Salaam Br. Rami:

Thanks for quoting this hadeeth...I haven't seen or heard this one before:

Volume 9, Book 88, Number 203:
Narrated Abu Huraira:
Allah's Apostle said, "There will be afflictions (in the near future) during which a sitting person will be better than a standing one, and the standing one will be better than a walking one, and the walking one will be better than a running one, and whoever will expose himself to these afflictions, they will destroy him. So whoever can find a place of protection or refuge from them, should take shelter in it."

Subhan'Allah...I am concerned, very much concerned about a new fitnah in Palestine...all these years there was a common enemy, and now after some partial withdrawl of the enemy, there are muslim groups that are flexing their power against each other to gain control of various parts of Gaza...I just dont want this to become another civil war, as it has become in Iraq....may Allah protect us from this....May Allah bring some kind of civility among all muslims, so we dont smite each others neck....la hawla wala quwwatah illa billahil aaleeyil azeem

Bismillahi tawakkaltu alallah. La howla wala quwwata illa billahil aliyyil azeem.

Assalamualaikum

Brother Asif, Id like to apologize to you for the delay in my reply. Jazakallah for your heartfelt dua for me and I pray to Allah SWT for the same for you and the whole of the Muslim Ummah. Allah knows best abt the testing and traumatizing phase that Im going through...for which I pray that HE elevates my status in the Hereafter.

Yesterday's bomb explosion at the Jamah Masjid in Delhi has literally shaken me up...It was Allah SWT's decree that my brother who happened to be in Delhi yesterday was offering Asr namaz and became a first hand witness to the blast. My body was almost paralysed wiht fear in anticipation of any dreaded news...with all the commotion and rumor rampant in Bombay...But Alhumdulillah there werent any casualites but for a few injuries; as the crude bomb could not do much damage besides blackening the explosion spot.

I stilll shudder to think and my eyes still overflow with tears when I realize that Death could be lurking so close to any of us...while we carry on unaware in our worldy pursuit...Are we at any point of time ready...rather most importantly... prepared to meet Angel of Death - Izraeel (Alayhis Salam)?
Is any of us ready to face Munkar and Nakeer in the grave?..
Are we perfect and complete in our huqooq to our fellow-beings and close relatives..should we be questioned abt it by the Almighty Allah SWT?...

I believe it is high time...a true warning and a clear sign for us who can understand the signs of Allah SWT, to mend our ways - to get our lives back ontrack on the path of Sirat-ul-Mustaqeem.

And I pray that Allah SWT give speedy recovery- both physically and spiritually to those who are injured in this tragedy.

Inna lillahi wa inna ilayhi rajioon
To Allah we belong and to Him is our return

Wassalam

Assalamualaikum

Jazakallah Brother Rami for another thought-provoking article on oppression in the name of religion.

Quote "So my advice to us and advice to myself,
That if we see such madness,
We stick to our homes and do not take part
And may Allah protect us from falling into such fault."

This advice may seem contradictory to the concept of Qisaas which loosely translated as "retaliation" in English, has misled many into believing that personal vendettas are allowed -- in fact encouraged -- in Islam.

It seems that the argument rests on an incorrect understanding of a Qur'anic verse:

And whoever is killed unjustly, We have given his heir the authority. Therefore, he [the heir] should not exceed in killing, for verily he has been helped. (17:33)

The last part of the verse 'for verily he has been helped' refers to the fact that the State and the law are on his side. 'We have given his heir the authority' means that the heir has the authority to either demand Qisas or forgive the offender.
'He should not exceed in killing' means that since the society is now on the heir's side he should not exceed the limits either by taking the law into his own hand or by demanding a greater punishment than what the offender actually deserves. Also since the Islamic penal laws were implemented only after the establishment of the State and the fact that the whole society has specifically been addressed in most Qur'anic verses (for instance 6:178-179 and 5:45) pertaining to these laws prove beyond doubt that the directive of implementing the law of Qisas relate to the whole society -- which obviously works through the State and its organs (as the judiciary in this case). Therefore, lynching and engaging in personal vendettas have no room in Islam.

Nothing could be farther from the truth than the idea that Qisas refers to retaliation by an individual or a group. Such retaliation, even if equal harm is done to the offender, simply negates the purpose of the law of Qisas. The words of the Qur'an 'In Qisas there is life for you' refer to the fact that when the State does not provide the people in a society with justice, they often resort to personal vendettas and revenge, which shake the very foundation on which the edifice of a social set-up rests.

A Muslim who has been wronged has the right to demand Qisas and it is the duty of the State to provide him with justice. The Qur'an entails that much. But the Qur'an also goes further than that. It gives a high place to an attitude of forgiveness. Turning the other cheek is not merely a Christian attitude. Hazrat Isa (Alayhissalam) was not telling the judge in a court of law to turn the other cheek while deciding the fate of a serial killer; he was not telling that to the State facing an enemy State in war. He was telling that to a preacher out to conquer the hearts of people. To conquer hearts one never slays, but is slain. One does not take revenge, but forgives. These are the rules for a preacher. Though not the law, they are a great honour and a great privilege.

The Qur'an says:

The good and the evil are not equal. Repel evil with that which is better than all others; then you will see that he, between whom and you there was enmity, has become as if he were a truly close friend. And this sagacity is not afforded to anyone except those who persevere and this wisdom is not granted except to those who are indeed very fortunate. And if you feel any evil incitement from Satan, seek refuge of Allah. Verily, He is the Hearer, the knower. (41:34-36)

This is the attitude of a Muslim towards those who wrong him because of his Da'wah -- an attitude the Qur'an terms as something truly sublime. With this line of thinking, how is it possible to think of retaliation and personal vengeance? And more than that, how is it possible for any Muslim to believe that he will be able to justify himself on the Day of Judgement for killing innocent people?

Disclaimer: The above write-up has been excerpted from the dissertation, "Murder, Manslaughter & Terrorism - All in the Name of Allah" by Asif Iftikhar; a major part of which is based on Javed Ahmad Ghamidi's research work (a meritorious religious scholar and founder of Al-Mawrid, an institute of Islamic education).

The full version of the dissertation can be found at http://www.understanding-islam.com/related/text.asp?type=rarticle&raid=140

Salaam:

Masha'Allah! Good piece of writing here...very crisp, well supported with evidence, and methodical...

I did learn something new and refreshing from this post, thanks mostly due to our Ukhti undercover_hijabi....May Allah bless you sister for this effort.

Jazakum Allah Khairan
Ma'Assalaama

Asalaam Aleikum Warahmatulah Wabarakatu,

Ameen to your dua sister.

Br. Asif, I had such a long time figuring out that hadith until after seeing some of the effects of rioting (especially the ones in Gujurat a few years ago.)

There is no Qisas in these pillages and riots. People are killed who had nothing to do with an initial attack. It's quite shameful and scary at the same time because people who would normally never commit and act of violence such as murder get wept into the mob mentality. People who were your neighbors and came over your house for dinner or parties are now cutting you down like they never knew you.

I would recommend everyone to watch "The Final Soultion, by Rakesh Sharma"
http://www.rakeshfilm.com/finalsolution.htm

Assalamu'alaikum

As per my reading and understanding, the Ahmedabad riots were communal in nature as a result of the Hindu-Muslim clashes and the political parties such as the VHP inciting and corrupting the Hindus against the Muslims in the State. The Gujrat governemnt which primarily is Hindu had a major role to play in the riots; as it silently supported the inncoent killing of the Muslims.

The genocide in Darfur, Africa is mainly due to Janjaweed - the Arabic militia which the Khartoum govt is supporting. The Janjaweed is the primary instrument of human destruction. Majority of the deaths are not only due to the conflict but because of the famine and rampant diseases due to the dearth of the humanitarian relief camps.

The wars in Sierra Leone were due to the rebellion against the despotism and state-sponsored corruption leading to military rule. The wars wreaked havoc with the civilians rendering millions of them to become refugees.
The aim of the war was not to win it, but to engage in profitable crime under the cover of warfare. Diamonds have been central to the war. The diamond mining sector became influenced by organized crime and by the trans-continental smuggling not just of diamonds, but of guns, drugs, and money-laundring. Violence thus became central to those with vested interests.

The recent Paris riots are as a result of France’s uncompromising insistence on the “Frenchness” of its inhabitants which has has made life difficult for the minorities, who in reality suffer unofficial discrimination in jobs, housing and opportunities. In such strict and forcible situations, passions were bound to be inflamed, and most big towns suffer periodic outbursts of racial and religious violence.

Thus, there is a common line of similarity in these places which show an oppressed v/s the oppressor fight. The rule of Qisas is defintely out of the question here.

But with regards to the Pakistan Bombing; I assume you're refering to the recent prayer park bombing in Karachi where 1000's of Sunni Muslims had gathered on the occasion of The Prophet's Birthday Anniversary. Now, as per what I have read, most of the riots and fasaad in Pakistan have their roots in the simmering Sunni-Shia tension.
Bombing a group of people at prayer is not unheard of in Pakistan. The same happened last year too, around March, where a Shia shrine was targeted by Sunni zealots in Baluchistan. I remember comming across many more cases of violence, all of which were due to the Sunni-Shia clashes.

Now here since there isnt an oppressor and opressed people scenario; the fight purely being between 2 groups of people in the society - the concept of Qisas does hold true.
Unless the 2 groups forget the past and diferences, forgive each other and come to one common goal, peace in Pakistan seems a distant possibility.

************************************************************************************

Brother, one thing that Id like to mention here is that Im not a Pol-Science student but a Mechanical Engineer :-) Four years of Engineering school has impressed on the technical bent of my mind. Mechanics and machines are easily sucked in my insgnificant mind rahter than political ideologies. Nevertheless, I am interested in them and their role in the dynamics and suffering in our society.

If not a Mechanical Engineer, I would've loved to be a war-correspondent or a relief worker in Africa. But unfortunately this dream of mine never got down too well with my folks, who envisioned a more "conventional" acceptable career for me. Any which ways, I doubt if I couldve sustained the harsh-conditons in Africa due to my full-body vitiligo...Allahu Aalam.

So brother, Id like to iterate that its quite plausible that Im flawed in my views...This is what I could make sense from reading through media, posts, and blogs such as Kevin Sites.

I would really appreciate if you could point out the discrepancies and provide more insight to these reports.

Jazakallahu khair for your efforts and for being patient with me through my rantings :-P

Wa aakhir ud dawana anilhumdulillahi rabb il'alameen

Wassalam

Salaam:

Sister Undercover-hijabi, why Mechanical? Why not Electrical or Civil/Architectural or Computer...to me its like a male becoming a Nurse...not that anything is wrong with it...Alhamdulillah.

OK, I am originally from Pakistan...and I would not even waste my time describing what is happening in Pakistan...

Ok, I changed my mind --- Let me indulge all of you briefly in the back annals of history, especially of Karachi...where most of the bombings and violence episodes happens anyways...

Back in the 70s, Karachi was a great place...especially as far as lack of bombings are concerned...the biggest commotion that I ever remember at that age was of a thief being chased by some folks into a shop, where he got a good beating before handed to the police...

However, the only thing that used to happen, every year, was the Sunni-Shia confrontation on 10th of Muharram...this was like a given...someone will fight and or maybe killed or something like that....Nobody at that time bombed a mosque or kill innocent bystanders...

However, in the 80s and 90s, most of the annual Shia-Sunni skirmishes faded away completely in karachi...and was replaced by political struggle between the parties and rival groups...that means killing, robbery, bombing and all that, became "halal", the killing of an innocent person is somehow legitimized with the slogan of the party ideals and mandates...

This was the time of Mian & Bibi in Pakistan...I mean Benazir Bhutto (BB) and Mian Nawaz Shareef...Could you imagine, that they both were elected twice, even though previously both of their govt were dissolved by the President...This probably was the most un-productive decade of pakistan as far GNP, GDP and infrastructure Development was concerned...and most of all, this was when Karachi/Pakistan lost its innocence (if there was anything left of it)...

Now came the new Millennia and General Musharraf...and so the political upheaval (between the parties) was subdued, but the Shia-Sunni skirmishes started again....and this time I think they have all graduated to suicide bombings as has been the news all over...

And so...why did I wrote all this...I dont flippin know...but I can tell you this...we muslims are the most ungrateful, the most troublesome, the most incompetent, the laziest, the sleaziest group of humanoids that ever walked in the last 2 decades...but wait...we do have a reason for all this...and a legitimate reason to be stupidly incompetent!!!

It is because of them Americans meddling with us who are controlled by the JEWS!

Subhan'Allah...sorry I had to vent...if this offended anyone, then my apologies in advance.

Ma'Assalaama
asif

Asalaam Aleikum Warahmatullah Wabarakatu,

Jazzakum Allah Khair (both of you) for informing me more about the situation in Pakistan. I do agree with you now that this is in Pakistan (as well as in Iraq) is an issue of blood feuding, the exact same issue (amongst the arab tribes) that was stopped by Islam when the message was revealed to Prophet Muhammed (peace and blessings be upon him).

As for the assesment of the other countries, absolutely spectacular, couldn;t have said it better myself. Masha Allah.

Assalamu'alaikum

Brother u arent the first person to question my choice of career :-) I could write a whole big essay on this, but brevity is a much needed trait in engineers Im told ;-)

My dad was an Electrical Engineer himself and was very passionate abt his work Alhumdulillah and my mother though a Zoology major took great interest in his talks; as a result of which our dinner table conversations were mostly laced wiht gadgets and other advancemnts. I recall spending hours on weekends with my dad while he repaired our microwave..or fixed an electric bulb. My brother (we're twins actually) didnt really show as much interest as I. I believe Ive had a great deal of support from both my parents right from childhood in the form of encouragement from excelling academically including excelling in Math and Science. I was never told that “certain thing shouldn’t be taken up by women”. I believe this open, broad-mindedness enabled me to follow my interest in Engineering rather than settle on a more conventional career for women.

I remember my early fascination with Science and technology. I was in grade 4 then, and I had just had an interesting lesson on “measurement of heat” at school. I was enchanted by mercury thermometers and their application in measuring body-heat. My curiosity was aroused and I was anxious to measure the temperature of boiling water which I actually did (!) by dipping my mother’s clinical thermometer in a pot of boiling water! The broken thermometer in my hand (and my mother’s reprimand that followed later) taught me an important lesson that my minute knowledge was nothing compared to the vast knowledge that needs to be known in order to carry out “live” experiments. This incident had a profound impact on me and paved the way for my interest in a career in Science. With such positve feedback, I had mentally prepared to become as Engineer myself, just as my dad.

But Allah SWT had different plans in mind for me...During the summer break of grade 10, my dad passed away and withn the same week my mother too left us to join him. Those were great tumultuous times for my brother and I...witht the loss of our parents and our vitiligo...
It was then my grandparents called us down to stay wiht them in Bombay.
What followed were some tense moments and eventually I joined Engineering school. The first year being common, I hadnt zeroed down to my majors. School was great..so much empowering but best of all were my Mechanics classes. Mechanical Engineering makes sense for someone who likes the challenge of working with their hands.I’m a hands-on person and I like to create things I could visualize the internal workings of mechanical systems better than electrical and the feeling was price-less. The idea of doing something tangible that improves the life of people has deep meaning and personal reward. Computer programming was fun too, but it didnt sustain my interst for long. Same was the case with Structures and Chemistry.

I graduated with a Bachelors’ in Mechanical Engineering last May with a Second rank at the University level. Ive switched jobs twice..and currently am on a much needed hiatus. That shud explain my extra time on hidaya ;-)

Phew!..I hope I did not bore u all with my incessant details...InshaAllah I hope to get to know everyone heer better..which makes me wonder where IS everybody?

Alrite then..I gotto rush now, brother

Jazakallahukhair

Wassalam

P.S: Jazakallah once again for the insight into the Pakistan scenario. Did gain quite a lot from it. I look forward to such meaningful exchange of views on hidaya, InshaAllah

Salaam:

"The idea of doing something tangible that improves the life of people has deep meaning and personal reward"

Listen Folks...this is what all engineering is about!

Thats why I always respect an engineer...compared to IT folks who are Internet Technicians, in my humble opinion...hehehehe

Ukhti, I myself am an engineer...and I can see the methodical way of your thinking and presenting a point or issue...Alhamdulillah.

Since you told us about yourself...I will take some time to tell something about myself here to everyone as well...BUT, first I have series of meetings this morning that needs my attention...

By the way, if you are looking for a job in US...if so, I can send you link as my company is looking to hire engineers with mechanical aptitude....

Ok talk to all later...Ma'Assalaama

Sis. Undercover_Hijabi: Having been through long-term full-body paralysis and other ailments in the past, and having seen and lived in in-patient therapy places with innocents with terminal and debilitating illnesses, I am intrigued and hopelessly attracted to people who take the limitations that Allah has given them and excel beyond those who might have been far more advantaged.

I would LOVE to know you better. In fact, I beg you for your company. A part of me needs to know you better. Perhaps its a part that I have lost touch with or overlooked over the years, but I feel some kind of connection with you...and I connect with very VERY few females so for me, this is rather overwhelming and beautiful.

Salaam:

Sister J: May Allah always bless you Ukhti...May HE keep you strong, both in health and Imaan...Ameen

OK folks...here is something about me...something to sip on...

Basically, I barely made it through college...and it had to do with my attitude towards the exams...I would sit in the class, understand the material, but I could never discipline myself to prepare properly for any kind of test or exam...and I would always find an excuse to not do any homework...regardless of how genuinely my professors wanted me to improve...but then who gives a hoot!

Alhamdulillah...eventually, I did my Bachelors in Electrical and then Masters in Semiconductor Manufacturing...both were here in US....obviously, if I had remained back in Pakistan...I may have been sitting on a grocery store selling Ghee!

Now ofcourse after completing my Graduate studies...I knew I did not have enough brain cells that will last me for a PhD program and so I started looking for a job...and ALhamdulillah, I did...this is my ninth year with that company.

I remember, some 15 years ago or so when I was applying for engineering admission...my very close friend was helping me fill the applications...and there was this question which asked...which discipline of Engineering?...and I looked at him...and Alhamdulillah he said Electrical...and so I selected that box...Mechanical was a close second in my mind.

Life for me has been a blessing...no matter how I see it...Alhamdulillah...even though I have now lived half of my life away from my immediate family, especially my father/mother, and my siblings...

I did get married here in US, but later on she dumped the marriage for a career...and I dont blame her, who would want to be a housewife when you can be something else...

Its actually quiet funny...my close friend (the same guy who helped me select Electrical Engg on my Admission Form) said recently to me over a cup of coffee that of all of our friends and class mates have been married with kids...except for me, I am the only one who is still single and no kids...FYI, my nick on Hidayaonline has my age...Hey, maybe this is the last year that I file my taxes as a Single person..Insha'Allah

Hidayaonline has also been a great blessing for me...Alhamdulillah...Allah actually, guided me to this joint...away from all the chat rooms on matrimonial sites...

By the way...if anyone of you do end up on a matrimonial site...just be careful...you never know who you are talking to....

hahahaha...this reminds me of a funny event...Once I thought I was helping someone in-need on the web, but actually I later found out that I was duped in sending close to $1500 via WesternUnion to a person who never existed, at a place where he never worked...I still crack up when I think of that!

Ok, I did not talk about Nigeria...well..in a nut shell...beautiful people, beautiful country, governed by most corrupted individuals that you can find West of BanglaDesh!

Okie Doke...this will suffice for now...and I thank sister Undercover_hijabi for responding to my earlier curiosity about Mechnaical Engineering which led to this post.

Ma'Assalaama

Assalamu'alaikum

Honestly, I write to you all with mixed emotions - gratitude: for all the praises and adulation showered on me...and guilt : for not acknowledging that its all because of the duas and efforts of some noble souls and loved ones... May SWT bless my Ammiji and Abbaji with the highest maqaam in Jannatul Firdaus. Ameen.

My Ammiji used to quote in jest "Jey Allahji mehrbaan teh khota pehlwaan!" (With Allah's blessing, a donkey is King!) :-D

Sacchi, I almost feel like a lilliputian lifted on to the shoulders of a giant...I feel dizzy and am scared of losing my grip at such great heights. My humility is my cover and I think I function best with my head and feet on the ground. :-) Alhumdulillah...

I love you sister Justoju for the sake of Islam. I am truly honored to be your sister :-D. You are wise beyond your age and your hikmah pours out beautifully in your articles, Alhumdulillah. I can almost strike a common chord with you dear ...but Im an insignificant and confused girl and my nafs fears it could be exposed of its ignorance and fickle-mindedness.I can't say
much about you...but Im positive that I have loads to learn from you, InshaAllah. (Reminds me of a quote I read somewhere that "when the
student is ready, the teacher arrives").
I pray that Allah SWT gives you strenghth mentally and spiritually and elevates your status in this world as well as the akhirah..and that HE gives barakah in our interaction. InshaAllah I shall mail you on your writing4hidaya@yahoo.com id very soon :-)

Brother Asif, Jazakallah for your kind words...You sound so much like my very own brother :-) ...but he's goofy all the time with me..and thats pretty annoying!...but overall hes very sweet and possesive..like a good BIG BROTHA! ;-)
I really appreciate your job offer, but Im afraid Im at such a junction in life, where any individualistic action on my part could prove to be detrimental to my grandparents and brother. Im actually tied down with so many responsibilities and Id definitely not want to upset anyone or cause anyone pain. But jazakallah for the thought brother :-)

And thanx for sharing your life with all of us at Hidaya. It takes great courage and strenghth to discuss your not-so-perfect life with everyone...I grew up initially having a complex abt myself...due to which I wudnt really
speak out my mind. But Alhumdulillah, constant duas and effort have cured me. I pray that you find a good dutiful wife soon, InshaAllah. Just keep the faith!

Wassalam

Thank you for your generosity but you confuse my arrogant presumptions with wisdom. I dont know what I am talking about really, but for some reason I am good at writing as if I do. I fear leading someone else astray with my arrogance as much as I fear going astray myself.

"but Im an insignificant and confused girl and my nafs fears it could be exposed of its ignorance and fickle-mindedness"

That sounds just like me.

If we communicate and establish a relationship, it is that of hopeful souls...not of student-teacher. If anything, I am asking you to be my teacher. You have access, still, to a world, that I feel has slipped away from me, leaving only a scar and some pins and needles sensations. That world is a beautiful one, it is one where one is closer to one's fitra of humility and reliance upon the Rabb, one where one finds Allah is closer and dearer to one than one's own unreliable unworthy defective physical form. I need to be guided back to that state of understanding, I need to revisit my past by connecting with yours.

You never know when/who will pop up in your life to bring fruit to barren land.

And of course, all is with the Will and Knowledge of Allah.

"...away from all the chat rooms on matrimonial sites..."

You would be surprised to know brother how many people get confused and think that thats what HidayaOnline is, lol.

Salaam:

I like this quote & I am gonna quote this to others:

Quote of the Week!

"when the student is ready, the teacher arrives"

Alhamdulillah, this is an awesome quote...really resonated with me

Jazakum Allah Khairan for this...

ma'Assalaama

Sister Justoju, please chk your writing4hidaya mailbox. I eagerly wait for your response.

Wassalam

This is also an awesome quote, which really resonated with me:

"'...away from all the chat rooms on matrimonial sites...'

You would be surprised to know brother how many people get confused and think that thats what HidayaOnline is..."

Response sent.

for some reason I feel like singing
"goray rang ka zamaana
kabhi hoga na puraana
gori dar tujhay kiska hai?
tera tho rang gora haiiiiii"

but that could just be cuz I am a loser that actually remembers "vital signs" songs I heard my aunt listening to when I was 10...meanwhile, I still dont know if I've got the dua for leaving the bathroom right.

Why in the hell am I bloody sponge for everything my intellect has rational disdain for...

Salaam:

"Why in the hell am I bloody sponge for everything my intellect has rational disdain for..."

hahahaha...sister J...yes, you are a sponge...indeed you are...you have started using the word "bloody" which is like the recurring 3rd word used by the Brits in their conversation...

bloody yes.

salaam,

some food for thought pour les gourmands

"Those who have come alive out of a blood-bath live longer and have more children." -- Hazrat Ali (r.a.)

Deep, very deep.

Sooo what you are saying is that I should stop using the word 'bloody' and come out of it, thereby living longer and having more children?

Sounds good.

I hate to say this, but
"Bloody" as I mentioned earlier is british usage of the word to signify the crucifixion of Isa Ibn Maryam, now for this reason alone this curse word is horrible even more horrible than the F word Americans use a lot only because it signifies shirk.

Salaam:

Sister J: You living longer is just fine...but is the world ready to have more the likes of you (in the form of your kids)...hehehehehe

Sister U_H: If Somebody does comes out of a bloodbath (in one piece) that is, then he is not afraid of any physical or human form of fear left in him...this frees him from worries of mundane affairs...which ensures an overall good & healthy state of mind...hence the person lives longer

As far as his having more children, well, one of the things women like in a man is confidence...A man who is confident, yet humble, can (relatively speaking) have up to 4 wives, with which he can have more children...compared to someone who is not confident.

What that statement (from Hadrat Ali) essentially is alluding to is the fact that, if you have gone through tests and tribulations in this life...and survived it..physically, mentally, and spiritually...then this World will reveal its splendor and become easy on you...(ofcourse, till you return to your Lord, ALLAH Subhan-wa-Ta'Aalah).

Thats my deduction...Allahu Aalim
Ma'Assalaama

Salaam:

Sister Ibtisaam is back...woo hoo!

Where have you been? May Allah be Most Pleased with you...Ameen

Are you planning to post anytime soon on Hidayaonline, insha'Allah?

Ma'Assalaama

According to the Oxford English Dictionary:

"In foul language, a vague epithet expressing anger, resentment, but often a mere intensive, especially with a negative -- as, not a bloody one." They cite an 1840s usage.

On the other hand, the use as adverb dates back to 1650s: as an intensive, meaning, "very" or "and no mistake". In the 1880s, it was considered a "horrid word" by respectable people, on par with obscene or profane language, and was printed in newspapers, etc., as "b----y."

The OED says the origin is uncertain, but possibly refers to "bloods" (aristocratic rowdies) of the late 17th-early 18th centuries ... "bloody drunk" arising from '"drunk as a blood" ... and the association with bloody battle, bloody butcher, etc., "appealed to the imagination of the rough classes." They add, "There is no ground for the notion that 'bloody', offensive as ... it is now to polite ears, contains any profane allusion or has connection with the oath ' 's blood!', referring to the blood of Jesus."

As to how offensive the word actually is, well, that depends on whom you ask, or say it in front of. It's fair to compare it to the "F-word," in that it may cause your mum to faint, but may cause scarcely a raised eyebrow amongst the gang at the pub.

http://www.straightdope.com/mailbag/mbloody.html

salaam,

Hey, hold on to your horses honey, I admit the saying contained the term "blood" in it, but it definitely wasn't hurled at you. It was pertinent to the literal sense of the term of blood-shed and warfare.
Honestly, Im surprised such harsh useless profanities comming out from your mouth. You might go to great lenghths and argue that the "bl----dy doesnt qualify for a swear", or then "Im not really swearing at anybody else...just on the situation at the heat of the moment" ...or even that "Im using it for much required empahsis and depth"
Whatever the excuse, the fact that its profanity and leaves a not so pleasant taste, one should at all times avoid using it.

** Cool to Swear? **

There are so many of us who find it very 'cool' and macho (for guys im sure :-p) to swear. But trust me the Hellfire is far from being cool. People will wish they were cool then, rather than being cool in this world.
You must always remember that every time you speak , an angel writes down what you say, and that one day you will have to answer for every single word you ever uttered. So if you swear at someone then it's written down as a sin against you. You're only harming yourself. The Prophet (saw) said that "Abusing a Muslim is a sin and fighting with him is disbelief." (MUSLIM).

** "But sometimes you just have to swear!" **

We've all been there - you're just so angry with somebody and the only way you can express yourself, is to swear at them. The solution? ...

Don't get angry in the first place :-)

A man came to the Prophet (saw) one day and said "Advise me". The prophet (saw) said "Don't become angry. Don't become angry. Don't become angry"....

"When one of you gets angry while he is standing up, he should sit down. Then anger will leave him, and if not then he should lie down" (Ahmad). So let us follow this beautiful advice of the Prophet (saw) and remember that anger is from shaitan. If someone angers you or swears at you then don't harm yourself by doing the same but respond in a better way as Allah says in the Quran "Repel evil with what is better. Then he who was your worst enemy will become your best friend." (Ch41v33)

** "It wasn't me. Honestly." **

How often do we say such a phrase or say that "I was only joking". We treat lies as being trivial. However we are told that "Allah's messenger did not hate anything more than lying"(Ahmed). The Prophet (saw) was once asked "Can a Muslim be a coward?" He (saw) replied "Yes." and then asked "Can a Muslim be a miser?" and the reply was "Yes." The Prophet (saw) was then asked "Can a Muslim be a liar?" The Prophet (saw) replied "NO! A Muslim can never be a liar". Furthermore, he said "Truth leads to virtue and virtue leads to paradise...Lying leads to wickedness and wickedness leads to the hellfire." (Bukhari). As we know that one lie leads to another ten lies which lead to bad actions. Remember you can lie and think that you have got away with it but on the day of Judgement your hands, tongue and feet will bear testimony against you and tell the truth.

** But it's only words! **

One day one of the companions asked the Prophet (saw) "O Messenger of Allah. Will we be called to account for what we say?" He replied "May you be lost to your mother - people will be thrown, faces down into the hellfire, only on account to what their tongues said." (Tirmidhi).

Indeed the tongue controls the rest of your body. A well controlled tongue will keep us within Islam but a loose tongue will destroy us. The Prophet (saw) said "When a person gets up in the morning, all the parts of his body make a plea to his tongue saying; 'Fear Allah regarding us, because we follow you. If you are right then we shall also be right , and if you are wrong then we shall also be wrong." (Tirmidhi)

Instead of swearing, lying and engaging in useless talk we can use our tongues in better ways and what better than telling people about Islam. Allah says "Who is better in speech than one who calls (men) to Allah and works righteousness and says I am one of those who bow down in Islam" (Ch 41v33)

** Your tongue can save you as well! **

Indeed if you control your tongue and speak good then paradise can be yours. The Prophet (saw) said "Whoever can guarantee me two things I can guarantee them Paradise." The companions asked "What O Messenger of Allah?" He replied "What is between his jaws (his tongue) and his legs (private parts)." (Bukhari)

** I've lied and backbited, sworn and made fun of others. I must be doomed I must be going to hell!" **

NO! Allah (swt) tells us in the Quran: "O my servants who have wronged themselves. never despair of the mercy of Allah for truly he forgives all sins. He is the Forgiving, the Merciful." (Ch39v53)

So if you really repent and turn back to Allah and promise not to commit the sin again then truly Allah's promise is true and He will forgive you.

If you've backbitten someone - go and tell the person whom you backbited and apologise sincerely and ask them to forgive you. But if you think that the situation will get worse then turn back to Allah sincerely begging for his forgiveness then to make up for what you said, go around and talk good of him.

** The Best Example **

As we know that the best person to have ever lived is the Prophet Muhammad (saw) and he is the best of example for mankind. If we follow him we can never go wrong. Ayesha (RA) the Prophet's wife described the Prophets conduct as follows "He was neither a obscene talker nor a user of bad words. He did not shout nor did he repay evil with evil. He used to forgive people and overlook their sins." (Tirmidhi)

Final Advice: A beautiful saying of the Prophet (saw) that will ensure the protection of our tongue. The Messenger of Allah (saw) said "Whoever believes in Allah and the Last day, LET HIM EITHER SPEAK GOOD OR KEEP SILENT" (Agreed upon)

Source: http://www.themodernreligion.com/misc/hh/gh-tongue.htm

P.S: Sister J, I love you too much and i feel you're too precious to carry on with such an abasing habit. I pray that Allah SWT gives you strenghth and conviction to kick it out for good.

P.P.S. Why do I have the feeling that u arent chking yr mailbox?

wassalam

Assalamualaikum

Sister Ibtisam : Ive been through your articles here and though we havent been formally introduced as such, I feel as if I know you since ages :-D MashaAllah you write very well and your posts are very informative. I look forward to more awakening articles from you. I love you for the sake of Islam sister, and I pray that Allah SWT blesses you with the best of both the worlds - Aameen.

Brother Asif : Jazakallah for your interpretation . Well said Alhumdulillah

Wassalam

Salaam:

Ukhti U_H: Masha'Allah great post by you...Alhamdulillah!

By the way, Masha'Allah Sister J has a very gifted tongue, that gets slipped once a while...so dont chastize her too much.

I remember a rude awakening about using swear words in my speech...this was when I was at college (in upperstate NY)...about the same age as you guys.

I was having a conversation with my roommate, who is like one of the nicest guy you will ever meet...Subhan'Allah...some people are just so sweet..anyways, we were talking about Jamaat-Islaami...and I was really criticizing them harshly and crudely because of their involvement in politics and nothing to show for it...I did not know at that time that he and his family were pro Jamaat-Islaami back in India...and so he did get angry and upset with my bantering...however, rather than jumping on my case and defending the Jamaat-Islaami, he said that I should first check my language (meaning choice of words) before even criticizing anything or anyone...and that statement from him just stopped me in my tracks...Since that day, I made extra effort not to swear or use crude words in front of him...and Alhamdulillah, it made all the difference...

Ergo, the point here is that your suhbat/company can ease in making you a saint or a sinner....

Always be in the company of good...and thats what brings me to Hidayaonline...

By the way sister U_H...you have to also read articles and posts of Sister Bint Saeed and Sister Bint AbdulKhaliq...There are other sisters as well, like Sister Amatullah, and Sister Saima...check them out at your leisure...insha'Allah

As far as brothers are concerned...then read first of Br. Rami, Br. Talal and Br. Faisal...insha'Allah

And you wont find any article from me...on hidayaonline...woo hoo!

Ma'Assalaama
asif

whoooaaa what is going on here?

"Hey, hold on to your horses honey, I admit the saying contained the term "blood" in it, but it definitely wasn't hurled at you. It was pertinent to the literal sense of the term of blood-shed and warfare."

Yeah, I know what you meant and that it wasnt meant towards me...duhhh lol...I was making one of my random comments that amuse me. If you read many of my other comments in other threads you will see the same kind of thing there. I think its funny to connect two obviously different things/ideas and see what you come out with. I cant believe it got taken this much out of proportion.

Here is something about me: I have never said the f-word or s-word before in my life. I dont curse and think its a disgusting habit that does not befit muslims. Not only do I not curse, I also avoid the company of people who curse. I am not saying that I am some saint, I have a whole bunch of other weaknesses, but alhamdulillah, cursing has never been much of a problem.

Now I didnt 'slip up' and use that 'b' word. Nor is it a habit or past time. I used it because in London, and in the English media, it is simply not understood to be a curse. I investigated this when I got here because I was a bit confused as to why every other person (including ppl in parliament, spokesmen, journalists, uncles/aunties in the masjids, and IMAMS) were using it. I had always thought it was a curse word. Apparently it isnt considered to be a curse word in modern england. Only Americans really get worked up over it because they dont live in a context where it is casually used. At MOST (though not as much), it is given the significance of the word 'damn' and is used the way Americans use that word...only without the dangerous aspect of damnation (as muslims we arent allowed to 'damn' anything to hell).

A little bit of benefit of the doubt would be appreciated in the future. Its kind of sad when you have been writing on a site for a while and then ppl assume you to be foul-mouthed all of a sudden. Its a kick to the nafs (for which, I suppose part of me thanks you). But this habit of Muslims publicly reprimanding first and researching later can be quite dangeroous and can even put one at risk of slander.

And all that stuff about it coming from the cruci'fiction', really, maybe people should do a bit of research before posting myths.

p.s. Sis. U.C.: The reason I havent responded to your brilliant email yet is cuz I check hidaya first and often get caught up in it :)...by the time I finish my Hidaya reading/posting I often dont have time to respond to emails. But I HAVE read your mail and am currently working on a response inshaAllah. A long email deserves a long reply :).

Salaam:

******* J U M M A H --- M U B A R A K *******

Sister J, well said...Alhamdulillah.

Quote of the day:
A little bit of benefit of the doubt would be appreciated in the future."...especially for a muslim brother/sister...insha'Allah

By the way, what do you think of this...If a Sheikh refused to give public speeches, because there are women in the audience...even though there is no mix sitting?

Is there evidence that supports this opinion...I am planning to go and talk to this sheikh and figure out his reasoning...insha'Allah.
Apparently he is an excellent speaker...but he refused to come to any conferences just because there are women in the audience...Wallahu Aalim

Any constructive input/feedback will be appreciated...

Ma'Assalaama
asif

Bismillahi hir Rahmaan ir Raheem

I, undercover_hijabi publicly confess with deep regret that I have gravely wronged Sister Justojou by condemning her in open forum. Sister Justojou is free from all the attributes that I have knowingly/unknowingly ascribed to her. I acknowledge that Sis. Justojou has the upper hand in matters of ilm and that I have absolutely no authority in knowledge, experience or age to pick at her in public and cause her much pain.

I have deep respect and love for sister Justojou and I beg her to pardon me in this world and not carry this forward before the Rabbul 'Aalameen.
I beseech Allah SWT for his mercy and am deeply remorseful for my unintentional act of libel.I ask the Almighty not to lift this cloud of remorse as penance for my sin. Meanwhile I request all brothers and sisters to make duaae magfirat for this sinner.

Sincerely,
Sr. undercover_hijabi

You're funny :).

Please tell me that was sarcasm cuz if it was I love your use of it. Perfectly constructed with just the right amount of edge. Flawless. I am impressed.

If it wasnt sarcasm then I am shocked that anyone could seriously think I am learned or that I am in a position of victim/pardoner. Trust me, I am just the girl who has trouble making herself pray or read the quran. I most likely have more serious deeni issues than anyone else on this site and have prolly offended more innocent tolerant people than anyone else (uhhhh maybe with the exception of br. gillette :)).

This whole thing was really not that huge a deal. I was just shocked by how so many people made a big deal out of it and how it generated so many serious posts lol. I wasnt actually offended and didnt actually mean to offend anyone. We are all equals here and its all good.

You CAN make fun of me without me getting offended you know :)

No worries.

""Those who have come alive out of a blood-bath live longer and have more children." -- Hazrat Ali (r.a.)"

Uhhhh I am not knocking br. Asif's well thought-out interpretation, but I thought the saying just meant the obvious:

You die in a bloodbath- you dont live longer and dont have more children

You come out alive from a bloodbath- you will prolly live longer and prolly have more children

...hence, on AVERAGE, the one who comes out alive from a bloodbath will prolly live longer and have more children (in comparison to the one who didnt come out alive from it).

Maybe I am just losing poetic edge.

does that mean Im pardoned?...oh... thanx so much sis...ure DA BON! (y)

Hey the weather seems so much brighter all of a sudden aye! ;-)

Wa' alaikum Salam

Going to British Museum tomorrow with hubby...soooo excited...cant wait...want to go on 3 tours...want to get floor map...want to eat arab food from the arab quarter nearby...cant wait...love museums...love history...soo overwhelmed...cant form complete sentences...ability decreasing with excitement...must...see...rosetta stone...must...see...islamic...world...tour...eye-opening...close...misconceptions...mistake...bad..
..right....good...goooooooood.....gooooo.....gooogoooo....gaaagaa...

Asalaam Aleikum Warahmatullah Wabarakatu,

"Going to British Museum tomorrow with hubby..."

23. Nor say of anything, "I shall be sure to do so and so tomorrow"-

24. Without adding, "So please Allah." and call thy Lord to mind when thou forgettest, and say, "I hope that my Lord will guide me ever closer (even) than this to the right road."

Surat Al-kahf

Going to British Museum tomorrow with hubby, so please Allah.

I hope that my Lord will guide me ever closer (even) than this to the right road.

-----------------------

JazakumAllahu khair br. Rami for that important and incredibly relevant reminder. Its really frightening sometimes how our tongues forget such important injunctions.

wow, 41 posts...

FYI ...

Traditional Halaqa Live

SunniPath is pleased to announce that we will be broadcasting lessons from The Traditional Halaqa live from Bradford, Englad, each day this week.

This broadcast is free of charge and all are welcome to attend.

Sheikh Samir al-Nass
Sunday Apr 16th to Sat Apr 22nd

Fiqh of marriage - 11:45 am EST
Ilm al Ihsan - 2:40 pm EST
Q&A, Nasheeds, Guest speakers - 3:45 pm EST

-------------------------------------------------

Also, Zaytuna institute is offering their first distant learning course for this semester:

Getting Right With Allah with Imam Zaid Shakir (most of the time slots are full, but they've added new ones recently)

-------------------------------------------------

I apologize for posting this last minute (for both teh courses), I haven't been spending my usual time on the internet these last few days.

Lets try to benefit from these, and spread the word -- goes to form a stronger muslim community, which helps raise teh scholars of tomorrow, Insha Allah.

A suggestion: Would it be okay (Br. Talal?) to advertise such online courses/halaqas/events over here whenever we hear of 'em? I'm thinking of the ones Sr. Ibtisam's posted a few times. I have no clue how she gets that information, but it'd be great to be able to benefit from these events. If okay by the Hidaya admin. I'd encourage ppl to share the knowledge of these events so we all learn from it.

Thanks,
Salaam Alaikum

Rami, you need to learn to fudge the translation a little so it makes more sense in English:

23. And don't say of anything, "Indeed, I will do that tomorrow."

24. Without adding, "If Allah wills." and mention your Lord if you forget, and say, "Perhaps my Lord will guide me ever closer (even) than this to the right road."

Allah doesn't always love what he wills, or will what he loves (he wills misguidance, but he doesn't love it). Therefore, "illaa an yashaa allaah" wouldn't necessarily translate to "except that Allaah is pleased with it."

Allah 'Alam.

I'd paste the whole explanation for why these ayaat are proof for the importance of saying, "in sha Allah," but I don't particularly feel like it now. Maybe some other time.

"Justoju (drooling on her bib) said

Going to British Museum tomorrow with hubby...soooo excited...cant wait...want to go on 3 tours...want to get floor map...want to eat arab food from the arab quarter nearby...cant wait...love museums...love history...soo overwhelmed...cant form complete sentences...ability decreasing with excitement...must...see...rosetta stone...must...see...islamic...world...tour...eye-opening...close...misconceptions...mistake...bad..
..right....good...goooooooood.....gooooo.....gooogoooo....gaaagaa..."

How was it?

Salaamwalekum

Under cover hijabi sister, I am reading your comment and I am thinking I and you have met. Myself Shireen Khanam. November 2005 Heathrow-New York Virgin airline. I was pregnant with baby. We sit and talk and you brought coffee and pulled my lugage. You remember? I remember kind sister. I got baby boy in March. I want to thank you. I want to send mail to you in your account.

Thank-you

Khoda Hafiz

aw shucks! Sister Undercover Hijabi,

it's a pleasure.

Assalamu'alikum Sister Shireen :-D

Wallahi, this is such a wonderful surprise! Never in my wildest dreams had I imagined that we would meet again and under such circumstances....Wow!..Alhumdulillah, I am touched, sister...What is even more shocking is that you recognised me inspite of me posting anonymously here...:-P

Please accept my heart-felt congratulations on the birth of your son. I pray that Allah SWT blesses him and makes him a source of peace for both of you and may he do you proud by being an ideal muslim.

By the way, Jazakallah sister for not revealing my true name here. Since this is a public forum, I wouldnt want to give away my email address here. But I shall mail you on your shireen_khanam@yahoo.co.uk id very soon, InshaAllah.

And please do not bother abt my laptop. It was just a minor chip-off. It still works pretty fine Alhumdulillah.
Alrite then, take care sister, and thank you so much...you've actually made my day :-) .

Wa'alaikumSalam,
undercover_hijabi

Salaam:

La hawla wala Quwwatah Illah Billah hil aaliyel Azeem!

Yet another suicide bombing...this time in Egypt...

Man, how will historians refer the condition of muslims of our times in history books..."The muslims at the turn of the new millennia were a bunch of desperate, desolate, and deranged followers who defended their twisted view of Islaam by blowing themselves up to smithereens."..Subhan'Allah.

May Allah replace these kinds of Muslims with those who are steadfast in Allah's religion and are Loved by Allah...Ameen

Ma'Assalaama

Salaam:

They could have asked me this...and I could have updated them that, women are more efficent and productive then men, when it comes to executing and delivering objectives in a timely manner...

Yes, I see this every day as a manager...women/ladies are out-performing men on all levels of functional group in any company....

Allah has made women as the clock and benchmark of human societies that keeps ticking & propelling towards progress and betterment...Alhamdulillah!

See this article:
http://news.yahoo.com/s/space/20060425/sc_space/girlsmuchquickerthanboysattimedtasks&printer=1

Ma'Assalaama

Woman beheads husband who wanted 4th wife

Police say wife confessed to killing, saying she was pushed over the edge

http://www.msnbc. msn. com/id/12606580/print/1/displaymode/1098/

(I had to insert spaces in the url cuz it wouldnt let me post it as is)

Salaam:

She could have severed something else...and not kill him altogether...and chop him into 7 pieces...Subhan'Allah!

Anyways, I think he should have divorced her...to begin with...if he was intending to marry more ladies, and knowing all well that she is like a ticking bomb...Obviously, he continued to taunt her, even though she was a jealous woman...

I am sorry for what has befallen on the family..there are three women who have become widow (one was the perpetrator)...and probably more kids who were orphaned due to this sad episode....Subhan'Allah.

This could have long term psychic effect on the people of karachi...meaning, those men who already have multiple wives, how well are they gonna sleep now at night???

Ma'Assalaama

"This could have long term psychic effect on the people of karachi...meaning, those men who already have multiple wives, how well are they gonna sleep now at night???"

I think you mean "psychological effect." I don't think anyone in karachi can read minds.

It doesn't help that he "flaunted his infidelity."

Note to self: stick to three wives.

Salaam:

Br. Gillette...you are correct in correcting me.
That is probably what I meant to say.

But coming back to this sensational news...it would seem that, since he was a well-to-do contractor, he was probably looking into marrying a young girl as his 4th wife...and you know, maybe thats what flipped the fuse of the wife who went medieval on him...AllahuAalim.

To some extent, I actually dont feel sorry for what happened to him, but I hope may Allah have Mercy on his soul...Ameen

This just shows...that men, when they keep doing stupid things...and keep on repeating it, while boasting/flaunting about it...will eventually have to face the music and pay dearly (in the case above, ultimately with their life)...

Lahawla Wala Quwwatah Illah Billahil Aaliyel Azeem.

Ma'Assalaama

Note to all men: It might be wise to gauge your present wives' reactions before considering further polygamy. All you need is one psycho to end it all. And I am sure she is going to be the really pretty one.

Be afraid of polygamy guys, be very afraid or else the boogywoman will cut off your head.

Salaam:

Br. Faisal, what makes you think that a person practicing monogamy is beyond the blades of "boogywoman"?

The thing is...dont make your wife a boogywoman, if you can help it...under all circumstances...insha'Allah.

Ma'Assalaama

hello