Words of Wisdom From The Qur'an!!

Words of Wisdom From The Qur'an


1. Respect and honour all human beings irrespective of their religion, color, race, sex, language, status, property, birth, profession/job and so on [17/70]
2. Talk straight, to the point, without any ambiguity or deception [33/70]
3. Choose best words to speak and say them in the best possible way [17/53, 2/83]
4. Do not shout. Speak politely keeping your voice low. [31/19]
5. Always speak the truth. Shun words that are deceitful and ostentatious [22/30]
6. Do not confound truth with falsehood [2/42]
7. Say with your mouth what is in your heart [3/167]
8. Speak in a civilized manner in a language that is recognised by the society and is commonly used [4/5]
9. When you voice an opinion, be just, even if it is against a relative [6/152]
10. Do not be a bragging boaster [31/18]
11. Do not talk, listen or do anything vain [23/3, 28/55]
12. Do not participate in any paltry. If you pass near a futile play, then pass by with dignity [25/72]
13. Do not verge upon any immodesty or lewdness whether surreptitious or overt [6/151].
14. If, unintentionally, any misconduct occurs by you, then correct yourself expeditiously [3/134].
15. Do not be contemptuous or arrogant with people [31/18]
16. Do not walk haughtily or with conceit [17/37, 31/18]
17. Be moderate in thy pace [31/19]
18. Walk with humility and sedateness [25/63]
19. Keep your gazes lowered devoid of any lecherous leers and salacious stares [24/30-31, 40/19].
20. If you do not have complete knowledge about anything, better keep your mouth shut. You might think that speaking about something without full knowledge is a trivial matter. But it might have grave consequences [24/15-16]
21. When you hear something malicious about someone, keep a favorable view about him/her until you attain full knowledge about the matter. Consider others innocent until they are proven guilty with solid and truthful evidence [24/12-13]
22. Ascertain the truth of any news, lest you smite someone in ignorance and afterwards repent of what you did [49/6]
23. Do not follow blindly any information of which you have no direct knowledge. (Using your faculties of perception and conception) you must verify it for yourself. In the Court of your Lord, you will be held accountable for your hearing, sight, and the faculty of reasoning [17/36].
24. Never think that you have reached the final stage of knowledge and nobody knows more than yourself. Remember! Above everyone endowed with knowledge is another endowed with more knowledge [12/76]. Even the Prophet [p.b.u.h] was asked to keep praying, "O My sustainer! Advance me in knowledge." [20:114]
25. The believers are but a single Brotherhood. Live like members of one family, brothers and sisters unto one another [49/10].
26. Do not make mockery of others or ridicule others [49/11]
27. Do not defame others [49/11]
28. Do not insult others by nicknames [49/11]
29. Avoid suspicion and guesswork. Suspicion and guesswork might deplete your communal energy [49/12]
30. Spy not upon one another [49/12]
31. Do not backbite one another [49/12]
32. When you meet each other, offer good wishes and blessings for safety. One who conveys to you a message of safety and security and also when a courteous greeting is offered to you, meet it with a greeting still more courteous or (at least) of equal courtesy [4/86]
33. When you enter your own home or the home of somebody else, compliment the inmates [24/61]
34. Do not enter houses other than your own until you have sought permission; and then greet the inmates and wish them a life of blessing, purity and pleasure [24/27]
35. Treat kindly " Your parents " Relatives " The orphans " And those who have been left alone in the society [4/36]
36. Take care of " The needy, " The disabled " Those whose hard earned income is insufficient to meet their needs " And those whose businesses have stalled " And those who have lost their jobs. [4/36]
37. Treat kindly " Your related neighbours, and unrelated neighbours " Companions by your side in public gatherings, or public transportation. [4/36]
38. Be generous to the needy wayfarer, the homeless son of the street, and the one who reaches you in a destitute condition [4/36]
39. Be nice to people who work under your care. [4/36]
40. Do not follow up what you have given to others to afflict them with reminders of your generosity [2/262].
41. Do not expect a return for your good behaviour, not even thanks [76/9]
42. Cooperate with one another in good deeds and do not cooperate with others in evil and bad matters [5/2]
43. Do not try to impress people on account of self-proclaimed virtues [53/32]
44. You should enjoin right conduct on others but mend your own ways first. Actions speak louder than words. You must first practice good deeds yourself, then preach [2/44]
45. Correct yourself and your families first [before trying to correct others] [66/6]
46. Pardon gracefully if anyone among you who commits a bad deed out of ignorance, and then repents and amends [6/54, 3/134]
47. Divert and sublimate your anger and potentially virulent emotions to creative energy, and become a source of tranquility and comfort to people [3/134]
48. Call people to the Way of your Lord with wisdom and beautiful exhortation. Reason with them most decently [16/125]
49. Leave to themselves those who do not give any importance to the Divine code and have adopted and consider it as mere play and amusement [6/70]
50. Sit not in the company of those who ridicule Divine Law unless they engage in some other conversation [4/140]
51. Do not be jealous of those who are blessed [4/54]
52. In your collective life, make rooms for others [58/11]
53. When invited to dine, Go at the appointed time. Do not arrive too early to wait for the preparation of meal or linger after eating to engage in bootless babble. Such things may cause inconvenience to the host [33/53]
54. Eat and drink [what is lawful] in moderation [7/31].
55. Do not squander your wealth senselessly [17/26]
56. Fulfil your promises and commitments [17/34]
57. Keep yourself clean, pure [9/108, 4/43, 5/6].
58. Dress-up in agreeable attire and adorn yourself with exquisite character from inside out [7/26]
59. Seek your provision only by fair endeavour [29/17, 2/188]
60. Do not devour the wealth and property of others unjustly, nor bribe the officials or the judges to deprive others of their possessions [2/188]

Words of Wisdom from Prophet Mohammad[sallalahu alayhi wasallam]!!

Words of Wisdom from Prophet Muhammad[sallalahu alayhi wasallam]



1.. "Acquire knowledge, it enables its professor to distinguish right from wrong; it lights the way to heaven. It is our friend in the desert, our company in solitude and companion when friendless. It guides us to happiness, it sustains us in misery, it is an ornament amongst friends and an armour against enemies." (widely attributed to the Prophet Mohammed (pbuh))

2.. "A Muslim who plants a tree or sows a field, from which man, birds and animals can eat, is committing an act of charity." (Muslim)

3.. "There is a polish for everything that takes away rust; and the polish for the heart is the remembrance of Allah." (Bukhari)

4.. "What actions are most excellent? To gladden the heart of human beings, to feed the hungry, to help the afflicted, to lighten the sorrow of the sorrowful, and to remove the sufferings of the injured." (Bukhari)

5.. "The most excellent Jihad is that for the conquest of self." (Bukhari)

6.. "If you put your whole trust in Allah, as you ought, He most certainly will satisfy your needs, as He satisfies those of the birds. They come out hungry in the morning, but return full to their nests." (Tirmidhi)

7.. "When Allah created his creatures He wrote above His throne: 'Verily, my Compassion overcomes my wrath." (Bukhari & Muslim)

8.. "Allah will not give mercy to anyone, except those who give mercy to other creatures." (Abdullah b. Amr: Abu Daud & Tirmidhi)

9.. " 'Son, if you are able, keep your heart from morning till night and from night till morning free from malice towards anyone.' Then the Prophet said: 'O my son! This is one of my laws, and he, who loves my laws verily loves me.' " (Bukhari)

10.. "Say what is true, although it may be bitter and displeasing to people." (Baihaqi)

11.. "Kindness is a mark of faith, and whoever is not kind has no faith." (Muslim)

12.. "When you see a person who has been given more than you in money and beauty, look to those, who have been given less." (Muslim)

13.. "If you do not feel ashamed of anything, then you can do whatever you like." (Abu-Masud: Bukhari)

14.. "O Lord, grant me your love, grant me that I love those who love you; grant me, that I might do the deeds that win your love. Make your love dearer to me than the love of myself, my family and wealth." (Tirmidhi)

15.. "It is better to sit alone than in company with the bad; and it is better still to sit with the good than alone. It is better to speak to a seeker of knowledge than to remain silent; but silence is better than idle words." (Bukhari)

16.. "Verily, a man teaching his child manners is better than giving one bushel of grain in alms." (Muslim)

17.. "Whoever is kind, Allah will be kind to him; therefore be kind to man on the earth. He Who is in heaven will show mercy on you."(Abu Daud: Tirmidhi)

18.. "It is difficult for a man laden with riches to climb the steep path, that leads to bliss." (Muslim)

19.. "Once a man, who was passing through a road, found a branch of a tree with torns obstructing it. The man removed the thorns from the way. Allah thanked him and forgave his sins." (Bukhari)

20.. "Who are the learned? Those who practice what they know." (Bukhari)

21.. "Allah has revealed to me, that you must be humble. No one should boast over one another, and no one should oppress another." (Iyad b. Hinar al-Mujashi: Muslim)

22.. "Who is the most favoured of Allah? He, from whom the greatest good comes to His creatures." (Bukhari)

23.. "A true Muslim is thankful to Allah in prosperity, and resigned to His will in adversity." (Muslim)

24.. "A Muslim who meets with others and shares their burdens is better than one who lives a life of seclusion and contemplation." (Muslim)

25.. "Serve Allah, as you would if you could see Him; although you cannot see Him, He can see you. (Umar: Muslim)

26.. "Allah does not look at your appearance or your possessions; but He looks at your heart and your deeds." (Abu Huraira: Muslim)

27.. "The best richness is the richness of the soul." (at the field ofTabuk, Syria, Rajab 9 A.H.: Bukhari)

28.. "Keep yourselves far from envy; because it eats up and takes away good actions, like a fire eats up and burns wood." (Abu Daud)

29.. "Much silence and a good disposition, there are no two things better than these." (Bukhari)

30.. "Verily, Allah is mild and is fond of mildness, and He gives to the mild what He does not give to the harsh." (Muslim)

31.. "Whoever loves to meet Allah, Allah loves to meet him." (Bukhari)

32.. "Once the Prophet was asked:'Tell us, which action is dearest to Allah?' He answered:'To say your prayer at its proper time.' Again he was asked: 'What comes next?' Mohammed said: 'To show kindness to parents.' 'Then what?' he was asked, 'To strive for the cause of Allah!' " (Ibn Masad: Bukhari)

33.. "When two persons are together, two of them must no whisper to each other, without letting the third hear; because it would hurt him." (Bukhari & Muslim)

34.. "Verily, it is one of the respects to Allah to honor an old man." (Bukhari)

35.. "All Muslims are like a foundation, each strengthening the other; in such a way they do support each other." (Abu Musa: Bukhari & Muslim)

36.. "Strive always to excel in virtue and truth." (Bukhari)

37.. "You will not enter paradise until you have faith; and you will not complete your faith till you love one another." (Muslim)

38.. "He, who wishes to enter paradise at the best gate, must please his father and mother." (Bukhari & Muslim)

39.. "I am leaving two things among you, and if you cling to them firmly you will never go astray; one is the Book of Allah and the other is my way of life." (Farewell Pilgrimage: Muatta)

40.. "Allah is One and likes Unity." (Muslim)

41.. "The best of alms is that, which the right hand gives and the left hand knows not of." (Bukhari)

42.. "The perfect Muslim is not a perfect Muslim, who eats till he is full and leaves his neighbors hungry." (Ibn Abbas: Baihaqi)

43.. "He is not of us who is not affectionate to the little ones, and does not respect the old; and he is not of us, who does not order which is lawful, and prohibits that which is unlawful." (Ibn Abbas: Tirmidhi)

44.. "No man is a true believer unless he desires for his brother that, what he desires for himself." (Abu Hamza Anas: Bukhari & Muslim)

45.. "To strive for the cause of Allah from daybreak to noon and sunset is better than the goods and enjoyment of the whole worldly life." (Bukhari)

46.. "Be not like the hypocrite who, when he talks, tells lies; when he gives a promise, he breaks it; and when he is trusted, he proves dishonest." (Bukhari & Muslim)

47.. "The proof of a Muslim's sincerity is, that he pays no heed to that, which is not his business." (Abu Hureira: Tirmidhi)

48.. "Do you know what is better than charity and fasting and prayer? It is keeping peace and good relations between people, as quarrels and bad feelings destroy mankind." (Muslims & Bukhari)

49.. "Conduct yourself in this world, as if you are here to stay forever; prepare for eternity as if you have to die tomorrow." (Bukhari)

50.. "The worldly comforts are not for me. I am like a traveller, who takes a rest under a tree in the shade and then goes on his way." (Tirmidhi)

Shahid Athar M.D. is Clinical Associate Professor of Internal Medicine and Endocrinology, Indiana University School of Medicine Indianapolis, Indiana, and a writer on Islam.

Read other articles by Dr Shahid Athar here.

WORD REPETITIONS IN THE QUR'AN!!

WORD REPETITIONS IN THE QUR'AN

http://www.miraclesofthequran.com/

Apart from the miraculous characteristics of the Qur'an which we have looked into so far, it also contains what we can term "mathematical miracles." There are many examples of this fascinating Qur'anic aspect. One example of this is the number of repetitions of certain words in the Qur'an. Some related words are surprisingly repeated the same number of times. Below is a list of such words and the number of repetitions in the Qur'an.

The statement of "seven heavens" is repeated seven times. "The creation of the heavens ( khalq as-samawat)" is also repeated seven times.

"Day (yawm)" is repeated 365 times in singular form, while its plural and dual forms "days ( ayyam and yawmayn)" together are repeated 30 times. The number of repetitions of the word "month" (shahar) is 12.

The number of repetitions of the words "plant" and "tree" is the same: 26

The word "payment or reward" is repeated 117 times, while the expression "forgiveness" ( mughfirah), which is one of the basic morals of the Qur'an, is repeated exactly twice that amount, 234 times.

When we count the word "Say," we find it appears 332 times. We arrive at the same figure when we count the phrase "they said."

The number of times the words, "world" (dunya) and "hereafter" (akhira) are repeated is also the same: 115

The word "satan" (shaitan) is used in the Qur'an 88 times, as is the word "angels" ( malaika).

The word faith (iman) (without genitive) is repeated 25 times throughout the Qur'an as is also the word infidelity ( kufr).

The words "paradise" and "hell" are each repeated 77 times.

The word "zakah" is repeated in the Qur'an 32 times and the number of repetitions of the word "blessing" ( barakah) is also 32.

The expression "the righteous" (al-abraar) is used 6 times but "the wicked" ( al-fujjaar) is used half as much, i.e., 3 times.

The number of times the words "Summer-hot" and "winter-cold" are repeated is the same: 5.

The words "wine" (khamr) and "intoxication" (saqara) are repeated in the Qur'an the same number of times: 6

The number of appearances of the words "mind" and "light" is the same: 49.

The words "tongue" and "sermon" are both repeated 25 times.

The words "benefit" and "corrupt" both appear 50 times.

"Reward" (ajr) and "action" (fail) are both repeated 107 times.

"Love" (al-mahabbah) and "obedience" (al-ta'ah) also appear the same number of times: 83

The words "refuge" (maseer) and "for ever" (abadan) appear the same number of times in the Qur'an: 28.

The words "disaster" (al-musibah) and "thanks" (al-shukr) appear the same number of times in the Qur'an: 75.

"Sun" (shams) and "light" (nur) both appear 33 times in the Qur'an.

* In counting the word "light" only the simple forms of the word were included.

The number of appearances of "right guidance" (al-huda) and "mercy" (al-rahma ) is the same: 79

The words "trouble" and "peace" are both repeated 13 times in the Qur'an.

The words "man" and "woman" are also employed equally: 23 times.
Will they not ponder the Qur'an? If it had been from other than Allah, they would have found many inconsistencies in it.
(Qur'an, 4:82)

The number of times the words "man" and "woman" are repeated in the Qur'an, 23, is at the same time that of the chromosomes from the egg and sperm in the formation of the human embryo. The total number of human chromosomes is 46; 23 each from the mother and father.

"Treachery" (khiyanah) is repeated 16 times, while the number of repetitions of the word "foul" ( khabith) is 16.

"Human being" is used 65 times: the sum of the number of references to the stages of man's creation is the same: i.e.

Human being 65

Soil (turab) 17

Drop of Sperm (nutfah) 12

Embryo ('alaq) 6

A half formed lump of flesh (mudghah) 3

Bone ('idham) 15

Flesh (lahm) 12

TOTAL 65

The word "salawat" appear five times in the Qur'an, and Allah has commanded man to perform the prayer (salat) five times a day.

The word "land" appears 13 times in the Qur'an and the word "sea" 32 times, giving a total of 45 references. If we divide that number by that of the number of references to the land we arrive at the figure 28.888888888889%. The number of total references to land and sea, 45, divided by the number of references to the sea in the Qur'an, 32, is 71.111111111111%. Extraordinarily, these figures represent the exact proportions of land and sea on the Earth today. 238

LOVE FOR ALLAH AND HIS MESSENGER[SALLALAHU ALAYHI WASALLAM]

Love of Allah subhanahu wa ta`ala


Imam Ibn ul Qayyim al Jawziyyah


Ibn al-Qaiyim mentioned ten causes that result in Allah's love for His slave and the slave's love for his Lord. [These ten are:]

First, reciting the Qur'an while pondering over its meanings and what is meant by it.

Second, getting closer to Allah by performing voluntary deeds after completing obligatory deeds. This is as is stated in a Hadith Qudsi: "My slave continues getting closer to Me by performing voluntary deeds until I love him." [al-Bukhari]

Third, continual remembrance of Allah under all circumstances, with one's tongue, heart and actions. The extent of one's love of Allah is determined by this.

Fourth, giving precedence to what He loves over what you love when you are overtaken by your desires.

Fifth, the heart being avid of Allah's Names, and Attributes and the heart roaming in that garden of knowledge.

Sixth, observing Allah's kindness, goodness and bounties, both hidden and open.

Seventh, and this is the most wonderful, the heart being soft, subdued and meek before Allah.

Eighth, being alone with Allah during the time when the Lord descends during the last portion of the night while reading His Book and ending that by asking for forgiveness and repenting.

Ninth, sitting with the beloved and sincere, benefitting from the most fruitful of their speech. And not to speak unless speaking is more beneficial and you know that it will improve your state and be beneficial to others.

Tenth, remaining away from every cause that comes between the heart and Allah.

These ten causes take the lovers to the station of true love and bring them to their Beloved.


Love for the Messenger sallallahu `alayhi wa sallam


Imam Ibn Rajab al-Hanbali


It is related in the Sahihain of al-Bukhari and Muslim, rahimahumallaah, from Anas, radhiallahu `anhu, that the Prophet, sallallahu `alayhi wa sallam, said: "None of you truly believes until I am more beloved to him than his father, his child and all of mankind."

And in the same sources we find that `Umar ibn al Khattab, radhiallahu `anhu, said to Allah's Messenger, sallallaahu `alayhi wa sallam, "O Rasoolullah, you are more beloved to me than anything except my own self." Allah's Messenger, sallallahu `alayhi wa sallam, then told him, "No, by the One in Whose Hand is my soul, not until I am more beloved to you than your own soul." `Umar then told him, "By Allah, now you are more beloved to me than my own soul." Allah's Messenger, sallallaahu `alayhi wa sallam, then told him that now he had the complete and correct faith.

Ibn Rajab says about love of the Messenger sallallaahu `alayhi wa sallam:

Love for the Messenger sallallahu `alayhi wa sallam is at two levels.

The first level is obligatory. This is the love that requires one to accept whatever the Messenger sallallahu `alayhi wa sallam brought from Allah and to receive it with love, pleasure, esteem and submission, without seeking guidance from any other source whatsoever. This is then followed by excellent following of him in whatever he conveyed from his Lord and to affirm whatever he has reported of obligations, to remain away from anything he has prohibited of forbidden acts, to give support for his religion and to strive against those who oppose him according to one's ability. All of this are necessary components that one must possess and a person's Faith is not complete without them.

The second level is superior [and not an absolutely necessary component of Faith]. This type of love requires following his example in an excellent way and fulfilling the following of his Sunnah with respect to his behavior, manners, voluntary deeds, superogatory actions, eating, drinking, dressing, excellent behaviour with his wives and other aspects of his perfect manners and pure behavior.

It also includes learning about his life and days. It also includes the heart trembling when mentioning him, saying prayers and blessings upon him often out of what resides in the heart of love for him, esteem for him and respect for him. It also includes loving to listen to his words and preferring them over the words of others of the creation. And one of the greatest aspects of this love is to follow him in his abstinence of this world, his being suffices with a little and his turning to and desiring of the everlasting Hereafter.

Jihad Against The Hypocrites!!

Jihad Against The Hypocrites

The hypocrites still raise their ugly heads from time to time, whenever they get the opportunity, in order to attack the basic and fundamental beliefs and practices of the ummah, or to cast doubts on its basic tenets, or to strip the community of its Islamic identity. What should we do about them, and how can we protect the ummah against their evil?.

Praise be to Allaah.
Undoubtedly this is a problem from which the ummah suffers from time to time, especially when it is faced with trials and tribulations and these hypocrites feel secure and feel that they will not be punished if they attack the foundations of this religion and try to spread division and tribulation.

Undoubtedly the damage that these people do is greater than that caused by the kuffaar whose kufr is obvious, as Allaah says (interpretation of the meaning):

“They are the enemies, so beware of them. May Allaah curse them! How are they denying (or deviating from) the Right Path?”

[al-Munaafiqoon 63:4]

Because of that, it is prescribed to wage jihad against them and to treat them harshly.

Shaykh al-Islam Ibn Taymiyah (may Allaah have mercy on him) said concerning the Nusayris, among whom were some who expressed their kufr and heresy openly and others who made a hypocritical show of loving Ahl al-Bayt (the members of the Prophet’s household):

Undoubtedly waging jihad against these people and carrying out the hadd punishments against them is one of the greatest acts of obedience and most important obligatory actions. It is better than waging jihad against those mushrikeen and people of the Book who do not fight the Muslims, for waging jihad against these comes under the same heading as waging jihad against the apostates. Abu Bakr al-Siddeeq and all the Sahaabah started with jihad against the apostates before they engaged in jihad against the kuffaar of the people of the Book, for jihad against these (the apostates) is a means to protect the lands that are already under Muslim rule, and to deter anyone who wants to apostatize. Jihad against the mushrikeen and people of the Book who are not fighting us is an additional manifestation of the power of this religion. Protecting the capital takes precedence over making profit.

Moreover the harm that these people (hypocrites) cause to the Muslims is greater than that caused by others (kaafirs), indeed their harm is like that caused by the mushrikeen and people of the Book who fight the Muslims. The damage that they do to the religious commitment of many people is worse than the damage done by those mushrikeen and people of the Book who wage war on us. Every Muslim must do as much as he can of his duty. It is not permissible for anyone to keep quiet about anything that he knows about them, rather he must broadcast it so that the Muslims will know what they really are.

It is not permissible for anyone to help them to remain among the troops and government employees, or for anyone to keep quiet and refrain from carrying out against them that which Allaah and His Messenger have enjoined. It is not permissible for anyone to speak against carrying out what Allaah and His Messenger have enjoined. This is one of the greatest types of enjoining what is good and forbidding what is evil, and of striving in jihad for the sake of Allaah. Allaah said to His Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) (interpretation of the meaning):

“O Prophet (Muhammad)! Strive hard against the disbelievers and the hypocrites, and be harsh against them”

[al-Tawbah 9:73]

These people are included in this phrase “the disbelievers and the hypocrites”.

The one who helps to put a stop to their evil and to guide them as much as he can will have of reward that which is known only to Allaah, for the primary purpose is to guide them as Allaah says (interpretation of the meaning):

“You (true believers in Islamic Monotheism, and real followers of Prophet Muhammad and his Sunnah) are the best of peoples ever raised up for mankind”
[Aal ‘Imraan 3:110]

Abu Hurayrah said: You are the best of people for people, you bring them in chains and fetters until they enter Islam. (al-Bukhaari, 4557).

The purpose of jihad and of enjoining what is good and forbidding what is evil, is to guide people to what is best for them in this world and in the Hereafter, as much as possible; then whomsoever Allaah guides will find happiness in this world and in the Hereafter, and whomsoever He does not guide, his evil will be contained.

Majmoo’ al-Fataawa, 35/159-160

Shaykh ‘Abd al-‘Azeez ibn Baaz (may Allaah have mercy on him) said:

The Muslim ummah must respond in kind when it is attacked. So with regard to those who fight Islam with ideas and words, we must explain the falseness of what they say using rational evidence as well as shar’i evidence, so that the falseness of what they say will become apparent.

With regard to those who fight Islam by economic means, we must ward them off and attack them if possible, by using the same means with which they attack Islam. We must explain that the best way to strengthen the economy in a just manner is the Islamic way.

With regard to those who attack Islam with weapons, we must resist them in a similar fashion. Hence Allaah says (interpretation of the meaning):

“O Prophet (Muhammad)! Strive hard against the disbelievers and the hypocrites, and be harsh against them, their abode is Hell, — and worst indeed is that destination”

[al-Tawbah 9:73]

It is well known that jihad against the hypocrites is not like jihad against the kuffaar, because jihad against the hypocrites is fought with knowledge and argument, whilst jihad against the kuffaar is fought with swords and arrows.

Fataawa ‘Ulama’ al-Balad al-Haraam, p. 1733.

WHO ARE THE ENEMIES OF GOD, AND THE ENEMIES OF ISLAM?

WHO ARE THE ENEMIES OF GOD, AND THE ENEMIES OF ISLAM?

Hypocrites

*Pretending to be Muslims but they are not really. Seek to destroy Islaam and sow hatred and division amongst the Muslims. The hypocrites follow the disbelievers and grant their loyalty to the US and Zionists and condone Israel.
They have a lot of excuses and explanations to do against what Islam has obliged on themselves like the Islamic Law and injunctions. Female hypocrites for example are against polygamy and disagree with inheritance law set in the Quraan. They also are against hijab (hejab, coverings of body and head with veil and loose garments).

The hypocrites are ashamed to be associated with true Muslims. But they revel at being liked and honored by the kuffar.

Even though they say they believe in Allah and Islam, in their hearts is animosity and grudge against Islam and the Muslims.

The hypocrites are also blocking others from the straight path of Islam. In their society, they let loose vices and evils, but block others from good deeds and learning Islam.

There are homosexuals for example, who pretend to embrace Islam and spread the false argument by saying that it is not evil and God did not forbid homosexuality. These gays want to make it so that being a Muslim and homosexual could exist at the same time.

Freemasons

Even though Freemasonry is not a religion, and its membership is opened to anybody with any religion, its agenda and secrecy have been exposed. The Freemasons instigated World Wars. It originated from the Knights Templar, a satanic cult from Jacques de Molay, and practised occultism, Kabbalah, and strange rituals, and today Masons although amongst others do charity works and recruit royalties and elites, their intention is clear that they want to dominate the world over.

If you read the writings of Masonic ideas, you will find them a strange lot. They practised sorcery and Kabbalah inside the `temples' or commonly called the Grand Lodges.
A large but elitist organization like this can only persevere for high intention and grand designs of dark nature.

There are many reports (not from the Muslims but the society where Masons are elites) against the Masonic wrongdoings - paedophilia, human sacrifice, worshipping Lucifer and idols, murders, rapes, obstruction of justice in courts, involved in drug trafficking, blackmailing, and many evils.

It is from their strange ideology and occultism that these evils are comitted by the Masons, whether just for their individual pleasures, or in their own temples for fulfilling secret rituals.

Examples:
http://www.google.com/search?q=freemasons+rape
http://www.google.com/search?q=freemasons+SATAN
http://www.google.com/search?q=freemasons+paedophile

Occultist

Kabbalah practitioners

Sorcery practitioners (also Black Magic)

The Anti-Christ (Dajjal) and its systems and soldiers

The Pharaoh

Modern-day `little Pharaohs' - dictators, tyrants, who oppress the people, murder and assasinate oppositions, cmmit atrocities and tortures and imprison dissents and oppositions (examples: Shah Iran, Pinochet, Marcos, Pol Pot, Hitler)
(but they were supported by the US and in turn they condone Israel)

Atheists

Secularists

Idol worshippers

Satanists, satan worshippers

Occultists

Jewish rabbis and Christian priests who lie about God, hiding the truth, refusing to listen to the teachings of Islam, and finance the missionaries to proselytizing Muslims to be apostates

Apostates of Islam

Zionists (Jews and Christian Zionists supporters)

Israel

The US Military/US Government

The Bush family - using his Presidency and US Military to invade Iraq and Afghanistan
(Bush is a member of Skulls and Bones, a secret old-boys network akin to Freemasons)

The gangsters

Mafioso (Mafia)

Yakuzas (Japanese Mafia)

Nazis

White supremacists

South African apartheid regime and its legacy

Communists propounding atheism and hatred towards belief in God and religions and cultures
(Example: North Korea - they hated their own Korean heritage but they imported gymnastics and put their women and girls in gymnastics suits and call it progress)

Feminists - who lie about the treatment of women in Islaam, saying that Islamic scholars are bunch of misogynists Talebans
(and what is the problem with Talebans other than trying to build their country with Islamic Syariah, and bringing orders to the war-torn country)

Former Soviet Union

Russia - the war on Chechen Muslims are still going on

Homosexuals

The anti-family

Usurers
World Bank
IMF
Usurer banks

Any person or organization that is enemy to mankind, racist, racial supremacist

Any singer, musician, actor, or film producer who spread lies, filth, and anti Islam propaganda via songs, lyrics, musics, movies, dramas, TV shows

Any writer - by writing filth and lies
(Example: Salman Rushdie who wrote the Satanic Verse)

Anybody or any organization who print false Quran (example: The True Furqan, sponsored by amongs others, the Wine Journal)

Anybody who ridicules and slander Islaam, the Muslims, Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), Prophet Jesus (peace be upon him), any Prophet, Mary the mother of Jesus
(example: some Bible has it that Prophet Lot (peace be upon him) got drunk and committed adultery with own daughters, Prophet David (pbuh) took

WHY WE MUST BOYCOTT AMERICAN AND ISRAELI PRODUCTS?

WHY WE MUST BOYCOTT AMERICAN AND ISRAELI PRODUCTS?


We must all be united against the aggressors. We are united in Islam, including unity of belief in the Shari`ah, unity of belief in the qiblah, and also united in pain and hope.

As Allah Almighty says: “Verily this Ummah of yours is one Ummah.” (Qur’an, 21:92).

Allah Almighty also says: “Surely the believers are a single brotherhood.” (Qur’an, 49:10).

There is a Hadith of the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) which states: “The Muslim is the brother to the Muslim, he can’t oppress him, he can’t give him up, he can’t let him down.” (Reported by Muslim)

Jihad is obligatory against those who take land and expel the inhabitants, spill the blood, violate the honor, destroy the houses, burn the fields, and corrupt the land. Jihad is the first obligation of all obligations, and the first duty of the Ummah. Muslims are commanded to do this, first those from the land in question, after that their neighbors, and finally all Muslims.

Basically, a Muslim is not allowed to assist in strengthening the economy of non-Muslims at the expense of Muslim and national economy. No doubt, boycotting the products of the countries invading Iraq is a religious obligation as well as a necessary human procedure to repel the aggressors, and it is a basic form of jihad (i.e., economic jihad).

If people ask in the name of religion we must help them. The vehicle of this support is a complete boycott of the enemies’ goods.

Each riyal, dirham …etc. used to buy their goods eventually becomes bullets to be fired at the hearts of brothers and children in Palestine.Iraq and Afghanistan. For this reason, it is an obligation not to help them (the enemies of Islam) by buying their goods. To buy their goods is to support tyranny, oppression and aggression. Buying goods from them will strengthen them; our duty is to make them as weak as we can.

American goods, exactly like “Israeli” goods, are forbidden. It is also forbidden to advertise these goods. America today is a second Israel. It totally supports the Zionist entity. The usurper could not do this without the support of America. “Israel’s” unjustified destruction and vandalism of everything has been using American money, American weapons, and the American veto. America has done this for decades without suffering the consequences of any punishment or protests about their oppressive and prejudiced position from the Islamic world.

The time has come for the Muslim Ummah to say “NO” to America,“NO” to Israel, “NO” to its companies, and “NO” to its goods, which swamp our markets. We are eating, drinking, wearing and riding whatever America produces.

In recent times, we saw nations use boycotts in their struggle for the liberation from colonialism. A famous example is Gandhi who asked the vast Indian nation to boycott English goods, which was very effective. A boycott is in the hands of the nation and masses alone. Governments can’t force people to buy goods from a particular country. Let us use this weapon to resist our national and religious enemy, and make them know we are still alive, and that this Ummah will not die, God willing.


The boycott has many different effects; it renews the education of the Ummah in how to liberate themselves from enslavement to other people’s taste. They encourage us to be addicted to these things of no benefit, indeed they cause us harm.

The boycott is a demonstration of Muslim brotherhood and unity of the Ummah. It is our duty to say we are not going to betray our brothers, who make sacrifices every day. We will not participate in making profits for our enemy. This boycott is a lesser resistance, which will help the greater resistance carried out by our brothers in the land of Messengers, and the fortified frontier of Jihad.

The Muslim Ummah all over the world is being asked to demonstrate its existence, and show its desire to protect what is sacrosanct. The Muslim Ummah must know who are its allies, and who are its enemies. The Ummah is forbidden to give in to weakness, and depression, and accept the tyrannical peace, which the Zionists want to impose.

Allah says: “Don’t be humiliated and ask for peace, while you are on the Uppermost and Allah is with you.” (Muhammad: 35)

Our sisters and daughters, who control the houses, have a role to play in this matter, which may be more important than the role of the man, because women supervise the needs of the house, and buy what must go inside the house. She is on hand to guide the boys and girls. She plants the Jihadic spirit in the children, and educates them in what they must do for their Ummah and its causes, and what they must do to the Ummah’s enemies, especially in the area of boycott. When the children understand this they will carry on the boycott enthusiastically, and later will lead the parents.

I’d like to stress the fact that economic boycott is a religious obligation. It is a form of sincere obedience to Allah and His Messenger (peace and blessings be upon him). Muslim jurists have also agreed that it is a necessity. Every Muslim, who really believes in Allah and His Messenger, should believe -in the depth of his heart- that the boycott is an act of worship or `Ibadah dedicated to Almighty Allah. This form of `Ibadah is not a binding formal decision issued by a statesman or a ruler, although the rulers and the subjects should cooperate to make the boycott much more effective.


If it happens that those at the helm oppose the boycott for a certain unknown reason, then this is not a pretext to abnegate Muslims from the responsibility of boycotting the enemy’s products.
I would like to state here that peoples have successfully taken an active role in boycotting the enemy’s products, even in the face of the opposition staged by their rulers. We cannot ignore the fact that individual Muslims, not rulers, are directly involved in boycotting the enemy’s products, because the individuals are directly involved in buying and selling. Hence, the Muslim who is eager to buy a certain product should first ask himself whether the commodity he is going to buy is a national commodity, produced in an Arab and Islamic country or not. With this intention, the Muslim will be rewarded.

To call a spade a spade, I'd like to draw our attention to the results already yielded by the boycott, contrary to what some people think. The boycott has brought fruitful results to the extent that the estimated losses of the Jewish State have reached 100 billion US dollars, and the estimated monthly losses are about 460 million US dollars. So many US companies who suffered the nagging woes of the boycott have begun their pressure on the American government to reconsider its hostile policy against Muslims.
It is not something strange to see Zionist and American firms rushing to wash their hands off the policy carried out by the States and the Jews in the Middle East, and circulating leaflets with which they deny having link with Zionism.

It is no wonder to see some American and Israeli companies declaring a strategy to finance the Muslim Pilgrimage to Makkah, for Hajj and `Umrah. In addition to that, package of financial aids was provided by these companies to Qur’anic schools in an attempt to attract sympathizers to their side. Not only that, but some of those companies are trying to make bargain with some of the syndicates and NGOs that champion the boycott in order to write off their names from the list of firms that are boycott targets.


In a nutshell, I can say that boycotting the enemy’s products is an effective weapon. It is the responsibility of individuals, peoples, governments as well as the responsibility of the whole Muslim Ummah. It is an individual obligation or Fard `Ayn and peoples have to take the issue seriously because boycotting is done, by and large, purely for Allah’s Sake. Any act a Muslim does solely for Allah’s Sake will be generously rewarded for it.

I ask all the believers in Allah, Christians and others, and all the free and noble people in the world to stand beside us, and support the right and truth against falsehood, and justice against injustice. Help to victory the weak, who are being killed every day in the way of Allah.

Our Walaa' (Loyalty)!!

Our Walaa' (Loyalty)

Our Walaa' (loyalty) are directed to Allah ( SWT ), His Messenger and the Believers.

"Allah is the Wali (Protector, Guardian, Supporter) of those who believe. He brings them out from darkness into light." [Surah Al-Baqarah (2), Ayah 257.]

"Verily, my Wali (Protector, Guardian, Supporter) is Allah, who revealed the Book (the Qur'an) and He protects (supports and helps) the righteous." [Surah Al-Baqarah (2), Ayah 196.]

"That is because Allah is the Mawla (Lord, Master, Helper, Protector) of those who believe." [Surah Muhammad (47), Ayah 11.]

"Say: `Shall I take as a Wali (Protector, Guardian, Supporter) any other than Allah, the Creator of the Heavens and the earth? And it is He Who feeds but is not fed.'" [Surah Al-An'am (6), Ayah 14.]

Allah is the Protector of the faithful. It is He who creates and gives sustenance. He gives life and causes death. He guides to the Truth and gives victory to its people. He accepts repentance and relieves hardship. He accepts the smallest good works and rewards their doer and forgives much error and sin. He gives the believing servants assurance and support in their graves in order to supply the correct answers to the questions of the two Angels[1]. He assures them on the day when all of creation will tremble with fear: The Day of Judgement. He will admit the believers into Paradise when the rest of people who fall into the Hell-Fire. So how can we not seek Allah's protection? To whom else could we turn if He deserted us and what destruction would befall us if He left us to fend for ourselves for a single instant? We can but stand in humble supplication between the Hands of our Lord, asking Him as Prophet Joseph (as) had done (which means),

"You are my Wali (Protector, Guardian, Supporter, etc.) in this world and in the Hereafter. Cause me to die as a Muslim and join me with the righteous." [Surah Yusuf (12), Ayah 101.]

Indeed, this is the correct starting point. To uproot all loyalty and allegiance from the heart except loyalty and allegiance to Allah ( SWT ) alone. As the Prophet

is the Messenger who conveyed the words of his Lord. Allah linked obedience to Him with obedience to the Prophet in forty verses of the Qur'an. He linked love for Him with love for His Messenger and that he is more deserved of our hearts and sacrifices than our own selves, as Allah ( SWT ) says (which means),

"The Prophet is closer to the believers than their own selves." [Surah Al- Ahzaab (33), Ayah 6.]

We must hasten to give Walaa' (allegiance and loyalty) to the Prophet and love him more than we love our own selves. How can we not do this when he takes us by the hand into Paradise when our selves attempt to entice us away from it? It is the Prophet who shields us from the Hell-Fire when our selves virtually attempt to push us into it. This was why the Prophet instructed `Umar bin Al- Khattab to love him more than he loved himself.

Our loyalty is to Allah, the Benefactor, the Guide to the Straight Path and to His Messenger who conveyed His Guidance to us:

"Say: If your fathers, your sons, your brother, your wives, your kindred; the wealth that you have gained; the commerce in which you fear a decline; and the dwellings in which you delight, are dearer to you than Allah and His Messenger, and waging Jihad in His Cause, then wait until Allah brings about His Decision (torment). And Allah guides not the people who are Fasiqoon (rebellious, disobedient to Allah).'" [Surah At-Taubah (9), Ayah 24.]

Every loyalty and love, apart from those reserved for Allah and His Messenger, are uprooted from the heart. The servant puts his love for Allah and the Prophet

above any other affection and he stands waiting for the instructions from his Lord and his Messenger:

"Verily, your Wali (Protector, Guardian, Supporter) is Allah, His Messenger and the believers." [Surah Al-Ma'idah (5), Ayah 55.]

"As whoever takes Allah, His Messenger and those who have believed, as awliyyaa' (protectors, supporters), then the party of Allah will be the victorious." [Surah Al-Ma'idah (5), Ayah 56.]

"The believers are nothing else than brothers." [Surah Al-Hujuraat (49), Ayah 10.]

Allah instructed the believers to protect, love, support and assist one another, that is, in other words, to be awliyyaa' of one another. They stand together like a solid structure; their feelings, thoughts, principles, aims, `Aqeedah, methods, traditions and habits united. The believers are one group and one sect, with only the love and loyalty for Allah and His Messenger in their hearts.

This is the unifying tie and real bond. All other ties other than that of `Aqeedah, be it a tie of blood and kinship, homeland and country, tribe and folk, colour and language are Jahili ties. All these are bonds of ignorance that should be placed under the feet of Islam.

Islam has abolished all these loyalties and bound all the Muslims together with the greatest of ties. No Arab is favoured over a non-Arab, no fair skinned Muslim is superior to a black Muslim, except by the degree of piety they have. The believers alone direct their loyalty and allegiance to Allah, His Messenger and all the believers who came before them,

"And those who came after them say: `Our Lord! Forgive us and our brethren who preceded us in Faith, and put not in our hearts any hatred against those who have believed. Our Lord! You are indeed full of Kindness, most Merciful." [Surah Al-Hashr (59), Ayah 10.]

The Muslims also stand alone to direct their loyalty to those who will come after them. All the false ties disappear and only faith and loyalty to Allah and the Prophet remain to hold them together. The source of their faith is one, their method of receiving it is the same, their criteria for judging all things are identical. In fact their structure has been made fairly solid.

If any Muslim is weakened, his brethren strengthen him; if any of them slip, his brethren help him up; if any excel, his brethren support him. This loyalty gives Muslims the greatest strength; it gives them the support of Allah, His love, assistance and protection. It gives them strength and brings about solidarity. Their enemies. realise the dangers this unity poses to them, but it remains impossible to penetrate their ranks and destroy this sacred bond. The faithful, therefore, must be on guard. Our only true strength is Allah and His Messenger. Our only real bond is faith. If we neglect this bond, Allah will abandon us and we will be scattered like dry leaves in the wind, divided by colour, race, language, nationality and political inclination. The Prophet said, "The strongest bonds of faith are loyalty to Allah and animosity to His enemies, love for Allah and abhorrence of what He dislikes." The degree of a servant's faith determines the degree of loyalty he has towards Allah and the Prophet .


[1] It has been authentically related through a number of transmitters that the dead are questioned in their graves upon burial by two angels called Munkar and Nakeer. These two angels ask the dead the following questions: "Who is your Lord?", "What is your religion?" and "What do you say about the man who was sent to you (meaning Muhammad )?". Only the righteous will be able to answer these questions correctly with the help of Allah ( SWT ). Allah knows best.

Al Wala' Wal Bara' (Love and Hate for Allah's Sake)!!

Al Wala' Wal Bara' (Love and Hate for Allah's Sake)

Al Wala Wal Bara

In the current modern age, we find the Muslims in a pit of darkness. The Muslims of today have adopted the ways of the enemy. They forbid the good and enjoin the forbidden. They imitate the disbelievers and choose them as their friends and trustees. They mock believers who oppose the ways of the disbelievers and hypocrites. They help to deviate people from the Path of Allah and His Messenger (sallallahu alaiyhi wa sallam). They have left jihad for the pleasures and pursuits of the material world. They have abandoned Shariah and adopted Jahiliyyah. These people have strayed from the Straight Path and they have turned away from al wala wal bara, and as a result, have fallen into the trap of Shaytaan.

One of the aspects of iman is al wala wal baraloving and hating for the sake of Allah Alone. It is one of the most important beliefs of Islam after Tawheed. Allah says in His Book:

Let not the believers take disbelievers for their friends in preference to believers. Whoever does this has no connection with Allah unless you are guarding yourselves against them as a precaution. Allah bids you to beware of Himself. And to Allah is the journeying. (Surat Ali Imran 3:28)

The reason why al wala wal bara is so important in Islam is because, if it is taken into practice, it can remove all the characteristics of Jahiliyyah from the Muslim Ummah, it guarantees the preservation of the Ummah, and it distinguishes the believer from the disbeliever. When one loves and hates for Allahs sake only, they are raised degrees higher than those who love, hate, and act based on their own desires or fake gods or for other meaningless things. Allah states in His Speech:

Those who believe do battle for the cause of Allah and those who disbelieve do battle for the cause of idols. So fight the friends of Shaytaan. Surely, Shaytaans strategy is always weak. (Suratun-Nisaa 4:76)

This verse is speaking of al wala wal bara. Those who have iman and belief and act upon al wala wal bara fight for Allahs cause and do battle with His enemies to preserve His Deen, while those who disbelieve fight for gods that dont even exist. Allah commands:

And fight them until persecution is no more and religion is for Allah. (Suratul Baqarah 2:193)

Only the people who love and hate for the sake of Allah will act upon this command. These are the people that understand the meaning of al wala wal bara, which will be discussed below, Insha Allah.

The Prophet (sallallahu alaiyhi wa sallam) said: The strongest bond of faith is loyalty for the sake of Allah and opposition for His sake; love for the sake of Allah and enmity for His sake.

But what does this love and enmity exactly mean? Loving for the sake of Allah means to love Allah and to show loyalty to Him by following His Shariah. It means to love all that is good and permissible in the Quran and Sunnah. This type of love requires one to defend Allahs deen and to preserve it. It is to love those who are obedient to Allah and to defend and assist them. These are the party of Allah. Enmity for the sake of Allah signifies showing anger towards those who oppose Allah, His Messenger (sallallahu alaiyhi wa sallam), His deen, and the believers. It is to struggle and fight against them in order to uphold and spread the way of Allah and His Messenger (sallallahu alaiyhi wa sallam). There is a brilliant example of this in Ibrahim (alaiyhis-salaam), as narrated by Allah in the Quran:

There is a good example for you in Ibrahim and those with him when they told their people: Surely, we disassociate ourselves from you and all that you worship beside Allah. We have done with you. And there has arisen between us and you enmity and hate forever until you believe in Allah Alone. (Suratul Mumtahanah 60:4)

Al wala wal bara requires one to ally oneself with Allah, His Messenger (sallallahu alaiyhi wa sallam), and the believers wherever they are found against the disbelievers even if it is against their own relatives. We see this in the example of the Prophet (sallallahu alaiyhi wa sallam), who fought against his own relatives and his own clan, all for the sake of Allah.

Al wala wal bara aims to purify the society and rid the people of all vices. For example, we are required to oppose the way of the disbelievers. One of their habits is wasting their time in pursuing their own material desires. A Muslim who does not act upon al wala wal bara will imitate this habit and therefore become neglectful of his duties to Allah. This will lead to a corrupt person, who will end up raising a corrupt family, which will corrupt the community in whole.

If we look at the situation today in Afghanistan, how many Muslims today are willing to leave their worldly pursuits and come to the aid of Islam and their Muslim brothers and sisters and fight for Allahs cause against His and our enemies? How many of them will act upon al wala wal bara, which is called for today? The religious situation of the Muslims of today is very pitiful and sad and the answer is that only a handful will run out to assist Allah and the faithful believers.

We call ourselves Muslims, but what exactly is a Muslim? We cant just expect that belief in Allah and His Messenger (sallallahu alaiyhi wa sallam) is enough to be qualified for Jannah. Allah says:

Or think you that you will enter Paradise while yet there has not come unto you the like of (that which came to) those who passed away before you? Affliction and adversity befell them, they were shaken as with earthquake, till the messenger (of Allah) and those who believed along with him said: When comes Allah's help? Now surely Allah's help is nigh. (Suratul Baqarah 2:214)

If we believe that belief in Allah is enough, then there is no difference between us and the pagan Arabs of the pre-Islamic period, who claimed to believe in Allah and at the same time, worshipped hundreds of other gods. Al wala wal bara is what distinguishes a believer from a disbeliever. A believer allies himself with Allah only and with his final Messenger (sallallahu alaiyhi wa sallam) and with the believers. Allah says:

And the believers, men and women, are protecting friends one of another; they enjoin the right and forbid the wrong and they establish worship and they pay the poor-due and they obey Allah and His Messenger. As for these, Allah will have mercy on them. Indeed, Allah is Mighty, Wise. (Suratut-Towbah 9:71)

O you who believe! Whoever of you becomes a rebel against his deen, (know that in his place) Allah will bring a people whom He loves and who love Him, humble towards the believers, harsh towards the disbelievers, striving in the way of Allah and not fearing the blame of any blamer. (Suratul Maaidah 5:54)

In order to be considered a believer, one must believe in Allah and His Messenger (sallallahu alaiyhi wa sallam) as well as show and prove that belief by assisting them and allying oneself with them against the enemies of Islam. The plans of the disbelievers are clearly exposed in the Quran:

They long for you to disbelieve even as they disbelieve, so that you may be the same (as them). So do not choose friends from among then until they go out in the way of Allah. (Suratun-Nisaa 4:89)

O you who believe! Do not take the Jews and the Christians for friends. They are friends of one another. And whoever of you takes them for friends is (one) of them. Surely Allah does not guide wrongdoing people. (Suratul Maaidah 5:51)

We are warned to beware of the kaafireen, for, they say with their mouths what is not in their hearts (3:167). They secretly plot against the believers to get rid of them and their divine religionIslam. They attack the Muslims and the people without the belief in al wala wal bara will support them against the believers and this is what we see in todays situation.

If the believers join together as one brotherhood, sharing a mutual love and hate for the sake of Allah, Islam will come out on top regardless of how powerful their enemies may be. When the Prophet (sallallahu alaiyhi wa sallam) and his companions (radiyyallahu anhum) fought their battles, their enemies were always more in number and had better armor, but the Muslims were victorious as in the Battle of Badr. They shared one cause: fighting for the sake of Allah. Today, we need Muslims to do the same for their brothers, but where are they?

Al wala wal bara is something which is lacking in the hearts and actions of Muslims worldwide. It is one of the more important aspects of Islam. It was because of this aspect that the companions and their Chief Leader Muhammad (sallallahu alaiyhi wa sallam), together, peacefully conquered lands and hearts all over the globe by the will and grace of Allah Subhanahu wa Taala.

Qur'an: Our Weapon in the War of Ideas!!

Qur'an: Our Weapon in the War of Ideas

by Dr Israr Ahmad

The purpose of the advent of Prophet Muhammad(SAW) is described in Surah Al-Saff as follows:

He it is Who has sent forth His messenger with the Guidance (Al-Huda) and the True way of life (Deen al-Haq), to the end that he make it prevail over all aspects of living... (Al-Saff 61:9)

In order to achieve this goal, Prophet Muhammad (SAW) required a large number of devoted and committed followers. How did he manage to find and train those followers? This has been described in the very next Surah, as follows:

He it is Who raised among the unlettered people a messenger from amongst themselves, who recites His revelations to them (Tilawat al-Aayat), and purifies them (Tazkiyah), and teaches them the law (Ta`leem al-Kitab) and the wisdom (Ta`leem al-Hikmah)... (Al-Jum`ah 62:2)

Thus, it was nothing but the highly inspiring and moving verses of the Holy Qur'an which were effectively used by Prophet Muhammad (SAW) to remove the false beliefs from the minds of his audience, to inculcate the knowledge of reality as revealed by Almighty Allah (SWT), to purify their hearts and to reform their characters, to teach them the injunctions of their Lord and the wisdom contained therein. The Qur'an repeatedly mentions the fact that the center and axis of the Prophet's activities vis-à-vis the training and purification of his Companions was the Holy Book itself, for instance:

So keep on reminding through the Qur'an whoever fears My warning. (Qaaf 50:45)

(Say...) that this Qur'an has been revealed to me that I may warn you with it, and those whom it reaches. (Al-An`aam 6:19)

So we have made this (Qur'an) easy in your tongue, that you may give good tidings with it to those who take heed and warn with it the froward folk. (Maryam 19:97)

The process of the revolution brought about by Prophet Muhammad (SAW) can be understood as having two phases: The primary or elementary phase was the generation of man-power, the making of a disciplined group of dedicated volunteers who were willing to sacrifice everything for the sake of attaining the pleasure of Almighty Allah (SWT) and the salvation in the Hereafter. The approach of Prophet Muhammad (SAW) during this phase can be understood with reference to the verse of Surah Al-Jum`ah, as quoted above. The second phase was the actual revolutionary struggle, consisting of three stages: Passive Resistance, Active Resistance, and Actual Conflict.

The point we wish to emphasize here is the central and pivotal importance of the Holy Qur'an vis-à-vis the primary or elementary phase of an Islamic Revolution. There are a number of groups and parties active throughout the Muslim World who have adopted the target of establishing the system of Khilafah, or the bringing about of an Islamic Revolution, as their goal. Most of these groups and parties are oblivious of the fact that the establishment of the Islamic System of Social Justice is not possible without the revitalization of Iman in a significant portion of the Muslim Ummah. This revitalization of Iman, in turn, is possible only by the propagation of the knowledge and wisdom of the Holy Qur'an, both at the highest level of scholarship in order to attract and influence the educated classes, as well as on a mass scale for the benefit of the general public.

The war between Islam and kufr is being fought primarily on an ideological level, and it is mere wishful thinking that the Islamic politico-socioeconomic system can be established without first achieving a convincing victory over false ideas and philosophies. In this respect, the weapon that has been provided to us by Almighty Allah (SWT) is the Holy Qur'an. We must use this weapon at all of the different fronts in this war of ideas, because it is only the triumph of Islam as an intellectual and ideological reality that can pave the way for the domination of Islam as a political force.

Five Fronts in the War of Ideas

We believe that there are five major fronts in the ideological war, and that we must use the guidance and wisdom of the Holy Qur'an to defeat the various false doctrines at each of these different fronts, as described below:

1. Folk Religion: Unfortunately, a large proportion of the Muslim Ummah today has a severely distorted view of Islam. They have adopted a number of beliefs and custom directly from the non-Muslim, like the Hindus. Thus, we find that many shades and varieties of shirk (assigning partners to Allah) have invaded the Muslim mind and life-style. There are a large number of Muslims who regularly visit the shrines of saints and offer their prayers, asking for succor from these long deceased holy men. Similarly, a widespread belief is that these saints will have the prerogative, on the Day of Judgment, to intercede on behalf of their devotees. It is obvious that these and many related beliefs and practices that are prevalent today among the Muslims are in sharp conflict with the Islamic doctrine of Tauheed.

It was precisely the type of shirk prevalent in Arabia during the time of Prophet Muhammad (SAW) that has again found its way in the Muslim society. The Holy Qur'an is full of refutations and arguments against these beliefs and practices, especially the Surahs that were revealed in Makkah. In order to reform and rectify the religious beliefs and practices of the common Muslims, all we need to do is to start a movement of Turjuma-e-Qur'an (Translation of the Qur'an). For most Muslims, Arabic remains a foreign and alien language. What is needed, therefore, is to have brief sessions in the mosques after the Fajir and/or Asr prayers every day, in which a small portion of the Qur'an is recited and its translation explained to the audience. We believe that no deep scholarship is required here, as the mere translation of the Qur'an is enough to remove the false beliefs and to promote genuine Islamic faith and practice.

2. Materialism: The dominant ideology of our times is materialism, not in the sense of a specific academic viewpoint but as the general mindset of the modern man. Although there are a number of philosophical systems popular in the world today, the underlying idea that is common in most of these systems is either a categorical or an implicit denial of all spirituality, metaphysics, and transcendence.

The history of the present materialistic atheism goes back to the beginning of Christian religion. The innovations introduced by St. Paul in the original teachings of Prophet Jesus Christ had led to the genesis of a completely new and different religion. The highly irrational dogma of Trinity ultimately resulted in the divorce between two natural allies, religion and reason. The conversion of Caesar Constantine in 313 C.E., and of the entire Roman Empire during the next hundred years or so, was the starting point for the establishment of Christian theocracy in Europe. The huge vacuum created by the Pauline idea of abolition of the Mosaic law was then filled by the virtually unlimited authority of the Church, represented by the infallible Pope. During the Middle Ages, the Church and the clergy ruled the masses with an iron hand, oppressing and exploiting them in the name of religion, while discouraging any inclination towards science or rationalism.

The Aristotelian system of cosmos, as adopted by Ptolemy, was incorporated into the Christian theology. As a result, when Copernicus, Kepler, and Galileo opposed the Geocentric doctrine and proposed Heliocentric views based on their scientific observations, the Church condemned and vehemently opposed them as heretics, starting the unfortunate rivalry between Science and Religion. The scientific and rationalistic movement in Europe, therefore, cam face to face with the powerful religious establishment of the Church. The latter used all its resources to halt this new wave of progress towards knowledge and learning, but succeeded only in producing among the masses a deep mistrust of all thing connected with religion. The ruthlessly unfavorable attitude of the clergy caused a reactionary feeling of hatred against the Church, and then against the very idea of religion itself.

The development of science and modern philosophy in Europe, therefore, was forced to take place in an environment which was hostile to religion, and this hostility has since then permeated deep down into the very roots of Western thought. The world-view and civilization that grew out of this materialistic frame of mind is characterized by a profound shift of emphasis — from God the Almighty to the material universe and laws of nature, from spiritual pursuits to sensual gratification, and from salvation in the life Hereafter to success and prosperity in this world. Scientism has largely been accepted as epistemology by the modern man, resulting in a profound weakening of the faith in God, in the soul of man, and in the life Hereafter. The influence of the prevalent atheistic philosophies is not restricted to the academicians, but it has permeated deep into the minds and life-styles of ordinary citizens.

The revival of Islamic faith in the present materialistic milieu is possible only by means of a powerful intellectual movement. The weapon to fight against the modern atheistic ideologies is nothing but the Holy Qur'an itself. However, the battle at this front cannot be won by merely explaining the translation of the Qur'anic verses. Instead, much more arduous efforts are needed in this regard. The envisioned intellectual movement should aim at effectively refuting the false claims of the scientific and empirical method as the only reliable source of knowledge. It should point out the logical flaws in the materialistic philosophies and disprove the un-Islamic features in the dominant Western paradigm. Such an intellectual movement can be started, and its momentum maintained, only by a team of dedicated and capable Muslim scholars, and will require a deep and in-depth study of the Qur'an along with a first-hand knowledge of modern philosophy and social sciences. It is only through the presentation of Qur'anic teachings in contemporary idiom and at the highest intellectual level of our times that the prevalent materialism can be defeated.

3. Uncertainty and Lack of Faith: Today, a big segment of the Muslim Ummah is suffering from a serious lack of faith in the guidance and teachings of Islam. What do we mean by lack of faith? Note that the world Iman has been used in the Qur'an in two different connotations, representing the dual aspects of the concept of "faith" itself. Thus, from a purely legal standpoint, Iman simply implies a public testimony which may or may not manifest in a person's behavior and actions. However, true Iman is much more than mere verbal attestation. True and genuine Iman implies a strong inner conviction and deeply felt certitude, which is invariably manifested in a person's whole being and his entire life, affecting all his actions and behavior, his values and ambitions. Thus, anyone who testifies to the unity of Allah (SWT) and the prophethood Muhammad (SAW), and who doesn't deny or reject any of the basic and essential teachings of Islam, will be considered a Muslim for all legal purposes and will be accepted as a member of the Muslim society. This definition of a Muslim, however, is limited strictly to legal matters; in reality, it is quite possible for those who are legally Muslims to be devoid of true faith, in the sight of the Almighty Allah (SWT).

Generally speaking, although there are more than a billion Muslims in the world today, the level of real and genuine Iman among them is seriously low. Instead of a firm conviction in the teachings of the Qur'an and the guidance of Prophet Muhammad (SAW), there is a lot of doubt and uncertainty. It seems that the articles of faith are lying in some neglected corner of our minds as ineffective pieces of dogma, and these have little or nothing to do with our practical lives. The cure for this lack of faith is, again, the Holy Qur'an itself.

He it is who sends clear revelations to His slave, that He may bring you out of darkness into light; for Allah is surely gracious and kind to you. (Al-Hadeed 57:9)

If the Qur'an is studied and its ayaat are pondered upon in an authentic quest for truth, all the veils of darkness shall be lifted from one's heart; it is this process of enlightenment which ultimately leads one to the attainment of faith and certitude.

4. Permissiveness and Westernization: The kind of cultural and social values that are gaining more and more acceptance among the Muslim in the name of modernization are, in general, diametrically opposed to the teachings of Islam. The mass communication media throughout the Muslim World are actively engaged in promoting a mindset and a life-style which is predominantly Western, liberal, and permissive. Especially in recent years, there seem to be a growing trend towards the easy availability of obscene novels and magazines, and the transmission of vulgar television shows, cultural programs, and feature films. The electronic media is becoming more and more preoccupied with music, dancing, and modeling, and all this is being enthusiastically patronized by those in power.

The effects of such liberal and permissive media policies are both far-reaching and destructive, as they are effectively uprooting the remaining traces of Islamic morality. At this front too, the battle has to be fought with the weapon of the Qur'an. Our scholars and Ulama need to pool their energies and start a movement of Qur'anic lectures and discourses, especially through the mosques. As the teachings of the Qur'an would start to permeate and penetrate the society, the level of general dissatisfaction with the liberal attitude of the media will also increase, forcing the media masters to either change their policies in accordance with the Islamic spirit or cede to the true followers of Islam.

5. Sectarianism: A very serious threat to the unity and cohesion of the Muslim Ummah is represented by the menace of sectarianism. Unfortunately for us, the Ummah — as established by Prophet Muhammad (SAW) — has been dissolved over the centuries into a large number of sub-division along sectarian lines. Many of the religious seminaries and Ulama of various sects are spending most of their time and energies in defending and propagating their particular brands of dogma and ritual, often insisting that any variation in such matters is nothing short of apostasy. Such narrow-mindedness has resulted in prejudice and intolerance among the masses, leading to a dangerous trend towards sectarian militancy.

The central axis and pivot of the Muslim Ummah is the Holy Qur'an. It is the Divine Revelation that provides the Muslims with a unifying source of guidance, consolidating them in the form of a singular force despite all their secondary differences and minor disagreements. The evil of sectarianism, therefore, can only be done away with the sword of the Qur'an. This is because human beings who have a common goal tend to unite and associate with each other. People with similar interests, ambitions, and priorities are automatically attracted towards each other. No artificial effort or external coercion is needed to unite them. Since the Holy Qur'an is common to all of the various sects, it has a tremendous potential for uniting them together. If we succeed in making the Holy Qur'an the center and nucleus of our lives, then all strife, disharmony, and sectarianism will disappear from the ranks of the Ummah. Insha Allah.

WHAT MUSLIMS SHOULD DO?

WHAT MUSLIMS SHOULD DO?

[Shamim A. Siddiqi, New York]

tsidd96472@aol.com

[www.dawahinamericas.com]


The unprecedented tragedy of September 11 and the hate campaign against terrorism in its wake have practically jeopardized the life of a common Muslim in cities and numerous towns of the USA, perhaps, for a considerable long time. They are living in a constant state of fear and a self-imposed reluctance to come out and meet the common people in their respective vicinity and tell neighbors and ward residence who they are, how much they are peaceful and how much care and concern they nurture in their hearts and minds for the people of the land and the country that stands very close to the principles of Islam and its way of life. There should not be any reason for them even to think contrary to the established norms, values and the principles that this country is pursuing with care and concern for each and everyone that lives on this land, irrespective of the fact who he is and from where he comes.



THE POSITION OF MUSLIMS: Muslim should not blame anyone for these repercussions except themselves. They are the special people of Allah on this earth. They have a mission assigned to them by their Creator ands Sustainer and they are to carry it out irrespective of the fact where they are and what they are doing? Their task is to call the humanity to the fold of Allah, demonstrating a trustworthy character and rendering humanitarian services to their neighbors and the citizens of the land. This would have created the impression that Muslims are different than what is being depicted and propagated by the prejudiced media day in and day out. People themselves would have refuted that anybody can be a terrorist but not the Muslims. They come to our help when we are in need. They are refined people, benevolent neighbors, and majestic citizens and always stand for love, care and concern for others. This confirmation by the people would have vindicated what the government agencies are brandishing Muslims today. It would have forced the Government of the USA to probe into the matter, go in the depth of the tragedy of September 11 and dig out who is the real culprit? Muslims would have never been made scapegoats for the thing [terrorism] that is unknown to their religion, culture and stands totally prohibited by Allah and His Prophet (S).

Muslims should understand very well that they have only one position on earth and that is of "Da'ee Ilallah" as addressed by Allah in Surah Al-Fussalat Verse 33:

"And who is better in speech than him who calls the people unto the fold of Allah [Dawah Ilallah], does good deeds and declares: Lo! I am from those who are Muslims [have surrendered to Allah]".

Meeting the delicacies of the position through incessant Dawah efforts and fulfilling the obligation of Da'ee Ilallah in and around the society in which they are living, Muslims would have been able to carve out a place of love, friendship and brotherhood in the hearts and minds of each every American brother and sister that would have come in contact with them at their neighborhood, job places, markets and educational institutions. The Qur'an stands witness to this change-of-heart situation:

"The good deeds and the evil deeds are not alike. Repel the evil deed with one that is better, then lo! he, between whom and you there was enmity, [will become] as though he was a bosom friend".

[Al-Fussalat: 34]

This verse explains the true picture as how we could have won over the hearts of the people of the land and where we would have been standing today, had we done our job as a Da'ee Ilallah" for all these years we have been living in this country. It also pinpoints that the Muslim Ummah and its leadership is not doing its job save and except sporadically something here and something there. They have never made an organized, determined and continuous Dawah efforts to win over the hearts and minds of the people of the land as ordained by Allah(SWT). Our Imams, the Muslim leadership and the Muslim organizations, all are to be blamed for this neglect. They are striving to get the leadership, name and fame but without doing the homework that had been made incumbent upon them by Allah and His Prophet (S). The very Kalimah that they recite every now and then Demands the fulfillment of this obligation. But we as a people don't listen the call of our Iman and realize the responsibilities that it thrusts upon us. In consequence, the Ummah is suffering and only Allah knows how long it would carry the backlash of our past and present day neglect?



NO PLACE OF ANY DESPONDENCY: However, it is an integral part of Muslim's faith that he should never feel disappointed. " La Tuqnetu min Rahmatullah" [never feel disappointed from the mercy of Allah]. Despondency is not the part of our Iman. We should all repent for our past negligence and pray to Allah for His guidance and Tawfeeq to do our job with renewed vigor and zeal that our obligation requires. The history of this Ummah is full of such episodes, turmoil and backlash. Ummah had suffered in the past for such neglects many a times but when they realized their shortcomings and neglect of their prime most responsibility of Dawah Ilallah, the Ummah had performed miracles. It reminds me a verse from Iqbal:



"A'j bhi gar ho Brahim ka iman paida <> A'g kar sakti hai undaze gulistan paida" [Translation: If today we can produce the Iman of Abraham, the fire can demonstrate the characteristic of a garden] Therefore, we should not worry. We have to transform our Iman into 24 Karat solid gold. Let us feel our responsibility, rise to the occasion as Da'ee Ilallah and encounter the situation with courage and fortitude.



Instead of sitting hand crossed, adopting a do-nothing attitude and taking refuge under the pretext that the things will change automatically in due course, we have to go in the field, be nice to our neighbors, meet the people in our vicinity, involve in ward or local social and humanitarian services and create the impression that we are the good guys. We are humans and love human beings irrespective of cast, creed, color and ethnicity. This process will soon ease the situation. Our very effort to meet the people will have chilling effect on the hate-crime promoters. This society is also full of good and well-behaved people. It is not barren. Let us meet them and the surcharged atmosphere will soon change into ease and comfort. Insha Allah.



HALF WORK ALREADY DONE: The present environment is mixed with many surprises for the Muslims. Apparently it looks anti-Islam and anti-Muslims. It appears too hostile to Muslims. At the same time, President Bush, the prejudiced media, different government agencies and NGO's have done valuable service to the cause of Islam. They have introduced the name of Islam to their own people, the community at large and to every nook and corner of the country where the Muslims could not reach for years to gather. Through their propaganda campaign, they have created an urge in the people to know about Islam. It can be measured by the manifold demand of the Qur'an and Islamic literature in the market. Their propaganda is negative and our job is now to meet the people and remove the misgivings about Islam by putting the truth about Islam as what it is and for what it stands.



This negative tactic is one of the weapons of Allah (SWT) through which He makes the task of Da'ees easier, approachable and less time consuming. This negative propaganda work was done by Abu Jahal, Abu Laheb and the entire hawkish team of Quraish at the time of Rasulullah (S) and thus managed to introduce the name of Islam and that of Muhammad (S) to every house in Makkah and the tribes who were visiting this city. Our adversaries have, Alhamdulillah, done that job on their own accord. Now we must reach to the people of the land in a planned and organized manner with love and concern and remove the misgivings that are rampant with the conviction in our heart that the future of this country lies only in Islam. Rasulullah (S) and his beloved companions did the sane thing and we have to follow it, if we are to see this country pulsating with love for the Muslims and developing a soft corner for Islam and its message. Fifty percent of our job has already been done. We should be thankful to the secular media to that extent. They did the negative work and we are now to do the balance fifty percent positive work forthwith.



WHAT MUSLIMS SHOULD DO NOW? It can be put in one sentence. Let us be conscious Muslims.

We can achieve this status through undergoing the following measures.



1. Let us live, act and behave like a Muslim and Muslimah. If we are conscious, we will be always mindful that we are Muslims and hence we should not do anything that may give bad name to Islam and Muslims. This is the first step of Dawah Ilallah at individual or personal level.



2. Let us be nice to our neighbors, come to their help and develop good social contacts on personal basis.



3. Let us make our homes as models of the Islamic way of life for our neighbors, friends, relatives and our own children.



4. Let us involve ourselves, to the extent possible, in rendering humanitarian services to the community, especially to the poor, needy and the senior citizens.



5. Let us invite our neighbors and friends at dinner, where possible, individually or in a group and dine with them in an easy and relaxed atmosphere. It will provide the best environment to talk and remove their unfounded misgivings that they are nurturing due to misinformation and disinformation about Islam and the Muslims by the prejudiced media.



6. Let us arrange Open House Meetings in Masajid, public places and community halls, serve snacks or food to the participants, provide the environment of free exchange of opinion, attend their Questions with satisfactory answers and present a packet of some basic Islamic literature while seeing them off. It should be a permanent feature of each Muslim community/Center at frequent intervals.



7. Arranging Dawah tables at different market places, shopping malls, public events, educational institutions and campuses on regular basis, displaying Islamic literature, especially the Qur'an in English and Spanish and attending public quarries and questions in a well-behaved manner.



8. Meet-the-people through door-to-door Dawah campaign in a group of two's or three's listening to their comments and questions with Sabr and responding to their quarries with Hikmah, love and care.



9. Always praying to Allah to open their hearts for Islam and guidance to the path of righteousness.



10. Last but not the least is to get the Muslim community prepared to carry out these Dawah-conscious and Dawah-oriented measures in an organized and a continuous process and get the desired results. The Muslim leaderships, our Imams and the established Muslim organizations have to do this job without any further delay. Only then we will see that the enmity, if any, will be changed into friendship as ordained by Allah (SWT) in Verse 34 of Surah Al-Fussalat as quoted above.



I pray to Allah to give us Tawfeeq to fulfill these paramount obligations. If we fail to do this job, the future of Muslims in America will be doomed and for that only the Muslim leadership of America will be blamed. In that situation posterity will never forgive us and the accountability in Akhirah will be enormous.





Shamim A Siddiqi

The Challenge Of Daw'ah!!

The Challenge Of Daw'ah

In our age the challenges in conveying the message of Islam to non-Muslims are complex. On one hand we face a great deal of misinformation about Islam and Muslims in media, school and college text books and reference material in libraries. In addition, adversaries of Islam and Muslims and making serious efforts to defame Muslims and dis-inform people about Islam and Muslims for political, military and economic motives related to the Middle East situation and world politics. On the other hand there has been an information vacuum with regards to the correct knowledge of Islam in the West, in general and in North America in particular.

When Muslims were few in the West, the situation could not be rectified by them. During the last two or three decades the Muslim population has increased many fold to the extent that Muslims have become the second largest religious group in the U.S. and in many other countries of the West. Therefore, it is a challenge to the Muslims to live up to their responsibility to fill the vacuum of correct knowledge about Islam and Muslims in the West and remove misinformation and combat disinformation.

Why Da'wah In North America

There are several solid reasons for Muslims to convey the message of Islam to the North American people.

1. It is a duty assigned by Allah

In the Qur'an Allah has placed the responsibility on the Muslim Ummah to convey the message of Islam to mankind. Allah (SWT) says in Surah Al-Baqarah:

"Thus We have appointed you a model community (ummah), that you may be witnesses against mankind, and that the Messenger may be a witness against you". Al-Qur'an 2:143

We find numerous verses in the Qur'an on the same topic. Here witnessing means to convey the message of Islam, i.e. to call people towards Allah (da'aa ilallah as in the Qur'an 41:33). Prophet Muhammad (S) completed his assignment in his life time by conveying the message to the entire Arabian Peninsula and sending letters to the heads of surrounding countries. In his Khutba of his farewell hajj he passed on the responsibility to every Muslim when he said,

"Those who are present should convey (my message) to those who are not." (Bukhari)

He did not allow us to wait until we are a perfect Islamic society before we begin to convey the message. Prophet Muhammad (S) did not wait until a few converts grew up to develop an Islamic society nor he did want us to wait. He said as given in Bukhari,

"Convey for me (to the people) even it be single ayah (verse)".

No one as an individual or as a community can delay until perfection is achieved; as soon as you have some knowledge of Islam you have a duty to convey it to those unfortunate people who know little or nothing about Islam and invite them to it.

The emphasis is on the transmission of the message of Islam to other human beings. We, the Muslims are not responsible to convert people by force or coercion, as Allah (SWT) has clearly forbidden such tactics (Qur'an 2:256). All human beings on earth have God given freedom to submit to Him (God Alone) or submit to taghut (non-God anything).

2. Preservation vs propagation of Islam

Millions of Muslims from all over the world have migrated to North America and many North Americans have accepted Islam. Many are busy developing Muslim communities at local levels. The major problem of Muslims in North America is to PRESERVE Islam in their future generations. The melting pot effect of the American society does not allow isolation of a unique community like Muslims to preserve their identity of religion and culture. The net effect is the loss of their young to the melting pot culture. The only way of preserving the identity of Islam and Muslim culture are, (a) to increase the size of the community through propagation or/and immigration until it is large enough to preserve itself, and (b) to develop Muslim neighborhoods and Muslim enclaves with all the necessary facilities for survival. It is apparent that PROPAGATION of Islam is the best way to increase the size of the community. This is the way of Prophet Muhammad (S).

3. Resource development

Development of the Muslim community and its propagation needs human and material resources. Initially, Muslims in America would have to contribute a large share of resources and bring some from Muslim countries, whenever possible. As Americans, particularly the middle class, begin to enter in the fold of Islam they will bring their own material resources and skills with them. Prophet Muhammad (S) has reportedly (Bukhari) said that among the new Muslims those who excelled (in human qualities) during the period of ignorance (jahiliyah) excel in Islam after learning Islam. It simply means that the propagation of Islam will become a self catalyzing process after some input of energy, money and skills. It cannot happen until we make an organized beginning with definite goals and keep pushing until it takes over by itself and moves on.

4. Moral and spiritual healing

Muslims are moral and spiritual physicians and in this capacity they have the responsibility of diagnosing the patients and treating them. Muslims are in the forefront of claiming that Islam has the treatment for the ills of America, however, they lack the skills and courage to present the Islamic medicine to the American society. Is it possible that a medical doctor sits among many crying and moaning patients and not offer medicine to them? Similarly, Muslims, moral and spiritual doctors are living in a sick society; they know they have medicine but do not offer it to the sick. This is either hypocrisy or a false claim. Muslims have a duty to themselves not to acquire American social, moral and spiritual diseases and they have a duty to offer the treatment of Islam to the sick.

The Islamic injunction against alcohol and intoxicants will cure Western society of liquor and drug addiction. Islam removes the demand as well as the supply of drugs of abuse; it is a balanced approach. The Islamic system of infaq, zakah and prohibition of riba (interest) will bring social justice and equity in material terms. The prohibition of fornication and adultery will remove the problems of high divorce rate, single parents and juvenile crimes. Equality of races and equality of opportunity will bring harmony among all people and prosperity to all equally. The concept of accountability to Allah Who is All Seeing, All Powerful, All Knowing, All Hearing and Just will reduce the crime rate to a low manageable level bringing peace and security for all. And so on.

5. Benefits to Muslims living in North America

Muslims living in North America know the problems they are facing in their daily lives as Muslims. Islamic holidays of Eidain (two celebrations) are not recognized and it is difficult for them to take time off for Eid prayers or even Jum'ah prayer. Due to the bad perception of Islam and Muslims in this continent, many Muslims shy away from identifying themselves as Muslims. This is, in part, a problem of personal conviction and courage, and, in part, negligible minority perception. If there are many Muslims in an organization they will support each other and will be recognized. In schools our children are sometimes ridiculed for being Muslims and they do not get special privileges for Friday prayers, food and clothing requirements for gymnasium and swimming. If there are many Americans Muslims, even as a significant minority they will bring recognition of Muslim needs at the city, county, state and national levels.

6. Benefits to Muslim Countries

Islamic revivalists in many Muslim countries are trying to establish the Islamic way of life or khilafa but they are failing due to, (a) rampant sickness and corruption, (b) lack of understanding of Islam and its requirements by the Muslim masses, (c) secular minded oppressive rulers as kings, emirs and dictators supported by the anti-Islam West including Americans, (d) the ever present hand of the Western intelligence, particularly the CIA which employs every dirty trick in its book to crush the rise of Islam under the guise of anti-fundamentalism. If Islam spreads in America and many more people understand Islam properly, there will be many Muslim senators, congressmen, journalists, businessmen, diplomats, bureaucrats and others in addition to those sympathetic to Islam, at all levels to protect the interests of Islam and Muslims.

They would not allow the CIA or similar such organizations to operate in Muslim countries in an adverse manner. A few examples are the State of Israel and European countries where the CIA and similar organizations do not interfere in internal matters and allow those countries to be run as their inhabitants would like. In case of Muslim countries the CIA is involved up to its neck in conspiring against Islamic systems and the revival of Islam. The spread of Islam in the West would have a positive psychological impact on West-imitating Muslim masses in Muslim countries.

7. Tazkiah or purification of Muslims

Prophet Muhammad (S) is a role model for Muslims and Muslims in turn are required to be role models for the rest of the mankind. Muslims will realize this important duty to become role models for other people only when they begin to present Islam to others. Muslims will have to learn Islam before presenting it which will have the positive effect of purifying them. Purification (moral and spiritual) is the process of success, i.e. going to paradise as Allah (SWT) has said,

"He indeed shall be successful who purifies himself" (Al-Qur'an 87:14)

It works the way teaching works; when a new teacher begins to teach he learns himself first and he becomes more learned the more he teaches.

The Term "Dawa'h"

According to many scholars in this field the term DA'WAH applies to conveying the message of Islam to non-Muslims and inviting them to Allah. Non-practicing and lost Muslims need to be reeducated and motivated to become better Muslims; they already know Allah (SWT) and have been given the concept of TAWHEED.

The working definition of DA'WAH for the Institute (III&E) includes the following functions: (a) conveying the message of Islam to non-Muslims and inviting them to Allah, (b) making efforts to remove misinformation about Islam and Muslims from text books, reference material and media, (c) making efforts for the integration of new Muslims into the Muslim community, and (d) to develop material resources, recruit manpower (volunteer) and provide training for da'wah workers.

An Appeal To Islamic Organizations

Knowing the importance of da'wah to the non-Muslim American people, it is a duty of every Muslim and Islamic organizations to spend a significant proportion of their budget, manpower and time on da'wah. It is suggested that Islamic organizations spend 30 to 50 percent of their budget and manpower on propagation of Islam in their city and state. Individual Muslims should spend 5 to 10 percent of their disposable income and 50% of their zakah on da'wah through the fund for talif al-quloob.