Prophet Nuh (Noah) and the Great Flood

Allah created the universe and people on our earth (there may be people on planets unknown to us so far) so that we could eat and drink from the numerous fruits, vegetables and other eatables, travel on land and sea on camels and horse drawn carriages or ships in the seas and rivers. Allah wanted us to live in peace and harmony while adhering to His commands and guidelines He has been sending on to us through his prophets and messengers.

But man has always been ungrateful and has always violated the code of life revealed unto him and adopted sinful ways to lead his life in utmost leisure and ways described ed to him by Ibless (Satan). And when this happens, Allah sends his prophets and messengers to show the right and enlightened path to those who have gone astray. But if they still digress from what has been chosen for them, wrath of Allah befalls.

The first such wrath came sometimes after Prophet Adam (peace be upon him) when by and by descendants of Prophet Adm started to leave the righteous path and adopted wicked ways to live lives full of sin and transgression and wrongdoings. While they were still good people around, the history books say that Ibless came to the good and pious people and asked them to make idols so that the good deeds and faces of the good and pious remain forever. Unknowing the mala fide intentions of Ibless, the idols were made in good faith. But as time went by, people forgot the reason of making the idols and instead of following the Godly path, they started to worship the idols.

Seeing the transgression of people from Allah's described path and worshiping of the idols, Allah chose Prophet Nuh (peace be upon him) to bring back the disbelievers back to the righteous path. While the poor and those who had a fear of Allah chose to follow the path as shown by Prophet Nuh (and that of Allah), the rich and dominant refused to listen to him and taunted him to be a simple human being trying to rob them of their wealth and leisure.

Verily we see you in plain error” (Quran 7:60)

In Quran, Surah Nuh, a chapter exclusive on the people of Prophet Nuh, Allah tells the people of Nuh:

“Indeed We sent Nuh to his people (he said): ‘I have come to you as a plain Warner that you worship none but God, surely, I fear for you the torment of a painful Day.’  The chiefs of the disbelievers among his people said: ‘We see you but a man like ourselves, nor do we see any follow you but the meanest among us and they too followed you without thinking.  And we do not see in you any merit above us in fact we think you are liars.’” (Quran 11:25-27)

However, the disbelievers, obsessed with the power of their wealth and position above the poor, tried to negotiate with the prophet and offered wealth of any extreme so that prophet desists from 'misleading' their subjects and let them enjoy their wealth in leisure.  But prophets of Allah are seldom moved with wealth and richness for they have been promised much greater reward in the hereafter. Thus Prophet Nuh responded to their entire dejection of the nonbelievers - here is it how this rejection is mentioned in the Quran:

“O my people!  I ask of you no wealth for it; my reward is from none but Allah.  I am not going to drive away those who have believed.  Surely, they are going to meet their Lord, but I see that you are a people that are ignorant.  O my people!  Who will help me against God if I drove them away?  Will you not then give a thought?  And I do not say to you that the Treasures of Allah are (only) with me or that I know the unseen, nor do I say I am an angel; and I do not say that God will not bestow any good on those whom your eyes look down upon.  God knows what is in their inner selves (in regard to Belief).  In that case, I would indeed be among the unjust.” (Quran 11:29-31)

But this motivational sermon did not have any affect on the the nonbelievers and they rejected and turned down his call outrightly and promised to harm him if he did not stop propagating something that they did not desire. When Prophet Nuh saw his people unmoving to his call for the enlightened path, he finally begged Allah:

“My Lord!  Leave not one of the disbelievers on the earth.  If you leave them, they will mislead Your slaves and they will beget none but wicked disbelievers.” Quran 71:27

Seeing his prophet in great despair and state of dejection due to the arrogance of the mislead rich and famous people, Allah Almighty listened to Prophet Nuh's SOS call and decided to teach the arrogant people a lesson that would be remembered for time immemorial and till the day of judgment by people who fear Allah and do not transgress. 

Thus Allah asked Prophet Nuh to build a big ark for time was near to teach the mislead and miscreants a big lesson:

“And construct the ship under Our Eyes and with Our Inspiration and address Me not on behalf of those who did wrong; they are surely to be drowned.” Qur'an 11:37

And this is how the making of the ark began. The prophet of Allah chose a high ground and started building as huge ark. It is not mentioned anywhere, however, as to how the prophet was able to make an ark so big to accommodate men and a pair each of all known animals of the time. There must haven been a divine help that would have helped the prophet to undertake this gigantic task, much beyond the capability of a human being. 

While the prophet  was building the ark, the nonbelievers would often mock him and took to be some insane as nowhere near the the ark site was any large body of water where this huge ark could be used. However, the prophet continued undeterred and was finally able to finish the gigantic task. Then the Godly command came:

“Until when Our Command came and the lowlands gushed forth, overflowing,  We said: ‘Load it with two of each kind of animal (male and female), and embark your family, except against whom the Word has already gone forth, and those who believe.’  And none believed him except a few.” (Quran 11:40)

The prophet waited for the water to rise and then as instructed by Allah, he boarded the big boat along with his family and few people who had chosen to listen to him and the divine call, and a pair each of all known animals, reptiles and birds of the time. 

At this juncture I would like to indicate that as per the Jews and Christians, the wife of Prophet Nuh and one his intolerant son boarded the ark and parted ways after the ark had settled down after the flood subsided. But as per Qur'an, Prophet Nuh's unfaithful wife and son did not board the boat and perished when the great flood hit them.

"Allah sets forth an example to those who disbelieve: the wife of Nuh and the wife of Lut, they were both under two of Our righteous servants, but they acted treacherously towards them so they availed them naught against Allah, and it was said: Enter both the fire with those who enter." — Qur'an, 66:10

As for his son who was dear to the prophet, the Prophet called upon him to board the boat and be among the believers. But his son refused and said he would head for the high mountains where he would be safe. The Quran talks about this in the following verses:

“And Nuh called out to his son, who had separated himself (apart), ‘O my son!  Embark with us and be not with the disbelievers.’  The son replied, ‘I will betake myself to a mountain; it will save me from the water.’  Nuh said: ‘This day there is no saviour from the Decree of Allah except him on whom He has mercy.’  And a wave came in between them so he (the son) was among the drowned.” (Quran 11:42-43)

Nor was Prophet Nuh a delirious man as has been shown the film "Noah" where in he is shown doing acts and dancing, unbecoming of prophets and chosen men of Allah.

So the great flood, or the Deluge as mentioned in the Genesis, came and lifted the big boat and destroyed everything that remained in the world. 

“‘O Earth!  Swallow up your water, and O sky!  Withhold (your rain).’  The water was diminished (made to subside) and the Decree (of God) was fulfilled (the destruction of the people of Nuh).  And it (the ship) rested on Mount Judi, and it was said: ‘Away with the people who are wrongdoing.’” (Quran 11:44)

The flood and rain continued for many days till it started to subside and the boat came to rest on a high mountain called Mount Judi, in present day Turkey.

This is the end of mention of Prophet Nuh, his non believing people and their tragic end when they all drowned and perished forever along with their bad deeds, the flood of the floods, the ark and the believing people and animals aboard the ark. It is believed that the believers and family of Prophet Nuh expanded in the world just like the descendants of Prophet Adm multiplied and made this world a peaceful place to live.

However, as usual, the rich and famous surfaced yet again with their non believing approach to life - quite tangent to the commands of Allah. This continued till the wrath of Allah struck next to cleanse the bad people from the earth and made way forward for the good people.

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Reemergence of Romans as Predicted in Quran

Quran, the book of Allah reveled onto Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) not only relates past history and events as also contained in the three earlier books rev lead on Prophets Dawood, Musa and Isa (peace be upon them all), but has also at place predicted events that became true with the passage of time. The predictions are a clear sign of the fact that the Quran is a book from Allah as no man could predict future events with conviction.

One of the best predicted prediction that came true with three to nine years of its revelation is the conquest of the lost lands to Persian by the Romans. During the Quaric revelations, Romans and the Persians were two superpowers of the time but fiercely belligerent to each other.  Romans were led by Heraclius (610–641 CE), a Christian Emperor, whereas the Persians were Zoroastrians led by Khosro Parvez (reigned 590–628 CE). Under Khosro, the Persians expanded their territories up to Syria and Palestine. The also captured Jerusalem and destroyed the Holy Sepulcher and took away the ‘True Cross’ to Ctesiphon.  Then, in 619, they occupied Egypt and Libya.  In an encounter with the Romans at Thracian Heraclea (617 or 619), Persian almost captured Heraclius but he narrowly escaped to Constantinople.

Since Muslims had been told through Quranic revelations that Jews and Christians were also people of the holy books, they were more sentimentally attached to them rather than the non believer Persians. On the other hand, the non believers of Arabia rejoiced the achievements of their Persian brethren and mocked Muslims, which visibly and emotionally hurt the Muslims. At that time, the following verses of "Surah Rome" were revealed that brought good tidings fro the Muslims of a reversal of power game and rise of the Romans:

1. Alif-Lam-Mim.[These letters are one of the miracles of the Quran, and none but Allah (Alone) knows their meanings].
2. The Romans have been defeated.
3. In the nearer land (Syria, Iraq, Jordan, and Palestine), and they, after their defeat, will be victorious.
4. Within three to nine years. The decision of the matter, before and after (these events) is only with Allah, (before the defeat of Romans by the Persians, and after, i.e. the defeat of the Persians by the Romans). And on that Day, the believers (i.e. Muslims) will rejoice (at the victory given by Allah to the Romans against the Persians),
5. With the help of Allah, He helps whom He wills, and He is the All-Mighty, the Most Merciful.
6. (It is) a Promise of Allah (i.e. Allah will give victory to the Romans against the Persians), and Allah fails not in His Promise, but most of men know not.

And soon the prediction of Quran came true as Heraclius recaptured Jerusalem in 622.  He continued to recapture the lost territories and in the final blow on the Persian, Khosro was overthrown by his son, who made peace with Heraclius.  Thus Heraclius returned to Constantinople as a hero who had avenged his defeat at the hands of the Persians.

And following this victory, in 624 AD, a small army of 313 Muslims defeated the powerful army of the Meccans at the first inter Muslim-Non Believers battle at Badar. This was a great victory for the Muslims to beat the dominating non believers' army and show their strength.  Thus within a span a of two years two achievements of the believers, Christians and Muslims, over the two strong non believers of Persia and Makkah showed the protection given to believers by Allah Almighty.

There are many more predictions which shall be shared in one of our next posts.

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Prophet Lut (Lot) and Allah's Wrath on his People

Quran has many anecdotes and events described in detail which serve as eye opener for people who have wisdom and intellect to ponder upon circumstance which compelled Allah to teach lesson to miscreants and those digressing from the enlightened path shown by Him.

One of the detailed account in Quran is about Prophet Lut (peace be upon him) and his people. This account is also available in the Biblical books and validates Islam's belief and acceptance of all holy books revealed on chosen messengers of Allah before Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him)

Prophet Lut is said to be nephew of Prophet Ibraheem (Abraham, peace be upon him) and both had gone to Egypt. There they were gifted with vast herds of sheep and while returning a rift between the shepherds of two herds arose due to which both prophets parted ways and Prophet Lut (peace be upon him) went to the city of Sodom located west shore of present day Dead sea between the states of Jordan and Israel.

The people of the city were extremely misdirected, mislead beside being robbers and murderers. Though this was not enough of their bad deeds, they are reported be the first people in the history to have indulged in homosexuality. Since men did not have any interest in women, their women too had liking within their own kind. Even travelers coming to Sodom were picked up for their lust and many later killed.

The Prophet Lut (peace be upon him) tried his best to persuade his people to come back to the righteous path and leave all their bad deeds and life of lust. But they never listened to him and instead asked him to leave them to themselves and go somewhere else. And when Prophet Lut (peace be upon him) would try to frighten them with a possible wrath of Allah, they would mock him and tell him to ask his God to send whatever he intended to sent upon them: “Bring God’s torment upon us if you are one of the truthful.” (Quran 29:29)

The Quran explains this in its Surah 26, verses 160-171:

"The people of Lot (those dwelt in the towns of Sodom in Palestine) belied the Messengers when their brother Lut said to them, 'Will you not fear Allah and obey Him? Verily! I am a trustworthy Messenger to you. So fear Allah, keep your duty to Him, and obey me. No reward do I ask of you for it (my Message of Islamic Monotheism) my reward is only from the Lord of the 'alamin (mankind, jinn and all that exists). Go you in unto the males of the 'alamin (mankind), and leave those whom Allah has created for you to be your wives? Nay, you are a trespassing people!'

"They said, 'If you cease not, O Lut! Verily, you will be one of those who are driven out!'
"He said, 'I am indeed, of those who disapprove with severe anger and fury your (this evil) action (of sodomy). My Lord! Save me and my family from what they do.'

"So We saved him and his family, all except an old woman (this wife) among those who remained behind."

The Prophet Lut (may peace be upon him) was certainly disheartened but still continued his efforts to bring people of Sodom to the righteous path, though his efforts yielded no result. Even his own wife was with her community and did not follow her pious husband. 

Thus one day Prophet Lut (may peace be upon him) prayed to Allah to teach lesson to the disbelievers and the lustful people of Sodom. Allah thus sent two angels in the disguise of young beautiful boys. When they reached the walls of the city, Prophet Lut's daughter spotted them who was filling water from a stream. One of the angels came to her and asked for a place for rest. Being a dutiful daughter of his father and knowing the character of people of the city, she ran to her father and told him the arrival of strangers. Prophet Lut accompanied her daughter to the place and was himself stunned to see the beautiful people and asked who they were. But the angels refused to answer any question and asked him to be their host.

Fearful of them being spotted by the people of the city, Prophet Lut let the darkness fell and then brought them to his house unnoticed. But unknown to him, he had an informer right in his house - his wife, who instantly went out and spread the word in the town of the presence of two beautiful strangers in their house. And it did not take long for people of the town surround his house and asked Prophet Lut to surrender his guests to them. Prophet Lut was amazed as to how they came to know his guests but when he did not find his wife in the house, he got the clue.

Prophet Lut locked his house and pleaded them to go back to their wives rather than lustfully eying his guests and fear wrath of Allah. But they kept pushing and banging on his door but Prophet Lut did not allow them enter his house. When his guests saw the plight of their host, they then told him that they were God sent angels and the city people will not be able to harm them. When the mob heard the angels speaking, they fell back abusing and reiterated to come back in the morning.

The angels then asked Prophet Lut to leave his house along with his family, less his disobedient wife, immediately for Allah's wrath and fury was on its way. While leaving his house, the angels warned that no one should look back when the wrath of Allah descended upon the people of Sodom. And sure enough, as they left the town they felt a huge tremor and volleys of fire filled stones falling on the city. In fact the city had been lifted up and then struck back on earth with a mighty force. Prophet Lut's wife who had followed his family had her heart still attracted to her people and turned back to see what was happening to them. In that very instant shoe too was burnt alive and turned into ashes.

This is how, the entire episode is narrated in the 15th chapter of Quran:

"Then when the Messengers (the angels) came unto the family of Lot, he said, 'Verily! You are people unknown to me.' They said, 'Nay! we have come to you with that (torment) which they have been doubting. And we have brought to you the truth (the news of the destruction of your nation) and certainly, we tell the truth. Then travel in a part of the night with your family, and you go behind them in the rear, and let no one amongst you look back, but go on to where you are ordered.'

"And We made known this decree to him, that the root of those (sinners) was to be cut off in the early morning.

"The inhabitants of the city came rejoicing (at the news of the young men's arrival). Lot said, 'Verily! These are my guests, so shame me not. And fear Allah and disgrace me not.' They (people of the city) said, 'Did we not forbid you to entertain (or protect) any of the 'alamin (people, foreigners strangers etc) from us?' Lot said, 'These (the girls of the nation) are my daughters to marry lawfully if you must act so.'

"Verily, by your life (O Muhammad), in their wild intoxication they were wandering blindly. So as-salihah (torment, awful cry, etc.) overtook them at the time of sunrise; and We turned (the towns of Sodom in Palestine) upside down and rained down on them stones of baked clay. Surely! In this are signs for those who see (or understand or learn the lessons from the Signs of Allah). And verily! They (the cities) are right on the highroad (from Makkah to Syria, i.e. the place where the Dead Sea is now). Surely! Therein is indeed a sign for the believers."

"So we saved him and his family, all, except an old woman (his wife) among those who remained behind. Then afterward We destroyed the others. We rained on them a rain of torment. How evil was the rain of those who had been warned. Verily, in this is indeed a sign yet most of them are not believers. Verily! Your Lord, He is indeed the All-Mighty, the Most Merciful."

Thus thereafter, people forgot who people of Sodom were but only what happened to them. The towns are no more - many believe these to be under water of the Dead Sea and attribute its highly alkaline water because it has under its fold a cursed city and bodies of cursed people who instead of living a clean life with their wives, chose to be homosexual - something abhorred by the Allah Almighty.

Prophet Lut (peace be upon him) then went to Prophet Ibraheem (may peace be upon him) and told him what happened to his people and how they remained unhurt. But to his surprise Prophet  Ibraheem (may peace be upon him) already knew what he wanted to tell. In fact the two angels sent by Allah had first visited Ibraheem (may peace be upon him)  and had already told him of their mission beside giving him the tiding of a son being born to him.

"And tell them about the guests (angels) of Abraham. When they entered unto him, and said, 'Salaam (peace)!' Abraham said, 'Indeed! We are afraid of you.'

"They (the angels) said, 'Do not be afraid! We give you glad tidings of a boy (son) possessing much knowledge and wisdom.' (Abraham) said, 'Do you give me glad tidings (of a son) when old age has overtaken me? Of what then is your news?' They (the angels) said, 'We give you glad tidings in truth. So be not of the despairing.'

"Abraham said, 'And who despairs of the Mercy of his Lord except those who are astray?' (Abraham again) said, 'What then is the business on which you have come, O Messengers?'

"They (the angels) said, 'We have been sent to a people who are sinners. (All) except the family of Lut. Them all we are surely going to save (from destruction).'

"Except his wife, of whom We have decreed that she shall be of the those who remain behind (she will be destroyed).

Thereafter Prophet Lut (peace be upon him) continued to spread the word of Allah to his new found people till his very last. But the episode of Prophet Lut (may peace be upon him) leaves a clear message to those digressing from enlightened path of Allah and indulging in activities (like homosexuality and belittling chose ones of Allah when they call them to purity) to beware of Allah's wrath, agony and torment for Allah does not like transgressors.

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What is Holy Quran - The Book of Allah

Allah Almighty has sent three holy books for the guidance of the mankind through his chosen messengers before Prophet Muhammad (may peace be upon him). Prophet Dawood (David, peace be upon him) was the first to receive a holy book from Allah we know as "Zaboor". The second holy book Tawrau (Torah) was sent through Prophet Musa (Moses, may peace be upon him) and  the Injeel (Gospel) of Isa (Jesus, may peace be upon him).

After about six hundred years of revelation of Injeel, the fourth and final holy book "Quran" was revealed on Prophet Muhammad (may peace be upon him) which not only encompasses the acknowledgement of earlier three holy books, but also contains references contained in the earlier books. Therefore it is incumbent upon all Muslims to believe in all previous prophets and the three holy books sent on to mankind.

Thus one finds details on Prophets Dawood, Musa and Isa (may peace be upon them all) along with many other prophets, mention of which is also made in the earlier three holy books. 

Thereafter, not only the linegae of prophethood stopped as well as the revelation of holy books, for Quran is the final word of Allah and is all encompassing for the enlightment of the humanity till the day of atonement.

The literal meaning of the word Quran is Arabic is 'That which is often recited.' The Quran is a collection of 114 chapters, called surahs in Arabic, divided into 30 parts called siparahs in Arabic. The Quran was revealed on the Prophet Muhammad (may peace be upon him) by Allah through angel Jibraeel (Gabriel) spanned over a period of 23 years. The first of the verses of Quran were revealed on Prophet Muhammad (may peace be upon him) when he was 40 years old and the last at the age of 63.

Allah in the very beginning of the first chapter of Quran specially makes a mention that undoubtedly Quran is a word from Him alone (Surah Al-Baqarah, Verse 2):

This is the Book (the Quran), whereof there is no doubt, a guidance to those who are the pious and righteous, fear Allah much (abstain from all kinds of sins and evil deeds which He has forbidden) and love Allah much (perform all kinds of good deeds which He has ordained).

When Quran was revealed, many non believers mocked Prophet Muhammad (may peace be upon him) for making the verses from his own and trying to mislead them. Upon which Allah says in Surah Al Asar verse 88: 

Say: “If the mankind and the jinns were together to produce the like of this Quran, they could not produce the like thereof, even if they helped one another.”

Many non Muslim often ask why Quran was not raveled in one go. For them Allah revealed an exclusive verse in Surah Al-Furqan Verse 32:

“And those who disbelieve say: Why is not the Quran revealed to him all at once? Thus (it is sent down in parts), that We may strengthen your heart thereby. And We have revealed it to you gradually, in stages”

Allah Almighty has taken upon Himself for the protection Quran for this being the last of his testaments, which is why why even after more than fourteen centuries after its revelation not a single word has either been added or subtracted from it, unlike all other earlier scriptures, which might not be accessible to us, in the form they were originally revealed. 

In short, Quran shows that enlightened path to the humanity which if adhered to as per commands of Allah Almighty, one's life in this world and that in the hereafter becomes a blessing, gifted and giving. That is why more and more people around the world are converting to Islam despite a wave of negativity being projected about Islam.

In the same discussion, we will deliberate the essence of 114 surahs of Quran in posts to follow. May Allah guide us to remain steadfast despite pollution of our knowledge and negativity prevailing around us and trying to belittle the word of Allah as revealed on Prophet Muhammad (may peace be upon him).

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Women in Islam

The West mocks Islam for cloaking their women from head to toe and restricting them to mere household chores and giving birth to and raising children. In fact a very bleak picture is painted of the plight of women in Islam and her wearing a hijab has become a matter of severe criticism. Some even pity the state and 'plight' of women in Islam.

This is one view. The other view is that of non Muslim women, living in a state of openness, individual freedom and free from any bonds to choose the living they wanted, still converting to Islam. This is the answer to those who pity women in Islam as women who were apparent free still chose to be women of Islam. Thus therefore, there must be something that still attracts women to Islam, beside men, and live a life altogether different of their forefathers, families and friends.

This subject will be not restricted to just one post, but many other to follow to explain the privilege and special position and status Islam reserves for the women.

The status of women in great Empires like the Roman Empire and other has been rather derogatory, unequal and for lustful needs of the men with no independent and individual status. For example in the Roman Civilization, If married she and her property passed into the power of her husband... the wife was the purchased property of her husband, and like a slave acquired only for his benefit. A woman could not exercise any civil or public office, could not be a witness, surety, tutor, or curator; she could not adopt or be adopted, or make will or contract. Among the Scandinavian races women were: under perpetual tutelage, whether married or unmarried. As late as the Code of Christian V, at the end of the 17th Century, it was enacted that if a woman married without the consent of her tutor he might have, if he wished, administration and usufruct of her goods during her life.

As per the Common English Law: ...all real property which a wife held at the time of a marriage became a possession of her husband. He was entitled to the rent from the land and to any profit which might be made from operating the estate during the joint life of the spouses. As time passed, the English courts devised means to forbid a husband's transferring real property without the consent of his wife, but he still retained the right to manage it and to receive the money which it produced. As to a wife's personal property, the husband's power was complete. He had the right to spend it as he saw fit.

But Islam right from the outset set clear instructions as regard to status of woen when revelaed in the 7th century AD. It was only by late 19th century did the Church and Christian world started to relaise the status of women and granted them a semblance of equalness.

Before the revelation of Islam, the Arabs in Arabia would bury the newly born baby girls as it was a matter of shame for a MAN to bear a girl. Quran makes a special mention of this ritual:

"When news is brought to one of them, of (the birth of) a female (child), his face darkens and he is filled with inward grief! With shame does he hide himself from his people because of the bad news he has had! Shall he retain her on (sufferance) and contempt, or bury her in the dust? Ah! What an evil (choice) they decide on?" [Quran 16:58-59]

And it was one of the very commandments from Allah to stop this inhuman treatment meted out to women and spelt to some rejoicing status and role for women under the fold of Islam. In fact one complete chapter in Quran, Surah Al Nisah' is reserved for the affairs related to women in Islam.

The status of women in Islam is amply highlighted in Sahih Bukhari Vol 8 Book of Aadab Chapter 2 Hadith 2: 

Once a man asked Prophet Mohammed (PBUH) who deserves the most love and companionship in this world. For that Prophet replied “It’s your mother first”, then he asked who is next “again it was told as mother”, third time it is asked “again the reply was mother”, finally when the fourth time asked “it was mentioned as your Father”. This strongly declare that women in Islam can’t be oppressed at any cost, doing which it will revert as biggest sin on those who commit it. 

Prophet Muhammad (may peace be upon him) thus says: "Whosoever has a daughter and he does not bury her alive, does not insult her, and does not favor his son over her, Allah will enter him into Paradise. "

At another place the Prophet is quoted as saying: "Whosoever supports two daughters till they mature, he and I will come in the Day of Judgment as this (and he pointed with his two fingers held together). " As against many misconceptions about imparting of education, the Prophet categorically asserted, "The right of females to seek knowledge is not different from that of males as seeking knowledge is mandatory for every Muslim."

The Chasitity of women is guarded by Divine Commandments. For example it is said in the  4th verse of Surah 24 An Nur:

وَالَّذِيۡنَ يَرۡمُوۡنَ الۡمُحۡصَنٰتِ ثُمَّ لَمۡ يَاۡتُوۡا بِاَرۡبَعَةِ شُهَدَآءَ فَاجۡلِدُوۡهُمۡ ثَمٰنِيۡنَ جَلۡدَةً وَّلَا تَقۡبَلُوۡا لَهُمۡ شَهَادَةً اَبَدًا​ ۚ وَاُولٰٓـئِكَ هُمُ الۡفٰسِقُوۡنَ ۙ‏

(24:4) Those who accuse honourable women (of unchastity) but do not produce four witnesses, flog them with eighty lashes, and do not admit their testimony ever after. They are indeed transgressors,

This is to ensure that the honour of women is not compromised by false allegations and that their status is honoured in the society.

We will continue to be more specific as to the status and rights of women in Islam to quell many a misnomer about life of women in Islam.

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Prophet Muhammad's Guidelines on How to Attend to One's Daily Chores

Islam is not only a religion but it also is a complete code of conduct of one's life. It not only tells its followers how to pray to Allah and ask forgiveness from Him alone for one's sins, but also tells the Muslims how to live a life and attend to their daily chores.

Thus beside conveying the Godly commands to the fellow Muslims, the life of Prophet Muhammad (may peace be upon him) and His simple advices as to one has to attend to one's life individually and as a group so that peace and love oozes out all around and the world becomes a peaceful place to live. The Prophet not only advised to others to live a life in accordance with the instructions from Allah, but also lived a life a Himself which thus became a model for other Muslims to emulate and follow.

Herein under is a list of some Dos and Dont's the Prophet wanted Muslims to follow and adhere to. 

• Refrain from sleeping in between the dawn and after sunrise voluntary prayers, afternoon and sunset prayers and sunset and late night prayers.
• Don’t sleep too much - it causes forgetfulness.
• Don’t look at the sky while offering prayers.
• Don’t be proud of yourself for pride and vanity leads to the downfall of a man.
• Don’t boast of your knowledge or wealth and health - for Allah does not like those who are boastful.
• Don’t look behind frequently while walking.
• Don’t spit in the toilet.
• Don’t clean your teeth with charcoal.
• Don’t break tough things with your teeth.
• Don’t look for faults of others.
• Don’t speak in the toilet.
• Don’t chase the beggars.
• Don’t speak tales about your friends.
• Don’t antagonize your friends.
• Don’t be suspicious about your friends.
• Don’t stamp your feet while walking.
• Don’t break your knuckles.
• Don’t speak lies.
• Don’t decide on your own but do consult others who know.

Food is a blessing from Allah. Therefore one should be very thankful and be mindful of the following:

• Don’t be show distaste of food or dislike a particular food.
• Don’t smell the food while you eat.
• Don’t blow on your food when it’s hot - however you may fan it.
• Don’t eat and drink with your left hand.
• Don’t eat the food that is taken out from your teeth.
• Don’t eat in darkness.
• Don’t eat mouth-full.
• Don't eat to your full, leave one third of your hunger unsatisfied as a full stomach leads to many diseases and ills.

Here are some more guidelines for Muslims:

• Avoid traveling alone.
• Check your shoes before wearing it.
• Treat your guests well with good heart.
• Be patient when in poverty.
• Assist a good cause.
• Do good to those who do bad to you.
• Be satisfied with what you have.
• Speak clearly so others can understand.
• Think of your faults and repent - in fact repent at least 100 times a day so that you may be forgiven.

Each one of the above advises are points to ponder upon - the wisdom behind each would automatically be raveled. Some are even self explanatory as checking one's shoes before wearing for some deadly insect or even a scorpion may have slipped inside and may harm you when you put your foot inside.

We will talk of some of the above in detail and the philosophy behind such guidelines in posts to follow.

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Why People of Other Religions Become Muslims

Generally talking, non-Muslims around the world have very vague and misinformation about Islam. Whenever the word Islam or Muslim is sounded or heard, eyebrows are raised in skepticism with a negative mindset. But despite this, we note that the rate of people of other religions converting to Islam is rising and even in countries like America and United Kingdom where hate game or the Islamophobia is at its best, other religion people are happily converting to Islam and clinging to it despite a negative mindset about Muslims and Islam.

Question thus arises what is so special about the religion of Islam that attracts non Muslims to leave their ancestral religion and convert to Islam? This is exactly the same stage of someone's life as was some 1400 years ago when Allah chose Muhammad (may peace be upon him) to be His messenger and to unfold a new code and way of life that would enlighten them and their future generations and put them on the righteous path - the path Allah had chosen to change their destiny forever.

I have read many accounts of non Muslims as to why and how they converted to Islam and some of the major reasons I found were:

• The Oneness of Allah: In Christianity, the concept of Trinity and revering Prophet Isa (may peace be upon him) or Jesus as so called negates oneness of Allah. We know there is no god but Allah and none can be equated with Him. Muslims believe absolute oneness of Allah and always pray and seek help from Him alone. We in Islam believe that Isa (may peace be upon him) is a prophet of Allah and revere him for that, but not as God or equal to God. The Chapter ‘Al Ahad’ describes in detail the ultimate understanding of the concept of monotheism (we will deliberate on this in our subsequent posts).
• The Concept of Original Sin: This concept of original sin of the newly borns is rather vague and thus the concept of Baptism to rid the newly borns of the sins they are born with. In Islam, Allah says in Quran, "Undoubtedly We have made man in the fairest stature." He has created man in fairest form and stature. Thus his being born with sins cannot be justified.
• The Search for Ultimate Truth: People around the word are always seeking and searching the truth. And this is when they turn to Islam for the answers of many unanswered questions. And when truth is found, there is no turning back as there are very rare cases where converted Muslims reverted to their original religions.
• Acceptance of all Prophets: While other holy religions, like Judaism and Christianity, only revere their prophets, Moses and Issac (may peace be upon them), Muslims accept all prophets and messengers sent by Allah before the prophet and messenger Muhammad (may peace be upon him) and take the Holy Books of Psalms, Torah and Bible as books of God. However, these books have been altered so much that these no more remain the original text which was Godly sent. On the other hand, Quran, the fourth and last Holy Book by Allah, remains unpolluted and despite a passage of more than 1400 years time period, not a full stop or comma has been changed.

These are some major reasons why non Muslims seek refuge in the folds of Islam as it provides them answers to their hitherto fore unanswered questions and provide guidance as to how to live a balanced life as enunciated in the Deen (way of life) of Islam.

To read personal accounts those who have reverted to Islam, please visit our page: Embracing Islam: Revert Experiences. You may also visit our reference page: Scholars' Viewpoint on Important Issues related to Islam to knw more Islam as eminent scholars answer some of the most asked question about Islam

You may also refer to our Reference Pages for knowing more about Islam and Quran.

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If you like Islam: My Ultimate Decision, and to keep yourself updated on all our latest posts to know more about Islam, follow us on Facebook

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Please share this page to your friends and family members through Facebook, WhatsApp or any means on Social Media so that they can also be benefited by it and better understand Islam and the Holy Qur'an - Insha Allah (Allah Willing) you shall be blessed with the best of both worlds.

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