ummtaalib

16 Amazing Uses for Honey Honey has been used as a remedy for ailments since the time of our beloved Prophet (s). Both the holy Qur’an and Hadith refer to honey as a healer of disease. ‘And thy Lord taught the bee to build its cells in hills, on trees and in (men’s) habitations….. there issues from within their bodies a drink of varying colors, wherein is healing for mankind. Verily in this is a Sign for those who give thought’. (Translation of Quran 16:68-69) Rasulullah (Sallallaahu alaihi Wasalaam) said: ‘Honey is a remedy for every illness and the Qur’an is a remedy for all illness of the mind, therefore I recommend to you both remedies, the Qur’an and honey.’ (Bukhari) Medical: Honey has antibacterial properties and contains hydrogen peroxide. There is evidence that honey speeds the healing of wounds. 1. Bee Sting: Use instantly on bee stings. Apply honey directly to wound for temporary pain relief and faster healing. Apply a light dressing such as gauze or paper towel. (Be sure you have completely removed the stinger before applying honey). If you are allergic to bee stings see a doctor immediately. 2. For Curing Arthritis: A paste should be made from one part honey and two parts of luke warm water added with a small teaspoon of cinnamon powder. This paste should be massaged on the itching part of the body and the pain should recede within fifteen minutes in most cases. 3. Toothache: A paste made of one teaspoon of cinnamon powder and five teaspoons of honey when applied on the aching tooth (may be done 3 times a day) reduces the pain within a matter of 15 minutes 4. Reducing Cholesterol: Take two tablespoons of honey, three teaspoons of cinnamon powder and mix in 16 ounces of tea, when given to a cholesterol patient, reduces the level of cholesterol in the blood by 10% within 2 hours. Pure honey is also sometimes used with food to check cholesterol. 5. Cure Colds: For those who are suffering from common or severe colds, they should take one tablespoon of luke warm honey with 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon powder daily for 3 days. This process will cure most chronic cough, cold and clear the sinuses. 6. Stomach Upset: Honey taken with cinnamon powder also helps in curing stomach ache. For people who are suffering from gas problems, honey should be taken with cinnamon powder in equal quantities, relieves gas and pain in the stomach. 7. Immune System: The daily intake of honey and cinnamon powder strengthens the immune system and protects the body from bacterial and viral attacks. Researchers have found that honey has various vitamins and iron in large amounts and its use strengthens the white blood corpuscles. 8. Slowing Down the Aging Process: Ancient cultures used Tea made with honey and cinnamon powder for longevity. 4 spoons of honey, 1 spoon of cinnamon powder and 3 cups of water are boiled to make this tea. The prescribed amount is to drink 1/4 cup, 3 times a day. It keeps the skin fresh and soft and slows down old age. 9. Weight Loss: Drink honey and cinnamon powder boiled in one cup water first thing in the morning (empty stomach). If taken regularly it reduces the weight of even the most obese person. Also drinking of this mixture regularly does not allow the fat to accumulate in the body, even though the person may eat a high calorie diet. Dietary: Honey is healthy for you in moderation; it has amino acids and enzymes for digestion. 10. You can use it as a sugar substitute in baking 11. It tastes great on a spoon mixed with peanut butter! Or Cut, fresh peaches with some honey drizzled over top with milk makes a great treat! 12. The best type of honey is raw or organic honey. Try to get as natural as possible because some store-bought brands include added sugar, water, or syrups. Cosmetic: Use honey to look your best 13. Hair Loss: To prevent hair loss or baldness mix 1 tsp. of honey with 1 tsp. of olive oil and 2 tsp. of water to make a paste. Massage this mixture onto the areas needing it the most (for baldness it would go on those thinned or hairless spots). This is best done before bedtime and the mixture will be left on for the night. Wash your hair as usual in the morning and continue to treat your hair with this mixture regularly. Another honey mixture for these same issues would be a paste consisting of heated olive oil, 1 tbsp. of honey and 1 tsp. of cinnamon. Apply this to your scalp and leave it on for 5 to 15 minutes before washing your hair. 14. Conditioner: Using honey as a hair conditioner will increase the health of your hair follicles and your scalp at the same time. If your hair is on the oily side, decrease the olive oil to 1/4 cup when making the following mixture. Mix 1 cup of honey and 1/2 cup of olive oil. Massage the mixture onto the scalp and let it rest for a half hour before washing your hair as usual. 15. Radiant Hair: If your hair lacks shine or luster, a mixture of 2 tbps. of honey and 2 cups of warm water can help return the natural shine and will add health to your hair. After combining the solution, shake it thoroughly in a spray bottle with a wide nozzle and spray the mixture onto your hair. Brush it into your hair and let it dry or you can blow dry it. It is best to use a good quality of honey. 16. Honey Facial: Honey may be the perfect skin care product, as it kills germs and reduces swelling and inflammation. A honey face mask will gently clean your skin, while keeping it healthy, supple and beautiful. Add 1 tsp. of olive oil to the honey. Olive oil helps nourish and clean the skin at the same time. Unlike petroleum jelly, heavy lotions and other oils, olive oil will rinse cleanly away, leaving your skin moisturized and glowing. Break an egg, gently separating the yoke and adding it to the honey and oil mixture. The egg yoke will not only give your face mask a creamy texture, it will help remove oil and dirt from the skin. Egg yoke will remove the greasy shine from your face without drying. Mix the ingredients until creamy. Peel and slice two pieces of cucumber. Cucumber has gentle astringent properties, but is the same pH as skin. Including cucumber as part of your skin care regimen will help to restore the natural protective acid levels of the skin. Cucumber naturally nourishes and hydrates the skin and can help reduce circles from underneath the eyes. Apply a warm washcloth to your face to open the pores. Apply the honey face mask and cucumbers. Relax for about 20 minutes while you wait for the mask to work, then rinse with warm water. Once fully rinsed, splash a bit of cold water on your face to close your pores and firm the skin. islaaminfo

The good we are doing is not proof of our concern for the hereafter. Proof is finding fear in our hearts after sinning; that I have done something wrong and will be punished for it. Do we find this within ourselves? If we do not worry about the hereafter, we will be doomed after we die. Merely living with this dream that Allah ta'ālā will forgive us is foolishness. Allah ta'laa is also Raaziq (the Sustainer) but we still toil and work for our sustenance. Similarly Allah is Gafoor (the Forgiver) and Raheem (the Merciful) but for that person who strives through good actions and repenting sincerely.

Sacrifice enhances inner joy! www.eislam.co.za Relaxing in the lounge Sunday morning my wife called, 'How long will you be with that newspaper? Will you come here and make your darling son eat his breakfast?'. I tossed the paper away and rushed to the scene. My only son Faizaan looked frightened. Tears were welling up in his eyes. In front of him was a bowl filled to its brim with cereal containing the much needed vitamins needed by Faizaan after his month long illness. Faizaan was a pleasant child, quite intelligent for his age. He has just turned nine. He particularly detested the vitamin fortified cereal. My mother and my wife are traditional and believe firmly in the benefits of the cereal. I cleared my throat, and picked up the bowl. 'Faizaan, darling,why don't you take a mouthful of this cereal?Just for Dad's sake, dear. Faizaan softened a bit, and wiped his tears with the back of his hands. 'OK, Dad. I will eat - not just a few mouthfuls, but the whole lot of this. But, you should…' Faizan hesitated. 'Dad, if I eat this entire Cereal, will you give me whatever I ask for?'…'Oh sure, darling'… 'Promise?'... 'Promise'. I covered the soft hand extended by my son with mine, and clinched the deal. 'Ask Mom also to give a similar promise', my son insisted. My wife put her hand on Faizaan’s, muttering 'Promise'. Now I became a bit anxious. ' Faizaan dear, you shouldn't insist on getting a computer or any such expensive items. Dad does not have that kind of money right now. OK?' 'No, Dad. I do not want anything expensive'. Slowly and painfully, he finished eating the whole quantity. I was silently angry with my wife and my mother for forcing my child to eat. After the ordeal was through, Faizaan came to me with his eyes wide with expectation. All our attention was on him... 'Dad, I want to have my hair on my head shaved off, this Sunday!' was his demand. 'Atrocious!' shouted my wife, 'my child having his head shaved off? Impossible!' This is following the crazy “skin heads” culture capturing the youth in our community! Never,never,never will I allow it!!! 'Never in our family!' my mother rasped.' He has been watching too much of television. Our culture is getting totally spoiled with these TV programs!' Faizaan darling, why don't you ask for something else? We will be sad seeing you with a clean-shaven head.' 'No, Dad. I do not want anything else', Faizaan said with finality. 'Please, Faizaan, why don't you try to understand our feelings?' I tried to plead with him. 'Dad, you saw how difficult it was for me to eat that cereal'. Faizaan was in tears. 'And you promised to grant me whatever I ask for. Now, you are going back on your words. Was it not you who told me the stories of the Companions of our beloved Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) and how they kept to their promises! You did emphasize that we should honour our promises no matter what! It was time for me to call the shots. 'Our promise must be kept.' 'Are you out your mind?' chorused my mother and wife. 'No. If we go back on our promises, he will never learn to honour his own. Faizaan, your wish will be fulfilled.' With his head clean-shaven, Faizaan had a round-face, and his eyes looked big and beautiful. On Monday morning, I dropped him at his school. It was a sight to watch my hairless Faizaan walking towards his classroom. He turned around and waved. I waved back with a smile. Just then, a boy alighted from a car, and shouted, Faizaan, please wait for me!' What struck me was the hairless head of that boy. 'May be, that is the in-stuff', I thought. 'Sir, your son Faizaan is great indeed!' Without introducing himself, a man got out of the car, and continued,' That boy who is walking along with your son is my son Yunoos. He is suffering from… leukaemia(cancer).' He paused to muffle his sobs. Yunoos could not attend the school for the whole of the last month. He lost all his hair due to the side effects of the chemotherapy. He refused to come back to school fearing the unintentional but cruel teasing of the schoolmates. Faizaan visited him last week, and promised him that he will take care of the teasing issue. But, I never imagined he would sacrifice his lovely hair for the sake of my son! Sir, you and your wife are blessed to have such a noble soul as your son. I stood transfixed...and then, I wept. 'My little Angel, you are teaching me how self-less real love is!' The happiest people on this planet are not those who live on their own terms but are those who change their terms for the benefit of others. Allah, the Exalted, says: “... and do good that you may be successful" ( Qu’an 22:77) Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) said, " If anyone fulfils his brother's needs, Allah will fulfil his needs; if one relieves a Muslim of his troubles, Allah will relieve him of his troubles on the Day of Resurrection; and if anyone conceals his faults, Allah will conceal his faults on the Day of Resurrection ". (Hadith-Al-Bukhari and Muslim). The endeavour to sacrifice for others is an achievement on its own accord whether people recognize the contribution or not. Don’t delay in making that sacrifice as no act of kindness is ever wasted. “When you sacrifice something precious, you're not really losing it. You're just passing it on to someone else.”

Sunnats and Aadaab of Sleeping – Part 1 1. It is sunnah for one to sleep in the state of Wudhu. عن معاذ بن جبل رضي الله عنه قال قال رسول الله صلى الله عليه و سلم ما من عبد بات على طهور ثم تعار من الليل فسأل الله شيئا من أمر الدنيا أو من أمر الآخرة إلا أعطاه (ابن ماجة رقم 3881) Hadhrat Muaadh bin Jabal (Radhiallahu Anhu) reports that Rasulullah (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) said: “The one who sleeps in the state of wudhu, and thereafter wakes up during the night (or turns from one side to the other), and asks Allah Ta’ala for anything of this world or the Hereafter, Allah Ta’ala will surely grant it to him. 2. One should dust the bed before sleeping. عن أبي هريرة رضي الله عنه قال قال رسول الله صلى الله عليه وسلم: إذا أوى أحدكم إلى فراشه فلينفض فراشه بداخلة إزاره ، فإنه لا يدري ما خلفه عليه (البخاري رقم 6320) Hadhrat Abu Hurayrah (Radhiallahu Anhu) reports that Rasulullah (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) said: “When any one of you retires to bed, then he should dust the bed with the inner-part of the tail of his lungi. The reason being is that one is unaware of what could have entered his bed in his absence.

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Diwali Celebrations Rasulullah Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam once stated on the occasion of Eidul Fitr, “Verily, every nation has a day of religious celebration and today is our day of celebration.” Bukhari As Muslims we do not participate in the religious celebrations of other faiths. Living in a multi-faith society does not mean that we sacrifice our values to appease others. We respect the right of others to celebrate as they wish but this does not mean that we need to do the same. There is nothing wrong with saying, “I am a Muslim and I do not celebrate or participate in Diwali celebrations.” This will gain you respect by displaying your faith and adherence to Islam. Fireworks are impermissible in Islam as it is considered an extravagant waste of money. However when the use of fireworks becomes part of the religious celebration of others, the severity of the sin increases many times over. Muslim businesses should realise that their sustenance comes from Allah and not by adopting avenues that displease Him. What may be gained materially in the sale of unlawful goods proportionately depletes the Barakah and blessings of our sustenance. So while Diwali is a time of celebration for Hindus, it is definitely not one for Muslims. We need to be clear on such issues so that Islam is preserved in its purity for our progeny to come. Masjid Poster downloadable here. Jamiatul Ulama (KZN) Council of Muslim Theologians

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