ummtaalib

THE SPIRIT OF QURBANI Qurbani is a sacred Ibaadah that holds great spiritual significance. It is an act of humbling oneself before Allah and offering a sacrifice while praying to Allah for its acceptance. Allah Ta’ala says, “It is neither its flesh nor its blood that reaches Allah, but rather it is your Taqwa that reaches Him.” (Surah 22, Verse 37) Allah is not impressed at the size and weight of the animal if it is slaughtered with a corrupt intention (for show). Rather it is your connection with Allah and the spirit with which you slaughter that determines whether the slaughtered animal is indeed a Qurbani. There were many of the pious who would rear a baby animal for the entire year for the purpose of Qurbani. Thus when the time of sacrifice came, the entire family would weep at the pain of slaughtering this pet of the home to which the entire household had become attached. Qurbani is not a circus, nor a funfair. As we understand that there is no element of fun and entertainment in Salaah, we should understand the same for Qurbani. May Allah Ta’ala grant us the true spirit of Qurbani, Ameen. Jamiatul Ulama (KZN) Council of Muslim Theologians

TASHREEQ MADE EASY Allahu Akbar, Allahu Akbar, Laillaha illallaah, wallahu Akbar, Allahu Akbar, Allahu Akbar, Walillaahi Hamd This is the Takbeer Tshreeq. It is read after every Fardh Salaat from the 9th Zil Hajj until the 13th Zil Hajj. Four aspects need discussion: 1. Order 2. Method 3. Condition 4. Wajib. 1) It is Wajib (Compulsory) to read the Takbeer Tashreeq. 2) To read the Takbeer Tashreeq 3 times is better. 3) There are 3 conditions: a. To be a ‘Muqeen’ (a resident); b. To be in a town/city; c. To be read immediately after the Fardh Salaah. d. [To be well.] 4) Takberaat is not Wajib on a traveller, for those in the village, women or those performing Salaat alone. 5) If these people follow an Imaam upon whom Takberaat is necessary, they will also follow suit. 6) If the ‘Musafir’ (traveller) and/or woman and/or one performing Salaat alone, read it then that is better as per ‘Sahibain’. 7) Women should read it softy even if they have made ‘Jamaat Salaat’ on their own. 8) Men recite it audibly. 9) If women performed behind an Imaam who made intention of leading them, then it is Wajib for them to read Takberaat. 10) Takberaat is not Wajib after a Salaat that is not Fardh Ein (like Witr, Eid Ghah, Nafl, Sunnat, Salaat Janaza, etc.) 11) Takberaat is Wajib after Jumuah. 12) It is permissible to read after Eid-ul-Adhaa because, according to some, it is Wajib. 13) Because it is performed in Jamaat and this action has the status ‘Tawatthur’ (continuity without break) thus to follow this is Waijb. 14) It is Wajib on the Mazbooq (latecomer) and Laahiq (one who starts the Salaah, then the Salaah breaks and he misses one or more Rakaats, and then he re-joins the Salaah.) 15) The Takberaat will be read after they have completed their Salaat and not with the Imaam when he reads the Takberaat. 16) If they read it after the Imaam reads it then their Salaat will be valid for it is ‘Zikr’ and then they do not have to repeat the Takberaat after completion of their own Salaat. 17) If a person is performing a Nafl behind an Imaam who is leading a Fardh then it will be Wajib for that person to read the Takberaat. 18) If a ‘Muqeem’ is following a ‘Musafir’ then it (the Takberaat) is Wajib on the Muqeem although it is not Wajib on the Masafir Imaam. 19) It is not Wajib on a villager or Musafir who follows someone upon whom the Takberaat is Wajib like a Muqeem. 20) Also it is not Wajib on the sick to read the Takberaat if they make Jamaat for it is necessary for the Muqeem to be well. TIME: 1) This Takberaat is from the Fajr of the 9th Zil Hajj till the Asr of the 13th Zil Hijjah. 2) Thus 23 Salaat in total. 3) This Takbeer has to be said immediately after the Fardh Salaat. 4) Meaning as long as the person does not do such an act that negates ‘Binaa’ e.g. intentionally or mistakenly speaking, intentional breaking Wudhu (going to toilet) or left the Masjid, then the Takberaat does not lapse. 5) If the Imaam leaves out the Takbeer then the followers should read it, for it is Wajib… 6) It is permissible for the follower to commence reading the Takberaat before the Imaam but Mustahab for the Imaam to start. 7) If the Imaam forgets then the followers should read immediately and should not wait for the Imaam to start. 8) The followers should wait for as long as the Imaam does not do an act which will not allow him to do ‘Binaa’ – (see point 4). 9) If one misses any Salaat in the Days of Tashreeq and performs the Qadha of that Salaat within the Days of Tashreeq then one will read the Takberaat. 10) If one misses any Salaat in the Days of Tashreeq and performs the Qadha of that Salaat outside the Days of Tashreeq then one not does read the Takberaat. Al-Islam

Love and Obedience to Nabi (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) Hazrat Mufti Ebrahim Salejee (Daamat Barakaatuhu) mentioned: One can only reach Allah Ta‘ala through emulating Nabi (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) both inwardly and outwardly. We recognise the favours of our parents, wives etc. upon us, but we have failed to recognise the favours of Nabi (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) upon us. He did not only show us the way to acquire the good of the dunya (world), but he also showed us the way to acquire the good of the aakhirat (hereafter) through his mubaarak teachings. Continue to ponder over his efforts and sacrifices for the ummah. This will be a means of his true love and recognition being instilled within our hearts. Thereafter emulating his mubaarak sunnah will become easy for us.

Qurbani on a person in debt Q. Is it wajib for a person to make qurbani if she/he has debt eg: credit card, over draft payments. Jazakallah. (Question published as received) A. Qurbani is Waajib (compulsory) on every mature Muslim Muqeem (non-Shari’ traveler) who is the owner of the Zakaat Nisaab during the days of Eid - 10th, 11th and 12th of Zul-Hijjah. (Al-Iktiyaar Li-Ta’leelil Mukhtaar 5/16) The Zakaat Nisaab in South Africa is currently R5835.79 (as of 01/09/2016) In the enquired case, if you fulfil the above criteria and you are the owner of the Zakaat Nisaab during the days of Eid which is over and above your debts, credit card payments etc. then Qurbani remains Waajib (compulsory) upon you despite having debts. However, if you do not own the Zakaat Nisaab after deducting your debts, credit card payments etc., then Qurbani will not be Waajib (compulsory) upon you. (Shaami 6/312) And Allah Ta’ala Knows Best Mufti Ismaeel Bassa Confirmation: Mufti Ebrahim Desai (Islamic rulings on this Q&A newsletter are answered in accordance to the Hanafi Fiqh) Fatwa Department Jamiatul Ulama (KZN)

Reality of Istikharah, Mashwarah and Decision Making in Islam

Istikharah, Mashwarah and Decision Making in Islam Istikharah Istikharah means to ask Allah for goodness. From the words of the Istikharah dua, we understand that by virtue of making Istikharah, Allah will facilitate the means of what is beneficial for you. Equally, Allah will make the means of what is unfavourable for you difficult to acquire. Hence, one should do Istikharah is his daily affairs to make the acquiring of good easy. Mashwarah Mashwarah is to seek counsel and advice from relevant people who can relate to your dilemma. It is highly encouraged to consult those who can relate to your dilemma and have an understanding of your life. Consulting those who do not have the relevant experience, insight and understanding may not be as beneficial. The performance of Mashwarah is emphasised in the Qur’an and Sunnah. Scholars argue that Mashwarah is more emphasised than Istikharah due to its explicit command in the Qur’an. Decision Making With regards to decision making, there are four things one should do in the following order: 1) Seek Allah’s guidance (Istikharah) regarding your dilemma 2) Consult (Mashwarah) the right people concerning the dilemma 3) Resoluteness (‘Azm) upon a decision 4) Trust in Allah (Tawakkul) upon acting on the decision Before doing anything in the world or with the creation, one should seek guidance and good from the Creator of creation. Seeking Allah’s guidance and assistance in our affairs can only bring goodness. Thereafter, one should consult people who understand and can relate to one’s dilemma and issue. Thereafter, whatever one is inclined to, one should have resoluteness and be firm on the decision. One should not entertain ‘what if’s’ and ‘buts’ in his mind. Finally, upon acting upon the decision made, one should now place his trust in Allah is what lies ahead in such a decision. The above steps are understood from the verse: “So by mercy from Allah , [O Muhammad], you were lenient with them. And if you had been rude [in speech] and harsh in heart, they would have disbanded from about you. So pardon them and ask forgiveness for them and consult them in the matter. Then when you have made a decision, then rely upon Allah. Indeed, Allah loves those who rely [upon Him].” (Qur’an 3:159) Mufti Faraz Adam al-Mahmudi, www.darulfiqh.com

The Ten Days of Zul-Hijjah Rasulullah Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam has said, “There are no days during which pious actions are more beloved to Allah than during the first ten days of Zul-Hijjah.” The Sahaabah Radhiyallahu Anhum enquired,“Is it greater than even Jihad in the path of Allah?” Rasulullah Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam replied, “It is even greater than Jihad except that Jihad where a person sacrifices his possessions and even his life in the path of Allah.” (Tirmizi) The Fast of Youmul Arafah The 9th day of Zul Hijjah is called Yowmul-Arafah. The fast of Yowmul Arafah has been prescribed by Rasulullah Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam as a most meritorious act. According to the Hadith, the fast of this day becomes a cause of forgiveness for sins committed in the past and future year. (Muslim) Clipping of nails & Removal of hair It is Mustahab (preferable, but not obligatory) for a person performing Qurbani to abstain from trimming/removing hair or clipping nails from the commencement of Zul Hijjah (expected date: Friday (after Maghrib) 2nd September 2016) to the time he slaughters his Qurbani animal. Hence, hair and nails should be removed prior to the commencement of Zul-Hijjah. Jamiatul Ulama (KZN) Council of Muslim Theologians

Status of fasting during the ten days of Zul-Hijjah Q. What is the status of fasting during the ten days of Zul-Hijjah? A. It is forbidden to fast on Eid-ul-Adha (the 10th of Zul-Hijjah) and the three days of Tashreeq (three days after Eid-ul-Adha: 11th, 12th and 13th of Zul-Hijjah). (Al Ikhtiyaar Li Ta’leelil Mukhtaar 1/125). Apart from these days, it is recommended (Mustahab) to fast on the first nine days of Zul-Hijjah and, particularly, on the 9th of Zul-Hijjah, the Day of Arafah. (Hindiyyah 1/201) And Allah Ta’ala Knows Best Mufti Ismaeel Bassa Confirmation: Mufti Ebrahim Desai (Islamic rulings on this Q&A newsletter are answered in accordance to the Hanafi Fiqh) Fatwa Department Jamiatul Ulama (KZN) Council of Muslim Theologians

Pearls of Wisdom: No.44 “Food for the Soul” SUBJECT: GOOD COMPANIONSHIP Allah, The Most Exalted, says: “O you who Believe! Fear (the punishment of) Allah (by doing good and abstaining from sin) and stay (associate) with the Truthful” (Qur’an-Surah Tawbah:119) The Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) is reported to have said: “The example of a good companion and a bad companion is like that of the seller of musk, and the one who blows the blacksmith’s bellows. So as for the seller of musk then either he will grant you some, or you buy some from him, or at least you enjoy a pleasant smell from him. As for the one who blows the blacksmith’s bellows then either he will burn your clothes or you will get an offensive smell from him.” (Hadith Bukhari and Muslim) Note: Imaan (Faith) is our greatest wealth and the key to the security of Imaan is adopting Taqwa (The fear and love of Allah) and the key to adopting Taqwa is to be with the pious and in good comapny. Bad company can ruin good character. A good friend will always lead you to Allah. Man is known by the company he keeps and good companionship will open a fountain of virtue whereas evil companionship could lead to eternal damnation. It is better to be alone than in the company of evil minded persons. Good friends are like stars, you don’t always see them but when you are lost they will guide you to safety and bring joy into your life. Be wise and choose only the best company for yourself! www.eislam.co.za

Is Teeth Whitening Permissible? Question: Is Teeth Whitening Permissible? In the Name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. As-salāmu ‘alaykum wa-rahmatullāhi wa-barakātuh. The Answer: It is permissible to undergo a teeth whitening procedure to treat stained teeth. However, since it is a medical issue, you should consult doctors and dentists on the suitability and potential harms before proceeding. In addition, one should consult the dental practice on the ingredients used in the applied treatments. Furthermore, one should have an intention of genuinely cleaning stained teeth with such procedures. The Fiqh (jurisprudence of the Answer): Whitening of stained and discoloured teeth is not regarded to be changing Allah’s creation and nor is whitening of stained teeth a form of impermissible beautification. Rather, it is a procedure to remove discolouring as a result of stains. In addition, teeth whitening removes defects from the teeth. The removing of physical defects is permissible. And Allah Ta’ālā Alone Knows Best Mufti Faraz Adam al-Mahmudi, www.darulfiqh.com عن عبد الله قال لعن الله الواشمات والموتشمات والمتنمصات والمتفلجات للحسن المغيرات خلق الله ... ( صحيح البخاري: 2/725، 878 ، قديمي كتب خانه (قوله: المتفلجات) ... وذلك حرام للحسن أي لأجل التحسين لما فيه من التزوير فلو احتاجت إليه لعلاج أو عيب في السن فلا ( حاشية صحيح البخاري للشيخ المحدّث أحمد علي السهارنفوري: 2/ 725 ، رقم الحاشية: 5 ، قديمي كتب خانه ) ( قوله: للحسن ) يتعلق بالمتفلجات أي لأجل الحسن قيد به لأن الحرام منه هو المفعول لطلب الحسن أما إذا احتيج إليه لعلاج أو عيب في السن ونحوه فلا بأس به ( عمدة القاري: 19/325 ، دار الكتبالعلمية ) ( قوله : والمتفلجات للحسن ) يفهم منه أن المذمومة من فعلت ذلك لأجل الحسن فلو احتاجت إلى ذلك لمداواة مثلا جاز ( فتح الباري: 13/455 ، دار الكتب العلمية وَأَمَّا قَطْعُ الْإِصْبَعِ الزَّائِدَةِ وَنَحْوِهَا: فَإِنَّهُ لَيْسَ تَغْيِيْرًا لِخَلْقِ اللهِ وَإِنَّهُ مِنْ قَبِيْلِ إِزَالَةِ عَيْبٍ أَوْ مَرَضٍ فَأَجَازَهُ أَكْثَرُ الْعُلَمَاءِ خِلَافًا لِبَعْضِهِمْ (تكملة فتح الملهم) Read more.

Obituary of Hazrat Moulana Mahmood Madni Desai (Rahimahullah) – Camperdown It was with great sadness that we received the news of the tragic demise of one of the senior Ulama of South Africa, Hazrat Moulana Mahmood Madni Desai Saheb (Rahimahullah) on Sunday, 28 August 2016 / 24 Zul-Qa’dah 1437. Hazrat Moulana was born in Madinah Munawwarah and was named Mahmood Madni by his father’s very close friend, Hazrat Moulana Abdul Haq Omarjee (Rahimahullah), one of the founders of Jamiat KZN. Hazrat Moulana Madni Saheb was the founder and principal of Madrasah Inaamiyyah, Camperdown; a world-renowned institute with hundreds of graduates from all corners of the globe. Hazrat Moulana also served as Treasurer of the Jamiatul Ulama KZN for several years and as Ameer of the Jamiat for a brief period. It was during this time that the current Alpine Road premises of the Jamiat was purchased in which Moulana played a vital role. His passing has left a void in the hearts of the multitudes who knew and benefited from him. A very large number of people attended his Janaaza held at the Madrasah in Camperdown on the 29th of August 2016 with Mashaaikh and Ulama attending from throughout South Africa. There were so many attendees that the Janaaza Salaah had to be performed in an open field behind the Masjid. Hazrat Moulana is survived by his mother, wife, one son, two daughters and many grandchildren. May Allah Ta’ala grant them the patience to bear this irreplaceable loss. May Allah Ta’ala make his Maghfirah, enshroud him in His mercy and grant him the highest of stages in Jannah, Ameen. Jamiatul Ulama (KZN) Council of Muslim Theologians

(Click on the picture to see a beautiful view of the Dome of the Rock)

Websites of Darul Iftas (Click on picture to enlarge)

With thanks to Central-Mosque for an excellent compilation!

Nablus This is the hub of Palestinian trade and culture. Allah (SWT) has blessed this city with greenery and vegetation and prices are about half of what they are in the rest of Israel. Discussing the prices with my Taxi driver I asked him as to why he doesn’t buy produce from here and sell it near Bethlehem? He replied that at Israeli checkpoints they regularly and deliberately destroy produce to crush the Palestinians economically so Palestinians are scared to lose their merchandise (and invested capital) therefore don’t buy anything from here even at half prices! Nablus is also famous for holding the Guinness Book of World record for the largest Kanafeh in the whole world. My driver insisted that I eat it! Since I was from Pakistan he actually paid for my Kanafeh as a gift from Palestine. Apparently, you cannot visit Nablus without eating Kanafeh! There are two Mosques in Nablus which are both associated with the incident when Yaqub [Jacob] (AS) was shown the (false) blood soaked shirt of Yusuf [Joseph] (AS) by his brothers. وَجَآءُو عَلَىٰ قَمِيصِهِۦ بِدَمٍ۬ كَذِبٍ۬‌ۚ قَالَ بَلۡ سَوَّلَتۡ لَكُمۡ أَنفُسُكُمۡ أَمۡرً۬ا‌ۖ فَصَبۡرٌ۬ جَمِيلٌ۬‌ۖ وَٱللَّهُ ٱلۡمُسۡتَعَانُ عَلَىٰ مَا تَصِفُونَ [12:18] And they came with fake blood on his shirt. He said, .Rather, your inner desires have tempted you to do something. So, patience is best. It is Allah whose help is sought against what you describe.‘‘ This one to is called Great Mosque of Nablus and it is a narrow and long Mosque right in the middle of the Market town. The other is the Al-Khadra Mosque which was damaged by the Knights Templars during Crusades and then destroyed by the Mongols to be rebuilt. The Mosque was 85% destoryed by Israeli bulldozers when they locked the city of 200,000 down and banned all entry/exit in 2002 for 100 days. The picture is for historical archives of what it used to look like before Israeli destruction.

Dead sea, Sea of Galilee (Lake Tiberias): Muslims believe that one of the signs of the end of the world is drying up of water in the Sea of Galilee (Lake Tiberias) as narrated in a lengthy but Authentic tradition of Muhammad (570-632) [Peace be upon Him] which is actually a conversation between the companion who is lost and the Dajjal (Anti-Christ), the companion who is led there by hairy beast called Al-Jassasa. Dajjal (Anti-Christ) predicts that water in will one day dry up and checks the state of the water (1400) years ago from the visiting companion as follows: أخبروني عن بحيرة طبرية. قلنا: عن أي شيء تستخبر؟ قال: هل فيها ماء؟ قالوا: هي كثيرة الماء. قال: أما إن ماءها يوشك أن يذهب He [Dajjal (Anti-Christ)] asked, ‘Inform me of the lake of Tiberias. Is there water in it?’ We replied, ‘It is full of water.’ He Dajjal (Anti-Christ) informed us, ‘Soon its water will disappear.’... [Muslim] I didn’t go to Sea of Galilee (Lake Tiberias) but I visited the Dead sea (which is the source) around the spot where it is 300 meters below sea level and the Israeli Government has a desalination to use this for drinking water and they use the Dead sea salt in Cosmetics (as miracle beauty and Health products). The water has retracted for miles and there is a lot of sand for miles and little water.

JerichoAlthough it is called أريحا‎ Arriha in Arabic the Palestinians also usually refer to it as Jericho. It is the most excavated city and presumed to be the oldest continuously inhabited city of the world. Again the minute you tell the Palestinians that you are from “Pakistan” the whole time erupts everywhere. You don’t get entrance fees, you get offered free gifts and you get your 15 minutes of fame! Zacchaeus & the Sycamore Tree:This is a story from the bible as to how Eesa [Jesus of Nazareth] (AS) met Zacchaeus (Tax Collector) as follows: Jesus entered Jericho and was passing through. A man was there by the name of Zacchaeus; he was a chief tax collector and was wealthy. He wanted to see who Jesus was, but because he was short he could not see over the crowd. So he ran ahead and climbed a sycamore-fig tree to see him, since Jesus was coming that way... [Luke 19:1-10] This tree is estimated to be around 2000 years old and Christians believe that the fruit of this tree which is extremely bitter if consumed (bearing the bitterness with patience) is a cure for all diseases.

Sanctuary of Younis [Jonah] (AS): : The Masjid which houses the gravesite of Younis [Jonah] (AS) is about 5 KM outside of Hebron in a city called Halhul.This Mosque was originally constructed and sponsored during the Ayyubid dynasty and I have some doubts about the historical authenticity of the originator but I will record the following from the discoverislamicart (on their Authority): The building is composed of a mosque and a maqam (tomb). The mosque is a new construction undertaken amidst the rubble of the original Ayyubid mosque. Composed of two stories, the first level includes the remains of the Ayyubid mosque, while the burial area is at the basement (crypt) level of the maqam. The maqam of the Prophet Jonah is accessed from inside the mosque via the ground-floor entrance, thus the visitor can see what remains of the old mosque by passing through the centre of it in the direction of the qibla (south). The old maqam consists of a building with a square ground plan that is surrounded on the south, east and west by porticoes. Each portico is supported by three large piers which bear skilfully built cross vaults. Beneath the porticoes, are windows that overlook the commemorative tomb chamber, this is square in form and topped by a barrel vault. The tomb is covered by a green cloth, as is customary for Islamic shrines. Above the west window of the tomb chamber there is a woven-silk panel (kiswa) upon which is the name of the deceased. The panel, which resembles those found in the Haram al-Ibrahimi in Hebron, is in the late Ottoman style and may date to the period of Sultan Abd al-Hamid. The tomb itself is a wooden structure with the burial chamber beneath it in an underground room below the mosque. The tomb is inaccessible and cannot be visited. It does not face the qibla as is customary in Islam but deviates towards the southwest. This is perhaps because the maqam dates to the Pre-Islamic era, along with a series of other old tombs that have been discovered during expansion works of the mosque. The residents of this area associate the maqam with miracles and it forms a centre for religious heritage and the folklore of the region. Central-Mosque

Sanctuary of Lut [Lot] (AS): The picture (above) is of the Mosque where Lut [Lot] (AS) stayed Lut [Lot] (AS) sas a Prophet of Allah (SWT) according to Islam and pious personality according to Judeo-Christian tradition. Qur’aan tells his story and the divine punishment on the people of Sodom and Gomorrah as follows: ذۡ قَالَ لَهُمۡ أَخُوهُمۡ لُوطٌ أَلَا تَتَّقُونَ (١٦١) إِنِّى لَكُمۡ رَسُولٌ أَمِينٌ۬ (١٦٢) فَٱتَّقُواْ ٱللَّهَ وَأَطِيعُونِ (١٦٣) وَمَآ أَسۡـَٔلُكُمۡ عَلَيۡهِ مِنۡ أَجۡرٍ‌ۖ إِنۡ أَجۡرِىَ إِلَّا عَلَىٰ رَبِّ ٱلۡعَـٰلَمِينَ (١٦٤) أَتَأۡتُونَ ٱلذُّكۡرَانَ مِنَ ٱلۡعَـٰلَمِينَ (١٦٥) وَتَذَرُونَ مَا خَلَقَ لَكُمۡ رَبُّكُم مِّنۡ أَزۡوَٲجِكُم‌ۚ بَلۡ أَنتُمۡ قَوۡمٌ عَادُونَ (١٦٦) قَالُواْ لَٮِٕن لَّمۡ تَنتَهِ يَـٰلُوطُ لَتَكُونَنَّ مِنَ ٱلۡمُخۡرَجِينَ (١٦٧) قَالَ إِنِّى لِعَمَلِكُم مِّنَ ٱلۡقَالِينَ (١٦٨) رَبِّ نَجِّنِى وَأَهۡلِى مِمَّا يَعۡمَلُونَ (١٦٩) فَنَجَّيۡنَـٰهُ وَأَهۡلَهُ ۥۤ أَجۡمَعِينَ (١٧٠) إِلَّا عَجُوزً۬ا فِى ٱلۡغَـٰبِرِينَ (١٧١) ثُمَّ دَمَّرۡنَا ٱلۡأَخَرِينَ (١٧٢) وَأَمۡطَرۡنَا عَلَيۡهِم مَّطَرً۬ا‌ۖ فَسَآءَ مَطَرُ ٱلۡمُنذَرِينَ (١٧٣) إِنَّ فِى ذَٲلِكَ لَأَيَةً۬‌ۖ وَمَا كَانَ أَكۡثَرُهُم مُّؤۡمِنِينَ (١٧٤) وَإِنَّ رَبَّكَ لَهُوَ ٱلۡعَزِيزُ ٱلرَّحِيمُ [26:161] when their brother Lut said to them, .Do you not fear Allah? [26:162] I am an honest messenger for you.[26:163] So fear Allah and obey me.[26:164] I do not claim from you any reward for it. My reward is with none but with the Lord of the worlds. [26:165] Do you go to the males (for having sex) out of the whole universe, [26:166] and leave your wives whom your Lord has created for you? Indeed you are a people who cross (all) limits.[26:167] They said, .If you do not stop O Lut, you shall be included among the outcast.. [26:168] He said .Indeed, I am annoyed with your act. [26:169] My Lord, save me and my family from what they do.. [26:170 So We saved him and his family, all of them [26:171] except an old woman among those who remained behind. [26:172] Then We destroyed the others, [26:173] and subjected them to a terrible rain. So evil was the rain of those who were warned. [26:174] Surely, in this there is a sign, but most of them are not believers, [26:175] and indeed your Lord is the Mighty, the Merciful. The picture above is where Ibraheem [Abraham] (AS) prostrated to his Lord (SWT) when he witnessed the divine punishment towards the peopke of people of Sodom and Gomorrah. Central-Mosque

Hebron Historically this city is associated with Ibraheem [Abraham] (AS) according to Authentic Islamic tradition. Since Allah (SWT) took Ibraheem [Abraham] (AS) as his close friend (Al-Khalil) the historic (Islamic) name of this city is “الخليل” (Al-Khalil). The Qur’aan states: وَمَنۡ أَحۡسَنُ دِينً۬ا مِّمَّنۡ أَسۡلَمَ وَجۡهَهُ ۥ لِلَّهِ وَهُوَ مُحۡسِنٌ۬ وَٱتَّبَعَ مِلَّةَ إِبۡرَٲهِيمَ حَنِيفً۬ا‌ۗ وَٱتَّخَذَ ٱللَّهُ إِبۡرَٲهِيمَ خَلِيلاً۬ [4:125] Who is better in Faith than one who has surrendered his self to Allah and is good in deeds, and has followed the creed of Ibrahim, the upright. Allah has made Ibrahim a friend. Al-Khalil was always Palestinian territory and unlike Jerusalem it's sovereignty has never been disputed. In 1968 a group led by Extremist Zionist Rabbi Moshe Levinger rented a Hotel and then refused to leave. The hardliner (one-eyed) Israeli defence minister Moshe Dayan instead of evicting them decided to move them to an abandoned military base thus starting an Israeli settlement which is now smack bang in the middle of Palestinians. These hard-line Zionist settler number around 500, protected by 4,000 heavily armed Israeli soldiers and make life intolerable for over 400,000 Palestine. Since the settlers are on higher grounds they walk around fully armed, throw rocks and even shot right in the middle of the Bazars. You will read guidebooks where Foreign Tourists who try to get friendly with Palestinians are abused or stones thrown at them. The Bazar is covered by make shift tin roofs to stop Zionist stones from reaching tourists. The Zionists also regularly dump their trash straight down on the heads of Palestinians and Tourist. You can see the net in the picture to try to prevent that. Sanctuary of Ibraheem [Abraham] (AS): Palestinian access is tightly controlled by Israeli checkpoint and my Taxi driver was stopped from entering. The grave of Ibraheem [Abraham] (AS) actually has a Bulletproof partition because in 1994 the Extremist Baruch Goldstein shot and killed 29 unarmed Palestinians and injured 129. I was denied entry to the Yaqub [Jacob] (AS) graveside which is reserved for Jews and told that he is a Jewish Prophet! Central-Mosque

Bethlehem My first question to an Arab Scholar of Arabic was about the name. Why is this city called “بيت لحم‎” or House of Meat in Arabic? The answer is that in classical Arab (at the time) لحم was also used for Bread so the actual translation should be “House of Bread & Meat” which is due to the Birth of Eesa [Jesus of Nazareth] (AS) in Bethlehem. Bethlehem is actually in Palestinian Territory so you take a Bus from Jerusalem and cross an Israeli & then a Palestinian checkpoint. In practise nobody cares and nobody checks when you are leaving and you have no hassle but when you return you may be checked at Israeli checkpoint so keep your pictures and details (of your trip) handy. When you disembark at you will find Palestinian Taxi drivers and Servee (shared Taxis) and you can do a deal for them to take you wherever you like within Palestinian Territories. All guidebooks recommend that you take a Palestinian Taxi driver because they know exactly how to avoid Isareli checkpoints and how to get around a whole bunch of hiccups. Church of the Nativity: Build around 327 AD this is traditionally considered by the Christians to be near the cave where was born. This was constructed by Saint Helena (250-330 AD) who was the mother of Constantine the Great (272-327) and they had actually converted to Christianity. The construction was part of First Council of Nicaea (around 325 AD) to build on sites related to Eesa [Jesus of Nazareth] (AS). Mosque of Omar: Across the Church of the Nativity stands the Mosque of Omar. The land for this Mosque was donated to Muslims around 1860 by the Greek Orthodox Church as a tribute to Ameerul-Mumineen Sayyidina Umar (RA). Entrance is only for Muslims and the prayer times are almost the same as Masjid Aqsa. The original Mosque of Omar: This is a second Mosque of Omar in Bethlehem, much older compared to the one built on the land donated by Greek Orthodox Church. Right outside the city limits of Bethlehem this is the original Mosque of Omar built by Salahuddin Al-Ayubbi (1138-1193) and the Palestinians believe that Ameerul-Mumineen Sayyidina Umar (RA) first stopped here at Bethlehem to pray before entering. This Mosque is not shown in any guidebooks or websites so do visit during your trip to. Beneath the original tomb is a locked room where Ameerul-Mumineen Sayyidina Umar (RA) prayed. I cannot vouch for the authenticity of this Mosque but it is certainly one of the oldest Mosques in Palestine. Central-Mosque

Places to Visit in Jerusalem Mosque of Omar: When Ameerul-Mumineen Sayyidina Umar (RA) was given the keys of he refused to pray inside the Church of the Holy Sepulchre thus granting the Christian places of worship sanctuary and protection under Muslim rule. The spot outside the Church where he prayed was turned into a Mosque by the son of Salahuddin Al-Ayubbi (1138-1193). Al-Afdal ibn Salah ad-Din (1169-1225) built the original structure which you see in the pictures, inline with other Islamic places of worship Non-Muslims are not allowed here. This Mosque is only open during prayer hours for Muslims which are the same as Masjid Aqsa. Church of the Holy Sepulchre: The site of the Church of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem is identified as the place both of the crucifixion and the tomb of Jesus of Nazareth. The church has long been a major pilgrimage center for Christians all around the world. According to the New Testament, Jesus was crucified at Golgotha, "the place of the skull" (Matt. 27:33–35; Mark 15:22–25; John 19:17–24). This has been identified as an area of abandoned stone quarries just outside the city wall of the time. About 10 years after the crucifixion, a third wall was built that enclosed the area of the execution and burial within the city, and this accounts for the Holy Sepulchre's location inside the Old City of Jerusalem today. Holy Jesus Prison inside Church of the Holy SepulchreThe Roman emperor Constantine I, a convert to Christianity, had the temple of Venus in Jerusalem demolished to make way for a church. In the course of the demolition a tomb was discovered that was thought to be the tomb of Jesus. The original (above) is now covered to protect it from damage and it looks like a shrine where faithful Christians from all over the world come for pilgrimage. The keys to the Church to this day is held by a Muslim (Nusaybah) family. During my visit a high ranking Christian delegation was visiting and they needed to visit some sites in (the side street) and it was indeed a Muslim who walked in front of them to open the locked door as it has been the tradition since 638. I saw this with my own eyes! The site where the Church stands was originally built by Hadrian (76-138 AD) as a tribute to Roman goddess Venus. Constantine the Great (272-327) had the temple replaced by this Church as he believed it to be the site where Eesa [Jesus of Nazareth] (AS) was supposidly crucified. Muslims actually don’t believe that Eesa [Jesus of Nazareth] (AS) was crucified at all. وَقَوۡلِهِمۡ إِنَّا قَتَلۡنَا ٱلۡمَسِيحَ عِيسَى ٱبۡنَ مَرۡيَمَ رَسُولَ ٱللَّهِ وَمَا قَتَلُوهُ وَمَا صَلَبُوهُ وَلَـٰكِن شُبِّهَ لَهُمۡ‌ۚ وَإِنَّ ٱلَّذِينَ ٱخۡتَلَفُواْ فِيهِ لَفِى شَكٍّ۬ مِّنۡهُ‌ۚ مَا لَهُم بِهِۦ مِنۡ عِلۡمٍ إِلَّا ٱتِّبَاعَ ٱلظَّنِّ‌ۚ وَمَا قَتَلُوهُ يَقِينَۢا [4:157] and for their saying, .We have certainly killed the Masih Eesa [Jesus of Nazareth] (AS) the son of Maryam, the Messenger of Allah., while in fact they did neither kill him, nor crucify him, but they were deluded by resemblance. Those who disputed in this matter are certainly in doubt about it. They have no knowledge of it, but they follow whims. It is absolutely certain that they did not kill him. Central-Mosque

Masjid Aqsa & Dome of the Rock: Rejoice as there are no border crossings or checkpoints while you stay in Jerusalem and the city is safe for your family and kids. Orient yourself as to where you are using these maps as they are concise and extremely helpful: Central-Mosque

Where to in Jerusalem? It doesn’t really matter how you get into Jerusalem but you want to end up eventually around Damascus Gate. If you are booking Hotels or travelling via a group (recommended) then ask about the distance to Damascus Gate. Transportation and most sites are easily accessible from here and remember that Damascus Gate is called باب العامود (Bab Alaamud)in Arabic. Central-Mosque

At Ben-Guiron Airport (Tel Aviv) Your Rights at Ben-Guiron Airports Searches PP - Interrogation Ben Gurion.pdf