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[Cordoba]

[FONT=Arial,Geneva,Verdana,Sans-Serif]Abandoning Worldly Comforts [/FONT]

[FONT=Arial,Geneva,Verdana,Sans-Serif]Fasting in the month of Ramadan is one of the Pillars of Islam, and thus one of the most important acts of worship. By fasting — whether during Ramadan or other times — a Muslim draws closer to his Lord by abandoning the things he enjoys, such as food, drink and sexual intercourse. This makes the sincerity of his faith and his devotion to Allah (God) all the more evident. The believer knows that Allah will love him when he is ready to abandon worldly comforts for Allah’s sake. [/FONT]

[FONT=Arial,Geneva,Verdana,Sans-Serif]Allah tells us in the Qur’an that fasting was prescribed for those before us (i.e., the Jews and Christians) and that by fasting we gain taqwa, which can be called the care taken by a person to do everything Allah has commanded and to keep away from everything He has forbidden. Fasting helps prevent many sins and is a shield with which the Muslim protects himself from Hell-fire. [/FONT]

[FONT=Arial,Geneva,Verdana,Sans-Serif]Fasting is more than abstaining from food and drink. It also means to abstain from any falsehood in speech and action, from any ignorant and indecent speech, and from arguing and fighting. Therefore, fasting helps to develop good behavior. [/FONT]

[FONT=Arial,Geneva,Verdana,Sans-Serif]Fasting also inculcates a sense of brotherhood and solidarity, as a Muslim feels and experiences what his needy and hungry brothers feel. Moreover, Ramadan is a month of giving charity and sharing meals to break the fast together. [/FONT]

[FONT=Arial,Geneva,Verdana,Sans-Serif]A Muslim is encouraged to read the entire Qur’an during Ramadan and to perform extra salah (ritual Prayers) at night. Thus Ramadan becomes a blessed month of physical and spiritual renewal through fasting and worship[/FONT]

Abandoning Worldly Comforts - Reading Islam.com

 

[Cordoba]

[FONT=Arial,Geneva,Verdana,Sans-Serif]The Prophet’s Patience [/FONT]

[FONT=Arial,Geneva,Verdana,Sans-Serif]Throughout the period of his mission, Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) experienced all manners of difficulty. Deniers and polytheists from among his own people insulted him most terribly, even calling him a magician or a madman. Others wanted to kill him and even schemed to do so. Despite all that, the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) tried to teach people of all backgrounds and cultures about the Qur’an, and therefore about proper morality and good behavior. [/FONT]

[FONT=Arial,Geneva,Verdana,Sans-Serif]As Allah revealed in the verses of the Qur’an, some people had not the slightest idea of the basics of good manners, for which reason it never entered their minds that they might appall someone who possessed superior morality. The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) displayed the greatest patience in these circumstances, turning to Allah and asking for His help in all situations and encouraging the believers toward patience and submission.[/FONT]

[FONT=Arial,Geneva,Verdana,Sans-Serif]In many verses in the Qur’an, Allah advises the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) to be patient despite the words of unbelievers:[/FONT]

[FONT=Arial,Geneva,Verdana,Sans-Serif][So be patient in the face of what they say and glorify your Lord with praise before the rising of the sun and before it sets.] (Qaf 50: 39)[/FONT]
[FONT=Arial,Geneva,Verdana,Sans-Serif][Do not be grieved by what they say. All might belongs to Allah. He is the All-Hearing, the All-Knowing.] (Yunus 10:65)[/FONT]
[FONT=Arial,Geneva,Verdana,Sans-Serif][/FONT]
[FONT=Arial,Geneva,Verdana,Sans-Serif][We know that your breast is constricted by what they say.] (Al-Hijr 15:97)[/FONT]

[FONT=Arial,Geneva,Verdana,Sans-Serif][Perhaps you are leaving aside part of what has been revealed to you and your breast is constricted by this because they say, “Why has treasure not been sent down to him or an angel not accompanied him?” You are only a warner and Allah is Guardian over all things.] (Hud 11:12)[/FONT]
​

[FONT=Arial,Geneva,Verdana,Sans-Serif]Believers must remember the kind of things Allah’s Messenger (peace and blessings be upon him) was patient for, and take him as a model when dealing with their own difficulties. Those who despair at the slightest problem, who are unable to bear the smallest objection, who stop preaching the religion of Allah, or who lose hope when their business dealings go wrong, must be aware that such behavior is incompatible with Allah’s holy book and the sayings and deeds of the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him). Believers must always be patient, take Allah as their helper and give thanks to Him, adopt the superior morality of the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him), and hope for the mercy, compassion and Paradise of our Lord ..........[/FONT]

http://www.islamonline.net/servlet/Satellite?c=Article_C&cid=1158658460908&pagename=Zone-English-Living_Shariah%2FLSELayout

 

[Cordoba]

[FONT=Arial,Geneva,Verdana,Sans-Serif]The Fasting of Ramadan: A Time for Thought, Action, and Change![/FONT]

[FONT=Arial,Geneva,Verdana,Sans-Serif]"Fasting in Ramadan develops in a person the real spirit of social belonging, of unity and brotherhood, and of equality before God. [/FONT]

[FONT=Arial,Geneva,Verdana,Sans-Serif]This spirit is the natural product of the fact that when people fast they feel that they are joining the whole Muslim society (which makes up more than one fifth of world's population) in observing the same duty, in the same manner, at the same time, for the same motives, and for the same end. No sociologist or historian can say that there has been at any period of history anything comparable to this powerful institution of Islam: Fasting in the month of Ramadan. [/FONT]

IslamiCity.com - The Fasting of Ramadan: A Time for Thought, Action, and Change!

 

[Cordoba]

The Prophet in Ramadan

Muslim Reflections

[FONT=Arial,Geneva,Verdana,Sans-Serif]Into the hearts of his followers, the Prophet instilled the love and fear of God and love for humanity. His example was inspiring and irresistible; and each of them became eager to be his closest follower.[/FONT]
[FONT=Arial,Geneva,Verdana,Sans-Serif]To them he was the sincerest and the most cordial of leaders. And his life was open before them like a book; they could see him practicing most closely in his own life what he was preaching.[/FONT]
[FONT=Arial,Geneva,Verdana,Sans-Serif]Letting the Spirit Reign Supreme[/FONT]

[FONT=Arial,Geneva,Verdana,Sans-Serif]The Prophet demonstrated to his people how this world is less important than the next, and how the body is less important than the soul. In fasting, the Prophet taught them step by step how to ignore the physical demands so that the spirit reigns supreme. [/FONT]

[FONT=Arial,Geneva,Verdana,Sans-Serif]Abandoning food, drink, and sex was only a prelude to the next stage of greater significance: of conquering avidity and cupidity, lust and licentiousness; of liberating one's mind from flights of passion and fits of temper. Indeed the Prophet said:
[FONT=Arial,Geneva,Verdana,Sans-Serif][/FONT]
[FONT=Arial,Geneva,Verdana,Sans-Serif]"The strong person is not the one who can wrestle someone else down. The strong person is the one who can control himself when he is angry." (Bukhari) [/FONT]
[FONT=Arial,Geneva,Verdana,Sans-Serif][/FONT]
[FONT=Arial,Geneva,Verdana,Sans-Serif]Also about the effect of fasting on one's behavior, the Prophet said, "Fasting is a shield, so the one who fasts should avoid obscene speech and ignorant behaviour. If someone abuses him or starts to fight with him, he should reply by saying: 'I am fasting. I am fasting'." (Bukhari)[/FONT]
[FONT=Arial,Geneva,Verdana,Sans-Serif][/FONT]
[FONT=Arial,Geneva,Verdana,Sans-Serif]The core of fasting according to the Prophet was one's willingness not merely to give up self-indulgence, but to feel the need of one's brother as one's own. And no one was more kind-hearted and generous than the Messenger of God; and his generosity reached its peak in Ramadan. (Bukhari)[/FONT]

The Prophet in Ramadan - Reading Islam.com

[/FONT]

 

[Cordoba]

[FONT=Arial,Geneva,Verdana,Sans-Serif]Islam Teaches Us to be Forgiving and Pardoning [/FONT]​

[FONT=Arial,Geneva,Verdana,Sans-Serif]Q: My question is: How does Islam view the concept of forgiveness? For there are some people who are so stonehearted to the extent of finding it difficult to forgive others. [/FONT]​

[FONT=Arial,Geneva,Verdana,Sans-Serif]A: “Allah Almighty has granted intellect to human beings. The intellect entails responsibility. The more intellect a person has the more he/she is responsible. When the intellect is missing, the responsibility is also not there. Little children are not held responsible, because their intellect has not yet developed. The insane are not responsible, because they have lost the intellectual capacity. [/FONT]​

[FONT=Arial,Geneva,Verdana,Sans-Serif]However, part of our being human is also that we make mistakes. Sometime, we make mistakes without deliberation and intention. But sometime we knowingly and deliberately sin and do wrong to others. It is said, “to err is human and to forgive is divine.” Both parts of this statement are very true. [/FONT]
[FONT=Arial,Geneva,Verdana,Sans-Serif][/FONT]
[FONT=Arial,Geneva,Verdana,Sans-Serif]As human beings we are responsible, but we do also make mistakes and we are constantly in need of forgiveness. Islam speaks about two aspects of forgiveness: a) Allah’s forgiveness; b) Human forgiveness. We need both, because we do wrong in our relations to Allah as well as in our relations to each other .......[/FONT]​

Islam Teaches Us to be Forgiving and Pardoning - IslamonLine.net - Ask The Scholar

 

[Cordoba]

[FONT=Arial,Geneva,Verdana,Sans-Serif]Significance of Bismillah[/FONT]

[FONT=Arial,Geneva,Verdana,Sans-Serif]Of the many good practices instituted by Islam is that a person should begin all their activities in the Name of Allah. [/FONT]

[FONT=Arial,Geneva,Verdana,Sans-Serif]Remembering Allah before starting any act is an admission on the part of the individual that everything is the creation of Allah and that whatever activity or skill is to be exercised, has been granted by Allah; thus developing a degree of proprietal consciousness and a sense of gratitude to the Creator. [/FONT]

[FONT=Arial,Geneva,Verdana,Sans-Serif]If the basmalah is thus consciously applied it could restrain wrongful conduct; since one in his right mind would not pronounce the Name of Allah and then commit evil, in-decency or wrongful acts. In this way, illegitimate activity would be avoided, thus ensuring that the initiation of deeds and the doer's mental orientation are good .......[/FONT]

IslamiCity.com - Significance of Bismillah

 

[Cordoba]

[FONT=Arial,Geneva,Verdana,Sans-Serif]Deserting Sins: Obstacles and Opportunities [/FONT]

[FONT=Arial,Geneva,Verdana,Sans-Serif]Islam teaches that Almighty Allah does not leave humans helpless in the constant struggle between the forces of good and those of evil; rather, He guides them through His books and Prophets. ......[/FONT]​

[FONT=Arial,Geneva,Verdana,Sans-Serif]Steps to Avoid Sins
[FONT=Arial,Geneva,Verdana,Sans-Serif][/FONT]
[FONT=Arial,Geneva,Verdana,Sans-Serif]First, we need to have a sincere desire to desert sins altogether and to start leading a life of virtue.[/FONT]
[FONT=Arial,Geneva,Verdana,Sans-Serif][/FONT]
[FONT=Arial,Geneva,Verdana,Sans-Serif]Second, we should realize our own weaknesses, particularly in the matter of avoiding the pitfalls of life, and so we should earnestly seek the help and blessing of Almighty Allah in our efforts.[/FONT]
[FONT=Arial,Geneva,Verdana,Sans-Serif][/FONT]
[FONT=Arial,Geneva,Verdana,Sans-Serif]Third, we should, as far as possible, keep away from all the circumstances that can tempt us toward sinful actions.[/FONT]

[FONT=Arial,Geneva,Verdana,Sans-Serif]Fourth, we should strive to concentrate on virtuous thoughts and actions and to turn our minds away from the temptations that pull us toward sin.[/FONT]
[FONT=Arial,Geneva,Verdana,Sans-Serif][/FONT]
[FONT=Arial,Geneva,Verdana,Sans-Serif]Fifth, we should seek the company of Allah-fearing people and regularly attend sessions and lectures that instill taqwa (Arabic for: piety and fear of Allah) into our hearts.[/FONT]
[/FONT][FONT=Verdana, Helvetica][SIZE=+0][/SIZE][/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana, Helvetica][SIZE=+0]Deserting Sins: Obstacles and Opportunities - IslamOnline.net - Living Sharia'h[/SIZE][/FONT]

 

[Cordoba]

[FONT=Arial,Geneva,Verdana,Sans-Serif]Outstanding Forgiveness of the Prophet [/FONT]

[FONT=Arial,Geneva,Verdana,Sans-Serif]Muhammad, peace be upon him, was all for forgiveness and no amount of crime or aggression against him was too great to be forgiven by him. He was the complete example of forgiveness and kindness, as mentioned in the following verse of the Qur'an: [/FONT]

[FONT=Arial,Geneva,Verdana,Sans-Serif]"Keep to forgiveness (O Muhammad), and enjoin kindness, and turn away from the ignorant." (Al-A`raf: 199)[/FONT]

[FONT=Arial,Geneva,Verdana,Sans-Serif]He always repelled evil with good, for, in his view, an antidote was better than poison. He believed and practiced the precept that love could foil hatred and aggression could be won over by forgiveness. He overcame the ignorance of the people with the knowledge of Islam, and the folly and evil of the people with his kind and forgiving treatment. With his forgiveness, he freed people from the bondage of sin and crime, and also made them great friends of Islam. He was an exact image of the following verse of the Qur'an: [/FONT]

[FONT=Arial,Geneva,Verdana,Sans-Serif]"Good and evil are not alike. Repel evil with what is better. Then he, between whom and you there was hatred, will become as though he was a bosom friend." (Fussilat: 34)[/FONT]

Outstanding Forgiveness of the Prophet - IslamOnline.net - Living Sharia'h

 

[MoonShadow1]

Greeting's,
The Uniqueness of "Religious Forums" is of course it's invaluable informational base
which is made possible by the numerous and diverse Post Contributors from around the world..... :bow:

Our distinct privilege to "Post" & "Prudently Debate" these extremely provacative & often times volitile global subjects regarding "Religion & Politics," (upon serious consideration) is truly remarkable...............:bow:

To date I have been most pleased to review tremendous amounts of in-depth and
extremely informational posts from those whom are vastly experienced in the teachings & application of Islam and LDS.............:bow:

I look forward to many more posts by Cordoba, iloveislam & Katzpur on these two most facinating religious subjects................

The many excellent Post (series of posts) provided today by Cordoba regarding islamic teachings have served to increase my interest and desire to learn more about this great religion.................The same may be stated for Katspur and her
vast imparting of LDS knowledge for those who would but listen........... :shout

It is our extremely good fortune to be granted the privilege of freely participating
in this immensely successful forum !!! :bow:

In conclusion.........May we continue to enjoy one of our most important unwritten rules regarding this forum....... May we most understandably "Agree To Disagree"........on the many provacative topics of importance presented.....and most importantly continue to learn from each other.....

Pehaps someday my friends... through our unique ideas and loyalties to them............ we may become a dynamic force for public opinion on the world scene.........:shout Thanks again Cordoba, iloveislam, & Katzpur..... You are indeed a blessing !:bow: M/S1

 

[Cordoba]

Thank you for your post, Moonshadow

Sharing information between people of different faiths leads to better understanding and helps eliminate misconceptions

This is one of the positive aspects of this forum

Peace and all the best

 

[Cordoba]

[FONT=Arial,Geneva,Verdana,Sans-Serif]Is God Bound by Time and Space?[/FONT]

[FONT=Arial,Geneva,Verdana,Sans-Serif]Q: I have heard that Muslims argue that their creator is not bound by time and space. While reading a translation of the Quran, I came across this verse, (a day with your Lord is as a thousand years of what you number), how should we understand this verse? [/FONT]

[FONT=Arial,Geneva,Verdana,Sans-Serif]A: [/FONT][FONT=Arial,Geneva,Verdana,Sans-Serif]Yes, what you have heard is true; and Muslims believe that Allah (God), the Creator of the whole universe and everything in it, is not bound by time or space, simply because He is beyond time and space, as He is the Creator of time and its particles, and the Creator of space and its parts.[/FONT]

[FONT=Arial,Geneva,Verdana,Sans-Serif]Allah is beyond these limited things which govern our lives and restrict our beings. How can the Creator of time be subject to something He created? Or how can God, Who is Sublime, Eternal and Perfect be restricted with these limitations?[/FONT]

[FONT=Arial,Geneva,Verdana,Sans-Serif]To Allah, all times are the same, to Him, yesterday, today, and tomorrow are basically the same. It is because of this that in the Quran He uses past tense verbs to talk about future events, because to Him, tenses are all the same.[/FONT]

[FONT=Arial,Geneva,Verdana,Sans-Serif]We need the parts of time in our life to separate what we have already done and achieved from things we are yet to achieve. This is because our power is limited, and we are bound by human memory, which tends to forget things.[/FONT]

[FONT=Arial,Geneva,Verdana,Sans-Serif]When it comes to Allah, all things are not only achievable, but under His eternal control. Therefore, He does not have to use past or present or future because they mean the same to Him.[/FONT]

[FONT=Arial,Geneva,Verdana,Sans-Serif]To Him a day, a month, and a year are all the same. The terms century, decade, or year do not exist in the dictionary of God, because they exist in the lives of human beings. It is us who are restricted by them. Because God has created time, He is beyond it, and therefore, the laws of time do not apply on Him at all. ...........[/FONT]

http://www.readingislam.com/servlet/Satellite?cid=1248187679179&pagename=IslamOnline-English-AAbout_Islam%2FAskAboutIslamE%2FAskAboutIslamE

 

[Cordoba]

[FONT=Arial,Geneva,Verdana,Sans-Serif]The Gates of Paradise [/FONT]

[FONT=Arial,Geneva,Verdana,Sans-Serif]Who will receive this great reward? Who will be able to defeat his evil desires more than anyone else? Who will be able to perfect his acts of worship like praying and fasting in order to receive this immense reward?[/FONT]

[FONT=Arial,Geneva,Verdana,Sans-Serif]Paradise is the tremendous reward which Allah the All-Powerful has prepared for His beloved and those who obey Him. It is perfect joy and pleasure, where there is nothing lacking and nothing can disturb its purity. What Allah the Almighty and His Messenger (peace and blessings be upon him) have told us about it makes us mystified with indescribable joy because our minds are incapable of comprehending the greatness of such blessings.[/FONT]
[FONT=Arial,Geneva,Verdana,Sans-Serif]Amongst the details of the description of Paradise that is mentioned in the Qur'an and Sunnah, is that it has gates through which believers will enter, as the angels enter therein:[/FONT]

[FONT=Arial,Geneva,Verdana,Sans-Serif][`Adn [Eden] of Paradise, whose doors will be opened for them.] (Saad, 38: 50)[/FONT]

[FONT=Arial,Geneva,Verdana,Sans-Serif][… And angels shall enter unto them from every gate [with the salutation]: 'Peace be unto you for that you persevered in patience! How excellent is the final home!] (Ar-Ra`d, 13: 23-24)[/FONT]
​

[FONT=Arial,Geneva,Verdana,Sans-Serif]Allah the Almighty has told us that these gates will be opened when the believers reach them, and that they will be welcomed by the angels with greetings of peace[/FONT]

http://www.islamonline.net/English/Ramadan/1429/Successful_Trade/05.shtml

 

[Cordoba]

[FONT=Arial,Geneva,Verdana,Sans-Serif]Ethical Triangle of Islam [/FONT]

[FONT=Arial,Geneva,Verdana,Sans-Serif]Taqwa, Ramadan and the Quran: The Triangular Link of Our Ethical System[/FONT]

[FONT=Arial,Geneva,Verdana,Sans-Serif]The main theme of this article is Taqwa (God-consciousness) - a theme that has a triangular connection in terms of our ethical and moral system.[/FONT]

[FONT=Arial,Geneva,Verdana,Sans-Serif]First, God has sent the final revelation - the Quran - for the guidance of humankind. Hence, the Quran is the guidance (Huda') for us. "This is the Book - in it is guidance sure, without doubt, to those who are (Muttaqoon) God-conscious." [Quran 2:2][/FONT][FONT=Arial,Geneva,Verdana,Sans-Serif]. Therefore, the Quran is not merely for accumulating bits of rewards (thawab), but for using as comprehensive guidance for human life and for solving the problems in our Aakhirah-bound life in this world. But to make use of the Quran as guidance, one needs some basic capital, and that capital is Taqwa (God-consciousness). That is why the Quran is the guidance, but effectively only for those who are (Muttoqoon) (God-conscious).[/FONT]

[FONT=Arial,Geneva,Verdana,Sans-Serif]Secondly, God has not only revealed to us His expectation about us, but He has also informed us about how to fulfill His expectation. It is for this reason God has not only required a minimum level of Taqwa, but also has shown us the way to attain and improve our Taqwa. The five pillars of Islam have five distinctive, but complementary roles. Achieving Taqwa is intimately related to one of those five pillars: Siyam (fasting). "O you who believe! Fasting is prescribed to you as it was prescribed to those before you, that you may attain Taqwa (God-consciousness)." [Quran 2:183][/FONT][FONT=Verdana,Arial]

[FONT=Arial,Geneva,Verdana,Sans-Serif]Thirdly, As fasting is not merely a ritual, attaining Taqwa is not also a pursuit without a purpose. Thus, the third of the triangular link of ethical/moral system is the special month of Ramadan, which God has designated for the prescribed month of fasting. The significance of this link has been clearly identified in the Quran. "Ramadan is the (month) in which we sent down the Quran, as a guide to humankind, also clear (Signs) for guidance and judgment (between right and wrong). Se every one of you who is present (at his home) during that month should spend it in fasting...." [Quran 2:185][/FONT]

[FONT=Arial,Geneva,Verdana,Sans-Serif]The above-quoted verse helps establish the triangular link. God has revealed the Quran for our guidance. A basic prerequisite of benefiting from the divine revelation in the Quran is a minimum level of Taqwa. As a means and method of attaining Taqwa, God has chosen fasting as one of the five pillars of Islam, and He has chosen that very month as the month of fasting which is intimately related to the revelation of the Quran. .........[/FONT]

http://www.islamicity.com/articles/Articles.asp?ref=IC0510-2830
[/FONT]

 

[Cordoba]

[FONT=Arial,Geneva,Verdana,Sans-Serif]Beauty of Paradise[/FONT]

Almighty Allah says:

(The parable of the Garden which the righteous are promised — beneath it flow rivers: Perpetual is the enjoyment thereof and the shade therein; such is the end of the righteous, and the end of unbelievers is in the Fire.) (Ar-Ra`d 13:35)
​

Natural beauty and greenery are among the wonderful blessings of Paradise. Mansions built in gardens, right next to springs, are another form of beauty. Paradise, in which there is (…neither the sun's (excessive heat) nor excessive cold) (Al-Insan 76:13), has such a pleasant climate that no one there feels uncomfortable. It contains no exhausting sweaty heat or freezing cold. In Paradise, Almighty Allah will admit believers into (…shades, cool and ever deepening.)(An-Nisaa' 4:57)

http://www.islamonline.net/English/Ramadan/1430/topic_01/06.shtml

 

[Cordoba]

[FONT=Arial,Geneva,Verdana,Sans-Serif]Islam as a Religion of Universal Mercy [/FONT]

Life is the foremost and most manifest blessing of God Almighty, and the true and everlasting life is that of the Hereafter.

Since we can deserve this life only by pleasing God, He sent Prophets and revealed Scriptures out of His Compassion for humanity. While mentioning His blessings upon humanity, He begins: All-Merciful. He taught the Qur'an, created humanity, and taught it speech. (Al-Rahman 55:1-4)
All aspects of this life are a rehearsal for the afterlife, and every creature is engaged toward this end. Order is evident in every effort, and compassion resides in every achievement. Some "natural" events or social convulsions may seem disagreeable at first, but we should not regard them as being incompatible with compassion. They are like dark clouds or lightning and thunder that, although frightening, nevertheless bring us the good tidings of rain. Thus the whole universe praises the All-Compassionate.

Prophet Muhammad, peace and blessings be upon him, is like a spring of pure water in the heart of a desert, a source of light in an all-enveloping darkness. Those who appeal to this spring can take as much water as is needed to quench their thirst, to become purified of their sins, and to become illuminated with the light of faith. Mercy was like a magical key in the Prophet's hands, for with it he opened hearts that were so hardened and rusty that no one thought they could be opened. But he did even more: he lit a torch of belief in them.

The compassion of God's Messenger encompassed every creature. He desired that everyone be guided. In fact, this was his greatest concern:

Yet it may be, if they believe not in this Message, you will consume (exhaust) yourself, following after them, with grief. (Al-Kahf 18:6)

But how did he deal with those who persisted in oppression and persecutions; those who did not allow him and his followers to worship the One God; those who took up arms against him to destroy him? He had to fight such people, yet his universal compassion encompassed every creature. This is why when he was wounded severely at the Battle of Uhud, he raised his hands and prayed:

O God, forgive my people, for they do not know.

The Makkans, his own people, inflicted so much suffering on him that he finally emigrated to Madina. Even after that, the next 5 years were far from peaceful. However, when he conquered Makka without bloodshed in the twenty-first year of his Prophethood, he asked the Makkan unbelievers: "How do you expect me to treat you?" They responded unanimously: "You are a noble one, the son of a noble one." He then told them his decision: "You may leave, for no reproach this day shall be on you. May God forgive you. He is the Most Compassionate."

http://www.dislam.org/content/view/442/1/

 

[Cordoba]

[FONT=Arial,Geneva,Verdana,Sans-Serif]Faith and Trust in Allah[/FONT]

[FONT=Arial,Geneva,Verdana,Sans-Serif]We believe in one God. We are the people of tawheed (monotheism). Tawheed affects our lives, our personalities, and our behavior. It gives us the following:[/FONT]

[FONT=Arial,Geneva,Verdana,Sans-Serif]1- Dignity and Self-Esteem [/FONT]
[FONT=Arial,Geneva,Verdana,Sans-Serif]A believer in tawheed knows that Allah alone is the possessor of all power and none besides Him can benefit or harm a person, provide for his needs, give or take away life, or wield authority or influence. ........[/FONT]
[FONT=Arial,Geneva,Verdana,Sans-Serif][/FONT]
[FONT=Arial,Geneva,Verdana,Sans-Serif]2. Modesty and Humbleness[/FONT]
[FONT=Arial,Geneva,Verdana,Sans-Serif]A believer in tawheed knows that Allah is the ultimate power and only Allah controls everything. ......[/FONT]
[FONT=Arial,Geneva,Verdana,Sans-Serif][/FONT]
[FONT=Arial,Geneva,Verdana,Sans-Serif]3. Morality, Tolerance and Open-Mindedness[/FONT]
[FONT=Arial,Geneva,Verdana,Sans-Serif]The believer in tawheed is always morally upright. All his standards come from one and the same authority, the authority of Allah. He does not have double or multiple standards. There is only one Lord and the Lord treats all people equally. ....[/FONT]
[FONT=Arial,Geneva,Verdana,Sans-Serif][/FONT]
[FONT=Arial,Geneva,Verdana,Sans-Serif]4. Ultimate Peace and Contentment[/FONT]
[FONT=Arial,Geneva,Verdana,Sans-Serif]The belief in tawheed purges the mind of jealousy, envy, and greed, and keeps away the temptation of resorting to base and unfair means for achieving success. The believer has faith that everything is in the hand of Allah. Honor, power, reputation, authority, and everything are under His control and He gives to whomever He wills. The duty of the human being is to struggle, to do good, and to trust in Allah.[/FONT]

http://www.islamonline.net/English/OnthePathofReturn/Articles/2005/09/01.shtml​

 

[Cordoba]

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

[FONT=Arial,Geneva,Verdana,Sans-Serif]Islam encourages the Muslim to spend his money for the sake of Almighty Allah whenever he is capable of doing so, and it stresses the great virtues of giving in charity.[/FONT]

[FONT=Arial,Geneva,Verdana,Sans-Serif]The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said, "The upper hand is better than the lower hand. The upper hand is the one that gives, and the lower hand is the one that takes". (Al-Bukhari) .........[/FONT]

[FONT=Arial,Geneva,Verdana,Sans-Serif]In this life, charity enlarges the blessings in one's fortune. Unlike what most people think, money increases as long as the person is giving in charity. This is as the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) stated, "Charity does not lessen one's money…"[/FONT]

[FONT=Arial,Geneva,Verdana,Sans-Serif]As we know, the amount of money we have is not what counts; it is the value of the money and the things you can get with it. When the believer feeds his money with charity, this enlarges the blessings in his money. With a certain amount of money he would be able to do more than what he used to do before; not to mention the harm that would be averted from his money, so that the money will not be wasted by one of many ways (for example, a car accident, health problems and so on).[/FONT]

[FONT=Arial,Geneva,Verdana,Sans-Serif]Furthermore, charity has an amazing effect in averting calamities and harm that afflicts the Muslim. The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said, "Cure your sick people with sadaqah ( charity)!" (Abu Dawud) .....[/FONT]

http://www.islamonline.net/English/Ramadan/1429/Successful_Trade/02.shtml

 

[Cordoba]

[FONT=Arial,Geneva,Verdana,Sans-Serif]Tie Your Camel
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[FONT=Arial,Geneva,Verdana,Sans-Serif]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. [/FONT]
[FONT=Arial,Geneva,Verdana,Sans-Serif]Quranic verses such as the one below remind us that Allah provides for all our affairs and is All-Powerful.[/FONT]

[FONT=Arial,Geneva,Verdana,Sans-Serif]{Allah is the Creator of all things, and He is the Guardian and[/FONT]
[FONT=Arial,Geneva,Verdana,Sans-Serif]Disposer of all affairs.} (Az-Zumar 39:6)[/FONT]

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

[FONT=Arial,Geneva,Verdana,Sans-Serif]Allah has provided for our needs by giving us the ability to work for our sustenance and to strive for our goals, both in the present and in the future. This is evidenced in the following verse of the Quran:[/FONT]

[FONT=Arial,Geneva,Verdana,Sans-Serif]{And that man can have nothing but what he strives for.} (An-Najm 53:39)[/FONT]

[FONT=Arial,Geneva,Verdana,Sans-Serif]One day Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) noticed a Bedouin leaving his camel without tying it and he asked the Bedouin, "Why don't you tie down your camel?" The Bedouin answered, "I put my trust in Allah." The Prophet then said, "Tie your camel first, then put your trust in Allah" (At-Tirmidhi). [/FONT]

[FONT=Arial,Geneva,Verdana,Sans-Serif]This refers to the common sense and reasoning that Allah in His Infinite Mercy has bestowed upon the human intellect, so that we are able to take due precautions, plan and prepare for possible future events, and create a means of addressing those needs on our own. [/FONT]

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

 

[Cordoba]

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

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

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

[FONT=Arial,Geneva,Verdana,Sans-Serif]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, Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him). .......[/FONT]

http://www.readingislam.com/servlet/Satellite?c=Article_C&cid=1236508898803&pagename=Zone-English-Discover_Islam%2FDIELayout

 

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[FONT=Arial,Geneva,Verdana,Sans-Serif]How the Prophet Instilled Brotherhood among Muslims [/FONT]

About six months after the Muslims of Makkah had left their homes, livelihoods, and, in many cases, their families, for the sake of Allah and immigrated to Madinah, the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) established a system that would bring together Muslims of two different cities and different tribes.

The Muslims who had left Makkah were called Muhajirun, immigrants to Madinah; they had left their homes for the sake of Allah. They were now homeless and more or less penniless in Madinah. They needed help.

Enter the Muslims of Madinah. They became the Ansars (helpers) of their Muhajirun brothers and sisters in faith.

They Were Not Just “Roommates”

Bringing Muslims together (Mu’akhah), coming from the same root as akh “brother” in Arabic, means a system of making people brothers. The Prophet paired one Muhajir with one Ansar. They were not just temporary roommates. They became brothers in the truest sense. Not only did the Ansar Muslim provide the Muhajir Muslim with food, shelter, and clothing. He offered him consolation, support, and true Muslim fellowship.

Although there were no set rules, every one of the Ansar who got a Muhajir as his brother gave an equal share in his property and belongings to his Muhajir brother.

In the bad old days of Arab tribal enmity and prejudices, the mu’akhah system was truly revolutionary. It gave the Muhajirun a chance to rebuild their lives in their new home, while creating a deep bond of love and affection between Muslims of two very different cities.
The regional differences between people, languages, and culture, despite smaller distances as compared to today, were great.

So it was perhaps strange for people at the time to think of an Arab and a non-Arab living together as brothers.

For instance, Bilal ibn Rabah, an African Muhajir and an ex-slave, was paired as a brother with Abu Rawahah `Abdullah ibn `Abdul Rahman. And they were brothers, not mere roommates. A black man and an Arab. Who could have imagined this state of affairs in the pre-Islamic tribal Arabia?

They Even Used to Inherit from Each Other

This brotherhood was even more important than the blood relationship, since it was based on faith, not genetics or blood.

This existed to such a degree that initially, the Muslim brothers in mu’akhah would inherit from each other. However, later on, this practice was abrogated.

The mu’akhah system is clearly an example of Islam’s solid commitment to the establishment of a brotherhood based not on color, language, race, or ethnicity, but purely on faith. Muslims today need to remember this system and our community leadership should be proactive to implement the Islamic ideals.

http://www.islamonline.net/servlet/Satellite?c=Article_C&cid=1158658445594&pagename=Zone-English-Living_Shariah%2FLSELayout