ummtaalib

Signs of Allah in the Creation of the Mountains A book entitled Earth is a basic reference textbook in many universities around the world. One of its two authors is Professor Emeritus Frank Press. He was the Science Advisor to former US President Jimmy Carter, and for 12 years was the President of the National Academy of Sciences, Washington, DC. His book says that mountains have underlying roots.1 These roots are deeply embedded in the ground, thus, mountains have a shape like a peg (see figures 7, 8, and 9). Figure 7: Mountains have deep roots under the surface of the ground. (Earth, Press and Siever, p. 413.) Figure 8: Schematic section. The mountains, like pegs, have deep roots embedded in the ground. (Anatomy of the Earth, Cailleux, p. 220.) (Click on the image to enlarge it.) Figure 9: Another illustration shows how the mountains are peg-like in shape, due to their deep roots. (Earth Science, Tarbuck and Lutgens, p. 158.) (Click on the image to enlarge it.) This is how the Quran has described mountains. God has said in the Quran: Have We not made the earth as a bed, and the mountains as pegs? (Quran, 78:6-7) Modern earth sciences have proven that mountains have deep roots under the surface of the ground (see figure 9) and that these roots can reach several times their elevations above the surface of the ground.2 So the most suitable word to describe mountains on the basis of this information is the word ‘peg,’ since most of a properly set peg is hidden under the surface of the ground. The history of science tells us that the theory of mountains having deep roots was introduced only in the latter half of the nineteenth century.3 Mountains also play an important role in stabilizing the crust of the earth.4 They hinder the shaking of the earth. God has said in the Quran: And He has set firm mountains in the earth so that it would not shake with you... (Quran, 16:15) Likewise, the modern theory of plate tectonics holds that mountains work as stabilizers for the earth. This knowledge about the role of mountains as stabilizers for the earth has just begun to be understood in the framework of plate tectonics since the late 1960’s.5 Could anyone during the time of the Prophet Muhammad have known of the true shape of mountains? Could anyone imagine that the solid massive mountain which he sees before him actually extends deep into the earth and has a root, as scientists assert? A large number of books of geology, when discussing mountains, only describe that part which is above the surface of the earth. This is because these books were not written by specialists in geology. However, modern geology has confirmed the truth of the Quranic verses. Footnotes: (1) Earth, Press and Siever, p. 435. Also see Earth Science, Tarbuck and Lutgens, p. 157. (2) The Geological Concept of Mountains in the Quran, El-Naggar, p. 5. (3) The Geological Concept of Mountains in the Quran, p. 5. (4) The Geological Concept of Mountains in the Quran, pp. 44-45. (5) The Geological Concept of Mountains in the Quran, p. 5. From "A Brief Illustrated Guide to Understanding Islam"

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Status of women in Indian society In Indian society women were treated generally as maids or slaves as if they had no will or desire of their own. They had to follow their husbands in all matters. Women were given as payment for loss to a gambling opponent. To show devotion, they were forced to burn themselves alive by jumping onto the funeral pyre of their husbands after their death. This practice, called "sutti" continued until the end of the 17th century when this custom was outlawed in spite of the dismay it caused the Hindu religious leaders. Although outlawed formally, "sutti" was widely practiced until the end of 19th century and still continues in some of the remote areas of India. In certain regions of India, women are offered to the priests as concubines, or as prostitutes to be exploited. In others, they were sacrificed to the Hindu gods to please them or seek rain. Some Hindu laws even declare that: "The predestined patience, the blowing wind or tornadoes, death, hellfire, poison, snakes and fire are no less evil than women". It is also stated in Hindu religious books, that "When Manna [the Hindu god of creation] created women he imposed onto them the love of bed, seats, decoration [make-up], filthy lust (of all types and kinds), anger, rebellion against honor and dignity and evil attitudes, behavior and conduct". In the teachings of Manna Herma Sistra concerning women, one can read: "A woman may live without a choice regardless of whether she is a little girl, a young lady or a mature woman. A young girl is under the command and choice of her father. A married woman is under the command and choice of her husband. A widow is under the command and choice of her male children, and she may never become independent (after the death of her husband). A widow may never remarry after the death of her husband, but rather, she must neglect all that she likes in terms of food, clothes, and makeup until she dies. A woman may not own or possess anything, as whatever she may gain or acquire shall go straight and immediately to the ownership of her husband". Refer to 'Hindu Inter-caste Marriage in India", Chapter 3 [Forms of Marriage] part 2 [Polyandry], by Haripada Chakraborti. In some rare cases, a woman had several husbands at the same time.(1) No doubt this made her as a prostitute in society. Refer to 'Hindu Inter-caste Marriage in India, & Chapter 3 [Forms of Marriage] part 2 [Polyandry], by Haripada Chakraborti. Status of Women in Chinese Society Women in Chinese society occupied a low and degraded status. They were customarily assigned the most despised and least important jobs and positions. The male child was looked upon as a "gift" from the gods, and treated accordingly. As for the female child, she had to endure multiple hardships, like the binding of her feet in order to cripple her from running and other customs. A Chinese proverb says: "Listen to your wife, but never believe what she says." The status of women in the Chinese society was not much better than that of the pagan pre-Islamic Arab and the Indian societies. Women in Greek Society Among the Greeks, women were degraded to the extent that men claimed that women were nothing but the epitome of evil. There was no system to protect women in that society. They were deprived of the rights to education; bought and sold like any other commodity; deprived of the right of inheritance; and considered as minors with no rights to make any transactions regard to possessions and wealth. Women were subjected to the will of men throughout their lives. Divorce was an absolute right of men. The common situation of women in the society led some Greek thinkers to say: "Woman's name must be locked up in the house, as it is the case with her body." Gustave Le Bon, the French thinker, stated about the status of women in the Greek society in his book "Arab Civilization": "Greeks, in general, considered women to be the lowest creatures of the low. They were useful for nothing other than reproduction and taking care of the household affairs. If a woman gave birth to an 'ugly, retarded or handicapped' child, the man could take the liberty to kill the (unwanted or undesirable) child". Demosthenes, the well-known Greek orator and thinker said: "We Greek men enjoy the company of prostitutes for sexual pleasure; 'girl-friends' and 'sweet-hearts', to care of our daily needs, and we marry to get 'legitimate' children". From this licentious double standard, and depraved morality, we can see what fortune women had in such a society based on the statement issued by one of their top rank, well-known thinkers. Woman in Roman Society A woman in Roman society was also looked upon as an inferior being that could not run her own affairs. All authority was in the hands of men who totally dominated all private and public affairs. Men even had the authority to sentence their wives to death in certain cases when accused of specific crimes. The authority of man over woman in the Roman society included the right to sell her, punish her with tortuous punishments, send her into exile or kill her. The woman in Roman society had to listen to and obey all commands given by the man. And they were deprived of the right of inheritance. Status of women in Jewish Society Women in traditional Jewish society were not more fortunate than those previously described. In the Old Testament women were described as follows: "I applied mine heart to know and to search, and to seek out wisdom, and the reason of things, and to know the wickedness of folly, even of foolishness and madness: And I find more bitter than death the woman, whose heart snares and nets, and her hands as bands... [Ecclesiastes(7:25-26)] In the Septuagint, it says, "And if a man sells his daughter to be a maidservant, she shall not go out as the menservants do. If she pleases not her master, who has betrothed her to himself, then shall he let her be redeemed: to sell her unto a strange nation he shall have no power, seeing he has dealt deceitfully with her. And if he had betrothed her unto his son, he shall deal with her after the manner of daughters. If he takes him another wife, her food, her raiment, and her duty of marriage, shall he not diminish. If he does not do these three unto her, then shall she go out free without money". [Exodus (21:7-11)] Thus, if a Jewish woman got married, her guardianship was transferred from her father to her husband and she became as one of his possessions such as his house, his slave, his maidservant or his money or wealth. Jewish teachings and laws deprived the girl of her father's inheritance if the father had other male children. In the Old Testament, the Septuagint, it says: "And thou shalt speak unto the children of Israel, 'If a man dies, and has no son, then ye shall cause his inheritance to pass unto his daughters'." [Numbers (27:8)] Moreover, Jewish men never slept in the same bed with a menstruating woman, or ate with her or drank with her. Jewish men used to isolate themselves fully from a menstruating woman until she was completely free from her menses. Status of women in Christian Society Christian priests went to the extreme of considering the woman as the cause of "original sin" and the source of all catastrophes from which the entire world has suffered. For this very reason, the physical relationship between man and woman has traditionally been labeled as "filthy" or "dirty" even if it were officially done and performed within a legitimate marriage contract. Saint Trotolian says: "Woman is the Satan's pathway to a man's heart. Woman pushes man to the "Cursed Tree." Woman violates God's laws and distorts his picture (i.e. man's picture). Wieth Knudesen, a Danish writer, illustrated the woman's status in the middle ages saying: "According to the Catholic faith, which considered the woman as a second class citizen, very little care and attention was given to her." In 1586 a conference was held in France to decide whether women should be considered as human beings or not. The conference came to a conclusion that: "Woman is a human being, but she is created to serve man." Thus, the conference approved the rights for women as human beings, a matter that was previously in doubt and undecided! Moreover, those who attended the conference did not decide on full rights for the woman, but rather; she was a follower of man and a maidservant to him with no personal rights. This decision was in effect until 1938, when, for the first time, a decree wasissued to abrogate all the laws that forbid a woman from conducting her own financial affairs directly and opening a bank account in her own name. Europeans continued to discriminate against women and deprive them of their rights throughout the Middle-Ages. It is also surprising to know that English laws turned a blind eye to the selling of one's wife! The rift between the sexes, men and women, continued to increase, so much so that women became fully under the control of men. Women were stripped completely of all their rights and whatever they owned. All that a woman owned belonged to her husband. For instance, until very recently women, according to the French law, were not considered capable of making their own financial decisions in their private ownership. We can read article 217 of the French law that states: "A married woman has no right to grant, transfer, bond, own with or without payment, without her husband's participation in the sale contract, or his written consent to it, regardless of whether the marriage contract stipulated that there should be a complete separation between the husband's and wife's possessions and ownership of various items." Despite all amendments and modifications, which occurred in these French laws, we can still see how these laws are affecting married French women. It is a form of civilized slavery. Furthermore, a married woman loses her surname (family's name) as soon as she enters into a marriage contract. A married woman shall carry the family name of her husband. This, of course, indicates that a married woman will only be a follower of her husband and she will even lose her personal identity. Bernard Shaw, the well-known English writer says: "The moment a woman marries; all her personal possessions become her husband's in accordance to the English law." Lastly, there is one more injustice that has been imposed upon the woman in the Western society which is that a marriage bond is made to last forever, in accordance with legal and religiousteachings. There is no right of divorce (according to Catholicism, at least). Husband and wife are only separated from each other physically. This separation may have contributed to all sorts of social decay and corruption, such as having affairs, mistresses, boyfriends, girlfriends, as well as possibly prostitution, and homosexual and lesbian relations. Moreover, a surviving widow is not given the chance to remarry and lead a normal married life after the death of her husband. No doubt, what is called modern western civilization and which endeavors to dominate the globe, is indebted to the Greek and Roman traditions for its civil foundations, and to the Judaic-Christian traditions for its ideological and religious foundations. The abuses mentioned above collectively led, due to gradual and eventual effects of technological and social modernization, to the expected and natural reaction: movements demanding women's rights in the society, led by thinkers, educators, lobbyists, and human rights and women right's activists. The pendulum was set to swing in the other direction, and they demanded absolute equal rights and liberation from male chauvinism and abuses. In many of the modern secular societies, women are indeed given numerous equal rights, but at the same time, equality has exposed them to the molestation and double standards rampant in the immoral materialistic culture that markets her as an object of sexual desire, for sale, contract or rent. The ensuing breakdown of the family unit, and the widespread sexual immorality, abortion, homosexuality, and criminal deviancy from sexual liberation, has led to some counter reactions in the society, especially from the religious conservatives, but apparently, the trends are too strong to turn the tide back. In this global context, and from this historical legacy, we will present the salient features of women's rights in Islam and shed light on some common misconceptions in order to show the superiority of following Allah's guidance rather than men and women guiding each other by whim and desire. "Woman in the Shade of Islam" Abdul Rahman al-Sheha

THE STATUS OF WOMEN PRIOR TO ISLAM WOMEN IN THE PAST Prior to Islam, a woman’s status in the sight of all nations of the World was nothing more than the value of household goods. They were treated like animals. They were bought and sold. They had no choice in the matter of marriage; they had to silently accept the highest bidder. They never inherited, even from their close relatives. In fact, she herself would become an item of distribution just like any other commodity of inheritance in a descendant’s estate. Women were regarded merely as properties and possessions of men. Even in the so-called modern European countries they were not even regarded as human. Even in religious matters women were given no status by the men, for they were not considered to be worthy of prayer or fit to be counted as human. It was generally accepted that it was permissible for men to bury their daughters alive, and this heartless act of inhumanity was regarded as an act sight of humanity and respect. Further more, it was generally accepted that if a lady was murdered then her murderer could not be punished in any way. Neither was he to be killed in retaliation nor was he to pay blood money. According to many religions, when a man dies, his wife has to burn herself to death. WOMEN & MAN In fact, it was as late as 586 AC that a little concession was given to women and after much arguing, debates and disputes, revolution was passed stating that a woman was a human but that she was created and born only to serve man. As late as 1856 women in Britain were not allowed their earnings and had no right to inheritance. In that year women perhilitioned pastinant which was composed safely of male members to allow married women to keep their own earnings and inherit property. In 1857 divorcee women were given the same rights as single woman but married women had to wait until 1893 to receive the same rights. Testullion, a religious leader of the early period of Christianity interprets the Christian idea of women in these words: “She is the gate through which the devil enters she is the beginner of man to the forbidden tree, she is the breaker of the law of God and is the plunderer of man who is the image of God. THE PROPHET REGARDING WOMEN May our lives be sacrificed for that mercy unto mankind the Prophet Muhammad and the religion of truth which he brought and which opened the eyes of the World. He , with divine guidance taught mankind the real value of humanity. From the swarm of darkness and polytheism into the paradise of light and monotheism. He enforced justice, making it obligatory for men to fulfill the rights of women. Just as it is necessary for them to fulfill the right of men. He freed women from the slavery of man. A woman was granted the ownership of her life and property. Thus, no man not even a father or a grand father could force a mature woman to marry against her wishes and desires, nor without her consent. No person has the right to use her wealth without her permission. Just as males are entitled to their share in the estate of their relatives, females also have their own rights. To spend upon ones wife and to keep them happy within the boundaries of Islam is regarded as an act of worship. The blessed Prophet has stated: “To have intercourse with ones wife is charity and a means of reward ". The Sahabah ? inquired. “O’ Prophet ? is there a reward for fulfilling your desires also?” The Holy Prophet replied, “Had he fulfilled his desires in the wrong place would he not have sinned?” The Sahabah answered “Yes.” So the Prophet then said, “In order to safeguard oneself from sin one will undoubtedly attain reward.” DEPRIVING WOMEN To deprive a woman of her rights is undoubtedly a severe oppression, which Islam has wiped out by means of very just and moderate laws. The so-called lifestyle of women is also a form of injustice to give them a free right depriving them of the guided authority of men and making them equally responsible to pursue their own livelihood to lead them to their destruction. PARENT'S UPBRINGING OF A CHILD Unfortunately, nowadays, the parents themselves encourage their young daughters to go and earn their own livelihood and when things go wrong they question themselves as to how the situation came about. They will cry for months on end little knowing that they themselves sent their daughters to the fire. WHAT QURAN HAS REVEALED REGARDING WOMEN Allah states in the Qur’ân: “And stay in your houses and do not display yourselves like that of the time of ignorance.” (Surah Ahzab) And at another place: “And tell the believing women to lower their gazes (from forbidden things) and protect their private parts and not to show off their adornments only that which is apparent.” (Surah Nur) In Surah Baqarah Allah has declared: “And the men have superiority over the women.” In other words, men are their guardian governors. The difference could be likened to the necessity of appointing a captain in a football team, where the captain is subjected to the same rules and privileges of his teammates. But a greater responsibility and a higher rank have been conferred upon him in order to maintain a proper system for the smooth running of the team. WOMEN AND THE MODERN SOCIETY During the pre-Islamic era women were treated like animals and household goods. Unfortunately today the modern world has ushered in a second period of ignorance in which, in its attempt to rectify the folly of the pre-Islamic times. Some of the ill effects created by removing women from under the guardianship and authority of men: a) The respect for women has been lost. b) Marked increase in the divorce rate. c) Neglect of children. d) Children are not being educated and trained in an Islamic way. e) Jobs of male personnel being taken by females, resulting in the increase of unemployment. f) Increase in the instances of rape. g) The rise in the unemployment amongst males leads to loafing idleness which encourages alcoholism, drug abuse, rape, murder, robbery and a host of other social evils. All this in the name of liberation. Nowadays, there are some misguiding and misleading notions regarding the status of the rank of women in Islam. This information is given by people who consider women in Islam to be prisoners and someone who has no rights and is always under the domination of man. The importance given to a woman can be deduced from the following Hadith: PROPHETS WORDS REGARDING WOMEN. The Holy Prophet has stated : “The best amongst you is the one who is the best towards his wife.” (Tirmidhi, Ibne-Majah, Dasimi.) On another occasion the Prophet stated: “Paradise lies under the feet of mothers.” (Bukhari) On another occasion the Prophet was questioned, “Who deserves the best care from me?” The Prophet replied, “Your mother.” He repeated this three times. When he was asked a forth time he replied, “Your father and your near relatives.” (Adab-ul-Mufrad) THE FIRST PERSON TO ACCEPT ISLAM Also, the first person to accept Islam was not a man, but it was a woman. Hazrat Khadija the wife of the Prophet . THE FIRST MARTYR. The first person to get martyred was also a woman. Abu-Jahal tied the right arm and leg onto one camel and tied the left arm and leg to another camel and shouted out: “O’ Sumayyah radiallhu anha forsake the religion of Muhammad ?.” She replied, “O’ Abu-Jahal make this camel run one-way and the other camel in the opposite direction, but I will never forsake the religion of Muhammad ” She was then martyred. From the above it is clearly proven just what an important position is given to women in Islam. May Almighty Allah guide both the Muslim men and women and grant them the correct understanding of the true religion. Aameen inter-islam

A RED ROSE IN THE SKY A RED ROSE IN THE SKY: THE ROSETTE NEBULA When the Heaven shall be cleft asunder, and become rose red, like stained leather. (Surat ar-Rahman, 37) The Arabic expression translated above as "become rose red, like stained leather" is "Wardatan ka addihan." This term compares an image appearing in the sky to a red rose. This description bears a close similarity to red celestial bodies with a plicate appearance, especially the "Rosette Nebula." Nebula is the name given to cloud-like masses of gas in space. Before they become nebulae they are stars, and since these stars are very large, they release gasses into space because of their high internal pressure and temperatures. These eruptions of gas are very large and fast. These gasses then coalesce to form a gas cloud, with a temperature of more than 15,000 0C.1 One type of nebula is known as the "Rosette Nebula" because of its resemblance to a rose. The Rosette Nebula is also a vast cloud of gas and seems to have an area five times greater than that of the full moon. Its true diameter is estimated at 130 light years. A team led by Leisa Townsley, a senior Penn State University researcher in the field of astronomy and astrophysics, examined the Rosette Nebula using the Chandra X-ray telescope. They imaged hundreds of stars in the Rosette Nebula and determined that by crashing into one another stars produce gas at temperatures of 6 million degrees. Townsley describes what she saw: A ghostly glow of diffuse X ray emission pervades the Rosette Nebula and perhaps many other star-forming regions throughout the Galaxy. We now have a new view of the engine lighting the beautiful Rosette Nebula and new evidence for how the interstellar medium may be energized." The existence of this body seen in the illustrations can only be confirmed by high-tech observation equipment. This state of affairs regarding the skies noted in the Qur'an is in great agreement with the findings of present-day astronomy. In one verse of the Qur'an we are told: You do not engage in any matter or recite any of the Qur'an or do any action without Our witnessing you while you are occupied with it. Not even the smallest speck eludes your Lord, either on earth or in heaven. Nor is there anything smaller than that, or larger, which is not in a Clear Book. (Surah Yunus, 61)

Signs of Allah in the Creation of the Sun, Moon and Stars See ye not how Allah hath created seven heavens in harmony, And hath made the moon a light therein, and made the sun a lamp? [71:15-16]

Black History Did NOT Start With Slavery Black History Month – How Islām Empowered Africa When it comes to the history of the black peoples, the discussion often centres around slavery and then the subsequent artificial narrative of emancipation. However, what we fail to do is to ask the question: what was their history before slavery? Unfortunately, racism is alive and well with the recent example of Mario Balotelli. He was racially abused on Twitter by a football fan after having made fun of Manchester United’s shock defeat to Leicester City. It seems that in spite of all the anti­racism campaigning and education, there will always be people who think “I am better than you because you are different to me.” Since the beginning of human history people have sought to differentiate themselves. The urge to feel superior over another set of people may not be as apparent as it used to be, but one cannot deny that it still exists today; only the manifestation has changed. We see it in everyday life with images of people portrayed as inferior in intellect and morality. In some cases, it is because of their origins and their cultural background and in others simply because of the colour of their skin. Does this mean that racism is innate and everyone practises it in one form or another? Absolutely not. Racism is a disease that stems from another malady. The disease’s symptoms are not always easy to detect but when manifested, can be enormously devastating not only for the person being subjected to it but also to the person projecting it. It is called arrogance, and this is something to which all human beings have been subjected since the beginning of their history – starting with our father, Ādam (ʿalayhi al-Salām). Satan was, effectively, the first racist when he claimed superiority over Ādam due to what he was made of. “(Allāh) said: ‘What prevented you [O Satan] that you did not prostrate yourself, when I commanded you?’ Iblīs [satan] said: ‘I am better than him [Ādam], You created me from fire, and him You created from clay.’”[1] Having said that, human beings must continuously wish to be better than others but that is in terms of endeavour, whether it is in the form of our vocation, education or it could even be our health and fitness. The Qur’ān tells us that true superiority is only attained through one’s piety and relationship with Allāh: “O mankind, indeed We have created you from male and female and made you peoples and tribes that you may know one another. Indeed, the most noble of you in the sight of Allāh is the most pious of you. Indeed, Allāh is Knowing and Acquainted.” [2] The above verse is the best explanation of what happened in Africa during the 8th century of the Christian Era (CE) and after this. The religion of Islām and its teaching of taqwa (piety) was the recruitment agent that captured the attention of the Africans. West Africa in particular was a commercial melting-pot for sub-Saharan trade. Trade routes from Sijilmasa to Taghaza and Awaghast were the channels through which Islām entered into the Kingdoms of Ghana and Timbuktu. Initially, Islām did not bring material prosperity to Africa as there were already established empires prior to its advent. It was the morality, sense of justice and the religious rulings on how to manage their God­given fortune that impressed Africans. Islām in West Africa attracted generals, chieftains and kings before it filtered down to the poorer members of society. The high ethical trading standards Islām demands of its adherents was remarkable for the natives of the region. Muslims were settled in their own designated areas close to the indigenous population. In these areas, practices such as leaving the market unattended whilst the prayer time was due, and the level of fairness employed in their trade were strong enough to convince the local leaders to accept Islām. The influence of Islām spread far and wide. In particular, the renowned historian al-Bakri notes that in the building of the empire of Mali in the 13th century, Islām was accepted as early as 850 CE by the Dya’ogo dynasty of the kingdom of Tekur in modern day Senegal. These were the first people to accept Islām in West Africa. In addition to trade and commerce, the spread of literacy and scholarship were also some of the cultural changes that were imported. Tekur became known as “The land of the Black Muslim” where, in fact, War­jabi, the son of Rabis, became the first ruler to legislate with Islamic law. In the 16th century, al-Idrisi notes that Tekur not only became the centre of commerce but in his own words was “secure, peaceful and tranquil.” Mansa Musa, the richest man in recorded history, was a product of such a society. He was known to be a devout Muslim and had performed the Hajj pilgrimage in 1324­. On his return to Mali, he brought Muslim scholars and architects who built five mosques for the first time with baked bricks. Scholars agree that his attachment to Islām enabled him to introduce new ideas and catapult Mali far ahead of its time. It is impossible to discuss the entire history of Islām in Africa in one article. However, one thing we can clearly observe is that righteousness and piety were the deciding factors for Africans to embrace Islām. This led to the further development of empires and civilisations where justice, prosperity and peace were granted to anyone who visited or decided to settle there. This is a far cry from and a stark contrast to what the war­torn continent of Africa is now like, in the post­colonial era. Central-Mosque

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Signs of Allah in the Camel أَفَلَا يَنظُرُونَ إِلَى ٱلْإِبِلِ كَيْفَ خُلِقَتْ Will they not regard the camels, how they are created? (Qur'an 88.17) Camels are animals that were created to survive the hottest climates on earth. Camels are commonly used for transportation in the desert. Deserts are vast areas of sand and the temperatures in these areas can rise as high as 500 C (1220 F). You might have experienced temperatures around 300 C (860 F). Even at such a temperature, you immediately become tired and thirsty when you are out and playing. Camels can still go for kilometres at temperatures of 500 C (1220 F). They can stay without water for days. This is because Allah has also created their bodies very differently from ours. Camels store the water they drink inside them for long periods and they quench their thirst with the water they carry within them. Feeding is also a problem in the desert, since the desert is dry land and there is almost no vegetation. There are only cactuses and other thorny plants. The camel's mouth and lips are so tough that when it bites, it can even pierce a hole in the sole of a shoe. This is why it can easily feed on thorns and keep hunger away. As well as that, the hair that covers the skin of the camel protects it from the intolerable heat. Allah has made the camel's feet wide because they always walk on desert sand. Due to their width, the camel's feet don't sink in the sand. In addition, Allah has made the skin under the camel's feet very thick. In this way, the soles of their feet never burn. There are very frequent sandstorms in the desert. Did you ever witness a strong wind when you were at the beach? You would not have been able to open your eyes because you had to try to prevent all the sand from getting in them. If that wind were to become a bit stronger, you wouldn't have been able to see ahead. However, camels have two layers of eyelashes. These lashes weave into each other just like a trap and they protect the camel's eyes during sandstorms. Allah has created every living thing with the features that are most suitable for their habitat. There are no penguins in the desert, for instance. Since the penguin's features are not suitable for desert conditions, the penguin would die quickly in the desert. Similarly, camels could not survive near the poles. Allah has created everything where they should be. Allah is the strongest and He has endless knowledge. Allah creates everything without any shortcomings

Du'a For The Returning Haajee

The Sunnah of meeting the Haji Rasulullah Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam has said: “The Haji and one who performs Umrah are the Ambassadors of Allah. If they beseech Him, He would respond to them, and if they seek His forgiveness, He would forgive them.”(Ibn Majah) Rasulullah Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam has said: “When you meet the Haji, greet him, shake his hands and instruct him to seek forgiveness for you before he enters his home, for undoubtedly he is forgiven.” (Ahmed) Sayyiduna Abdullah ibn Umar Radhiyallahu Anhu reports that Rasulullah Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam said the following to a returning Haji: قَبِلَ اللهُ حَجَّك ، وَغَفَرَ ذَنْبَكَ ، وَاَخْلَفَ نَفَقَتَكَ Qabilallahu hajjaka, wa ghafara dhambaka, wa akhlafa nafaqatak “May Allah accept your Haj, may He forgive your sins and may He replace your expenditure.” (Tabarani) Hajj affords the best training grounds for the revival of one's faith and purity of character. It is the most sublime manifestation of the universal brotherhood of the Muslim Ummah. It is a journey of intensified devotion and discipline. A Haji is therefore expected to return as a transformed person. When Hasan Basri (R.A.) was asked, “What constitutes a Hajj-e-Mabroor?”He replied, “That you return from Hajj turning your back to this world and facing towards the hereafter.”(Al-Tabsirah) May the Almighty accept your Hajj, make it a source of your salvation in this world and the hereafter and grant you the ability to say “Labbaik” to the call of Allah at all times, Ameen. Masjid Poster downloadable here. Jamiatul Ulama (KZN) Council of Muslim Theologians

Respecetd Mufti Sahib, It would be wonderful if (when time) you can help us here: Qiyas with examples of Qiyas in the present time. There are hardly any examples to be found online on authentic Q/A sites

Wa'alaykumus salaam warahmatullaahi wabarakaatuh! An honour, what an honour! Alhamdulillaahi Rabbil 'aalameen Welcome Mufti sahib! InshaAllah you will benefit us with whatever time time you can spare. Jazaakallaahu khayran for taking the time for us By the way only the first few posts will need approving

Liberation Through the Veil By Mufti Zubair Dudha Islamic tarbiyah AcademyDewsbury UK HIJAB - ITA.pdf

Liberation Through the Veil By Mufti Zubair Dudha Islamic tarbiyah Academy Dewsbury UK HIJAB - ITA.pdf

Covering one’s face (Niqab) from strangers according to Shariah In the name of Allah, Most Gracious Most Merciful. Is it necessary for a woman to cover her face in the presence of strangers (who are not her designated Mahaarim) according to Shariáh? This question is answered in this article in the context of the claim that the veil or Niqaab is primarily 'a social requirement and custom according to the environment and custom, and according to the environment and customs of a particular country.' In endeavoring to answer the question, we will confine ourselves to a brief examination of the relevant Qur'anic verses. {قُلْ لِلْمُؤْمِنِينَ يَغُضُّوا مِنْ أَبْصَارِهِمْ وَيَحْفَظُوا فُرُوجَهُمْ ذَلِكَ أَزْكَى لَهُمْ إِنَّ اللَّهَ خَبِيرٌ بِمَا يَصْنَعُونَ (30) وَقُلْ لِلْمُؤْمِنَاتِ يَغْضُضْنَ مِنْ أَبْصَارِهِنَّ وَيَحْفَظْنَ فُرُوجَهُنَّ وَلَا يُبْدِينَ زِينَتَهُنَّ إِلَّا مَا ظَهَرَ مِنْهَا وَلْيَضْرِبْنَ بِخُمُرِهِنَّ عَلَى جُيُوبِهِنَّ وَلَا يُبْدِينَ زِينَتَهُنَّ إِلَّا لِبُعُولَتِهِنَّ أَوْ آبَائِهِنَّ أَوْ آبَاءِ بُعُولَتِهِنَّ أَوْ أَبْنَائِهِنَّ أَوْ أَبْنَاءِ بُعُولَتِهِنَّ أَوْ إِخْوَانِهِنَّ أَوْ بَنِي إِخْوَانِهِنَّ أَوْ بَنِي أَخَوَاتِهِنَّ أَوْ نِسَائِهِنَّ أَوْ مَا مَلَكَتْ أَيْمَانُهُنَّ أَوِ التَّابِعِينَ غَيْرِ أُولِي الْإِرْبَةِ مِنَ الرِّجَالِ أَوِ الطِّفْلِ الَّذِينَ لَمْ يَظْهَرُوا عَلَى عَوْرَاتِ النِّسَاءِ وَلَا يَضْرِبْنَ بِأَرْجُلِهِنَّ لِيُعْلَمَ مَا يُخْفِينَ مِنْ زِينَتِهِنَّ وَتُوبُوا إِلَى اللَّهِ جَمِيعًا أَيُّهَ الْمُؤْمِنُونَ لَعَلَّكُمْ تُفْلِحُونَ (31) } [النور: 30، 31] 'And Say to the believing women to lower their gaze (from looking at forbidden things), and protect their private parts (from illegal sexual acts) and not to show off their adornment except only that which is apparent (like both eyes for necessity to see the way, or outer palms of hands or one eye or dress like veil, gloves, head-cover, apron), and to draw their veils all over Juyubihinna (i.e. their bodies, faces, necks and bossoms) and not to reveal their adornment except to their husbands, or their fathers, or their husband's fathers, or their sons, or their husband's sons, or their brothers or their brother's sons, or their sister's sons, or their (Muslim women) (i.e. sisters in Islam), or the (female) slaves whom their right hands possess, or old male servants who lack vigour, or small children who have no sense of feminine sex. And let them not stamp their feet so as to reveal what they hide of their adornment. And all of you beg Allah to forgive you all, O believers, that you may be successful' (Surah An-Nur, Verses 30 and 31) It is apparent that upon a plain reading the purpose of the verse is to eradicate promiscuity, fornication and adultery and all the preliminary steps that lead directly to the commission of such shameful acts. The references to 'lowering their gaze', 'drawing their veils over their bosoms' and 'striking their feet to draw attention' indicate that all acts or omissions which in the ordinary course leads directly to sexual promiscuity and fitnah are forbidden. In order to totally eradicate sexual promiscuity and fitnah, the verse goes on to say that a woman is not permitted to display her beauty and charms except in degrees to her husband, father and the other classes of person specified in the verse. The exempt class would constitute the mahaarim, and any other would qualify as strangers or gher mahaarim. The principle fixed by the verse is, therefore that a woman cannot display her beauty to any male person other than the persons exempted by the verse. It goes without saying that the face is the focal-point of a woman's beauty, and the main source of attraction. Hence, the face of a woman cannot be displayed or shown to a stranger in normal circumstances whether in public or private according to the general principle fixed by the verse as stated above. She is permitted to display her beauty to the exempt class (the mahaarim) for obvious reasons of close contact, and because of the considerably lesser danger of sexual promiscuity and fitnah within that class. (Zamakhshari) The Shari’ah, however, is practical, dynamic and takes into account the real situations of life. A woman may in the case of genuine need be forced to expose her face in the presence of strangers. For example, when she appears in court to give witness, etc. It is against this background that the preceding portion of the verse 'they should not display their beauty and charms except what must ordinarily appear unavoidable' falls into proper perspective. The words 'Illa maa dhahara min'haa' (إِلَّا مَا ظَهَرَ مِنْهَا) are in context an exception to the general rule, and cover those cases of genuine need and necessity when a woman is forced to expose her face in the presence of a stranger. That is how the great commentators of the Noble Qur'an have interpreted the verse. Take the following two examples, إِلَّا مَا ظَهَرَ مِنْها أَيْ لَا يُظْهِرْنَ شَيْئًا مِنَ الزِّينَةِ لِلْأَجَانِبِ إلا ما لا يمكن إخفاؤه (تفسير ابن كثير (6/ 41)) 'Women must not display any part of their beauty and charms to strangers except what cannot possibly be concealed.' (Ibn Katheer 6/41) فإن قلت: لم سومح مطلقا في الزينة الظاهرة؟ قلت: لأن سترها فيه حرج، فإن المرأة لا تجد بدّا من مزاولة الأشياء بيديها، ومن الحاجة إلى كشف وجهها، خصوصا في الشهادة والمحاكمة والنكاح، وتضطر إلى المشي في الطرقات وظهور قدميها، وخاصة الفقيرات منهنّ، وهذا معنى قوله إِلَّا ما ظَهَرَ مِنْها يعنى إلا ما جرت العادة والجبلة على ظهوره والأصل فيه الظهور، وإنما سومح في الزينة الخفية. (تفسير الزمخشري يعنى الكشاف عن حقائق غوامض التنزيل (3/ 231)) 'Why is the woman permitted to display her external beauty and charms? Because to conceal that would cause her inconvenience. A woman is forced to deal in commodities with her own hands. She is compelled by genuine need to expose her face especially at the times of giving evidence, litigating in court and marriage. She is compelled to walk the streets and expose her feet, especially poor women. This is the meaning of 'illaa maa dhahara min'haa' that is 'except what the situations of ordinary life compel her to expose'. (Tafseer Zamakhshari 3/231) A further point is the interpretation of 'illaa maa dhahara min'haa' has been highlighted by the well known scholar, Moulana Ashraf Ali Thanwi (rahimahullah). He states that the verb used is that of the first form 'dhahara' and not 'adhhar' which in forth form signifies a deliberate exposure or display. The use of 'maa dhahara' indicates that the exposure of the face is confined to need. (Imdaadul Fataawa vol. 4 p. 181) It follows from the aforegoing that upon a proper interpretation of the verse the face and hands of a woman can only be exposed to strangers in a situation of genuine need where concealment would cause her serious inconvenience. However, genuine need is not open to wide interpretations. {وَإِذَا سَأَلْتُمُوهُنَّ مَتَاعًا فَاسْأَلُوهُنَّ مِنْ وَرَاءِ حِجَابٍ} [الأحزاب: 53] '…And when you ask them for anything you want, ask them from behind a screen…' (Surah al Ahzaab, Verse 53) The meaning of this verse is clear: the companions of the Holy Prophet (Sallallaahu `alayhi wasallam) were ordered to communicate with the wives of Rasulullah (Sallallaahu `alayhi wasallam) from behind a screen and not directly face to face. It is obvious that this instruction is not limited to the wives of the Holy Prophet (Sallallaahu `alayhi wasallam). The verse has general application and the fact that the noble wives of Rasulullah (Sallallaahu `alayhi wasallam) are specifically mentioned emphasizes the importance of the subject matter. وَهَذَا الْحُكْمُ وَإِنْ نَزَلَ خَاصًّا فِي النَّبِيِّ صَلَّى اللَّهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ وَأَزْوَاجِهِ فَالْمَعْنَى عَامٌّ فِيهِ وَفِي غَيْرِهِ إذْ كُنَّا مَأْمُورِينَ بِاتِّبَاعِهِ وَالِاقْتِدَاءِ بِهِ إلَّا مَا خَصَّهُ اللَّهُ بِهِ دُونَ أُمَّتِهِ (أحكام القرآن للجصاص ت قمحاوي (5/ 242)) The distinguished jurist, Abubakar Jassas rahimahullah in his Ahkaamul Qur'an states: "This order, although revealed specifically in relation to the Holy Prophet (Sallallaahu `alayhi wasallam) is general in application because we are ordered to follow him." Similarly, the well known commentator of the Noble Qur'an, Imaam Qurtubi (RA) in his Al-Jamia li Ahkaamul Qur'an states: …وَيَدْخُلُ فِي ذَلِكَ جَمِيعُ النِّسَاءِ بِالْمَعْنَى، وَبِمَا تَضَمَّنَتْهُ أُصُولُ الشَّرِيعَةِ مِنْ أَنَّ الْمَرْأَةَ كُلُّهَا عَوْرَةٌ، بَدَنُهَا وَصَوْتُهَا، كَمَا تَقَدَّمَ، فَلَا يَجُوزُ كَشْفُ ذَلِكَ إِلَّا لِحَاجَةٍ كَالشَّهَادَةِ عَلَيْهَا،…( تفسير القرطبي (14/ 227)) 'All women are in effect covered by the terms of the verse which embraces the Sharée principle that the whole of a woman is 'Áwrah' (to be concealed) – her body and voice, as mentioned previously. It is not permissible to expose those parts except in the case of need, such as the giving of evidence…' {يَا أَيُّهَا النَّبِيُّ قُلْ لِأَزْوَاجِكَ وَبَنَاتِكَ وَنِسَاءِ الْمُؤْمِنِينَ يُدْنِينَ عَلَيْهِنَّ مِنْ جَلَابِيبِهِنَّ ذَلِكَ أَدْنَى أَنْ يُعْرَفْنَ فَلَا يُؤْذَيْنَ وَكَانَ اللَّهُ غَفُورًا رَحِيمًا} [الأحزاب: 59] 'O Prophet! Tell your wives and your daughters and the women of the believers to draw their cloaks (veils all over their bodies (i.e. screen themselves completely except the eyes or one eye to see the way)…' (Surah al Ahzaab, Verse 59) In his commentary to this verse, Allama Abubakar Jassas (rahimahullah) states the following: …دَلَالَةٌ عَلَى أَنَّ المرأة الشابة مأمورة بستر وجها عَنْ الْأَجْنَبِيِّينَ وَإِظْهَارِ السِّتْرِ وَالْعَفَافِ عِنْدَ الْخُرُوجِ لِئَلَّا يَطْمَعَ أَهْلُ الرِّيَبِ فِيهِنَّ (أحكام القرآن للجصاص (5/ 245)) 'This verse proves that a young woman is ordered to cover her face from strangers, and to manifest satr and modesty in public so that doubtful people may not be desirous of her.' It is sufficient to quote the following authentic commentators in their interpretation of the verse: 'They (women), shall cover their faces and bodies with their outer garment when they appear in public for a valid reason.' 'They shall cover their faces and…' Ibn `abbaas (Radhiallaahu Ánhu) states that the Muslim women are ordered to cover their head and faces with outer garments except for one eye.' And Allah Ta'ala Knows Best. Mufti Ebrahim Desai www.askimam.org

Signs of Allah in Birds A bird uses great energy when it takes flight because it has to lift all its body with its tiny wings. Yet, once it is up in the air, Allah has made it easy for it to remain aloft without expending too much effort. Birds can fly for a long time by allowing themselves to rely on the wind. This way, they hardly tire since they consume very little energy. When the effect produced by the wind diminishes, they begin to flap their wings again. By means of this feature Allah has given birds, they can cover very long distances and migrate to remote destinations. Have they not seen the birds obedient in mid-air? None holdeth them save Allah. Lo! herein, verily, are portents for a people who believe (Quran 16:79 Translated meaning) The eyes of water fowl have been created for clear underwater vision. While we can't keep our eyes open underwater for even 45 seconds, water birds can easily catch insects and molluscs in water as they plunge their heads into it. Since this is the only way for them to feed themselves, they must have clear vision underwater. For this reason, Allah has created a special structure in their eyes, which permits seeing underwater. Almost all birds sleep on one leg. This does not upset their balance since their body weight is concentrated on this one leg. Allah has created birds with the features that enable them to maintain such a delicate balance. It is interesting that birds' legs, so slender and little in comparison to their bodies, can carry their entire bodies. It is amazing that so many muscles, veins and nerves can exist in such a slender leg! If birds' legs were thicker and relatively more bulky, it would be more difficult for them to fly. .

Question and Answer: Q. Is is permissable to wear jewellery with the name of allah ( Saw) or he prophet ( saw)? What happens if one has to enter a place of ablution whilst wearing this jewellery. A. It is permissible to wear such jewellery. The Prophet of Allah (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) used to remove his ring before entering the toilet as the name of Allah was inscribed on it. Before entering the toilet or bathroom, the jewellery should be removed; or if one continues wearing it, it should be concealed. And Allah Knows Best Mufti Suhail Tarmahomed Fatwa Department Jamiatul Ulama (KZN) Council of Muslim Theologians