Dear Readers, We’ve been doing a bit of remodeling lately! As you browse through this issue, you will most likely notice changes taking place in the form of updated graphics, cleaner fonts, and an overall more updated look. As you turn the pages and examine our stories and graphics, immerse yourself in the heartwarming stories of Muslims throughout land and time. Prophet Muhammed(S) The Final Days of Prophet Muhammed (S) 3 Wishing you peace and blessings, The Islamic Bulletin Duas to Know Maryam Oldest Dental Care Muhammad Assad The Story of Owais The Benefits of Miswak Umm Isa(A), Mother of Jesus(A) Important Duas for Everyone An Amazing Individual 19 What better way to start this immersion than with the beautiful and touching Final Sermon of our Prophet Muhammad (S). Let’s travel back in time to the days of our Holy Prophet (S). Our prophet was the perfect example of a human being. His steadfastness in the most turbulent of times is truly a remarkable example for Muslims to follow. Learning about his genuine concern for women, children, orphans, and the less-fortunate provides us with a real person who emulated the true Islamic deen. Following this sermon is a poignant and tender rendition of our Prophet’s last days. Even on his deathbed, he made sure to reassure his daughter, Fatimah, and to 14 9 Heaven Lies Under the Feet of Your Mother 32 23 Although you will see some new changes in our bulletin, the one thing that has remained the same and will never change is our mission: To bring to our readers (you!) uplifting and inspirational stories to help keep us steadfast and proud of our faith. We take our commitment to the Islamic Bulletin seriously and work tirelessly to improve. By adding more languages, most recently the inclusion of the audio version of the Holy Qur’an in Italian, we hope to reach our fellow Muslims throughout the world. We also offer live Islamic radio stations for you to experience the beautiful recitations of the taraweeh prayers live from Mecca and Madinah. In 35 languages, we welcome you to join us, and along the way, perhaps learn a thing or two. If you haven’t done so already, please check out our website: www.islamicbulletin.com As always, feel free to contact us at: info@islamicbulletin.com . remind his followers of their duties to Allah, their family members, and even their neighbors. How often do we think about our neighbor’s rights and doing things to make them happy?
The Last Sermon O People, just as you regard this month, this day, this city as Sacred, so regard the life and property of every Muslim as a sacred trust. Return the goods entrusted to you to their rightful owners. Hurt no one so that no one may hurt you. Remember that you will indeed meet your Lord, and that He will indeed reckon your deeds. God has forbidden you to take usury (interest), therefore all interest obligation shall henceforth be waived. Your capital, however, is yours to keep. You will neither inflict nor suffer any inequity. God has Judged that there shall be no interest, and that all the interest due to Al-Abbas ibn Abd’el Muttalib shall henceforth be waived. Beware of Satan, for the safety of your religion. He has lost all hope that he will ever be able to lead you astray in big things, so beware of following him in small things. O People, it is true that you have certain rights with regard to your women, but they also have rights over you. Remember that you have taken them as your wives only under a trust from God and with His permission. If they abide by your right then to them belongs the right to be fed and clothed in kindness. Do treat your women well and be kind to them for they are your partners and committed helpers. And it is your right that they do not make friends with any one of whom you do not approve, as well as never to be unchaste. O People, listen to me in earnest, worship God, perform your five daily prayers, fast during the month of Ramadan, and offer Zakat. Perform Hajj if you have the means. All mankind is from Adam and Eve. An Arab has no superiority over a non-Arab, nor does a non-Arab have any superiority over an Arab; a white has no superiority over a black, nor does a black have any superiority over a white; [none have superiority over another] except by piety and good action. Learn that every Muslim is a brother to every Muslim and that the Muslims constitute one brotherhood. Nothing shall be legitimate to a Muslim which belongs to a fellow Muslim unless it was given freely and willingly. Do not, therefore, do injustice to yourselves. Remember, one day you will appear before God and answer for your deeds. So beware, do not stray from the path of righteousness after I am gone. O People, no prophet or apostle will come after me, and no new faith will be born. Reason well, therefore, O people, and understand words which I convey to you. I leave behind me two things, the Quran and my example, the Sunnah, and if you follow these you will never go astray. Prophet Muhammed(S)
The Final Days of the Prophet Muhammed Prophet Muhammed (S) completed his Final Sermon and upon it, near the summit of Arafat, the revelation came down: “…This day have I perfected your religion for you, completed My Grace upon you, and have chosen Islam for you as your religion…” (Quran 5:3) At the end of his speech he asked, “Have I fulfilled my mission?” The crowd responded, “You have fulfilled it, O Messenger of God.” Raising his eyes to the heavens, Muhammad (S) called out three times: “O God, You are Witness. You are Witness, O God, You are Witness.” A few weeks after the Prophet’s (S) return to Medina, Muhammad (S) became ill. He had a persistent fever and severe headaches. When he became severely ill, he asked to stay at the house of Aisha. The courtyard of the mosque, which was outside his room, was packed with people. Among them were his closest companions. As the days passed and his fever didn’t abate, it was ever more difficult for him to walk to the place of prayer. That was when he asked his close friend, Abu Bakr, to lead the prayers. There are many stories from the final days of the Prophet (S). One of the most beautiful accounts was the one about the last words that he spoke to his daughter Fatimah. She was the only child still living and they shared a special bond. While sitting near her father, the Prophet (S) whispered something in her ear and she initially began crying. However, as the Prophet (S) continued speaking, she smiled and laughed. (S)
After his death Aishah asked Fatimah,”Why did you first cry and then laugh?” Fatimah replied, “The first time he disclosed to me that he would not recover from his illness and I wept. Then he told me I would be the first from his family to join him and I laughed!” The Holy Prophet (S) passed away peacefully at the age of 63. Fatimah (R) joined her beloved father about six months after he passed away. These final words of the Prophet (S) were part of the greater message that he had tried to get across to his followers. There is an afterlife, and we will be accountable for the way we have lived our lives and how we have treated each other. The initial reaction to the Prophet’s (S) passing was shock and panic. There was wailing throughout the courtyard, not only because of his death, but also because they felt leaderless and at a loss. Abu Bakr (RA) went into the Prophet’s (S) room and lifted the shroud that covered him in order to confirm the sad news. As he looked at the face of the Prophet (S) he collapsed onto him crying. On getting up, he kissed him on the forehead and uttered: “You are perfect in life and you are perfect in death.” Abu Bakr took control and shouted to the people: “O people, don’t worship Muhammad, for Muhammad is dead. Know that God is alive and never dies.” He then recited the verse of the Qur’an: ‘Muhammad is but a messenger; there have been prophets before him and they all died. Will you now turn back?’ (Quran 3:144) He continued: “Muhammad is dead. For those who worship God, God is alive, immortal.” Prophet Muhammad (S) was buried facing Mecca in the same room that he died. There is not a single moment that passes in the world today except that there is a caller to the prayer proclaiming across the skyline, ‘I bear witness that Muhammad is the Messenger of Allah’. There is not a single moment that passes in the world today except that there is a faithful believer, individually or in a gathering, sending salutations on the Prophet Muhammad (S). There is not a single moment that passes in the world today except there is a Muslim practic- ing a sunnah of the Prophet Muhammad (S) in speech or in action. Muslims should feel a surge of self-respect, dignity and honor to follow in the footsteps of The Prophet Muhammad (S). He was truly a most magnificent individual. His message is the culmination and perfection of all divine messages revealed since the time of Prophet Adam (AS). He led all the Prophets in prayer in Masjid Al-Aqsa as their Imam in the most noble congregation to ever assemble for prayer in the entire history of humanity. His life is the most profound source of guidance, mercy and hope for all human beings. There are no images of Muhammad (S). But we can read about him in the various hadiths, which contain his words, describe his actions and habits, and thus give us a wonderful living example of his noble character. One of his greatest influences was to remind us to reflect on our character and to be just with Allah’s creation and with ourselves. The ‘Muhammad is but a messenger; there have been prophets before him and they all died. Will you now turn back?’ (Quran 3:144)
Prophet (S) taught us many things about how we must treat each other. Aisha (R) reported that the Prophet (S) said: “Verily, whoever has been given the quality of kindness has been given his portion of good in this life and in the Hereafter. Maintaining family ties, good character, and good treatment of neighbors will build their heavenly abodes and increase their life spans.” He (S) advocated strongly on the behalf of women. During the time of Jahiliya, women were treated as possessions and were not respected. He preached against the mistreatment of women and led by excellent example. The Prophet Muhammad (S) also taught us to honor, preserve, and protect Allah’s creation. He (S) was a constant reminder to humanity of their duty to care for creation, to not be wasteful, abuse animals, or pollute the earth. Abdullah ibn Amr reported: The Messenger of Allah (S) passed by Sa’d while he was performing ablution. The Prophet (S) said, “What is this extravagance?” Sa’d said, “Is there extravagance with water in ablution?” The Prophet (S) said, “Yes, even if you were on the banks of a flowing river.” Prophet Muhammad (S) also taught us the concept of tawhid (unity). Allah (SWT) says in the Quran: “To God belongs all that is in the heavens and in the earth, for God encompasses everything [Qur’an 4:126].” The final legacy of the Messenger of God (S) was complex and complete; he left us guidance and teachings for each and every situation. It is our duty to study his life and teachings so as to gain insight and knowledge in how we are to conduct every aspect of our lives. There is only one God and that is Allah (SWT). The Prophet (S) accomplished many wonderful things in his life and proved himself to be a leader in more ways than one. He (S) wanted to be remembered for the examples that he had set. His legacy is his righteousness, modesty and his integrity. He (S) said: “I leave behind me two things; the Qur’an and my example. “
Stories of the Sahabah Owais Al Qarni The Holy Prophet (S) said: “Your Heaven lies under the feet of your mother.” This story is about Owais-- a man who cared for his mother and the value that Islam gives to mothers. Owais was the only man who was mentioned by name by the Holy Prophet (S) without having met him. Even Mohammed al Fatih, who was mentioned by the Prophet (S), was not mentioned by name, just by his victory. What did Owais do that was so great? He took care of his mother. This is the story of Owais. ………………………………………………… One day Omar ibn Khattab, Abu Huraira, Abu Bakr, Ali and other companions were sitting with the Prophet (S) at the mosque when the Prophet (S) said to them, “Tomorrow, a man will enter from this door to pray among you and he will be from the people of Paradise.” Abu Huraira relates that the next day he hurried to Fajr prayer at the mosque and lined up in the first row in hopes that he would be the man that the Prophet (S) was referring to the day before. There were many other Companions standing alongside him who also had the same idea. The Prophet (S) conducted Fajr prayer and sat down. The Companions were eager to know who this man of Paradise was, but it didn’t seem as though the Prophet (S) was going to mention it. So they sat and waited for a while. Eventually, some of them had to go, but others still waited. These included Abu Huraira, Abu Bakr, Ali, and Omar. Just then walked in a man, who was so poor his clothes were dirty and torn. The Prophet (S) immediately stood up and smiled from ear to ear and welcomed the man. The man asked the Prophet (S) to pray for him. The Prophet (S) raised his hands in dua and said, “Oh Allah please grant this man a position in the highest levels of Paradise, Al Firdous, with me.” So then when the man left, Abu Huraira asked the Prophet (S),”Was that him?!” “Yes,” replied the Prophet(S). “But oh Messenger of Allah, he is nothing more than a poor slave, how can that be him?” asked Abu Huraira. “Oh Abu Huraira,” said the Prophet (S). “What can I do for him if his fate in this world is to be poor? His position on the Day of Judgment is that of a king. Abu Huraira, the people that have the most value to Allah are those that are pure, starving, whose faces are dusty, who are not known on this Earth, but known in the skies. If they want to get married, no one would marry them. And if they get sick, they do not pass on the sickness to anyone (because they are alone), and if they attend something their presence is not felt, and if they leave, no one notices, and when they die, no one attends their funeral. These people, however, are not forgotten by Allah and they are held with so much value.” “Oh Messenger of Allah, tell me of one so that I may meet him,” asked Abu Huraira. “I will tell you about Owais Al Qarni,” replied the Prophet (S). The Companions looked at each other, each trying to recall if they know a man named Owais. They didn’t know that he was talking about a man that they will meet years after the Prophet (S) passed away. “He is a man of medium height, head held high despite being poor. I can see him putting his right arm on his left arm and weeping as he reads 9
Quran. He is wearing a cloak of poor wool,” said the Prophet (S), smiling as if he can see him. “On his left shoulder, there is a white mark the size of a dirham that is the effect of an illness. He is unknown among the people but known in the skies. His biggest sign is the mother he deeply cares for. When he makes dua, it is granted. He will come among the people on the Day of Judgment and as they are entering Paradise, he will be stopped. When he asks why, Allah(SWT) will tell him he can bring whomever he wants into Paradise with him, as much as 200,000 people (the amount of two large tribes).” “Ali and Omar, if you are ever to find this man, ask him to make dua for you and to ask Allah for your forgiveness,” said the Prophet(S). Elsewhere in Yemen, a young boy is herding his sheep, the sun beating down on his shoulders where a white mark stands alone on his dark skin. His father died when he was a young child, leaving him the man of the house. When the boy was seventeen, his mother lost her vision, and his responsibilities toward her increased as he now had to help her move around. One night, he was carrying a candle and helping his mother move around the house when the candlelight went out and they were left in darkness. He could not see a thing. Then his mother, who was used to finding her way in the darkness, started leading him. This turn of events affected him deeply and he started to ponder on the weight of light and darkness. The next day, the seventeen-year-old Owais bumped into a Muslim man who was coming to Yemen to spread Islam. He stopped the man and asked him to tell him something from the Quran that his Prophet (S) had said. So the man recited a verse from Surat Al Nur: ‘…And he for whom Allah has not appointed light, for him there is no light’ (Quran 24:40) This really hit home for Owais as he remembered what had happened the night before with his mother. “Tell me more about what your Prophet (S) says,” said Owais. The man relayed the following hadith: “What am I to this world and what is this world to me? The example of me and this world is that of a man who walks in the heat of the desert and sits under the shade of a tree for an hour, then walks away and leaves it.” Owais, upon hearing this hadith, immediately said his shahada and became a Muslim at the age of 17. Then came the question of whether he would immigrate to see the Prophet (S). As much as Owais wanted to, he couldn’t and wouldn’t leave his mother. Some people suggested that he let some neighbors take care of her while he was gone but he said that he was the one who should take care of her and turned down the opportunity to see the Prophet (S). This sacrifice for his mother and the way Owais had devoted himself to his mother his whole life was the reason that he was mentioned by the Prophet (S). Another reason was because of his deep faith and his lack of attachment to the material things in this world. So when Ali bin Abu Talib left Yemen with a group of new Muslims to go back to Madinah, it was without the boy he bumped into on his way there. He had no idea that it the Owais that the Prophet (S) had mentioned and the boy didn’t know it was Ali bin Abu Talib. Three years later, the Prophet (S) passed away and years after that Abu Bakr also passed away. When Omar ibn Al-Khattab became Khalifa, he would go around all the people during Hajj and call out, “OWAIS, OWAIS, Is there anyone here named Owais?” He would go to the group that came from Yemen and ask them if a man named Owais is among them. But no one had heard of this man. Omar realized it was just as the Prophet (S) described to him, that he was a man who was unknown among the people. Year after year, Omar would go around during Hajj time and call out and ask for Owais. One year during Hajj, he stood at Mount Arafat and asked all the people making Hajj to stand up. Then he told everyone to sit down except those from Yemen. From that group, he told them all to sit down except those from Murad and from that group, he told them all to sit down except those from Qarn. One man was left standing. “Are you a Qarni?” asked Omar ibn Al Khattab. The man replied in the affirmative. “Do you know Owais?” “Yes, he is my nephew. But what would you want with him. He is but a poor, forgotten man,” replied the Yemeni man. Omar started to weep. “This man is not just a poor, forgotten man. He is a man who will choose 200,000 people to come with him into heaven. Is he with you?” “No, he is not,” replied the man. “Is his mother living,” asked Omar. 10
“Yes,” replied the man. “I know he will not ever leave her, as this is what the Prophet (S) said,” replied Omar. Omar searched for Owais for ten years. A year before the death of Omar, Owais’ mother passed away. That year, Omar stood up at Mount Arafat again and said to the people of Yemen, “Is Owais al Qarni among you?” A Yemeni man said, “He is that sheppard standing over there.” Omar became so excited and went to look for Ali. “Ali! Ali! We found him!” he called out. Omar and Ali approached Owais and asked him, “Are you Owais al Qarni?” “Yes,” replied a surprised Owais. “Show me your shoulder,” replied Omar. Owais showed them his shoulder and they were able to see the mark that the Prophet (S) mentioned. “Is your mother with you?” asked Omar. Owais replied that his mother had passed away. “Ah, it is just as the Prophet (S) said it would be then,” said Omar. Owais actually did not know these men so he asked them who they were. “I am Omar ibn Al Khattab, the Khalifa, and this is Ali ibn Abu Talib, the man who came to Yemen to spread Islam,” said Omar. “Yes! I remember him! But, how do you know me?” asked Owais. So Omar told Owais the whole story about how the Prophet(S) had talked about him years ago. They said how his signs were the mark on his shoulder, his care for his mother, and his lack of attachment to this world. Omar explained how the Prophet (S) told them that Owais would take 200,000 people with him into Paradise. The two men also told him how they had been looking for him for years. Omar (RA) and Ali (RA) then asked Owais to make dua and ask Allah (SWT) for forgiveness for them. Owais related to Omar (RA) and Ali (RA) that he was on his way to Kufa. “Would you like me to write to the leader of Kufa to await your arrival and look after you?” asked Omar. “No, thank you. I would like to go unknown as I came,” replied Owais. “Ok. Then at least let me give you some money to help you out,” said Omar in an effort to do at least something for Owais. “No, thank you. My wool coat has still not worn out and neither have my shoes. I have four dirhams that I have still not used. When I run out, I will figure out how to get more. I am content this way,” replied Owais. “You are welcome to stay with me,” said Omar. “Thank you, Omar. But what I have is good for me and what you have is good for you and the Muslims,” said Owais. Owais left Mecca. Later, he fought and died in the battle at Azerbaijan. His death came about 2 years after the death of Omar ibn Al Khattab. Owais was about 35 years old. ………………………………………………… *There are two main lessons that one takes from the story. One is the importance of taking care of your mother and that there is a great reward in it. Once a companion of the Prophet (S) asked him whom he should befriend. The Prophet (S) replied, “Your mother.” The companion then asked, “Who after her?” “Your mother,” replied the Prophet (S). The companion then asked, “Then who should I befriend?” “Your mother,” replied the Prophet (S). “Then whom after that?” asked the Companion. “Your father,” replied the Prophet (S). So much importance is placed on the mother-- not just taking care of her and feeding her and clothing her. Your obligation to your parents is not just a material obligation like putting a roof over their heads and making a phone call every week. It is being their friend and having them be a part of your life, especially in their old age. Owais, who will take 200,000 people with him to heaven, sacrificed his friendship with the Prophet (S) to take care of his mother and devote his whole life to her. This leads to the second lesson...sacrifice. When you sacrifice something for Allah (SWT), Allah (SWT) will reward you with something unbelievably greater than it. Owais didn’t get to be a Companion of the Prophet ﷺ because he chose to care for his mother. Instead, Owais was given something even better--the honor of being his companion in Paradise! Imagine how Owais must have felt to hear what the Prophet (S) had said about him! 11
Great Goals to set this Ramadan 1. Eat, drink and be moderate Almost all of us do it - once Iftar time hits, we eat so much it’s hard to move afterwards. And those of us who do it know this is totally contrary to the spirit of Ramadan, through which we’re supposed to learn self-control not self-indulgence. Let’s try to stick to the Prophetic rule on eating: fill our stomachs with one-third food, one-third water and one-third breathing space, even in Ramadan. 2. Give a dollar a day in charity...or five or ten Prophet Muhammad (S) was always generous but even more so in Ramadan. Let’s open our hearts and dig a little deeper in our wallets this year. Even less than a dollar a day adds up. Whatever you can give, it’s the intention that counts. 3. Memorize some new surahs from the Quran Read the Quran daily. Memorizing the Quran often seems like a daunting task. But the key is doing it in small bites. Since there are four weeks in Ramadan, try to memorize one new Surah a week. Start off with a short, easy one. By the end of Ramadan, you will have memorized some new surahs to incorporate in your daily prayers. 4. Stop swearing and/or backbiting It’s hard not to shoot our mouths off when someone’s upset us. Whether we utter swear words or backbite about someone to our family and friends, we know this isn’t the God-approved way of letting off steam. In Ramadan, when we want to build our spirituality, we’ve got to wage Jihad against our bad habits. 5. Contact your relatives Strengthening ties with family members and keeping in touch with friends is part of our way of life and an act Allah is very pleased with. This Ramadan, call family and friends or at least whatsapp/message them and ask how their fasting is going. 6. Go on a technology diet Even if you work in the IT industry, you can do this. Avoid checking personal email and surfing the web during your fast. After Iftar, instead of plopping yourself in front of the screen, go to Taraweeh. The same goes for the television. The point is to try to give our full attention to spiritual elevation this month. 7. Forgive every one who has hurt you Still got a festering wound from the fight with your friend last year? Still upset about something your spouse said during a heated argument? Or are you still bitter about the way your parents sometimes treat ed you as a kid? Let go of the anger and pain this Ramadan and forgive those who have hurt you. Forgiving someone is not only good for the body, but it’s also great for the soul. And in Ramadan, ten days of which are devoted to Allah’s forgiveness, shouldn’t we lesser beings forgive too? Try forgiving people who may have hurt you and you will be surprised at how good you feel.
And behold the Angels said, “OMaryam, indeed God has chosen you and purified you and has chosen you above the women of the world. OMaryam, have reverence for your Lord and bow down to Him; and bow with those who bow.” This is the tidings of the unseen we reveal to you, ‘OMuhammad!’ And you were not with them when they were casting their quills to determine which of them would have the care of Maryam. And you were not with them when they were contending. Behold, the angels said, “OMaryam, indeed God gives you glad tidings of a word from Him; his name is the Messiah, son of Maryam, eminent in this world and the Hereafter and he is of those drawn near. And he shall speak to people in the cradle and as a grown man and he shall be of the righteous.” (Qur’an, 3:42-46) Maryam Umm Isa(A) Mother of Jesus(A)
The existence of our universe and all in it can be attributed to Allah(SWT) alone. He is the Creator and everything surrounding us is the entirety of His creation. The ultimate meeting point for all is the Hereafter, when we will all meet our Creator. Allah chose righteous descendants from Adam to lead us away from darkness and unto His knowledge. Some of these descendants are Nuh, Ibrahim, Musa, Yahya, Isa(Jesus), and the last Prophet Mohammed (peace be upon them all). Maryam was from a family of pious people and we find many references of them in the Qur’an. Besides being the mother of Isa (A)we also read that she is the daughter of Imran (Qur’an 66:12), sister of Aaron (Qur’an 19:28) and that Yahya, son of Zachariah, was her nephew. According to Prophet Muhammad’s (S) teachings, her family was descended from Abraham and they were all devoted to the worship of the Lord; and her father, Imran was a very righteous man. There are many Surahs devoted to her and she is the only woman mentioned by name in the Qur’an; 34 times in all. In the Qur’an we only see anyone singled out by name if there is a purpose and in this instance it is to leave no doubt as to her been chosen to bring forth the miracle of the birth of Isa ibn Maryam (A). In eleven instances there is assertion to her nobility, Allah’s favor upon her and the announcement of her conception of Isa (A). Her character is exalted as is her purity: And behold the excellence of she who preserved her chastity. Thus We breathed into her of Our spirit, and We made her and her son a sign for all the worlds (Qur’an, 21:91) From the moment of her conception, Maryam’s life promised to be different. Maryam’s mother, on finding out that she was carrying a child, believed that she would bear a son and dedicated her unborn child to serve God throughout his life. She prayed: “My Lord, I have dedicated to You, in devotion, what is in my belly. So accept it from me. Indeed, You are the All-Hearing, the All-Knowing.” (Qur’an, 3:35) At the birth of Maryam she said, “My Lord, indeed I have delivered her…and the male is not like the female!” (Quran, 3:36) Even though surprised to have brought a female child into the world, she did not swerve from her promise to Allah and offered her to Him, “And I have named her Maryam, and I seek refuge in You for her and her children from Satan, the accursed.” (Qur’an, 3:36) So begins the life of one of the most exceptional women in history. The baby Maryam was born soon after the loss of her father, she was taken care of by Prophet Zachariah (A). Thus her Lord accepted her with a good acceptance and made her grow a good growing, and He gave Zachariah the care of her (Qur’an, 3:37) Allah gave her knowledge and at a young age she received a message from the angels that she would be the one to carry out a momen tous mission. The angels said, “OMaryam, indeed God has chosen you and purified you and has chosen you above the women of the world” (Quran, 3:42) Living almost permanently in the place of wor ship, Maryam had her own sanctuary within it, which faced towards the East. There was a cur tain separating her sanctuary from the rest of her family members so that she could devote herself entirely to Allah. She never needed to seek suste- nance as it would miraculously appear by her: Every time Zakariyah entered the Mihrab (sanctuary) to (visit) her, he found her supplied with sustenance. He said: OMaryam! From where have you got this?” She said, “This is from Allah. Allah provides to whom He wills, without limit.” (Qur’an, 3:37) Thus her Lord accepted her with a good acceptance and made her grow a good growing, and He gave Zachariah the care of her (Qur’an, 3:37) 15
The announcement of the birth of Prophet Isa (AS) is mentioned in two places in the Qur’an. Initially she was visited by many angels and they announced to her: “OMaryam, indeed God gives you glad tidings of a word from Him; his name is the Messiah, son of Mary, eminent in this world and the Hereafter and he is of those drawn near. And he shall speak to people in the cradle and as a grown man, and he shall be of the righteous.” (Qur’an, 3: 45-46) Maryam was shocked by the announcement made to her by the angels and she said: “My Lord, how shall I have a son while no human being has touched me?” He said, “So shall it be! God creates whatever He wills. When He decrees a matter, He but says to it ‘Be’ and so it is.” (Qur’an. 3:47) Isa(A) the son of Maryam, is the only person who has a maternal reference to his name because he has no father. He is entirely the flesh of her flesh; the Creator deemed that he had to Be, and like Prophet Adam(A); who was created from the many different types of clay, and Hawa (Eve) from Adam(A)’s rib, was created by the word Be, all three are miracles of Allah. The angels comforted Maryam and announced to her that her son was to be the long awaited prophet to her people, that with divine guidance he would walk God’s path helping to revive the Torah and the Evangel and would bear a new revelation from God. Maryam immediately retreated into solitude and during her seclusion Allah(SWT) sent the Angel Jibril in the form of a man who made the second proclamation to her. Maryam was struck with fear upon seeing a man in her cubicle and appealed to Allah for protection. The Angel Jibril announced: “Indeed, I am none other than a messenger of your Lord, to grant to you a boy, most pure” (Qur’an, 19:19) We do not find any details in the Qur’an on the duration of her pregnancy, but we read that she secluded herself by moving away from her people: So she conceived him and withdrew with him to a remote place. And the birth pangs drove her to the trunk of a date –palm.She said: “ Would that I had died before this, and had been forgotten and out of sight. (Qur’an, 19:22-23) Her cry did not go unanswered. In her moment of anguish, Allah re- sponded immediately. “Do not sorrow. Assuredly your Lord has placed beneath you a streamlet. And shake toward you the trunk of the date- palm, and it shall drop upon you a date, ripe and fresh. So eat and drink and cool your eyes. And if you should see any hu- man being, then say, ‘Indeed, I have vowed to the All- Merciful a fast. Thus never shall I speak today to any human being.” (Qur’an, 19:24-26) She brought the baby to her people. They asked her how could she do this when she came from a family known for their righteousness? She pointed to the baby and they angrily retorted: “How shall we speak to one in the cradle, an infant boy?” (Qur’an, 19:29) Responding from within the cradle, Isa(A) said: “Indeed, I am the servant of God. He has given me the Book and has made me a Prophet. And He has made me blessed wherever I may be; and He has enjoined me the Prayer and Charity, as long as I am alive, and being virtuous to my mother; and He has not made me insolent, wretched. So peace be upon me the day I was born, and the day I die, and the day I am raised to life.” (Qur’an, 19:30-33) Allah (SWT) the Most Merciful begets not nor is he begotten. He is the Creator and Maker of everything. Maryam’s conception of Isa (A) without a father is one of the beautiful miracles of Allah (SWT). Maryam is an example of a righteous woman who dedicated her life to serve Allah (SWT). He (SWT) is the Ordainer and Creator of All Things. One must always put their trust in Allah (SWT) and know that He is in control of the entire universe. Maryam’s (A) story is a great example to all Muslims around the world today. Do not sorrow. Assuredly your Lord has placed beneath you a streamlet. And shake toward you the trunk of the date-palm, and it shall drop upon you a date, ripe and fresh. (Qur’an, 19:24-25)
Fathers, Daughters What You Need to Know About Raising 1. If you have younger daughters, perhaps ages five to eight, take them with you to the mosque. Remember that the mosque is a place of worship and is just as much a place for women as it is for men. Establish your daughter’s relationship with the house of God early on. Take her with you and encourage her to perform Salat (prayer), even thoughat this age, it is not required. Just imagine the message this act sends to other fathers. Even though it may be inconvenient at times, an effort to create fond memories is a great step in deeply bonding with your daughter. When your daughter grows up, perhaps she will be more willing to get involved in mosque activities and it may be that you receive reward for that. Remember that the beloved Messenger of Allah (S) said, “Whoever guides someone to virtue will be rewarded equivalent to him who practices that good action.” [Sahih Muslim]. Abu Bakr bin `Ubaidullah bin Anas bin Malik narrated [from Anas] that the Messenger of Allah (SAW) said: “Whoever raises two girls then I and he will enter Paradise like these two.” And he indicated with his two fingers. [Bukhari] 2. Adolescence is an uncomfortable experience for everyone. Particularly as a young girl, the frightening and sudden physiological changes are accompanied with societal pressures to “look like this” and “walk like that”. As a young teenage girl, dealing with all this pressure can be overwhelming. So when your daughter gets to her teenage years,be aware of the struggles she will certainly face and do not ever dismiss her as ‘emotional’. As a father, your psychological support is extraordinarily important. Be patient with her and let her know you are there for her. If your relationship does not allow for you to speak about feminine issues comfortably, then remember that your wife (or other important women in your daughter’s life) are your allies. Express your concerns to those women and ask them to be there for your daughter. This way, you are aware of the issues she is facing and if or when the time comes, you will be prepared to advise her, or even just listen. 17
4. Encourage your daughter to be active in the community. Be supportive of her activism. The women around the Prophet (S)were beacons of empowerment to other women in their communities. Encourage your daughter to be a part of this legacy, whether she is teaching other youth or volunteering at a local event. It encourages empathy, God-consciousness, independence, time management skills, and so much more. 5. Be the best example of a man you can be. Why? Well, besides “you’ll be accountable for your actions,” your daughter will almost certainly use you as her standard when deciding on her future husband. As her father, you are the first man to whom she develops an attachment. Her expectations of a man will be affected by the way you treat her, her mother, and others, the way you deal with emotions, your work ethic and so on. The Messenger of Allah, (S), said, “Every one of you is a shepherd and is responsible for his flock. The leader of people is a guardian and is responsible for his subjects. A man is the guardian of his family and he is responsible for them” [Bukhari and Muslim]. 3. Tell her that she is beautiful at every age. In present-day society, all forms of media, be it Instagram, magazines or music videos, can have potentially devastating psychological effects. We cannot escape these subliminal messages that try to define beauty. Young girls and women are especially targeted by these messages. Althoughwe cannot eliminate these influences, you as a father can act as a ‘stress buffer’ or someone who alleviates the negative psychological effects of such influences. So let her hear from the most important man in her life that she is beautiful. But remember to also stress the importance of inner beauty. The Messenger of Allah (S) said, “Allah does not look at your figures, nor at your attire but He looks at your hearts [and deeds].” [Muslim] Its not about what you leave for your children, but what you leave in your children. 18
ﻣﻦ ﺑﺎﻟﻠﻪ اﻋﻮذ اﻟﺮﺟﻴﻢ اﻟﺸﻴﻄﺎن a’outho billahi minash-shaitanirauajim I seek refuge with Allah from Satan. ﻣَﺎ ﺷﺎء اﻟﻠﻪ masha Allah Allah has willed it إن ﺷﺎء اﻟﻠﻪ If Allah wills When we intend to do something or make a promise: insha Allah When you get angry: When you commit a sin: أَﺳْﺘَﻐْﻔِﺮُ اﻟﻠﻪَ astaq rullah I seek Allah's forgiveness. Duas to Know When we like something of ourselves or someone else: http://www.islamicbulletin.org/duaa.html
allahhumma bismika amoo-tu wa ahyaa When something becomes difficult: When leaving the house: ﱠﻠْﺖُ ﻋَﲆَ اﻟﻠﻪ ﺑِﺴْﻢِ اﻟﻠﻪِ ، ﺗَﻮَﻛ ﱠ ﺑِﺎﻟﻠﻪِ ﱠ ةَ إِﻻ ِ وَﻻَ ﺣَﻮْلَ وَﻻَ ﻗُﻮ bismillaah, tawakkaltu alal-laahwa laa hawla wa laa quwwata illaa billaah In the name of Allah, I place my trust in Allah and there is no might nor power except with Allah. Before you sleep: In Your name O Allah, I live and die. َﱠ أَﻣُﻮتُ وَأَﺣْﻴَﺎ ﱠﺑِﺎﺳْﻤِﻚ ﱠﻬُﻢ اﻟﻠ When you wake up: ﱠﺬِي اﻟﺤَﻤْﺪُ ﻟِﻠﻪِ اﻟ أَﺣْﻴَﺎﻧَﺎ ﺑَﻌْﺪَ ﻣَﺎ ﱡ ﺸُﻮرُ أَﻣَﺎﺗَﻨَﺎ وَإِﻟَﻴْﻪِ اﻟﻨ alhamdu lillaahil-ladhee ahyaanaa baada maa amaatanaa wa ilayhin-nushoor All praise is for Allah who gave us life after causing us to die, and unto Him is the resurrection. ﱠ ﻣَﺎ ﺟَﻌَﻠْﺘَﻪُ ﺳَﻬْﻼً ، ﱠ ﻻَ ﺳَﻬْﻞَ إِﻻ ﱠﻬُﻢ اﻟﻠ وَأَﻧْﺖَ ﺗَﺠْﻌَﻞُ اﻟْﺤَﺰْنَ إِذَا ﺷِﺌْﺖَ ﺳَﻬْﻼً allaahumma laa sahla illaa maa jaaltahu sahlan, wa anta tajaal-ul-alazna idhaa shi’ta sahlan O Allah, there is no ease except in that which You have made easy, and You make the difficulty if You Wish, easy.
ﱠ ﺒْﻊ َ اﻟﺴ ِ ﱠ اﻷَرَاﺿ ﱠ ﺒْﻊِ وَﻣَﺎ أَﻇْﻠَﻠْﻦَ ، وَرَب ﱠ ﻤَﻮَاتِ اﻟﺴ ﱠ اﻟﺴ ﱠ رَب ﱠﻬُﻢ اﻟﻠ ﱢ ﻳَﺎحِ وَﻣَﺎ ﱠ اﻟﺮ ِ وَﻣَﺎ أَﺿْﻠَﻠْﻦَ ، وَرَب ِ ﱠ ﻴَﺎﻃ ﱠ اﻟﺸ ِ وَﻣَﺎ أَﻗْﻠَﻠْﻦَ ، وَرَب ذَرَﻳْﻦَ ، أَﺳْﺄَﻟُﻚَ ﺧَْ ﻫَﺬِهِ اﻟْﻘَﺮْﻳَﺔِ وَﺧَْ أَﻫْﻠِﻬَﺎ وَﺧَْ ﻣَﺎ ﻓِﻴﻬَﺎ ، َﱢ ﻣَﺎ ﻓِﻴﻬَﺎ َﱢ أَﻫْﻠِﻬَﺎ وَﴍ َﱢ ﻫَﺎ وَﴍ وَأَﻋُﻮذُ ﺑِﻚَ ﻣِﻦْ ﴍ Supplication for travel: Allah is the greatest, Allah is the greatest, Allah is the greatest, How perfect He is, The OneWho has placed this (transport) at our service, and we ourselves would not have been capable of that, and to our Lord is our nal destiny. O Allah, we ask You for birr and taqwaa in this journey of ours, and we ask You for deeds which please You. O Allah, facilitate our journey and let us cover its distance quickly. O Allah, You are The Companion on the journey and The Successor over the family, O Allah, I take refuge with You from the di culties of travel, from having a change of hearts and being in a bad predicament, and I take refuge in You from an ill fated outcome with wealth and family. ﱠ ﺮَ ﻟَﻨﺎَ ﻫَﺬَا ﱠﺬِيْ ﺳَﺨ اﻟﻠﻪُ أَﻛْﱪَُ ، اﻟﻠﻪُ أَﻛْﱪَُ ، اﻟﻠﻪُ أَﻛْﱪَُ ﺳُﺒْﺤَﺎنَ اﻟ ﱠﺎ ﱠ إﻧ ﱠﻠﻬُﻢ ﱢ ﻨﺎَ ﳌُﻨْﻘَﻠِﺒُﻮْنَ ، َﻟ ﱠﺎ إِﱃَ رَﺑ َْ وإِﻧ ِ ﱠ ﺎ ﻟَﻪُ ﻣُﻘﺮِﻧ وَﻣَﺎ ﻛُﻨ ﱠ ﻘْﻮَى وﻣِﻦَ اﻟﻌَﻤَﻞِ ﻣﺎَ ﺗَﺮْﴇَ ِﱠ وَاﻟﺘ ﻧَﺴْﺄﻟُﻚَ ﰲِْ ﺳَﻔَﺮِﻧﺎَ ﻫَﺬَا اﻟﱪ ﱠ ﺎ ﺑُﻌْﺪَهُ ﱢ نْ ﻋَﻠَﻴْﻨﺎَ ﺳَﻔَﺮَﻧﺎَ ﻫَﺬَا وَاﻃْﻮِ ﻋَﻨ ﱠ ﻫَﻮ ﱠﻠﻬُﻢ .اَﻟ ﱢ © ﱠ إ ﱠ ﻔَﺮِ واﻟﺨَﻠِﻴﻔَﺔُ ﰲ اﻷَﻫْﻞِ اﻟّﻠﻬُﻢ ﱠ ﺎﺣِﺐُ ﰲِْ اﻟﺴ ﱠ أَﻧﺖَ اﻟﺼ ﱠﻬُﻢ َﻠ ° اﻟ ﱠ ﻔَﺮِ وﻛَﺂﺑَﺔِ اﳌَﻨْﻈَﺮِ وﺳُﻮْءِ اﳌُﻨْﻘَﻠَﺐِ ﰲ اﳌَﺎلِ واﻷَﻫْﻞِ أَﻋُﻮذُ ﺑِﻚَ ﻣِﻦْ وَﻋْﺜﺎءِ اﻟﺴ O Allah, Lord of the seven heavens and all that they envelop, Lord of the seven earths and all that they carry, Lord of the devils and all whom they misguide, Lord of the winds and all whom they whisk away, I ask You for the goodness of this town, the goodness of its inhabitants and for all the goodness found within it and I seek refuge with You from the evil of this town, the evil of its inhabitants and from all the evil found within it. Allaahu 'Akbar, Allaahu 'Akbar, Allaahu 'Akbar, Subhaanallathee sakhkhara lanaa haathaa wa maa kunnaa lahu muqrineen. Wa 'innaa 'ilaa Rabbinaa lamunqaliboon. Allaahumma 'innaa nas'aluka fee safarinaa haathal-birrawattaqwaa,waminal- 'amalimaa tardhaa, Allaahumma hawwin 'alaynaa safaranaa haathaa watwi ' annaa bu'dahu, Allaahumma 'Antas-saahibu s-safari, walkhaleefatu l-'ahli, Allaahumma 'innee 'a'oothu bika min wa'thaa'is-safari, wa ka'aabanl-mandhari, wa soo'il-munqalabi l-maaliwal'ahli ﱢْ ﱄِ ﱢ اﴍَْحْ ﱄِ ﺻَﺪْرِي وَﻳَﴪ ِرَب © ِأَﻣْﺮِي وَاﺣْﻠُﻞْ ﻋُﻘْﺪَةً ﻣِﻦْ ﻟِﺴَﺎ ﻳَﻔْﻘَﻬُﻮا ﻗَﻮْﱄ After a meeting or end of a talk: Rabbishrah lee sadree wayassir lee amree wahlul 'Uqdatam-mil-li saanee yafqahoo qawlee ﱠ وَﺑِﺤَﻤْﺪِكَ ، ﱠﻬُﻢ ﺳُﺒْﺤَﺎﻧَﻚَ اﻟﻠ ﱠ أَﻧْﺖَ ، َ أَﺷْﻬَﺪُ أَنْ ﻻَ إِﻟَﻪَ إِﻻ أَﺳْﺘَﻐْﻔِﺮُكَ وَأَﺗُﻮبُ إِﻟَﻴْﻚ subhaanak-allaahumma wa bi hamdika, ash-hadu an laa ilaaha illaa anta, astagh ruka wa atoobu ilayk Supplication upon entering a town: Before giving a speech or taking a test: O my Lord! Expand for me my chest; ease my task for me; and remove the impediment from my speech; so they may understand what I say. How far from imperfections You are O Allah, and I praise You. I bear witness that None has the right to be worshipped except You. I seek Your forgiveness and turn to You in repentance. Allaahumma rabbas-samawaat-is-sab’i wamaa azlalna, wa rabbal-araadeen-as-sab’i wa maa aqlalna, wa rabbash-shayaateeni wa maa adlalna, wa rabbar-riyaahi wa maa dharayna,as’aluka khayra haadhi-hil-qaryati wa khayra ahlihaa wa khayra maa feehaa, wa a’oodhu bika min sharrihaa wa sharri ahlihaa wa sharri maa feehaa
Aftara ’indakum-us-saa’imoona wa akala ta’aamakum-ul-abraaru, wa sallat ’alaykum-ul-malaa’ikahْ ﱢ ـﻊ ﱠ اﻏْﻔِـﺮْ ﻟَﻪُ ، وَارْﺣَﻤْـﻪُ ، وَﻋَﺎﻓِﻪِ ، وَاﻋْﻒُ ﻋَﻨْـﻪُ ، وَأَﻛْـﺮِمْ ﻧُﺰُﻟَـﻪُ ، وَوَﺳ ﱠﻬُـﻢ َاﻟﻠ َ ﱢ ـﻪِ ﻣِﻦَ اﻟْﺨَﻄَـﺎﻳَﺎ ﻛ ﱠـﻠْﺞِ وَاﻟْﺒَـﺮَدِ، وَﻧَﻘ ﻣُﺪْﺧَـﻠَﻪُ،وَاﻏْﺴِﻠْـﻪُ ﺑِﺎﻟْﻤَـﺎءِوَاﻟﺜ ًْا ﻣِﻦْ دَارِهِ ، ﱠ ﻧَـﺲِ، وَأَﺑْـﺪِﻟْﻪُ دَارًا ﺧَـ ﱠﻮْبَ اﻷَﺑْﻴَـﺾَ ﻣِﻦَ اﻟﺪ ﱠ ﻴْﺖَ اﻟـﺜ ﻧَـﻘ ﱠ ﺔَ ، ًْا ﻣِﻦْ زَوْﺟِﻪِ ، وَأَدْﺧِـﻠْﻪُ اﻟْﺠَـﻨ ًْا ﻣِﻦْ أَﻫْﻠِـﻪِ،وَزَوْﺟًﺎ ﺧَـ ِوَأَﻫْﻼً ﺧَـ ﱠ ـﺎر وَأَﻋِـﺬْهُ ﻣِﻦْ ﻋَﺬَابِ اﻟْﻘَـﱪِْ وَﻋَﺬَابِ اﻟﻨ allaa-humma-gh r lahu[a], war-hamhu[a], wa ’aa hi[a], wa’fu’anhu[a], w’akrimnuzulahu[a], wa was-si’mudkhalahu[a],wagh-silhu[a] bil-maa’i wath-thalji wal-barad, wa naq-qihi[a] mi-nal-kha-taayaa kamaa naq-qayt-ath-thawb-al-’abyada mi-nad-danas, wa abdilhu[a] daa-ran khayran min daarihi[a], wa ahlan khayran min ahlihi[a],wa zawjan khayran min zawjihi[a], wa ad-khilhu[a]l-jan-nata, wa a’idh-hu[aa] min ’adhaabil-qabri wa’adhaabin-naar Allahumma inni laka sumtu wa bika aamantu wa alayka tawakkaltu wa ala rizq-ika-aftartu ﱢ ﻟَﻚَ ﺻُﻤْﺖُ وَﺑِﻚَ اﻣﻨْﺖ ¤ِ ﱠ ا ﱠﻬُﻢ ُاﻟﻠ ُ وَﻋَﻠﻴْﻚَ ﺗَﻮَﻛّﻠﺖُ وَ ﻋَﲆ رِزْﻗِﻚَ اَﻓْﻄَﺮْت O Allah! I fasted for You and I believe in You and I put my trust in You and I break my fast with Your sustenance. Supplication upon breaking the fast: May the fasting (people) break their fast in your home, and may the dutiful and pious eat your food, and may the angels send prayers upon you. ُِﻮنَ وَأَﻛَﻞَ ﻃَﻌَﺎﻣَﻜُﻢُ اﻷَﺑْﺮَارُ ، ° ﱠ ﺎ ُأَﻓْﻄَﺮَ ﻋِﻨْﺪَﻛُﻢُ اﻟﺼ ﱠﺖْ ﻋَﻠَﻴْﻜُﻢُ اﻟْﻤَﻼﺋِﻜَﺔ َ وَﺻَﻠ ﱢ ﻳَﺎرِ ﻣِﻦ ﱠ ﻼمُ ﻋَﻠَﻴْﻜُﻢْ أَﻫْﻞَ اﻟﺪ ْاﻟﺴ ﱠﺎ إِن َ ، وَإِﻧ ´ِ َ وَاﻟْﻤُﺴْﻠِﻤ ´ِ اﻟْﻤُﺆْﻣِﻨ َﻼَﺣِﻘُﻮنَ ، ¶ َ ﺷَﺎءَ اﻟﻠﻪُ ﺑِﻜُﻢْ ﻟ ﻧَﺴْﺄَلُ اﻟﻠﻪَ ﻟَﻨَﺎ وَﻟَﻜُﻢُ اﻟْﻌَﺎﻓِﻴَﺔ Peace be upon you all, O inhabitants of the dwellings (i.e. the graves), amongst the believers and the Muslims. Indeed we are, Allah willing, soon to follow (to die also), we ask Allah for well-being for us and for you. Supplication visiting the graves: As-salaamu ’alaykum ahl-addiyaari mi-nal-mu’mineena wal-muslimeena, wain-naa in shaa’-allaahu la-laahiqoona, nas’al-ullaaha lanaawa-lakumul-’aa yah Supplication upon breaking fast in someone’s home: Supplication for the deceased at the funeral prayer O Allah, forgive and have mercy upon him [or her], excuse him[or her] and pardon him [or her], and make honourable his [or her] reception. Expand his [or her] grave, and cleanse him [or her] with water, snow and hail [water], and purify him [or her] of sin as a white robe is puri ed of lth.And exchange his [or her] home for a better home, and his [or her] family for a better family, and his [or her] spouse for a better spouse. Admit him ([or her] into the Garden, protect him [or her]from the punishment of the grave and the torment of the Fire.
Muhammad Assad Muhammad Assad is an influential voice to Muslim scholars around the world. His life changed when he entered Islam: “After all, it was a matter of love, and love is composed of many things; of our desires and our loneliness, of our high aims and our shortcomings, of our strengths and our weaknesses. So it was my case. Islam came over me like a robber who enters a house by night; unlike a robber, it entered to remain for good.” Early Life On the 12th of July 1900 Leopold Weiss was born to a Jewish family in the town of Lvov which was part of the Austrian Empire and is now in Poland. His paternal grandfather was an Orthodox Rabbi. By the age of 14 he and his family lived in Vienna where his father worked as an attorney. Weiss’ parents were not very religious and only clung to Judaism out of habit, but they insisted that he have religious studies with a tutor. This resulted in him being fluent in Hebrew and Aramaic and completely knowledgeable of all the scriptures and writings of his faith. Had he wanted to, he was ready to follow in his grandfather’s footsteps. Even though he didn’t disagree with the moral principles of Judaism, he later spoke of how it bothered him that instead of being the creator and sustainer of mankind, the Hebrew’s God appeared to be a tribal god who was only concerned with the requirements of the “chosen people”. All those hours of study helped him understand the fundamental purpose of religion but actually led him away from Judaism. At the end of the World War I, he decided to study philosophy and the art of history. Even though Vienna was an intellectually and culturally stimulating city at the time, he failed to find satisfaction in his studies or at the cafés, where lively debates on subjects including psychoanalysis, logical positivism, linguistic analysis and semantics took place. First Exposure to Islam Weiss was first exposed to Islam in 1922. After he abandoned his studies at the University of Vienna he was invited by an uncle to visit Jerusalem. The house where he stayed was situated in the old city, near the Jaffa Gate. As he watched the Arabs he fantasized that any one of them could have been one of the young warriors who had accompanied David from his flight from the jealousy of Saul. He was also struck by how Islam infused the daily lives of the Arabs with inner peace, gave their existence meaning and filled them with spiritual strength. The Dutch poet and journalist Israël de Haan and Weiss became friends and, through him, Weiss found work writing small articles for the Frankfurter Zeitung. He travelled for two years all over the Middle East and Central Asia. During these travels he met many heads of state and mingled with ordinary people. He came into contact with Islam and experienced different aspects of it. He concluded that when properly interpreted, Islam could lead the Muslims forward providing the spiritual sustenance that neither Judaism nor Christianity could. Conversion to Islam Upon his return to Europe, he settled in Frankfurt and 23
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