Islam: The Voice of Nature

"For What Crime She was killed..."

2012-01-27T12:49:00.000+07:00

1 When the sun is covered,
2 And when the stars darken,
3 And when the mountains are made to pass away,
4 And when the camels are left untended,
5 And when the wild animals are made to go forth,
6 And when the seas are set on fire,
7 And when souls are united,

8 And when the female infant buried alive is questioned,

9 For what crime she was killed,

10 And when the books are spread,
11 And when the heaven has its covering removed,
12 And when the hell is kindled up,
13 And when the garden is brought nigh,
14 Every soul shall (then) know what it has prepared.
15 But nay! I swear by the stars,
16 That run their course (and) hide themselves,
17 And the night when it departs,
18 And the morning when it brightens,
19 Most surely it is the Word of an honored messenger,
20 The processor of strength, having an honorable place with the Lord of the Dominion,
21 One (to be) obeyed, and faithful in trust.
22 And your companion is not gone mad.
23 And of a truth he saw himself on the clear horizon.
24 Nor of the unseen is he a tenacious concealer.
25 Nor is it the word of the cursed Shaitan,
26 Whither then will you go?
27 It is naught but a reminder for the nations,
28 For him among you who pleases to go straight.
29 And you do not please except that Allah please, the Lord of the worlds.

[The Holy Quran chapter: At-Takwir (The Overthrowing)]

Tafsir of Verses 8-9

8 And when the female infant buried alive is questioned,

9 For what crime she was killed,

The style of this verse reflects an intensity of rage and fury inconceivable in common life. The parents who buried their daughters alive, would be so contemptible in the-sight of Allah that they would not be asked: "Why did you kill the innocent infant?" But disregarding them the innocent girl will be asked: "For what crime were you slain?" And she will tell her story how cruelly she had been treated by her barbarous parents and buried alive. Besides, two vast themes have been compressed into this brief verse, which though not expressed in words, are reflected by its style and tenor. First that in it the Arabs have been made to realize what depths of moral depravity they have touched because of their ignorance in that they buried their own children alive; yet they insist that they would persist in the same ignorance and would not accept the reform that Muhammad (upon whom be Allah's peace) was trying to bring about in their corrupted society. Second, that an express argument has been given in it of the necessity and inevitability of the Hereafter. The case of the infant girl who was buried alive, should be decided and settled justly at some tune, and there should necessarily be a time when the cruel people who committed this heinous crime, should be called to account for it, for there was none in the world to hear the cries of complaint raised by the poor soul. This act was looked upon with approval by the depraved society; neither the parents felt any remorse for it, nor anybody in the family censured them, nor the society took any notice of it. Then, should this monstrosity remain wholly unpunished in the Kingdom of God?

This barbaric custom of burying the female infants alive had become widespread in ancient Arabia for different reasons. One reason was economic hardship because of which the people wanted to have fewer dependents so that they should not have to bear the burden of bringing up many children. Male offspring were brought up in the hope that they would later help in earning a living, but the female offspring were killed for the fear that they would have to be reared till they matured and then given away in marriage. Second, the widespread chaos because of which the male children were brought up in order to have more and more helpers and supporters; but daughters were killed because in tribal wars they had to be protected instead of being useful in any way for defense. Third, another aspect of the common chaos also was that when the hostile tribes raided each other and captured girls they would either keep them as slave-girls or sell them to others. For these reasons the practice that had become common in Arabia was that at childbirth a pit was kept dug out ready for use by the woman so that if a girl was born, she was immediately cast into it and buried alive. And if sometimes the mother was not inclined to act thus, or the people of the family disapproved of it, the father would rear her for some time half-heartedly, and then finding time would take her to the desert to be buried alive.

This tyranny and hard-heartedness was once described by a person before the Holy Prophet (upon whom be peace) himself. According to a Hadith related in the first chapter of Sunan Darimi, a man came to the Holy Prophet and related this incident of his pre-Islamic days of ignorance: "I had a daughter who was much attached to me. When I called her, she would come running to me. One day I called her and took her out with me. On the way we came across a well. Holding her by the hand I pushed her into the well. Her last words that I heard were: Oh father, oh father!!" Hearing this the Holy Prophet (upon whom be peace) wept and tears started falling from his eyes One of those present on the occasion said: O man, you have grieved the Holy Prophet.The Holy Prophet said: Do not stop him, let him question about what he feels so strongly now. Then the Holy Prophet asked him to narrate his story once again. When he narrated it again the Holy Prophet wept so bitterly that his beard became we with tears. Then he said to the man: "Allah has forgiven that you did in the days of ignorance: now turn to Him in repentance.'

It is not correct to think that the people of Arabia had no feeling of the baseness of this hideous, inhuman act. Obviously, no society, however corrupted it may be, can be utterly devoid of the feeling that such tyrannical acts are evil. That is why the Holy Qur'an has not dwelt upon the vileness of this act, but has only referred to it in awe-inspiring words to the effect: "A time will come when the girl who was buried alive, will be asked for what crime she was slain?" The history of Arabia also shows that many people in the pre-Islamic days of ignorance had a feeling that the practice was vile and wicked. According to Tabarani, Sa`sa'ah bin Najiyah al-Mujashi`i, grandfather of the poet, Farazdaq, said to the Holy Prophet: "O Messenger of Allah, during the days of ignorance I have done some good works also among which one is that I saved 360 girls from being buried alive: I gave two camels each as ransom to save their lives. Shall I get any reward for this?" The Holy Prophet replied; "Yes, there is a reward for you, and it is this that Allah has blessed you with Islam."

As a matter of fact, a great blessing of the blessings of Islam is that it not only did put an end to this inhuman practice in Arabia but even wiped out the concept that the birth of a daughter was in any way a calamity, which should be endured unwillingly. On the contrary, Islam taught that bringing up daughters, giving them good education and enabling them to become good housewives, is an act of great merit and virtue. The way the Holy Prophet (upon whom be peace) changed the common concept of the people in respect of girls can be judged from his many sayings which have been reported in the Hadith. As for example, we reproduce some of these below:

"The person who is put to a test because of the birth of the daughters and then he treats them generously, they will become a means of rescue for him from Hell." (Bukhari, Muslim).

"The one who brought up two girls till they attained their maturity, will appear along with me on the Resurrection Day ... Saying this the Holy Prophet jointed and raised his fingers. (Muslim).

"The one who brought up three daughters, or sisters, taught then good manners and treated them with kindness until they became self-sufficient. Allah will make Paradise obligatory for him. A man asked: what about two, O Messenger of Allah? The Holy Prophet replied: the same for two." Ibn `Abbas, the reporter of the Hadith, says: "Had the people at that time asked in respect of one daughter, the Holy Prophet would have also given the same reply about her. " (Sharh as-Sunnh).

"The one who has a daughter born to him and he does not bury her alive, nor keeps her in disgrace, nor prefers his son to her, Allah will admit him to Paradise." (Abu Da'ud).

"The one who has three daughters born to him, and he is patient over them, and clothes them well according to his means, they will become a means of rescue for him from Hell. " (Bukhari, Al-Adab al-Mufrad, Ibn Majah).

The grave of Prophet Muhammad peace be upon him is under this Green Dome in Madina, Saudi Arabia.

"The Muslim who has two daughters and he looks after them well, they will lead him to Paradise." (Bukhari: Al-Adab al-Mufrad).

This is the teaching which completely changed the viewpoint of the people about girls not only in Arabia but among all the nations of the world, which later become blessed with Islam.

The Holy Kabah

Tafsir : www.SearchTruth.com

Photography: Ibn Hanif

A Commentary on The Qur'an 4:34 By Dr. Ahmad Shafaat

2012-01-24T04:50:00.003+07:00

Of all the Qur'anic passages about men and women perhaps the one most often misunderstood or misused by both Muslims and non-Muslims is verse 34 of Surah an-Nisa. The English translation of this verse reads as follows:

"Men are (meant to be righteous and kind) guardians of women because God has favored some more than others and because they (i.e. men) spend out of their wealth. (In their turn) righteous women are (meant to be) devoted and to guard what God has (willed to be) guarded even though out of sight (of the husband). As for those (women) on whose part you fear ill-will and nasty conduct, admonish them (first), (next) separate them in beds (and last) beat them. But if they obey you, then seek nothing against them. Behold, God is most high and great. (4:34)

The purpose of this article is to give a detailed commentary on the verse in order to make it better understood.

The verse begins with the statement that "men are qawwamun over women". The root of the key word, qawwamun (pl. of qawwam), is qama which means "to stand or to make something stand or to establish something". It is often used in the Holy Qur'an in the sense of establishing religion or prayer. A related word is qa'im which means "one who stands or makes something stand". Qawwam is an intensive form of qa'im and has a sense of continuity in the action involved. So it means one who is continuously standing over something (as, for example, a guard or caretaker) or one who is continuously making something stand, i.e. is maintaining it. In the Qur'anic usage of qawwam and related words there is almost always present an idea of propriety. For example, aqamah of salah is not only praying but also praying properly. The function of qawwam is also understood in the Qur'an to be characterized by fairness. Thus in 4:134 and 5:8, the only other passages in the Qur'an where the word is used, the believers are told:

"O you who believe! Be qawwamin with fairness..."

"O you who believe! Be qawwamin for God as witnesses to fairness..."

Thus to be a qawwam over something or someone is to guard, maintain or take care of that something or someone in a proper and fair manner. If there is any single word in English that can convey the meaning of the word as used in the present word it is probably the one used by Muhammad Pickthal, namely, guardian.

After stating that men are qawwamun over women the verse goes on to say why this is so. Two reasons are given:

1) "Because God has favoured some of them more than others". It is not explicitly stated here who is favoured more than whom but in view of the context it is probable that men are understood in some way to be favoured more than women. But in what way? Again no answer is given in the verse under consideration or elsewhere in the Qur'an. But we can justifiably take the reference to physical strength and energy in which men generally excel women and which enables men to guard women against some of the dangers to which they may be exposed in society and to take care of some of their needs.

From the statement that God has favoured men more than women in some ways we should not conclude, as many careless readers of the Qur'an do, that Islam views men superior to women. For this statement does not exclude the possibility that in some other ways women may be favoured more than men. Indeed observation shows that women are in general more patient, caring and have a more developed intuition than men.

Moreover, the Holy Qur'an makes it clear that while there are many favours of God that He bestows on His creatures in different measures, there is only one favour which determines the superiority of one member of the human species over another and that is taqwa or God consciousness. Thus wealth, strength, health, intelligence, position, education, etc. are all favours of God but we cannot say that a wealthier person is superior to a poorer person, a stronger person is superior is superior to a physically feeble person and so on. we can say only that a more muttaqi person is superior to a less muttaqi person. In the words of the Holy Qur'an:

"The nobler among you in the sight of God is the more muttaqi (righteous) among you." (49:13)

Taqwa (righteousness, God consciousness) is that divine favour of God on which the right use of all other favours of God depends. The more of this quality of taqwa a person has the more the other favours of God benefit him.

Thus the fact that man has been favoured in some ways more than woman does not automatically make him superior to her. It is only when his taqwa is more than hers that he can from the Qur'anic point of view be considered superior to her. And when a person's taqwa increases to a worthwhile level the question of his superiority does not interest him, for he or she realizes that all praises are due to God.

2) The first reason then why men are qawwamun over women is their physical ability to protect women. The second is that "they (i.e. men) spend out of their wealth." Although the Holy Qur'an permits women to earn and own wealth, it expects that men will generally be able to earn more than women because of the natural differences between them. This means that they will generally be responsible for the economic needs of women and this responsibility also makes them qawwamun.

In thinking of men as qawwamun over women we should not limit their role to mere protectors and providers. Properly taking care of women requires more than ensuring their physical security and providing food and shelter. It also requires looking after their psychological and emotional needs which can be summed up in terms of the need for love (30:21). Thus man's role in the relationship between men and women (as husbands and wives) generally consists of three things: protecting the woman, looking after her economic needs and giving her love.

What is the woman's role in this relationship? A brief statement follows about this in the verse:

"The righteous women are devout (qanitat) and guard what Allah has willed to be guarded even though out of sight."

Qanit means one who is devoted to someone and out of love and devotion obeys him or her. Outside of the present verse the word in its various forms, occurs seven times and is used of both men and women. In six out of these seven places, the object of devotion and obedience is understood to be God, in one place it is God and His Messenger. For this reason qanitat may simply mean "devoted to God". In view of the context, the idea of devotion and obedience to the husband may also be read into the word.

Since men are qawwamun over their wives, they must have some authority to make decisions, for a person cannot be an effective guardian or maintainer of someone without having some decision making authority. And whenever there is legitimate decision-making authority on one side, there is some necessity of obedience from the other. In Hadith there are many traditions which encourage women to be obedient to their husbands. Some of these traditions are no doubt forged, being attempts by later Muslims to subjugate their women (1), but others look authentic (2). Thus the Qur'an and Hadith do teach that women should obey their husbands. But this "should" is not a "should" of moral or religious obligation. The Qur'an and authentic ahadith do not command women to be obedient to their husbands, so that it is not a sin on their part if they sometime do not listen to their husbands. The Qur'an and Hadith consider obedience to the husband as simply a desirable quality of the wife.

In connection with the decision-making authority of the husband and the wife's obedience to him, the following further points should also be noted:

i) The "authority" on the husband should not be thought of in terms of the authority of a ruler or a boss. The very personal nature of the relationship between husband and wife and the love and affection which must characterize that relationship (30:21) should be reflected in the way the husband exercises his authority. In particular, he should always fully take into account her feelings on every matter. In Islam, even rulers and bosses are ordered to take into account the views of those in their charge; in case of husbands this is all the more necessary and natural. Likewise, the obedience of the wife to the husband should also reflect the personal and tender nature of their relationship. In particular, it should not be a forced obedience but rather should come naturally out of her love and respect for the husband.

ii) If a wife cannot sufficiently love and respect the husband to give him the obedience he expects, then she can, if she so chooses, seek a divorce which will necessarily be granted to her.

iii) The decision-making "authority" of the husband should be restricted to the area of responsibility (i.e. dealings with the society at large, family budget, etc.) and should not become all-pervasive.

iv) The obedience of the wife to the husband, like all obedience in Islam, is only in what is right and proper. The wife can and indeed should disobey any improper, un-Islamic, command of the husband, e.g., if he commands her not to wear hijab.

"Guarding what God has (willed to be) guarded" means guarding the husband's honour and property as well as wife's own loyalty towards him. "Even though out of sight" (li al-ghayb) refers to the husband's honour and property when he is absent as well as to the wife's secret feelings and thoughts which the husband cannot perceive even if he is present. Thus in return for love, security and financial support the husbands should give their wives, righteous wives should give their husbands love, loyalty and obedience and look after their interests with complete faithfulness.

This, however, describes an ideal situation: a strong loving husband taking full care of the wife and the wife giving him her faithful love, obedience and support. In this situation the couple needs no marriage laws. The husband, for example, does not need to be told to take care of the wife, for it comes naturally out of his love for her. Likewise, the wife does not need to be told to obey her husband and to be faithful to him because all this is the natural result of the love and respect she has for him. It is noteworthy that up to this point the Qur'anic verse does not give any commands. It rather uses a descriptive language: "men are qawwamun...", "righteous women are qanitat...". In other words, the verse simply describes the relationship between husband and wife as nature has meant it to be.

Unfortunately, in a great many cases the relationship between husband and wife, because of weaknesses on one or both sides, falls short of the ideal described above. In many cases, the husband and wife successfully make some adjustments between themselves. In many other cases, however, an adjustment becomes difficult. The remaining part of the verse under consideration concerns such cases.

"As for those women on whose part you fear nushuz..." Before we go any further with the translation, it is important to explain the meaning of the key word nushuz. The literal meaning of the word is "rebellion". But rebellion against whom and in what sense? We should certainly not think of this in terms the rebellion of the ruled against a ruler in a sultanate or dictatorship and conclude that it consists of the wife disobeying some of the husband's commands. This is because the same word nushuz is used in case of a husband in verse 128 of the same surah 4, where it is said: "If a woman fears nushuz on her husband's part..." So nushuz is something that can be feared by the husband on the wife's part or by the wife on her husband's part. It cannot therefore be understood in terms of the ruler-ruled relationship. To correctly understand the meaning of the word, it must be noted that both in the verse under consideration and in verse 128 the reference to nushuz is followed by a reference to the break-up of the marriage (see vv. 35, 130). If this context is kept in mind, then it becomes evident that nushuz means the type of behaviour on the part of the husband or the wife which is so disturbing for the other that their living together becomes difficult.

Now the behaviour of a marriage partner can become disturbing for the other in one of the following two ways:

1) There is no ill-will on the part of the offending party. It is simply because of some incompatibility between the two or the failure on the part of one to understand the other that one of them finds some aspect of the other's behaviour disturbing.

2) One partner knowingly behaves or continues to behave in a way which seriously disturbs the other partner. In this case there is obviously an ill-will on the part of the first partner towards the second.

Nushuz is only this second type of behaviour, for only a deliberate ill-conduct based on ill-will can be described as "rebellion".

There is also a measure of relativeness about nushuz in the sense that what constitutes nushuz in the eyes of one person may not be so viewed by another. For this reason, the judgment that one's spouse has been guilty of nushuz is partly a subjective and personal one. That is why the verse says: "If you fear nushuz..." instead of for example, "if you find nushuz...". In the Holy Qur'an "fearing" signifies subjective but certain, knowledge or judgment about something.

In short, nushuz is a behaviour on the part of one marriage partner which comes out of ill-will and seriously disturbs the other partner.

Let us now proceed further with the verse and see what does it suggest in case of "those women on whose part you fear nushuz".(3) Three steps are recommended: "Admonish them (first), (next) separate them in beds (and last) beat them."

When there is no ill-will on the part of the wife towards the husband and he finds her behaviour hard to live with, he can, of course, divorce her. But marriage difficulties often start with a stage when neither partner really wants a break-up of the marriage and yet, at least from the point of view of one of the partners, the situation is unacceptable. The three steps suggested in the verse pertain to such circumstances.

"Admonish them". In this step the husband can say a great variety of things to the wife. He can bring to her attention some relevant teachings from the Qur'an and Hadith. He can remind her of the adverse effects of a possible break-up of marriage on all concerned - she herself, the children, if any, and he himself. Such admonition however, will be effective only if the husband has a good character, at least in comparison with the wife. Otherwise, the wife can say to him, either in her heart or aloud, "look who is talking".

The husband must practice what he preaches to his wife, for the Qur'an condemns preaching to others what we do not practice ourselves (2:44).

"Separate them in beds". There is a lot that a husband can achieve by talking to the wife in the right way. But if he fails, he should try separating the wife in bed and take other steps that go with such an action, e.g. avoiding to talk to her. If there had ever been any love between the two, this separation while living together, may help that love to return or come to the forefront. The wife may, as a result, become more willing to change her ways and the husband too may begin to see some of the things in a different light. For this suggestion of separation to work it is clear that the husband should have sufficient control over his sexual urges. For, otherwise he may be driven to end the separation in bed before it had any positive effect on the wife.

"Beat them". If even separation fails to work, then it is suggested that men use beating. To this suggestion of the Holy Qur'an there have been two extreme reactions on the part of some Muslims. The first reaction is being apologetic or ashamed of the suggestion. The second is to use it as a justification for indulging in habitual wife battering. Needless to say that both these reactions are wrong. The Quran as we believe is the word of God and is thus every word in it is full of wisdom and love. To be apologetic about any part of the Quran is to lack both knowledge and faith. As for the second response, the suggestion to use beating is made specifically to deal with nushuz on the part of the wife, that is, to deal with her deliberately nasty behaviour that poses a threat to the marriage. Beating is to be done after due admonition and separation in beds and therefore by husbands who have some moral standards and have sufficient control over their sexual passions. Moreover, this beating is not to go on and on but is to be tried as a last step to save the marriage. Once it is clear that it is not working it is to be abandoned in favour of some other steps involving relatives of the husband and the wife mentioned in the next verse (4:35). There is therefore, absolutely no license here for the type of regular and continual wife beating that goes on in some homes, where each time the husband is angry with his wife or with someone else he turns against her and beats her up. In most such cases, the husband has no moral superiority over the wife: the only rule of Shariah that he cares about is this suggestion about beating. He also does not have the kind of control over his sexual passions needed to separate the wife in bed and often beats her the day before or the day after making love to her, an action specifically condemned by the Prophet. (4)

In regard to the suggestion about beating, the following further points should also be noted:

a) According to some traditions the Prophet said in his famous and well-attended speech on the occasion of his farewell pilgrimage that the beating done according to the present verse should be ghayr mubarrih, i.e. in such a way that it should not cause injury, bruise or serious hurt. On this basis some scholars like Tabari and Razi say even that it should be largely symbolic and should be administered "with a folded scarf" or "with a miswak or some such thing". However, to be effective in its purpose of shaking the wife out of her nasty mood it is important that it should provide an energetic demonstration of the anger, frustration and love of the husband. In other words, it should neither seriously hurt the wife nor reduce it to a set of meaningless motions devoid of emotions.

b) The wife has no religious obligation to take the beating. She can ask for and get divorce any time. The suggestion applies only in the case when the husband is seriously disturbed by a prolonged nasty behaviour on the part of the wife but neither he nor the wife is as yet seriously thinking of breaking up.

c) If the husband beats a wife without respecting the limits set down by the Quran and Hadith, then she can take him to court and if ruled in favor has the right to apply the law of retaliation and beat the husband as he beat her.

d) Some fuqaha (Muslim jurists) are of the opinion that beating is permissible but not advisable. They base their view on the fact that the Prophet intensely disliked the action. But to say that beating is only permissible but never advisable is to say that there is never any good in it but the husband can nevertheless resort to it if he wants to; in other words he can beat up his wife without any good reason. This, however, is a view that cannot possibly be attributed to the Book of God. We can expect the Holy Qur'an to mention beating only if there was some wisdom in that mention. Now there are two possible points of wisdom in the mention. First, the beating done within the limits defined by the Qur'an may indeed bring the husband and wife to some kind of understanding. This is not because of the pain involved, which in any case cannot be too much if the guidance in the Quran and Hadith are to be observed. Rather, the husband and wife may come closer together after beating because of the emotions involved. The wife may experience the depth of hurt and disturbance her nushuz is causing and if there is any love left among them may decide for that reason to change her conduct. It seems from observations of human behaviour know that a show of male physical energy can sometimes bring a woman out of a prolonged bad mood (5) even though this energy may be seemingly directed against her in the form of angry words or a slap, provided in this manifestation of energy there is an undercurrent of love and desire for the woman and no real harm is done to the woman. In the situation with which the present verse is dealing, it is understood that in his heart the husband does have some love and desire for the wife. For, he has the option of divorcing her but he is not taking that option. Of course, there are husbands who neither love their wives nor divorce them, but keep them to punish them or exploit them. But we are not dealing with this situation here, since the assumption is that ill-will (nushuz) is from the wife's side. As for the argument that the Prophet intensely disliked beating, we can say that his intense dislike was for the type of beating done outside the limits set down by God. Second, the mention of beating may have the wisdom, ironically, to protect wives against what is called wife battering. The Quran does not always combat undesirable behavior by legal prohibition but by some other means. Experience also shows that legal prohibition of an action may not always be the most effective method to stop it. The Quran by requiring that before any beating there should be admonishing and separation of beds is providing a more effective measure against wife battering, since battering is the result of uncontrollable anger or aggression and this anger or aggression can be tamed during admonishing and separation of beds. No statistics exist, but I feel confident that if we research the behavior of men in different religious groups over a long enough period and a vast enough area of the globe, we will find that the incidents of cases of wife battering and other forms of cruelty to women have been less, both in terms of numbers and seriousness, among Muslims than in other groups.

"But if they obey you, then seek nothing against them". Here obey means that the wife accepts the husband's fair and justified demands or expectations. "Seek nothing against them" means that after the wife has abandoned nushuz and returned to the decent way one partner in marriage should behave towards the other, the husband should forgive and forget the past and start a new page.

"Behold, God is most high and great". These words are meant for both the husband and the wife. Above them both is God in whose name they were joined in marriage. The husband should not forget that the greater physical strength and the superior earning power which give him a certain advantage in marriage comes from God. He should not, therefore, try to push this advantage to unjustified limits. In particular, he should not expect to be the lord and master of the wife.

At the same time the wife should realize that her nasty behaviour is causing a lot of unhappiness to all the family, to herself, to the husband and to the children and other close relatives. She cannot do this to the near ones without displeasing God and without paying for it in some way.

Notes

(1) To the category of forged traditions encouraging women to be obedient to their husbands may safely be relegated the hadith in which the Prophet is reported to have said: "If I were to order anyone to prostrate himself before another, I would order a woman to prostrate herself before her husband" (Tirmidhi, Ahmad). This hadith stands in marked contrast to the whole of the Qur'an and most other ahadith. To be sure the Qur'an and Hadith recognize that in the marriage relationship men have greater responsibilities and therefore also a degree of greater rights, but they do not see this degree in terms that can translate into the kind of subservience of women to their husbands implied in this particular hadith. In fact, masters have greater rights over their slaves than husbands over their wives, as also parents (especially mothers) over their children and yet the Qur'an and Hadith nowhere say that masters or parents are like majazi (figurative, metaphorical) Gods for their slaves or children. How then can husbands be majazi Gods for their wives?

(2) A hadith which talks about the obedience of the husband by the wife and against whose authenticity there seems to be no strong arguments is quoted by Nasa'i and Bayhaqi on the authority of Abu Hurayra. It reads:

"The best wife is the one who pleases (her husband) when he looks at her, obeys him when he gives a command, and does not go against his wishes regarding her person or property by doing anything of which he disapproves."

Notice that this hadith is consistent with the Qur'an in that it does not command women to be obedient to their husbands but simply considers such obedience a desirable quality of a wife.

(3) When a husband dislikes something about the wife without the wife having any nushuz or ill-will towards him, he should continue the marriage relationship in a maruf way as far as possible, remembering that

"if you dislike them (i.e. your wives), it may be that you dislike something and God brings about through it a great deal of good." (4:19)

(4) The Prophet said: "(How odd it is that) one of you should whip his wife as a slave is whipped and then sleep with her at the end of the day". (Bukhari and Muslim, on the authority of 'Abdallah bin Zam'a)

(5) In movies, for example, one often sees the following type of scene: a man and a woman love each other but in some matter the woman simply does not want to listen to the man even though she realizes deep down that he is thinking for the good of both of them. The man tries all the tender ways to bring the woman around to his point of view without any success. Frustrated, the man at last bursts into anger and gives the woman a slap. This shakes the woman out of her mood and she falls on his shoulders, with both happier than before. Of course, movies are no guide for us but sometimes they do represent human nature and life as it is.

First published in Al-Ummah, Montreal, Canada in 1984. Copyright Dr. Ahmad Shafaat. The article may be reproduced for Da'wah purpose with proper references.

Source : http://www.TheModernReligion.com/Women

"But if They Reject you (Muhammad PBUH), so Indeed were Rejected Before You Messengers Who Came with Clear Arguments and Scriptures.... "

2012-01-22T23:12:00.001+07:00

183 (Those are they) who said: Surely Allah has enjoined us that we should not believe in any messenger until he brings us an offering which the fire consumes. Say: Indeed, there came to you messengers before me with clear arguments and with that which you demand; why then did you kill them if you are truthful?

184 But if they reject you, so indeed were rejected before you messengers who came with clear arguments and scriptures and the illuminating book.

185 Every soul shall taste of death, and you shall only be paid fully your reward on the resurrection day; then whoever is removed far away from the fire and is made to enter the garden he indeed has attained the object; and the life of this world is nothing but a provision of vanities.

186 You shall certainly be tried respecting your wealth and your souls, and you shall certainly hear from those who have been given the Book before you and from those who are polytheists much annoying talk; and if you are patient and guard (against evil), surely this is one of the affairs (which should be) determined upon.
187 And when Allah made a covenant with those who were given the Book: You shall certainly make it known to men and you shall not hide it; but they cast it behind their backs and took a small price for it; so evil is that which they buy.
188 Do not think those who rejoice for what they have done and love that they should be praised for what they have not done-- so do by no means think them to be safe from the chastisement, and they shall have a painful chastisement.

189 And Allah's is the kingdom of the heavens and the earth, and Allah has power over all things.
190 Most surely in the creation of the heavens and the earth and the alternation of the night and the day there are signs for men who understand.
191 Those who remember Allah standing and sitting and lying on their sides and reflect on the creation of the heavens and the earth: Our Lord! Thou hast not created this in vain! Glory be to Thee; save us then from the chastisement of the fire:
192 Our Lord! surely whomsoever Thou makest enter the fire, him Thou hast indeed brought to disgrace, and there shall be no helpers for the unjust:

193 Our Lord! surely we have heard a preacher calling to the faith, saying: Believe in your Lord, so we did believe; Our Lord! forgive us therefore our faults, and cover our evil deeds and make us die with the righteous.
194 Our Lord! and grant us what Thou hast promised us by Thy messengers; and disgrace us not on the day of resurrection; surely Thou dost not fail to perform the promise.
195 So their Lord accepted their prayer: That I will not waste the work of a worker among you, whether male or female, the one of you being from the other; they, therefore, who fled and were turned out of their homes and persecuted in My way and who fought and were slain, I will most certainly cover their evil deeds, and I will most certainly make them enter gardens beneath which rivers flow; a reward from Allah, and with Allah is yet better reward.

196 Let it not deceive you that those who disbelieve go to and fro in the cities fearlessly.
197 A brief enjoyment! then their abode is hell, and evil is the resting-place.
198 But as to those who are careful of (their duty to) their Lord, they shall have gardens beneath which rivers flow, abiding in them; an entertainment from their Lord, and that which is with Allah is best for the righteous.
199 And most surely of the followers of the Book there are those who believe in Allah and (in) that which has been revealed to you and (in) that which has been revealed to them, being lowly before Allah; they do not take a small price for the communications of Allah; these it is that have their reward with their Lord; surely Allah is quick in reckoning.

200 O you who believe! be patient and excel in patience and remain steadfast, and be careful of (your duty to) Allah, that you may be successful.

[The Holy Quran : Aal-e-Imran (The Family of Imran) ]

The Angel of Mountains Was Ready to Crush

2012-01-22T01:04:00.002+07:00

`Aishah (May Allah be pleased with her) reported:

I asked the Prophet (PBUH) "Have you ever experienced a day harder than the day of the battle of Uhud?''
He replied, "Indeed, I experienced them (dangers) at the hands of your people (i.e., the disbelievers from amongst the Quraish tribe). The hardest treatment I met from them was on the Day of `Aqabah when I went to Ibn `Abd Yalil bin `Abd Kulal (who was one of the chiefs of Ta'if) with the purpose of inviting him to Islam, but he made no response (to my call). So I departed with deep distress.

I did not recover until I arrived at Qarn ath-Tha`alib. There, I raised my head and saw a cloud which had cast its shadow on me. I saw in it Jibril (Gabriel) (PBUH) who called me and said: `Indeed, Allah, the Exalted, heard what your people said to you and the response they made to you. And He has sent you the angel in charge of the mountains to order him to do to them what you wish.'

Then the angel of the mountains called me, greeted me and said:

`O Muhammad, Allah listened to what your people had said to you. I am the angel of the mountains, and my Rubb has sent me to you so that you may give me your orders. (I will carry out your orders). If you wish I will bring together the two mountains that stand opposite to each other at the extremities of Makkah to crush them in between.''' But Messenger of Allah (PBUH) said, "I rather hope that Allah will raise from among their descendants people as will worship Allah the One, and will not ascribe partners to Him (in worship).''
[Al-Bukhari and Muslim].
Commentary: In the vicinity of Al-Madinah stands a mountain, called Uhud, where the `Battle of Uhud' took place. It was in this battle that the Prophet's face was wounded, one of his molars was broken and he fell into a pit dug by `Amr Ar-Rahib. Besides, his uncle, Hamzah (May Allah be pleased with him) was martyred and the disbelievers mutilated his body. `Aqabah was a place at Ta'if where Messenger of Allah (PBUH) rode up from Makkah and met the worst experience. Or, it could be that the incident occurred somewhere at Mina where, during the Hajj season, he urged the different clans to accept the message of Islam so as to seek their help to establish the true religion. Qarn Ath-Tha`alib is also the name of a place which is the Miqat (transit-point where pilgrims assume the state of Ihram) of the Najd people.
This Hadith also reflects the marvellous character of Messenger of Allah (PBUH) that he never rebuked the ignorant and those who caused him harm, nor did he ever avenge anybody on grounds of personal hostility. Secondly, he would endure all forms of hardships in the way of Allah with patience and endurance. He never became furious over his harassers, rather he prayed for their guidance. No doubt, the Prophetic life-pattern perennially provides inspiration to preachers and religious instructors. The responsibility of preaching is not a bed of roses but a thorny path to tread on. It is not the welcome and applause which is meted out to him, but people's taunts, reproaches and insults are heaped on the preacher. Consequently, patience, self-possession, self-control and tolerance are vital to braving trials and tribulations in the way of Allah.

Riyad-us-Saleheen, Chapter 75

Source : The Angel of Mountains Was Ready to Crush

Arise and Warn

2012-01-22T00:43:00.001+07:00

1 O you who are clothed!

2 Arise and warn,

3 And your Lord do magnify,

4 And your garments do purify,

5 And uncleanness do shun,

6 And bestow not favors that you may receive again with increase,

7 And for the sake of your Lord, be patient.

8 For when the trumpet is sounded,

9 That, at that time, shall be a difficult day,

10 For the unbelievers, anything but easy.

11 Leave Me and him whom I created alone,

12 And give him vast riches,

13 And sons dwelling in his presence,

14 And I adjusted affairs for him adjustably;

15 And yet he desires that I should add more!

16 By no means! surely he offers opposition to Our communications.

17 I will make a distressing punishment overtake him.

18 Surely he reflected and guessed,

19 But may he be cursed how he plotted;

20 Again, may he be cursed how he plotted;

21 Then he looked,

22 Then he frowned and scowled,

23 Then he turned back and was big with pride,

24 ~Then he said: This is naught but enchantment, narrated (from others);

25 This is naught but the word of a mortal.

26 I will cast him into hell.

27 And what will make you realize what hell is?

28 It leaves naught nor does it spare aught.

29 It scorches the mortal.

30 Over it are nineteen.

31 And We have not made the wardens of the fire others than angels, and We have not made their number but as a trial for those who disbelieve, that those who have been given the book may be certain and those who believe may increase in faith, and those who have been given the book and the believers may not doubt, and that those in whose hearts is a disease and the unbelievers may say: What does Allah mean by this parable? Thus does Allah make err whom He pleases, and He guides whom He pleases, and none knows the hosts of your Lord but He Himself; and this is naught but a reminder to the mortals.

32 Nay; I swear by the moon,

33 And the night when it departs,

34 And the daybreak when it shines;

35 Surely it (hell) is one of the gravest (misfortunes),

36 A warning to mortals,

37 To him among you who wishes to go forward or remain behind.

38 Every soul is held in pledge for what it earns,

39 Except the people of the right hand,

40 In gardens, they shall ask each other

41 About the guilty:

42 What has brought you into hell?

43 They shall say: We were not of those who prayed;

44 And we used not to feed the poor;

45 And we used to enter into vain discourse with those who entered into vain discourses.

46 And we used to call the day of judgment a lie;

47 Till death overtook us.

48 So the intercession of intercessors shall not avail them.

49 What is then the matter with them, that they turn away from the admonition

50 As if they were asses taking fright

51 That had fled from a lion?

52 Nay; every one of them desires that he may be given pages spread out;

53 Nay! but they do not fear the hereafter.

54 Nay! it is surely an admonition.

55 So whoever pleases may mind it.

56 And they will not mind unless Allah please. He is worthy to be feared and worthy to forgive.

The Holy Quran : Chapter : Al-Muddathir (The Cloaked One)

Photo of Al-Masjid al-Nabawi

2012-01-16T05:40:00.001+07:00

Alhamdulillah wasalatu wasalamu ala Rasulillah,
I visited Al-Madina AL- Munawara on 19/02/1433 (13/01/2012) for the third time in my whole life. I captured more than 250 photos during the visit. Following are some of the photos which I captured during this memorable journey. I will share more here or create a separate blog for them, Insha-Allah

Narrated Abu Humaid(radhiyallahu anhu): We came with the Prophet(sallallahu alaiyhi wassallam) from Tabuk, and when we reached near Madinah, the Prophet(sallallahu alaiyhi wassallam) said, "This is Tabah(meaning the good one)." (Bukhari)

Narrated Abu Huraira(radhiyallahu anhu): Allah's Apostle said, "I was ordered to migrate to a town which will swallow (conquer) other towns and is called Yathrib and that is Madinah, and it turns out (bad) persons as a furnace removes the impurities of iron." (Bukhari)

Jaabir bin Samurah(radhiyallahu anhu) says; "I heard Rasulullah(sallallahu alaiyhi wassallam) say: ' Verily Allah named Madinah, Taabah(meaning the good one) or Tayyibah(the pure)."

Photography : Ibn Hanif

Arfa Karim: the World's Youngest (MCP) has Died ( انا لله و انا اليه راجعون)

2012-01-15T04:26:00.007+07:00

"The eyes are shedding tears and the heart is grieved, and we will not say except what pleases our Lord"

انا لله و انا اليه راجعون
لله ما اخذ ولله ما اعطى وكل شي عنده بمقدار

To Allah belongs what he took, and to him belongs what he gave, and he has set for everything an appointed time.

According to Geo News : www.geo.tv Arfa Karim has died in CMH Lahore on Saturday night. She was the world's youngest (MCP). In 2004 at the age of 9 years, she became the youngest Microsoft Certified Professionals (MCPs) in the world. She was invited by Bill Gates to visit the Microsoft Headquarters in USA.

"And We will most certainly try you with somewhat of fear and hunger and loss of property and lives and fruits; and give good news to the patient, Who, when a misfortune befalls them, say: Surely we are Allah's and to Him we shall surely return. Those are they on whom are blessings and mercy from their Lord, and those are the followers of the right course. " [Al Baqarah :155-157]

"We went with Allah's Apostle May Allah's peace and blessings be upon him to the blacksmith Abu Saif, and he was the husband of the wet-nurse of Ibrahim (the son of the Prophet). Allah's Apostle took Ibrahim and kissed him and smelled him and later we entered Abu Saif's house and at that time Ibrahim was in his last breaths, and the eyes of Allah's Apostle May Allah's peace and blessings be upon him started shedding tears. 'Abdur Rahman bin 'Auf said, "O Allah's Apostle, even you are weeping!" He said, "O Ibn 'Auf, this is mercy." Then he wept more and said, "The eyes are shedding tears and the heart is grieved, and we will not say except what pleases our Lord, O Ibrahim! Indeed we are grieved by your separation."

The Messenger of Allah (sal Allahu alaihi wa sallam) said: “When a person's child dies, Allah the Most High asks His angels, ‘Have you taken out the life of the child of My slave?’ They reply in the affirmative. He then asks, ‘Have you taken the fruit of his heart?’ They reply in the affirmative. Thereupon he asks, ‘What has My slave said?’ They say: ‘He has praised You and said: Inna lillahi wa inna ilaihi raji’un (We belong to Allah and to Him we shall be returned).’ Allah says: ‘Build a house for My slave in Jannah and name it Bait-ul-Hamd (the House of Praise).’” [Tirmidi]

نسأل الله العلي العظيم ان يغفر لابنتنا المتوفية ويدخلها فسيح جناتة
آمين

Please note : That the owner of this blog doesn't have any personal relation with Arfa Karim or her family except that the author recognizes the fact that she was our sister in Islam and a daughter of Pak nation who at very early stage of her life became a sign of hope for the nation. She in a very short period of her life made us realize the importance of knowledge and hard work.

We have to keep her mission alive, we have to reconnect ourselves with both Islamic books and also with the knowledge related to science and technology for Muslims remained the leaders of the word in this regard as well. Insha-Allah we will regain this position soon.
"And say: My Lord increase me in knowledge."

(Qur'an, Ta-Ha 20:114)

"Allah will raise up, to (suitable) ranks and (degrees), those of you who believe and who have been granted knowledge. And Allah is well-acquainted with all you do."

(Qur'an, Al-Mujadilah 58:11)

Abu Umamah relates that the Prophet said, "A learned one is as much above an (ordinary) worshiper as I am above the least of you; and he added: Allah, His angels and all those in the heavens and in the earth, even the ants in their holes and the fish in the water, call down blessings on those who instruct people in beneficent knowledge." (Related by Tirmithi)

May Allah prepare for her a home in Jannah and may He make her parents, other family members and also the whole nation patient enough to bear the loss according to the enlightenment available for us in Quran and Hadith. Ameen.

Ibn Hanif

Makkah Al Mukarramah, Saudi Arabia

"What Did Jesus Really Say? " [Available for download in PDF format]

2012-01-10T21:03:00.000+07:00

Just sharing a link to this amazing book. Please click the image to go to the download page.

"What Did Jesus Really Say?"

"O My servants, you sin by night and by day, and I forgive all sins, so seek forgiveness of Me and I shall forgive you."

2012-01-09T11:54:00.001+07:00

On the authority of Abu Dharr al-Ghifari (may Allah be pleased with him) from the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) is that among the sayings he relates from his Lord (may He be glorified) is that He said:

"'O My servants, I have forbidden oppression for Myself and have made it forbidden amongst you, so do not oppress one another.

O My servants, all of you are astray except for those I have guided, so seek guidance of Me and I shall guide you.

O My servants, all of you are hungry except for those I have fed, so seek food of Me and I shall feed you.

O My servants, all of you are naked except for those I have clothed, so seek clothing of Me and I shall clothe you.

O My servants, you sin by night and by day, and I forgive all sins, so seek forgiveness of Me and I shall forgive you.

O My servants, you will not attain harming Me so as to harm Me, and you will not attain benefiting Me so as to benefit Me.

O My servants, were the first of you and the last of you, the human of you and the jinn of you to be as pious as the most pious heart of any one man of you, that would not increase My kingdom in anything.

O My servants, were the first of you and the last of you, the human of you and the jinn of you to be as wicked as the most wicked heart of any one man of you, that would not decrease My kingdom in anything.

O My servants, were the first of you and the last of you, the human of you and the jinn of you to rise up in one place and make a request of Me, and were I to give everyone what he requested, that would not decrease what I have, any more than a needle decreases the sea if put into it.

O My servants, it is but your deeds that I reckon up for you and then recompense you for, so let him who finds good praise Allah and let him who finds other than that blame no one but himself.'"

[Muslim (also by at-Tirmidhi and Ibn Majah).]

http://www.guidedways.com/qudsihadith.php?hadith=17

Photograph: Ibn Hanif

Introducing My Personal Blog: "Life: A View from the Back Seat"

2012-01-08T05:43:00.003+07:00

Dear followers, I invite you to have a look at my brand new personal blog. Please visit and avail the chance of becoming one of the first visitors, commenter, followers, or subscribers of my blog:

Life: A View from the Back Seat

The URL : http://The-View-of-Life.Blogspot.com

Your suggestions regarding the layout will be highly welcomed and appreciated.

I am waiting !!!

Best Wishes

Ibn Hanif

"Then may be you will kill yourself with grief, sorrowing after them..."

2012-01-07T17:21:00.001+07:00

1 (All) praise is due to Allah, Who revealed the Book to His servant and did not make in it any crookedness. 2 Rightly directing, that he might give warning of severe punishment from Him and give good news to the believers who do good that they shall have a goodly reward, 3 Staying in it for ever; 4 And warn those who say: Allah has taken a son. 5 They have no knowledge of it, nor had their fathers; a grievous word it is that comes out of their mouths; they speak nothing but a lie.

6 Then maybe you will kill yourself with grief, sorrowing after them, if they do not believe in this announcement.

Tafsir of Verse 6:

This refers to the real cause of the anxiety of the Holy Prophet at the time of the revelation of this Surah . It clearly shows that the Holy Prophet did not grieve at the persecution from which he and his Companions were suffering but at the deviation and moral degeneration of his people. What was consuming him was that, though he was trying to bring them out from their disgraceful state, they persisted in it. He was grieved because he was convinced that their deviation would inevitably lead them to destruction and scourge of Allah. Therefore he was working day and night to save them but it appeared that they were bent upon incurring the chastisement of Allah.

The Holy Prophet himself has described this state of his mind in a Tradition to this effect:

"I may describe this thing in a parable. A person kindled a fire to spread light but the moths persist in falling over it to burn themselves alive. He tries to save them from the fire but the moths reduce his efforts to failure. The same is true of me and you. I hold you by your skirts to keep you away from the fire, but you are bent upon falling into it." (Bukhari, Muslim).

Though apparently it is merely stated "...... it may be that you will consume your life for their sake out of sorrow...." it also contains a sort of consolation for the Holy Prophet, as if to say, "As you are not responsible for forcing them to believe, why should you consume yourself for their sake? Your only duty is to give good news and warning and not to turn people into Believers. Therefore you may go on carrying out your mission of giving good news to the Believers and warning of the bad consequences to the disbelievers."

7. Surely We have made whatever is on the earth an embellishment for it, so that We may try them (as to) which of them is best in works. 8 And most surely We will make what is on it bare ground without herbage.

V. 6 was addressed to the Holy Prophet, but vv. 7-8 have been directed to the disbelievers indirectly, as if to say, "You must understand it clearly that all the things that you see in the world and which allure you, are a transitory adornment which has been arranged merely to test you, but it is a pity that you have been involved in the misunderstanding that all these things have been created to cater for your pleasure and enjoyment. That is why the only aim and object of life you have set before you is: "Eat, drink and be merry.." As a result of this you do not pay any attention to your true and real well-wisher. You must understand it well that these things have not been provided for pleasure but are actually a means of testing you. You have been placed among them to see which of you is allured by these from the real aim of life and which of you keeps steadfast in the worship of Allah, for which you have been sent to the world. All these things and means of pleasure shall come to an end on the Day your examination is over and nothing will remain on the earth because it will be turned into a bare plain."

Translation: http://www.searchtruth.com/chapter_display.php?chapter=18&translator=3&mac=
Source Tafsir: http://www.searchtruth.com/tafsir/tafsir.php?chapter=18

The Moon (Just a photograph)

2012-01-07T01:24:00.000+07:00

Photograph captured near the Royal Clock Tower (The Talest Clock in the World)

Read

2012-01-06T11:53:00.001+07:00

There is no power

No might

And no ability

Save with Allah

And those who know this well

Are the only one's with tranquility

Allah knows best what makes some to stray and others to believe

Some open the quran and read

As if its just another book

While others open the quran

And wept

Asking Allah for his mercy

Some can read the Arabic

Yet still look away

While others read its meaning

And there hearts tremble with fear

What could we learn if we opened this holy book?

A direct link to God

His word

His message

The stories of old

His admonition

And hope

What are we reading if were not reading the book of God?

Are we letting ourselves be fooled by this world

So blind to our desires

In the holy book of our lord

Is where we'll find the answers

Don't let the pundits and the the philosophers let us lose grip of our faith

If we read the book we'd know that we must wait

For fortune comes to many

Yet God is always just

The evils ones will see there day and it will be enough

To suffice everything

Don't think that its a pity

That we miss out on this world

The book says it will crumble

One day it will be dust

And therefore if faith is sound

We'll be the one's to say

"We found the promise true

Allah, Allah have mercy on us

The peace belongs to you"

Poetry : bint Yusuf
The Guiding Friends

The Beginning of Propaganda Against the last Messenger of God

2012-01-06T03:29:00.001+07:00

[When the Holy Messenger of Allah (Muhammad upon whom be Allah's peace)began to preach Islam and recite the Qur'anic Surahs revealed successively, the people of Makkah felt alarmed, and it provoked a great storm of opposition and hostility. A few months passed in this state until the Hajj season approached. The people of Makkah feared that if Muhammad started visiting the caravans of the pilgrims coming from all over Arabia at their halting places and reciting the spell binding and unique Revelations of the Qur'an in their assemblies on the occasion of Hajj, his message would reach every part of Arabia and influence countless people. Therefore, the Quraish chiefs held a conference and settled that they would start a propaganda campaign against the Holy Prophet (upon whom be peace) among the pilgrims as soon as they arrived.

After they had agreed on this, Walid bin al-Mughirah said to the assembled people: "If you said contradictory things about Muhammad (upon whom be Allah's peace and blessings), we all would lose our trust among the people. Therefore, let us agree upon one opinion, which we should all say without dispute.

Some people said that they would call Muhammad (upon whom be Allah's peace and blessings) a soothsayer.

Walid said: “No, by God, be is not a soothsayer. We have seen the soothsayers: what they murmur and what they utter has no remote resemblance with the Qur'an.”

Some other people said: “Then we say he is possessed.”

Walid said: He is not a possessed one: we have seen mad and insane people; the way one talks disjointedly and behaves foolishly in that state is known to all: who would believe that what Muhammad (upon whom be peace) presented was the incoherent speech of a madman?”

The people said: “Then we say he is a poet.”

Walid said: “No, he is not a poet, for we know poetry in all its forms, and what he presents conforms to no form of it.”

The people said: “Then he is a sorcerer.”

Walid said: “He is no sorcerer either: we have seen sorcerers and we also know what methods they adopt for their sorcery. This also does not apply to Muhammad.”

Then he said: "Whichever of these things you said about Muhammad, it would be known to be a false accusation. By God, his speech is sweet, his root is deep and his branches are fruitful.”

At this Abu Jahl urging on Walid said: “Your people will never be pleased with you unless you say something about Muhammad.”

He said: “Let me think over it awhile.”

Then, after prolonged thought and consideration, he said: “The nearest thing to the truth is that you tell the Arabs that he is a sorcerer, who has brought a message by which he separates a man from his father; and from his brother, and from his wife and children, and from his family.”

They all agreed on what Walid had proposed.

Then, according to a scheme the men of Quraish spread among the pilgrims in the Hajj season and they warned everyone they met of the sorcery of Muhammad (upon whom be peace) and of his stirring up divisions in the families by it."

But the result was that by their this plan the Quraish chiefs themselves made the name of the Holy Messenger known throughout Arabia.

(Ibn Hisham, pp. 288-289. That Walid had made this proposal on the insistence of Abu Jahl has been related by Ibn Jarir in his Tafsir on the authority of Ikrimah).

Source :
http://www.searchtruth.com/tafsir/tafsir.php?chapter=74

"Do not prostrate to the sun and the moon, but prostrate to Allah, Who created them"

2012-01-03T21:50:00.003+07:00

1 Alif Lam Mim Ra. These are the verses of the Book; and that which is revealed to you from your Lord is the truth, but most people do not believe.

2 Allah is He Who raised the heavens without any pillars that you see, and He is firm in power and He made the sun and the moon subservient (to you); each one pursues its course to an appointed time; He regulates the affair, making clear the signs that you may be certain of meeting your Lord.

3 And He it is Who spread the earth and made in it firm mountains and rivers, and of all fruits He has made in it two kinds; He makes the night cover the day; most surely there are signs in this for a people who reflect.

4 And in the earth there are tracts side by side and gardens of grapes and corn and palm trees having one root and (others) having distinct roots-- they are watered with one water, and We make some of them excel others in fruit; most surely there are signs in this for a people who understand. [The Holy Quran: Chapter : Ar-Rad (The Thunder)]

Captured on 08/02/1433 AH (02/01/2012)

"It is He Who made the sun to be a shining glory and the moon to be a light (of beauty), and measured out stages for her; that ye might know the number of years and the count (of time). Nowise did Allah create this but in truth and righteousness. (Thus) doth He explain His Signs in detail, for those who understand" [The Holy Quran 10:05 ]

37 And among His signs are the night and the day and the sun and the moon; do not prostrate to the sun nor to the moon; and prostrate to Allah Who created them, if Him it is that you serve.
38 But if they are proud, yet those with your Lord glorify Him during the night and the day, and they are not tired.
39 And among His signs is this, that you see the earth still, but when We send down on it the water, it stirs and swells: most surely He Who gives it life is the Giver of life to the dead; surely He has power over all things. [The Holy Quran: Chapter : Fussilat (Explained in detail )]

Photograph: Ibn Hanif

Umm 'Ammarah

2012-01-02T11:18:00.000+07:00

We who cry for foolish pain
And are afraid to fight
Will we ever know the strength
The strength
Of Umm 'Ammarah

For we who are sad when life passes us by
For we who are depressed and cry
Will we ever know the pain
Of Umm 'Ammarah

For we who spend time
Foolish time
Wasting our lives
Will we ever be as brave, as brave as
Umm 'Ammarah

Umm 'Ammarah
Who swore her oath
Allegiance to the prophet
Umm 'Ammarah whose husband spoke for her

Was called by Allah
When she wanted to help
She was call instead to fight
She took the calling
In faith
Letting her vessel fall to the floor

She took hold of the fleeing weapons
Defending the Messenger besides the men
Umar even said "When I turned left or right on the day of the battle of Uhud, I always saw her (Umm 'Ammarah) fighting in my defense"

Fighting besides the men!
Fighting to defend the prophet
Fighting in the name of Allah
Fighting to defend Islam

She lived with the wound
That gave her great pain
But when the prophet mentioned her along with his name
She knew the paradise far surpasses the pain

Her son followed in her steps
Habeeb was captured by the liar Musaylamah
From the tribe of Banu Haneefah
He tried to change his heart
But he couldn't even change his tongue

'Am I the Messenger?' he would say
And her son would answer 'I can't hear you'
His blood boiled like the sun
And her son was taken for torture

There was not a limb that couldn't feel his pain
But only the truth would remain
He would profess not a lie on his lips
The son of Umm 'Ammarah

Soon his spirit departed
And she was given the news
The anger
The rage
The pain!

But not a single word of unbelief
She was a women
She was a wife
She was a mother
The life she lived
Was like no other!

She asked the prophet and his men
When he is slain
May I be there to kill the man
Who killed my air

The times had changed
And the prophet passed
Her chance still came
That she would see before her last breath
Ageing and feeble

She went through the crowds
Looking for him
So she could could take his life
But Allah let her free with no blood on her hands
It was Wahsi ibn Hab
Who killed the man
That killed the son
The son of Umm 'Ammarah

It was a life of harshness
But the fact remains
Tomorrow she will meet her beloved
It was worth the pain that came

Pain
Pain
Pain
I continue to repeat
But don't only take that from her story
She was a women
Wise and brave
Who remained steadfast to Allah and his deen
Who accepted his kadr
His tests
His reliefs

And as sad as it seems
We should all wish for her life
Because she knows what life is truly for
Life is for worship
Life is for Allah
Life is to follow the Messenger
Home is Jenna if you choose
Umm 'Ammarah may Allah be pleased with you!

(This poem is inspired by the book 'Women around the messenger' authored by Muhammad 'Ali Qutb in which he devote a section to Umm 'Ammarah's life)

Poetry : bint Yusuf
The Guiding Friends

"O son of Adam, I fell ill and you visited Me not."

2012-01-01T13:09:00.001+07:00

On the authority of Abu Hurayrah (may Allah be pleased with him), who said that the Messenger of Allah (PBUH) said: Allah (mighty and sublime be He) will say on the Day of Resurrection:

O son of Adam, I fell ill and you visited Me not.

He will say: O Lord, and how should I visit You when You are the Lord of the worlds?

He will say: Did you not know that My servant So-and-so had fallen ill and you visited him not? Did you not know that had you visited him you would have found Me with him?

O son of Adam, I asked you for food and you fed Me not.

He will say: O Lord, and how should I feed You when You are the Lord of the worlds?

He will say: Did you not know that My servant So-and-so asked you for food and you fed him not? Did you not know that had you fed him you would surely have found that (the reward for doing so) with Me?

O son of Adam, I asked you to give Me to drink and you gave Me not to drink.

He will say: O Lord, how should I give You to drink when You are the Lord of the worlds?

He will say: My servant So-and-so asked you to give him to drink and you gave him not to drink. Had you given him to drink you would have surely found that with Me.

It was related by Muslim.[Sahih Muslim]

The Reward Of Deeds Depends Upon The Intentions

2012-01-01T01:01:00.003+07:00

On the authority of Abu Hurayrah (may Allah be pleased with him), who said: I heard the Messenger of Allah (PBUH) say:

The first of people against whom judgment will be pronounced on the Day of Resurrection will be a man who died a martyr. He will be brought and Allah will make known to him His favours and he will recognize them. [ The Almighty] will say: And what did you do about them? He will say: I fought for you until I died a martyr. He will say: You have lied - you did but fight that it might be said [of you]: He is courageous. And so it was said. Then he will be ordered to be dragged along on his face until he is cast into Hell-fire.

[Another] will be a man who has studied [religious] knowledge and has taught it and who used to recite the Quran. He will be brought and Allah will make known to his His favours and he will recognize them. [The Almighty] will say: And what did you do about them? He will say: I studied [religious] knowledge and I taught it and I recited the Quran for Your sake. He will say: You have lied - you did but study [religious] knowledge that it might be said [of you]: He is learned. And you recited the Quran that it might be said [of you]: He is a reciter. And so it was said. Then he will be ordered to be dragged along on his face until he is cast into Hell-fire.

[Another] will be a man whom Allah had made rich and to whom He had given all kinds of wealth. He will be brought and Allah will make known to his His favours and he will recognize them. [The Almighty] will say: And what did you do about them? He will say: I left no path [untrodden] in which You like money to be spent without spending in it for Your sake. He will say: You have lied - you did but do so that it might be said [of you]: He is open-handed. And so it was said. Then he will be ordered to be dragged along on his face until he is cast into Hell-fire.

[It was related by Muslim (also by at-Tirmidhi and an-Nasa'i).]

Narated By 'Umar bin Al-Khattab: I heard Allah's Apostle saying , "The reward of deeds depends upon the intentions and every person will get the reward according to what he has intended. So whoever emigrated for worldly benefits or for a woman to marry, his emigration was for what he emigrated for." [Bukhari: Hadith # 01]

A watered path

2011-12-31T12:05:00.001+07:00

Photo taken from the top floor of Masjid Al Haram

I know two paths that I can take
One is narrow, long and straight
The other is fast and crooked with bumps
Which one should I take?

One will take me across in seconds
Where more disaster waits
The other will take me to a holy and beautiful place
But this path will take me a lifetime to cross
Which one should I take?

One will take me no where in life
Though I may enjoy the ride
The other will cause me great pain and great strife
But will bring me
Great joy in the end
Which one should I take?

On one path is teachings of Quran and Sunnah
On the other lays the lies of the dunya
Which path should I take?

On one path I see scholars crying in remembrance of their Lord
On the other path I see thieves crying
Over a lost grain of salt
Which path should I take?

Oh sweet taste of jennah
Be like my tea
Both calm and comforting to me
Oh my Lord do not forget me
When I am weak and forget thee
Oh my Lord send down angels to be
guardians on to me

Oh my Lord open my eyes
When I am so blind that I can't see
The path that is so obvious for me
Grab me like Gabriel did Ahmed and show me to read

For when the human heart feels the truth
His eyes over flow
With wells of water

And maybe we'll cry so much
That our tears will become like rivers
And make our journey smooth
and easy

Poetry : bint Yusuf
The Guiding Friends

The last days

2011-12-31T11:53:00.000+07:00

When the mountains would prostate
So high and so great
And yet we in meekness
Keep our backs straight
Who is it we believe is great?

When fajr is forgotten
But death is still a norm
When fear has crumbled
And hope is gone

When distrust is rampant
And the people are barely dressed
When there is openly lewdness
And sin causes no stress

When God is an afterthought
If a thought at all
When people cry for the loss of money
And pray for more from this world

When pain is fixed by taking drugs
When hands are used for violence
And tongues spew hatred

When the places of our forefathers
Are used for monetary gain
When a Muslim
Is the only one who remembers the purpose of life

When shaitain no longer has to try
And evil is wide spread
When the last ones to believe
Are long gone and dead

Look for the hereafter
Can't you hear his steps?

Poetry : bint Yusuf
The Guiding Friends

Journey

2011-12-31T11:36:00.002+07:00

It is a matter of certainty
That day will come
When none will matter but the One

And yet our aims are different
Each striving for success
Striving for happiness

Our aims will be unmet
When our hearts, our minds, and limbs forget

For were all traveling on a path
And we who would like to meet our Lord
will be met the same by him
And we who would spend every moment of breath denouncing his being
Will be before him with despondent souls
Begging God to go back home
Begging God for a second chance

For some -what we would do for just one glance!
For those who know
the hereafter is home
The present life is the time for growth

I beg of you
As I beg of me
Please don't be blind in this sea of illusion
Please bring your heart to this final conclusion
Where all going to meet our Rabb

Where all on the same journey
So why not hope to meet with him?
Why not face the afterlife hoping for his mercy?
May God bless us all, all of us on the journey

Poetry : bint Yusuf
The Guiding Friends

Arfa Karim: Youngest MS Certified Professional in Need of Prayers

2011-12-30T13:09:00.037+07:00

Update : According to Geo News : www.geo.tv Arfa Karim has died in CMH Lahore on Saturday night. She was the world's youngest (MCP). In 2004 at the age of 9 years, she became the youngest Microsoft Certified Professionals (MCPs) in the world. She was invited by Bill Gates to visit the Microsoft Headquarters in USA.

"The eyes are shedding tears and the heart is grieved, and we will not say except what pleases our Lord"

Update 10:50 AM 15/01/2012 Funeral prayer of Arfa Karim offered: According to Geo News : www.geo.tv The funeral prayer of Arfa Karim was offered a short while ago today in the Cavalry Ground, Lahore.

نسأل الله العلي العظيم ان يغفر لابنتنا المتوفية ويدخلها فسيح جناتة
آمين

Please note : That the owner of this blog doesn't have any personal relation with Arfa Karim or her family except that the author recognizes the fact that she was our sister in Islam and a daughter of Pak nation who at very early stage of her life became a sign of hope for the nation. She in a very short period of her life made us realize the importance of knowledge and hard work.

We have to keep her mission alive, we have to reconnect ourselves with both Islamic books and also with the knowledge related to science and technology for Muslims remained the leaders of the word in this regard as well. Insha-Allah we will regain this position if followed the examples set by our ancestors.

"And say: My Lord increase me in knowledge."

(Qur'an, Ta-Ha 20:114)

"Allah will raise up, to (suitable) ranks and (degrees), those of you who believe and who have been granted knowledge. And Allah is well-acquainted with all you do."

(Qur'an, Al-Mujadilah 58:11)

Abu Umamah relates that the Prophet said, "A learned one is as much above an (ordinary) worshiper as I am above the least of you; and he added: Allah, His angels and all those in the heavens and in the earth, even the ants in their holes and the fish in the water, call down blessings on those who instruct people in beneficent knowledge." (Related by Tirmithi)

May Allah prepare for her a home in Jannah and may He make her parents, other family members and also the whole nation patient enough to bear the loss according to the enlightenment available for us in the Quran and Hadith. Ameen.

Following part of the post was published when Arfa Kareem was in the hospital:

Abu Darda (رضي الله عنه) reported:

The Messenger of Allah (صلى الله عليه وسلم) said,

“There is no Muslim servant who supplicates for his brother behind his back except that the Angel says, ‘and for you the same.’”

[Sahih Muslim, Book 035, Number 6588]

The purpose of this post is to forward the prayer request of a fellow blogger; sister Malahat Siddiqui.

Arfa Karim (born 1995), is a student from Faisalabad in Pakistan, who in 2004 at the age of 9 years, became the youngest Microsoft Certified Professionals (MCPs) in the world. She was invited by Bill Gates to visit the Microsoft Headquarters in USA.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Arfa_Karim

Other achievements :
She was awarded the Fatimah Jinnah Gold Medal in the field of Science and Technology by then Prime Minister in August 2005.
Received the Salaam Pakistan Youth Award, in 2005 by then President of Pakistan.
Became the youngest recipient of the Presidential Award of Pride of Performance.

Currently she is in Combined Military Hospital (CMH Lahore); in a state of comma and is on ventilator. All we can do is to pray for the well being of our sister in Islam.
A few days before my cousin residing in Kuwait city was going through almost similar situations. He remained in the state of coma for 22 days although my brother who visited him in the hospital made me believe that perhaps I will never be able to see him alive but still I raised my hands for prayer while standing in front of the holy Kabah. I even felt that I am praying for a miracle to happen; alhamdulillah he has recovered a lot and is back to Pakistan to comfort the eyes of his parents. (I visited Masjid Al Haram specially to pray for Arfa Karim as well. )

We have been guided to seek help through Salah and patience:

"And We will most certainly try you with somewhat of fear and hunger and loss of property and lives and fruits; and give good news to the patient, Who, when a misfortune befalls them, say: Surely we are Allah's and to Him we shall surely return. Those are they on whom are blessings and mercy from their Lord, and those are the followers of the right course. " [Al Baqarah :155-157]

Whether our sister stays or departs we have enlightenment for all the situations:

"We went with Allah's Apostle May Allah's peace and blessings be upon him to the blacksmith Abu Saif, and he was the husband of the wet-nurse of Ibrahim (the son of the Prophet). Allah's Apostle took Ibrahim and kissed him and smelled him and later we entered Abu Saif's house and at that time Ibrahim was in his last breaths, and the eyes of Allah's Apostle May Allah's peace and blessings be upon him started shedding tears. 'Abdur Rahman bin 'Auf said, "O Allah's Apostle, even you are weeping!" He said, "O Ibn 'Auf, this is mercy." Then he wept more and said, "The eyes are shedding tears and the heart is grieved, and we will not say except what pleases our Lord, O Ibrahim! Indeed we are grieved by your separation."

The Messenger of Allah (sal Allahu alaihi wa sallam) said: “When a person's child dies, Allah the Most High asks His angels, ‘Have you taken out the life of the child of My slave?’ They reply in the affirmative. He then asks, ‘Have you taken the fruit of his heart?’ They reply in the affirmative. Thereupon he asks, ‘What has My slave said?’ They say: ‘He has praised You and said: Inna lillahi wa inna ilaihi raji’un (We belong to Allah and to Him we shall be returned).’ Allah says: ‘Build a house for My slave in Jannah and name it Bait-ul-Hamd (the House of Praise).’” [Tirmidi]

My belief connects me with Arfa Karim : she is my sister in Islam.

Dear visitors, although I hadn't made a prayer request for the recovery of my next door neighbor, my real cousin but here I request you to pray for the sister Arfa Karm :
O our Lord (Allah SWT):

"You (Alone) we worship and You (Alone) we ask for help"

"O Lord of humanity!, take away the suffering, bring the recovery, there is no cure but Your cure that leaves no illness." Ameen.

Read more about her :

Geo News: Bill Gates contacts Arfa's father for treatment
Medical experts say Aarifa Karim's case not 'hopeless':

Arfa Kareem's Health Latest Update on the News.com.pk : Fiza Gilani inquires after Arfa Kareem

Geo Report- Video : Arfa's Parents

Poems of Arfa Karim

World's youngest MCP (Microsoft Certified Professional)

In smarts, she's a perfect 10

Child prodigy: Lights dim on a beautiful mind

Arfa Karim Randhawa-------MAY ALLAH BLESS HER!

Parents for prayers as prized girl fights for life - The Nation

Sister Malahat Siddiqui thanks for your reminder

Photos: Ibn Hanif
Makkah Al Mukarramah, Saudi Arabia

A prayer from a lonely traveler

2011-12-30T03:58:00.001+07:00

Oh dear God
Wash my hands
So as to cleanse the filth they contain
Let me feast and be sustained by your bounty
Cause my eyes to take pleasure in your pleasure

Let my lonely walks
Challenge me to think of you

The human condition causes me to rot and decay
But with every despair it is to you I pray:
Dear lord forgive me of my sins

Capture me with the light of your deen
Cause me not to worry about this passing world
Focus my heart on remembrance of you
Cause me not to cry over the losses of this world
Help me to be happy in your pleasure
Help me to disdain sin in every measure

When I looked at the moon last night
I knew I understood
You were with me
Guiding me my Lord

Walking through the streets like a loner
On concrete roads
I never felt your presence more sincerely

Poetry: Bint Yusuf

"The Guiding Friends"

Photograph: Ibn Hanif

Not lost

2011-12-28T06:00:00.000+07:00

Dear Lord,
I'd thought I'd forgotten you
But you pulled me back
You pulled me back
Dear lord,
I'd thought you' forgotten me
I was blinded
By worldly deities
Dear Lord,
I thought I was angry with you
But you treated me with love
Dear Lord I cursed the rain, and the struggles, and the heartaches of life
But you showed me mercy
You showed me compassion
Dear Lord,
I'd forgotten the little things
Which where not little at all
I turned my face from you
I'd given up on you
I thought I could make it through
But I was a liar
And I found out all to soon
That their was no good that could come without you
Oh Shaitan, how he called himself my friend?
Oh my whims and desires that begged me to go off
Without a care in the world I strayed
But this world laughed at me
Laughed at me!
They call me in only to laugh at me
Made me their slave only to laugh at me
And still the whispers stayed in my mind
allah ...........allah ...................allah
Until it became louder
Allah ..........Allah .........................Allah
Then it screamed at me
ALLAH ....................ALLAH ......................ALLAH!
Was it you? my conscious? my soul?
I could not bear it
I came running back
Without a care
Leaving possessions behind
I found you once again
And found that you had never lost me
And found that the highest ranking I could ever be
Was to bow my face in the dirt as your slave for eternity

Poetry : bint Yusuf

"The Guiding Friends"

Do they not then look up to heaven above them how We have made it and adorned it and it has no gaps?

2011-12-27T06:58:00.000+07:00

1 Qaf. I swear by the glorious Quran (that Muhammad is the Messenger of Allah)
2 Nay! they wonder that there has come to them a warner from among themselves, so the unbelievers say: This is a wonderful thing:
3 What! when we are dead and have become dust? That is afar (from probable) return.
4 We know indeed what the earth diminishes of them, and with Us is a writing that preserves.
5 Nay, they rejected the truth when it came to them, so they are (now) in a state of confusion.
6 Do they not then look up to heaven above them how We have made it and adorned it and it has no gaps?
7 And the earth, We have made it plain and cast in it mountains and We have made to grow therein of all beautiful kinds,
8 To give sight and as a reminder to every servant who turns frequently (to Allah).
9 And We send down from the cloud water abounding in good, then We cause to grow thereby gardens and the grain that is reaped,
10 And the tall palm-trees having spadices closely set one above another,
11 A sustenance for the servants, and We give life thereby to a dead land; thus is the rising.
12 (Others) before them rejected (prophets): the people of Nuh and the dwellers of Ar-Rass and Samood,
13 And Ad and Firon and Lut's brethren,
14 And the dwellers of the grove and the people of Tuba; all rejected the messengers, so My threat came to pass.
15 Were We then fatigued with the first creation? Yet are they in doubt with regard to a new creation.
16 And certainly We created man, and We know what his mind suggests to him, and We are nearer to him than his life-vein.
17 When the two receivers receive, sitting on the right and on the left.
18 He utters not a word but there is by him a watcher at hand.
19 And the stupor of death will come in truth; that is what you were trying to escape.
20 And the trumpet shall be blown; that is the day of the threatening.
21 And every soul shall come, with it a driver and a witness.
22 Certainly you were heedless of it, but now We have removed from you your veil, so your sight today is sharp.
23 And his companions shall say: This is what is ready with me.
24 Do cast into hell every ungrateful, rebellious one,
25 Forbidder of good, exceeder of limits, doubter,
26 Who sets up another god with Allah, so do cast him into severe chastisement.
27 His companion will say: Our Lord! I did not lead him into inordinacy but he himself was in a great error.
28 He will say: Do not quarrel in My presence, and indeed I gave you the threatening beforehand:
29 My word shall not be changed, nor am I in the least unjust to the servants.
30 On the day that We will say to hell: Are you filled up? And it will say: Are there any more?
31 And the garden shall be brought near to those who guard (against evil), not far off:
32 This is what you were promised, (it is) for every one who turns frequently (to Allah), keeps (His limits);
33 Who fears the Beneficent Allah in secret and comes with a penitent heart:
34 Enter it in peace, that is the day of abiding.
35 They have therein what they wish and with Us is more yet.

[The Holy Quran, Surah: Qaf]

Praisest Thee

2011-12-27T06:05:00.001+07:00

Oh dear God

My love to thee who is the merciful and kind indeed
Fair and mighty he judge us by deed
Not my color does he care
Or the texture of my hair
It is not the shoes I wear
Nor the language which I speak
For he judge me by my deed

He created one man so long ago
And taught him the knowledge from himself
Bow to Adam so he said
But the Jinn stood tall and proud
And before his lord refused to bow
The Jinn was ungrateful arrogantly so
And fell from grace
To be abhorred

But quietly not he left he promised to make mischief in the land
And behind our ears he whispers thought
But never take our hand in action
We make the choice to follow true
Or fall to lies and pay our due

The righteous shall do whats right
The wrong shall be punished with great might
They well ask for second chance
But will be granted nothing of the sort

The prophets came to them indeed
So why not follow them in heed
To love thy lord what makes you not
Is it that you just forgot

The blessing are abundant so
The food we eat the plants we grow
The children we have
The friends we love
His glory be in what we know

The little things both good and bad
Show you all you need to know
To give you chance
To repent your soul

Frolic upon beauty so bright
But only if thee do what right
Though the pressure great and strong
T’was what call them to stray away

Darkest nights
And brightest sun
All create by the one
The grass that grows
The trees that shade
Should cause man to stop and think

Not one could cause a plant to grow
Though the think they causest so
But if it be that you are

Then try to give the blind man sight

Or try to stop a human death
Or try to go right when he command you left
Control the time with your hand
Make food grow upon destitute land

Then ye know the truth indeed
Understand the will of God
None is better then our lord
He is better to be adored

Upon my rest
I’ll think of thee
The one you save me from my self
The one who strengthens me with health
You rest me down to sleep
And bring me live from the dead

Please lord bless me one more night
To forbid what’s wrong
And do what’s right
So I be among heaven sent
And not among the burning dead

Poetry: Bint Yusuf

Photos: Ibn Hanif

"The Voice of Nature " consented to share the Islamic poetry of sister: bint Yusuf

2011-12-27T05:42:00.000+07:00

Insha-Allah, the Islamic poems of sister bint Yusuf will be shared on "The Voice of Nature". The poems have already been published on the blog "The Guiding Friends".
I hope that the followers and the visitors of this blog will get inspiration from her thoughtful and moving poems. Alhamdullah, I have been consented to publish her poems here but if someone else wishes to publish the poems please inform sister bint Yusuf and get her permission using the contact me page at her blog : www.GuidingFriends.com

May Allah accept her efforts and give her the great reward, ameen.

Ibn Hanif

"And the Sun Runs on to a Term Appointed for it; That is the Ordinance of the Mighty, the Knowing. .."

2011-12-26T21:09:00.000+07:00

33 And a sign to them is the dead earth: We give life to it and bring forth from it grain So they eat of it.

34 And We make therein gardens of palms and grapevines and We make springs to flow forth in it,

35 That they may eat of the fruit thereof, and their hands did not make it; will they not then be grateful?

36 Glory be to Him Who created pairs of all things, of what the earth grows, and of their kind and of what they do not know.

37 And a sign to them is the night: We draw forth from it the day, then lo! they are in the dark;

38 And the sun runs on to a term appointed for it; that is the ordinance of the Mighty, the Knowing.

39 And (as for) the moon, We have ordained for it stages till it becomes again as an old dry palm branch.

40 Neither is it allowable to the sun that it should overtake the moon, nor can the night outstrip the day; and all float on in a sphere.

Translation of the holy Quran , Chapter : Yaseen ,Verses 33-40

Photograph: Ibn Hanif

I WONDER

2011-12-25T10:34:00.000+07:00

I WONDER

If The Prophet Muhammad visited you,
Just for a day or two.
If he came unexpectedly,
I wonder what you'd do.
Oh, I know you'd give your nicest room,
To such an honored guest,
And all the food you'd serve to him,
Would be your very best,
And you would keep assuring him,
you're glad to have him there,
That serving him in your home,
Is a joy beyond compare.
BUT ...
When you see him coming,
Would you meet him at the door,
With arms outstretched in welcome,
To your visitor?
OR ...
Would you have to change your clothes
Before you let him in ?
Or hide some magazines
And put the Quran where they had been ?
Would you still watch R-rated movies,
On your TV set ?
Or would you rush to switch it off,
Before He gets upset ?
Would you turn off the radio,
And hope He hadn't heard ?
And wish you hadn't uttered,
That last loud, hasty word ?
Would you hide away your music,
And instead take Hadith books out ?
Could you let him walk right in,
or would you rush about ?
AND, I wonder ...
If the Prophet spent A day or two with you,
Would you go right on doing
The things you always do ?
Would you go right on saying
The things you always say ?
Would life for you continue
As it does from day to day ?
Would your family conversation
Keep up its usual pace ?
And would you find it hard each meal
To say a table grace ?
Would you keep up each every prayer
Without putting on a frown ?
And would you always jump up early
For prayers at dawn ?
Would you sing the songs you always sing
And read the books you read ?
And let him know the things on which
your mind and spirit feed ?
Would you take the prophet with you
Everywhere you plan to go ?
Or, would you, maybe, change your plans,
Just for a day or so ?
Would you be glad to have him meet
your very closest friends?
Or, would you hope they'd stay away
Until his visit ends?
Would you be glad to have him stay
Forever on and on?
OR ...
Would you sigh with great relief,
When he at last was gone ?
It might be interesting to know
The things that you would do
If the Prophet Muhammad, in person,
came to spend some time with you.

http://www.themodernreligion.com/poetry/poetry_index2.htm

Photos of Abraj Al-Bait (Mecca Royal Hotel Clock Tower)

2011-12-25T05:35:00.000+07:00

"The Abraj Al-Bait Towers, also known as the Mecca Royal Hotel Clock Tower, is a building complex in Mecca, Saudi Arabia. The complex holds several world records, including the tallest hotel in the world, the tallest clock tower in the world, the world's largest clock face,and the world's largest building floor area. The complex's hotel tower became the second tallest building in the world in 2011, surpassed only by Dubai's Burj Khalifa. The building complex is meters away from the world's largest mosque and Islam's most sacred site, the Masjid al Haram. The developer and contractor of the complex is the Saudi Binladin Group, the Kingdom's largest construction company."

Read more at : http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Abraj_Al_Bait

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_tallest_hotels_in_the_world

Please click the photos to see them in larger size.

Abraj Al-Bait

Abraj Al-Bait (Mecca Royal Hotel Clock Tower)

Photos : Ibn Hanif

Photos of Minarets of Al Masjid Al Haram

2011-12-24T03:07:00.005+07:00

There are eleven minarets in Masjid Al Haram (including the two under construction Minarets ). Some of them can be clearly seen in these photos.

Please click to enlarge.

Notes about 3rd Photograph: (center) Two Minarets over the King Fahad Gate of Masjid Al Haram

(Right) Minaret over the King Abdul Aziz Gate of Masjid Al Haram

(Left) Two Minarets over "Al Umrah" Gate of Masjid Al Haram

Minarets over King Abdul Aziz gate

two under construction minarets

Minarets over King Abdul Aziz gate (with moon in the center)

Right: Minarets over "Al Umrah" gate
Center: Minarets over King Fahad gate

Left: Minarets over King Abdul Aziz gate

[Note : The photos are "Copyright Free" therefore all Muslims are encouraged to use them on Islamic sites, Books, Magazines etc. If appropriate please don't remove the words "Courtesy: VoiceofNature.Net". For those who need the photos without watermark please use the contact me form to get the photos free of charge.](Photographs by Ibn Hanif )

رَبَّنَا تَقَبَّلْ مِنَّا إِنَّكَ أَنْتَ السَّمِيعُ العَلِيمُ

"The example of the birth of Isah ( Jesus) in the sight of Allah is like the example of Adam......"

2011-12-22T20:43:00.001+07:00

There came the time when angels said: "O Mary! Surely Allah has exalted you purified you, and preferred you for His service over all the women of the worlds.[42] O Mary! Be obedient to your Lord, prostrate and bow down in worship with other worshipers."[43]

O Muhammad, this is the news from the Unseen which We are revealing to you. You were not present with them when priests of the temple cast their pens to decide which of them should be the guardian of Mary; nor were you with them when they argued about it.

When the angels said "O Mary! Allah gives you the good news with a Word from Him that you will be given a son: his name will be Messiah, Jesus (Jesus Christ) the son of Mary. He will be noble in this world and the Hereafter; and he will be from those who are very close to Allah. [45] He will speak to the people in the cradle and in his old age and he will be among the righteous."[46]
Hearing this, Mary said, "O my Lord! How can I have a son when no man has ever touched me?" He replied, "Even so, Allah creates however He wants; whenever He decides to do anything, He only says to it, 'Be,' and it is![47]

Allah will teach your son the Book, the Wisdom, the Torah, and the Gospel[48] and send him forth as a Messenger to the Children of Israel with this message: 'I have brought you signs of my appointment from your Lord. I will make for you the likeness of a bird from clay; I will breathe into it and, with Allah’s leave, it will become a living bird. I will heal the blind and the lepers, and raise the dead to life, by Allah's leave.

Furthermore, I will tell you what you have eaten and what you have stored in your houses. Surely these are the signs to convince you if you are believers.[49] I am appointed to confirm that which is before me from the Torah and to make lawful to you some of the things forbidden to you. Now I have brought you the signs from your Lord, therefore fear Allah and obey me.[50]

In fact, Allah is my Lord as well as your Lord, therefore, worship Him; this is the Right Way.'"[51]

When Jesus found out that they (most of the children of Israel) had no faith, he asked: "Who will help me in the cause of Allah?" The Disciples replied: "We will help you in the cause of Allah. We believe in Allah. Be our witness that we are
Muslims."[52]

Then they invoked Allah and said): "Our Lord! We believe in what you have revealed and we follow Your Messenger. Please count us with those who bear witness."[53]

The unbelievers among the children of Israel plotted against Jesus and Allah also devised a plan to raise him up, and Allah is the best in planning.[54] Allah said: "O Jesus! I am going to recall you (from your mission) and raise you up to Myself. I will clean you of those who rejected you and exalt your followers above the unbelievers until the Day of Resurrection; then to Me shall be your return and I shall judge those matters in which you have been disputing.[55] Those who are unbelievers will be punished with severe punishment in this world and the Hereafter; they shall have no helpers.[56] As for those who believe and do good deeds, Allah will pay them their full reward. Allah does not love the transgressors."

This revelation which We recite to you is full of signs and wise reminders.[58] In fact, the example of the birth of Jesus ( Jesus) in the sight of Allah is like the example of Adam who had no father and mother, whom He created out of dust, then said to him:
"Be" and he was.[59] This is the Truth from your Lord, therefore, do not be of those who doubt it.[60]

If anyone disputes with you concerning this matter (the birth of Jesus) after full knowledge has come to you, say: "Come! Let us gather our sons and your sons, our women and your women, ourselves and yourselves: then let us earnestly pray and invoke the curse of Allah on the liars."[61] Verily this is the absolute true explanation. The fact of the matter is, that there is no god but Allah; and for sure Allah is the Mighty, the Wise.[62] But if they turn away from accepting this challenge, it will be clear proof of their mischief and Allah has full knowledge of
mischief-mongers.[63]

Say: "O people of the Book! Let us get together on what is common between us and you: that we shall worship none but Allah; that we shall not associate any partners with Him; that we shall not take from among ourselves any lords beside Allah." If they reject your invitation then tell them: "Bear witness that we are Muslims (who have surrendered to Allah)."[64]

Chapter : A'LAY IMRAN (THE HOUSE OF IMRAN),
The Holy Quran

Jesus declared, "Verily Allah is my Lord and your Lord: therefore serve Him. This is the Right Way."

2011-12-19T07:36:00.002+07:00

"O Muhammad, relate to them the story of Maryam (Mary) in the Book (The Qur'an) when she withdrew from her family to a place in the East.[16] She chose to be secluded from them. We sent to her Our angel and he appeared before her as a grown man.[17]

She said: "I seek Rahman’s (Allah’s) protection against you, leave me alone if you are Godfearing."[18] He said: "Don’t be afraid, I am merely a messenger from your
Lord to tell you about the gift of a holy son."[19]

She said: "How shall I bear a son, no man has ever touched me nor am I unchaste?"[20] The angel replied: "So shall it be- Your Lord says: `It is easy for Me. We wish to make him a Sign for mankind and a blessing from Us’ - and this matter has already been decreed."[21]

So she conceived the child and she retired with him to a remote place.[22] The pains of childbirth drove her to the trunk of a palm-tree. She cried in her anguish: "Ah! Would that I had died before this, and been long forgotten!"[23]

An angel from beneath the palm-tree consoled her, saying: "Do not grieve! Your Lord has provided a brook at your feet.[24] If you shake the trunk of this palm-tree, it will drop fresh ripe dates in your lap.[25]

So eat, drink and refresh yourself. If you see anyone, tell him: `I have vowed a fast to Rahman (Allah), so I will not speak to anyone today’."[26] Carrying the baby, she came back to her people. They said: "O Mary! You have brought something hard to believe![27]

O sister (a woman from the noble family) of Haroon! Your father was not a bad man nor your mother an unchaste woman."[28] In response she merely pointed towards the baby. They said: ."How can we talk to a babe in the cradle?".[29]

Whereupon the baby spoke out: ."I am indeed a servant of Allah. He has given me the Book and made me a Prophet.[30] His blessing is with me wherever I go. He has commanded me to establish Salah and give Zakah as long as I shall live.[31]

He has exhorted me to honor my mother and has not made me domineering, hard to deal with.[32] Peace be upon me the day I was born, the day I shall die and the Day I shall be raised to life again."[33]

Such was Jesus the son of Mary, and this is the True statement about him concerning which they are in doubt.[34] It is not befitting to the majesty of Allah that He Himself should beget a son! He is far above this; for when He decrees a matter He need only say: "Be" and it is.[35].

Jesus declared, Verily Allah is my Lord and your Lord: therefore serve Him. This is the Right Way."36

Chapter: Maryam (MARY)
Verses :16-36
The Holy Quran
www.guidingfriends.com

A promise to the foremost

2011-12-16T02:30:00.002+07:00

And those Foremost (in Faith) will be Foremost (in the Hereafter). (10)

These will be those Nearest to Allah: (11)

In Gardens of Bliss: (12) A number of people from those of old (13)

And a few from those of later times. (14)

(They will be) on Thrones encrusted (with gold and precious stones). (15)

Reclining on them facing each other. (16)

Round about them will (serve) youths of perpetual (freshness). (17)

With goblets, (shining) beakers, and cups (filled) out of clear-flowing fountains: (18)

No after-ache will they receive therefrom, nor will they suffer intoxication: (19)

And with fruits, any that they may select; (20)

And the flesh of fowls, any that they may desire. (21)

And (there will be) Companions with beautiful, big, and lustrous eyes-- (22)

Like unto Pearls well-guarded. (23) A Reward for the Deeds of their past (Life). (24)

No frivolity will they hear therein, nor any taint of ill― (25)

Only the saying "Peace! Peace." (26)

[The Holy Quran, Chapter: 56]

Related info also available here

A promise to the foremost

"Tell My servants that I am the Most-Forgiving, the Very-Merciful"

2011-12-15T09:02:00.000+07:00

"Tell My servants that I am the Most-Forgiving, the Very-Merciful"

15:49

(The Verse of the Koran is embroidered in gold thread on the Hateem side of the holy Kaaba.)

The view of the Holy Kaaba from Hateem side.

Photos: Ibn Hanif

Photos Showing the Under Construction Area of Masjid-al-Haram

2011-12-15T04:41:00.001+07:00

Photos: Ibn Hanif

A few more photos of Masjid Al Haram (The Holy Kabah)

2011-12-14T10:48:00.000+07:00

Minarets over King Abdul Aziz Gate

The Holy Kabah (View from Hateem Side)

View from Maqam-e-Ibraheem side.

Photos captured by : Ibn Hanif

New Islamic Year 1433 AH: "May you be well throughout the year"

2011-11-27T03:14:00.004+07:00

Photograph Makkah Royal Clock Tower Captured on 29/11/1432.

Behind the Minarets of King Abdul Aiziz Gate of Masjid Al Haram

كل عام وانتم بخير

("May you be well throughout the year")

Photos: Ibn Hanif

Blog "Life, Nature and me" going to be merged with "The Voice of Nature"

2011-11-25T04:12:00.003+07:00

Dear Visitors,

I have decided to merge my two blogs "Life, Nature and me" and "The Voice of Nature". Insha-Allah the new blog will have the title : "The Voice of Nature" and it will be available on the net with the URL: www.voiceofnature.net.

In place of "Life, Nature and me" I am going to start another blog but its URL and title will be shared later, insh-Allah.

Except a few posts all the current content of both the blogs will be available on "The Voice of Nature".

Please accept the changes and don't go away. I love to you see you here.

May Allah be with us all.

Recent Photos of Al-Safa and Al-Marwah Mountains

2011-11-19T08:52:00.005+07:00

[Note : Alhamdulillah, I captured the following pictures of the mountains; Al-Safa and Al-Marwah on 18/11/2011.

All these photos may be published on websites blog etc. (except the ones which have been created only for the sake of spreading misconceptions about Islam). If appropriate please give credit to my blog: www.VoiceofNature.Net

And now first of all read about the history of this holy place:

Ibn Abbas(R.A) Narrated that :

When Abraham (Peace be upon him) had differences with his wife), he took Ishmael (Peace be upon him) and his mother and went away. They had a water-skin with them containing some water, Ishmael's mother used to drink water from the water-skin so that her milk would increase for her child. When Abraham reached Mecca, he made her sit under a tree and afterwards returned home.

Ishmael's mother followed him, and when they reached Kada', she called him from behind, "O Abraham! To whom are you leaving us?" He replied, "(I am leaving you) to Allah's (care)."

She said, "I am satisfied to be with Allah."

When she came down to the valley, she ran till she reached the Marwa mountain. She ran to and fro (between the two mountains) many times. Then she said to herself, "I'd better go and see the state of the child." She went and found it in a state of one on the point of dying. She could not endure to watch it dying and said (to herself), "If I go and look, I may find somebody." She went and ascended the Safa mountain and looked for a long while but could not find anybody. Thus she completed seven rounds (of running) between Safa and Marwa. Again she said (to herself), "I'd better go back and see the state of the child."

Gabriel hit the earth with his heel like this (Ibn 'Abbas hit the earth with his heel to illustrate it), and so the water gushed out. Ishmael's mother was astonished and started digging. (Abu Al-Qasim) (i.e. the Prophet) said, "If she had left the water, (flow naturally without her intervention), it would have been flowing on the surface of the earth.")Ishmael's mother started drinking from the water and her milk increased for her child.

Afterwards some people of the tribe of Jurhum, while passing through the bottom of the valley, saw some birds, and that astonished them, and they said, "Birds can only be found at a place where there is water." They sent a messenger who searched the place and found the water, and returned to inform them about it.

Then they all went to her and said, "O Ishmael's mother! Will you allow us to be with you (or dwell with you)?" (And thus they stayed there.) Later on her boy reached the age of puberty and married a lady from them. Then an idea occurred to Abraham which he disclosed to his wife (Sarah), "I want to call on my dependents I left (at Mecca)." When he went there, he greeted (Ishmael's wife) and said, "Where is Ishmael?" She replied, "He has gone out hunting." Abraham said (toher), "When he comes, tell him to change the threshold of his gate." When he came, she told him the same whereupon Ishmael said to her, "You are the threshold, so go to your family (i.e. you are divorced)."

" Once more Abraham thought of visiting his family he had left (at Mecca), so he told his wife (Sarah) of his decision. He went and found Ishmael behind the Zam-zam well, mending his arrows.

He said, "O Ishmael, Your Lord has ordered me to build a house for Him."

Ishmael said, "Obey (the order of) your Lord." Abraham said, "Allah has also ordered me that you should help me therein."

Ishmael said, "Then I will do."

When the building became high and the old man (i.e. Abraham) could no longer lift the stones (to such a high position), he stood over the stone of Al-Maqam and Ishmael carried on handing him the stones, and both of them were saying, -O our Lord! Accept (this service) from us, Verily You are All-Hearing, All-Knowing." (2.127)

Al-Safa Mountain

Facing the holy Kabah pilgrims praying at Safa

Al-Safa Mountain

This green light is a mark where male pilgrims walk a little faster until they reach a similar light where they walk at normal speed.

An area in the middle of Al-Safa and Al-Marwah

Al-Marwah Mountain

Ibn Hanif
Makkah Al Mukarramah, Saudi Arabia

Captured on 18/11/2011

Between Safa and Marwa

2011-11-16T13:01:00.003+07:00

Oh my mother Hagar!

The wife of Ibrahim

Running and searching to fed your dying babe

In distress

Running out of breathe

Feeling helpless

And feeling weak

Taking your faith to every mountain

In search of water for your boy

Your dying boy

Oh how the angel took pity on you

Striking the ground and causing water to flow

Fed your babe

All alone in the desert

Wasting away

But it was not the wish of your husband

To cause you such cruelty

He could not even turn back to you

As you pleaded for a reason

His heart was soft

But their was someone he loved more then you

For Allah?, you asked

And he said yes

For Ibrahim loved unconditionally

More then anyone in the world

The one who created the heavens and earth

When Allah spoke to him, he listened

He tested repeatedly his most faithful servant

And in turn Ibrahim is a friend to Allah

And now my mother

We run like you run

Retracing your steps

Not with a babe in our arms

But with our hearts filled

Asking for mercy

Praying that a mere ritual

Will grant us a place in paradise

But for you Hagar, my sweet mother

My faithful mother

I pray for you, a place beside your husband

Where you'll wear gold and never be cold

And never have to run again

[Narrated 'Asim bin Sulaiman (Radi-Allahu 'anhu): I asked Anas bin Malik about Safa and Marwa. Anas replied, "We used to consider (i.e. going around) them a custom of the Pre-islamic period of Ignorance, so when Islam came, we gave up going around them. Then Allah revealed" "Verily, Safa and Marwa (i.e. two mountains at Makkah) are among the Symbols of Allah. So it is not harmful of those who perform the Hajj of the House (of Allah) or perform the 'Umra to ambulate (Tawaf) between them." (2.158) Bukhari Vol. 6 : No. 23

Poetry : Nuriddeen bint Yusuf

More Islamic poems of Nuriddeen can be read at her team blog www.GuidingFriends.com

Alhamdulillah, I had the honor of starting "The Guiding Friends" blog. But when I felt that I needed to avail some time for my personal life I gave the ownership of the blog to respected sister Nuriddeen. Although, I am not a team member of www.GuidingFriends.com any more but I still love this blog and recommend it to my visitors as well. Please read more Islamic poems written by sister Nuriddeen at:

"The Guiding Friends"

Alhamdulillahe Rabbil-Aalameen

Photos : Ibn Hanif

"I believe a leaf of grass is no less than the journey work of the stars..."

2011-11-12T00:44:00.000+07:00

I believe a leaf of grass is no less than the journey work of the stars,

And the pismire is equally perfect, and a grain of sand, and the egg

of the wren,

And the tree-toad is a chef-d'oeuvre for the highest,

And the running blackberry would adorn the parlors of heaven,

And the narrowest hinge in my hand puts to scorn all machinery,

And the cow crunching with depress'd head surpasses any statue,

And a mouse is miracle enough to stagger sextillions of infidels.

[Walt Whitman]

A Photo Tour of the World's Largest Annual Gathering (The Islamic Pilgrimage in Makkah, Saudi Arabia)

2011-11-11T18:55:00.005+07:00

And Hajj (pilgrimage to Makkah) to the House (Kabah) is a duty that mankind owes to Allah, those who can afford the expenses (for ones conveyance, provision and residence); and whoever disbelieves (i.e. denies Hajj (pilgrimage to Makkah), then he is a disbeliever of Allah), then Allah stands not in need of any of the Alameen (mankind and Jinns). (Quran: 3/97)

Nearly three million Muslim pilgrims performed the hajj on Tuesday and alhamdulillah no major incident was reported this year. May Allah reward Saudi hosts who did their best to make the journey peaceful.

All praise is due to Allah Who enabled me to perform and witness the rituals for the first time in my life.

Here is the photo tour of the worlds largest annual gathering:

"Eid-o-kum Mubarak fil-Balad-al-Mubarak"

[The Royal Mecca Clock, a giant clock on a skyscraper in Islam's holiest city has four faces measuring 151 feet (43 meters) in diameter - setting the new world record for the Largest Clock. The Largest Clock in The World will tower over the holy Kabaa in Mecca, Saudi Arabia at a height of 1,972 ft.]{www.worldrecordsacademy.org}

Map of Mena in Mena

Mountain Ar Rahmah

A note for the pilgrims informing them that Prophet (Peace be upon him) did not climb the Mount Ar Rahmah, whole Arafat is a standing place on the day of Arfah.

Photos : Ibn Hanif

At least 2.5 million Pilgrims are Expected to be in Makkah on Sunday

2011-11-03T11:18:00.005+07:00

Photographs: Ibn Hanif (www.LifeNatureAndMe.Blogspot.com)

www.msnbc.msn.com/id/40187590/ns/news-picture_stories

http://www.saudigazette.com.sa

Live video streaming is available here

To know what is "Hajj"? Read here

Recent Photographs of The Holy Kabah (Masjid Al Haram 25/10/2011)

2011-10-26T03:33:00.001+07:00

Pigeons in front of Masjid Al Haram (near Ibraheem Khalil Road)

Masjid Al haram View from King Fahad Gate

King Fahad Gate

View From King Abdul Aziz Gate

View from top floor

View from Maqam-e-Ibraheem side

View of Hateem side

Another view from Hateem side

Top floor of Masjid Al Haram

Photographs Ibn Hanif

Captured on 25/10/2011

"You could measure the state of your health by your response to spring" [Henry David Thoreau]

2011-10-22T03:59:00.001+07:00

Here is a good news for those visitors of "The Voice of Nature" who wish to see more nature photos at my blog. I have planned to get my annual vacation in upcoming season of spring ,inshaAllah. I am fully hopeful that I will be allowed the vacations in between Feb 2012 to Mar 2012.

Until now visitors can enjoy the beauty in nature by browsing the previously published posts. For those interested in inspirational nature quotes I have selected the following:

"The deep roots never doubt spring will come"

[Marty Robin]

"You could measure the state of your health by your response to spring. If the prospect of an early morning walk in the sunshine and the warbling of a bluebird did not thrill you, you should check your pulse."

[Henry David Thoreau]

The poet Wallace Stevens said spring was "abhorrent to nihilists" - those who think life has no meaning, purpose or intrinsic value. Spring is too full of hope. Too full of signs of God."

Photographs : Ibn Hanif

Also published at my blg : "The Voice of Nature"

"You could measure the state of your health by your response to spring" [Henry David Thoreau]

2011-10-22T03:52:00.000+07:00

Until now visitors can enjoy the beauty in nature by browsing the previously published posts. For those interested in inspirational nature quotes I have selected the following:

"The deep roots never doubt spring will come"

[Marty Rubin]

[Henry David Thoreau]

The poet Wallace Stevens said spring was "abhorrent to nihilists" - those who think life has no meaning, purpose or intrinsic value. Spring is too full of hope. Too full of signs of God."

Photographs : Ibn Hanif

A flower that amazed me !

2011-10-21T04:55:00.000+07:00

I saw this flower in a flower lovers house in Lahore. There were several varieties of flowers in the house and were almost ready to be taken to a flower show on the other day. But this particular flower amazed me the most. I took its several photos because I didn't want to take a blurry photo for my blog visitors.

I remember this was the first photograph and I wanted to take without disturbing the nature around it. That's why I didn't remove the dry leaf dropped on it.

Having taken the first photograph (intentionally leaving the leaf stay on it)

I captured more photos after removing the leaf but when later I reviewed the photos on PC was almost shocked to see all of them were out of focus except this one.

This was the first and the last time when I saw this flower.

Although, I still think I should have removed the leaf but I am glad that the face of the flower will yet remain on net to amaze those who search for the beauty of nature on this virtual world.

Does not it look to be made of thick plastic?

Who measured and matched the size of the petals to add another wonder in this wonderful world.

In the Name of Allah, the Benificent, the Merciful

1 The Beneficent Allah,

2 Taught the Quran.

3 He created man,

4 Taught him the mode of expression.

5 The sun and the moon follow a reckoning.

6 And the herbs and the trees do prostrate (to Him).

7 And the heaven, He raised it high, and He made the balance

8 That you may not be inordinate in respect of the measure.

9 And keep up the balance with equity and do not make the measure deficient.

10 And the earth, He has set it for living creatures;

11 Therein is fruit and palms having sheathed clusters,
12 And grain covered with husk, and fragrant flowers.

13 Which then of the bounties of your Lord will you deny?

14 He created man from dry clay like earthen vessels,

15 And He created the jinn of a flame of fire.

16 Which then of the bounties of your Lord will you deny?

17 Lord of the East and Lord of the West.

18 Which then of the bounties of your Lord will you deny?

19 He has made the two seas to flow freely (so that) they meet together:

20 Between them is a barrier which they cannot pass.

21 Which then of the bounties of your Lord will you deny?

22 There come forth from them pearls, both large and small.

23 Which then of the bounties of your Lord will you deny?

24 And His are the ships reared aloft in the sea like mountains.

25 Which then of the bounties of your Lord will you deny?

26 Everyone on it must pass away.

27 And there will endure for ever the person of your Lord, the Lord of glory and honor.

28 Which then of the bounties of your Lord will you deny?

29 All those who are in the heavens and the earth ask of Him; every moment He is in a state (of glory).

30 Which then of the bounties of your Lord will you deny?

The Holy Quran: Chapter: The Beneficient

Photograph: Ibn Hanif This post can also be read at my blog : Life, Nature and me

A flower that amazed me !

2011-10-21T04:12:00.012+07:00

Photograph in large size (please click to enlarge)

I remember this was the first photograph and I wanted to take without disturbing the nature around it. That's why I didn't remove the dry leaf dropped on it.

Having taken the first photograph (intentionally leaving the leaf stay on it)

I captured more photos after removing the leaf but when later I reviewed the photos on PC was almost shocked to see all of them were out of focus except this one.

This was the first and the last time when I saw this flower.

Although, I still think I should have removed the leaf but I am glad that the face of the flower will yet remain on net to amaze those who search for the beauty of nature on this virtual world.

Does not it look to be made of thick plastic?

Who measured and matched the size of the petals to add another wonder in this wonderful world.

In the Name of Allah, the Benificent, the Merciful

1 The Beneficent Allah,

2 Taught the Quran.

3 He created man,

4 Taught him the mode of expression.

5 The sun and the moon follow a reckoning.

6 And the herbs and the trees do prostrate (to Him).

7 And the heaven, He raised it high, and He made the balance

8 That you may not be inordinate in respect of the measure.

9 And keep up the balance with equity and do not make the measure deficient.

10 And the earth, He has set it for living creatures;

11 Therein is fruit and palms having sheathed clusters,
12 And grain covered with husk, and fragrant flowers.

13 Which then of the bounties of your Lord will you deny?

14 He created man from dry clay like earthen vessels,

15 And He created the jinn of a flame of fire.

16 Which then of the bounties of your Lord will you deny?

17 Lord of the East and Lord of the West.

18 Which then of the bounties of your Lord will you deny?

19 He has made the two seas to flow freely (so that) they meet together:

20 Between them is a barrier which they cannot pass.

21 Which then of the bounties of your Lord will you deny?

22 There come forth from them pearls, both large and small.

23 Which then of the bounties of your Lord will you deny?

24 And His are the ships reared aloft in the sea like mountains.

25 Which then of the bounties of your Lord will you deny?

26 Everyone on it must pass away.

27 And there will endure for ever the person of your Lord, the Lord of glory and honor.

28 Which then of the bounties of your Lord will you deny?

29 All those who are in the heavens and the earth ask of Him; every moment He is in a state (of glory).

30 Which then of the bounties of your Lord will you deny?

The Holy Quran: Chapter: The Beneficient

Photograph: Ibn Hanif

A Story Relating to Prophet Ibrahim, Ismail (PBUH) and Hajj in Mecca

2011-10-18T04:40:00.002+07:00

Photo taken from the roof of Masjid Al Haraam

Ibn Abbas(R.A) Narrated that :

Ishmael's mother followed him, and when they reached Kada', she called him from behind, "O Abraham! To whom are you leaving us?" He replied, "(I am leaving you) to Allah's (care)."

She said, "I am satisfied to be with Allah."

She returned to her place and started drinking water from the water-skin, and her milk increased for her child. When the water had all been used up, she said to herself, "I'd better go and look so that I may see somebody." She ascended the Safa mountain and looked, hoping to see somebody, but in vain.

When she came down to the valley, she ran till she reached the Marwa mountain. She ran to and fro (between the two mountains) many times. Then she said to herself, "I'd better go and see the state of the child." She went and found it in a state of one on the point of dying. She could not endure to watch it dying and said (to herself), "If I go and look, I may find somebody." She went and ascended the Safa mountain and looked for a long while but could not find anybody. Thus she completed seven rounds (of running) between Safa and Marwa. Again she said (to herself), "I'd better go back and see the state of the child."

But suddenly she heard a voice, and she said to that strange voice, "Help us if you can offer any help." Lo! It was Gabriel (who had made the voice).

Again Abraham thought of visiting his dependents whom he had left (at Mecca), and he told his wife (Sarah) of his intentions. Abraham came to Ishmael's house and asked. "Where is Ishmael?" Ishmael's wife replied, "He has gone out hunting," and added, "Will you stay (for some time) and have something to eat and drink?" Abraham asked, "What is your food and what is your drink?" She replied, "Our food is meat and our drink is water." He said, "O Allah! Bless their meals and their drink." Abu Al-Qa-sim (i.e. Prophet) said, "Because of Abraham's invocation there are blessings (in Mecca).

" Once more Abraham thought of visiting his family he had left (at Mecca), so he told his wife (Sarah) of his decision. He went and found Ishmael behind the Zam-zam well, mending his arrows.

He said, "O Ishmael, Your Lord has ordered me to build a house for Him."

Ishmael said, "Obey (the order of) your Lord." Abraham said, "Allah has also ordered me that you should help me therein."
Ishmael said, "Then I will do."

So, both of them rose and Abraham started building (the Ka'ba) while Ishmael went on handing him the stones, and both of them were saying, "O our Lord! Accept (this service) from us, Verily, You are the All-Hearing, the All-Knowing." (2.127)

When the building became high and the old man (i.e. Abraham) could no longer lift the stones (to such a high position), he stood over the stone of Al-Maqam and Ishmael carried on handing him the stones, and both of them were saying, -O our Lord! Accept (this service) from us, Verily You are All-Hearing, All-Knowing." (2.127)

Reference : Bukhari

I also shared this hadith at : "The Guiding Friends"

Photographs: Ibn Hanif

"The Day of the Scarf..."

2011-10-18T04:07:00.000+07:00

Narrated Aisha (ra)

There was a black slave girl belonging to an 'Arab tribe and they manumitted her but she remained with them. The slave girl said, "Once one of their girls (of that tribe) came out wearing a red leather scarf decorated with precious stones. It fell from her or she placed it somewhere.

A kite passed by that place, saw it lying there and mistaking it for a piece of meat, flew away with it. Those people searched for it but they did not find it. So they accused me of stealing it and started searching me and even searched my private parts." The slave girl further said, "By Allah! while I was standing (in that state) with those people, the same kite passed by them and dropped the red scarf and it fell amongst them. I told them, 'This is what you accused me of and I was innocent and now this is it.' " 'Aisha (ra) added:

That slave girl came to Allah's Apostle (pbuh) and embraced Islam. She had a tent or a small room with a low roof in the mosque. Whenever she called on me, she had a talk with me and whenever she sat with me, she would recite the following: "The day of the scarf (band) was one of the wonders of our Lord, verily He rescued me from the disbelievers' town. 'Aisha added: "Once I asked her, 'What is the matter with you? Whenever you sit with me, you always recite these poetic verses.' On that she told me the whole story."

Sahih Bukhari 1.430

I also shared this hadith at : www.GuidingFriends.com

Do you not see that Allah is He Whom do glorify all those who are in the heavens and the earth, and the (very) birds with expanded wings?

2011-10-12T07:50:00.000+07:00

41 Do you not see that Allah is He Whom do glorify all those who are in the heavens and the earth, and the (very) birds with expanded wings? He knows the prayer of each one and its glorification, and Allah is Cognizant of what they do.

42 And Allah's is the kingdom of the heavens and the earth, and to Allah is the eventual coming.

43 Do you not see that Allah drives along the clouds, then gathers them together, then piles them up, so that you see the rain coming forth from their midst? And He sends down of the clouds that are (like) mountains wherein is hail, afflicting therewith whom He pleases and turning it away from whom He pleases; the flash of His lightning almost takes away the sight.

44 Allah turns over the night and the day; most surely there is a lesson in this for those who have sight.

45 And Allah has created from water every living creature: so of them is that which walks upon its belly, and of them is that which walks upon two feet, and of them is that which walks upon four; Allah creates what He pleases; surely Allah has power over all things.

46 Certainly We have revealed clear communications, and Allah guides whom He pleases to the right way.

Surah An-Noor : The Holy Quran

"like a mirage in sandy deserts, which the man parched with thirst mistakes for water..."

2011-10-12T07:41:00.001+07:00

34 And certainly We have sent to you clear communications and a description of those who have passed away before you, and an admonition to those who guard (against evil).

35 Allah is the light of the heavens and the earth; a likeness of His light is as a niche in which is a lamp, the lamp is in a glass, (and) the glass is as it were a brightly shining star, lit from a blessed olive-tree, neither eastern nor western, the oil whereof almost gives light though fire touch it not-- light upon light-- Allah guides to His light whom He pleases, and Allah sets forth parables for men, and Allah is Cognizant of all things.

36 In houses which Allah has permitted to be exalted and that His name may be remembered in them; there glorify Him therein in the mornings and the evenings,

37 Men whom neither merchandise nor selling diverts from the remembrance of Allah and the keeping up of prayer and the giving of poor-rate; they fear a day in which the hearts and eyes shall turn about;

38 That Allah may give them the best reward of what they have done, and give them more out of His grace; and Allah gives sustenance to whom He pleases without measure.

39 And (as for) those who disbelieve, their deeds are like the mirage in a desert, which the thirsty man deems to be water; until when he comes to it he finds it to be naught, and there he finds Allah, so He pays back to him his reckoning in full; and Allah is quick in reckoning;

40 Or like utter darkness in the deep sea: there covers it a wave above which is another wave, above which is a cloud, (layers of) utter darkness one above another; when he holds out his hand, he is almost unable to see it; and to whomsoever Allah does not give light, he has no light.

42 And Allah's is the kingdom of the heavens and the earth, and to Allah is the eventual coming.

44 Allah turns over the night and the day; most surely there is a lesson in this for those who have sight.

46 Certainly We have revealed clear communications, and Allah guides whom He pleases to the right way.

Surah An-Noor : The Holy Quran

Is not He Able to Give Life to the Dead?

2011-10-09T05:29:00.003+07:00

1 Nay! I swear by the day of resurrection.

2 Nay! I swear by the self-accusing soul.

3 Does man think that We shall not gather his bones?

4 Yea! We are able to make complete his very fingertips

5 Nay! man desires to give the lie to what is before him.

6 He asks: When is the day of resurrection?

7 So when the sight becomes dazed,

8 And the moon becomes dark,

9 And the sun and the moon are brought together,

10 Man shall say on that day: Whither to fly to?

11 By no means! there shall be no place of refuge!

12 With your Lord alone shall on that day be the place of rest.

13 Man shall on that day be informed of what he sent before and (what he) put off.

14 Nay! man is evidence against himself,

15 Though he puts forth his excuses.

16 Do not move your tongue with it to make haste with it,

17 Surely on Us (devolves) the collecting of it and the reciting of it.

18 Therefore when We have recited it, follow its recitation.

19 Again on Us (devolves) the explaining of it.

20 Nay! But you love the present life,

21 And neglect the hereafter.

22(Some) faces on that day shall be bright,

23 Looking to their Lord.

24 And (other) faces on that day shall be gloomy,

25 Knowing that there will be made to befall them some great calamity.

26 Nay! When it comes up to the throat,

27 And it is said: Who will be a magician?

28 And he is sure that it is the (hour of) parting

29 And affliction is combined with affliction;

30 To your Lord on that day shall be the driving.

31 So he did not accept the truth, nor did he pray,

32 But called the truth a lie and turned back,

33 Then he went to his followers, walking away in haughtiness.

34 Nearer to you (is destruction) and nearer,

35 Again (consider how) nearer to you and nearer.

36 Does man think that he is to be left to wander without an aim?

37 Was he not a small seed in the seminal elements,

38 Then he was a clot of blood, so He created (him) then made (him) perfect.

39 Then He made of him two kinds, the male and the female.

40 Is not He able to give life to the dead?

[Translation of the Holy Quran: Chapter: Al-Qiyāmah (The Resurrection)]

Photos of Zam Zam Water Being Served in Masjid Al Haram (The Holy Kabah)

2011-10-04T09:17:00.000+07:00

“Verily, the first House (of worship) appointed for mankind was that at Bakkah (Makkah), full of blessing, and guidance for the entire creation Al-Aalameen. In it are manifest signs the Maqaam of Ibrahim (Standing place of Abraham); whosoever enters it, he attains security…”
(Quran 3:96-97)

“O our Lord! I have made some of my offspring to dwell in an uncultivable valley by Your Sacred House (Kabah in Makkah), O our Lord, so that they may perform Salah. So fill some hearts among men with love towards them, and O Allah provide them with fruits so that they may give thanks.”
(Quran 14:37)
Abdulah Ibn Abbaas (radiyallahu ta’ala ‘anhu) narrated that the Prophet (salallahu alayhi wasallam) said: “May Allah bestow his mercy upon Hajar, the mother of Ismail, had she let go of the water of Zamzam it would have become a flowing spring on the face of the earth (rather than a well) whose water shall never dry.” (Ahmad)
Ibn ‘Abbaas (radiyallahu ta’ala ‘anhu) narrated that the Prophet (salallahu alayhi wasallam) said: “One difference between us and the hypocrites is that they could not drink much from Zamzam.”
(Ibn Majah)
Ibn ‘Abbaas (radiyallahu ta’ala ‘anhu) narrates that he gave the Prophet (salallahu alayhi wasallam) the water of Zamzam and the Prophet (salallahu alayhi wasallam) drank the water of Zamzam whilst standing. (Bukhari)
The Prophet (salallahu alayhi wasallam) said to Abu Dhar (radiyallahu ta’ala ‘anhu) who had stayed near the Kabah and its coverings for forty days and nights with no food or drink other than Zamzam, “How long have you been here? “Abu Dharr (radiyallahu ta’ala ‘anhu) said: “I have been here for thirty days and nights.” The Prophet (salallahu alayhi wasallam) said, “Who has been feeding you? ”He said, “I have had nothing but Zamzam water, and I have become so fat that I have folds of fat on my stomach. I do not feel any of the tiredness or weakness of hunger and I have not become thin.” The Prophet (salallahu alayhi wasallam) said: “Verily, it is blessed, it is food that nourishes.”
(Muslim) ”
Jabir bin Abdullah (radiyallahu ta’ala ‘anhu) narrates that the Prophet (salallahu alayhi wasallam) said: “The water of Zamzam is for whatever it is drunk for.”
(Ibn Majah)

Following photos were captured in Masjid Al Haram please click the photos to see them in larger size

Related Info Source : http://www.islamhadith.com/blessings-zamzam-water
Photos : Ibn Hanif

O man! What has made you careless about your Lord, the Most Generous?

2011-10-01T01:29:00.000+07:00

1 When the heaven is cleft asunder.

2 And when the stars have fallen and scattered.

3 And when the seas are burst forth.

4 And when the graves are turned upside down (and bring out their contents)

5 (Then) a person will know what he has sent forward and (what he has) left behind (of good or bad deeds).

6 O man! What has made you careless about your Lord, the Most Generous?

7 Who created you, fashioned you perfectly, and gave you due proportion.

8 In whatever form He willed, He put you together.

9 Nay! But you deny Ad-Din (i.e. the Day of Recompense).

10 But verily, over you (are appointed angels in charge of mankind) to watch you,

11 Kiraman (Honourable) Katibin writing down (your deeds),

12 They know all that you do.

13 Verily, the Abrar (the pious believers of Islamic Monotheism) will be in Delight (Paradise);

14 And verily, the Fujjar (the wicked, disbelievers, polytheists, sinners and evil-doers) will be in the blazing Fire (Hell),

15 Therein they will enter, and taste its burning flame on the Day of Recompense,

16 And they (Al-Fujjar) will not be absent therefrom.

17 And what will make you know what the Day of Recompense is?

18 Again, what will make you know what the Day of Recompense is?

19 (It will be) the Day when no person shall have power (to do) anything for another, and the Decision, that Day, will be (wholly) with Allah.

[Translation of The Holy Quran, Chapter: AL-Infitar (The Cleaving]

The Voice of Human Nature: "Children are Born Believers in God "

2011-09-30T13:21:00.000+07:00

"For truly with hardship comes ease; truly with hardship comes ease. "

2011-09-28T12:16:00.001+07:00

For truly with hardship comes ease; truly with hardship comes ease. (Surat al-Inshirah: 5-6)

As for those who believe and do righteous deeds – We impose on no one any more than they can bear – they are the Companions of the Garden, remaining in it forever. (Surat al-A’raf: 42)

We do not impose on any one any more than they can stand. With Us there is a Book, which speaks the truth. They will not be wronged. (Surat al-Muminun: 62)

As for him who gives (in charity) and has fear of God and confirms the good, We will pave his way to ease. (Surat al-Layl: 5-7)

But as for him who is stingy and thinks he is self-sufficient, and denies the good, We will pave his way to difficulty. (Surat al-Layl: 8-10)

Whoever has fear of God – He will give him a way out and provide for him from where he does not expect. Whoever puts his trust in God – He will be enough for him… (Surat at-Talaq: 2-3)

[The Holy Quran]

Photograph: Ibn Hanif

And the Jews will not be pleased with you, nor the Christians until you follow their religion.

2011-09-27T11:33:00.002+07:00

109 Many of the followers of the Book wish that they could turn you back into unbelievers after your faith, out of envy from themselves, (even) after the truth has become manifest to them; but pardon and forgive, so that Allah should bring about His command; surely Allah has power over all things.

110 And keep up prayer and pay the poor-rate and whatever good you send before for yourselves, you shall find it with Allah; surely Allah sees what you do.

111 And they say: None shall enter the garden (or paradise) except he who is a Jew or a Christian. These are their vain desires. Say: Bring your proof if you are truthful.

112 Yes! whoever submits himself entirely to Allah and he is the doer of good (to others) he has his reward from his Lord, and there is no fear for him nor shall he grieve.

113 And the Jews say: The Christians do not follow anything (good) and the Christians say: The Jews do not follow anything (good) while they recite the (same) Book. Even thus say those who have no knowledge, like to what they say; so Allah shall judge between them on the day of resurrection in what they differ.

114 And who is more unjust than he who prevents (men) from the masjids of Allah, that His name should be remembered in them, and strives to ruin them? (As for) these, it was not proper for them that they should have entered them except in fear; they shall meet with disgrace in this world, and they shall have great chastisement in the hereafter.

115 And Allah's is the East and the West, therefore, whither you turn, thither is Allah's purpose; surely Allah is Ample-Giving, Knowing.

116 And they say: Allah has taken to himself a son. Glory be to Him; rather, whatever is in the heavens and the earth is His; all are obedient to Him.

117 Wonderful Originator of the heavens and the earth, and when He decrees an affair, He only says to it, Be, so there it is.

118 And those who have no knowledge say: Why does not Allah speak to us or a sign come to us? Even thus said those before them, the like of what they say; their hearts are all alike. Indeed We have made the communications clear for a people who are sure.

119 Surely We have sent you with the truth as a bearer of good news and as a warner, and you shall not be called upon to answer for the companions of the flaming fire.

وَلَن تَرْضَى عَنكَ الْيَهُودُ وَلاَ النَّصَارَى حَتَّى تَتَّبِعَ مِلَّتَهُمْ قُلْ إِنَّ هُدَى اللّهِ هُوَ الْهُدَى وَلَئِنِ اتَّبَعْتَ أَهْوَاءهُم بَعْدَ الَّذِي جَاءكَ مِنَ الْعِلْمِ مَا لَكَ مِنَ اللّهِ مِن وَلِيٍّ وَلاَ نَصِيرٍ
120 And the Jews will not be pleased with you, nor the Christians until you follow their religion. Say: Surely Allah's guidance, that is the (true) guidance. And if you follow their desires after the knowledge that has come to you, you shall have no guardian from Allah, nor any helper.

121 Those to whom We have given the Book read it as it ought to be read. These believe in it; and whoever disbelieves in it, these it is that are the losers.

122 O children of Israel, call to mind My favor which I bestowed on you and that I made you excel the nations.

123 And be on your guard against a day when no soul shall avail another in the least neither shall any compensation be accepted from it, nor shall intercession profit it, nor shall they be helped.

Translation of the holy Quran , Chapter: Al-Baqara (The Cow)verses 109-123.

Madina and Makkah Live Video Streaming

2011-09-27T01:56:00.009+07:00

I just wanted to share the Harmain's official website's link. Please click the link to see the live online streaming of Masjid Al Haraam and Masjid Nabvi. The Arabic website presents recordings of Haram Traweeh and Azan's etc. Written text khutbah's of Haram are also available in Arabic.

Visit the official website of Harmain:

http://live.gph.gov.sa

Madina and Makkah Live Video Streaming البث المباشر من الحرمين الشريفين

Masjid Al Haraam Live Streaming البث المباشر من الحرمين الشريفين

2011-09-27T01:51:00.000+07:00

البث المباشر من الحرمين الشريفين Masjid Al Haraam Live Streaming

Allah sets forth a Parable: a city enjoying security and quiet, abundantly supplied with sustenance from every place: Yet was it ungrateful..."

2011-09-26T13:20:00.000+07:00

112 Allah sets forth a Parable: a city enjoying security and quiet, abundantly supplied with sustenance from every place: Yet was it ungrateful for the favours of Allah. so Allah made it taste of hunger and terror (in extremes) (closing in on it) like a garment (from every side), because of the (evil) which (its people) wrought.

113 And there came to them an Messenger from among themselves, but they falsely rejected him; so the Wrath seized them even in the midst of their iniquities.

114 So eat of the sustenance which Allah has provided for you, lawful and good; and be grateful for the favours of Allah, if it is He Whom ye serve.

115 He has only forbidden you dead meat, and blood, and the flesh of swine, and any (food) over which the name of other than Allah has been invoked. But if one is forced by necessity, without wilful disobedience, nor transgressing due limits,- then Allah is Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful.

116 But say not - for any false thing that your tongues may put forth,- "This is lawful, and this is forbidden," so as to ascribe false things to Allah. For those who ascribe false things to Allah, will never prosper.

117 (In such falsehood) is but a paltry profit; but they will have a most grievous Penalty.118 To the Jews We prohibited such things as We have mentioned to thee before: We did them no wrong, but they were used to doing wrong to themselves.

119 But verily thy Lord,- to those who do wrong in ignorance, but who thereafter repent and make amends,- thy Lord, after all this, is Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful.

Translation of the Holy Quran, Chapter: An-Nahl (The Bee) Verses : 112-119

"Permission (to fight) is Given to Those Upon Whom War is Made Because They are Oppressed..."

2011-09-26T12:28:00.001+07:00

39 Permission (to fight) is given to those upon whom war is made because they are oppressed, and most surely Allah is well able to assist them;

40 Those who have been expelled from their homes without a just cause except that they say: Our Lord is Allah. And had there not been Allah's repelling some people by others, certainly there would have been pulled down cloisters and churches and synagogues and mosques in which Allah's name is much remembered; and surely Allah will help him who helps His cause; most surely Allah is Strong, Mighty.

41 Those who, should We establish them in the land, will keep up prayer and pay the poor-rate and enjoin good and forbid evil; and Allah's is the end of affairs.

42 And if they reject you, then already before you did the people of Nuh and Ad and Samood reject (prophets).

43 And the people of Ibrahim and the people of Lut,

44 As well as those of Madyan and Musa (too) was rejected, but I gave respite to the unbelievers, then did I overtake them, so how (severe) was My disapproval.

45 So how many a town did We destroy while it was unjust, so it was fallen down upon its roofs, and (how many a) deserted well and palace raised high.

46 Have they not travelled in the land so that they should have hearts with which to understand, or ears with which to hear? For surely it is not the eyes that are blind, but blind are the hearts which are in the breasts.

47 And they ask you to hasten on the punishment, and Allah will by no means fail in His promise, and surely a day with your Lord is as a thousand years of what you number.

48 And how many a town to which I gave respite while it was unjust, then I overtook it, and to Me is the return.

49 Say: O people! I am only a plain warner to you.

50 Then (as for) those who believe and do good, they shall have forgiveness and an honorable sustenance.

51 And (as for) those who strive to oppose Our communications, they shall be the inmates of the flaming fire.

52 And We did not send before you any messenger or prophet, but when he desired, the Shaitan made a suggestion respecting his desire; but Allah annuls that which the Shaitan casts, then does Allah establish His communications, and Allah is Knowing, Wise,

53 So that He may make what the Shaitan casts a trial for those in whose hearts is disease and those whose hearts are hard; and most surely the unjust are in a great opposition,

54 And that those who have been given the knowledge may know that it is the truth from your Lord, so they may believe in it and their hearts may be lowly before it; and most surely Allah is the Guide of those who believe into a right path.

55 And those who disbelieve shall not cease to be in doubt concerning it until the hour overtakes them suddenly, or there comes on them the chastisement of a destructive day.

56 The kingdom on that day shall be Allah's; He will judge between them; so those who believe and do good will be in gardens of bliss.

57 And (as for) those who disbelieve in and reject Our communications, these it is who shall have a disgraceful chastisement.

58 And (as for) those who fly in Allah's way and are then slain or die, Allah will most certainly grant them a goodly sustenance, and most surely Allah is the best Giver of sustenance.

59 He will certainly cause them to enter a place of entrance which they shall be well pleased with, and most surely Allah is Knowing, Forbearing.

60 That (shall be so); and he who retaliates with the like of that with which he has been afflicted and he has been oppressed, Allah will most certainly aid him; most surely Allah is Pardoning, Forgiving.

61 That is because Allah causes the night to enter into the day and causes the day to enter into the night, and because Allah is Hearing, Seeing.

62 That is because Allah is the Truth, and that what they call upon besides Him-- that is the falsehood, and because Allah is the High, the Great.

63 Do you not see that Allah sends down water from the cloud so the earth becomes green? Surely Allah is Benignant, Aware.

64 His is whatsoever is in the heavens and whatsoever is in the earth; and most surely Allah is the Self-sufficient, the Praised.

65 Do you not see that Allah has made subservient to you whatsoever is in the earth and the ships running in the sea by His command? And He withholds the heaven from falling on the earth except with His permission; most surely Allah is Compassionate, Merciful to men.

66 And He it is Who has brought you to life, then He will cause you to die, then bring you to life (again); most surely man is ungrateful.

The Translation of the Holy Quran, Chapter: Al-Hajj (The Pilgrimage)

Lahore Fort

2011-09-25T23:42:00.000+07:00

Photo captured from inside of Badshahi Mosque

Photo: Ibn Hanif

Lahore Fort

Photo captured while standing at the stairs of Badshahi Mosque.

Photo: Ibn Hanif

Photos: Ibn Hanif

The Lahore Fort, locally referred to as Shahi Qila is citadel of the city of Lahore, Punjab, Pakistan. It is located in the northwestern corner of the Walled City of Lahore. The trapezoidal composition is spread over 20 hectares.

It is not known who built the fort and neither is it known when it was built. Origins of the fort go as far back as antiquity, however, the existing base structure was built during the reign of Mughal emperor Akbar (1556-1605), and was regularly upgraded by subsequent rulers, having thirteen gates in all. Thus the fort manifests the rich traditions of Mughal architecture.[2] Some of the famous sites inside the fort include: Sheesh Mahal, Alamgiri Gate, Naulakha pavilion, and Moti Masjid. In 1981, the fort was inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site along with the Shalimar Gardens (Lahore).

Photography: Ibn Hanif
Info: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lahore_Fort

Favors of Allah (God) upon Isa (Jesus) peace be upon him

2011-09-25T13:00:00.000+07:00

109 On the Day of Resurrection when Allah gathers the Rasools (Messengers) and asks: "What response were you given from your addressees?" They will say: "We have no knowledge, only You have all the knowledge of the unseen."

110 Then Allah will ask: "O Isa (Jesus) son of Maryam (Mary)! Recall my favor upon you and to your mother, how I strengthened you with the Holy Spirit, so you could speak to the people in cradle and in old age, how I taught you the Book, Wisdom, the Taurat (Torah) and the Injeel (Gospel). How you were able to make the figure of a bird out of a clay, by My permission, how you breathed into it and changed it into a real bird, by My permission. How you could heal the born-blind and the lepers by My permission. How you could bring the dead body back to life by My permission. How I protected you from the violence of the Children of Israel when you came to them with clear signs and the unbelievers among them said: "This is nothing but a clear sorcery."

111 Remember when I inspired the disciples to have faith in Me and My Rasool (Messenger) and they said: 'We believe and bear witness that we have become Muslims."
11 How when the disciples asked: "O Isa son of Maryam! Can your Rabb (Lord) send down to us from heaven a table spread with food?" And you said: "Have fear of Allah if you are true believers."

113 They said: "We only wish to eat thereof to satisfy our hearts and to know that you have indeed told us the truth, and that we bear witness to it."
114 Isa the son of Maryam said: "O Allah, our Rabb! Send us from heaven a table spread with food that it may mark a feast, one of a kind for those before us and for those after us, as a sign from You; and provide us our sustenance, You are the best Sustainer."

115 Allah responded: "I shall send it down to you, but if any of you disbelieve after that, I shall punish him with a torment which I have never inflicted on anyone in the worlds."

116 (After reminding him of these favors,) Allah will say: "O Isa (Jesus) son of Maryam (Marry), Did you ever say to the people, "worship me and my mother as gods beside Allah?"
He will answer: "Glory to You! How could I say what I had no right to say? If I had ever said so, you would have certainly known it. You know what is in my heart, but I know not what is in Yours; for You have full knowledge of all the unseen.

117 I never said anything other than what You commanded me to say, that is to worship Allah, Who is my Rabb (Lord) and your Rabb. I was a witness over them as long as I remained among them; but when You called me off, You were the Watcher over them and You are a Witness to everything.
118 If You punish them, they surely are Your servants; and if You forgive them, You are Mighty, Wise."

119 Allah will say: "This is the day on which the truthful will profit from their truth; they shall have gardens beneath which rivers flow to live therein forever. Allah is well-pleased with them and they are pleased with Him. This is the mighty achievement."

Surah : 5 (Al-Maida )
Verses : 109-120
Al-Quran

Photograph: Ibn Hanif
I have already shared these verses on the blog: "The Guiding Friends"