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Reflections |
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In the Name of Allah,
the Most Gracious,
the Ever
Merciful
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Never Forget your Poor Relatives
A young, poor friend of
mine came to see me from a place some seventy kilometers from Lahore. He did
inform me on the phone that morning about his arrival. Incidentally, I had a
particularly busy schedule to pursue that day. Plus, I must admit, I was not
extremely enthusiastic about the prospect of his visit anyway. I therefore
asked him not to come. Probably he had dropped the phone line before I could
complete my statement. He arrived later in the day. I avoided meeting him.
However, he finally made it into my office despite my best efforts. I didn’t
greet him politely, although I did inquire about his welfare and that of his
family. He informed me that the ‘khoka’ (kiosk) business that he had started
recently was doing reasonably well. He asked me to help him out financially
to enable him to install a simple water-pulling motor to ease the water
crisis his family was facing. He said that he also needed money to get a
simple arrangement of toilet installed within his home to make things easier
for his aging mother. The total amount he requested to get both jobs done
was rupees six thousand. I had the amount with me but I refused to oblige
him, since, I thought, I didn’t like the way he came all the way to Lahore
without getting my prior permission. He, therefore, had to go back,
unsuccessful in his mission. I did realize later that what I had done to him
was very inappropriate. The way I behaved with him was completely against
the spirit of Islamic teachings. I did make some attempt to seek forgiveness
from God Almighty.
Two days later, when I was coming back from downtown, a car made an attempt
to overtake mine from the wrong side. It was an old, huge machine and the
driver, it seems, was unaware of the large size of the ship he was
navigating. The result was that during the overtaking mission, he didn’t
allow enough space to his car to go past mine and consequently, on
overtaking, some part of the front portion of my car’s body could be seen
hanging on the back of that ‘sixty year old monster’. It all happened so
swiftly that I could neither follow the car nor was I able to read its
registration number. On my return home, I immediately contacted my mechanic
who advised me to get the car repaired as soon as possible. The job was done
within twenty four hours. When I asked for the bill, his response was
shocking: It was exactly rupees six thousand. I felt as if God Almighty was
right in front of me, telling me this: ‘Do you think I Myself couldn’t have
helped My servant who came to you from a far off place, asking for that
amount? I have enough resources at my disposal to take care of all My
creation. I just wanted to provide you with the opportunity to help My
servant out in his trouble with the resources I had Myself provided you
with. It wasn’t he who came to you; it was, in fact, I, your God, Who came
to ask for help. And you rejected My request. That’s why I deprived you of
the exact amount you refused to give to my servant. Don’t ever try to
imagine in future that what you have belongs to you. It’s all My blessings.
Avail them within decent limits. But don’t forget to share them with your
fellow human beings who I have given less just to test their and your faith
in Me.’ I was really embarrassed. It’s amazing how God Almighty is able to
control every part of His creation in such a subtle way that while on the
one hand we are under the impression that we are taking our own decisions,
but the truth of the matter is that God Almighty, despite our independent
decision making, is completely in charge, doing whatever He wants to:
And Allah has full
power and control over His affairs; but most among mankind know it not.
(12:21)
Author:
Dr. Khalid Zaheer
URL:
http://www.renaissance.com.pk/auged2y1.html
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In this
Issue |
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Reflections
* Never Forget your
Poor Relatives
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Read & Reflect
* Belief in the Angels
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Debate & Discuss
* Discussion Forum:
The Prayer
return
to the top ^
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Express & Explain
*General Discussion
Forum: The National
Council of Imams &
Masjid
return
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Pause & Ponder
* The
Qur'an & Wudu
return
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Announcements
*
Renaissance Reader
Club UK
*
Successful
Participants
Recent
Additions
* Articles
* Q n As
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Spot on Site
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Read and Reflect |
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Belief in the Angels
الْحَمْدُ لِلَّهِ فَاطِرِ السَّمَاوَاتِ وَالْأَرْضِ جَاعِلِ الْمَلَائِكَةِ
رُسُلًا أُولِي أَجْنِحَةٍ مَّثْنَى وَثُلَاثَ وَرُبَاعَ يَزِيدُ فِي الْخَلْقِ مَا
يَشَاء إِنَّ اللَّهَ عَلَى كُلِّ شَيْءٍ قَدِيرٌ (١:٤٥)
Gratitude is for God only,
Creator of the heavens and the earth, He who has made the angels as messengers,
with two, three or four wings. He increases His creation according to His will.
Indeed, God has power over all things. (35:1)
The beings through whom the
Almighty sends down His directives for His creation are called angels. The
Qur’ān uses the word
المَلائِكَة
(al-malā’ikah) for them, which is a plural of the word
مَلَك
(malak), and the word
مَلَك
(malak) itself has sprung from
مَلاَك
(malāk). The word means
“a messenger”. In the above quoted verses, the Qur’ān itself has alluded to the
fact that the word malā’ikah has been chosen for them to connote this very
meaning. Consequently, it is evident from the Qur’ān that it is through the
angels that communication between this world and the one beyond it is
established, and the Almighty is running the affairs of this world through them.
The way this is done is that whatever directive they receive from the Almighty
is implemented by them as His obedient subordinates. Their own intention or
exercise of authority is not involved in this process in any way. They are an
embodiment of obedience and are busy all the time in glorifying Him and in
celebrating His praises and never disobey Him in the slightest of way:
وَالْمَلآئِكَةُ وَهُمْ لاَ يَسْتَكْبِرُونَ يَخَافُونَ رَبَّهُم مِّن فَوْقِهِمْ
وَيَفْعَلُونَ مَا يُؤْمَرُونَ (١٦: ٤٩-٥٠)
And they are not defiant to
the slightest and fear their Lord, who is above them and do exactly as they are
bidden. (16:49-50)
While explaining the reasons
for which man has been asked to profess belief in the angels, Imām Amīn Ahsan
Islāhī writes:
An inseparable part of
faith in divine books and in prophets is faith in the angels. Without believing
in the angels the channel between God and His prophets is rendered ambiguous and
unclear. This ambiguity not only conceals an important step in the means of
communicating guidance and knowledge but is also responsible in leading mankind
astray in matters of divine guidance. Mankind has always acknowledged that there
is a God and has also conceded that if there is a God then He should inform them
of His likings; however, when He does not come before us face to face and we are
not able to directly view Him, then the question arises about the means through
which He communicates His guidance and directives to His creatures. If for this
purpose, He selects certain outstanding individuals, who are called prophets and
messengers, then the same question also arises about them: How does He
communicate His directives to them? Does He come face to face with them or
adopts some means for this purpose? The answer to this question is that the
means through which God communicates with His creation is wahī (divine
revelation), which He sends down through His angels, in particular, the exalted
angel, Gabriel. These angels are the noblest and most superior of God’s
creatures. They have the ability to directly acquire wahī from the Almighty … it
is because of this strong connection of the angels with prophets and divine
revelation that in order to profess faith in the prophets of God and in His
books, it is essential that faith be professed in them as well. They are
entrusted with the responsibility of communicating between God and His prophets
and messengers and viewed thus they are essential as they are the only creatures
which are able to have equal communication with both this world and the one
beyond it. Because they are made from light, they are able to bear the glow and
radiance of God and because they have been created they are also able to
maintain communication with human beings. Except for them, no creature can
attain this level of nearness with the Almighty. Hence it was deemed necessary
that besides professing faith in prophets and messengers, faith should also be
professed in messengers who can mediate and communicate between God and His
messengers.
Topic URL: http://www.studying-islam.org/courselist.aspx
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Debate and Discuss: |
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Discussion Forum: The Prayer
Module 1: The Prayer
Waseem
Page 2 point 4. During the prayer, hair and
clothes should not be tempered with. The Prophet sws is reported to have said:"
I have been directed to prostate myself on seven limbs and to not tuck my
clothes and hair during the prayer."
Could you clarify what prostrating on seven limbs
means?
Waseem
PAGE 3 states about the prayer " The first thing that originates from faith is
the prayer, and then it is from the prayer that the rest of Islam originates.
The foremost pillar among the pillars on which the edifice of Islam rests is the
prayer."
I thought the first thing that originated from
faith was Tawheed and the concept of Oneness of God as stated in the Kalimah and
designated as the first pillar of Islam. Salat is the second designated pillar
and the first practical manifestation of faith.
Please correct my understanding on this
Waseem
Page 3 " If he shows laziness in prayer or is indifferent to it, he breaks all
bounds set by religion and hands over his reins to BASE desires."
Bro! is it supposed to be BASELESS desires?
Waseem
bro! I could not find seriosity in my dictionary.
Please correct me if I am wrong.
Mujahid (Moderator)
Will answer your queries on this module soon,
Insha'Allah.
Tawheed is faith and
prayer is the ultimate expression of faith.
Base desires here
means shallow desires. In my view the expression is correct.
Quote "The first
thing that originates from faith is the prayer, and then it is from the prayer
that the rest of Islam originates. The foremost pillar among the pillars on
which the edifice of Islam rests is the prayer."
Tawheed is faith and prayer is the ultimate
expression of faith.
So what is the first thing originating from faith
Tawheed or prayer?
Base desires here
means shallow desires. In my view the expression is correct.
Bro! I beg to differ with either the choice of word
or its application i.e the meaning derived from it. Many thanks for the
explanation
Am I correct in
saying that saying salaat 5 times daily is Sunnah but the contents and manner of
salaat does not constitute sunnah as it does not fulfil ijma and tawatur of
Ummah.
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Express and Explain: |
General
Discussion Forum:
The National Council of Imams
and Masajid
The National
Council of Imams and Masajid
British Government has been frustrated that a large number of Imams were born
and educated in Pakistan, speak limited English, but well versed in their mother
tongues, Arabic, Urdu and Farsi, making it difficult for the Government to know
what is going on in the Masajid. The drive to encourage British Muslims to
become Islamic clerks and to teach English to Imams is planned by British
establishment with the help of so called Muslim leaders. Imams were accused of
being out me grown”. The home grown Imams are neither well versed in English nor
in Urdu or in other community languages. The Imams from the Sub-continent must
be freely allowed to come to satisfy the spiritual social and emotional.
In reality, Islam isn’t about beliefs, it’s also about culture and identity.
According to BNP, Islam has become a toxic racial proxy. Atheists and
fundamentalist Christians are using popular slogans to incite against Muslims
whom they see as the new source of danger for Europe. Pope Urban 11 in 1099
called the faithful to join the first Crusade and expel the Muslims from the
Holy Land. It is now high time to react once again and defend Western
civilizations as well as everything else which is threatened by radical
Koran-Islam. The modern Crusades plan to save western civilization from
Islamisation. Islamophobia is a deliberate defamation of Islam and
discrimination and intolerance against Muslims. It is the worst type of
terrorism the world has ever witnessed. British education system has already
eradicated the languages of the young generation of Muslims. Now the British
establishment is trying to kick out Urdu and other community languages from the
Masajid. Bilingualism is an asset and not a problem.
Education experts say that a celebration on community languages in schools is
one way of riding Britain of its reputation as the world’s language “dunce” and
promoting better relations between different ethnic groups. The study of such
languages is considered important for the future health of the economy. Research
by CILT shows a revolution in the take-up of non-traditional languages in
secondary schools. Experts say promoting community languages could also persuade
native Brits to take an interest in them. The linguistic map of Britain was
changing, with multi-linguals spreading from typically multi-ethnic areas to
more “traditional” parts. By encouraging children to develop their existing
knowledge we will be building up an important skills base as well as raising
educational achievement. There is a huge body of research testify to the
benefits that bilingualism has for educational development. The future of
Britain is multi-lingual, and this needs to be reflected in the school
curriculum.
Unfortunately with the rise of anti-immigrant sentiment, racism and Islamophobia,
bilingualism has been neglected and ignored intentionally. Article 29 of the
Convention on the Rights of a child states that “the education of the child
should be directed to the development of respect for the child’s parents, his or
her own cultural identity, languages and values.” Article 30 states that “a
child belonging to an (ethnic, religious or linguistic minority) should be
educated in a manner that affirmatively acknowledges their native language
abilities as well as ensures their acquisition of English. The Education Act of
1944 clearly states that children should be educated according to the needs and
demands of the parents. The silent majority of Muslim parents would like to send
their children to state Muslim schools. Dcsf and OFSTED must take the
responsibility that all schools must abide by the human rights issues.
Iftikhar Ahmad
www.londonschoolofislamics.org.uk
We believe
that the criteria of imams' selection should be based on knowledge,
communication skills and non-sectarianism rather than on geographical grounds.
quote:
We believe
that the criteria of imams' selection should be based on knowledge,
communication skills and non-sectarinism rather than on geographical grounds.
Give us the
reference otherwise!
I'm not sure
what reference do you need from Qur'an & Sunnah. Please Explain.
criteria of imams' selection
1. should be based on knowledge.
2. communication skills.
Theses two reference only.
Qur’an gives
laws in the matters where there is a risk that common sense can err.
We have asked you to give reference otherwise! So do that without wasting any
further time as before.
If you are really interested in further details, you may check out our special
issue
'The Islamic shariah of Preaching' Feb 07
http://www.monthly-renaissance.com/issue/viewissue.aspx?id=2
I endorse
here the following quote of tilawat somewhere.
I am sorry to say that the site you referred me to is, in my view, a blatant
misinterpretation of the Quran Hakeem and Hadees with intention only……….
I wonder why
would one require a proof for such a common sense issue. In fact, it is not even
an issue. Aren't knowledge and communication skills the basic qualities expected
from any teacher? Why would Imams be treated differently?
About the article, I haven't read it but there was no objection raised. Just
disregarding anything without presenting your stance with arguments is a strange
behaviour!
Dear oosnam
well, everyone has the freedom to form an opinion about any thing as he's
answerable to God only on the Last Day.
Never the Less, Ii would like to ask that would you mind highlighting some
points that have lead you to have such a strict opinion about that Site?
I do hope that you'll start a positive discussion (here or by creating a new
topic) where everyone will describe the basis of his/her pt. of view.
اللهم ارنا الحق حقا
وارزقنا اتباعه وارنا الباطل باطلا وارزقنا اجتنابه
See:
http://www.studying-islam.org/forum/topic.aspx?topicid=2812&lang=&forumid=1
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Pause
and Ponder: |
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The Qur'an and Wudu
Question asked by
Saleem Ahmad.
Posted on: Wednesday, February 28, 2007 -
Hits: 403
Question:
Can the Holy Qur'an be recited
without ablution (wudu)?
Answer:
The Holy Qur'an has directed the
believers to be in the state of `wudu' when they pray. They are not asked to be
in that condition for any other purpose, although it encourages its readers to
remember Allah as much as is possible. We cannot, therefore, escape from
concluding that the condition of `wudu' as a binding necessity is applicable
only for prayers and not for other forms of remembering Allah, including
recitation of the Holy Qur'an.
It should not be construed from the above conclusion that `wudu' has no role in
religious activities other than prayers. By formally washing one's self in the `wudu',
one gets a feeling of spiritual purification which puts one in an ideal frame of
mind to remember Allah and to ward off evil suggestions of the devil. It is,
therefore, highly preferable to attain that feeling on all occasions of
remembering the Almighty---more significantly while reciting the Holy Qur'an. To
declare it a binding obligation, however, we need a clear guidance from the Book
of Allah or the Sunnah of the Prophet (sws).
The verse of the Holy Qur'an normally presented to prove that `wudu' is a
binding pre-condition for touching the Holy Book can be translated thus: `Only
they can touch it who are pure' (56:79). A casual but objective look at its
context, however, would suffice to reveal that the verse is meant to dispel the
doubts raised by the disbelievers that the Qur'an was inspired by the devil's
army of jins. The verse very firmly shrugs off the charge---as has been done on
several occasions elsewhere in the Qur'an---by informing the reader that none
from the satanic gang was allowed entry to anywhere near the place of its
revelation and that those who were made responsible to discharge the extremely
important job of carrying the revelation to the Prophet (sws) were purified
angels. How can the pre-condition of `wudu' for touching the Qur'an be
accommodated in this context without completely disregarding the existence of
coherence in its verses as has been unfortunately done by most people.
regards
Dr Khalid Zaheer
see: http://www.studying-islam.org/querytext.aspx?id=684
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Announcements: |
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Renaissance Readers Club UK
Youth & Community Centre
Darvills Lane
SL1 2PH
Phone: (00441753) 201298 Fax: (00441753) 822103
email :renpriority@hotmail.com
URL::
http://www.monthly-renaissance.com
Renaissance
Readers Club UK joined the Mosques and Imams National
Advisory Board UK (MINAB)
to finalize the Draft Constitution on 29th Nov 07 in London.
The Club has presented the special issue of it’s monthly journal Renaissance
“Islamic Shariah of Preaching” which outlines the desired standards for an Imam
of a mosque, sincerity being the first.
The Club has also registered it’s recommendation with the Board to add a clause
to the constitution which demands representation of at least one woman member
and one youth member in all UK Mosque Committees.
Successful Participants
|
ID |
Course
Name |
Country |
Grade |
|
7717 |
Arrangement of the Qur'an |
USA |
E+ |
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8354 |
Family and Marriage:
Related Issues |
India |
C+ |
|
1284 |
Islamic Customs and
Etiquette |
Canada |
B+ |
|
8433 |
Norms of Gender Interaction |
Pakistan |
A |
|
5522 |
Revelation of the Qur'an |
USA |
B |
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957 |
The Prayer |
UK |
A+ |
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8379 |
The Prayer |
USA |
C |
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8371 |
The Prayer |
USA |
C+ |
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8195 |
The Religion of Islam |
USA |
C+ |
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8333 |
The Religion of Islam |
Malaysia |
A+ |
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8029 |
Theme of the Qur'an |
New Zealand |
B |
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280 |
Understanding Islamic
Political Directives |
USA |
B+ |
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5547 |
Understanding the Sunnah |
Singapore |
B |
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7594 |
Understanding the Sunnah |
Pakistan |
F |
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