Definition of the words: ?deen? & ?Islam?

The ?deen? (religion) before Allah (accepted by Allah) is Islam.) [Qur?an 3:19]The word ?deen? and the word Islam were mentioned many times in the Qur?an, they are considered the most important words in the life of all Muslims.The guidance, success in this life and in the Hereafter depends on two things: Understanding the meaning of these two words (deen and Islam), and applying their meanings in our life.Allah (swt) says;(Today, I have completed your ?deen?, and have completed my bliss upon you and accepted for you Islam as a ?deen?.) [Qur?an 5:3]And He (swt) also says:Whosoever seeks, other than Islam, a deen, it will not be accepted from him and he, in the Hereafter, is among the losers.) [Qur?an 3:85]Muslims must understand these two words; they should not repeat them with their tongues without apprehending their real meanings or implications.It is worth mentioning that these two words acquired specific meanings after the introduction of the message which was conveyed by Prophet Mohammad (pbuh).The real meaningsWhen the Qur?an was revealed, there were no problems in understanding the meaning of ?deen? and ?Islam? by the Arabs. The generation, which lived with Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) completely understood the meanings of these words and they translated them into action in their individual and collective lives.This full apprehension of Islam and its meaning, led them to the guidance of Islam, this change was one of the greatest changes in the long history of mankind.The concept of ?deen?The word ?deen? is used in the Arabic language to give different meanings, most importantly are:1-Subjugation, authority, and rulinga. Allah (swt) subjugated people to obey him. Subjugated here is a literal translation of the word ?deen?.b. Allah (swt) has authority over people. ?Authority? here is another literal translation of the word ?deen.?The saying (hadith) of Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) asserts this meaning;?The intelligent person is the one who has authority over himself and works for the Hereafter"This means that the intelligent believer is the one who has subjugated himself and made himself obedient to Allah. In this context, also, the past participle would be subjugated, ruled and submitted.Allah (swt) says;(If you are not subjugated, then return it if you are truthful.) [Qur?an 56:87]This means, if you are not forced by the will of Allah in the issues of death and life, then try to return your soul to your body- after it has left it- if you can.2-Obedience and submission due to subjugation. 3-The method and the habit.4-Punishment, reward and judgment.These four linguistic meanings constitute the concept of the word ?deen? in the Qur?an. Therefore, ?deen? implies a comprehensive system of life that is composed of four parts:1-The ruler ship and the authority belong to Allah (swt) only.2-The obedience and submission are to Allah (swt).3-The comprehensive system (intellectual and practical) is established by this authority (Allah).4-The reward given by this authority (Allah) to those who followed the system and submitted to him and the punishment inflicted upon those who rebel against it and disobey it.Based on this definition of ?deen?, we can conclude that it is a submission, and worship by man for the creator, the ruler, the subjugator in a comprehensive system of life with all its belief, intellectual, moral and practical aspects.After understanding this definition of the Arabic word ?deen?, we realize that it is not correct to translate it into English using the word ?religion".Muslims must do their best to clarify to others the reality of the word ?deen? in the Islamic perspective; also they should implant this reality in their youth?s minds so that they will not confuse the concept of ?deen? with all other erroneous and distorting definitions.The concept of IslamIslam in the Arabic language and in the Holy Qur?an means total submission and obedience.However, the original meaning of "Islam" in the Arabic language is the acceptance of a view or a condition which was not previously accepted.In the language of the Holy Qur'an, Islam means the readiness of a person to take orders from God and to follow them. "Muslim" is a word taken from the word Islam. It applies to the person who is ready to take orders from God and follow him.Allah (swt) says;(Abraham was not a Jew nor a Christian, but he was an upright (man), a Muslim; and he was not one of the Polytheists.) [Qur?an 3:67]The message which was revealed to Prophet Mohammad (pbuh) is called Islam, and to profess the belief in his message is also Islam. Muslim, also, has come to mean the person who follows the message of Mohammad (pbuh) and believes in its truthfulness.Allah (swt) says;(Do they seek a deen other than the deen of Allah and to him all what is in the skies and in the earth have submitted willingly or forcefully and to Him they shall return.) [Qur?an 3:83]The word ?Islam? was used in the Qur?an as a symbol for the word ?deen? that was revealed by Prophet Muhammad (pbuh).Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) stated that his teachings contain the teachings of all the previous prophets and all the Divine commandments. When a person professes the belief in the truthfulness of Prophet Muhammad and pledges to follow his message, he, in fact, will be stating his readiness to obey the orders of God unconditionally.?Deen al Tawheed? (The belief in the Oneness of God)Islam, sometimes, is called the ?deen al tawheed?: religion of One God, because its main theme is the unity of God. The doctrine of One God is the most emphasized and repeated principle in the Holy Qur'an.?Deen al Fitrah? (The religion of the nature)Also, Islam could be called ?deen al fitrah" which means the religion of the nature or the religion which is in accordance with human nature, because its teachings are acceptable to the human mind when it is freed from illogical thinking and superstition.Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) said:?Every human being is born in a state of pure nature; but through the influence of his parents, he may become non-Muslim"ConclusionIslam is a divine system, with it Allah (swt) sealed all other ?deens? and religions, and he made it a comprehensive system that deals with all aspects of human life (Belief, intellectual, moral and practical).This system is based on total submission to Allah (swt) alone, purifying worship to him only, and following the traditions (sunnah) of Prophet Muhammad (pbuh).

La Ellah Ela Allah?A way of life for Muslims

A believing Muslim is one whose heart has been penetrated completely with this declaration, as the other pillars of Islam and articles of faith are derivatives of it.
This is an extract from "Milestone" by Sayed Qutb"La llaha illa Allah, Muhammad Rasul Allah" -"There is no god except Allah" - is the first part of the Islamic declaration of faith, meaning that there is no one to be worshipped except God; "Muhammad Rasul Allah" - "Muhammad is the Messenger of God"- is the second part, meaning that this worship is to be carried out according to the teachings of the Prophet - peace be upon him.A believing Muslim is one whose heart has been penetrated completely with this declaration, as the other pillars of Islam and articles of faith are derivatives of it.Thus, belief in angels, God's Books, God's Messengers, the life hereafter, al-Qadr (the measurement of good and evil), praying (al-Salat), fasting (al-Siyam), almsgiving (al-Zakat) and pilgrimage (al-Hajj), and the limits set by God of permissible and forbidden things, human affairs, laws, Islamic moral teachings, and so on, are all based on the foundation of worship of God, and the source of all these teachings is Prophet Muhammad (pbuh).Allah (swt) says:(Whoever obeys the Prophet obeys God) [Qur?an 4:80]The declaration of faith provides the foundation for a complete system of life for the Muslim community in all its details.Thus, a Muslim community must sustain a practical interpretation of the declaration of faith and all its characteristics; and the society which does not translate this declaration into practice is not a true Muslim society.This way of life cannot come into being without securing this foundation first.If the system of life is constructed on some other foundation, or if other sources are mixed with this foundation, then that community cannot be considered Islamic.Allah (swt) says:(The command belongs to God alone. He commands you not to worship anyone except Him. This is the right way of life.) [Qur?an 12:40]This concise and decisive declaration of faith guides Muslims in the basic questions of their religion and in its practical movement.First, it guides to the nature of the Muslim community; second, it shows the method of constructing such a community; third, it tells how to confront ignorant, and disbelieving societies; and fourth, it determines the method by which Islam changes human life.The distinctive feature of a Muslim community is that all its affairs are based on worship of God alone. The declaration of faith expresses this principle and determines its character; in beliefs, in devotional acts, and in rules and regulations.A person who does not believe in the oneness of God does not worship God alone. Allah (swt) says:(Allah commands you not to take two gods. God is only One; hence fear Me. Whatever is in the heavens and the earth belongs to Him and follows His way. Will you the fear anyone other than God?) [Qur?an 16:52]Anyone who performs devotional acts before someone other than Allah does not worship God alone.(Say, my Salat (prayers), my acts of devotion, my life and my death, are for the Sustainer of the Worlds; He has no associate. I have been commanded this, and I am the foremost to be among the submitters.) [Qur?an 6:163]Also anyone who derives laws from a source other than God, in a way other than what he taught us through Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) does not worship God alone.(Are there associates of God who have made permissible for them in their religion that which God has not permitted?) [Qur?an 42:21](Whatever the Prophet gives you, accept it, and whatever he prohibits you, refrain from it.) [Qur?an 59:7]In the Muslim society, the beliefs, ideas, devotional and religious acts, the social system and its laws, should be based on submission to God alone.It is necessary, therefore, before thinking of establishing the Islamic social system and organizing a Muslim community, that one should give attention to purifying the hearts of people from the worship of anyone other than God.Only those whose hearts are so purified will be true Muslims, and only these people can start a true Muslim community. Anyone who wants to live an Islamic life will automatically enter into this community, and his belief, acts of worship and the laws which he follows, will also be purified for God alone. In other words, he will be an embodiment of "La ilaha illa Allah, Muhammadar Rasul Allah".This was the basis on which the foundation of the first Muslim community was established which eventually developed into the first Muslim nation.

Why do Muslims fast?

O ye who believe, fasting is prescribed for you...so that you will (learn how to attain) piety) [Qur?an 2:183]
This is a common but interesting question which a child may ask his/her parents. Non-Muslim may also pose it to Muslims. Here are some of the reasons why Muslims observe a one-month fasting during Ramadan.(1) To obey Allah's injunctionMuslims must believe in, obey and implement, all the words of Allah contained in the Holy Qur'an.This is because Allah?s words are the truth, injunctions and guidelines he (swt) made for all people. Allah (swt) says:(The truth is from your Lord, so be not at all in doubt)[Qur?an 2:147]The injunctions of Allah to Muslims are regarded as blessings and mercy, and when fully obeyed, they often lead to Allah?s straight path. There is no compromise with Allah's injunctions: every sincere and God-fearing Muslim must obey them; this is a necessary precondition for being a Muslim.Fasting is an important injunction that is directed to all Muslims (men and women), Allah (swt) says:(O you who believe, fasting is prescribed for you...)[Qur?an 2:183]This injunction prescribed fasting as a compulsory duty for all Muslims, thus Allah (swt) says:(O who believe, fasting is decreed for you as it was decreed for those before you; perchance you will guard yourselves? The month of Ramadan is the month in which the Qur?an was sent down, a guidance for the people, and clear verses of guidance and criterion.)[Quran 2:183]Clearly, fasting Ramadan is a divine injunction mandatory for all able-bodied Muslims who are free from compelling excuses. Whoever deliberately forgoes fasting in Ramadan, should know that he has disobeyed Allah's injunction and no amount of fasting thereafter can give her/him a reward equivalent to one missed Ramadan as obvious in this hadith:Abu Huraira reported that Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) said:"whoever did not fast one day of Ramadan without a genuine excuse or a disease then even if he fasted for a complete year, it would not compensate for that (missed Ramadan) day"(Sahih al-Bukhari, vol 3,p.88)(2) To practice the tradition, and way of the pious people.Fasting is not new to Islam; it is, indeed, as old as Adam, who was the first creature and the first Muslim to submit to only one Allah.Qur'an mentions that Prophet Moussa used to fast for 40 days and Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) said that Dawood used to fast for half of the year. Also, 'Issa (or Jesus) used to fast for 40 days.Since these Prophets were Muslims, it can be seen that by asking Muslims to fast, Allah intends to draw their attention to the practice and tradition of those pious predecessors who attained piety through fasting.(O ye who believe, fasting is prescribed for you as it was prescribed for people before you ...)"[Qur?an 2:183]This verse shows that fasting was observed by the people (i.e "ahl el ketab") who existed before Muslims and so it is a "sunnat Allah" (i.e a tradition approved by Allah) for those who lived aforetime and for the Muslims who are now the best generation ever raised for mankind. Allah (swt) says:("As for? the sunnat Allah (approved) for those who lived aforetime, no change will you find in ?such? sunnat-Allah)[Qur?an 33:43]Therefore, fasting Ramadan should be seen as a propagation of the tradition approved by Allah for all those who submit to him.(3) To learn how to attain pietyBy the very nature of human beings, they are susceptible to sins and transgression of Allah's limits. Generally, Muslims are prohibited from gossiping, backbiting, slandering, hypocrisy, lying, cheating, grudges, fornicating as these vices oppose the teachings of the Holy Qur'an.Since Muslims are human beings created to err as a result of forgetfulness, they need to be reminded and coached against any social vices from time to time. This will require a fixed training period where Muslims will know and learn how to put an end to vices, learn virtues and get closer to Allah. That training period is fasting during Ramadan, which occurs once in every year. During Ramadan:(a) Compulsory five daily prayers are observed regularly and timely.(b) Zakat-ul fitr (alms giving) is paid on or before the ?Eid Al Fitr (the festival that commemorates the end of Ramadan), Zakat-ul fitr is to teach Muslims to do charity (sadaqa) and to remind them that after Zakat-ul fitr they should not forget to pay on time their annual divine obligatory Zakaat, the fourth pillar of Islam.(c) "Tarawih and Tahajjud? prayers are observed in the evening and night of Ramadan (this is to teach Muslims to observe ?nawafil? (i.e additional) prayers after Ramadan so as to strengthen their faith and get their supplications to Allah accepted promptly.)(d) Muslims must lower their gaze during Ramadan (to free Muslims' hearts and eyes from corruption and from devil?s whisperings to do evil deeds).(e) Excessive intake of food is avoided (this regulates the stomach from being pot-bellied).All these good things which fasting fast teaches Muslims are the means to attain piety. This is why the verse on fasting Ramadan says:(O ye who believe, fasting is prescribed for you...so that you will (learn how to attain) piety)[Qur?an 2:183](4) To reap the full reward of the ?Night of Power? (Lailat-al Qadr)The Qur'an was revealed to Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) in one night during Ramadan. It is called the night of Power (Lailat-al Qadr). The deed in this night is better than the rewards of deeds of 1,000 months (about 83.3 years).Specifically, this night is in the last ten days of Ramadan and usually in one of the odd days (i.e. 21, 23, 25, 27 and 29th). A Muslim is expected to perform extra prayers (Nafelah), recite the Qur'an, do ?zikr? etc ?in the night. Since no one knows precisely which of the odd days is?Lailat al-Qadr?, Muslims are expected to be in seclusion (Etikaf) during the last 10 days of Ramadan and the best place to do so is in the mosque.It should be mentioned that Angels descend in succession during the Lailat al-Qadr and they go round with special greeting of "peace" till dawn. The number of these angels is uncountable and they descend with special command of Allah.The following chapter of the Qur'an details the event of Lailat al-Qadr:(Indeed we have revealed it (Qur'an) in the night of Power ?lailat al-qadr?. And what will explain to you what the night of Power is? The night of Power is better than a thousand months. Therein descends the Angels and the Spirit by Allah's permission, on every errand: (they say) Peace (continuously) till the rise of Morning!)[Qur?an 97:1-5]Thus, Any Muslim who wishes to benefit from the Night of Power must fast during the month of Ramadan.(5) To show Muslims how to get their past sins forgivenIslam is a religion that stresses equality: both the poor and the rich (men or women) are equal as slaves in the sight of Allah. In Islam the surest way to obtain Allah's forgiveness for one's past sins is Pilgrimage (the fifth pillar of Islam) which unfortunately is only easy for the rich to afford its expenses.But Allah (swt) never ignores the poor; rather he made fasting during Ramadan as a means of placing the poor and the rich on equal footing in terms of asking for forgiveness for their past sins.If a Muslim can not perform hajj, there should be a way to compensate him/her. Allah has chosen Ramadan for all Muslims to get their past sins forgiven as evident in this hadith:Narrated Abu Huraira(r.a); Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) said:"... whoever fasts during Ramadan with sincere faith and hoping for his reward from Allah will have his past sins forgiven"(Sahih Al-Bukhari, vol.3 p.70)Therefore, Fasting Ramadan unites Muslims and brings them together, as equal slaves to Allah, who can be forgiven of their past sins devoid of discrimination in the sight of Allah.(6) To show that fasting is the epitome of the five pillars of IslamIslam is built upon five pillars. The third pillar is fasting (i.e fasting during Ramadan). The wisdom behind its third position is because it is a fulcrum upon which the other four pillars (Tawheed, salaat, zakat and Hajj) are balanced. It is the only pillar that encompasses all the four other pillars in the sense that:(a) Before someone observes fast, he/she must be a Muslim, sane, matured, and free from excuses (such as menstruation, illness, traveling long-distances, child-birth bleeding, etc). And since a Muslim is required to proclaim ?Shahada? (i.e Tawheed, the first pillar of Islam), fasting is directly tied to ?shahada?.(b) Praying is the second pillar of Islam that distinguishes Muslims from others; this means that a Muslim must pray regularly to become a true Muslim. It follows that fasting during Ramadan without regular praying is meaningless.(c) Zakat (the compulsory alms giving) is aimed to make the gap between the rich and the poor bridged to a certain extent. In Ramadan, every fasting Muslim, must pay Zakat-ul fitr on or before the Eid AL Fitr day. Zakaat-ul fitr is in some sense a low-profile zaka.(d) Hajj (pilgrimage) is a duty which Muslims owe to Allah and it is to help the pilgrims to get their past sins forgiven. Coincidently, fasting during Ramadan has the same result.From the foregoing, it can be concluded that fasting is an epitome of the pillars of Islam. Therefore, every able-bodied Muslim must fast to learn how the other four pillars operate.

Why do Muslims pay Zakat?

Zakah (almsgiving) is the required charity of a Muslim. It one of the five pillars of Islam.
Zakah (almsgiving) is the required charity of a Muslim. It is one of the five pillars of Islam. It is given by free Muslims (not slaves), who have a certain amount of wealth.(And [in the daytime and at night] establish the prayer and pay Zakah and [for the cause of your religion and state] lend to Allah a befitting loan, and remember whatever good you send forth for yourselves you shall find it with Allah better than before and greater in reward.) [Qur?an 73:20]In the verse quoted above, and at numerous other places in the Qur?an, Muslims are directed to pay Zakah from their wealth.Zakat in Islam is a method of wealth re-distribution. It makes wealth circulate in the body of the nation.The Qur'an demands that individuals take material responsibility for poverty and suffering in the Muslim community (ummah). That is why the Quranic revelation demands that each person give up a certain amount of material wealth to support the poor, the indigent, the sick, and the suffering.Generally, charity in Islam is of two types: voluntary and obligatory. A Muslim should pay a certain percentage of his wealth every year; this is Zakat, which is obligatory charity. Other than Zakat, any other money Muslim spent for the sake of Allah is voluntary charity (Sadaqa). All Muslims, rich or poor are to pay charity proportionally.Muslims should acquire wealth with the intention of spending it on their own needs, and the needs of others.Allah says:?And whatsoever you spend of anything (in the cause of Allaah), He will replace it. He is the Best of those who grants sustenance.? [Qur?an 34:39]There are also many warnings against those who do not spend for the sake of Allah:(And spend something (in charity) out of the substance which We have bestowed on you, before Death should come to any of you and he should say, ?O my Lord! Why didst Thou not give me respite for a little while? I should then have given (largely) in charity, and I should have been one of the doers of good.? But to no soul will Allah grant respite when the time appointed (for it) has come; and Allah is well-acquainted with (all) that ye do.) [Qur?an 63:11]The Muslim, who gives out Zakat, affirms the truth that nothing is dearer to him in life than the love of Allah and that he is fully prepared to sacrifice everything for Allah?s sake. There is no burden of obligation on one who receives Zakat, and there must be a sense of thankfulness and gratitude on the part of the giver, since he has been enabled by the recipient to discharge his obligation that he owes to Allah and society.Also Allah (swt) stressed on the importance of Zakah many times in the Qur?an,(Establish worship, pay the poor-due, and bow your heads with those who bow (in worship) [Qur?an 2:43]Charity purifies the human personality by removing selfishness, greed and materialism. It creates compassion, care, love and kindness among Muslims and it makes a person more thankful to Allah. Zakat helps the needy and provides funds for good causes and for community projects.Zakah is the wealth given in the way of Allah to obtain purity of heart and to obtain the blessings of Allah. The root of the word Zakah in Arabic has two meanings: ?purity? and ?growth?.(Take alms from their wealth [O Prophet!] in order to purify them with it.) [Qur?an 9:103](That which you give as loan on interest that it may increase on [other] people?s wealth, it has no increase with Allah; but that which you give as Zakah, seeking Allah?s countenance, it is these people who will increase their wealth [in the Hereafter). [Qur;an 30:39]The word (zakah) was specifically used for the wealth a Muslim gives to those in authority to meet the collective requirements of a state. It is evident from the Qur?an that like prayer, Zakah has always remained an essential ingredient of the Shari?ah given to Prophets of Allah.Zakah also pleases Allah and strengthens one?s soul;(And the likeness of those who spend their wealth in search of Allah's pleasure, and for the strengthening of their souls, is as the likeness of a garden on a height. The rainstorm smiteth it and it bringeth forth its fruit twofold. And if the rainstorm smite it not, then the shower. Allah is Seer of what ye do.) [Qur?an 2:265]Also Allah ordered Muslims to give out Zakat without showing,(We feed you, for the sake of Allah only. We wish for no reward nor thanks from you;) [Qur?an 76:9]Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) said that spending on family is a kind of almsgiving or Zakat;Narrated Abu Mas'ud: The prophet (pbuh) said:"If a man spends on his family (with the intention of having a reward from Allah) sincerely for Allah's sake then it is a (kind of) alms-giving in reward for him.?Zakah was a pre-existing Sunnah which the Qur?an only revived and which Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) established as a directive of the Shariah among all Muslims.Shariah stated clearly the rates for Zakat;(a) Wealth: 2 ?% annually(b) Produce: (i) 5 %: on all items which are produced by the interaction of both labor and capital, (ii) 10 % on items which are produced such that the basic factor in producing them is either labor or capital and (iii) 20% on items which are produced neither as a result of capital nor labor but actually are a gift of God.A poor person does not have to give Zakat. Generally, it is 1/10th of fruits and produce of the soil, but 1/40th of money and merchandise. This is done before the beginning of the month of Muharram, the first of New Year.Just as Zakah can be given as of personal possessions to an individual, it can also be spent on projects for his welfare.Zakat should be given to the poor, needy and on the collective requirements of the Muslims. However, when the hypocrites in the time of the Prophet (pbuh) raised certain doubts about this, the Qur?an unequivocally stated that:(Zakah is only for the poor and the needy, and for those who are ?amils over it, and for those whose hearts are to be reconciled [to the truth], and for the emancipation of the slaves and for those who have been inflicted with losses and for the way of Allah and for the welfare of the wayfarers. This is an obligation decreed by the Almighty, the All-Knowing and the Wise.) [Qur?an 9:60]In fact, no other economic system gives financial aids to individuals in debt or to wayfarers as Islam does.

Why do Muslims perform pilgrimage?

Performing pilgrimage (Hajj) is the fifth pillar of Islam and the most significant manifestation of Islamic faith and unity.
Performing pilgrimage (Hajj) is the fifth pillar of Islam and the most significant manifestation of Islamic faith and unity.Allah (swt) says:(And proclaim to mankind the Hajj. They will come to you on foot and on every lean camel, they will come from every deep and distant mountain highway)[Qur?an 22:27]Undertaking the Hajj at least once is a duty for all Muslims who are physically and financially able to make the journey to Makkah. The emphasis on financial ability is meant to ensure that a Muslim takes care of his family first. The requirement that a Muslim be healthy and physically capable of undertaking the pilgrimage is intended to exempt those who cannot endure the rigors of extended travel.Allah (swt) says:(Pilgrimage thereto is a duty men owe to Allah, those who can afford the journey; but if any deny faith, Allah stands not in need of any of his creatures.) [Qur?an 3: 97]The pilgrimage is the religious high point of a Muslim's life and an event that every Muslim dreams of undertaking. Umrah, the small pilgrimage, can be undertaken at any time of the year; Hajj, however, is performed during a five-day period from the ninth through the thirteenth of Dhu Al-Hijjah, the twelfth month of the Muslim Hijri calendar.Performing the Hajj is the spiritual apex of a Muslim's life, one that provides a clear understanding of his relationship with God and his place on Earth. It imparts in a Muslim not only the assurance that he has performed the fifth pillar of Islam by following in the footsteps of Prophet Muhammad (pbuh), but also the realization that he is part of an ummah (nation) that is more than one billion strong and spreads across the globe.A Muslim does not earn ?Hajj Mabroor? (acceptable pilgrimage) except by leaving all sins behind him/her. While falling into sin is prohibited at all times, Allah (swt) gives a specific order to the pilgrims to leave sins.Allah (swt) says:(Hajj is [during] well-known months, so whoever has made hajj obligatory upon himself therein [by entering the state of ihram], there is [to be for him] no sexual relations and no disobedience and no disputing during hajj.) [Qur?an2:197]This verse emphasizes the nobility of the time and greatness of the place.Allah (swt) also says:?Whoever intends [a deed] therein [i.e. in the Haram] of deviation [in religion] or wrongdoing ? We will make him taste of a painful punishment.) [Qur?an 22:25]Pilgrimage makes people realize their many evil deeds and mistakes, which are the results of weak fear of Allah and ignoring the Shari`ah (God's commands) and Sunnah.Wisdoms and Aims of HajjFirst: Realization of al-Taqwa (piety, fearful awareness of Allah)The goal of Hajj is realization of ?taqwa? (piety, fearful awareness of Allah). This is why we find the link between Hajj and ?Taqwa? in many verses.Allah (swt) says:(And complete the Hajj and Umrah for Allah?And fear Allah?) [Qur'an 2:196]Second: Affirmation of TawheedHajj is based on making one's intention sincere for Allah (swt) and seeking the pleasure of Allah and none other.Allah (swt) says:(And complete the Hajj and Umrah for Allah.) [Qur'an 2:196]In ?Talbeya? which is the slogan of Hajj, singling Allah in one's rituals is made clear:(Here I am at your service, oh Lord, here I am - here I am. No partner do you have. Here I am. Truly, the praise and the favor are yours, and the dominion. No partner do you have.)Third: Reverence of Allah's symbols (rites) and sanctitiesFrom the most apparent goals and wisdoms of Hajj is the cultivation of Muslims? appreciation, esteem and love of Allah's symbols and sanctities.Allah says:(That [is so]. And whoever honors the symbols [i.e. rites] of Allah ? indeed, it is from the piety of hearts.) [Qur?an 22:32]Fourth: Cultivation upon good and praiseworthy characteristics1) Decency and chastity.(Hajj is [during] well-known months, so whoever has made hajj obligatory upon himself therein [by entering the state of ihram], there is [to be for him] no Rafath (obscenity) ?) [Qur?an 2:197]2) Suppressing anger, leaving argumentation and disputes.Allah (swt) says:(and no (Jidal) disputing during Hajj.) [Qur?an 2:197]3) Gentleness, softness and calmness.When Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) heard strong rebuking, hitting and shouts at a camel while moving from Muzdalifa, he said:?O people, you must be calm, for rush and hurrying is not righteousness.? (Al Bukhari )4) Helping each other.During Hajj, the servant is not only concerned about himself/herself; rather they shall mingle with other pilgrims, sharing with them recitation of ?Talbeya?, and all Hajj rituals.5) Cultivation upon taking responsibility for one's mistakes.This becomes evident in the case of obligatory atonement for one who makes an intentional mistake that violates the state of ?ihram?, or leaves for Muzdalifah before sunset, etc.6) Cultivation upon humbleness.This becomes evident in the unity between all pilgrims in rituals and feelings, and the negation of traces of material differences between them, such as language, nationality, wealth, etc.Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) said during his last farewell Hajj:?O people! Verily, your Lord is one, and your father (Adam) is one, verily the Arab is not superior to the non-Arab, nor the non-Arab to the Arab, nor the white to the black, nor the black to the white, except by taqwaa (piety, fearful awareness of Allah).?7) Cultivation upon different types of patience.Pilgrims must restrain their selves from their desires by leaving acts that are prohibited while in the state of ?ihram?. A pilgrim exposes oneself to hardship and fatigue in fulfilling the orders of Allah by performing the rituals, this becomes a motive for leaving sins and doing righteous acts.8) Generosity and openhandedness.This is clear in the servant's bearing expenditures for Hajj.Fifth: Realization of the Last Day- Pilgrims? departure from their country and separation from their family makes them realize death and the fact that they will leave their family one day for the Hereafter.- Removal of stitched clothing and lack of adornment reminds them of the coffin and the resurrection of servants from their graves on the Day of Judgment barefoot and naked.- Journey and fatigue make them realize their weakness and remind them of the hardship of the Day of Resurrection.Sixth: Cultivation upon submission and surrender to Allah (swt)Hajj makes Muslims get used to following a system and it trains them upon discipline. Pilgrims are trained upon submission, surrender and complete obedience to Allah (swt) as, for example, the actions of Hajj, such as abandonment of stitched clothing and adornment, ?tawaf?, standing on `Arafat, stoning, lodging and shaving or cutting of one's hair and other such matters that do not have an obvious meaning.Seventh: Deepening of Brotherhood based on faith and Islamic unityPilgrims, with all their differences in languages, races and nationalities, gather in one same place at one same time, in one same appearance, pronouncing the same call of ?Talbeya?, and for the same purpose: belief in Allah (swt), fulfillment of his order, all of which develops deep love among them, which, in turn, becomes a motive for them to know each other, to cooperate, exchange thoughts, advice, news and experiences, reinforcing in them uprightness upon this beautiful religion which joined them together.Eighth: Strengthening the attachment of pilgrims to the predecessorsActions of Hajj remind of the past, it reminds us of the migration of Ibrahim, with his wife, Hager, and his son to Hijaz, his story when he was ordered to sacrifice his son, his building of the Ka`bah and his call to people to make Hajj.Also, Hajj is a reminder of the rising of our Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) and his farewell pilgrimage with more than one hundred thousand Companions; when he said to them,?Take from me your rites (of Hajj)?.Since then ages have passed, and at the present time the number of pilgrims is more than a million. This causes the pilgrim to remember the generations that have witnessed this land before him and to realize that the final destination is the same for all.Ninth: Recitation of the Qur'an, remembrance of Allah and seeking forgivenessThe Pilgrim who contemplates during rituals of Hajj about Talbeyah, takbir: saying La Ellah Ela Allah, (No God But Allah), supplication, as well as the two revelations (Qur'an and Sunnah) which speak about them, will find that an increase in remembrance of Allah (swt) is from the greatest wisdoms and aims of Hajj.Allah (swt) says:(Remember Allah at al-Mash`ar al-Haram (Muzdalifah) [Qur?an 2:198]Also Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) said:?Circumambulating of the house, [going] between as-Safa and al-Marwa and stoning have only been legislated for establishment of remembrance of Allah on the Earth.? (Tirmidhi)Hajj is one of the great occasions to ask Allah (swt) and to supplicate to him, it is an occasion that requires usage of the opportunity and submissiveness before Allah.The Prophet, (pbuh) said:?The best supplication is supplication on `Arafat.? (Tirmidhi)At the end of the Hajj, the largest annual gathering of Muslims on Earth, pilgrims have a profound feeling of having gone through a life-transforming spiritual experience. They return with pride in having successfully performed a ritual dedicated to God and in belonging to a huge family of people that shares the same religious beliefs. And they acquire a sense of humility, inner calm, brotherhood and strength that lasts a lifetime.

The Muslim Family

Family is the bedrock, cradle of human civilisation. It is the foundation and basis of Muslim society.
Family is the bedrock, cradle of human civilisation. It is the foundation and basis of Muslim society.Adam and Hawa, our first father and mother, struggled to cultivate and endure in the earth as husband and wife. Gradually their family multiplied into multitude. Family gives mooring, anchor, stability and tranquility among the close blood related and other members.Allah says in the Qur'an:?O Mankind, be conscious of your duty to your Lord, Who created you from a single soul, created of like Nature, his mate, and from the two created and Spread many men and women; and be mindful of your duty to God whose name you appeal to one another and to (the ties of) the womb. Verily God watches over you?. Qur'an (4:1)The Islamic family system brings the rights of the husband, wife, children, and relatives into a fine equilibrium. It nourishes unselfish behavior, generosity, and love within the framework of a well-organized family system. The peace and security offered by a stable family unit is greatly valued by Islam, and it is seen as essential for the spiritual growth of its members. A harmonious social order is created by the existence of extended families and by treasuring children.The institutions of marriage and the family have been commended as the ?way of the Prophets?.Allah says in the Qur'an:"And surely We have sent Messengers before you, and we assigned to them wives and offspring; and it was not for any Messenger to bring assign except by God's leave. For every term has a Book."Qur'an (13:38)And the Prophet Mohammad (PBUH) said:?Marriage is a part of my Sunnah. Whoever runs away from my path is not from amongst us?. [Ibn Majah, Book of Marriage]Moreover a Muslim family has its unique features, e.g. it provides a secure and healthy 'home' environment for all its members, it guards against passions of whims and desires and channelise them to wholesome and meaningful pursuit, it proliferates human virtues, such as, love compassion, sacrifice, justice etc. and it provides a refuge against any difficulty.And since the family is the microcosm of a society and as such there are distinct role for its members.Prophet Mohammad (PBUH) says:"Each one of you is a trustee (shepherd) and is accountable for that which is entrusted to him. A ruler is trustee and is accountable for his trust, a man is a trustee in respect of his family, a woman is a trustee in respect of her husband's house and children." (Sahih al-Bukhari and Muslim).Men has the leadership role in the family and in the family women have to be loyal to men.Allah says in the Qur'an:"Men are the supporters of women, because Allah has stowed on the one more than the other, and for what they have to provide (for them) from their sources. So the righteous women are obedient and protect in the absence of their husbands that which God ordains to be protected." Qur'an (4:34)Leadership raises the question of responsibility, consultation (shoora) and justice. As shepherd of the house women have responsibility over the house and children.Parents are to provide their children with basic human necessities, such as food, cloth, shelter, education and medical support. This is treated as and Ibadah (worship) for the parents. Also parents should provide their children with love, warmth, compassion, etc. As human being consists of body and spirit, parents must provide their children with the life skills and spiritual nourishment.Also there are many traditions regarding children's responsibility toward their parents. As God ask children to obey and serve their parents and be kind and decent to them. Bukhari and Muslim narrated,'A man came to Prophet Mohammad (PBUH) and asked permission to go to Jihad (fighting for the sake of Islam). The Prophet asked him, "are your parents alive?" The man said, "yes". The Prophet responded, "then strive to serve them."The rights and responsibilities within the family are inter-twined. One's responsibility is the other's right. Rights and duties of husband, wife, parents and children are inscribed in Shariah (God's Commands). No Superiority except in Piety.What Islam has established is equitability in the role of sexes because of many factors, such as, physiological, physical, emotional, etc. Allah has no bias for or against men and women.No burden bearer can bear another's burden.Prophet Mohammad (PBUH) has stressed the importance of good conduct in the family."The best of you is the best to his family and I am the best among you to my family". "The most perfect believers are the best in conduct, and the best of you are those who are best to their spouses "(Tirmidhi). Prophet Mohammad (PBUH) shared household works with his wives. For genuine economic reasons both the spouses might need to engage in financial activities. But rearing up and educating children cannot be compromised. There should be frank discussion and consultation between the spouses. Children need to be involved as and when necessary and also in order to train them to become responsible in their lives.Extended family with three to four generations under the same family structure helps Muslims to acquire many social qualities, such as sacrifice, compromise, respect, affection, consultation etc. There is mutual support in case of needs. There may be some inherent difficulties in this arrangement, but, after all, children should also learn to live in the realities of life.Thus the family enjoys a high status in Islam. It is the core of the society, because a healthy family means a healthy society. Hence Allah, the Exalted, commands that parents be treated with gentleness and submissiveness.Allah says in the Qur'an:"And we have enjoined upon man (to be good) to his parents. With difficulty upon difficulty did his mother bear him and wean him for two years. Show gratitude to Me and to your parents; to Me is your final goal."

Gaza `Eid Made in Egypt

Walking down the market in his Gaza neighborhood, hajj Abu Murad was baffled. A few days ago the market was almost deserted with shelves left empty because of the long-running Israeli blockade. Now the shelves are stuffed and the shops are buzzing with shoppers and buyers.
GAZA CITY — Walking down the market in his Gaza neighborhood, hajj Abu Murad was baffled. A few days ago the market was almost deserted with shelves left empty because of the long-running Israeli blockade. Now the shelves are stuffed and the shops are buzzing with shoppers and buyers.
"At first I thought the Israelis have finally opened the crossings," he told IslamOnline.net.
"Then I realized they are all Egyptian goods."
This year, Gaza is celebrating `Eid Al-Fitr, which began in the Palestinian territories on Tuesday, September 30, with a deluge of Egyptian goods arriving through tunnels dug across the Gaza-Egypt border.
Since Israel sealed off the impoverished coastal strip more than a year ago, smuggling basics through tunnels has become the only way for its besieged 1.6 million population to survive.
"You can get whatever you want through the tunnels," says Iyad, a merchant in a Gaza market.
"For the time being, what people need are `Eid goods."
But this has cost many precious lives.
Some 45 Palestinians have been killed this year, after being crushed or suffocated in the underground tunnels that run along Gaza's 14-km border with Egypt.
Israel has been closing the Gaza Strip's exits to the outside world since Hamas took control of the territory in June 2007 after routing rival Fatah.
An Egyptian-brokered truce between Israel and Palestinian factions in Gaza was supposed to ease the Israeli closure.
But Israel is still closing all the Gaza crossings and allowing only limited humanitarian goods.
Lifeline
The tunnels provided a vital lifeline for Gazans who have nearly forgotten the taste of `Eid joy.
"My kitchen was almost empty and there was nothing to buy in the markets for months," says Um-Amer, who is now stockpiling on Egyptian goods.
Her neighbor Um-Ali is equally jubilant to find herself able to buy `Eid goods, new clothes and presents to her family.
"I looked around the markets, searching for good but cheap stuff," said the Gazan mother.
"Finally I bought new `Eid clothes for all my family."
Instead of returning empty handed, Hamed Al-Banna is going home with a big smile on his face after he managed to buy new `Eid toys for his kids.
"The markets were all dead in the past months. But the Egyptian goods breathed new life in it."
Starting from only few at the start of the siege, there are currently hundreds of makeshift tunnels along the border through which all types of hard-to-find goods are brought to Gaza.
The Egyptian goods will able Um-Raed to invite friends and neighbors during the three-day celebration.
"There was not a single glass in my house to offer my guests drinks," she said in a joyous voice after buying a new set.