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Cordoba · Mar 23, 2009

[FONT=Arial,Geneva,Verdana,Sans-Serif]Islamic Perspective in Stress Management[/FONT]

While stress may be necessary for human survival, the excess of it certainly affects our health and productivity. It is claimed that in the United States nearly 20 million people suffer from stress in terms of attributing their illness or symptoms to it. Stress related compensation cost nearly $200 million per year. Loss of productivity and stress related illness directly or indirectly amounts to $50 billion per year. Many corporations and individuals are spending nearly $15 billion per year on stress management of their employees ....

Coping With Stress

[FONT=Verdana, Arial]Although we are all exposed to stress, why can some of us cope with it better then others ? Is it the way we deal with the stressor, or the way we are built? There is some evidence to suggest that some of us may be genetically predisposed to depression, or have deficiency in the level of neurotransmitters, the mood regulating hormones, or just do not produce enough adrenalin on demand. [/FONT]

A person's religious belief has an important bearing on his personality and his outlook in life. By putting the trust in God, a believer minimizes the stress on him by reducing his responsibility and power to control his failures.

[FONT=Verdana, Arial]Proven ways to handle stress as being practiced now range from meditation, sleep, exercise, socialization, biofeedback, psychotherapy and tranquilizers. In this article we are going to discuss how to deal with stress in the light of the Qur'an and the Sunnah. [/FONT]

[FONT=Verdana, Arial]Psychologically the stress results from the following factors. [/FONT]

[FONT=Verdana, Arial]Fear of the unknown, and our inability to recognize, foresee and control it. [/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana, Arial]Loss of things, and people in our life dear to us, and our inability to recover these losses or accept them. [/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana, Arial]Our inability to see through the future. In fact we might be more stressed if we do see the future. [/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana, Arial]Conflicts between the mind, and the reality and our failure to accept the reality (i.e. the phase of denial). It is the lack of the inner peace due to our internal conflicts which leads to the external disturbances in our behavior and affects our health. [/FONT]

[FONT=Verdana, Arial]Let us examine how the Qur'an deals with such situations. ...[/FONT]

http://www.islamicity.com/articles/Articles.asp?ref=IC0701-3225

Cordoba · Mar 25, 2009

[FONT=Arial,Geneva,Verdana,Sans-Serif]If God Wills [/FONT]

[FONT=Arial,Geneva,Verdana,Sans-Serif]"If God wills" or "God willing" are common phrases Muslims use regularly and quite frequently in their daily conversations. [/FONT]

[FONT=Arial,Geneva,Verdana,Sans-Serif]If you ever happen to have a conversation with a Muslim you will always find him ending most of his sentences about anything that he will do in the future with the phrase "If God wills" (in sha' Allah in Arabic), be it something he will do in the next coming minutes or after ten years.[/FONT]

[FONT=Arial,Geneva,Verdana,Sans-Serif]Muslims believe that nothing in the heavens or the earth happens unless God wants it to happen. Part of believing in the Oneness of God and true submission to Him is believing in His full control and power over everything He created.[/FONT]

[FONT=Arial,Geneva,Verdana,Sans-Serif]A firm believer in God knows that God gave him limited powers, he can't assure to himself that he will live to the following day, let alone guaranteeing taking his second breath. So he always attributes any will or power to God, for He is the one Who gives it to him.[/FONT]

http://www.readingislam.com/servlet/Satellite?c=Article_C&cid=1236509085658&pagename=Zone-English-Discover_Islam%2FDIELayout

Cordoba · Mar 26, 2009

[FONT=Arial,Geneva,Verdana,Sans-Serif]The Quran: All Fire & Brimstone? [/FONT]

Q: Why is there so much reference to Hell and punishment in the Quran? How can our actions be sincere if we are in essence doing them to seek a reward (Jannah) in the end, rather than doing them for the love of God? Thank you for your time

A: As for the role of punishment and reward in encouraging people to be good and discouraging them from disobedience, let me explain to you that this is necessary for a certain level of worship until people realize the sweetness of worship and recognize that they worship Allah because they love Him.

To exemplify this, if there is a child who does not like studying or doing his homework and is unable to realize that studying is very beneficial for him, then the best way of dealing with him would be telling him that there will be a punishment if he fails to do his homework, and a reward if he finishes it.

Later on, when this same student grows up a bit and cherishes love for his study and realizes its benefits, the whole idea of reward and punishment will not be his motivation. Rather, he will be motivated by love, and this is what is really needed from him.

Similarly, when people do not realize the importance of worshipping Allah and obeying Him, the address of punishment and reward will be much more suitable for them until they realize that they love Almighty Allah. And this love should be the main motive for obeying Him.

Until they develop this kind of motive, I believe they will still be in need of a word here and there reminding them and pressing the buttons of fear and hope in their hearts and minds. Let's all pray Allah to grant us His love and to enshroud us in His mercy and pleasure.

http://www.readingislam.com/servlet/Satellite?cid=1233567571088&pagename=IslamOnline-English-AAbout_Islam%2FAskAboutIslamE%2FAskAboutIslamE

Cordoba · Mar 27, 2009

[FONT=Arial,Geneva,Verdana,Sans-Serif]The Prophet's Teachings in the 21st Century[/FONT]

Today, people have no time; they hurry after several aims, stricken by a desire to attain all of them at the same time. And the result is often stress, depression, and despair, at times leading to severe mental disorders.

What could be the cure of this disease? The Prophet of Islam, about 14 centuries ago, taught his followers to strive after one aim in life: to always seek the way of approach to Allah Almighty.

Because, Allah Almighty Himself has said in the Quran what means:
{O you man! Certainly you are ever toiling on towards your Lord- painfully toiling and you shall meet Him.} (Al-Inshiqaq 84:6)

It is also worth remembering that another characteristic of modern life is the cult of speed. People today have no time to rest, as they are morbidly engaged in a rat race for money, fame, fashion, and power.

We have invented rapid means of transport, though often we have little sense of direction. We have most efficient machines for doing cumbersome work; but we have forgotten the simple joys of handicraft. We have giant organizations and systems; but we have no sense of community and no sympathy for our ailing brothers.

Religion particularly Islam as taught by Prophet Muhammad takes us back from the dehumanized machine-driven world to the happiness of being human.

http://www.readingislam.com/servlet/Satellite?cid=1235628779160&pagename=IslamOnline-English-AAbout_Islam%2FAskAboutIslamE%2FAskAboutIslamE

Cordoba · Mar 28, 2009

[FONT=Arial,Geneva,Verdana,Sans-Serif]Who Is "Allah"?[/FONT]

Allah is the Most Kind and the Most Merciful. All that Allah has asked for humans to do is to be pious, worship Him alone and be kind to our fellow man.

In return, humans are the veritable owners of the Earth to rule it as they see fit as Allah continuously showers His innumerable blessings upon humanity as well as punishments for those who disobey and wreak havoc on the Earth.

Islam is not a new religion or something that a few simply chose one day to follow. Islam is a continuation of the previous messages that were revealed to past Prophets.

Prophet Muhammad seals the line of prophets who came to this world both to warn humans and give glad tidings of Allah's mercy. It is only through Allah's love and mercy for mankind that He bothered to send prophets so that we may know Him the One and Only God

http://www.readingislam.com/servlet/Satellite?c=Article_C&cid=1203758872359&pagename=Zone-English-Discover_Islam%2FDIELayout

Cordoba · Mar 29, 2009

[FONT=Arial,Geneva,Verdana,Sans-Serif]How Do Muslims Treat the Elderly?[/FONT]

[FONT=Arial,Geneva,Verdana,Sans-Serif]In the Islamic world, one rarely finds old peoples homes. The strain of caring for ones parents in this most difficult time of their lives is considered an honor and a blessing and an opportunity for great spiritual growth. In Islam, it is not enough that we only pray for our parents, but we should act with limitless compassion, remembering that when we were helpless children, they preferred us to themselves. Mothers are particularly honored. When Muslim parents reach old age, they are treated mercifully, with kindness and selflessness.[/FONT]

[FONT=Arial,Geneva,Verdana,Sans-Serif]In Islam, serving ones parents is a duty second to prayer, and it is their right to expect it. It is considered despicable to express any irritation when, through no fault of their own, the old become difficult.[/FONT]

[FONT=Arial,Geneva,Verdana,Sans-Serif]God has said:[/FONT]

Your Lord has commanded that you worship none but Him, and that you be kind to your parents. If one of them or both of them reach old age with you, do not say to them a word of disrespect, or scold them, but say a generous word to them. And act humbly to them in mercy, and say, My Lord, have mercy on them, since they cared for me when I was small.

(Quran, 17:23-24)

http://www.islam-guide.com/frm-ch3-15.htm

Cordoba · Mar 31, 2009

[FONT=Arial,Geneva,Verdana,Sans-Serif]Reading the Quran in English[/FONT]

Q: I found a translated form of the Quran in English and I love it. My question is: is it okay for me to continue reading it in English because I can't do so in Arabic?

A: In order to better understand our religion, though, it is most definitely best to be able to understand the Quran in its Arabic form. Translations are fine, but they can only ever give an approximation of what the original author intended.

http://www.readingislam.com/servlet/Satellite?cid=1234631337388&pagename=IslamOnline-English-AAbout_Islam%2FAskAboutIslamE%2FAskAboutIslamE

Cordoba · Mar 31, 2009

[FONT=Arial,Geneva,Verdana,Sans-Serif]Etiquettes of Sports in Islam[/FONT]

Islam does not oppose having a strong body via practicing sports. Muslims are commanded to be of sound bodies and sound minds in addition to having sound morals.

In the Hadith, we read: A strong believer is better and more beloved to Allah than a weak one. (Reported by Muslim)

A sound strong body is capable of fulfilling both the religious and the worldly duties. Islam never accepts anything that leads to neglecting these duties, save in some cases where some exemptions are made so as to make matters easy for believers

http://www.islamonline.net/English/In_Depth/Religious/sportsinislam/Ethics/articles/01.shtml

Cordoba · Apr 2, 2009

[FONT=Arial,Geneva,Verdana,Sans-Serif]Film on the Histoy of Makkah[/FONT]

Part 1 of an interesting film on the history of Makkah, from the arrival of Prophet Abraham, peace be upon him, and his family (Lady Hajar and baby Ishmael) till the modern day and the different expansions which took place to Al-Masjid Al-Haram

http://tv.muxlim.com/video/cz_WkUPF4kJ/History-Of-Makkah-1/

(10 minutes)

Cordoba · Apr 4, 2009

[FONT=Arial,Geneva,Verdana,Sans-Serif]How an Atheist Can Feel Allah? [/FONT]

[FONT=Arial,Geneva,Verdana,Sans-Serif][/FONT]
[FONT=Arial,Geneva,Verdana,Sans-Serif]Q: I am an atheist, or at least I was; now I'm not so sure. I've recently been thinking about Islam but I'm having several crises... [/FONT]
[FONT=Arial,Geneva,Verdana,Sans-Serif][/FONT]
[FONT=Arial,Geneva,Verdana,Sans-Serif]I don't FEEL Allah. I want to and I'm learning but how am I supposed to know if my path is becoming perverted by my impure intentions and how do I know when I'm a Muslim? When I feel it in my heart or in my head? I respectfully ask your advice on this matter[/FONT]
[FONT=Arial,Geneva,Verdana,Sans-Serif][/FONT]
[FONT=Arial,Geneva,Verdana,Sans-Serif]A: People of faith believe that God speaks to them in many different ways. Some people are drawn to Him through science, others through the beauty of nature, while others still find Him in places and events.[/FONT]
[FONT=Arial,Geneva,Verdana,Sans-Serif][/FONT]
[FONT=Arial,Geneva,Verdana,Sans-Serif]In my own case, Allah Almighty drew me to Islam not through listening to a great speech, or through reading books or even by reading the Quran.[/FONT]

[FONT=Arial,Geneva,Verdana,Sans-Serif]My first introduction to Islam came through the simple greeting of a young boy cleaning shoes in the street. The simplicity and the honesty of his faith really touched my heart and set me upon a journey which eventually led me to embrace Islam. ....[/FONT]

[FONT=Arial,Geneva,Verdana,Sans-Serif][/FONT]
[FONT=Arial,Geneva,Verdana,Sans-Serif]I must tell you very clearly, though, that we accept Islam because we believe its message, not to please someone else, no matter how much we might love them. ....[/FONT]

http://www.readingislam.com/servlet/Satellite?cid=1237705805963&pagename=IslamOnline-English-AAbout_Islam/AskAboutIslamE/AskAboutIslamE

Cordoba · Apr 6, 2009

[FONT=Arial,Geneva,Verdana,Sans-Serif]The Qur'an: Ultimate Manifestation of God's Grace[/FONT]

Between these first and last verses (the first and the last in the chronological order of their revelation) 1 unfolds a book which, more than any other single phenomenon known to us, has fundamentally affected the religious, social and political history of the world.

No other sacred scripture has ever had a similarly immediate impact upon the lives of the people who first heard its message and, through them and the generations that followed them, on the entire course of civilization.

It shook Arabia, and made a nation out of its perennially warring tribes; within a few decades, it spread its world-view far beyond the confines of Arabia and produced the first ideological society known to man; through its insistence on consciousness and knowledge, it engendered among its followers a spirit of intellectual curiosity and independent inquiry, ultimately resulting in that splendid era of learning and scientific research which distinguished the world of Islam at the height of its cultural vigor; and the culture thus fostered by the Qur'an penetrated in countless ways and by-ways into the mind of medieval Europe and gave rise to that revival of Western culture which we call the Renaissance, and thus became in the course of time largely responsible for the birth of what is described as the "age of science": the age in which we are now living.

http://www.islamicity.com/articles/Articles.asp?ref=IC0603-2940

Cordoba · Apr 6, 2009

[FONT=Arial,Geneva,Verdana,Sans-Serif]He Begets Not, Nor Is He Begotten
[/FONT]
One of the main differences between Islam and Christianity is the role of Jesus in the grand scheme of the Revelations from God Almighty. I have to admit that this is the main point I struggled with before I converted to Islam.

It simply did not make sense to me that God would need a son. Further, I could not understand that if God did have a son, why in the world would He allow him to be strung up on a cross and killed in humiliation by the Jews?

And I certainly never bought into Jesus dying for the sins of mankind. Again, this to me did not make sense. Why would Jesus have to die for the sins of man when his supposed-Father is the Creator of man who can simply say the word 'Be' to any matter and it 'Is'?

http://www.readingislam.com/servlet/Satellite?c=Article_C&cid=1196786587265&pagename=Zone-English-Discover_Islam%2FDIELayout

Cordoba · Apr 9, 2009

[FONT=veranda,arial]Determination[/FONT]

[FONT=veranda,arial]Determination is the most significant attribute of a believer. A believer never loses his enthusiasm and devotion. He engages in his struggle only to earn the pleasure of God. That is why, no difficulty proves to be a hindrance to his endeavors. His only goal is to deserve the favor of his Lord; and he shapes his life accordingly. [/FONT]

[FONT=veranda,arial]God certainly puts the determination of believers to the test in various ways; either by periodically giving them trouble or making them undergo suffering. Details of the test are given in the verse below:[/FONT]

[FONT=veranda,arial]"We shall test you with fear and hunger, with loss of life and property and crops but give glad tidings to those who patiently persevere." (Al-Baqara, 155)[/FONT]

[FONT=veranda,arial]However, a believer with total commitment displays his patience under all circumstances[/FONT]

http://www.islamicity.com/articles/Articles.asp?ref=HY0810-3689

Cordoba · Apr 11, 2009

[FONT=Arial,Geneva,Verdana,Sans-Serif]Trusting in Allah[/FONT]

Trust in Allah is a difficult issue that can be easily misunderstood. There is a temptation to believe that by trusting in Allah, we can relieve ourselves of any responsibility for our actions or role in events and situations that arise in our lives.
Quranic verses such as the one below remind us that Allah provides for all our affairs and is All-Powerful.

{Allah is the Creator of all things, and He is the Guardian and Disposer of all affairs.} (Az-Zumar 39:6)

But trust in Allah is not meant to absolve us of working for our needs and striving towards good futures. In fact, part of the means by which Allah provides for us is in the intellectual and reasoning capacity that He created humans with. ....

http://www.readingislam.com/servlet/Satellite?c=Article_C&cid=1203759048595&pagename=Zone-English-Discover_Islam%2FDIELayout

Cordoba · Apr 11, 2009

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

Conscience, which has a central position in a person's being and feeling that he or she is a human being, is a spiritual mechanism which wills, feels, perceives, and is always open to eternity.

The willpower, feeling, mind, and heart, which are the "senses" or faculties of the perceptiveness of the spirit, are also the most important dynamics of conscience, by which a person is able to attain human perfection in this world and eternal happiness and vision of the Almighty in the next.

Conscience is a pure, bright mirror to the existence of God and is matchless in recognizing Him and making Him known to others, provided it has eyes to look with insight.

Since collective conscience serves as an unerring and undeceiving judge, everyone should resign themselves to its verdicts and affirm it as a referee in their disputes.

Duty is what God commands and Prophets carry out and communicate to others. Everyone must accept it and set themselves to do it. God, the Truth, is the Absolute Judge and conscience is the purest mirror to Him.
It reflects whatever it reflects with such clarity and power that only the dread of inability to live up to its truth can cloud it, and even that most rarely.

The more intellectually and spiritually disciplined one is, the more consistent and harmonious one's thoughts and actions are. The more open to the realms beyond one's conscience is, the more Divinely inspired and guided one's manners are.

Since conscience is the feeling and perceptive faculty of the spirit, it has always been regarded as open to the realms beyond, uncontained by space, having sound criteria, and as pure as angels. ....

http://www.readingislam.com/servlet/Satellite?c=Article_C&cid=1232976540916&pagename=Zone-English-Discover_Islam%2FDIELayout

Cordoba · Apr 13, 2009

[FONT=Arial,Geneva,Verdana,Sans-Serif]Does God Exist?[/FONT]

Does God exist? Throughout the ages people have been pondering this question which has resulted in various theologies that affirm that there must be a creator. On the other hand there are people who answer this question in the negative and are commonly described as Atheists.

There are various reasons that atheists reject the concept of god. For many it could be due to questioning the core beliefs of their religion, a negative experience in their religion or a traumatic event resulting in a deep personal loss. In its purest form atheists are people who are not satisfied with answers that religions provide to questions like; "Why am I here?" "What's the meaning of life?" and "Where did I come from?". ...

Ultimately the answer to "Does god exist?" can be based on our finite understanding of our universe or a primordial urge to submit to a creator who knows the infinite

http://www.islamicity.com/articles/Articles.asp?ref=IC0904-3840

Cordoba · Apr 14, 2009

The Qur'an: An Eternal Challenge

[FONT=Arial,Geneva,Verdana,Sans-Serif]Who Was Muhammads Teacher?[/FONT]

The man reciting and conveying the Quran to people was not someone who could himself consult books or encyclopedias. Even his enemies admitted that he grew up and lived without receiving any education. He was indeed unlettered. At no time did he ever learn to read a book or to write anything with his own hand. He must, then, have had a teacher who taught him all this information, not by writing but by reading the same to him. This is the logical conclusion at least.

We may well wonder who this teacher was. This is indeed the second point in our question about the Quran.

Did He Have a Local Teacher?

The fact that Muhammad (peace and blessings be on him) could not have had a teacher from among his illiterate people, who had natural literary gifts but no education. This is something everyone readily accepts.

Perhaps no one needs to seek any further evidence beyond the fact that Muhammad's people were generally called, the illiterate, an appellation indicating that they had no knowledge of religion or faith

http://www.islamonline.net/servlet/Satellite?c=Article_C&cid=1237706025329&pagename=Zone-English-Living_Shariah%2FLSELayout

Cordoba · Apr 16, 2009

[FONT=Arial,Geneva,Verdana,Sans-Serif]Quranic Refutation of Racism [/FONT]

The notion of the superiority is so alien to the teachings of Quran that those who are proud and exult on earth are condemned.

It rejects all narrow views of the spiritual providence of God, who is not "the God of Israel" but "Lord of all the nations and Worlds" .

Variation in languages and modes of living have helped man to evolve new patterns of culture and enrich and beautify his life; and, indeed, as the Quran reminds us, these are all Divine blessings conferred on mankind by the Grace of the Lord:

{One of His signs is the creations of the heavens and the earth and the diversity of your tongues and colors } (Ar-Rum 30:22).

Responsibility and Accountability

Islam teaches that every human being was made equally responsible for his or her actions. The idea that any saint or priest or even prophet shall intercede without God's will and save any person from the dire consequences of one's deeds was rebutted.

Despite diversity in color, race, language, religious belief and tradition, the Quran emphasizes that humanity have a common origin and a common destiny. All human beings have a common origin and a common Creator. ...

http://www.readingislam.com/servlet/Satellite?c=Article_C&cid=1219185312816&pagename=Zone-English-Discover_Islam%2FDIELayout

Cordoba · Apr 18, 2009

[FONT=Arial,Geneva,Verdana,Sans-Serif]Are Humans Superior to Angels? [/FONT]

Q: I have a Brazilian friend. She is reading about Islam and when she has a problem she asks me to sort it out. Yesterday she asked me this question and I couldn't find an answer; and I hope you can answer it. The question is: why are we superior to others, like angels?

A: Angels are a high order of God's creation, no doubt. They were created for the performance of specific tasks Allah the Almighty wants them to undertake. We may say that they were 'programmed' (to use a modern term) to obey God, and never to disobey. They are no free beings who can make choices: they have no freedom of will.

But humans are created with freedom of choice, though within limits ....

http://www.readingislam.com/servlet/Satellite?cid=1236509050450&pagename=IslamOnline-English-AAbout_Islam%2FAskAboutIslamE%2FAskAboutIslamE

Cordoba · Apr 19, 2009

[FONT=Arial,Geneva,Verdana,Sans-Serif]Distraction During Prayer

What can distract you while performing your prayers? How can you overcome the whispers of Satan while praying? What are the tips you need to know so that you don't distract the attention of the person praying next to you?

Watch Baba Ali's short video on the random distractions during prayers and how to overcome them

http://www.readingislam.com/servlet/Satellite?c=Article_C&cid=1237706241769&pagename=Zone-English-Discover_Islam%2FDIELayout

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