How Wrong are the Idol Worshipers

One of the oldest form of worshiping is idolatry. People since time immemorial gave various shapes to their gods and have been worshiping them since, even till today. Idolatry is thus defined as "Idolatry literally means the worship of an "idol", also known as a worship cult image, in the form of a physical image, such as a statue or icon." idolatry is most prominent in Hinduism and Buddhism. While Buddhists only worship the idols of Buddha, the Hindus have a large number of idols for each season, reason and purpose, similar to the pagans of Makkah before the advent of Islam. It is said that at the time of fall of Makkah, there were over 360 idols of varying sizes in and around Ka'ba.

In Abrahamic religions, namely Christianity, Islam and Judaism, idolatry connotes the worship of something or someone other than God as if it were God and is strictly prohibited. The essence of Abrahamic religions is in fact hinges on the worship of unseen God and making image or idols of God is considered as a great sin.

The children of Israel defied the commandments of Allah when in the absence of Prophet Musa (Moses, peace be upon him), they carved out a 'god' made of gold in the form of a calf and started worshiping it. When the Prophet Musa returned as saw his people have betrayed him and the message he had brought to them and gone astray, he got furious and destroyed the calf and Allah's wrath fell on those who did that heinous sin. 

Despite forbiddance of idolatry, the Catholics worship the idols, something that Muslims and Protestant Christians don't approve of and condemn the Catholic veneration and statues of the Virgin Mary in many churches, as a form of idolatry, despite clear commandment on the subject:

Ye shall make you no idols nor graven image, neither rear you up a standing image, neither shall ye set up any image of stone in your land, to bow down unto it: for I am the Lord your God. Ye shall keep my sabbaths, and reverence my sanctuary. [Leviticus 26:1–2, King James Bible]

It is irony that that those who worship and support idolatry have blamed Muslims to be idolaters for they claim that Muslims worship the Moon-god or even their Prophet Muhammad (peace  be upon him). While such claims are absurd as Muslims neither worship any moon-god or even the last of the prophets Muhammad (peace  be upon him), instead Muslims worship none other than One Allah and do not include anyone in Allah's domain as have all Divine religions been doing since Prophet Adam (peace be upon him). It is Christians that came up with the concept of Trinity to make God in three, which is totally incorrect and even against teachings of the Bible. We have written many posts on this issue to refute any charges against Islam for Islam is far above worldly gods and idol worshiping. Please read our posts on the subject at references [2,3,4] given below.

Those who worship idols often object to the teachings of Islam which forbid idolatry and  question that how can a majority of the people of the world be wrong in worshiping idols. You mat like to know the answer to a such like question by Dr A Naik, the eminent Muslim scholar who is an authority on all religions of the world, specially Islam:

Let us pray and worship the unseen Allah, whose power and creation can be felt and realized by looking around us and find answers in the nature He has created for us rather than worshiping god carved of stones unable to move or respond, and abstain from the sin of shirk (equating anyone else with the One and Only Allah).

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The Benefits of Ablution (wudu) - The Science now Understands

Prayer (Salah) is the second most important pillar of Islam. It is obligatory five times a day on all able bodied Muslim men and women. When a Muslim stands to offer the prayer, he/she in fact is standing in front of Allah and is in direction communication to one's true Creator. Therefore one has to be in highest state of purity for one may not dare taking to one's Creator with a soiled body and clothes.

The washing of body parts is called "wudu" or the ablution is thus mandatory before one stands to offer one's obligatory prayers.  Wudu involves washing the hands, mouth, nostrils, arms, head and feet with water. The detailed procure to perform wudu has already been explained in one of our earlier posts "How to perform Wudu (Ablution) before offering prayers (As salat).

O ye who believe! when ye prepare for prayer, wash your faces, and your hands (and arms) to the elbows; Rub your heads (with water); and (wash) your feet to the ankles. If ye are in a state of ceremonial impurity, bathe your whole body. But if ye are ill, or on a journey, or one of you cometh from offices of nature, or ye have been in contact with women, and ye find no water, then take for yourselves clean sand or earth, and rub therewith your faces and hands, Allah doth not wish to place you in a difficulty, but to make you clean, and to complete His favour to you, that ye may be grateful. [Surah Al-Ma'ida, Sura 5, Ayah 6]

Although Muslims have been performing wudu since it was first taught to the newly Muslims through a Divine commandment in the Holy Quran as quoted above, it is not until recently that scientist have started to understand the philosophy of wudu and its impact not only on human body but its deep rooted purification of soul and effects that it creates.

The importance of ablution is so much important that even if there is not water available or those who are unable to perform wudu with water, due to skin disease, a disability or lack of clean water, etc. are recommended to perform "tayammum", or the "dry ablution", using sand or dust instead of water. Such an alternative form of ritual purity may also be accepted in cases where one fears the acquisition of hypothermia in cold weather.

Please watch the video below and see the health and spiritual benefits of wudu, which have a telling effect on the human mindset other than purification to offer As Salah:

You may have now realized after watching this video that nothing in Islam is meaningless and all commandments and directions given out by Allah Almighty in the Holy Qur'an have a definite meaning and effect that not only Muslims, but even the non Muslims too have started to understand and emulate in their daily lives.

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If We Only Had Time

Sometime back, I visited my city of birth and had plans to call on one of my long lost friends. When I had just reached my guest room, I received a message that my friend had passed away moments ago. I was simply stunned to read the message - but he did not have time more than what was granted to him. I went to his funeral and was thinking that while I had come for some other purpose but Allah had actually called me to  attend my friend's funeral.

We commence each day of our life with renewed vigour and aspirations to do many things. Most of us are worried about earning more than yesterday to realise many of our unfinished plans or to buy a better living for our family and children. And most of our lives is spent in such pursuits. But what we normally forget is the bitter fact that while we may have wealth, would we have TIME?

Life is all about time, not wealth, for Allah has promised us that He would make arrangements for our sustenance and living. But He never promises us to give TIME for it may run out of our lives in the click forward of second showing hand of of our watches.

Stressing the importance of time for the Muslims, the Almighty Allah says in the Holy Quran: “By time, indeed, mankind is in loss, Except for those who have believed and done righteous deeds and advised each other to truth and advised each other to patience.” (Quran, Surah Al Asr 103: 1-3).

Surely indeed, those who make best use of their time and are never ignorant of their prayers, and righteous deeds to please Allah by remaining on the straight path and helping others and always keep in mind that time may run out of their lives at anytime - a time that will come unannounced. So a true Muslim should be ready all the time to face the day when the time will stop clicking for him.

Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) has been quoted as saying: “Take advantage of five matters before five other matters: your youth before you become old; your health, before you fall sick; your wealth, before you become poor; your free time before you become preoccupied, and your life, before your death” (Musnad Imam Ahmad). All these five things hinge on time. For as long as all is going well, we do not know of the hard times that can befall on us at any time. This cautions us to be ready not only to brave out bad times, bad health, or loss of wealth and last of all the time when the life may end suddenly.

So be ready for the end time and always pray for your forgiveness, continuously seek repentance for one's sins or follies and times aimlessly spent in leisure that took us from remembering Allah. Remember, Time is running out !!

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Three Intentions that can turn your earnings into 'Ibadah (worship)

There are always two ways of doing the same thing: For own leisure and pleasure or to please Allah. And anything we do as a Muslim and firm believer with the intention of pleasing Allah or walk they way as we have been commanded and directed by the Allah, we are blessed in many ways like increase in our earnings, shower of blessings on our families beside being rewarded in the hereafter.

In fact Islam is a unique religion in which everything done with the intention of thanking Allah for having given us the ability to walk His ways and to please Him by doing so. And one's earning money is no exception. If our intention to earn money, from legitimate means only, is to:

• Fulfill one's daily needs - This is important as if one if not healthy and energetic, he will not be able to sustain his dependent family.
• Take care of all needs of family dependent on him - this should include their needs like food, shelter, clothing, education, health and entertainment.
• Helping the poor and needy and spending in way of Islam. (And give them something yourselves out of the wealth of Allah which He has bestowed upon you. [ Al Quran Surah An-Nur, 24:33]) - We have already written a detailed post on charity, both obligatory (zakat) and voluntary. One should not forget one's poor relatives, neighbours and others in need of financial assistance. A part of one's earning should be devoted to this and one should make an intention that whatever one would earn, a portion of it will be diverted for the wellbeing and welfare of people not dependent on him. 

Then whatever we earn and spend in the rightful way will be considered as Ibadah (worship) for these three intentions to earn money and to sustain not only self, one's dependent family and helping the needy and the poor is in fact the only purpose of life of a believing Muslim. So have noble intentions of earning money with the aim that “I am earning so as to eat well to gain strength to be able to worship Allah and do good deeds for His sake and to earn His pleasure.” A Muslim is obliged to keep himself from abuse to fulfill the obligations as well as try to keep the priority in everything, including in money matters. 

However, if the intention of earning money is to amass wealth, even if earned through legitimate means, for one's leisure and worldly pleasures, or to to show off one's status based on one's wealth and with the intention of lowering others by such manner, one has lost the opportunity to make his earning turn into 'Ibadah (worship).

It must be remembered that whenever one transgress the limits to fulfill any desires other than the three listed above, one is likely to get into illegitimate means of earning money. Abu Huraira, one of the most revered companions of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), has narrated that the Prophet said: A time will come upon the people when one will not care how one gains one's money, legally or illegally. (Bukhari).And this would only happen when one is running after any means to earn money much beyond one's needs to squander it in acts of pomp and show and extravagance to over awe and impress others.

This is unfortunate that today many billionaire Muslims are seen squandering money by booking entire hotels, airplanes or ships for just a few of his family or friends. In one case for the foreign trip of a king of a Muslim country, the gold plated stair case had been transported so that the king could come down from the plane. In an other case, the brother of Muslim king has a such a big fleet of most expensive cars, that even if he he rides one car a day it would be years before the entire fleet would have been driven. 

Believe in Allah and His Messenger (Muhammad), and spend of that whereof He has made you trustees. And such of you as believe and spend (in Allah’s Way), theirs will be a great reward. [ Surah Al-Hadid, 57:7]

So the extravagant rulers and others forget that they have been made trustee of the money which belongs to their the people and squander it away for their own ease and leisure. Such are the acts of  pomp and show which have the Prophet of Allah had us forewarned. and remember this money is not their earned money but usurped from the money from taxing people or taking profit from the natural resources Allah has given them to be used for the welfare of their people.

Abu Said related that the Prophet said: The truthful and trustworthy businessman will be in the company of Prophets, saints and martyrs on the Day of Judgment. (Darimi, Tirmidhi)

So think over what and how you earn and with what intentions. For any foul intentions, you will be certainly questioned on the Day of Justice. So cleanse your thoughts and intentions as regard to earning your livelihood and turn into in  'Ibadah (worship), rather than making it a bane for you not only in this world but in the hereafter too.

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What is the Importance of Charity in Islam

Charity is one of the main pillars of Islam to ensure sustenance of those who cannot make their ends meet. Thus by means of charity those who have been blessed with wealth can look after those who cannot live a life and sustain their families. In fact, in Islam, charity is a way to bring balance in society, among poor and the riches. Charity thus is a responsibility of every Muslim to share his wealth with his poor Muslim brethren so that they too could live their lives comfortably. By sacrificing part of one’s wealth and giving it in charity, an individual can not only help in aiding needy from tragedy and misfortune, but can also hope to be protected from difficult times.

In the Holy Qur'an the Divine commandment reads:

“Those who spend their wealth in Allah’s cause are like grains of corn which produce seven ears, each bearing a hundred grains.” (Surah Al Baqarah, 2:261)

Zakat is an obligatory charity incumbent upon all those who earn wealth up to a certain threshold level or have gold, silver or property which is above a prescribed limit, which must be given to the state for equal distribution among the needy. Zakat amounts to 2.5% of all net yearly savings which includes the worth of jewelery. 

However, one must NOT restrict oneself to obligatory charity only, rather one who has any amount above one's needs should give away charity in the name of Allah to those who need it badly more than one himself. Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), though hard pressed himself many a times, did not restrict his giving hand and always tried to help the poor Muslims around him. The Prophet of Allah has been oft quoted as saying: 

“Give charity without delay, for it stands in the way of calamity.” (Al-Tirmidhi)

“A charity is due for every joint in each person on every day the sun comes up: to act justly between two people is a charity; to help a man with his mount, lifting him onto it or hoisting up his belongings onto it, is a charity; a good word is a charity; and removing a harmful thing from the road is a charity.” (Al-Bukhari, Muslim) 

“Even Your smile for your brother is a charity. Your removal of stones, thorns or bones from the paths of people is a charity. Your guidance of a person who is lost is a charity.” (Bukhari)

Even a glass of drinking water to your thirsty brother is charity. 

The above hadith says it all. One doesn't have to be rich to give charity; even smiling at one's brother can be a charity or even removing a hurdle from a thoroughfare with the intention of paving way for others also comes under the purview of charity. And every act done to help other will have a reward in the hereafter. The Prophet said: “The believer’s shade on the Day of Resurrection will be his charity.” (Al-Tirmidhi).

So this is the spirit of giving charity in Islam that paves way to bring financial justice in any Muslim society. In one case one of the the governors in Caliph Umer's time started sending the money collected through zakat to the central treasury. The Caliph got annoyed on such reimbursement and asked the governor as to why he was not spending the charity money on his own people. The governor replied that he had been doing so but those receiving the charity have become so well off that they have themselves started giving charity. Sine there was no more people to be given charity to, he was reimbursing the surplus money so that it could be sued elsewhere. 

This is the very concept and philosophy of charity in Islam, which teaches us to look after each other, should make our giving hands always expendable to the poor and be thankful to Allah for being so fortunate that they are in a position to help others rather than always vying to fill up our coffers. and such acts of charity should be done quietly without boasting one's act of giving away as a show off of ones wealth. Rather such acts be undertaken in extreme humbleness for the rewards rests with Allah and no one else.

"O believers! Void not your charities by boasting of your favours conferred and injuring, like him who spent his wealth for showing to people and believes not in Allah and Last Day. Then the example of him is like that of a smooth rock on which is dust of earth; now a heavy rain fell upon it leaving it a bare stone. They shall have no control on anything of what they have earned and Allah guides not the infidels."[Surah Al Baqarah 2: 264]

There are many charity organizations around the world which receive charity, whether obligatory (zakat) or voluntary, and spend on the welfare of poor in some down trodden areas and even the war torn countries of the Muslim world. Some are doing very notable and admirable job. However, care must be taken to not to give charity to organizations which support terrorism, for supporting terrorism has never been propagated by Islam.

Recently I came across a video I am sharing below of a woman in Pakistan, who is sustaining poor people entirely on her own for last 35 years - something that I haven't seen well to do people who have money that can feed thousands of people everyday. These are the people who have their rewards resting with Allah and will be honoured for their charitable acts merely to please Allah and serve His people. 


Watch in wonder how this woman feeds hundreds of hungry people from her home, watch the video below with English captions:

Remember, it's not too late, we should be giving - give it a try !!

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Astrology and Islam

Everyday in the newspapers a section on Zodiac signs appears and tell the readers how the day would be as per the particular Zodiac sign of the reader - and let me tell you this is one of the most read section by a large segment of the people for they believe that movement of stars at a particular time of hour, day, week, month or year will have telling effect on their business, social life and worldly affairs. 

In fact the astrology is so popular among a large section of our society that they do not take decisions like naming children, marriages, business deals and travel plans unless they have consulted an astrologist or have read books on astrology to find he best dates to perform a certain task or undertake an engagement.

In recent times, polytheistic astrology has dramatically spread, and it has become a means of distorting people's belief in Allah. Private institutes have been founded, books, magazines and newspapers are published, under various titles such as What's in the Stars for You?, Constellations and many others in order to advertise such a seductive commodity that often appeals to the uneducated public.

But the question is: Do stars and their movement shape our destinies? Many would answer in positive for it has become a general belief that stars, their position at a particular time and their movement has telling effect on our lives and since it is scientifically proved that that astrology does effect our lives, there is no harm in believing in astrology and makes one's decisions of life. But here a question arise: If astrology had all the answers about in one's life, what about the beliefs and faiths? Where does the belief in God goes who is the master of the universe and without whose nod, nothing moves or happens? 

Honestly speaking, Islam forbids all forms of fortune or future telling, whether it is based on astrology or palm readings. Although many things do happen as predicted in astrology or what the lines on our palms mean, the fact of the matter is that believing so nullifies one's belief in God and faith that whatever happens to a person is because it is willed by God and not due to peculiarities of one's Zodiac sign.

Talking of astrology and its effect on one's life, Islam takes a serious note of it, for we firmly belove that it is none other than Allah who can bring about any good or evil in our lives and anyone who has a belief other than this is commuting a heinous act of sin of shirk. It goes outside our faith if we look for answers to our future and destiny in anything else other than the will of Allah.

This brings us to our faith in Allah and our future for no one is better future teller than the One who shapes our future and none else. Let us see what Allah says about future in the Holy Qur'an and true understanding of these verses should clear our minds and thoughts and belief in the fortune and future telling stemming from any other means than Allah Himself:

"If Allah helps you, none can overcome you! And if Allah forsakes you, who is there, then, after Allah that can help you? Therefore, the true believers should trust in Allah Alone." [Surah Ale Imran 3: verse 160]

Verily, the knowledge of the Hour is with Allah Alone. He it is Who sends down the rain, and He Alone knows what is taking shape in the wombs of the mothers. No living being knows what he will earn the next day, nor does any know in what land he is to die! Verily Allah is the All Knowing, Wise. [Surah Luqman 31:34] 

"Nothing will happen to us except what Allah has decreed for us: He is our Protector"; and on Allah let the believers put their trust. [Surah Taubah 9:51] 

And He has subjected for you the night and day and the sun and moon, and the stars are subjected by His command. Indeed in that are signs for a people who reason.[Surah An Nahl 16:12] 

"Say (O Muhammad) : Behold what is in the heaven and the earth! But revelations and warnings avail not folk who will not perceive." [Surah Yunus verse 101] 

However, Allah does give some knowledge of the future to His chosen ones: "(He Alone is) the All-Knower of the unseen, and He reveals to none His ghayb (unseen), except to a Messenger (from mankind) whom He has chosen. (He informs him of unseen as much as He likes), and then He makes a band of watching guards (agnels) to march before him and after him." [Surah Al-Jinn, 72:26-27] And Prophet Yousef  (Josef, peace be upon him) was gifted with this knowledge to interpret dreams and indications. Likewise, Prophet Idris (Enoch, peace be upon him ) was also blessed with his immense knowledge of heavenly sciences. In fact he is considered as the founder of the science of the stars, also called "ilm al nujum" in Arabic. And that he was supposedly known to be the first person to educate mankind that living creatures are under the influence of cosmic rays. But such knowledge as is said before has only been given to the chosen ones by Allah as signs of His full grasp on the affairs of the future.

The Prophet of Allah (ﷺ) has been quoted as saying as narrated  by Abu Hurayrah [Sahih Muslim Hadith 133]: "Don't you know what your Lord said? Your Lord observed: I (Allah) have never endowed My bondsmen with a favor, but a section amongst them disbelieved it, and said: stars, it was due to the stars.

At another place an incident has been quoted attributed to the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) in the Hadith book of Sahih Al-Bukhari [Hadith 1.807] narrated by Zaid bin Khalid Al Juhani that one day the Prophet Muhammad  (ﷺ) led us in the Fajr prayer at Hudaibiya after a rainy night. On completion of the prayer, the Prophet (ﷺ) faced the people and said, "Do you know what your Lord has said (revealed)?" The people replied, "Allah and His Messenger (ﷺ) know best." He (ﷺ) said, "Allah has said, 'In this morning some of my slaves remained as true believers and some became disbelievers; whoever said that the rain was due to the Blessings and the Mercy of Allah had belief in Me and disbelieved in the stars, and whoever said that it rained because of a particular star had no belief in Me but believes in that star!' 

It would also be pertinent to quote a particular occurrence from the life of Prophet Muhammad can be considered evidence of his opposition of theoretical views of the influence of heavenly bodies. Prophet Muhammad's only son died around the age of two, coincidently during a solar eclipse. It was perceived by the Arabic community that solar eclipse symbolized a bad omen. Prophet Muhammad wanted Arabs to eradicate the pre-Islamic era paganism and superstitious beliefs. Distraught by the death of his son, he gathered his community and told them that solar eclipse is an irrelevant event and does not occur in correlation to someone's birth or death. The experience of Prophet Muhammad is considered proof that there is no celestial influence or synchronicity between such phenomenon and human events. 

We have often observed that even the most prominent astrologers can't get precise in describing people and events simply because astrology is not designed for concrete predictions. Obviously, the reason behind the accuracy of some predictions is more than just a simple coincidence. We have ample examples of such predictions at the start of each year or on taking over a particular government - the claims are made and then fade away as most prove to be a fallacy.

Thus in the light of above verses from the Holy Qur'an and Hadiths attributed to the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), we have reason to believe that anyone who interprets the movement of stars and predicts future is in fact interfering into something which is the sole domain of Allah and it would be sheer ignorance on the part of humans to believe anyone else other than its creator for anything leave alone astrology.

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The Long and Winding Road (for Reverts)

Taking one's ultimate decision to accept Islam is just the tip of the iceberg for after taking one's shahada one is to travel a very long and winding road to keep one's newly acquired faith. In fact the life before taking the decision of reversion is very exciting as one has not tasted yet the tests and difficulties one would have to embrace and encounter after entering one's new faith. I have been reading many personal accounts of the those who reverted to Islam and found that their initial few years have been very tiring for suddenly the entire perception of life changes: From a carefree life lived for many years without following any rules, one suddenly finds himself bound in the rules of modest life, far from fanfares and sparking lights.

Thus I thought to write a few hazards of life after Shahada which if not braved with determination and resilience may leave one clueless and demoralize. And this is the stage when some lose heart and give in to the pressure from those near and dear ones of the older faith to fall back, yet again.

So before one takes one's ultimate decision to embrace Islam, one has to be prepared for the long and winding road that lays ahead and how to finally find the straight path to the truth. Reading one's account of reversion, I came to know a struggle and understanding Islam for almost ten long years before one took the decision to change faith. So one should not hurry up in changing one's faith of birth or thereafter to Islam as an emotional outburst - rather it should be a very cool and calculated decision weighing pros and cons of reversion and seeking answers to all question which a non Muslim can have, like the concept of Trinity, Original Sin and Baptism, and crucification of the Prophet Eesa, the Jesus Christ, peace be upon him. .

Now once the shahada has been taken, the life full of tests begins for which one should be adequately prepared by interacting with those who have been blessed with this reversion earlier. Herein under I append a few hurdles and tests along the winding road that one would immediately, which though would grow lesser and lesser as time goes by, but new tests creep in for which one should be mentally ready. 

• The first test is that of Loneliness. No sooner the news is broken, there is a sudden pull back of all near and dear ones, specially friends of decades, for obviously no one is prepared for a sudden outburst of shock wave that follow after the revelation of one's decision. Remember this the first test to ascertain your steadfastness and be assured that "No one is tested beyond their capability." If one has read the Muslim history before reversion, one would find how families were separated, sons from fathers and how the newly reverted were cornered and even tortured. But they all stood the test of time and were at last victorious. In once case one reverted lamented that before she took shahada, there were many Muslims around her or even attending her shahada taking ceremony. But soon after that the crowd went away for they had their jobs and families to attend to. Well that is obvious - everyone was trying to show here the path to the truth and when it was taken, it was a solo move forward. But I am sure one can always bank on the support of a few friends to move on.
• The Fallout on Parents is rather strong. Those who have reverted feel bad when their parents are being questioned by their relatives as to what weakness or shortcomings they had accrued in the bringing up of their children that resulted into leaving their faith of birth. Many feel responsible for the plight of their parents and a scene of remorse prevails on them which is sometimes very demoralizing.
• Losing Relations is most painful. In many personal accounts, I find such lamentations. In one case the reverted sister was robbed of her children and the judge at the court gave her two options: Come back to your faith you have left or lose your children. And I salute that sister who stood to her ground and gave away her children to her husband with a bleeding heart. It was after many years that Allah rewarded her for her steadfastness and not only her husband but children too embraced Islam and the family was reunited.
• Facing Intense Islamophobia is interestedly painful. One is followed, abused and even threatened and attacked by people who were their very own. Many people often take the reverted Muslims as radicals and jihadis. Though it is just a few who become radical for they may have had reverted by a group of extremists Muslims. 
• Losing jobs is one of the many threats that one faces, specially females because of their adherence to wearing khimar or the most commonly known hijab. One may have to find ways and means to adjust one's new attire in an environment where it is generally accepted but detested by some. One has to be very cool about it and may have to wade one's through with utmost care.
• Confronting many brands of Islam may surprise you. While one may me interacting with a select group before embracing Islam, one would come across many brands of Islam when one is in it. This should not distract you. In fact one should concentrate on the basics without going into too many details for there are always different interpretations of the same verse of Qur'an or Hadith. I for myself, though being a Muslim by birth, have never aliened myself to any brands. Become a practical Muslim and concentrate on basics that can take you through for many initial years. Of course by reading and differentiating between these brands by logic and discussions, one may adopt one particular brand. But ask me, it is not must at all.
• Changing names? Well one should not be in a hurry to adopt a Muslim name, which are mostly in Arabic, for Arabic is the language of Qur'an. But one must understand that name gives one's identity as a Muslim - so take time and may decide at your convenience when to to do it for a non Muslim name may be misleading at certain places which may embarrass a host or even yourself.

I could go on for list is very long and many sites can offer more details on the subject. Just remember that Islam is a  beautiful and wonderful way of life for it has been set forth for us by none other than Allah. So from day one must try to adopt a life which is according to the dictates of Islam. and remember, radicalism is certainly not what Islam teaches us or becoming out rightly emotional and volatile to defend one's decision. It is with love and patience that families of many reverts have come back to them and live happily despite following different faiths now. In some case whole families have followed suit and embraced Islam too.

So from now on you are a practical living ambassador of Islam.  Who else other than you can know the difference between two faiths and how to invite others to Islam. Wish you very best of luck to Islam and fear not of the winding road full of turns and bumps, for faith in Allah will lead you to the straight path - the path to ultimate truth, happiness and blessing. In Sha Allah (God Willing) !!

To read personal accounts of many a celebrity who have reverted to Islam, please visit our page: Embracing Islam: Revert Experiences.

Photo | References: | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 |

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A beautiful short message for Parents

Most of the parents are always worried about adequate sleep of their school going children and urge them to go to bed early so that they get up fresh and are not late for the school. This is because of the fact that we are more worried about the school education of our children while totally disregarding their spiritual education and training.

While surfing messages and posts on Twitter today, I came across a beautiful short but mind boggling message. It hit me so deeply that I thought of sharing it with my brother and sisters for it may invoke a new direction in their thinking, specially if they are a parents and have school going children.

The message read:

اپنے بچو کو یہ کہہ کر نہ سُلاٶ کہ بیٹاسو جاٶ کل سکول جانا ہے

 اس طرح ان میں دنیا کی طرف رغبت اور محبت زیادہ ہوگی

 بلکہ انھیں یہ کہہ کر سلاٶ کہ بیٹا سو جاٶ فجر بھی پڑھنی ہے

 اس سے دین سے محبت پیدا ہوگی۔

 الفاظ بدلو سوچ بدلے گی۔

For those who do not understand Urdu text / language, here is the English translation of this beautiful message:

"Do not ask your children to go to bed early for they have to go to school in the morning, for it would invoke in them the love for the world"

Instead tell them that they should go to the bed early for they have to offer the Fajr prayer early in the morning - this will invoke in them love for Deen and Islam"

Change your approach - it will affect a change in the perception of your children.

A simple message that may change the thinking of your children and would regulate their timings to offer prayers in time side by side going to the school in time and finishing home work early to hit the bed to get up early to offer Fajar prayers. Please ponder over it.

Photo | References: | @EParray  |

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Understanding Quran can Change Our Lives

I am a born Muslim, Alhamdolillah, and have been following my faith as best I can. But let me confide very candidly with my readers that beside reading the Holy Quran and its translation, I never ventured myself deep into the message and the commandments contained therein to under the philosophy and the context in which the divine revelations have been made to last of the prophets Muhammad (peace be upon him). Thus I think my faith remained incomplete till one day.. 

Yes one day in April earlier this year, I just pondered over how born Muslims differ from the reverted ones. So I started reading about the personal experiences on non Muslims opting to become Muslims despite a very negative image of Islam being presented in the world media. And one thing that clearly stood out was that they all really READ the Qur'an in the language they understood, interacted with practicing Muslims and after a thorough understanding of the religion, they embraced Islam.

This opened my eyes and I decided to start understanding Qur'an by reading exegeses by revered Muslim scholars and reading about meaning of Qur'an and what is expected of us by reading, understanding and practicing its substance. And as I read, I came to know how much I have missed by not really reading and understanding Qur'an.

So while I read, I thought of sharing my experiences in the form of this blog. And today Alhamdolillah, I have posted summaries of 51 chapters of Qur'an as I read these with tafsir / exegeses. And believe me, the more I read more secrets started to unveil and I started to understand the Qur'an better than before. For example I never really knew the difference between the last two surahs of the Qur'an: Surah Al Falak and Surah An Nas. After reading the details and the context in which these were revealed, I came to knew that in both surahs proprioception is sought against the Evil. But while Surah Al Falak relates to the outer evil forces, like the magic by witches, Surah An Nas talks of inner evil. And thus by reading details and reference to the context of each surah, one is clear as to the why of their revelation. 

If you want to read and understand Qur'an and are not an Arabic speaking, all you need is to get a translated version of Qur'an which should also have short explanations on the sidelines to get a rough idea as to the why of the need of the revelation of a particular surah.

It is preferable to read the Qur'an from the end, that from the last of the surah and then going backwards.It is for two reasons:

• The size of the surahs in the beginning is very larges with diverse substance, and as one progress the size starts to shorten. That is the last surahs are the shortest and easier to understand.
• The second thing is that the most of the later surahs were the first to reveal in Makkah and are mostly relate to the stubbornness of the pagans of Makkah who refused to listen to the Prophet of Allah and mocked him for being a self proclaimed prophet. Due to this resistance, the concept of reward and punishment abounds in these surahs, specially of the Day of Resurrection, which was taken very lightly by the disbelievers and were thus cautioned to be ready for the day when they would be made answerable for their deeds.

Then there are sites in which one can find short stories about Prophets and people who refused to listen to the prophets and teased them, in many cases they were killed, like John the Baptist, called Prophet Yahya in the Qur'an. From these stories  one can learn many lessons and draw relevant conclusions for self improvement.

Once reading the Qur'an, one must look for the Dos and Don'ts. These may save from many wrong decisions in ones life as a true Muslim by knowing what if good or otherwise for a faithful.

While most of the later verses generally caution the non believers and give them tidings of the blazing fires of hell waiting for them in their lives in the hereafter, there are good tidings for the believers who remain steadfast amidst all difficulties for Allah never leaves His servants alone, for Quran will act as an intercessor on the Day of Judgment for them.

And one very important aspect of understanding Qur'an is know the context in which a certain verse or surah was revealed. And this is very important as reading anything out of context can entirely change the meaning and understanding of a particular verse / surah. So be watchful for the reference to the context. One of the oft misquoted verse of Qur'an is "kill them wherever you find them." In many sites of non Muslims, this verse has been quoted to show the 'barbaric face of Islam.' But when this is read in the correct perspective, its meanings change altogether.

• Since proclamation fo Islam in Makkah, the pagans of Makkah made the lives of Muslims miserable and were tortured whenever the nonbelievers found them weak and alone.
• This sometimes infuriated companions of the Prophet of Allah and even the Prophet himself, but Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) always advised for restraint.
• And ten bitter years went by. And when Muslims could no longer tolerate atrocities of people of Makkah, the immigrated to nearby countries and finally to Medina. The disbelievers followed them drew them to war. It was then these two verses (190-191) of Surah Baqarah (surah number 2) were revealed allowing Muslims to retaliate. But please read the complete verses and then know for yourself that Muslims were still asked not to transgress: "Fight in the way of God those who fight you but do not transgress. Indeed. God does not like transgressors. And kill them [pagan Arabs] wherever you find them and expel them from wherever they have expelled you, and persecution is worse than killing."
• I hope this reference makes the ambiguity clear which is wrongly quoted by non Muslims these days.

And if Qur'an is read like this, one would see wonders happening to one's life for after understanding the Qur'an one would know what Allah has really wanted from the man. And if we go by the Divine commandments, and follow the life of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), for his entire life was exactly spent as ordained by Allah, we shall prosper both mentally and spiritually.

Photo | 114 Chapter of the Holy Quran
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Dispel Superstitions attributed to Month of Safar

Yesterday someone WhatsApp me a message saying that the Holy Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) has been quoted as saying that in month of Safar maximum calamities and troubles come down, so for protection against these we should recite certain prayers. But I just rubbished it for I know that the Prophet of Allah never talked negative of any month for all good or bad comes from Allah and is not related to any specific month or day of the year. Therefore I decided to write this post to dispel any superstitions attributed to the month of Safar.

Safar, the second month of Islamic calendar, is considered by many as a heavy month, a month in which comicalities strike, people get ill or well brokered contracts and marriages break or fail and contagious diseases spread. The list is very long, so I looked around dozens of sites to find out anything said bad of month of Safar, but I found none. In fact it is the superstitions dating back from the pre-Islamic era that newly converted Muslims inherited too as part of the cultural heritage and make this month stand out from the rest as a hard one and called for special supplications and alms to ward away the heaviness in the air.

Superstition is a pejorative term for any belief or practice that is considered irrational: for example, if it arises from ignorance, a misunderstanding of science or causality, a positive belief in fate or magic, or fear of that which is unknown. "Superstition" also refers to actions arising from irrationality.[3]

• The word superstition is often used to refer to a religion not practiced by the majority of a given society regardless of whether the prevailing religion contains alleged superstitions. It is also commonly applied to beliefs and practices surrounding luck, prophecy, and certain spiritual beings, particularly the belief that future events can be foretold by specific (apparently) unrelated prior events.
• People are more likely to attribute an event to a superstitious cause if it is unlikely than if it is likely. In other words, the more surprising the event, the more likely it is to evoke a supernatural explanation. When no natural cause can explain a situation, attributing an event to a superstitious cause may give people some sense of control and ability to predict what will happen in their environment.
• People are more likely to attribute an event to a superstitious cause if it is negative than positive. This is called negative agency bias. More commonly, people are more likely to perceive their computer to act according to its own intentions when it malfunctions than functions properly.

The Roman Catholic Church considers superstitions to be sinful in the sense that it denotes a lack of trust in God and, as such, is a violation of the Ten Commandments. Same is the case with Islam; it prohibits following such beliefs that are not in accordance with Quran and Hadiths. Islam refers such false beliefs as the way of Shaitan (Satan or Demon).

Specifically talking of the month of Safar, it is regarded by many, specially in the Muslim world, as a month that is too 'heavy' specially by  the women folk. Literally, Safar means empty or a house that is empty from items and goods. It also means empty handed or blowing winds, referring to the fact of desolateness when everyone is gone away. The pagan of Makkah believed in the sacredness of the holy months. They did not indulge in war or any other crime in some months like Muharram. No sooner did such holy months were over, they would indulge in sorts of evils ways of livings like robbery, theft and war. Thus after the end of Muharram and start of the month of Safar, they would start committing crimes, theft, robbery, fighting other tribes, leave their homes vacant and it is therefore this month named Safar. [4]

But instead of us believing in Allah, we inherited these fears and superstitions and incorporated into our daily lives. Even today, in our real life we have translated these superstitious beliefs and attribute it to month of Safar and:

• Avoid Contracting Nikâh of our children for a fear of it ending into a bad luck or divorce or full of miseries and ups and downs.
• Avoid Contracting business deals for fear of money being sunk or business to collapse.
• Postponed taking a journey for fear of accidents.
• Taking the first thirteen of Safar is ill-fortune and evil. Many people break their earthen utensils with the belief that these are the targets of evil spirits in the first thirteen days of the Safar.
• Distributing food or money on the 13th of Safar thinking it will save from its ill-fortune.
• Celebrating the last Wednesday of Safar, called "akhri chahar shanmba," and regard it as a holiday.
• Some even wear charms to dispel the bad omens attributed to the month of Safar.

Now let us see how the month of Safar is viewed in Islam. Safar also known as Safar ul Muzaffar or Safar ul Khayr, which means, prosperous , successful, good fortune etc. This is to eradicate the corrupt beliefs of some people who say, the month of Safar is bad-luck, evil, ill-omened, unfortunate etc., so marriages, major transactions etc. must not be conducted in this  month. [2]

We as a Muslim should have firm belief that whatever good or bad happens to us is from Allah and we should not label any time of the year for its so happening, specially when it comes to bad luck: and this is very clearly written in the Holy Qur'an:

“No misfortune befalls except by Allah’s command...” [Surah Tagabun, Verse 11]

Prophet Muhammad is oft quoted has been saying about the month of Safar and any ills attached to it: [1]

لا عَدْوَى وَلا طِيَرَةَ وَلا هَامَةَ وَلا صَفَرَ

“No adwaa [transmission of infectious disease without the permission of Allah], no tiyarah [superstitious belief in bird omens], no haamah [refers to a Jaahili Arab tradition described variously as: a worm that infests the grave of a murder victim until he is avenged; an owl; or the bones of a dead person turned into a bird that could fly], and no Safar [the month of Safar was regarded as “unlucky” in the days of ignorance - so No Safar here means that it is not to be regarded as inauspicious].” 

There is no superstitious owl, bird, no star-promising rain, no bad omen in the month of Safar.[Sahih Bukhari, Hadith 5707] 

There is no bad omen in the month of Safar and no Ghouls (evil spirits). [Sahih Muslim, Hadith 2222] 

It may be added here that the Prophet of Allah (peace be upon him) has at many times given us the tidings of good times that happen at various times and days of the lunar year. There are days when doing good has its rewards multiplied. At the same time the Prophet has cautioned us of certain times during day when offering prayers are prohibited, such as at the time of sun rise and a time just close to the sunset. Yet, there have been no references available from the Holy Quran or the sayings of the Holy Prophet about any time or day or month of  the Islamic year bad for someone. And thus we do not find any specific references with regard to anything bad or adverse happening in the month of Safar, because nothing adverse has been authentically transmitted from those sublime sources of guidance and truth. Therefore, Muslims should refrain from carrying on the traditions of days of ignorance of the pre-Islamic era and have full faith in Allah for He alone is the decider of good or otherwise for the mankind. It is up to us to strive to do good, for anything bad that we do would certainly bring Alla's displeasure. 

“Whatever misfortune befalls you, it is due to the things your hands have wrought, and He forgives many a sin.” (Surah Shura 42:30).

And when talking of not marrying one's children or taking upon any important task, be wise to know that:

• The Holy Prophet (peace be upon him) married Ayesha, who once commenting on ill fortunes related to month of Safar proudly said what better thing could happen in one's life marring the Prophet of Allah.
• The Beloved daughter of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) Fatima (R.A) married Ali (R.A) in this month.
• Battle of Khyber took place in the same month - a major victory over the Jews that subdued them
• Battle of al-Abwa’ also took place in month of Safar - This was the first campaign that the Prophet of Allah led himself. It took place twelve months after His migration to Madinah. 
• Prophet Muhammad fell sick in the end of this month and died in the same sickness in the next month in 12th of Rabiul-Awwal.

As for those wearing charms, beads and amulets to dispel the bad omens and so called ills of the month of Safar, the Holy Prophet said: "May Allâh not fulfill the hopes of the one who wears a charm; may Allâh not protect the one who hangs seashells (used as a charm in those days)." (Ahmed)

A few words about the last Wednesday ritual which is widely "celebrated" by many specially in the Indian-Pakistan Subcontinent: It has been quoted by Shaykh Muhammad ‘Abd as-Salaam ash-Shuqayri in Fataawa al-Lajnah ad-Daa’imah (2/354) that: [5]

The ignorant have the custom of writing the verses of salaam, such as “Salamun (peace) be upon Nooh (Noah) (from Us) among the Alameen (mankind, jinns and all that exists)” [as-Saaffaat 37:79] and so on, and on the last Wednesday of the month of Safar, then they put them in vessels and drink (water that has been poured on them), and seek blessing thereby, and exchange them as gifts, because they believe that this will remove evil.

This is a corrupt belief and is blameworthy superstition and an abhorrent innovation; everyone who sees it must denounce the one who does it. 

Thus my belief solidifies in the light of above commandments of Allah and says of the Holy Prophet (peace be upon him) that time is not related to one's bad luck, nor any place or people are to be called bad or to bring bad luck to us. It is Allah who brings us good will and testing times to test our faith and belief so that we do not fall prey to imposers, soothsayers or  magicians and remain steadfast.

Photo | References: | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 |

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