ummtaalib

Every parent has deep love for their child, causing them to constantly feel concerned over the safety, well-being and progress of the child. Such is the concern of the parents that if they hear of any threat in the neighbourhood, such as kidnappings, they will immediately caution their children and keep them housebound, out of the fear that they should not become victims. Furthermore, when leaving the home, the parents will not allow the child out of their sight, and may even go to the extent of holding their hand the entire time. However, this is as far as visible threats are concerned. Just as there are visible people who are threats to our young children, there is also an unseen or invisible danger that threatens our children. This is the threat of shayaateen and jinn that cast their evil influence over young children, thus harming and affecting them. Sayyiduna Jaabir bin ‘Abdillah (radhiyallahu ‘anhu) reports that Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) said, “When the night comes in, then hold back your children (i.e. keep them indoors). When some portion of the night has passed then you may leave them (to come out of the home).” The hadeeth further explains that the reason for this is that the evil jinn are especially active and roam about at that time. Hence, there is a fear that they may harm or affect young children (who are more vulnerable to these types of attacks. (Sahih Bukhari) Ibnul Jowzi (rahimahullah) has mentioned that one of the reasons for young children being more vulnerable is that they generally cannot read the Duas of protection. (Fathul Baari vol. 6, pg. 420) Hence, we should make a concerted effort to teach our children the Duas of protection, as soon as they are able to learn them, as well as inculcate in them the habit to recite these Duas regularly. By doing so, insha-Allah our children will remain safeguarded from the attacks and evil influence of the jinn. We should also make Dua to Allah Ta‘ala for their protection. Sayyiduna ‘Abdullah bin ‘Abbaas (radhiyallahu ‘anhuma) reports that Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) would recite the following Dua for the protection of his grandsons, Sayyiduna Hasan and Sayyiduna Husain (radhiyallahu ‘anhuma): أَعُوْذُ بِكَلِمَاتِ اللهِ التَّامَّةِ ، مِنْ كُلِّ شَيْطَانٍ وَهَامَّةِ ، وَمِنْ كُلِّ عَيْنٍ لَامَّة “I seek protection (for the two of you), in the complete and perfect words of Allah Ta‘ala, from every shaitaan and poisonous (or harmful) creature, and from every eye that causes harm.” Furthermore, Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) mentioned that Nabi Ebrahim (‘alaihis salaam) would recite this very same dua and seek protection for his sons, Nabi Ismaa‘eel (‘alaihis salaam) and Nabi Ishaaq (‘alaihis salaam). (Sahih Bukhari) May Allah Ta‘ala keep us and our children in the shade of His Divine protection, Ameen. Uswatul Muslimah

Answered by Ustadha Naielah Ackbarali Question: I was hoping that perhaps you could help me understand why a menstruating women is not allowed to touch a Qur’an, or I suppose more so why a menstruating women is deemed “impure.” Somehow it has been bothering me that all women would be considered impure for so many days a month, such that they are too impure to touch Allah’s book. Even the verse that talks about nobody touching the Qur’an except the pure ones makes one feel so dirty to have no way at times of becoming part of the pure ones. I suppose it reminds me too much of the Hindu and Christian concept wherein a menstruating women is dirty. Is there wisdom that you have that would provide some comfort? Answer: Bismi Llahir Rahmanir Rahimi Thank you for your question. This is an important topic that needs to be addressed as many others may share similar sentiments. It is understandable why these types of feelings may develop, especially if one is not familiar with Islam’s position on menstruation. Islam does not consider menstruation to be a punishment towards women, and it would be a grave error to compare this great religion to other faiths who do view menstruation in this horrible, derogatory manner. Islam’s perspective is that menstruation is normal and it is natural. Additionally, a menstruating woman is not dirty, but rather from a legal perspective, she is ritually impure for the duration that she is menstruating. This has legal consequences and not spiritual consequences. As such, she is instructed by Allah to stop certain forms of worship, and every second that she obeys these commands, it is worship if done for Allah’s sake. Furthermore, the Quran is revelation; it deserves to be exalted and Allah teaches us how to do so. The Quranic ayah of the ‘pure ones’ does not only refer to menstruating women, but to any person in a state of ritual impurity, whether minor or major, male or female. Finally, women must work hard at establishing good habits of worship during their menstruation, as well as maintaining them when ritually pure. There are many acts of worship that a menstruating woman can perform that will gain her the pleasure of her Lord. These emotions of feeling ‘left out’ are an obvious result of not persisting to engage in habitual practices of devotion while menstruating. Most certainly, if one is in a constant state of remembering Allah, one will never feel far from Him. Allah says in the Quran, “And when My servants question thee concerning Me, then surely I am nigh. I answer the prayer of the suppliant when he crieth unto Me. So let them hear My call and let them trust in Me, in order that they may be led aright.” [al-Baqara: 186] Islam’s Perspective on Menstruation There is nothing in Islam that says menstruating women are ‘dirty.’ Rather, menstruation is viewed as a natural process that normal, healthy women experience throughout their lifetime. A Syrian scholar once wrote a letter to his young daughter clarifying the details of menstruation to her. He gently explained to her, “…it is a healthy blood. Indeed, menstruation has a natural, physical connection with a woman’s body to enable pregnancy. Allah is most exalted in His wisdom. He made menstruation a means for pregnancy….Verily, the uterus is preparing itself to welcome (the ability for) pregnancy with this blood and whenever pregnancy does not occur, this blood exits from the uterus to the vagina…” [Fathi Ahmad Safi; Ahkam al-Hayd wa al-Nifas] Medically-speaking it is impossible for a woman to become pregnant if she cannot menstruate, which is the case for young children and post-menopausal women. The blessing of being able to menstruate is quite clear for the one who reflects. The first time a girl sees menstrual blood in her life her body is signaling to her that she is growing into a young woman. She is now physically able to start conceiving. In fact, only by the occurrence of menstruation is a woman given the opportunity to begin and nurture a righteous family. For most women, Allah gives them this chance once a month for a series of years to attempt conception and enjoy the blessing of raising pious children. Surely, the wondrous joys experienced during parenthood would never be possible without first encountering menstruation. Examples From the Prophet’s Life of How to Treat Menstruating Women Furthermore, there are many examples in the Prophet’s life (Allah bless him and give him peace) instructing the believers of how to behave with menstruating women. He (Allah bless him and give him peace) told the Companions (Allah be pleased with them) to interact with menstruating women in their usual manner, with the exception of engaging in sexual intercourse which is prohibited in Islam by consensus. These are a few examples from the Prophet’s life: 1) The Mother of the Believers Aisha (Allah be pleased with her) said, “We left with the Prophet (Allah bless him and give him peace) for the pilgrimage. When we were in Sarif (a place close to Makkah) I began to menstruate. The Prophet (Allah bless him and give him peace) approached me and I was crying. He said, ‘Did you get your period?’ I said, ‘Yes’ He said, ‘Verily this is a matter Allah has written upon the girls of Prophet Adam (Allah bless him). Do all the actions of the pilgrimage except the tawaf.’ [Bukhari] From this narration, it is quite clear that Allah did not will menstruation for specific individuals, but rather, He chose it to be for all women until the end of time. [Sharh ibn Batal] No healthy woman experiences life without menstrual blood. It’s normal and it’s natural. The Prophet (Allah bless him and give him peace) also comforted Aisha (Allah be pleased with her) by telling her that it is a ‘matter’ Allah has written for women, which completely refutes the idea that menstruation is a curse, a punishment, or anything else demeaning. This is a clear distinction between Islam and other faiths. 2) The conservative Jews at the time of the Prophet (Allah bless him and give him peace) would not go near their menstruating wives. They did not eat with them, drink with them, or remain in the same house as them during their periods. The Companions (Allah be pleased with them) asked the Prophet (Allah bless him and give him peace) about these mannerisms and how should they behave with their menstruating wives. The Prophet (Allah bless him and give him peace) said, “Do everything with her except for sexual intercourse.” [Muslim; ibn Hajar, Fath al-Bari] In another incident, the Companions (Allah be pleased with them) asked the Prophet (Allah bless him and give him peace) about what was permissible to do with a menstruating woman. He responded, “For you is what is above the izar (lower garment).” [Abu Dawud] These narrations demonstrate that a husband must still act favorably and loving towards his wife regardless if she is menstruating. A man should not ignore his menstruating wife but continue to live with her as companions for the sake of Allah. Additionally, the given responses indicate that it is permissible to touch her, and even to sexually stimulate her, as long as the husband does not directly touch the skin between her navel and knee. The Hanafis allow the husband to touch the area between her navel and her knee upon the condition that there is a barrier covering this specific place, like with the use of a sheet or trousers. [ibn Abidin, Radd al-Muhtar] 3) The Mother of the Believers Aisha (Allah be pleased with her) said, “The Prophet (Allah bless him and give him peace) would recline on my lap while I was menstruating and he would read the Quran.” [Bukhari] She also said in another narration, “I would drink while menstruating, then pass the vessel to the Prophet (Allah bless him and give him peace). He would place his mouth on the (same) place as my mouth and drink….” [Muslim] These narrations prove that a menstruating woman is pure (tahira) and not filthy, aside from her being in a state of ritual impurity. [Mulla Ali al-Qari, Mirqat al-Mafatih] 4) The Mother of the Believers Umm Salama (Allah be pleased with her) said, “I was lying down with the Prophet (Allah bless him and give him peace) under a black, wool cover (and) I started to menstruate. I left quietly to put on clothing worn for menstruation. He said, ‘Did you get your period?’ I said, ‘Yes.’ He called to me to lie down again with him under the cover.” [Bukhari] Ibn Hajar notes that this narration illustrates the permissibility of sleeping next to a menstruating woman in her clothing and lying with her under the same cover. [ibn Hajar, Fath al-Bari] Women wore different clothing during menstruation in order to avoid affecting their everyday garments with filth, which is similar to what women do in today’s times. [ibid] 5) The Mother of the Believers Aisha (Allah be pleased with her) said, “The Messenger of God (Allah bless him and give him peace) said to me, ‘Get me the prayer mat from the prayer area.’ I replied, ‘I am menstruating.’ He said, ‘Verily, your menstruation is not in your hand.’ [Muslim] The meaning of the phrase ‘not in your hand’ is that there was no filth present on her hand, like blood, that would defile the prayer area. [Nawawi, Sharh Muslim] This narration further indicates that a menstruating woman’s limbs are not filthy but pure. She is only ritually impure. [Mulla Ali al-Qari, Sharh Musnad Abi Hanifa; al-Namari, al-Istidhkar] 6) The Mother of the Believers Maymuna (Allah be pleased with her) related that she would be menstruating and not praying. She would lie next to the Prophet’s prayer area while he would be praying on a prayer mat. She said, “When he prostrated, some of his clothing would touch me.” [Bukhari] Similar to the narrations previously mentioned, this hadith ascertains that a menstruating woman is not filthy. [Sharh ibn Batal] One can only imagine how close Maymuna (Allah be pleased with her) must have been to the Prophet (Allah bless him and give him peace) in order for his clothes to touch her while in prayer. Menstruating Women & Lifting Ritual Impurity Legally speaking, ritual impurity is a state that prevents one from performing certain acts of worship until the state is lifted by either ablution (wudu), the purificatory bath (ghusl), or dry ablution (tayammum). [Shurunbulali, Maraqi al-Falah; Tahtawi; Hashiayyat al-Tahtawi] This criterion has legal consequences and not spiritual consequences. There are two types of ritual impurity: minor and major. Minor ritual impurity is when one is in a state that necessitates ablution (wudu), whereas major ritual impurity is a state that necessitates the purificatory bath (ghusl). These are both ritual acts of cleanliness that were taught to us by Allah and his Prophet (Allah bless him and give him peace). Based on sound scholarship and clear evidences from the Quran and hadiths, a menstruating woman is of those who fall into the latter category. [Shurunbulali, Maraqi al-Falah] Thus, the only way a menstruating woman can lift her state of ritual impurity is by performing the purificatory bath. However, the purificatory bath is not valid until she stops menstruating within the possible days of menses or her bleeding reaches the menstrual maximum. [Tahtawi; Hashiyyat al-Tahtawi; Hartford, Birgivi’s Manual Interpreted] Who Can Touch the Quran Undeniably, the Quran is revelation. It deserves to be exalted. If Allah and His Prophet (Allah bless him and give him peace) teach the believers that the Quran cannot be touched unless one is in a specific ritual state, then a true servant of Allah only has one thing on their mind: obeying their Master. Allah says in the Quran, “That (this) is indeed a noble Qur’an. In a Book kept hidden. Which none toucheth save the purified. A revelation from the Lord of the Worlds.” [al-Waqi’ah: 77-80] There is a difference of opinion of what is meant by ‘save the purified.’ Some scholars declare that Allah is referring to the angels because they are free from all sins unlike humans. But most tafsir scholars agree that it is referring to someone who is free from ritual impurity. [ibn Abidin; Radd al-Muhtar] There are other supporting evidences. For example, the Prophet (Allah bless him and give him peace) said, “Only a pure person may touch the Quran.” [Abu Dawud; al-Bayhaqi] In another narration he said, “Do not touch the Quran unless you are a pure person.” [al-Tabarani] The phrase ‘pure person’ means someone who is ritually pure. [al-Munawi; Fayd al-Qadir] Therefore, in terms of touching the Quran, the same ruling applies for a man and a woman in a state of minor or major ritual impurity. Namely, neither of them can touch the Quran without first removing this state. However, lifting the state of ritual impurity may be done quicker for some than for others. For example, a woman who merely needs to perform ablution will relieve this state quicker than a menstruating woman. Yet, there is nothing wrong with her if she takes a longer time. Allah has willed menstruation for her, alhamduLlilah, and He appoints its number of days for each woman. Glory be to Allah, every second that the menstruating woman obeys His command, she is rewarded if she does so for His sake. The Most Generous is never cheap with His generosity. Being of the Pure During Menstruation Feeling ‘left out’ is an obvious result of not striving to continue with other forms of devotion while in this state. Indeed, there are many acts of worship that a menstruating woman can perform. Menstruation is not an excuse that justifies vacation time from worship. Allah says in the Quran, “I created the jinn and humankind only that they might worship Me.” [al-Dhariyat: 56] In the Hanafi madhhab, it is an overall recommendation that a menstruating woman make ablution (wudu) for each prayer time, sit in her usual place of worship, and make dhikr for the time it takes for her to normally pray so that she does not lose her habit of worship while in this state. [ibn Abidin, Manhal al-Waridin] Thus, menstruation is a prime time to establish good habits and demonstrate the strength of one’s faith to one’s Creator. The following are a few suggestions. A menstruating woman can: 1) Listen to the Quran, ponder about its meanings, and cry. 2) Buy a supplication book and make constant dhikr. 3) Send blessings on our beloved Prophet (Allah bless him and give him peace). 4) Spend time with her family and loved ones for the sake of Allah. 5) Attend religious lectures and classes. 6) Read about the righteous and pray to be of them. 7) Supplicate for whatever she wishes. 8 ) Beg for forgiveness and the pardon of her sins. 9) Get involved in her local community and help others. 10) Reflect about her life and thank Allah for all her blessings. Though these acts may seem simplistic, no one knows how Allah will weigh one’s works on the Day of Judgment. Surely, a deed that is done with an open heart and presence of mind for WHO one is worshipping is most deserving of reward. May Allah make us of those who are constant in worship and obedience to Him. Barak Allah fikum Ustadha Naielah Ackbarali Shawwal 29 1431 October 8 2010 Checked & Approved by Faraz Rabbani Source

Mohammad Ajlouni, a Palestinian child with Down's syndrome from Sheikh Jarrah neighborhood, was assaulted by IOF policemen yesterday while for no apparent reasons and in full disregard of his mental health condition. www.instagram.com/p/CaSIeB3lQFW/ (disturbing video)

Fatima Salim express her happiness at the decision taken to freeze the eviction from her home in Sheikh Jarrah neighborhood

Why Sheikh Jarrah is being ethbically cleansed @yplusmedia

United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs – Joint Statement Today, representatives of the Humanitarian Country Team in Palestine, comprising United Nations Agencies and international and Palestinian NGOs, met with the Salem family in the occupied East Jerusalem neighbourhood of Sheikh Jarrah. The family of 12, including six children and the elderly mother, Fatima Salem – all of whom are Palestine refugees – faces eviction during March from their family home of 70 years. The announcement of the scheduled eviction has recently raised tension in the Jerusalem neighbourhood, with clashes involving Palestinian residents, Israeli settlers, and Israeli Security Forces resulting in property damage, multiple injuries and arrests, including the arrest of eight children since Friday 11 February. The Salem family itself and their neighbours have been subject to attacks with pepper spray and stones resulting in injury and property damage. The Salem family is one of 218 Palestinian families, comprising 970 individuals, including 424 children, living in East Jerusalem, mainly in the neighbourhoods of Sheikh Jarrah and Silwan, that are currently facing the threat of forced eviction by the Israeli authorities. The United Nations has repeatedly called for a halt to forced evictions and demolitions in the occupied West Bank, including East Jerusalem: under international humanitarian law, forcible transfers of protected persons by the occupying power are forbidden regardless of their motive. Active steps must be taken to de-escalate the situation before another crisis erupts; we urge all political and community leaders to refrain from provocative action and rhetoric. Israeli authorities must take steps to ensure the protection of civilians, including Palestine refugees. @eddied77 (18 Februaray 2022)

The Special Durood of Hazrat Ibnu Abbaas (radhiyallahu ‘anhu) عن سيدنا عبد الله بن عباس رضي الله عنهما أنه كان يقول: اللهم تقبّل شفاعة محمد الكبرى (يوم الحشر حين يكون الخلق في كرب) وارفع درجته العليا وآته سؤله في الآخرة والأولى كما آتيت إبراهيم وموسى (مصنف عبد الرزاق، الرقم: ٣١٠٤، وإسناده جيد قوي صحيح كما في القول البديع صـ ١٢٢) Hazrat Ibnu Abbaas (radhiyallahu ‘anhuma) reports that when he used to recite Durood upon Hazrat Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam), he would recite it in the following words: اَللّٰهُمَّ تَقَبَّلْ شَفَاعَةَ مُحَمَّدٍ الْكُبْرٰى وَارْفَعْ دَرَجَتَهُ الْعُلْيَا وَآتِهِ سُؤْلَهُ فِيْ الْآخِرَةِ وَالْأُوْلٰى كَمَا آتَيْتَ إِبْرَاهِيْمَ وَمُوْسٰى O Allah Ta’ala, accept the intercession of Muhammad (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) (i.e. the intercession at the time when all the nations will be in difficulty on the plains of resurrection) and raise him to the highest rank, and grant him what he desires in the Aakhirah and this world, as You granted Ebrahim and Moosa (‘alaihimas salaam). Hazrat Anas bin Nadhr (radhiyallahu ‘anhu)’s Love for Hazrat Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) and his Martyrdom in Uhud When the Muslims were facing defeat in Uhud, the rumour began spreading that Hazrat Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) had been killed. This news caused many of the Sahaabah (radhiyallahu ‘anhum) to despair and lose heart. Hazrat Anas bin Nadhr (radhiyallahu ‘anhu) happened to see Hazrat Umar and Hazrat Talhah (radhiyallahu ‘anhuma) with a group of Sahaabah (radhiyallahu ‘anhum) in a state of utter grief and despondency. He said to them, “Why am I seeing you all so despondent and grieved?” They replied, “Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) has been slain.” Hazrat Anas (radhiyallahu ‘anhu) exclaimed, “Then who would like to live after him? Come, let us go forward with our swords and join our beloved, the Messenger (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam)!” No sooner did he utter these words than he plunged into the enemy lines and fought bravely till he was martyred. Hazrat Anas (radhiyallahu ‘anhu) had such extreme love for Hazrat Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) that he did not consider this life worth living without him. (Dalaailun Nubuwwah 3/245) يَا رَبِّ صَلِّ وَ سَلِّمْ دَائِمًا أَبَدًا عَلَى حَبِيبِكَ خَيرِ الخَلْقِ كُلِّهِمِ Ihyaauddeen.co.za

The Salem family of Sheikh Jarrah in JerusalemT theimeu Fatima Salem is nearly 70 years old, but instead of spending time with her grandchildren, she is spending her days fighting to keep the only place she’s ever called home. Why? Because Israel is planning to force Fatima and her family from their home, the place Fatima was born, as soon as next month. The plan is part of a larger effort to take over the Jerusalem neighborhood of Sheikh Jarrah and replace its Palestinian citizens with illegal Jewish Israeli settlers. If Israel forces the Salem family out of their home—where Fatima lives with 10 other family members, including children—it will be the second time that Israel has uprooted the Salem family in order to steal their land. The first was in 1948 when Israel was founded. The Salem family is one of many Palestinian families whom Israel is attempting to force out of Sheikh Jarrah. They will all be made homeless if Israel goes through with its plans. As Israel prepares to kick the Salem family out of their home, Israeli settlers, military, and police have been harassing the family outside of their home, injuring many, including Fatima herself. The Salem family and other Palestinian families targeted by Israel have put out an urgent call to the international community to stand up against Israel’s destruction of their homes. #SaveSheikhJarrah #SaveJerusalem #FreePalestine

Collective Punishment According to the International law and the Geneva Convention, "Collective penalties and likewise all measures of intimidation are prohibited" Yet collective punishment continues in occupied Palestine Quds News Network (@qudsnen) • Instagram photos and videos

Sheikh Jarrah update from Muna El-Kurd, a resident Still ongoing. Settler violence on the increase, vandalising cars, assaulting Palestinians with tear gas. IOF escalating the violence by attacking Palestinians with sound grenades, rubber bullets and skunk water People have not eaten or slept in 3 days because they are constantly on guard and the Salem family face eviction any day "Our cause is not a trend!"

#shameonbahrain While Palestinian families are ethnically cleansed in Sheikh Jarrah, homes are demolished and people are killed by Israel, Bahrain warmly welcomes the Israeli prime minister Naftali Bennett in his first visit to Bahrain (yesterday). See the soldiers salute Bennett here www.instagram.com/p/CZ-Q6iZFIV7/

The daughter of the Palestinian prisoner Mahmoud Jaradat whose home was blown up by the Israeli occupation forces in Silat al-Harithiya village, pre dawn today. "We will never cry or kneel, we are going to build the home again" www.instagram.com/p/CZ8pv31l4Ty/

All eyes on SheikhJarrah once more Tensions are going high now in Jerusalem's Sheikh Jarrah neighborhood following the arrival of far-right Israeli MK Itamar Ben-Gvir to the neighborhood, hours after he announced he's considering to open a makeshift office in the highly-tense neighborhood. The elderly Palestinian woman Fatima Salim got injured after she was attacked by Israeli settlers near her home in Sheikh Jarrah neighborhood. The family of Salim is under the threat of forceful eviction by occupation authorities in favor of Israeli settlers. Violent ethnic cleansing in Sheikh Jarrah Zionist settlers united with Israeli soldiers, broke into land belonging to the Salim family, attacked Palestinian residents, erected an outpost and danced in front of the family that has been fighting against apartheid and their imminent ethnic-cleansing for decades. Dawn (@dawntjeshannon) • Instagram photos and videos Israeli settlers perform provocative dance in the land of the Salim family in Sheikh Jarrah neighborhood. By @baraah_abo_ramouz Dawn (@dawntjeshannon) • Instagram photos and videos

India's Hijab Ban A timeline of hijab ban and protests in India's Karnataka state - TRT World

Valentine Daze Who was Valentine? Why is this day observed? Valentine’s Day began as a pagan ritual started by Romans in the 4th century BC to honour the god Lupercus. The main attraction of this ritual was a lottery held to distribute young women to young men for “entertainment and pleasure” – until the next year’s lottery. As usual, Christianity tried, without success, to stop the evil celebration of Lupercalia. It first replaced the lottery of the names of women with a lottery of the names of the saints. The idea was that during the following year the young men would emulate the life of the saint whose name they had drawn. The only success it had was in changing the name from Lupercalia to St. Valentine’s Day. It was done in CE 496 by Pope Gelasius, in honour of some Saint Valentine. There are as many as 50 different Valentines in Christian legends. According to one legend, St. Valentine was a “lovers’” saint, who had himself fallen in love with his jailer’s daughter. Due to serious troubles that accompanied such lottery, French government banned the practice in 1776. In Italy, Austria, Hungry, and Germany also the ritual vanished over the years. Earlier, it had been banned in England during the 17th century when the Puritans were strong. However in 1660 Charles II revived it. From there it also reached the New World, where enterprising Yankees spotted a good means of making money. Esther A. Howland, who produced one of the first commercial American Valentine’s Day cards called valentines, in the 1840s, sold $5,000 worth (when $5,000 was a lot of money) the first year. The valentine industry has been booming ever since. Of Valentine’s Day, Christianity changed its name, but not the pagan moorings. How can anyone think that Islam would be indifferent to practices seeped in anti-Islamic ideas and beliefs? Islam came to destroy paganism in all its forms and it cannot tolerate any trace of it in the lives of its followers.Further, Islam is very sensitive about maintaining its purity and the unique identity of its followers. Islamic laws and teachings go to extra lengths to ensure it. Salaah is prohibited at the precise times of sunrise, transition, and sunset to eliminate the possibility of confusion with the practice of sun worship. To the voluntary recommended fast on the tenth of Muharram, Muslims are required to add another day (9th or 11th) to differentiate it from the then prevalent Jewish practice. Muslims are forbidden to emulate the appearance of non-Muslims. A Muslim is a Muslim for life. During joys and sorrows, during celebrations and sufferings, we must follow the one straight path – not many divergent paths. It is a great tragedy that under the constant barrage of commercial and cultural propaganda from the forces of globalization and the relentless media machine, Muslims have begun to embrace the Valentines, the Halloween ghost, and even Santa Claus. May Allah Ta’ala guide us and keep us upon His pristine pure Deen. Ameen. Al Balagh

Over 150 Israeli settlers broke into the land of Um Nmailah village in Al Naqab and built tents over the lands of the residents under the protection of occupation forces.Via @alnaqab_official BUT ALHAMDULILLAH... The residents of Um Nmailah village forced the Israeli occupation police to demolish the tents which were built by Israeli settlers over the lands of Um Nmailah village in Al Naqab, this morning. Insha-allah #freepalestine Eye On Palestine (@eye.on.palestine) • Instagram photos and videos