Discover Islam ...

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

God guided humankind with the ability to think, ponder and contemplate, as well as the ability to discern, compare, deduce, judge, store and retrieve memory and information.

Humankind was given the ability to build up knowledge based on personal experiences as well as on the experience of others, the ability to learn, develop language and record ideas. In addition, humankind has the power of expression and communication, as well as the ability to teach and make judgment ....

This gift, the faculty of thinking, is glorified and protected in Islam. Anything that may remove the role of the brain is either prohibited or at least abhorred. Some examples of canceling the role of the brain include intoxicants and brain tampering substances, coercion and all forms of compulsion at personal or social levels, superstition, black magic, and addictive games like gambling

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[FONT=Arial,Geneva,Verdana,Sans-Serif]Love for God in Islam - The Highest Attribute of Spiritual Attainment [/FONT]

[FONT=Verdana,arial]In Islam fear of God, obedience to God and sacrificing for God's cause are stages (that should be maintained) on the spiritual path to something better; love for God.[/FONT]

[FONT=Verdana,arial]There are many reasons people become Muslim. Among those reasons are feelings of the need to be a part of something better than what they have, believing that Islam holds more truth than other beliefs, or rejecting something once believed. Attributes that are obtained by the Muslim are fear of God, and love for God. The last being the highest reason to worship. Yet obtaining Love for God is a process. It is something to be achieved. One does not simply wake up loving God. But once love of God is had it is like no other type of love that has been experienced.[/FONT]

[FONT=Verdana,arial]Those Who Love God[/FONT]

[FONT=Verdana,arial]Love of God causes one to enjoy life more fully. It causes the Muslim to realize that God is the only non-changing reality. He is the Sure Reality and Truth (al-haqq). ....[/FONT]

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[FONT=Arial,Geneva,Verdana,Sans-Serif]The Seal of Prophets [/FONT]

Muslims believe that prophets guided people, through personal conduct and the heavenly religions and scriptures they conveyed, to develop their inborn capacities and directed them toward the purpose of their creation.

Had it not been for them, humanity (the fruit of the tree of creation) would have been left to decay. As humanity needs social justice as much as it needs private inner peace, prophets taught the laws of life and established the rules for a perfect social life based on justice.

Whenever people fell into darkness after a prophet, God sent another one to enlighten them again. This continued until the coming of the final Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him).

The reason for sending Prophets Moses and Jesus (peace be upon them) required that the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) should be sent. According to Islam, as his message was for everyone, regardless of time or place, prophethood ended with him.

Due to certain sociological and historical facts, which require a lengthy explanation, Prophet Muhammad was sent to all worlds as "a mercy for all worlds." For this reason, Muslims believe in all of the prophets and make no distinction among them

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[FONT=Arial,Geneva,Verdana,Sans-Serif]How can new Muslims understand the Quran?[/FONT]

It is indeed very important for both new Muslims and Muslim-enthusiasts to get a better understanding of the message of the Quran. This helps new Muslims to relate to their new faith, and Muslim-enthusiasts to get a better first hand idea of the basic concepts of Islam as a universal message and a balanced way of life.

To do this, here are some general guidelines, and please feel free to write again and give us your impressions and feedback:

1- Find a good translation in a language you understand well. For English speakers, I recommend Professor Mohamed Abdel Halim's Modern English Translation, published by Oxford University Press.

Always bear in mind that reading the Quran in any other language than its original Arabic is only an explanation of the meaning and not the exact text, simply because it is impossible to reproduce the same literary experience in any other language

2- Listen to a recitation of the Quran from an experienced reciter, even if you do not understand. It is important to get the feeling of the original text, and it is mesmerizing to hear its unusual music. If this is your first encounter with the Quran, plan two consecutive readings: a first quick and general reading to get the big ideas, then a second more thorough reading to delve deeper and get a much closer look.

3- Start your first reading with a neutral frame of mind. Approaching the Quran with a pre-conceived perception will only slow your progress and color your understanding of its true message, resulting in a confused impression. Consult your own open heart and mind in the first reading, and not other people's opinions, whether from classical books or from the mainstream media.

The Quran reaches straight into your soul if you let it, so please allow yourself the experience. Dr. Mohamed Enani writes: "The Quran speaks the language of the human heart wherever humans are found and whatever the age they live in; it is a universal language rooted deep in human's natural constitution". (Mahmoud XVII)

4- Don't be afraid to question or even challenge what you read. The Quran actually invites the reader to do just that, as long as you diligently and earnestly try to find the answers, because in the process, you end up re-discovering yourself.

This rewarding journey of mental and spiritual growth is described in the works of many prominent western Muslims such as American professor of mathematics Jeffrey Lang, who was challenging the Quran as a fierce atheist, yet couldn't help but surrender to it eventually. He writes of his first reading:

You cannot simply read the Quran, not if you take it seriously. You either have surrendered to it already or you fight it. It attacks tenaciously, directly, personally; it debates, criticizes, shames, and challenges. From the outset it draws the line of battle, and I was on the other side. I was at a severe disadvantage, for it became clear that the Author knew me better than I knew myself. The Quran was always way ahead of my thinking; it was erasing barriers I had built years ago and was addressing my queries. (9)

5- Allow yourself time to contemplate. Don't read the Quran like you read the newspaper, rather, read it as a direct message from God Himself to you in particular. When you read verses where God talks to the reader in the first person, stop and let the message sink in. Then think of yourself and your life in relation to this divine communication. Think of how you could put it to good use to adjust your convictions and behavior.

When you read stories about previous nations, find contemporary parallels and try to draw the lessons. When you read about God's magnificent creations, think of educating yourself about nature and showing gratitude to Him through respecting life and natural resources.

Think of the Quran as a dialogue or a conversation rather than a one-way communication of do's and don'ts. Be brave enough to provide the honest answers to the questions your heart and mind will throw at you while you read.

6- In parallel with your in-depth reading; get additional insights from trusted sources about the Quranic message from different perspectives: scientific, sociological, behavioral, regulatory, and so on, in addition to reading about the historic context in which it was revealed, including the biography of the man who transmitted it to us, Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). .........

7- Do not overrule the possibility of reading the Quran in its original language one day by learning Arabic, and the science of the correct recitation of the Quran, called tajweed. ........

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[FONT=Arial,Geneva,Verdana,Sans-Serif]Sunshine Follows the Rain
[FONT=Arial,Geneva,Verdana,Sans-Serif]Lessons from Al-Isra and Al-Miraj[/FONT]
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Very often in life we go through periods of trial or great sadness, only to look back on them later and see that they were followed by great happiness or periods of growth. There is a saying in English that "sunshine follows the rain".

In the tenth year after the first revelation of the Quran, Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) suffered greatly. First of all, his uncle Abu Talib died. He had loved the Prophet dearly and had protected him from the attacks and the ridicule of the Quraish. To Muhammad, it was a very severe blow.

Then another tragedy followed. His beloved wife, Khadijah, the mother of his children and his friend and companion who had supported him with love and care as Islam grew and spread, died. Muhammad was grief stricken at such a loss.

It was after both of these events that Allah Almighty granted His Prophet an extraordinary favor. Out of the darkness of loss, he was given a great joy and a great confirmation of his role as Messenger

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[FONT=Arial,Geneva,Verdana,Sans-Serif]Umar bin al-Khattab: Unable to Deny the Truth [/FONT]

Few historical Islamic personalities move the hearts of Muslims today like `Umar bin al-Khattab, the intimate Companion of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) and the second Caliph of Islam. While the story of his conversion is well-known to many Muslims who have read about it even as children, it nevertheless remains a valuable reminder of the power of the Islamic call to change the hearts of even its most bitter opponents. The following account is the first installment of My Journey to Islam’s historical personalities section:

`Umar bin al-Khattab's Journey to Islam

`Umar bin al-Khattab (may Allah be well pleased with him), of whom all the Muslims are justly proud, was most adamant in opposing the Prophet (peace be upon him) and very prominent in persecuting the Muslims before he embraced Islam. ..............


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[FONT=Arial,Geneva,Verdana,Sans-Serif]No compulsion in way of life[/FONT]
[FONT=Arial,Geneva,Verdana,Sans-Serif][/FONT]
[FONT=Arial,Geneva,Verdana,Sans-Serif]"There shall be no compulsion in religion: Truth has become distinct from error, and whoever rejects false deities and believes in Allah has grasped the most trustworthy handhold, which never breaks. And Allah is Hearing, Knowing." (The Qur'an, 2:256)[/FONT]

[FONT=Arial,Geneva,Verdana,Sans-Serif]The placement of this verse in the Quran remarkable. It immediately follows Ayatul Kursi, which is the most read, most widely memorized, and most prolifically displayed verse in the Quran. So, this statement regarding compulsion is imbedded within potent statements on creed. It may be the only verse of its kind, but clearly Allah intended it to be well known... and therefore well understood. The only published explanations of this verse that I can find are concerned entirely with prohibiting forced conversion. This is a reaction formation to attacks against Islam regarding how it spread historically. It is not an actionable interpretation by Muslims for Muslims. They do not discuss the implications of prohibiting coercion in other matters. So, I've done a little processing and I'd like to decompress the issue as I see it.[/FONT]

[FONT=Arial,Geneva,Verdana,Sans-Serif]Allah is not careless with words. This sentence is only four words. La Ikrah fi deen. "No compulsion in religion." Every scholar I've ever heard discuss the word deen says that "religion" is a poor translation, and that deen is a complete and comprehensive way of life. Why would Allah use a word that means a complete way of life to describe a truth that only applies to a very specific instance? [/FONT]

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[FONT=Arial,Geneva,Verdana,Sans-Serif]Parents: Your Gate to God's Mercy [/FONT]

[FONT=Arial,Geneva,Verdana,Sans-Serif]Islam teaches that respect of parents is a primary and sacred obligation. If you do not respect your parents, you are disobeying God Almighty. Those who treat their parents badly eventually are treated badly by others.[/FONT]


[FONT=Arial,Geneva,Verdana,Sans-Serif]From the very moment of conception, a growing and developing child is a care and responsibility for its parents. One cannot estimate the depth of attachment and compassion parents feel for their children, or calculate the troubles and hardships they endure because of them. For this reason, respecting parents is a debt of human gratitude as well as a religious obligation.[/FONT]

[FONT=Arial,Geneva,Verdana,Sans-Serif]Those who value their parents and regard them as a means to obtain God's mercy are the most prosperous in both worlds. Those who regard their parents' existence as a burden, or who become weary of them, inevitably suffer the most severe hardship in life.[/FONT]

[FONT=Arial,Geneva,Verdana,Sans-Serif]The more you respect your parents, the greater the respect and awe you feel before your Creator. If you do not feel and show respect to your parents, this means that you feel no fear, awe, or respect toward God. Yet, it is a curious thing today that both those who disrespect God as well as those who claim they love God, disobey their parents. ............[/FONT]

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[FONT=Arial,Geneva,Verdana,Sans-Serif]What are the Virtues of the Islamic Faith?[/FONT]

[FONT=Arial,Geneva,Verdana,Sans-Serif]The first and foremost quality of Islam is that it is fully compatible with the nature of humanity and its mission in this world because it is God-given.[/FONT]

[FONT=Arial,Geneva,Verdana,Sans-Serif]That is to say, the way of life outlined by Islam is natural, and it is based on principles laid down in what Muslims believe to be the final testament of God, namely the Quran. [/FONT]

[FONT=Arial,Geneva,Verdana,Sans-Serif]Islam teaches that God is One. Therefore the set of laws governing the universe is one. The oneness of the Creator, also, means that everything — whether living or non-living — is God's creation. So they are bound to function in accordance with the nature assigned to them by God.[/FONT]

[FONT=Arial,Geneva,Verdana,Sans-Serif]Of all the creation of God, only humans are given a certain amount of freedom of will and choice; the corollary of which is that they have a degree of responsibility proportionate to the freedom they enjoy.[/FONT]

[FONT=Arial,Geneva,Verdana,Sans-Serif]God has given humans not only freedom, but also capabilities to use that freedom. In the Quran, which Muslims believe is God's word, God the Almighty says that He has appointed humans as His vicegerent (khalifah) on earth. This means that humans are answerable before God for their willful choices and actions.[/FONT]

[FONT=Arial,Geneva,Verdana,Sans-Serif]Islam also teaches that God is All-Merciful; and out of His infinite mercy He has sent prophets with His guidance to help mankind along the straight path. The prophets were humans and appointed to this world from the very beginning of humanity on earth.[/FONT]

[FONT=Arial,Geneva,Verdana,Sans-Serif]They came to mankind at different stages in history and they were all models to be followed by their people. And finally, when the time was ripe, God sent His final prophet with His final testament, who completed the Divine guidance as well as the divinely revealed religion of God, namely Islam.[/FONT]

[FONT=Arial,Geneva,Verdana,Sans-Serif]The foregoing means that Islam was the religion of all the prophets from the first to the last. In other words, according to the teachings of Islam, God is one, the universe is one, mankind is one and the religion of mankind also is one.[/FONT]

[FONT=Arial,Geneva,Verdana,Sans-Serif]This creed of Islam provides its faithful followers (i.e. the Muslims) a strong philosophical foundation for unity of vision. Indeed Muslims are bound by their faith to respect and honor all the prophets of God including Abraham, Moses and Jesus (peace be upon them all). .............[/FONT]

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[FONT=Arial,Geneva,Verdana,Sans-Serif]Longing of the Restless Heart[/FONT]

[FONT=Arial,Geneva,Verdana,Sans-Serif]In this article two images will be shown to you of the human being who, of all people, had the purest heart. He is Allah's Prophet and Messenger Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him). Let us ponder these two images and draw lessons from them.[/FONT]

[FONT=Arial,Geneva,Verdana,Sans-Serif]First Image: Tearful Eyes[/FONT]
[FONT=Arial,Geneva,Verdana,Sans-Serif]The first picture has been preserved for us by `Abdullah ibn Mas`ud. He narrated, "Allah's Messenger said to me, 'Recite (of the Qur'an) for me.' I said, 'Shall I recite it to you although it had been revealed to you?' He said, 'I like to hear it (the Qur'an) from others.' So, I recited Surat An-Nisaa' till I reached (How will it be, then, when We bring from every people a witness and bring you [O Muhammad] as a witness against these?) (An-Nisaa' 4:41). [/FONT]

[FONT=Arial,Geneva,Verdana,Sans-Serif]He then said, 'Stop! Recite no more.' So, I turned to him, [only to see] his eyes flowing with tears." (Al-Bukhari and Muslim)[/FONT]


[FONT=Arial,Geneva,Verdana,Sans-Serif]Look at this picture with attention. What could be that great responsibility, the appreciation of which melted the heart and brought tears to the eyes? It is the obligation to stand witness to the Truth before the slaves of Allah. It is the responsibility of da`wah (Arabic for: calling people to Islam). Indeed, it is due to the deep sense of accountability.[/FONT]

[FONT=Arial,Geneva,Verdana,Sans-Serif]One day, Almighty Allah will question the extent to which this duty was performed. What would be the reply? Look at the love Prophet Muhammad had for his Lord. .................[/FONT]

[FONT=Arial,Geneva,Verdana,Sans-Serif]Second Image: Tender and Tormented Heart[/FONT]
[FONT=Arial,Geneva,Verdana,Sans-Serif]Let's take a look at the second picture. It was not drawn by any mortal human being — it was rather drawn by Him Who is the Creator and Maker of Perfect Harmony. The entire universe speaks of the excellence and perfection of His art. He, the Almighty, says:[/FONT]

[FONT=Arial,Geneva,Verdana,Sans-Serif](It may be that you torment yourself (O Muhammad) because they do not believe.) (Ash-Shu`araa' [/FONT][FONT=Arial,Geneva,Verdana,Sans-Serif]26:3)

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[FONT=Arial,Geneva,Verdana,Sans-Serif]The statement is brief, but the picture is complete and comprehensive. Only a few words reflect a myriad of colors; the picture has several features that stir the heart. One aspect is the Prophet's faith in his own truthfulness — a faith that one has in the existence of the sun in a bright, sunny morning.[/FONT]

[FONT=Arial,Geneva,Verdana,Sans-Serif]His faith was confronted by repeated denials and rejection from the disbelievers. What would be the mental condition of a person who, pointing to the shining sun, declares that it is daytime and people refuse to believe him? .............[/FONT]

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[FONT=Arial,Geneva,Verdana,Sans-Serif]Prayers… Surrendering to God[/FONT]
[FONT=Arial,Geneva,Verdana,Sans-Serif][/FONT]
[FONT=Arial,Geneva,Verdana,Sans-Serif]Q: I am newly-converted muslim (christian before). How do I surrender myself to Allah, knowing that I do not know have to pray ....[/FONT]
[FONT=Arial,Geneva,Verdana,Sans-Serif][/FONT]
[FONT=Arial,Geneva,Verdana,Sans-Serif]A: May Allah Almighty shower you with His choicest blessings and make the path easy for you as you take your first steps as a Muslim.[/FONT]
[FONT=Arial,Geneva,Verdana,Sans-Serif]In fact, this theme of taking things slowly and taking small steps is a very important one. It is true in life that we cannot run until we know how to walk. In the same way, in accepting Islam as your religion and way of life, you must learn the basics before going on to more difficult things.[/FONT]

[FONT=Arial,Geneva,Verdana,Sans-Serif]In the Noble Quran, Allah Almighty tells us:
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[FONT=Arial,Geneva,Verdana,Sans-Serif]*{This day have I perfected your religion for you, completed My favor on you and chosen for you Islam as your religion.}* (Al-Ma'idah 5:3)[/FONT]

[FONT=Arial,Geneva,Verdana,Sans-Serif]If He has called you to be Muslim, He will surely provide you with all the means necessary to live as a Muslim should. You should never fear that you will be left on your own, or that it is only up to you to learn everything about Islam.[/FONT]

[FONT=Arial,Geneva,Verdana,Sans-Serif]In fact, all Muslims now have the duty to help you along the way. It is your right to expect help from them.[/FONT]

[FONT=Arial,Geneva,Verdana,Sans-Serif]You ask about surrendering to Allah. The word "Islam" comes from an Arabic root word that means both "submission" and "peace." A Muslim is someone who submits to Allah in all things. This does not just mean fulfilling religious duties, or performing set prayers, but also means to do Allah's Will in all things.[/FONT]

[FONT=Arial,Geneva,Verdana,Sans-Serif]It means that as Muslims, we do not make any distinction between religion and life. We do not leave the commands of Allah behind us in the mosque when we put on our shoes and go out into the street. Islam touches upon every aspect of Muslim's life.[/FONT]

[FONT=Arial,Geneva,Verdana,Sans-Serif]This is why Islam is so beautiful; and also why it is so simple. Islam can be summed up in just a few words: Muslims believe that there is a God and we believe that this God has spoken to His creation throughout history, last of all through our beloved Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). ..........

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[FONT=Arial,Geneva,Verdana,Sans-Serif]"In the Name of Allah": Any Significance?[/FONT]
[FONT=Arial,Geneva,Verdana,Sans-Serif][/FONT]
[FONT=Arial,Geneva,Verdana,Sans-Serif]Q: [FONT=Arial,Geneva,Verdana,Sans-Serif]I am a non-Muslim and I am reading about your religion. I read that the formula that Muslims use before they start anything includes two important names of the Muslims' God. I am asking about the significance of this formula and why these names are mentioned[/FONT][/FONT]

[FONT=Arial,Geneva,Verdana,Sans-Serif][FONT=Arial,Geneva,Verdana,Sans-Serif]A: ... "in the name of Allah, the Most Merciful, the Most Beneficent".[/FONT]

[FONT=Arial,Geneva,Verdana,Sans-Serif]When a Muslim says the basmalah upon embarking on any work, he or she means: I start by and with the name of God, in quest of His help, blessings, and guidance.[/FONT]

[FONT=Arial,Geneva,Verdana,Sans-Serif]Also Muslims believe that, beginning with this statement, if done with sincerity and conscientious awareness, will not only serve to invoke the blessings and help of God, but will also act as a reminder for the one saying it that this act he or she is commencing must conform to the Divine will and His cause of justice and mercy. .........[/FONT]

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[FONT=Arial,Geneva,Verdana,Sans-Serif]Why is The Qur'an So Important for Muslims?[/FONT]

[FONT=Arial,Geneva,Verdana,Sans-Serif]The overarching importance of the noble Quran, which Muslims believe is the word of God (Allah in Arabic), is underscored in Islam owing to a number of factors such as the following:[/FONT]

[FONT=Arial,Geneva,Verdana,Sans-Serif]1. The Quran is, according to Islam, the last of the revealed scriptures of God. It clearly teaches that all the previous scriptures have been revealed by God Almighty to His prophets, though they were not preserved intact over time. Only the noble Quran has been protected from addition, deletion, or interpolation. That is why Muslims believe that today, only the noble Quran is authentic as the word of God. ....[/FONT]

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

"If God wills" or "God willing" are common phrases Muslims use regularly and quite frequently in their daily conversations.

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.

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.

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

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[FONT=Arial,Geneva,Verdana,Sans-Serif]What did the Prophet say about racism [/FONT]

[FONT=Arial,Geneva,Verdana,Sans-Serif]Islamic tradition known as Hadith states that in his final sermon the Prophet Muhammad, Allah's Blessings and Peace be upon him, said:[/FONT]

[FONT=Arial,Geneva,Verdana,Sans-Serif]"There is no superiority for an Arab over a non-Arab, nor for a non-Arab over an Arab. [/FONT]

[FONT=Arial,Geneva,Verdana,Sans-Serif]Neither is the white superior over the black, nor is the black superior over the white -- except by piety."[/FONT]

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[FONT=Arial,Geneva,Verdana,Sans-Serif]Morals of Fasting [/FONT]

[FONT=Arial,Geneva,Verdana,Sans-Serif]For Muslims, the lunar month of Ramadan is an annual training period for an examination wherein all the perceptual organs of the body are disciplined, those organs given to us by God as a trust with a view for us to become His vicegerent on Earth. [/FONT]

[FONT=Arial,Geneva,Verdana,Sans-Serif]Fasting provides an opportunity to fine-tune the body, to develop qualities of endurance, to control anger, a hot temper and a malicious tongue.[/FONT]
[FONT=Arial,Geneva,Verdana,Sans-Serif]The fasting person should avoid such actions that might arouse passion in oneself or in others such as casting lustful eyes at a woman, and abstain from thinking of carnal thoughts and fantasizing pleasures incompatible with the spiritual regimen. .........[/FONT]

[FONT=Arial,Geneva,Verdana,Sans-Serif]One of the objectives of fasting is to bring unruly passions under control. One who can rule his desires and make them work as he likes, has attained true moral excellence.[/FONT]

[FONT=Arial,Geneva,Verdana,Sans-Serif]God puts our faith to a severe test for one moth for many long hours a day with strict non-indulgence in physical gratifications.[/FONT]

[FONT=Arial,Geneva,Verdana,Sans-Serif]Muslims believe that if they succeed in this test, more strength develops in them to refrain from other sins and the brain responds by sending frequent signals to protect themselves by rejecting evil immediately.[/FONT]

[FONT=Arial,Geneva,Verdana,Sans-Serif]From a moral point of view, during fasting one becomes more sympathetic and tolerant towards those in needy circumstances .........[/FONT]

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[FONT=Arial,Geneva,Verdana,Sans-Serif]Prayer: The Key to Good Life [/FONT]

[FONT=Arial,Geneva,Verdana,Sans-Serif]Performing the prayer is a command of Allah. It is the most important pillar of Islam. It distinguishes between the believers and non-believers. Prayer is not an option; it is obligatory. It is not once or few times a week. But, it must be performed five times a day. All prophets of Almighty Allah merely told their people to pray; Islam, however, made it a very essential part of religion[/FONT]

[FONT=Arial,Geneva,Verdana,Sans-Serif]The sincere and devoted prayer helps a person to enter the Paradise, and it is the key to everything good. In fact, the benefits of prayer are numerous, both in this world and the Hereafter; its benefits are spiritual, moral, physical, individual, and social. [/FONT]

[FONT=Arial,Geneva,Verdana,Sans-Serif]Prayer is our link, our bond, and our communication with Allah. If you love Allah and want Him to love you, know that the prayer is the means to that. Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) said, "The source of my delight is the prayer" (authenticated by Al-Albani). He used to ask Bilal (may Allah be pleased with him) to give the Adhan for the prayer thus: "Give us comfort by it, O Bilal." [/FONT]

[FONT=Arial,Geneva,Verdana,Sans-Serif]He used to spend a long time in his nightly prayers. Sometimes, he used to offer prayer for one-third of the night and sometimes for half of the night, or even more than that. He used to find great comfort and joy in this heart-refining act of worship. ..........[/FONT]

Prayer: The Key to Good Life - IslamOnline.net - Living Sharia'h

 

[Cordoba]

[FONT=Arial,Geneva,Verdana,Sans-Serif]Ramadan is Approaching*[/FONT]

[FONT=Arial,Geneva,Verdana,Sans-Serif]Ramadan focuses our sincerity to God, for it is centered around fasting, the one act of worship it is impossible to "show off" with before other human beings, for at the end of the day, God alone knows if we are truly fasting. Ramadan, if we allow it to do so, focuses our spiritual energies by reintroducing the great blessing of the Qur'an into our lives. [/FONT]

[FONT=Arial,Geneva,Verdana,Sans-Serif]Finally, Ramadan focuses our attention on the centrality of charity in our lives, by encouraging us to greater levels and acts of charity during this time, a time when our beloved Prophet, peace and blessings of God upon him, the most generous of all people ordinarily, was excessively generous. ........[/FONT]

IslamiCity.com - Ramadan is Approaching

 

[Cordoba]

[FONT=Arial,Geneva,Verdana,Sans-Serif]Fasting in Islam: The Ultimate Worship [/FONT]

Fasting Ramadan, which is the fourth of these pillars, has a particularly high importance, derived from its very personal nature as an act of worship. Although in a Muslim country it is extremely difficult for anyone to defy public feelings by showing that one is not fasting, there is nothing to stop anyone from privately violating God's commandment of fasting if one chooses to do so.

This means that although fasting is obligatory, its observance is purely voluntary. The fact is that fasting cannot be used by a hypocrite in order to persuade others of one's devotion to God. If a person claims to be a Muslim, he or she is expected to fast in Ramadan.

"Proper" Fasting

This explains why the reward God gives for proper fasting is so generous. In ahadith qudsi (divine hadith), the Prophet quotes God as saying: "All actions done by a human being are his own except fasting, which belongs to Me and I reward it accordingly." (Al-Bukhari) .............


Fasting in Islam: The Ultimate Worship - Reading Islam.com

 

[Cordoba]

[FONT=Arial,Geneva,Verdana,Sans-Serif]Original Virtue not Original Sin[/FONT]

[FONT=Arial,Geneva,Verdana,Sans-Serif]The Islamic concept of Fitra is that God has engraved upon the human soul an inborn tendency toward goodness, and a primordial sense in monotheism. That all human beings are born in a natural state of spiritual purity. [/FONT]

[FONT=Arial,Geneva,Verdana,Sans-Serif]This position apposes both the [/FONT][FONT=Arial,Geneva,Verdana,Sans-Serif]Doctrine of Original Sin[/FONT][FONT=Arial,Geneva,Verdana,Sans-Serif] proposed by Christian theology, and the [/FONT][FONT=Arial,Geneva,Verdana,Sans-Serif]Tabula Rasa[/FONT][FONT=Arial,Geneva,Verdana,Sans-Serif] proposed by the philosophers.[/FONT]

IslamiCity.com - Original Virtue not Original Sin