should worship Him (Alone) and should not worship any besides Him. And slave's right on Allah is that He should not punish him who worships none besides Him." I said, "O Allah's Apostle! Should I not inform the people of this good news?" He said, "Do not inform them of it, lest they should depend on it (absolutely)." Sahih Bukhari: Volume 4, Book 52, Number 108.

If all this, Paradise everlasting, is not enough, as a prize for our gratitude and our seeking of His pleasure, Allah has promised us the greatest of gifts: the more we attempt to reach Allah's Pleasure, the closer He will come to us.
Narrated Abu Huraira: The Prophet said, "Allah says: 'I am just as My slave thinks I am, (i.e. I am able to do for him what he thinks I can do for him) and I am with him if He remembers Me. If he remembers Me in himself, I too, remember him in Myself; and if he remembers Me in a group of people, I remember him in a group that is better than they; and if he comes one span nearer to Me, I go one cubit nearer to him; and if he comes one cubit nearer to Me, I go a distance of two outstretched arms nearer to him; and if he comes to Me walking, I go to him running.' " Sahih Bukhari: Volume 9, Book 93, Number 502.
Allah will come to us if we make even the smallest attempt to come to Him. Allah. Imagine that. Allah -- the Most Supreme, the One who needs us not, the One who Provides and needs no provision, the One who Gives Life and takes Life. Allah!
He will come to us -- all we have to do is draw nearer to Him. Him! Yes, none other than Allah!

Please. Take a second. Reflect on the magnitude of this. Really reflect on it. This is huge! This is the honor of honors. For the one who has no faith, there is no way to instill in him the immense blessing that is found in an audience with Allah. Here we are -- piddly humans, insignificant creatures who deserve neither Allah's forgiveness nor His favors, but rather we deserve His contempt because of all the evil we create. Yet, in spite of our unworthiness, in spite of the fact that we are so low in comparison to Him, Allah has promised to listen to, accept and respond to our prayers. Alhamdulillah rabi al Alamiin. La ilaha ila anta subhanak ini kuntu min adhaleemeen. (None has the right to be worshipped except you. How perfect you are. Verily I was among the wrongdoers).

I cannot emphasize this enough. Please! Think about it! Who is Allah?? He is the All Powerful, the All Mighty. Do we deserve such an honor? Do we even consider it an honor anymore? We had companions who were so awestruck by the magnitude of Allah's Mercy in listening to us that when they went to make salat, they almost fainted from the fear and awe at the thought of having an audience with Allah. But today, we have no time to keep our appointment with Allah. The job, the kids, the school, are all too important to neglect, but Allah --- He can wait. Authu billah! I seek refuge in Allah from Allah! May Allah guide those of us who can not find the time for Him. What a great loss they have cursed themselves with. Listen to this with your hearts.

Narrated Abu Huraira: The Prophet said, "Angels keep on descending from and ascending to the Heaven in turn, some at night and some by daytime, and all of them assemble together at the time of the Fajr and 'Asr prayers. Then those who have stayed with you over-night, ascent unto Allah Who asks them, and He knows the answer better than they, "How have you left My slaves?" They reply, "We have left them praying as we found them praying." If anyone of you says "Amin" (during the Prayer at the end of the recitation of Surat-al-Faitiha), and the angels in Heaven say the same, and the two sayings coincide, all his past sins will be forgiven. " Sahih Bukhari: Volume 4, Book 54, Number 446.
What will these angels say about us? "We left him/her watching TV, Allah, as we found him/her?", "We left him/her chatting on the computer, Allah, as we found him/her?", "We left him/her at his lucrative job, Allah, as we found him/her?", "We left him/her sleeping, Allah, as we found him/her?", "We left him/her studying, Allah, as we found him/her?" or "We left him/her praying as we found him/her praying?"

You decide how you want your case presented to Allah.

My dear brothers and sisters: Al deenu naseeha (The religion is advice) and advice profits the believers, so I leave you with the following -- the greatest advice ever given, the words of Allah.
Say: "My Lord hath commanded justice; and that ye set your whole selves (to Him) at every time and place of prayer, and call upon Him, making your devotion sincere as in His sight: such as He created you in the beginning, so shall ye return." 7:029
And: Say: "Truly, my prayer and my service of sacrifice, my life and my death, are (all) for Allah, the Cherisher of the Worlds: 6:162

Islam & Science

If scientific culture in the Muslim world has changed since the golden era of Islamic science, so has the practice of Islam. Reintroducing knowledge and creativity requires a revival of both...

Seven tips for improving your relationship with the Qur'an

Are you one of those people who rarely touches the Qur'an? Or do you read daily, but don't find it is having the impact on you that it should? Whatever the case may be, these are some simple tips that can help you connect with the Qur'an.

1. Before you touch it, check your heart. The key to really benefiting from the Qur'an is to check your heart first, before you even touch Allah's book. Ask yourself, honestly, why you are reading it. Is it to just get some information and to let it drift away from you later? Remember that the Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) was described by his wife as a "walking Qur'an": in other words, he didn't just read and recite the Qur’an, he lived it.

2. Do your Wudu (ablution). Doing your Wudu is good physical and mental preparation to remind you you're not reading just another book. You are about to interact with God, so being clean should be a priority when communicating with Him.

3. Read only 5 minutes everyday. Too often, we think we should read Qur'an for at least one whole hour. If you aren't in the habit of reading regularly, this is too much. Start off with just five minutes daily. If you took care of step one, Insha Allah (God willing), you will notice that those five minutes will become ten, then half an hour, then an hour, and maybe even more!

4. Make sure you understand what you've read. Five minutes of reading the Qur'an in Arabic is good, but you need to understand what you're reading. Make sure you have a good translation of the Qur'an in the language you understand best. Always try to read the translation of what you've read that day.

5. Remember, the Qur'an is more interactive than a CD. In an age of "interactive" CD-Roms and computer programs, a number of people think books are passive and boring. But the Qur'an is not like that. Remember that when you read Qur'an, you are interacting with Allah. He is talking to you, so pay attention.

6. Don't just read, listen too. There are now many audio cassettes and CDs of the Qur'an, a number of them with translations as well. This is great to put on your walkman or your car's CD or stereo as you drive to and from work. Use this in addition to your daily Qur'an reading, not as a replacement for it.

7. Make Dua (supplication). Ask Allah to guide you when you read the Qur'an. Your aim is to sincerely, for the love of Allah, interact with Him by reading, understanding and applying His blessed words. Making Dua to Allah for help and guidance will be your best tool for doing this