Discover Islam ...

[Cordoba]

[FONT=Arial,Geneva,Verdana,Sans-Serif]Maintaining unity and sincerity in faith [/FONT]

[FONT=Arial,Geneva,Verdana,Sans-Serif]A believer in God's oneness feels that there is a bond between him and all that God has created in this universe, and that all creatures are friendly toward him. He feels that all around him have been put in place by God's hand. Hence, he warms to everything that comes his way of God's creation. He does not hurt, destroy or waste anyone or anything, or use it in any way other than what God has sanctioned.[/FONT]

[FONT=Arial,Geneva,Verdana,Sans-Serif]Similarly, the effects of believing in God's oneness are apparent in believers' concepts and feelings just as they are reflected in their actions and behavior. Thus, belief in God's oneness is not merely a verbal utterance. Hence why it is given such emphasis in God's book, and hence why it is repeated and explained in a great variety of ways. Each and everyone of us needs to study and reflect upon God's oneness so that this truth is perfectly ingrained in our own essence. ........[/FONT]

http://www.islamicity.com/articles/Articles.asp?ref=IC0910-3971

 

[Cordoba]

[FONT=Arial,Geneva,Verdana,Sans-Serif]The Meaning of Life [/FONT]

[FONT=Arial,Geneva,Verdana,Sans-Serif]Are all of life’s hardships worth enduring? The answer depends on what our goal is in living. In fact, understanding life’s purpose is a slow and absorbing process. We sense its mystery while reflecting upon our existence and humanity. Therefore, our concept of life evolves gradually throughout our lives. [/FONT]

[FONT=Arial,Geneva,Verdana,Sans-Serif]The purpose of our creation is obvious: to reach our utmost goals of belief, knowledge, and spirituality; to reflect on the universe, humanity, and God, and thus prove our value as human beings. Fulfilling this ideal is possible only through systematic thinking and systematic behavior. Thought will provoke action, and thereby start a “prosperous cycle.” This cycle will produce more complex cycles, generating between the heart’s spirituality and the brain’s knowledge, and thereby develop ever-more complex ideas and produce larger projects.[/FONT]

[FONT=Arial,Geneva,Verdana,Sans-Serif]Carrying out such a process calls for strong belief, consciousness, and understanding. People with these characteristics can realize and analyze the unreflective lifestyles of others. Such people think, do what they believe to be right, and then reflect upon their behavior, thereby continually deepening their thoughts and acquiring new ideas. They believe that only those who reflect deeply are productive, and that the pain and suffering they endure makes their belief stronger and more acceptable.[/FONT]

[FONT=Arial,Geneva,Verdana,Sans-Serif]They live a life of reflection by observing creation every day, sometimes reading it like a book or embroidering their minds with the wisdom they acquire. Believing that the universe was created to be “read” and understood, the purpose of our creation must be nothing but that.[/FONT]

http://www.islamonline.net/servlet/Satellite?c=Article_C&cid=1158658517769&pagename=Zone-English-Living_Shariah%2FLSELayout

 

[Cordoba]

[FONT=Arial,Geneva,Verdana,Sans-Serif]Belief in the Hereafter: Any Benefits?[/FONT]

Q: Hi Muslims. Enjoy your fasting. I read that you believe in the resurrection and the Hereafter. I am wondering about the benefits of such belief?

A: Muslims believe that a human is a combination of body and soul, and at the time of death, a person's soul is separated from his or her body. When the body is buried, it decomposes and becomes one with the dust. The soul, on the other hand, continues to live, but it is passive in a state of sleep until it is resurrected with the body on the Day of Judgment.

The Day of Judgment is the occasion when all the souls of all the persons who lived here are resurrected with their bodies and are gathered together for Judgment.

God in the noble Quran says what means:

[As to those who believe and work righteous deeds, they have, for their entertainment, the Gardens of Paradise] (Al-Kahf 18:107)

[And for those who reject Paith and deny our signs, there will be a humiliating Punishment.] (Al-Hajj 22:57)

These verses mean that on the Day of Judgment, every soul will be given what it has earned. That is to say, all persons, irrespective of their background or upbringing, will have their reward with their Lord, on the condition that they believe in God and the Last Day and lead a life of virtue. ........

Reading Islam

 

[Cordoba]

[FONT=Arial,Geneva,Verdana,Sans-Serif]Forgiveness Is the Answer [/FONT]

[FONT=Arial,Geneva,Verdana,Sans-Serif]God opens the doors of forgiveness wide for those who are seeking His mercy and asking for His forgiveness. He assists those who are seeking righteousness and goodness. [/FONT]

[FONT=Arial,Geneva,Verdana,Sans-Serif]But what about those who are committing major sins? Can they still be forgiven? Can they still be considered of the righteous?[/FONT]

[FONT=Arial,Geneva,Verdana,Sans-Serif]And what are the benefits of asking for forgiveness other than wiping off our sins? ...........[/FONT]

http://www.readingislam.com/servlet/Satellite?c=Article_C&cid=1252187889479&pagename=Zone-English-Discover_Islam%2FDIELayout

 

[Cordoba]

[FONT=Arial,Geneva,Verdana,Sans-Serif]How Islam Affects Our Lives[/FONT]

[FONT=Arial,Geneva,Verdana,Sans-Serif]Q: I want to ask in what way Islam affects our lives, especially when it is said that Islam is a religion of nature?[/FONT]

[FONT=Arial,Geneva,Verdana,Sans-Serif]A: [/FONT][FONT=Arial,Geneva,Verdana,Sans-Serif]Islam a Religion of Nature[/FONT]

[FONT=Arial,Geneva,Verdana,Sans-Serif]Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) did not leave anything bad that he did not forbid us from, and likely he did not leave anything good that he did not order us to perform. I will present some hadiths that show that Islam is a call for purity and peace and it does not contradict with one’s own nature.[/FONT]

[FONT=Arial,Geneva,Verdana,Sans-Serif]By nature Man is not to hurt others but to be kind to others; otherwise hatred will prevail and life will be distorted. We find Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) directs us to this behavior. Abu Musa Al-Ash`ari (may Allah be pleased with him) narrated: I asked Allah’s Messenger (peace be upon him) which [believer] in Islam is more excellent. Upon this he remarked, “One from whose tongue and hand Muslims are safe” (Muslim).[/FONT]

[FONT=Arial,Geneva,Verdana,Sans-Serif]There are many hadiths of the Prophet that call on the Muslims to perform charity and to be good and kind to the poor and to everyone, and we find this concern for the poor to be innate in Muslims’ hearts and souls. One of these hadiths is this: [/FONT]

[FONT=Arial,Geneva,Verdana,Sans-Serif]“There is a (compulsory) sadaqah (charity) to be given for every joint of the human body (as a sign of gratitude to Allah) everyday the sun rises. To judge justly between two persons is regarded as sadaqah; and to help a man concerning his riding animal, by helping him to mount it or by lifting his luggage on to it, is also regarded as sadaqah; and (saying) a good word is also sadaqah; and every step taken on one's way to offer the compulsory prayer (in the mosque) is also sadaqah; and to remove a harmful thing from the way is also sadaqah” (Al-Bukhari and Muslim).[/FONT]

[FONT=Arial,Geneva,Verdana,Sans-Serif]Reading Islam[/FONT]

 

[Cordoba]

[FONT=Arial,Geneva,Verdana,Sans-Serif]Islam the Way to Peace and Paradise[/FONT]

[FONT=Arial,Geneva,Verdana,Sans-Serif]In this recent show, Dr. Bilal Philips talks about finding the right way to peace and Paradise: God's Straight Path[/FONT]

The Deen Show ~ It's a way of life.

(35 minutes)

 

[The Mercy]

jazaka allah khayra

 

[janoun2003]

just read and undetrstand the holy QURAN u will know th real islam

 

[janoun2003]

in the holy QURAN is no shiia no sina is ISLAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAMMM ONLY

 

[Cordoba]

[FONT=Arial,Geneva,Verdana,Sans-Serif]Human Rights According to The Qur'an[/FONT]

To many Muslims the Qur'an is the Magna Carta of human rights and a large part of its concern is to free human beings from the bondage of traditionalism, authoritarianism (religious, political, economic, or any other), tribalism, racism, sexism, slavery or anything else that prohibits or inhibits human beings from actualizing the Qur'anic vision of human destiny embodied in the classic proclamation: "Towards Allah is thy limit".

In the section entitled "General Rights" which follows, an account is given of the Qur'an's affirmation of fundamental rights which all human beings ought to possess because they are so deeply rooted in our humanness that their denial or violation is tantamount to a negation or degradation of that which makes us human. From the perspective of the Qur'an, these rights came into existence when we did; they were created, as we were, by God in order that our human potential could be actualized. Rights created or given by God cannot be abolished by any temporal ruler or human agency. Eternal and immutable, they ought to be exercised since everything that God does is for "a just purpose"

[FONT=Verdana,arial]GENERAL RIGHTS[/FONT]

[FONT=Verdana,arial]A. Right to Life ...[/FONT]

B. Right to Respect ...

C. Right to Justice ...

D. Right to Freedom ...

E. Right to Acquire Knowledge ...

F. Right to Sustenance ...

G. Right to Work ...

H. Right to Privacy ...

I. Right to Protection from Slander, Backbiting, and Ridicule ...

J. Right to Develop One's Aesthetic Sensibilities and Enjoy the Bounties Created by God ...

K. Right to Leave One's Homeland Under Oppressive Conditions ...

L. Right to "The Good Life" ...

http://www.islamicity.com/articles/Articles.asp?ref=IC0812-3756

 

[Cordoba]

[FONT=Arial,Geneva,Verdana,Sans-Serif]Allah is Merciful[/FONT]

[FONT=Arial,Geneva,Verdana,Sans-Serif]The relationship between you and your Creator is not such that once spoiled it has to stay spoiled. At any time we can turn to Him in repentance and make peace with Him. With repentance God washes our slates completely clean as if there were never any spot of sin on them.[/FONT]

[FONT=Arial,Geneva,Verdana,Sans-Serif]If you take one step towards God, he will take two towards you. If you come to Him walking, He will come to you running.[/FONT]

[FONT=Arial,Geneva,Verdana,Sans-Serif]Even though it would not harm God in the least if the whole of mankind abandoned faith and goodness, God is overjoyed when one of His servants, lost in faithlessness and sin, comes back to Him. Imagine a mother who has lost her baby in a crowd and is nervously searching for it. Imagine now her joy when she finds her lost baby. When a servant of God returns to Him after being lost in faithlessness and sin, the joy of God is more than seventy times greater than the joy of such a mother. .........[/FONT]

http://www.islamonline.net/servlet/Satellite?c=Article_C&cid=1158658514417&pagename=Zone-English-Living_Shariah%2FLSELayout

 

[Cordoba]

[FONT=Arial,Geneva,Verdana,Sans-Serif]Pilgrimage of Spiritual Awakening[/FONT]

[FONT=Verdana,arial]In addition to Islam's spiritual, political, economic and other aspects, the religion is a social phenomenon constructed and understood through the vision and faith of its followers. As social phenomena, Islam and the Muslim community have changed since Islam's inception, and travel - whether it be in the form of Hajj (pilgrimage to Mecca), hijra (migration from lands where the practice of Islam is hindered), ziyara (visits to exceptionally sacred spaces), or rihla (travel in search of knowledge) - has played an important role in bringing about these changes. [/FONT][FONT=Verdana,arial]These forms of travel signify, above all else, a departure from that which is familiar and an encounter with the unknown. Muslim travelers return from their journeys aware of and appreciative of diversity and difference. [/FONT]

[FONT=Verdana,arial]Appreciation of difference has always been important, but it is increasingly so in today's atmosphere of globalization. In the Muslim community, there are almost endless competing notions of "Islam" vying for control with some advocating a black-and-white definition of faith, completely oblivious to diversity of culture and interpretation. Rejection of such absolutist strains requires some knowledge of the world's social complexity as well as a deep understanding of Islamic tradition and spirituality. As one of the five pillars of Islam and an obligatory form of Muslim travel, the Hajj can be a primary means of achieving both of these ends. [/FONT]

[FONT=Verdana,arial]Significantly, the Hajj takes pilgrims to Mecca, a city closed to non-Muslims. Whereas this exclusivity has been criticized by some as antithetical to religious freedom and tolerance, it plays an important role in helping pilgrims reexamine their spiritual state free from external criticism-an important fact in the modern landscape, where Muslims are under scrutiny nearly everywhere in the world. [/FONT]

[FONT=Verdana,arial]The Hajj pulls believers out of their environment and places them among new surroundings; it also gives them a different pace, marked by both calming and frenetic rituals. It beckons Muslims to go on a journey like no other, with the destination the K'aba - the center of the Islamic world, the earth and the cosmos. In journeying to this center, pilgrims delve into their inner selves. The world, community and self are united in a mutual quest; the Hajj is a journey to the heart of Islam.[/FONT]

http://www.islamicity.com/articles/Articles.asp?ref=IM0711-3409

 

[Cordoba]

[FONT=Arial,Geneva,Verdana,Sans-Serif]Yearning For a Melody of Compassion [/FONT]

[FONT=Arial,Geneva,Verdana,Sans-Serif]The Healing Touch of Compassion[/FONT]

[FONT=Arial,Geneva,Verdana,Sans-Serif]Compassion has turned away evil instigations countless times up to the present; it has saved humanity from dipping into the depths of destruction. So many times it has turned chasms, which look like pits of hell, into gardens of paradise.[/FONT]

[FONT=Arial,Geneva,Verdana,Sans-Serif]Compassion, which can be defined as loving and caring for others without expecting anything in return, helping the oppressed and the wronged, and treating them with great kindness and sincerity, is a manifestation of Divine attributes, heavenly breath, and a term describing the warmth of all mothers. .......[/FONT]

http://www.islamonline.net/servlet/Satellite?c=Article_C&cid=1233567639159&pagename=Zone-English-Living_Shariah%2FLSELayout

 

[Cordoba]

[FONT=Arial,Geneva,Verdana,Sans-Serif]Courtesy and Respect [/FONT]

[FONT=Arial,Geneva,Verdana,Sans-Serif]Adab is courtesy, respect, appropriateness. Adab is not formality; it helps to create the context in which we develop our humanness. Every situation and relationship has its proper adab: between students on the path, in relation to family members and elders, in relation to one's teacher. Every level of being also has its adab, including coming into the presence of Truth (Al-Haqq). [/FONT]

[FONT=Arial,Geneva,Verdana,Sans-Serif]The model of adab in the Islamic tradition is the Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessing upon him), who said: "None of you will have authentic faith until your hearts are made right, nor will your hearts be made right until your tongues be made right, nor will your tongues be made right until your actions be made right." [/FONT]

[FONT=Arial,Geneva,Verdana,Sans-Serif]As one begins to become aware of the benefits and possibilities of adab it becomes strikingly clear how much has been lost in contemporary culture in the name of some hypothetical personal freedom and individuality. [/FONT]

[FONT=Arial,Geneva,Verdana,Sans-Serif]When a student in the quest of Devine knowledge steps over the threshold into a house of God, he leaves the "world" and its concerns behind. The house of God is the school of love. We come here to observe, listen, and learn, and to practice service -- not to pursue the ambitions of the world, not to satisfy or promote our own egos, nor to consume exciting "spiritual" experiences. .........[/FONT]

http://www.islamicity.com/articles/Articles.asp?ref=IC0910-3976

 

[Cordoba]

[FONT=Arial,Geneva,Verdana,Sans-Serif]Prayers: A Special Connection with God[/FONT]

[FONT=Arial,Geneva,Verdana,Sans-Serif]We can see that the worship of God as visualized in Islam — whether it is ritual or non-ritual — prevents evil thoughts and actions, thereby purifying life. Indeed, sincere Islamic worship trains the individual to lead a life of complete obedience and submission to God.[/FONT]

[FONT=Arial,Geneva,Verdana,Sans-Serif]Prayers[/FONT]

[FONT=Arial,Geneva,Verdana,Sans-Serif]Of all the forms of[/FONT][FONT=Arial,Geneva,Verdana,Sans-Serif]ritual worship in Islam,prayer (in Arabic, salah) is unique. It is typical of Islam and is entirely different from the usual kind of prayer familiar in other religions.[/FONT]

[FONT=Arial,Geneva,Verdana,Sans-Serif]The prostration in prayer symbolizes the worshipper's total and unconditional submission to God Almighty. Of course certain supplications are recited in prayer, following the Prophetic teaching. .........

http://www.readingislam.com/servlet/Satellite?c=Article_C&cid=1256034041347&pagename=Zone-English-Discover_Islam%2FDIELayout&ref=body

[/FONT]

 

[Cordoba]

Bearing Afflictions with Patience

Before talking about how a believer behaves when ill or injured, it is important to understand just what Islam teaches us about the life of this world.


[FONT=Arial,Geneva,Verdana,Sans-Serif]Our existence here on earth is but a transient stop, on the way to our real life in the hereafter. [/FONT]

[FONT=Arial,Geneva,Verdana,Sans-Serif]Paradisehttp://www.readingislam.com/servlet...agename=Zone-English-Discover_Islam/DIELayout[FONT=Arial,Geneva,Verdana,Sans-Serif] or Hell will be our permanent abode.[/FONT][/FONT]

[FONT=Arial,Geneva,Verdana,Sans-Serif]This world is a place of trial and testing. God created it for us, for our enjoyment, but it is a place of more than just worldly pleasures. It is here that we fulfill our true purpose; we live our lives based on the worship of God. ​

[/FONT]
[FONT=Arial,Geneva,Verdana,Sans-Serif][/FONT]
[FONT=Arial,Geneva,Verdana,Sans-Serif]We laugh, we play, we cry, and we feel heartache and sorrow, but every condition and every emotion is from God. We react with [FONT=Arial,Geneva,Verdana,Sans-Serif]patience[/FONT][FONT=Arial,Geneva,Verdana,Sans-Serif], thankfulness, and hope for eternal reward. We fear eternal punishment and know with certainty that God is the source of all mercy and all forgiveness. ....[/FONT][/FONT]

http://www.readingislam.com/servlet/Satellite?c=Article_C&cid=1256034015989&pagename=Zone-English-Discover_Islam%2FDIELayout&ref=body​

 

[Cordoba]

[FONT=Arial,Geneva,Verdana,Sans-Serif]What Does Islam Say about the Day of Judgment?[/FONT]

[FONT=Arial,Geneva,Verdana,Sans-Serif]A day will come when the whole universe will be destroyed and the dead will be resurrected for judgment by God. [/FONT]​

[FONT=Arial,Geneva,Verdana,Sans-Serif]This day will be the beginning of a life that will never end. [/FONT]​

[FONT=Arial,Geneva,Verdana,Sans-Serif]This day is the Day of Judgment. [/FONT]​

[FONT=Arial,Geneva,Verdana,Sans-Serif]On that day, all people will be rewarded by God according to their beliefs and deeds. ....[/FONT]​

[FONT=Arial,Geneva,Verdana,Sans-Serif]http://www.islam-guide.com/ch3-5.htm[/FONT]​

 

[texas2009]

Thanks

 

[texas2009]

Thanks for sharing!

 

[Cordoba]

[FONT=Arial,Geneva,Verdana,Sans-Serif]The Pleasures of Seeking Knowledge [/FONT]


[FONT=Verdana,arial]The following traditions of the Prophet peace be upon him supplement the foregoing teachings of the Qur'an in the following way:[/FONT]

• [FONT=Verdana,arial]"Seek knowledge "even though it be in China." [/FONT]
• [FONT=Verdana,arial]"The acquisition of knowledge is compulsory for every Muslim, whether male or female." [/FONT]
• [FONT=Verdana,arial]"The ink of the scholar is more sacred than the blood of the martyr." [/FONT]
• [FONT=Verdana,arial]"Seek knowledge from the cradle to the grave." [/FONT]
• [FONT=Verdana,arial]"God has revealed to me, 'Whoever walks in the pursuit of knowledge I facilitate for him the way to heaven.' [/FONT]
• [FONT=Verdana,arial]"The best form of worship is the pursuit of knowledge." [/FONT]
• [FONT=Verdana,arial]"Scholars should endeavor to spread knowledge and provide education to people who have been deprived of it. For, where knowledge is hidden it disappears." [/FONT]
• [FONT=Verdana,arial]Some one asked the Prophet
  
  : "Who is the biggest scholar?" He replied: "He who is constantly trying to learn from others, for a scholar is ever hungry for more knowledge." [/FONT]
• [FONT=Verdana,arial]"Seek knowledge and wisdom, or whatever the vessel from which it flows, you will never be the loser." [/FONT]
• [FONT=Verdana,arial]"Contemplating deeply for one hour (with sincerity) is better than 70 years of (mechanical) worship." [/FONT]
• [FONT=Verdana,arial]"To listen to the words of the learned and to instill unto others the lessons of science is better than religious exercises." [/FONT]
• [FONT=Verdana,arial]"Acquire knowledge: it enables its possessor to distinguish right from the wrong, it lights the way to heaven; it is our friend in the desert, our society in solitude, our companion when friendless - it guides us to happiness; it sustains us in misery; it is an ornament among friends and an armor against enemies." [/FONT]

IslamiCity.com - The pleasures of seeking knowledge