Monday, 11 May 2009
99 Naeem of Allah
Al-Asma al-Husna, Asmaul Husna, Asma ul-Husna, Asma al-Husna: Most beautiful names of Allah (SWT), 99 names of Allah (SWT): "Table of Contents"
Depression vs. Contentment: An Islamic Perspective!
We all experience unhappiness and bereavement at some point in life time. Our faith and belief in Almighty God's will are usually enough to console and strengthen our sense of loss, grief or sadness. However as human beings we are prone to feelings of depression under serious and difficult circumstances. It has been said that depression affects up to 40% of people at some stage in their lives, and has been found to be more common in women than in men. Depression can seriously affect a person's daily life.
If you have grown tired of life, or wish to go someplace where you can be alone, or you are always nervous, stressed and gloomy, you are probably suffering from depression. One could expect such a person to be suffering from this 'illness' who is incapable of fulfilling his needs or a time has come in his life that he feels totally helpless and defeated, either as a result of an unfortunate death, a missed opportunity, a financial loss, persistent feeling of depravity, long-term illness, unnecessary negative thinking. This can invariably contribute towards feelings of jealousy, fear, cowardice, pessimism and insecurity. It is a pity though that today this 'illness' has become rampant at every level of society and its disastrous effects result in the form of all sorts of hideous crimes depending upon the circumstances and history of the sufferer. more...
If you have grown tired of life, or wish to go someplace where you can be alone, or you are always nervous, stressed and gloomy, you are probably suffering from depression. One could expect such a person to be suffering from this 'illness' who is incapable of fulfilling his needs or a time has come in his life that he feels totally helpless and defeated, either as a result of an unfortunate death, a missed opportunity, a financial loss, persistent feeling of depravity, long-term illness, unnecessary negative thinking. This can invariably contribute towards feelings of jealousy, fear, cowardice, pessimism and insecurity. It is a pity though that today this 'illness' has become rampant at every level of society and its disastrous effects result in the form of all sorts of hideous crimes depending upon the circumstances and history of the sufferer. more...
Death: A Beautiful Gift for a Believer!
Multitudes of men have walked on the surface of this Earth. They all belonged to different nations and cultures. A few of them made history for which they were remembered, whereas others were never to be mentioned again. Although each one was personally different from another - their habits, thinking and tastes differed - they all had two things in common, first, they were all delivered from their mothers womb (birth) and second, they all tasted death. Who claims he has lived a thousand years?
One thing that we must remember is that death is inevitable, and everything except the Almighty God of course, will perish. Signs of death can be seen all around us. At funerals we see people who were once walking among us being buried in their graves. In the fall we see the leaves turn from green to yellow and fall one at a time, and in the winter we see trees, lifeless. In this way, all things in this world will wither away and die.
Hatred towards death and love of the world is the outcome of an ignorant person's mind, who thinks that the happiness of this world is his prosperity and good fortune. The world beset with numerous troubles and anxieties is about to end in misery and does not enjoy eternity, perpetuity and sincerity. more...
One thing that we must remember is that death is inevitable, and everything except the Almighty God of course, will perish. Signs of death can be seen all around us. At funerals we see people who were once walking among us being buried in their graves. In the fall we see the leaves turn from green to yellow and fall one at a time, and in the winter we see trees, lifeless. In this way, all things in this world will wither away and die.
Hatred towards death and love of the world is the outcome of an ignorant person's mind, who thinks that the happiness of this world is his prosperity and good fortune. The world beset with numerous troubles and anxieties is about to end in misery and does not enjoy eternity, perpetuity and sincerity. more...
The Karbala: Story of sacrifice to save humanity from extinction!
Moharram, the first month of Islamic Calendar, brings along with it a feeling of great sadness and sorrow in the heart of every Muslim. It is a month in which we commemorate Imam Hussain's (pbuh) victory in martyrdom, a victory which has permanently preserved the true Islam till the Day of Judgment. Almighty God has called this a "Momentous Sacrifice" i.e. "Zibhin Aazeem" in Holy Quran, chapter As-Saffat (37:107). We are all forever indebted to Imam Hussain (pbuh) for his great sacrifice. Let us join together and commemorate this loss and learn from the example of Imam Hussain (pbuh). Do you know, what is the Tragedy of Karbala?
The Tragedy of Karbala is about one man, Hussain, who stood against oppression and sacrificed his life and the lives of his companions, his loved ones, his family, his children, including his 6-month-old baby, in the fight against injustice.
No man's death in the history of mankind has been commemorated for as long as 14 centuries, year after year, in the same way as Hussain's death. The message of Hussain at the battle Karbala is universal and applies to every day and age. Come and find out more about this great man and this great tragedy in history. more...
The Tragedy of Karbala is about one man, Hussain, who stood against oppression and sacrificed his life and the lives of his companions, his loved ones, his family, his children, including his 6-month-old baby, in the fight against injustice.
No man's death in the history of mankind has been commemorated for as long as 14 centuries, year after year, in the same way as Hussain's death. The message of Hussain at the battle Karbala is universal and applies to every day and age. Come and find out more about this great man and this great tragedy in history. more...
Holy Ramadan Guide/Handbook
The month of Ramadan is an opportunity given by the gracious Creator for His servants to come close to Him, seek forgiveness for their sins, and fulfillment of their needs. In the Holy Qur'an, amidst an important discussion on the month of Ramadan, the following ayat (verse), which apparently has no direct connection with Ramadan, is included: And when my servants ask you about me, then surely I am near. I answer the prayer of the supplicant when he calls upon me, so respond to me, and believe in me, so that they may be led right. (2:186) Commentators agree that this is the most poignant of all the verses on the Divine-human connection. The whole verse is based on the singular first person pronoun, which is repeated seven (7) times. It is a confirmation of the close relationship between man and His creator, and an assurance that he will be listened to when he calls upon Him.
That such a verse should be included among the ayats discussing the importance of Ramadan, and some of its rules (see 2:183-187), are an indication of the important role of Du'a in the month of Ramadan. Abstaining from fulfillment of physical desires stimulates an increase in spirituality, and creates an inclination for prayers and worship. more...
That such a verse should be included among the ayats discussing the importance of Ramadan, and some of its rules (see 2:183-187), are an indication of the important role of Du'a in the month of Ramadan. Abstaining from fulfillment of physical desires stimulates an increase in spirituality, and creates an inclination for prayers and worship. more...
Prophet Muhammad (pbuh): A mercy to all creation!
The more science and technology advances, the greater is the need for the observance and practice of the teachings and instructions of divine prophets in human societies. This is because science and technology provide only machines and instruments and by no means prevent their misuse by human beings.
The terrible rise in murder, other felonies, corruption, suicide and so forth clearly points to this very fact. If morality, which is a significant part of the teachings of divine prophets, does not prevail and govern in human societies, surely not only will advanced science and technology fail to ensure human peace and prosperity, but they will add to our problems and miseries. For the exploiters and colonialists utilize advanced technology and sciences for their own satanic purposes. They murder or make homeless millions of human beings as they have always done and trample upon the rights of the weak and the defenseless.
As a matter of fact, the only factor that can halter man's restive soul and control his stormy instincts and passions and thus utilize science and technology for human prosperity and pacific life is true morality, which originates in faith in God.
The moral teachings and precepts of the divine prophets and their moral behavior are the best means of leading man to his ideal life. It goes without saying that both in personal and in social life the observance of moral principles is required of all. However, for those who must lead societies and guide the people, this requirement is much greater, because, first, the one who is the instructor of society must himself be a model of supreme moral behavior and excellent human characteristics, so he will be able to wipe moral decay out of people's hearts and minds. Obviously if he himself is lacking in morality, he will fail to lead the people onto the path of humanity and virtue.
Second, the responsibility of leading human societies is so great and crucial that no one can successfully perform it unless he has perfect morals. For this reason, God selected his prophets from among those who possessed exalted spirits, great tolerance, extraordinary patience, and other excellent moral characteristics. It was with this weapon of morality that divine prophets overturned the debased societies that were plunged in corruption and led the ignorant people who had gone astray onto the path of virtue and salvation.
In the Glorious Qur'an, Almighty God has addressed the Prophet Muhammad (pbuh): "Thus it is due to mercy from God that you deal with them gently, and had you been rough, hard-hearted, they would certainly have dispersed from around you." (3:159)
The sublime celestial morals of the Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) brought about the waves of the revolution of Islam first in Arabian society and afterwards all over the world. In the light of this all-embracing spiritual and intellectual resurrection, dispersion turned into unity, unchastity into chastity and virtue, idleness into hard work and industry, selfishness to altruism, and Arab arrogance to modesty and affection. Men and women were thus trained to become models of good moral behavior and have altruistic manners forever. The morals of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) were so sublime and praiseworthy that Almighty God has regarded them as great. "And truly you (Muhammad) possess great morals." (68:4)
The terrible rise in murder, other felonies, corruption, suicide and so forth clearly points to this very fact. If morality, which is a significant part of the teachings of divine prophets, does not prevail and govern in human societies, surely not only will advanced science and technology fail to ensure human peace and prosperity, but they will add to our problems and miseries. For the exploiters and colonialists utilize advanced technology and sciences for their own satanic purposes. They murder or make homeless millions of human beings as they have always done and trample upon the rights of the weak and the defenseless.
As a matter of fact, the only factor that can halter man's restive soul and control his stormy instincts and passions and thus utilize science and technology for human prosperity and pacific life is true morality, which originates in faith in God.
The moral teachings and precepts of the divine prophets and their moral behavior are the best means of leading man to his ideal life. It goes without saying that both in personal and in social life the observance of moral principles is required of all. However, for those who must lead societies and guide the people, this requirement is much greater, because, first, the one who is the instructor of society must himself be a model of supreme moral behavior and excellent human characteristics, so he will be able to wipe moral decay out of people's hearts and minds. Obviously if he himself is lacking in morality, he will fail to lead the people onto the path of humanity and virtue.
Second, the responsibility of leading human societies is so great and crucial that no one can successfully perform it unless he has perfect morals. For this reason, God selected his prophets from among those who possessed exalted spirits, great tolerance, extraordinary patience, and other excellent moral characteristics. It was with this weapon of morality that divine prophets overturned the debased societies that were plunged in corruption and led the ignorant people who had gone astray onto the path of virtue and salvation.
In the Glorious Qur'an, Almighty God has addressed the Prophet Muhammad (pbuh): "Thus it is due to mercy from God that you deal with them gently, and had you been rough, hard-hearted, they would certainly have dispersed from around you." (3:159)
The sublime celestial morals of the Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) brought about the waves of the revolution of Islam first in Arabian society and afterwards all over the world. In the light of this all-embracing spiritual and intellectual resurrection, dispersion turned into unity, unchastity into chastity and virtue, idleness into hard work and industry, selfishness to altruism, and Arab arrogance to modesty and affection. Men and women were thus trained to become models of good moral behavior and have altruistic manners forever. The morals of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) were so sublime and praiseworthy that Almighty God has regarded them as great. "And truly you (Muhammad) possess great morals." (68:4)
Does God Exist? If Not Then Who Else Answer Our Prayers?
We live in a world where millions doubt the existence of God: a world of science and technology in which people only accept what they can prove, see, measure, weigh or touch. Understandably, abstract concepts are accepted with caution. Belief in the existence of God is, therefore, treated with suspicion, disdain and often with amusement. Certainly the sophisticated western mind calls for more than nebulous unproved theories upon which to base faith. Nevertheless, were you to visit any country in the world, you would find that the majority of people believe that a supernatural Being (we'll call Him God) does exist. In other words, believers in a God of some sort outnumber unbelievers. Many people believe that there are thousands of gods, not just one: though they will readily agree that over and above the lesser gods is One Almighty God. In this small booklet we will try to prove the existence of God with simple logic and small stories.
One important point we need to understand in the first place is that the existence of God cannot be proved in the same way, as you prove the existence of a physical object. This is simply because God is not a physical object. Any physical object is subject to your five senses. In simple terms, you can see, hear, smell, touch or taste a physical object. This is not possible in the case of God, as He (Subhanahu wa Ta'ala / swt) is a Transcendental Being [existing on a level beyond our sensual perception].
There are people who argue that the only form of knowledge available to humans is experiential knowledge or experimental knowledge, gained primarily by the use of outer senses. This led to the belief that human beings are constituted in such a way that the knowledge of reality is always unavailable to them; and so it resulted in a renewal of attention to the everyday world of appearances. The knowledge of here and now became the only object of human knowledge and concern. Thus from this point of view, the project of seeking knowledge of reality behind appearances must be abandoned, because it is beyond the scope of human understanding.
Now think: Can't there be a way of "being" [existing] that is not susceptible of being perceived by the limited capabilities of humans through their defective senses?
I hope that the implications of the two expressions I used above ['limited capabilities' and 'defective senses'] are evident to any thinking person. The claim that something does not exist, because you haven't seen or heard it is untenable. When we consider the limitations of our sensual perception and of our reasoning powers, it is not necessary that we understand everything. We can speak meaningfully about everything simply on the basis of our perception. So to speak of "proof" with regard to a Transcendental Being becomes irrelevant.
What we can do is to point out facts which lead to a constant and inescapable awareness of the presence of God. It is clear that logically we cannot rule out the possibility of more things existing than can be perceived by our senses or can be arrived at by our reasoning. As for Man, there are two dimensions to his existence: One of matter and the other of spirit. Reduced merely to the level of material existence, Man becomes a machine or a mere animal at best. But think of a machine that rebels against being a machine; or of an animal that refuses to be an animal. That is what man is! What is it that makes him rebellious, angry, disappointed, frightened or hopeful? What is his dimension that gives him his imagination, his artistic genius, his creative urge? Why does he have nightmares and sweet dreams?.
It is not matter that does it; evidently it is his spirit that makes him so different from animals. So to base our knowledge of the world and our philosophy of life simply on the material side of our existence to the complete exclusion of the spiritual dimension, is undoubtedly faulty. The strength of Islam as a philosophy and as a way of life is that it does not separate man's material life from spiritual life, and that it seeks a balance between the two dimensions of human existence.
We should understand that human spirit is a reality incommensurable with material realities, and that it owes its existence only to God. Thus dear friends, if we ponder over the phenomena of the world around us and over the complexities of our own existence, we are bound to conclude that God is the Reality behind all appearances. The Holy Qur'an says in Surah 2, verse 164, the meaning of the following:
"Most surely in the creation of the heavens and the earth and the alternation of the night and the day, and the ships that run in the sea with that which profits men, and the water that Allah sends down from the cloud, then gives life with it to the earth after its death and spreads in it all (kinds of) animals, and the changing of the winds and the clouds made subservient between the heaven and the earth, there are signs for a people who understand." (2:164)
That is to say the external signs we see in the universe should necessarily lead a wise person to the Ultimate Reality behind it all. And that is how we arrive at the realization that God Almighty is the Moving Power behind all life and all existence.
What would constitute objective proof of God? Well, consider the following self-evident and universally recognized truth: Concept and design necessitate an intelligent designer. It's simply cause and effect. In our search for proof of God's existence, let's examine the various scientific and mathematical realities in our world.
One important point we need to understand in the first place is that the existence of God cannot be proved in the same way, as you prove the existence of a physical object. This is simply because God is not a physical object. Any physical object is subject to your five senses. In simple terms, you can see, hear, smell, touch or taste a physical object. This is not possible in the case of God, as He (Subhanahu wa Ta'ala / swt) is a Transcendental Being [existing on a level beyond our sensual perception].
There are people who argue that the only form of knowledge available to humans is experiential knowledge or experimental knowledge, gained primarily by the use of outer senses. This led to the belief that human beings are constituted in such a way that the knowledge of reality is always unavailable to them; and so it resulted in a renewal of attention to the everyday world of appearances. The knowledge of here and now became the only object of human knowledge and concern. Thus from this point of view, the project of seeking knowledge of reality behind appearances must be abandoned, because it is beyond the scope of human understanding.
Now think: Can't there be a way of "being" [existing] that is not susceptible of being perceived by the limited capabilities of humans through their defective senses?
I hope that the implications of the two expressions I used above ['limited capabilities' and 'defective senses'] are evident to any thinking person. The claim that something does not exist, because you haven't seen or heard it is untenable. When we consider the limitations of our sensual perception and of our reasoning powers, it is not necessary that we understand everything. We can speak meaningfully about everything simply on the basis of our perception. So to speak of "proof" with regard to a Transcendental Being becomes irrelevant.
What we can do is to point out facts which lead to a constant and inescapable awareness of the presence of God. It is clear that logically we cannot rule out the possibility of more things existing than can be perceived by our senses or can be arrived at by our reasoning. As for Man, there are two dimensions to his existence: One of matter and the other of spirit. Reduced merely to the level of material existence, Man becomes a machine or a mere animal at best. But think of a machine that rebels against being a machine; or of an animal that refuses to be an animal. That is what man is! What is it that makes him rebellious, angry, disappointed, frightened or hopeful? What is his dimension that gives him his imagination, his artistic genius, his creative urge? Why does he have nightmares and sweet dreams?.
It is not matter that does it; evidently it is his spirit that makes him so different from animals. So to base our knowledge of the world and our philosophy of life simply on the material side of our existence to the complete exclusion of the spiritual dimension, is undoubtedly faulty. The strength of Islam as a philosophy and as a way of life is that it does not separate man's material life from spiritual life, and that it seeks a balance between the two dimensions of human existence.
We should understand that human spirit is a reality incommensurable with material realities, and that it owes its existence only to God. Thus dear friends, if we ponder over the phenomena of the world around us and over the complexities of our own existence, we are bound to conclude that God is the Reality behind all appearances. The Holy Qur'an says in Surah 2, verse 164, the meaning of the following:
"Most surely in the creation of the heavens and the earth and the alternation of the night and the day, and the ships that run in the sea with that which profits men, and the water that Allah sends down from the cloud, then gives life with it to the earth after its death and spreads in it all (kinds of) animals, and the changing of the winds and the clouds made subservient between the heaven and the earth, there are signs for a people who understand." (2:164)
That is to say the external signs we see in the universe should necessarily lead a wise person to the Ultimate Reality behind it all. And that is how we arrive at the realization that God Almighty is the Moving Power behind all life and all existence.
What would constitute objective proof of God? Well, consider the following self-evident and universally recognized truth: Concept and design necessitate an intelligent designer. It's simply cause and effect. In our search for proof of God's existence, let's examine the various scientific and mathematical realities in our world.
MEN OF GOD
In every community of men wherever it may be or might have been in the past there have been individuals who have been providing guidance to the common members of the community as leaders, thinkers, reformers, teachers or sages. This is so because the common man is ever in need of guidance for leading a proper life both as an individual and as a member of the society amidst which he happens to be. Islam as a religion tells us that Almighty God has ever been sending guides for teaching men the proper way of life. These guides are called prophets. As matter of fact the first man created by Almighty God namely Adam was a Prophet which means that Almighty God made arrangements for the guidance of mankind before the human race as such came into existence on the surface of the Globe. The Holy Quran makes it clear that human race has never been left without Prophets to afford it proper guidance for leading a controlled life which may enable men not only to live a proper life in this world but also earn him eternal blissful life in the Hereafter.
When a machine is produced it is accompanied by a set of instructions for its use. An engineer is also commissioned to give a practical demonstration of how the machine functions. Man is an even more intricately designed but animated machine. When he is born, he suddenly finds himself in a world where no mountain bears an inscription answering questions concerning the nature of the world, or explaining how he should live on earth. No educational institution produces experts who know the secret of life or who can provide man with practical guidance. To satisfy this need felt by man, Almighty God sent His prophets to the world, every one of whom brought with him the word of God. In the scriptures revealed to them, God has explained the reality of life to man, and has made it clear what man should and should not do. They showed man what sentiments and ideas he should adopt; how he should remember his Lord; how he should live with his fellows, what he should associate himself with and disassociate himself from. The prophets' lives are a practical demonstration of how a person should live a God fearing life. God has given everyone the power to distinguish between right and wrong. He has also placed countless signs in space and on earth from which man can learn. Moreover, His revelations have been set down in human language and several of His servants chosen from amongst mankind as prophets, so that there should be no doubt as to the true path.
It is believed that about one hundred twenty four thousand (124, 000) prophets came on this earth for guidance of various communities and people during different periods. Names of some of them have been mentioned in the Holy Quran. A study of the life and performances of these holy persons together with trials and tribulations suffered by them for the sake of truth and righteousness provides useful material for giving encouragement to every man to lead a virtuous life and to face the hardships of this world that one may have to encounter in the path of truth, virtue and etc.
Saturday, 9 May 2009
Makkah (Mecca), Saudi Arabia
Makkah (Mecca), Saudi Arabia is the "Mecca" of the planet. Makkah (Mecca) is regarded as the best place on earth by Muslims all over the world, as millions perform their Hajj (Islamic pilgrimage) to Makkah (Mecca) every year, and millions more visit Makkah (Mecca) outside of Hajj season. Makkah (Mecca) is host to many masjids, including the Ka'bah, the first house of worship built to serve Almighty God. [ More on the masjids of Makkah (Mecca), Saudi Arabia ]
At-Taa'if (Taif), Saudi Arabia
Only an hour from Mecca, Taif, Saudi Arabia, is a beautiful town set high in the mountains, with a lot of parks and greenery that make for an excellent quick get-away spot for a family picnic or outing. Many Meccans retreat to Taif to get away from Mecca's intense summer heat.
Al-Madeenah (Medina), Saudi Arabia
A little more than three hours away from Mecca is Al-Madeenah (Medina, Saudi Arabia), the city of the Prophet (sallallaahu 'alayhe wa sallam). Upon entering the city, one notices something special about the residents of Medinah - they are extremely hospitable, a trait that Allaah allowed them to keep since the time of their ancestors from the Ansaar. Prayer in the Prophet's Masjid (sallallaahu 'alayhe wa sallam) in Medina earns a reward 1000 times greater than in other masjids (except in Mecca). The weather is also much cooler than Mecca, you find many of the air conditioners in Medina have a "heat" option for those semi-chilly winter nights. [ Studying Islam in Al-Madeenah (Madina), Saudi Arabia ]
Masjid Faqeeh
Founded by the Egyptian businessman who became famous by his Kingdom-wide chain of barbeque chicken restaurants, this masjid is found in the center of 'Azeeziyyah. It is known to be a place that generously hosts many visiting scholars and organizes very successful programs for them. When Shaykh Saalih Al-Fowzaan is in town, he gives lessons here.
Masjid Ibn Baaz
Built in 1419, Masjid Ibn Baaz (may Allaah have Mercy on Imaam Ibn Baaz) lies on the western edge of the 'Azeeziyyah District. It looks very high-tech from the outside, however it is very old-fashioned as far as the activities that go on inside. Throughout the year, many scholars who stop through Makkah give lessons in Masjid Ibn Baaz. Shaykh Rabee' Al-Madkhalee used to give regular lessons here, and Shaykh 'Abdul-'Azeez Aalish-Shaykh gives lessons here when he is in Makkah.The Ka'bah (Al-Masjid Al-Haraam)
In the Name of Allaah, the All-Merciful...
The house that Prophet Ibraaheem built, the first house built dedicated to the worship of Allaah stands as the center of the Islaamic world, attracting millions and millions of visitors every year. The source of the Well of Zamzam is nearby, as well as the hills of As-Safaa' and Al-Marwaa. Various lessons are found here throughout the day and night.
As one of the residents of Makkah describes Al-Masjid Al-Haraam:
"...and whenever I feel a need to get away from the pressures of everyday life, the Ka'bah is right there any time of the day or night! It is so peaceful - sometimes all you hear are the footsteps making their rounds on that cool marble floor..."
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