Certain types of Wrigley's contain Pork

Wrigley Chewing Gum Co.'s response to a sister's email:

Thank you for contacting us about animal ingredients and our products.

To answer to your question, the vast majority of Wrigley products sold in the U.S. are free from ingredients of animal origin, including egg and dairy products. At present, the only chewing gum exceptions are Extra® Polar Ice stick gum and Juicy Fruit® pellet gums.

Extra® Polar Ice gum and Orbit® Crystal Mint contain tiny flavor beads encased in a microscopic layer of gelatin, which is animal based. We have requested the development of a gelatin-free flavor bead that is currently being worked on by our supplier. Juicy Fruit Grapermelon and Strappleberry gums use shellac as a coating agent.

The different varieties of our ALTOIDS mints do contain very small quantities of gelatin which is derived from pork. Gelatin does not impart any flavor to ALTOIDS, but it's a necessary ingredient for the texture of the mint. When we use gelatin it is thoroughly purified and dried during its manufacturing process. Our staff is continually looking at alternatives to animal gelatin, but at the moment we've not been able to find a substitute that produces the same quality you've come to love with ALTOIDS.

Our LifeSaver gummies do contain small quantities of gelatin, which is also derived from pork. It follows the same drying and purifying process as with the Altoids.

If your diet does not allow you to consume animal byproducts such as dairy, our CremeSaver line does contain cream, which is a dairy byproduct. On the same note, our LifeSaver Fusions and LifeSaver gummies are produced on the same line as our CremeSavers, so there is a chance that they may contain trace amounts of dairy as well. Our CremeSaver soft chews also contain a small amount of gelatin, which is pork based.

We hope this information has been helpful. If you have any additional questions or comments please feel free to contact us at 1-800-WRIGLEY Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. CST.

Sincerely,

Anie Jones
Consumer Affairs Representative

Finally--May the Ummah be united! Ameen!

بِسْمِ اللَّهِ الرَّحْمَنِ الرَّحِيمِ

Pledge of Mutual Respect and Cooperation Between Sunni Muslim Scholars, Organizations, and Students of Sacred Knowledge

Hold fast to the Rope of Allah, all together, and be not divided. (Qur’an, 3:103)

Surely, those who have made divisions in their religion and turned into factions, you have nothing to do with them. Their case rests with Allah; then He will inform them of what they used to do. (Qur’an, 6:159)

In light of the Divine Word, we recognize that the historical nature of Sunni Islam is a broad one that proceeds from a shared respect for the Qur’an and Sunnah, a shared dependence on the interpretations and derivations of the Companions (may Allah be pleased with them), and a shared respect for the writings of a vast array of scholars who have been identified by their support for and affiliation with the Sunni Muslims and have been accepted as the luminaries of Sunni Islam - as broadly defined.

Likewise, detailed discussions in matters of theology are the specific domain of trained specialists, and proceed on the basis of well-defined principles and methodologies, which are beyond the knowledge of the generality of Muslims.

Our forebears in faith, with all the dedication, brilliance and sincerity clearly manifested in their works, have debated and discussed abstruse and complex issues of creed and practice, and have failed in most instances to convince their opponents of the veracity and accuracy of their positions.

The average Muslim is only responsible for knowing the basics of creed as they relate to a simple belief in Allah, His Angels, Scriptures, the Prophets and Messengers, the Last Day, and the Divine Decree.

Recognizing that the specter of sectarianism threatens to further weaken and debilitate our struggling Muslim community at this critical time in human affairs, and recognizing that Allah, Exalted is He, has given the Muslim community in the West a unique historical opportunity to advance the cause of peace, cooperation, and goodwill amongst the people of the world, we the undersigned respectfully:

- Urge Muslims to categorically cease all attacks on individual Muslims and organizations whose varying positions can be substantiated based on the broad scholarly tradition of the Sunni Muslims. We especially urge the immediate cessation of all implicit or explicit charges of disbelief;

- Urge Muslim scholars and students of sacred knowledge to take the lead in working to end ad hominem attacks on other scholars and students; to cease unproductive, overly polemical writings and oral discourse; and to work to stimulate greater understanding and cooperation between Muslims, at both the level of the leadership and the general community;

-Urge Muslims in the West, especially our youth, to leave off unproductive and divisive discussions of involved theological issues that are the proper domain of trained specialists, and we especially discourage participation in those internet chat rooms, campus discussion groups, and other forums that only serve to create ill-will among many Muslims, while fostering a divisive, sectarian spirit;

-Urge all teachers to instruct their students, especially those attending intensive programs, to respect the diverse nature of our communities and to refrain from aggressive challenges to local scholars, especially those known for their learning and piety;

- Urge our brothers and sisters in faith to concentrate on enriching their lives by deepening their practice of Islam through properly learning the basics of the faith, adopting a consistent regimen of Qur’anic recitation, endeavoring to remember and invoke Allah in the morning and evening, learning the basics of jurisprudence, attempting to engage in voluntary fasting as much as possible, studying the Prophetic biography on a consistent basis, studying the etiquettes that guide our interactions with our fellow Muslims, and the performance of other beneficial religious acts, to the extent practical for their circumstances;

- Finally, we urge the Believers to attempt to undertake individual and collective actions that will help to counter the growing campaign of anti-Islamic misinformation and propaganda that attempts to portray our religion as a violence-prone relic of the past unsuitable for modern society, and by so doing justify indiscriminate wars against Muslim peoples, occupation of Muslim lands, and usurpation of their resources.

Saying this, we do not deny the reality of legitimate differences and approaches, nor the passionate advocacy of specific positions based on those differences. Such issues should be rightfully discussed observing established rules of debate. However, we urge the above measures to help prevent those differences from destroying the historical unity and integrity of the Muslim community, and creating irreparable divisions between our hearts. Further, we do not deny the urgency, especially in light of the situation in Iraq, of efforts to foster greater cooperation between diverse Muslim communities. Hence, this document should not be seen as negating any statements, or declarations designed to foster greater peace and harmony between diverse Muslim communities. However, we feel, as Sunni Muslims, a pressing need to first set our own affairs in order.

In conclusion, having called our brothers and sisters to act on these points, we, the undersigned, pledge to be the first to actively implement them in response to the Divine Word:

Do you enjoin righteousness on the people and refuse to follow it yourselves and all along you are reciting the scripture!? Will you not reflect? (Qur’an (2:44)

We ask Allah for the ability to do that which He loves. And Allah alone is the Grantor of Success.

Signed,

Abdelrahman Helbawi

Abdul Karim Khalil

Abdullah Adhami

Abdurraheem Green

Abdur-Rahman ibn Yusuf Mangera

Abu Aaliyah Surkheel Sharif

Abu Eesa Niamatullah

Aisha Faleh AlThani

Asma Mirza

Cheikhna B. Bayyah

Dawood Yasin

Ebadur Rahman

Faraz Rabbani

Fuad Nahdi

Gul Mohammad

Haitham al-Haddad

Hamza Yusuf

Hasan al-Banna

Ibrahim Osi-Efa

Jihad Hashim Brown

M. Abdul Latif Finch

M. Afifi al-Akiti

Mehdi Kader

Mokhtar Maghroui

Muhammad Alshareef

Muhammad Ash-Shaybani

Muhammad ibn Adam

Omar Qureshi

S. Abdal-Hakim Jackson

Shamira Chothia Ahmed

Siddique Abdullah

Suhaib Webb

Tahir Anwar

Talal Al-Azem

Tanveer Hussain

Tawfique Chowdhury

Usama Canon

Usama Hasan

Walead Mosaad

Yahya Rhodus

Yasir Qadhi

Zaid Shakir

Somebody is leaving..

From an Email:

Without Shaytaan in the picture, all sins are due to one’s own habits – time to control the Nafs (jealousy, envy, backbiting, non-prayer, temper, unkindness)

Sh. Faraz Rabbani's Khutbah

Shaykh Faraz Rabbani gave a beautiful khutbah at ICOI in Irvine today. His main point being that our goal in life should not just be to increase our own love for Allah (swt), but to have Him [increase his] love for us. But to have Allah (swt) love us, which is the greatest of goals, we must perfect our servitude to Him, and this is only through following the way of the Prophet (saw). To be like the Prophet (saw) we should practice on these points--and we should dedicate our Ramadan to implementing them:

1. To fulfill the rights of others
2. To not wrong others
3. To be of a cheerful and positive disposition
4. If someone does good to you, then do better to them (first we need to acknowledge and thank the good from others before returning their good with better)
5. If someone wrongs you, then return it with good.

If we can practice on these principles in Ramadan, then insha'Allah we can establish our whole lives on the perfect example of the Prophet (saw) who was sent to perfect good character and was sent as a Mercy to all of mankind.

Tawfiq, insha'Allah!

Wa'salaam

Ramadan Fiqh Prep

A great way to prepare for Ramadan with all of your fiqh questions answered--

Fiqh of Fasting by Mufti Abdur Rahman ibn Yusuf

http://www.zamzamacademy.com/audio.php?audioDir=lessons/al-sawm/


About Mufti Abdur-Rahman ibn Yusuf

(Shaykh Mufti) Abdur-Rahman ibn Yusuf Mangera has been studying the traditional Islamic sciences and writing scholarly works for most of his life. He completed the bulk of his studies at Darul Uloom Bury, North England, where he memorized the Qur'an by age fifteen and thereafter went on to complete a rigorous, six-year Shari'a program. He graduated from this program with authentic certifications [ijaza] in numerous Islamic disciplines, including Arabic, Islamic jurisprudence, and hadith (with particular emphasis on the six authentic books of hadith [Sihah Sitta] and the Muwattas of Imam Malik and Imam Muhammad). His teachers at Darul Uloom Bury included Shaykh Yusuf Motala and other students of Shaykh al-Hadith Mawlana Muhammad Zakariyya Kandhlawi.

After graduating, the author traveled to South Africa, where he attended Madrasah Zakariyyah part-time to gain specialized training in answering legal questions [ifta'] under Mufti Rada al-Haq. While in South Africa, he also completed a B.A. with honors in Islamic studies at Rand Afrikaans University, Johannesburg, under Professor Abdur-Rahman Doi, Ph.D. [ Read the Full Biography ]

No Justice? No remorse?

SubhanAllah--there is no explanation given why the mother of this baby, her father and uncle were murdered? How does one concentrate on one life, while disregarding three others?

U.S. troops care for Iraqi baby rescued from garbage

By Ross Colvin Tue Aug 14, 12:36 PM ET

BAGHDAD (Reuters) - In the nine months since she was born, tiny Fatima Jubouri first lost her father, then gunmen killed her mother and uncle and she was left alone and uncared for in a pile of garbage in Baghdad.

Police found Fatima, malnourished and suffering from dehydration in Iraq's scorching summer heat, hidden under rubbish in one of southern Baghdad's most violent districts.

How she got there is not clear, although there is speculation her mother hid her before she was killed.

An innocent rescued from Iraq's killing fields, her survival against the odds has made Fatima a media star at a U.S. military hospital in Baghdad's Green Zone.

"She is a baby -- she is happiness in a bad place," said Lieutenant Beth Brauchli, the hospital's acting public affairs officer.

Reuters Photo: U.S. military nurse Desmond Cacciotti kisses the forehead of nine-month-old baby Fatima in 28th

A Sense of Loss

via Notes: New Islamic Directions by Imam Zaid on Jul 18, 2007

Surely, we will test you with something of fear, hunger, and loss of wealth, lives, and fruits. Give glad tidings to those who patiently persevere. Al-Qur'an 2:155

Two weeks ago, I was preparing to board a shuttle bus for a five minute ride from my hotel to the International Terminal at JFK Airport in New York. All of the preparations had been made to fly to Saudi Arabia to participate in the annual Rihla program. All of the books I needed for the various lessons I was to teach had been selected and placed in my large briefcase. Other books for personal readings had been added to the load. My computer was ready, programmed to record the various sessions. Most importantly, my passport and tickets, delivered a day earlier had been hastily crammed into one of the briefcase's many pockets and compartments.

As my wife and I began loading our bags unto the shuttle, I suddenly noticed that the briefcase was missing. But how could that be? I had been watching over the small mountain of luggage, except for a brief jaunt to the hotel's gift shop to purchase a few items for a makeshift breakfast. During that time my wife had been diligently standing guard. Still there was no sign of the bag. Bewildered, I sent my wife on to the terminal along with the remaining bags and began a futile search to find the missing article. After two hours of fervent searching, backtracking, and inquiries nothing had materialized.

As we sat despondently in the lobby of the hotel, we realized that the bag was gone, as was our opportunity to join the other teachers and students for the start of the Rihla program, as the flight we were to catch had already departed. Slowly a great sense of loss began to siege me. The computer contained many articles and other writings, some of which had not been saved elsewhere, along with almost two years of recorded lectures and sermons. A couple of the books were rare. One, an Arabic grammar text I had inherited from a recently deceased Afghani scholar, would probably be irreplaceable.

The gravity of the situation started to make me feel a little down. However, my little depression was short-lived. It dawned on me that my loss was very minor in reality. Other people, both here and abroad, were suffering far greater losses than mine. I thought about the many people in Iraq who have been forced to flee their homes, oftentimes in the dead of night, leaving behind not only personal possessions, of the type I had lost, but in many instances precious family mementos, clothing and other personal items. Due to the brutalities of the occupation and the ongoing sectarian violence, many of them will be unable to return home any time soon. I also though of the many Iraqis whose homes had been destroyed by one of the growing number of American air strikes (an unreported facet of the ongoing conflict)--in many instances their losses total, with no chance for any recovery or compensation.

I also thought of the people whose homes were recently flooded in parts of Kansas, Oklahoma, and Texas, the irrepressible waters not only sweeping away their precious possessions, but in many cases their long-held dreams. One day they were living normal lives enjoying the fruits of their hard work, the next day everything was gone.

I saw that what I had loss in reality had been quite small, and what remained with me priceless. I still had my health, I had a home to return to, and I also had the necessary financial resources to begin the process of replacing most of what I had lost. May God be praised!

I came to see that my little tribulation was also a cause for pause and reflection. The losses we experience in this world, be they great or small, are reminders to us that one day both ourselves and everyone we know will depart this world, and we will lose everything in it. Not only will we lose books and computers, but we will also lose houses, apartments, clothes, cars, families, relatives, friends, neighbors, everything.

Awareness of this inescapable reality is only meaningful if it is translated into active preparation for that loss. The following prophetic tradition is related by Anas b. Malik:

A man asked the Prophet, peace and blessings upon him: "When will Doomsday occur, O Messenger of God!?" He replied: "What have you done to prepare for it?" The man responded: "I have neither prayed, nor fasted, nor given charity excessively. However, I do love God and His Messenger." He said: "You will be with those you love." Related by Bukhari (6171) and Muslim (2679)

Hopefully, my little loss will help me to get on with the preparation for the meeting with God. If it does then it was something good. Most of what we lose in this world can eventually be replaced, in one way or another. However, if we lose Paradise, and our opportunity to be in the company of the Prophets, peace upon them, the great supporters of truth, the true martyrs, and the righteous, then that is a great, irreplaceable loss. By adequately preparing ourselves for death, the great loss will become the great gain.

Amongst people is one who worships God with hesitancy and skepticism. If good befalls him he is content. However, if he is afflicted with tribulation he turns away disappointed [in God]. He loses this world and the next. That is truly the great loss. Al-Qur'an 22:11

P.S. Today, Wednesday, July 18, 2007, having belated obtained a new passport, I will fly over to Saudi Arabia for the last week of the Rihla. On the flight from Oakland to New York, I penned the following poem, which is the first I have ever written in iambic pentameter.

Naturally

Her smile reflects the beauty of the sky.
Her benefits are there for passersby.
Her hair adorned sometimes with colors: gold,
and red, yellow, so splendid to behold.

Her life is spent measured as seasons pass.
The world adorned. Her gift? Her grace, her class.
The poet thought that he would never see,
a poem as lovely as a natural tree.

Cancer risk of 'fake' holy water

Cancer risk of 'fake' holy water

Zam Zam is sold as coming from a sacred well in Mecca

Bottled water that claims to come from Mecca has been found to contain high levels of cancer-causing chemicals.

People have been told not to buy Zam Zam water after tests showed three times the permitted level of arsenic.

The water is advertised as coming from the sacred well of Zam Zam in Mecca, which is the most holy city in Islam, and demand increases during Ramadan.

Westminster City Council said the water cannot legally be exported, so any on sale is unlikely to be authentic.

The tests, carried out by the London council last year during the Islamic festival of Ramadan, found Zam Zam also contained twice the legal level of nitrates, which can affect infants.

"If you do see Zam Zam water on sale anywhere please inform your local Environmental Health team," said a Westminster City Council spokesman.

He added: "This advice does not relate to the genuine Zam Zam water being brought into UK by returning pilgrims, as an accompanied or unaccompanied ¿personal import¿."

Modern living to blame for cancer epidemic

09.08.07

Binge drinking, reckless sunbathing and overeating are fuelling a massive rise in cancer, experts warn.

In a shocking report, they have laid bare the deadly consequences of increasingly hedonistic modern lifestyles.

The Month of Rajab

The Month of Rajab

By Mufti Taqi Usmani
Posted: 8 Rajab 1423, 15 September 2002
http://albalagh.net/general/rajab.shtml

Rajab is the seventh month in the Islamic lunar calendar. This month was regarded as one of the sacred months (Al-Ashhur-al-hurum) in which battles were prohibited in the days of the Holy Prophet . It is also a prelude to the month of Ramadan, because Ramadan follows it after the intervening month of Sha'ban. Therefore, when the Holy Prophet sighted the moon of Rajab, he used to pray to Allah in the following words:

"O Allah, make the months of Rajab and Sha'ban blessed for us, and let us reach the month of Ramadan (i.e. prolong our life up to Ramadan, so that we may benefit from its merits and blessings)."

For the entire article, please click here.

Article Conclusion:

The upshot of the above discussion is that the Shari'ah has not prescribed any specific way to observe the month of Rajab or to perform a specific mode of worship or a ritual in any one of its dates. However, being a prologue to the month of Ramadan, it should be availed of for preparing oneself for Ramadan and one should pray Allah to make him reach the blessed month and to benefit from its unique merits.

*******

A sister added: This is a sacred month where we should increase in istighfaar and closeness to Allah.

It has been mentioned in a hadith that the Prophet Sallahu 'Alayhi Wa Salam said:

Rajab is the month of Allah. Shaban is my month. Ramadhan is the month of my ummah (followers).”

In Tarim, on the 1st night and every night of Rajab immediately after Salatul 'Isha they recite 100X:

Rabigfirli warhamni wa tub alaya

"Oh Allah please forgive me, have mercy upon me and relent towards me."

Increase in asking for forgiveness and performing good deeds because indeed it is the month of Allah.

Common Ground--a documentary

The Muslim producer is asking for support for his new documentary regarding the Danish Cartoon Crisis

"Common Ground."

http://www.commongroundfilm.com/

The film is a window into the efforts of various communities as they struggle to overcome the challenges brought about by the Danish Cartoon Crisis. It brings to screen a rare glimpse into a
multi- cultural approach to conflict resolution. Common Ground reveals that when faced with international challenges and conflict, diversity of origin and differences in cosmology are unique tools to discover our prospects of human potential and cooperation.

7 Important Marriage Tips

Seven Important Marriage Tips - What the Marriage Experts Say - WebMD

(Read on www.seekersdigest.org)

July 6th, 2007

7 Marriage Tips to Stay Lucky in Love - WebMD
[Fascinating, especially when one considers the Prophetic guidance related to marriage and married life. Subhan Allah.]

Who are you?

When once asked by a journalist to introduce himself, Imam
Shaheed Hasan Al-Banna said:

I am a traveller seeking the truth,

a human searching for the meaning of humanity

and a citizen seeking dignity, freedom, stability and welfare
under the shade of Islam.

I am a free man who is aware of the purpose of his existence and
who proclaims:

"Truly, my prayer and my sacrifice, my living and my dying are
all for Allah,

the Lord of the worlds; no partner has He.

This, am I commanded and I am of those who submit to His Will."

This is who I am. Who are you?



Quoted from back cover of "Al-Ma'thurat" by Imam Shaheed Hasan
Al-Banna, awakenings publications

Burger King

Please beware of fish sandwich, hash browns and onion rings from Burger King. As mentioned in BK's online handbook to their products, the BK Fish sandwich, onion rings and hash browns are fried in the same fryer as the Pork sausage and pork fritters.

Burger King's website (http://www.bk.com/#menu=3,3,-1),

The Prophet (Allah bless him & give him peace) said, “Whoever avoids the doubtful safeguards their religion and honor.” [Bukhari and Muslim]

In defense of the Muslim sisterhood

In defense of the Muslim sisterhood

Yvonne Ridley

I have a bee in my bonnet - or hijab to be more precise. On an almost daily basis there are horrific stories pouring out of Tunisia about how the state police are ripping off the hijabs of women living there.

Some of these women, who are merely fulfilling their religious obligation to wear a hijab, have been assaulted, sexually abused and even locked up in prison by the authorities. Unbelievable when you consider western tourists are topless sunbathing on the coastal resorts, soaking up the Tunisian sun.

So it is okay to get your kit off if you are a western tourist who pays handsomely for sun, sand, sex and sangria ...but try wearing a hijab and see what happens in this so-called liberal, Muslim country.
___
For the rest of the article please visit www.islamicawakening.com

The Answer to the Heat Wave of Fitnah: Grab the Umbrella of Taqwa

The Answer to the Heat Wave of Fitnah: Grab the Umbrella of Taqwa

Advice for Summer by Ustadh Suhaib Webb

Assalamu alaykum,

I hope all of you are well and pray that everyone is in a state of being close to Allah. Just 10 short years ago I was struggling as a new convert to Islam and one of the greatest hurdles was the ladies. My college days were rough in many regards. Before my conversion I was a successful DJ (I had just got my hands on a really nice four track mixer. Okay so you know I'm old school. But, in those days I could make it fly) and was about to walk the Burning Sands and pledge Alpha Phi Alpha. All praise be to God that instead I became Muslim and slowly started to pull out of those things. It was rough but the most difficult part was dealing with the other gender.

Young brothers and sisters I feel your pain man. It is difficult and as the summer months roll up it gets more and more difficult to manage as the clothes roll up as well. We all know the routine: "Lower the gaze! Lower the gaze! Lower the gaze!" But, if the heart is not lowered in awe of Allah's magnificence and His tremendous bounties, then how can we expect the eyes to lower?

Tonight I attended a reading of the Shamail Muhamadiyah with Sh. Ibrahim al-Khalifa from Saudi Arabia. He is visiting Egypt for a few weeks and I had just finished my exam and decided to go and listen to his dars. The streets in Cairo are a mix of cars, buses, donkeys, cows and pollution that, seriously, when you make wudu slides off your face. I can only liken the air to a full vacuum bag that spews its contents creating a small cloud of dust. However, in the heat I remembered the homies in the West: My Boyz in Chicago, the brothers in L.A and most importantly the brothers in the Bay. I miss them all. The love for brothers is something that we should cherish and hold on to like we hold on to our checkbooks.

Anyways, after reading from the Shamail, the Sheikh moved on to al-Muhasibi's Risalat Mustarshidin with the tahqiq by Sh. Abdul Fatah Abu Ghuda who is considered one of the greatest scholars of hadith from the last century. The Sheikh was talking about worshiping Allah as though you see the Hereafter close and understand that your time is up. "Be ready! Don't let this life delude you! Be good people. Treat others with respect and worship your Lord as though you are going to leave this life soon." It was a real masterpiece to watch the Sheikh tie vice with the rope of responsibility and knowing that one is going to die one day and answer for his time. Imam al-Muhasibi's text is intense and I felt a buzz in my chest as the Sheikh started to get into the flow.

This is for the all the young brothers and sisters struggling:

The Sheikh, after talking about this responsibility linked it to a very interesting story. That, for me, is the sign of a good Imam,teacher or Sheikh that they can tie things into our daily lives. Thus, such a style gives the din fresh legs, opens up one's heart and soothes the coals of sin. He said that during the time of 'Umar there was a young man who's desires got the best of him. It all started with the look and the next thing the young man was alone with a woman. Suddenly, as the clock was starting to turn, the young man heard a verse of Qur'an being recited that reminded him of Allah's greatness. He left the young woman, stood up shaking from the fear of Allah and fell dead from this fear. 'Umar (may Allah have mercy on him) buried this youth and after hearing how he died walked over to the fresh grave and recited the following verse from Surah al-Rahman, "And for the one who fears the meeting with Allah there are two gardens." Suddenly a response came from the grave reciting the verse, "We have found the promise of our Lord to be true."

Dear brothers and sisters,

The summer is upon you and it is no joke. Statistics show that as the barometer rises that evil rises as well. One of the most important things you can take with you is Allah's awesome nature and bounties. Reflect! Turn off the PS3! Put down the I-Pod and think for a minute! Put handcuffs on your Internet use and know that you will be asked about your youth. Where are you headed? What are you doing and how are you going to use this summer? Take some time away from the gadgets and turn on your heart. Make some goals for yourself to do some good things in your community. Remember that when you see something that causes your temperature to fly that Allah is watching you. He knows what is in your heart and understands that it ain't easy. Ask Him for His help and try to withstand the attacks of Iblis. I have a lot of faith that our young brothers and sisters can do loads of wonderful things in their communities!

Cool the heat of summer with the following:

1. Good friends who take you to good places. The Prophet (sa) said, "A person is on the faith of his friend." One nice note about the hadith of the three people stuck in the cave: if they had not been together then they would have not been able to help each other get out. However, since they were all decent guys they were able to work together and use their good to remove the rock from the cave.

2. Have some goals for this summer:

1. Community (volunteer with any number of Muslim/Non-Muslim organziations and do something good for your neighborhoods
2. Spiritual (get those five prayers rocking and if you are real with it you will throw in some night prayers and extra fasts)
3. Educational (try and attend some lessons or educational programs that will boost your faith)
4. Family (spend some time with the wife/husband (find one) kids and close relatives

3. Have some nice activities:

1. Qiyam
2. B-Ball tourneys (all nighters) followed by Qiyam, Fajir and some Aunties phat spicy eggs
3. Sleep overs
4. Camping
5. Weekly 'Itikaf (inshallah, when I'm back in the states I'm down)

I ask Allah to help us, bless us and let us use our time well. I would appreciate it if whoever reads this could help us generate a list of things to do this summer.
Suhaib
www.suhaibwebb.com/blog

Behind the writing of "The God of All Things"

The author of "The God of All Things" writes:

I wrote an article regarding what I went through while I was writing my book. I thought you would find it interesting. Please click here to read:

http://aminahsnotes.blogspot.com/

And if you do find it interesting please do forward to your friends and relatives. That would show that you do care!

Jazak Allah Khair!!

Aminah

Murid and Murad

From a sister's email:

***
I was inspired to share this because of Imam Zaid's session
"Survival Guide: Nasiha for Muslim Women". His first advice was:
The first quality you must have to survive is the DESIRE to
survive as a Muslim Women. How to get that desire? To increase
your love for Allah subhana wa ta'ala.

Bismillah

The Difference between a Murid and a Murad

The travelers on the path of love are of two types. The first is
called a murid [seeker], and denotes one whose progress is based
on his own effort and worship. The second is called a murad [one
who is sought], and denotes a person whom the Beloved (subhana wa
ta'ala) Himself wishes to draw near to Him.

The difference between a murid and a murad may be understood by
comparing the lives of Prophet Musa (alayhis salaam) and the
blessed Prophet Muhammad (sallullahu 'alayhi wasallam) . Prophet
Musa (alayhis salaam) was a lover of Allah [muhibbullah], while
the blessed Prophet (sallullahu 'alayhi wasallam) was the
beloved of Allah [mabbubullah]. The distinction is hightlighted
by the following examples.

Example Number One

Prophet Musa (alayhis salam) was granted a meeting with Allah
(subhana wa ta'ala) at Mount Sinai. Allah (subhana wa ta'ala)
narrates:

And when Musa came to meet Us. (7:143)

However, when the blessed Prophet (sallullahu 'alayhi wasallam)
was granted a meeting with Allah (subhana wa ta'ala) during the
Ascension [mi'raj], Allah (subhana wa ta'ala) stated:

Glorified is He who brought His slave for a journey at night.
(17:1)

The verb "came" [ja'a] is used for Prophet Musa (alayhis
salaam) whereas the verb "brought" [asra] is used for the
blessed Prophet (sallullahu 'alayhi wasallam). Prophet Musa
(alayhis salaam) was told where to come for the meeting, whereas
the blessed Prophet (sallullahu alayhi wasallam) was sent an
angel to bring him to the meeting.

Example Number Two

Prophet Musa (alayhis salaam) prayed:

O my Lord, expand my breast for me. (20:25)

Whereas, regarding the blessed Prophet (sallullahu 'alayhi
wasallam), Allah (subhana wa ta'ala) revealed:

Have We not expanded for you your breast? (94:1)

Example Number Three

Prophet Musa (alayhis salaam) had to climb Mount Sinai to
recieve revelation, whereas the Quran was sent to the blessed
Prophet (sallullahu 'alayhi wasallam)

It is he (Gabriel) who has revealed (this scripture) upon your
heart by Allah's leave. (2:97)



The ways of love dictate that the lover [muhibb] hopes and
desires to meet the Beloved [mahhub] subhana wa ta'ala. Yet
sometimes the Beloved (subhana wa ta'ala) also desires that the
lover come to meet Him. And when the Beloved (subhana wa ta'ala)
also wishesd to meet, then it becomes easy to draw near to Him.

When the Most Beautiful One (subhana wa ta'ala) arranges a
meeting, then the true pleasure of love ['ishq] is attained.
When the lover knows the Beloved (subhana wa ta'ala) loves him
well, then his happiness knows no bounds.

The love of the lover manifests in deep sighs of longing, whereas
the love of the Beloved (subhana wa ta'ala) is subtle and
hidden. The love of the lover weakens his body, while the love
of the Beloved (subhana wa ta'ala) invigorates the lover's body.

When Allah (subhana wa ta'ala) bestows His grace upon a servant,
He opens the way to reach Him. Then the remembrance [dhikr] of
Allah (subhana wa ta'ala) predominates.



****Quoted from "Love for Allah" A Translation of 'Ishq Illahi,
Faqir Zulfiqar Ahamda Naqshbandi, pg 111.

I have omitted the passages of poetry to keep the article
somewhat brief :)

Wasalaam.


"The total and lasting mistake is to have free time and not
betake yourself to Him, or the obstacles to be few, and not
journey to Him" : Ibn Ata Illah

Jury Duty & Identity Theft

From an email:

As-salamu `alaykum,

This is a real scam that is taking place, and this e-mail is not a
hoax. Forward to friends if you feel it's necessary.


JURY DUTY SCAM:

This has been verified by the FBI (their link is also included below).
Please pass this on to everyone in your E-mail address book. It is
spreading fast so be prepared should you get this call.

Most of us take those summons for jury duty seriously, but enough
people skip out on their civic duty, that a new and ominous kind of
scam has surfaced. The caller claims to be a jury coordinator. If you
protest that you never received a summons for jury duty, the scammer
asks you for your Social Security number and date of birth so he or
she
can verify the information and cancel the arrest warrant.

Give out any of this information and bingo, your identity just got
stolen. The scam has
been reported so far in 11 states, including Oklahoma, Illinois, and
Colorado. This (scam) is particularly insidi ous because they use
intimidation over the phone to try to bully people into giving
information by pretending they're with the court system. The FBI and
the federal court system have issued nationwide alerts on their web
sites, warning consumers about the fraud.

Check it out here:
http://www.fbi.gov/page2/june06/jury_scams060206.htm

Supplication

Supplication at the Time of Tahajjud (pre-dawn)

All Praise due to You, O Allah!

You are the Sustainer of the heavens and the earth and whatever
is in them. Praise be to You;

Yours is the domain of the heavens and the earth and whatever is
in them. Praise be to You;

You are the Light of the heavens and the earth and whatever is in
them. Praise be to You;

You are the Truth.

Your Promise is true,

meeting with You is true.

Your word is true,

Paradised is true,

Hell is true,

Prophets are true,

Muhammad (sallullahu alayhi wasallam) is true,

the Hour (of Judgement) is true.

O Allah! Unto You do I submit,

in You do I believe,

upon You do I depend.

Unto you do I turn.

For You do I contend;

Unto You do I seek judgement. So forgive me for what I did and
will do,

For what I concealed and what I declared, and for that which you
are more knowledgeable than me.

You are the Expediter and You are the Deferrer.

There is no deity but You.

And there is no ability or power except by the leave of Allah.



Al-Bukhari

"Quoted from Selected Prayers, compiled by Jamal Badawi page 77"

Parental Responsibilites

Translation of a speech by Shaykh Abdullah Kapodravi
Condensed version from www.alimahprogram.org

On 7th April 2006, Shaykh Abdullah Kapodravi, a prominent scholar
from India made an impromptu speech before Salatul Jumma at Jumma
Masjid, Batley, England. He highlighted the dangers facing
Muslims in today’s turbulent times, pleading Muslim parents
to focus on their responsibilities, and asking the audience to
implement the teachings of Prophet Muhammad, Sallallahu Alayhi
Wasallam. The Shaykh is a prolific writer, orator and
educationalist, who served as chancellor of Darul Uloom
Tadkeshwar, India for 28 years. He has travelled extensively in
the Islamic world and the West. He is aged 74, and currently
resides in Canada. The speech was translated and edited by
Sulaiman Kazi.

All praise is due to Almighty God, Allah, and may He, the
Exalted, bestow His peace and blessings upon Prophet Muhammad,
Sallallahu Alayhi Wasallam, upon his good and pure family, as
well as upon all of the noble companions, and upon those who
follow them in righteousness until the Day of Judgment.

Friends, a very serious issue that confronts the Islamic world
today is the character of our youth, which is far removed from
Islamic teachings. When I read newspaper accounts about the
behaviour of our youth my heart cries with pain. I anguish where
is the Ummah heading? Could anyone have imaged that in this Ummah
a mother would have an illicit relationship with her son?
Lamentably, this is happening. A Muslim youth would be drinking?
A Muslim youth would be stealing? A Muslim youth and s/he has no
respect towards his/her elders? Bad character is manifesting
itself everywhere. And the Prophet Muhammad, Sallallahu Alayhi
Wasallam, was sent into the world to correct human conduct and
morals. As the famous poet Shauki said: “In the world
communities are raised with noble conduct, communities are
obliterated with bad character.”

We have become addicted to criticising others. So and so is doing
such and such. Day and night we are accustomed to levelling
accusations against others. Do we not consider what we are doing?
Which direction our community is heading? The biggest
responsibility that falls on the Muslim Ummah is to provide
correct Islamic teachings and instil excellent morals and
character in our children. No matter what education they pursue
the paramount consideration must be for our children to develop a
strong Islamic moral character. They must never lie, never
deceive anyone, nor look towards strange women. Should they be a
shopkeeper then they must not misappropriate even five pence. A
community imbued with good morals always ascends. This is a
universal principle that holds true in all times. And a morally
bankrupt community always degenerates and becomes devoid of
progress. We need to inculcate good habits in our children. This
is imperative for our progress.

Pitifully our situation is such that we send children to Maktabs
(supplementary religious schools) from the age of 6 or 7 but when
they attain the age of 12 they leave the Maktabs but continue to
pursue schooling. These children then have no contact whatsoever
with the glorious Quran or any Islamic books. In fact between the
ages of 12 and 24 a young person is most susceptible. This point
is confirmed by educationalists. During this period if a
child’s guidance and upbringing is overlooked or neglected
then s/he will not remain steadfast on Islam.

Rasulullah, Sallallahu Alayhi Wasallam, used to discern even
minor things. Once Hussain, Radhiallahu Anhu, placed a piece of
date in his mouth which was designated as Sadaqah (voluntary
charity). Rasulullah placed his finger inside the mouth and made
him vomit it out, saying “This item is earmarked as Sadaqah
and it cannot be consumed by you.” If the same scenario was
before us we would allow the child to eat the date saying,
“He’s a kid. What’s wrong with him having a date?
When he grows up he will understand the difference between Halal
or Haram.” No, Rasulullah immediately stopped Hussain
Radhiallahu Anhu.

Similarly, once a boy was eating with Rasulullah, Sallallahu
Alayhi Wasallam. Instead of eating food which was near him he was
taking food from different places. So Rasulullah explained to him
gently, “My dear son, first recite Bismillahir Rahmanir
Rahim, eat with your right hand, and eat from in front of
you.” This illustrates that Rasulullah, Sallallahu Alayhi
Wasallam, used to sit with children and observe their eating
habits. Do we ever do the same? Nowadays children are eating
whilst walking, standing and on their way to school. We don’t
even reprimand them saying this is contrary to the lifestyle of
Muslims. In the lifestyle of Rasulullah, Sallallahu Alayhi
Wasallam, we have a comprehensive mode of living. Rasulullah,
Sallallahu Alyhi Wasallam, has taught us an entire way of life
which is distinct and supreme. We have neglected that lifestyle
and become careless and as a result our children have fallen prey
to an un-Islamic lifestyle.

My friends, I am sitting in the Masjid and testify to you that
our society is in a state of decadence and our children and youth
are going astray, totally pursuing a wayward life. For Muslim
parents, the need to provide sound Islamic upbringing should take
precedence over all other responsibilities they owe to their
children. Life is constituted of good morals and character. The
Prophet, Sallallahu Alayhi Wasallam, was sent into the world for
teaching good character to humanity. Within such a short period
of time, he established such splendid character among his
Companions. Today, there is no parallel to these people. The
character of Abu Bark, Umar, Osman, Ali, Radhiallahu Anhum –
who nurtured their character and made them who they were?
Undoubtedly, they were taught by Sayyidina Muhammad, Sallallahu
Alayhi Wasallam. Those who sat in the company of Prophet
Muhammad, Sallallahu Alayhi Wasallam, their character was raised
to sublime heights. After departing from the Prophet’s
company, they would never again speak a lie, oppress anyone. And
if ever they happened to utter something wrong it would agitate
and stir great remorse. Once Sayyidina Abu Bakr, Radhiyallahu
Anhu, was seen pulling his tongue and rebuking himself: “How
could I have said a harsh word to my fellow Muslim brother.”
Nowadays we tend to lie, gossip, and backbite whilst forgetting
the heart of a Muslim will be hurt.

At this moment the most important duty that falls Muslim parents
is to impart correct Islamic education to their children and
inculcate sound Islamic character. Our character should be of
such a high standard that humanity is drawn to Islam. What kind
of bad character is this: there was a public demonstration in
Lucknow, India against the publication of cartoons in Denmark
depicting the Prophet, Sallallahu Alayhi Wasallam. During the
demonstration evil slogans were being chanted, shop-keepers were
forced to shut their shops - including shops belonging to
non-Muslims, car windows smashed, cars set alight in the street.
What kind of emotional and irrational response is this? To
illustrate your protest at the publication of cartoons you are
recklessly damaging property. Where is the sense in this?

Recently, in France a government minister made controversial
comments about immigrants and Muslim youths rioted by burning
around 10,000 cars in Paris. At the time of this flare-up, I was
visiting Reunion Islands. Two representatives of the French
government were also there as guests to celebrate 100 years of
the establishment of the mosque in St Dennis. They became aware
that scholars were present from the Indian sub-continent. They
approached me and one of the first things they asked me was
regarding the burning of cars, how Islam viewed such acts? I
replied categorically that these actions had no bearing with
Islam. What is wrong must be pointed out as such. Sometimes there
is a tendency to cover up the wrong doings of Muslims, justifying
the actions by saying it was done by Muslims so it is acceptable
to turn a blind-eye. No, what is wrong must be categorised as
wrong irrespective of who has done it.

We have been taught moderation. How much injustice was
perpetrated against the Prophet, Sallallahu Alayhi Wasallam, in
Makkah Mukaramah? You all know that thorns were placed in his
path and he was persecuted. But did he ever respond by asking his
Companions to take out a demonstration? In fact, when a lady who
used to lay thorns in the path of the Prophet, Sallallahu Alayhi
Wasallam, fell ill, the Prophet himself when to visit her. Such
was his character. He enquired “Why have you not laid any
thorns in my path recently,” she enquired, “Who are
you?” Prophet Muhammad, Sallallahu Alayhi Wasallam, replied:
“I am the same Muhammad for whom you lay thorns.” She
started weeping profusely. As they say, “With character you
win, with character you respond.”

My dear Prophet, Sallallahu Alayhi Wasallam, exemplified the
noblest character. Despite being hit with stones and bleeding
profusely, so much that when angels were sent asking him to order
that the mountains of Taif crush the perpetrators belonging to
Banu Thaqif, he replied, “O Allah, grant my people
guidance.” He didn’t retaliate in the least as he was
sent as a mercy for mankind and to guide humanity to the truth
and beauty of Islam.

Patience, steadfastness and good character are prerequisites for
being a good Muslim. Muslims need to create awareness and
understand the challenges they are facing. It pains me to see how
apathetic Muslims have become. We must always be on our guard
that our wrongdoings should not blemish or tarnish the image of
Islam.

May Almighty Allah grant us understanding of the challenges that
face us, protect us and grant us all the Tawfiq (strength and
ability) to practice the wonderful teachings of Prophet Muhammad,
Sallallahu Alayhi Wasallam. Ameen.

Praise be to Allah, the Lord of the Universe.

3 Steps to Help Guide a Muslim Child

3 Steps to Help Guide a Muslim Child

via Lingua Islamica by Destination Akhirah on May 29, 2007

These are VERY successful techniques in guiding children towards gaining strong Islamic values and high achievement.

1. Role Modeling

When a child does an action that is un-Islamic, it is better to give the child a role model of someone who acted Islamically.

For example:

When a child lies (and children do lie), I will remind her/him about a child that does not lie. “Remember, that when Abdullah broke the cup he quickly told the truth!” Then the child will speak the truth, it has worked every time.

2. No Praise, Only Encouragement

Praising is not effective. It does neither good nor benefit. What is more useful and highly productive is words encouraging a particular behavior that is of high value.

For instance, instead of saying, “you’re smart” when a child answers a question correctly, say, “I loved the way you took the time to think about that, you really thought hard about it... (smiles) good work!” This will encourage the child to continue with that particular effort.

Especially in reading, “I love the way you slowly sounded that out! I knew if you stayed patient and kept trying you would get it! I love to see you take your time and sound out every letter.. Wow! Fantastic Effort!”

3. Change the Mood

If a child is not interested in school work for instance, and is doing the work at a very slow pace. You may take a piece of candy and say, “This candy has super powers, whomever eats it has the power to think harder, and work faster! I would give you some, but I’m afraid it might make you work too fast!” It is easier to get work done when there is a happy feeling inside. Think of ways to give the child a “happy/peaceful” feeling, and once it is there, the child can work more effectively in becoming a patient, hardworking, happy Muslim.

May Allāh provide for us children who are a comfort to our eyes, and may He make us parents that earn His pleasure, and by His Mercy, may Allāh make us a comfort to the eyes of our children. Āmīn.

posted by Destination Akhirah links to this post

Recipe for a Successful Marriage

by Mufti Ebrahim Desai (db)

"Our Lord! Grant that our spouses and our offspring be a comfort to our eyes, and give us the grace to lead those who are conscious of You"
(Furqaan 74).

Q: Every human being by nature has an instinct to dispute. This instinct becomes more manifest between the husband and wife, thus leading to marital disputes. How can this instinct be controlled?

A. Consider the following ten points to control the instinct of dispute and maintain a happy marriage.

1. Fear Allah: It was the noble practice of Nabi (SAW) to conscientise the spouses about the fear for Allah before performing a Nikah by reciting the verses (Nisa v14, Ahzab v69, Aali-Imraan v101) from the Quraan. All the verses are common in the message of Taqwa (fear of Allah). The spouses will be first committed to Allah before being committed to their partner. There can be no doubt in the success of a marriage governed by the fear of Allah.

2. Never be angry at the same time: Anger is the root cause for all marital disputes. One Sahabi came to Rasulullah (SAW) and sought some advice. Rasulullah (SAW) replied, control your anger. The same advice was rendered three times. (Mishkaat pg.433; HM Saeed)

3. If one has to win an argument, let it be the other: Nabi (SAW) said: "Whoever discards an argument despite being correct shall earn a palace in the centre of Jannah. (Ibid pg.412)

4. Never shout at each other unless the house is on fire: Luqman (AS) while offering advice to his son said: " and lower your voice for verily the most disliked voice is that of a donkey". (Surah Luqman v19)

5. If you have to criticize, do it lovingly: Rasulullah (SAW) said, 'A Mu'min is a mirror for a Mu'min.' (Abu Dawud vol.2 pg.325; Imdadiyah) Advise with dignity and silently.

6. Never bring up mistakes of the past: Nabi (SAW) said: "Whoever conceals the faults of others, Allah shall conceal his faults on the day of Qiyaamah." (Mishkaat pg.429; HM Saeed)

7. Neglect the whole world rather than your marriage partner: Nabi (SAW) confirmed the advice of Salman to Abu-Darda [RA] for neglecting his wife. "Verily there is a right of your wife over you." (Nasai Hadith2391)

8. Never sleep with an argument unsettled: Abu Bakr [RA] resolved his dispute with his wife over-feeding the guests before going to bed. (Bukhari Hadith 602)

9. At least, once everyday, express your gratitude to your partner: Nabi [sallallaahu alayhi wasallam] said, 'Whoever does not show gratitude to the people has not shown gratitude to Allah.' (Abu Dawud pg.662; Karachi)

10. When you have done something wrong, be ready to admit it and ask for forgiveness: Nabi [sallallaahu alayhi wasallam] said, 'All the sons of Aadam commit error, and the best of those who err are those who seek forgiveness.' (Tirmidhi Hadith 2499)

Stimulating the Intelligence

Understanding the Prophet's Life
Stimulating the Intelligence

Throughout his mission the Prophet, peace be upon him, sought his
Companion's advice, encouraging them to express their opinions
and paying them careful attention. Furthermore, the Prophet had
evolved a genuine teaching method through which he allowed the
Muslims to develop their critical faculties, express their
talents, and mature in his presence. He would often ask questions
on various subjects and give the answers only after his
Companions had thought by themselves and expressed different
conjectures. Sometimes, more subtly, he would utter a judgment in
a paradoxical form, thereby prompting his listeners to consider
the matter more deeply. For example, he once said: "A strong man
is not a man who overcomes his enemy!" The Companions mulled this
over among themselves, then asked him: "Then who is a strong
man?" The Prophet surprised his audience and led them to a
deeper understanding of the question with his answer: "A strong
man is a man who controls himself when he is angry!"

He would sometimes speak figuratively: "Wealth does not lie in the riches
you possess!" After the Companions pondered this, Muhammad would
elaborate: "True wealth is the wealth of the soul." On occasion
the Prophet's statement appeared to contradict common sense or
ethics: "Help your brother, whether he is just or unjust!" The
Companions could not but wonder about the nature of the help they
were to give an unjust brother: how could that be? The Prophet,
inverting the perspective, would add: "Prevent him [the unjust
brother] from acting unjustly, such is the way for you to help
him!"

Both by asking questions and by formulating paradoxical or
seemingly contradictory statements, the Prophet stimulated his
Companions' critical sense and their ability to go beyond mere
blind obedience or mechanical mind-destroying imitation. This
method developed the intellectual capacities necessary for
consultations to be effective. By stimulating their intelligence
and giving them opportunities to speak, he exercised a type of
leadership that made it possible for his Companions to learn to
assert themselves and take initiative.

Source:
"In the Footsteps of the Prophet" - Tariq Ramadan, pp. 102,103

Frito Lay

This may be old news for some, but the latest from Frito-Lay potato chips:

Frito lay no longer has pork enzymes in their products:

http://fritolay.com/fl/flstore/cgi-bin/ProdDetEv_Cat_306_SubCat_351852_NavRoot_361689_ProdID_564690.htm

New York Times: Rewriting the Ad Rules for Muslim-Americans

New York Times: Rewriting the Ad Rules for Muslim-Americans

Fabrizio Costantini for the New York Times

Alia Fouz and her son at the Ikea store in Canton, Mich. She said ads that included Muslim-Americans would grab her attention. “We should be included,” Ms. Fouz said. “We live here.”


By LOUISE STORY
Published: April 28, 2007
The New York Times

For years, few advertisers in the United States have dared to reach out to Muslims.

Either they did not see much potential for sales or they feared a political backlash. And there were practical reasons: American Muslims come from so many ethnic backgrounds that their only common ground is their religion, a subject most marketers avoid.

That is beginning to change. Consumer companies and advertising executives are focusing on ways to use the cultural aspects of the Muslim religion to help sell their products.

Grocers and consumer product companies are considering ways to adapt their goods to Muslim rules, which forbid among other things, gelatin and pig fat, which is often used in cosmetics and cleaning products. Retailers are looking into providing more conservative skirts, even during the summer months, and mainstream advertisers are planning to place some commercials on the satellite channels that Muslims often watch.

Marketing to Muslims carries some risks. But advertising executives, used to dividing American consumers into every sort of category, say that ignoring this group — estimated to be about five million to eight million people, and growing fast — would be like missing the Hispanic market in the 1990s.

Read more:

• The New York Times: Rewriting the Ad Rules for Muslim-Americans

The Coal Basket

Q: Why do we read Quran, even if we can't understand a single Arabic word??

A: A beautiful story

An old American Muslim lived on a farm in the mountains of eastern Kentucky with his young grandson. Each morning Grandpa was up early sitting at the kitchen table reading his Qur'an. His grandson wanted to be just like him and tried to imitate him in every way he could.

One day the grandson asked, "Grandpa! I try to read the Qur'an just like you but I don't understand it, and what I do understand I forget as soon as I close the book. What good does reading the Qur'an do?"

The Grandfather quietly turned from putting coal in the stove and replied, "Take this coal basket down to the river and bring me back a basket of water."

The boy did as he was told, but all the water leaked out before he got back to the house. The grandfather laughed and said, "You'll have to move a little faster next time," and sent him back to the river with the basket to try again. This time the boy ran faster, but again the basket was empty before he returned home. Out of breath, he told his grandfather that it was impossible to carry water in a basket, and he went to get a bucket instead.

The old man said, "I don't want a bucket of water; I want a basket of water. You're just not trying hard enough,"and he went out the door to watch the boy try again.

At this point, the boy knew it was impossible, but he wanted to show his grandfather that even if he ran as fast as he could, the water would leak out before he got back to the house.

The boy again dipped the basket into river and ran hard, but when he reached his grandfather the basket was again empty. Out of breath, he said, "See Grandpa, it's useless!"

So you think it is useless?" The old man said, "Look at the basket."

The boy looked at the basket and for the first time realized that the basket was different. It had been transformed from a dirty old coal basket and was now clean, inside and out.

"Son, that's what happens when you read the Qur'an. You might not understand or remember everything, but when you read it, you will be changed, inside and out. That is the work of Allah in our lives."

If you feel this email is worth reading, please forward to your contacts/friends. Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) says: "The one who guides to good will be rewarded equally"

---

Source: Unknown Email

Daughters in Islam

Understanding the Prophet's Life

Daughters in Islam

If it was not for the commands of Allah, stated in the Quran, and
the Sunnah of the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon
him), women would not have been given the preference over men.
Allah's Prophet was reported as saying: " Be fair and just in
terms of the gifts you offer your children. If I was to give
preference to any (gender over the other) I would have preferred
females over males (in terms of gifts). " [Bayhaqi]

Moreover, Allah's Prophet concentrated throughout his teachings
on giving more care and attention to females in general over the
male. Females must be treated with kindness, respect, honor,
dignity, integrity and their needs must be looked after. Allah's
Prophet said: " He whosoever has three daughters, or three
sisters, or two daughters or two sisters, and is very kind to
them, demonstrating nice company to them and fears Allah in
their treatment, will enter Paradise (as a result of his good
actions to these females). " [Abu Dawood & Tirmidhi]

Islamic laws and teachings mandate that parents raise their
children in the best manners and offer them a sound, beneficial
and healthy education. Ibn Omar (may Allah be pleased with him),
reported Allah's Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon
him) as saying: " The most sinful of you are those who neglect
those whom he is responsible to take care of." [Abu Dawood &
Nasaiee]

Source:
"Women In the Shade of Islam" - Abdulrahman Al-Sheha, pp. 33, 34

Virginia Tech Campus Shooting

Please make du'aa for our brother and sister who were shot at the Virginia Tech campus shooting yesterday, as well as all of the students, teachers and their families who were affected.

---------- Forwarded message ---------

Salam 'Alaykum,

As we keep praying for Allah SWT to help and protect the members of
the Virginia Tech community, and people everywhere, we must also take
this time to remember and pray for the loss of a member of the
Virginia Tech Muslim community, Sister Reema. May Allah SWT have mercy
on her and grant her the highest levels of Jannah, and ease this time
on her family and the other families and students in their community.

In shaa Allah tonight (Tuesday) HIS will be holding Salat Al-Janazah
(Funeral Prayer) in the Musalla at 9:05 PM, right after we pray Isha
at 8:55 for our sister.

Please also keep in your dua's another member of the Virginia Tech
Muslim community, Brother Waleed, who was shot and is currently in
critical condition. May Allah SWT speed his recovery and grant his
family and all others patience and strength through this time and
always.

wassalam

Sisters' classes in Garden Grove, CA.

Assalamu Alaykum WB,

Islamic Society of Orange County would like to invite all Sisters to a
Mothers of the Believers class series with Ustadha Shamira Chothia,
Please feel free to fwd to your Mothers, Wives & Sisters
We look forward to seeing you soon.

Sisters' only conference in Santa Clara, CA, April 21st!

http://www.mca-sfba.org/womens-conference-registration.aspx

Upcoming Bay Area Event:

Our Blessed Prophet Isa (as)..Action Needed!

Update: The exhibition has been cancelled! http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/americas/6513155.stm

-----
Assalamu alaykum

As we approach the day when our Blessed Prophet Muhamad sal Allahu alayhi wa sallam was born, and many will increase their rejoice of him being sent to us, we must also turn to another very important matter; Preserving the sanctity of all our Prophets.

I was shocked to read on BBC news that a New York art gallery housed in the Roger Smith Hotel will be presenting a sculpture, on Monday April 1st, made from chocolate of our Blessed Prophet Jesus alayhis salam ( http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/americas/6509127.stm). The article points out that this will be the first time the depiction of Jesus alayhis salam will be done without a loin cloth. In other words, a nude statue of our Prophet Jesus alayhis salam. To add injury to insult, they will invite the public to eat the statue on Good Friday.

Muslims have come out by the millions to protect the dignity of our Prophet Muhammad whenever the corrupt people throw their insults. We have affected the economy of a small European nation through our boycotts. We have even stood up when some intended good, but lacked proper respect. An effigy of the Prophet Muhammad sal Allahu alayhi wa sallam put on a United States Supreme Court building COMMERATING the GREAT lawmakers in history had the face blotched out because the Muslims said it was a desecration. We must continue our unwavering protection for his dignity using all permissible (in the Shariah) and legal (in the countries we reside in) means. We must also stand up whenever any other Prophet of God is treated in an unacceptable way.

Many of us read daily the last verse of the Chapter of Baqarah, reaffirming our beliefs. In it we proclaim that "We do not distinguish between any of His [God's] Messengers". This means that we do not consider some to be Prophets and deny the prophet-hood of others. In the same light, we do not protect the dignity of some Prophets and not others. We stand up for the sanctity of all the Prophets of God alayhimus salam.

We have seen the desecration of our Prophets upon them be peace too many times. The only ones standing up to protect the sanctity of Jesus peace be upon him are usually the Christian or Catholic groups. The main group standing in this case is the Catholic League. They are voicing their beliefs and calling for a boycott of the hotel housing the gallery. Catholic League spokeswoman, Kiera McCaffrey, said that "no one would dare display a naked chocolate Muhammad during Ramadan, but Christians apparently are fair game." The Christians stand up for him because he is sacred to them. He is also a Prophet of the Muslims and we must be the first to stand up for his protection in whatever legal way we can. We have the blessing here in the United States of free speech and the right to assembly. We must use our rights now. We must be protectors for our Prophet Jesus peace be upon him like those he called out to saying "Who will be my protectors?". We must be Ansar, protectors and do what we can to protect him.

There are things that every Muslim can do, we must act quickly as the unveiling is on Monday April 1st.

The first is pray that Allah foils the plans of these corrupt people and prevents the display of the sculpture. O Allah veil our beloved Prophet Jesus alayhis salam just as you veiled him from those who intended to crucify him!

Secondly, pass this e-mail to everyone in your address book and have them forward it to everyone they know.

Third, call the hotel and voice your anger at the display. The hotel has been amazed by the number of calls they have already received from angry people and are considering their options about the display. Roger Smith Hotel: 1-800-445-0277.

Fourth: For those in the New York City area, organize a peaceful protest at the hotel this weekend and during the week. Make sure to contact the local law enforcement agencies to ensure that you do not break any laws. The address of the Hotel is 501 Lexington Ave Manhattan New York.

Fifth: Contact all Muslim organizations and have them make announcements, especially during Friday Prayers on March 30, 2007.

And our success is from Allah.

Assalamu alaykum wa rahmatul Allah.

Rami Nsour
Hayward, California

The Fern and the Bamboo

One day I decided to quit... I quit my job, my relationship, my spirituality...

I wanted to quit my life.

I went to the woods to have one last talk with God.

"God", I said. "Can you give me one good reason not to quit?"

His answer surprised me...

"Look around", He said. "Do you see the fern and the bamboo?"

"Yes", I replied.

"When I planted the fern and the bamboo seeds, I took very good care of them. I gave them light. I gave them water.

The fern quickly grew from the earth. Its brilliant green covered the floor. Yet nothing came from the bamboo seed. But I did not quit on the bamboo.

In the second year the Fern grew more vibrant and plentiful. And again, nothing came from the bamboo seed. But I did not quit on the bamboo".

He said. "In the third year, there was still nothing from the bamboo seed. But I would not quit.

In the fourth year, again, there was nothing from the bamboo seed. I would not quit."

He said. "Then in the fifth year a tiny sprout emerged from the earth.

Compared to the fern it was seemingly small and insignificant.

But just 6 months later the bamboo rose to over 100 feet tall. It had spent the five years growing roots.

Those roots made it strong and gave it what it needed to survive. I would not give any of my creations a challenge it could not handle."

He said to me. "Did you know, my child, that all this time you have been struggling, you have actually been growing roots. I would not quit on the bamboo.

I will never quit on you. Don't compare yourself to others."

He said. "The bamboo had a different purpose than the fern, yet, they both make the forest beautiful."

"Your time will come, "God said to me. " You will rise high!"

"How high should I rise?" I asked.

"How high will the bamboo rise?" He asked in return.

"As high as it can?" I questioned.

"Yes." He said, "Give me glory by rising as high as you can."

I left the forest and brought back this story. I hope these words can help you see that God will never give up on you.

Never regret a day in your life. Good days give you happiness. Bad days give you experiences. Both are essential to life. Keep going...

Happiness keeps you Sweet,

Trials keep you Strong,

Sorrows keep you Human,

Failures keep you humble,

Success keeps You Glowing,

but Only God keeps You Going!

-From an email, Source Unknown