THE ISLAMIC BULLETIN Volume XXXII Issue 32 Since 1991
12 ways 5 To Those Who Don’t Believe Hajj Guide Cooks Corner The Ship of the Desert Umar Ibn Al Khattab Traffic Light Soup Pull out Pocket Hajj Guide Quranic Proof One fo the Miracles of the Creation of Allah Stories of the Sahaba How to Offer Your Prayers with Sincerity Hijri Calendar Meaning of the Islamic Calendar Do You Really Love Allah? 6 5 Ways to Prove Your Love for Allah 19 20 30 24 6 10 Ramadan Mubarak!
Asalamu Alaikum Islamic Bulletin Readers, Walking through the mall recently, my eyes fell upon the most beautiful saying. “Speak in such a way that others love to listen to you. Listen in such a way that others love to speak to you.” Such simple, yet profound advice. These words remind me of a beautiful saying of our Holy Prophet (SAW). How I wish to become a person who speaks good, or remains silent. Oftentimes, I am quick to utter, then find myself thinking, “Did what I say cause pain or hurt someone’s feelings?” If I truly condition myself to follow our Prophet’s advice, I too, will become a person of wisdom……. What better time to condition ourselves than the month of Ramadan. We condition ourselves to not eat from sunrise to sunset, we condition ourselves to read more Quran, we condition ourselves to visit the masjid more frequently, why not condition ourselves to “ speak good, or stay silent.” Abu Hurairah (RA) relates relates that the Prophet Muhammed(SAW) said: “Whoever believes in Allah and the Last Day should speak a good word or remain silent.” Our current issue of the Islamic Bulletin is full of articles which praises and celebrates Allah (SAW), the Creator of the heavens and every single thing on Earth. In this issue, read about Suratul-Fatiha, the first chapter of the Quran, also referred to as the Mother of the Quran. These seven verses give Muslims simple, step-by-step direct dialogue with Allah, with instructions on guidance, praise and worship. With this direct dialogue to Allah (SWT), how can we stray? Also in this issue is the story of Umar RA, inventor of the Hijri calendar, and his bumpy road to Islam. It was his sister’s tremendous faith in the face of violence which led to Umar’s acceptance of Islam. And what about the camel, practically synonymous with desert living in The Middle East, the Horn of Africa and beyond? Read about this wondrous creation of Allah (SWT). Also learn how Muslims can turn the age-old rallying cry of Atheists back on them by using Islamic wisdom, the Quran, and basic logic to place the burden of proof back in their lap. Another article in this edition of The Islamic Bulletin focuses on how to be sure we are truly showing love for Allah. Can you honestly say you exhibit devotion to and love of our Creator? Finally, finish up on a lighter ---and more delicious--- note. Check out the three recipes for our Traffic Light Soup…yes, you guessed it, one red, one yellow, and one green soup. Each inspired by a different country and culture, each scrumptious in its own right… And for the kids, a map puzzle highlighting the locations of the 25 prophets from the Quran. Wishing you peace and blessings, Staff of Islamic Bulletin.
Surah Al-Fatihah Bismi Allahi arrahmani arraheem In the name of Allah, the Entirely Merciful, the Especially Merciful. Alhamdu lillahi rabbi alAAalameen [All] praise is [due] to Allah, Lord of the worlds - Arrahmani arraheem e Entirely Merciful, the Especially Merciful, Maliki yawmi addeen Sovereign of the Day of Recompense. Iyyaka naAAbudu wa-iyyaka nastaAAeen It is You we worship and You we ask for help. Ihdina assirata almustaqeem Guide us to the straight path - Sirata allatheena anAAamta AAalayhim, e path of those upon whom You have bestowed favor, ghayri almaghdoobi AAalayhim wala addalleen. not of those who have evoked [Your] anger or of those who are astray. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7
How to Offer Your Prayer With Sincerity 1. As you stand in prayer, force yourself to put aside worldly issues/problems. 2. Concentrate completely with your heart and mind on the beauty of Allah before you. As you say Allahu Akbar (Allah is the Greatest) God is greater than any other distraction. 3. In salutation to your Lord, keep your gaze lowered to the place of prostration. Continue to recite your prayer, “How Perfect You are O Allah, and I Praise You. Blessed be Your Name.” 4. As you recite each verse of Surah Al-Fatihah, feel how Allah (SWT) responds back to you. This is the amazing moment where you are in dialogue with your Creator. 5. Feel the words Bismi Allahi arrahmani arraheem (In the name of Allah, Most Gracious, Most Merciful) and utter His (SWT) name with pure love. 6. Stand still and feel grateful when you say Alhamdullilah (all the praises and thanks be to Allah) and truly feel the meaning of “Lord of the Worlds.” 7. As you say “Maliki yawmi addeen” (Master of the Day of Judgment), reflect and feel empowered and comforted that you will be judged by the Most Gracious and Merciful. 8. Iyyaka naAAbudu wa-iyyaka nastaAAeen (You alone we worship and unto You alone we ask for help). This is the verse that the Companions recited for hours and wept as they did so. Feel and understand its depth. 9. Ameen is the acceptance of the prayer and should be said sincerely and wholeheartedly. You have glorified Him, praised Him and asked Him to guide you. 10. When you say Subhana Rabbiya-al-Azeem (Glory be to Allah My Lord, the Most High), feel the bond between you and your Lord. 11. Your Sujood (prostration to Allah) is your ultimate submission to Allah and should be performed with your whole body, heart and soul. 12. Before the Tasleem (the conclusion of the prayer) supplicate and make heartfelt duas and feel your prayer being accepted. Insha Allah! Watch: www.islamicbulletin.org/videos/fatiha/12.m4v
Umar ibn Al-Khatab The story and life of Al Farooq Umar Ibn Al-Khattab is a beautiful story to know and share with others. It is a great part of the history of our religion, Islam. Known as Abu Hafs, his full name was Umar ibn Al-Khattab ibn Nufayl ibn Abdul Uzza. His nickname Al Farooq (the Criterion) was given to him because of the way he showed his strength in Makkah and became distinguished for his faith in Allah. His grandfather, Nufayl, was the one whom Quraysh referred to for judgment and his parents were Al-Khattab ibn Nufayl and Hantamah bint Hashim bin Al Mugheeraj. His forefathers had an outstanding history and Umar inherited their status and a great knowledge from them. Born in 583 AC, Umar grew to be tall, muscular and strong with a light, reddish complexion. It has been written that he walked quickly, spoke clearly and that a strike from him caused pain. His early life Growing up in Quraysh, his formative years were in the pre-Islamic years. Unlike most people in Quraysh, he had learned to read but had a harsh upbringing with no luxuries. Something that left a mark on him his entire life was the harsh way that he was treated by his father who forced him to tend the camels and livestock. Besides working with the family livestock, something which taught him restraint, patience and toughness, Umar also excelled in sports during his youth. He was especially good at wrestling, riding and horsemanship. His talents and interests did not stop there since he took pleasure in listening and narrating poetry, history and had a great interest in the concerns of the people around him. Over the years, Umar traveled to fairs in the region, including Syria and Yemen, where he took the opportunity to learn more about the history of the Arab nation, while he also traded, making him one of the richest men in Makkah. Umar’s intelligence coupled with his status, which came through his family, was the reason why many people sought him out to help resolve disputes. Eloquent, well spoken, persuasive and respectable, Umar was the chosen ambassador of Quraysh. His duty was to speak for them before other tribes or to act as an ambassador in the event of a conflict. Having lived through the pre-Islamic era, Umar respected his religions true nature, customs and traditions and he defended them with all his strength. Therefore, upon entering Islam, he immediately recognized its beauty and true nature. His conversion to Islam When Umar was 27 the Holy Prophet (PBUH) began his mission but Umar did not care for the message of Islam. He became angrier as the years passed and realized that Islam was gaining ground. It was in the sixth year of the Mission, when a number of Muslim converts left for Abyssinia for fear of persecution, that Umar boiled with rage. He considered the Holy Prophet (PBUH), who was calling for the people to believe in one God alone and to reject all that they previously knew, to be the one responsible for splitting up the people who had been living well enough until a few years before. His own cousin, Umm Abdullah bin Hantamh was included in the group that was 6 Stories of the Sahabah
leaving, and this aggravated him even further. It caused Umar great pain to see so many families broken up and all the people leaving their ancestral homes to follow Muhammad (PBUH). “He appeared on the scene,” he thought to himself, “and has torn son from father and brother from brother. Now his followers have run away to another land. Surely, Muhammad is the cause of all the trouble. I must kill him and put an end to the trouble.” After a sleepless night, in the early hours of the morning, he went outside to find and kill the Holy Prophet (PBUH). Umar noticed him walking towards the Kabah. As Umar watched Muhammad (SAW), walking in his steady pace, a scene from the previous evening flashed before him and he recalled his conversation with Umm Abdullah. “Yes, Umar, we are leaving. You have made life unbearable for us. Our only crime has been to believe in the one God. We have complete trust in Him. We know that He will guide and protect us so that we may be allowed to serve Him and worship Him in peace.” He had opened his mouth to utter a curse to her but he was astonished to find that his eyes had filled with tears and he uttered the words, “May Allah be with you.” Astonished, Umm Abdullah could not believe what she had just heard from her hardened cousin’s mouth. She saw some softness she had never seen before. As he approached Muhammad (PBUH), Umar noticed that he was already in the Haram, facing north towards Jerusalem and was praying and glorifying God. By this time he was curious to find out what was causing people to follow this man. As Umar heard the words uttered by Muhammad, he was struck by their power and how they turned his thoughts away from his anger. He recognized the sincerity and the integrity of Muhammad and left in deep thought. Entering his home as the first light of dawn appeared in the sky, his thoughts were embroiled and he felt confused. Umar finally went to sleep but he awoke hardened again and was resolved to complete what he had started earlier. As he went on his way with his sword, he encountered another cousin, Sa’ad bin Abi Waggs. When Umar told him that he was on his way to finish off Muhammad; his cousin uttered: “You had better first set your own house in order. Your sister and brother-in-law both have accepted Islam.” Umar flew off towards his sister’s home in a rage. She let him in after Khabbab (RA), who was praying with the family, managed to hide away but forgot his manuscripts in the open. He started quarreling with his brother-in-law. When his sister came to rescue her husband, he also started quarreling with her. Yet still they kept on saying, “You may kill us but we will not give up Islam.” Upon hearing these words, Umar slapped his sister so hard that she fell to the ground and bled from her mouth. When he saw what he did to his sister, he calmed down out of guilt and asked his sister to give him what she was reciting. His sister replied in the negative and said, “You are unclean, and no unclean person can touch the Scripture.” He insisted, but his sister was determined to not allow him to touch the pages unless he washed his body. Umar at last gave in. He washed his body and then his eyes fell on Surat Taha. “Verily, I am Allah. There is no God but I, so serve Me (only), and establish regular prayer for My remembrance.” (Qur’an 20:14) At that moment the fear of Allah gripped his heart and he wept as he declared, “Surely this is the word of Allah. I bear witness that Muhammad is the Messenger of Allah.” Khabbab flew out from where he was hiding and uttered, “O, Umar, glad tidings for you! Yesterday the Prophet (SAW) prayed to Allah: ‘O, Allah! Strengthen Islam with either Umar or Abu Jahl, whomsoever Thou likest.’ It seems that his prayer has been answered in your favor.” As the Prophet (PBUH) was sitting in the company of some holy men he saw Umar approach him. “Umar, what brings you here?” he asked. “O Prophet of Allah! I have come to embrace Islam.” The air in Mecca was filled with shouts of joy from Prophet Mohammad (PBUH) and his followers: “Allah is Great!” Umar declared his conversion to Islam and then gathered all the chiefs of Makkah. He announced to them his conversion to Islam and though they were shocked and angered they did not dare reproach him for his faith. Al Farooq became his name amongst the believers as he was not afraid to openly proclaim his faith. Umar requested that the Holy Prophet be allowed to say prayers at the Kabah. It was the first great congregation of people around the Kabah and the first ever prayer of its kind. The conversion of Umar (RA) made a difference for Islam. Up until this time, the Muslims had lived in constant fear of the non-believers. Some of 7
them had not even made their faith known to the people. They could not say their prayers publicly. All this changed when Umar (RA) became a Muslim. Unlike other Muslims who migrated to Medina secretly, when Umar left he first went to the Kaaba, fully armed, to pray. After praying he shouted to the chiefs, “I am leaving for Medina. If anyone wants to stop me, let him meet me across the valley. His mother shall certainly have to weep for him in sorrow.“ Devoted to the Prophet (PBUH), Umar (RA) stood by him in all his battles and expeditions. No blood ties or friendships ever stood between his love for Allah and His Apostle from that day onwards. Upon the death of the Prophet (PBUH), Umar (RA) was in shock and threatened to behead anyone who said that the Messenger of Allah was dead. His grief was overwhelming and he feared for what would happen to Islam and the Muslims. Abu Bakr (RA) reminded him of the verse in the Qur’an and by reciting these verses Umar (RA) came to his senses again. “Muhammad is no more than a Messenger: many were the Messengers that passed away before him. If he died or were slain, will you then turn back on his heels? If any did turn back on his heels, not the least harm will he do to Allah.” (Quran 3:144) During his caliphate, Abu Bakr (RA) depended on Umar (RA) for advice because of the high opinion that the Holy Prophet (PBUH) had also had for Umar (RA) during his lifetime. Umar’s appointment as Abu Bakr’s successor When Abu Bakr knew that he was about to pass on he called the people together and asked them to help him appoint his successor. They put the matter in his hands and he decided that after much thought and prayer, he was appointing Umar as their new leader. Abu Baker asked the people to listen and obey Umar. Umar (RA) succeeded Abu Bakr as a second Caliph on August 23, 634 AD and became known for his justice toward all people, whether Muslim or non-Muslim and was the first Caliph to be nominated as “Prince of the Believers.” He was the second of the Rightly Guided Caliphs. During his reign, the Islamic Empire expanded across Iraq, Egypt, Libya, Persia, Khurassan, Eastern Anatolia, South Armenia and Sajistan. He brought Jerusalem (the third holiest city in Islam) under the Muslim Empire for the first time. Umar protected the unity of the state, even though it consisted of an increasing population of varied ethnicities through his political wisdom and administrative ability. Many beautiful stories have been written about Umar’s contribution to his fellow man. He lived an austere life and cared deeply for the community of believers. He could not abide the thought of people going hungry, which led him to scour the streets day and night to see if his people were in need. In all the years of his reign, he would walk around the city at night to help people with problems or give them advice. Accomplishments of Umar The Hijri calendar In 638 ce, six years after the death of the Prophet Muhammad, Islam’s second caliph, ‘Umar, recognized the necessity of a calendar to govern the affairs of Muslims. This was first of all a practical matter. Correspondence with military and civilian officials in the newly conquered lands had to be dated. But Persia used a different calendar from Syria, where the caliphate was based; Egypt used yet another. Each of these calendars had a different starting point, or epoch. In pre-Islamic Arabia, various other systems of measuring time had been used. In South Arabia, some calendars apparently were lunar, while others were lunisolar, using months based on the phases of the moon but intercalating days outside the lunar cycle to synchronize the calendar with the seasons. On the eve of Islam, the Himyarites appear to have used a calendar based on the Julian form, but with an epoch of 110 bce. In central Arabia, the course of the year was chartered by the position of the stars relative to the horizon at sunset or sunrise, dividing the ecliptic into 28 equal parts corresponding to the location of the moon on each successive night of the month. The names of the months in that calendar have continued in the Islamic calendar to this day and would seem to indicate that, before Islam, some sort of lunisolar calendar was in use, though it is not known to have had an epoch other than memorable local events. There were two other reasons ‘Umar rejected existing solar calendars. The Qur’an, in Chapter 10, Verse 5, states that time should be reckoned by the moon. Not only that, calendars used by the Persians, Syrians and Egyptians were identified with other religions and
cultures. He therefore decided to create a calendar specifically for the Muslim community. It would be lunar, and it would have 12 months, each with 29 or 30 days. This gives the lunar year 354 days, 11 days fewer than the solar year. ‘Umar chose as the epoch for the new Muslim calendar the hijra, the emigration of the Prophet Muhammad and 70 Muslims from Makkah to Madinah, where Muslims first attained religious and political autonomy. The hijra thus occurred on 1 Muharram of the year 1 according to the Islamic calendar, which was named “hijri” after its epoch. (This date corresponds to July 16, 622 ce, on the Gregorian calendar.) Today in the West, it is customary, when writing hijri dates, to use the abbreviation ah, which stands for the Latin anno hegirae, “year of the hijra.” Because the Islamic lunar calendar is 11 days shorter than the solar, it is therefore not synchronized to the seasons. Its festivals, which fall on the same days of the same lunar months each year, make the round of the seasons every 33 solar years. This 11-day difference between the lunar and the solar year accounts for the difficulty of converting dates from one system to the other. Converting Years and Dates The following equations convert roughly from Gregorian to hijri years and vice versa. However, the results can be slightly misleading: They tell you only the year in which the other calendar’s year begins. For example, 2018 Gregorian begins in Rabi’ II, the fourth month of hijri 1439, and it ends in that same month in hijri 1440. Gregorian year = [(32 x Hijri year) ÷ 33] + 622 Hijri year = [(Gregorian year – 622) x 33] ÷ 32 Online calculators can be found by searching “Gregorian-hijri calendar calculator” or similar terms. The Martyrdom of Umar One morning Umar (RA) went to the mosque as usual to lead the prayer. Abu Lolo was already hiding in the corner, with a dagger in hand. As soon as Umar (RA) began the prayer, the assassin jumped on him. He gave six cuts with the dagger on the Caliph’s body. The horrified worshippers overpowered the assassin. Thereupon the wretch slew himself with the same dagger. Umar (RA) kept lying in a pool of blood until the prayer was over. Then he was carried home. “Who is my assassin?” he asked. “Abu Lolo,” said the people. “Allah be thanked!” said Umar (RA). “It is not a Muslim who has shed my blood.” A physician was called in to dress and treat the wounds of the Caliph. He said they were too deep to be healed. At this many people who stood around began to weep. “Please do not weep,” implored Umar (RA). “Have you not heard the Messenger of Allah say that the weeping of relatives adds to the torture of the dead person?” Finding his end in sight, Umar (RA) called his son, Abdullah. “My son,” he said, “go to Aisha. Give her Umar (RA)’s greetings. Do not refer to me as the Commander of the Faithful; for I am no longer one. Place before her my wish to be buried by the side of the Prophet (PBUH) and my illustrious predecessor.” Abdullah found Aisha weeping. He delivered his father’s message to her. “I wanted to reserve this spot for my own grave, but I prefer Umar (RA) to myself,” said Aisha. Abdullah conveyed Aisha’s consent to his dying father. “Allah be thanked!” said Umar (RA). “This was the greatest wish of my life. But look, son, when you take my dead body to be buried, again give her my greetings, and ask her permission. If she allows, bury me there, otherwise bury me in the graveyard of Medina.” As the end drew in sight, Umar (RA) began to weep, because of the fear of Allah. “My son,” he called out to Abdullah, “help me put my forehead on the ground.” Peace be upon Umar ibn Al-Khattab “Fear Allah, for He alone lives; all other things are liable to perish.” - Umar 9
Hijri (Lunar) Months And eir Meaning in Islamic Tradition 1 MUHARRAM Means forbidden. e Islamic New Year starts on the rst day. *Fasting on Muharram 10, known as the Day of 'Ashura', expiates the sins of the past year. 2 SAFAR Literally means “void,” It is said that Arabs used to leave their homes to escape summer heat. 3 RABIUL-AWWAL Means the beginning of spring. *Mawlid al-Nabi (Birth of the Prophet) is on the 12th. 4 RABIUL-AKHIR Means the end of spring, beginning of winter. 5 JUMADAL-ULA Marks the rst time when the land became parched or dry by summer heat or winter cold. 6 JUMADAL-AKHIR Literally means “the last time of parched land”. 7 RAJAB ‘Rajaba’ or ‘sanctify.’ Arabs used to sanctify this month by putting a halt to ghting during that month. 8 SHABAN ‘Tash`aba’, or go in di erent directions. Arabs used to disperse in this month seeking water and grass. 9 RAMADAN From ramida or ar-ramad (scorching heat" or "dryness"). *Fasting starts on the 1st 10 SHAWWAL ‘Tashawwala’, which refers to the scarcity in she-camels’ milk. *Eid Al-Fitr also called Festival of Breaking the Fast is celebrated on the 1st of Shawwal 11 DHUL-QI’DA It literally means “the one of truce”. Early Arabs sat in this Forbidden month and ceased ghting. 12 DHUL-HIJJA “Pilgrimage.” Hajj is 8–13th *9th is Arafah. Fasting on this day expiates sins of the past and the coming year. *10th is Eid al-Adha To enable Islamic Hijri calendar on iPhone, go to Settings, Calendar, Alternate Calendars, Islamic. e Hijri dates will now be displayed along with the Gregorian dates on the Calendar app and also displayed on the lockscreen. islamicbulletin.org
Sonny Bill Williams – Finding Islam Born in Auckland, New Zealand, Sonny Bill Williams has known fame and controversy from a young age. Gifted with sporting talent, Williams was a competitive sprinter, champion high jumper and cross country runner while still a child. Even though his father was an accomplished rugby league player, it was his mother who introduced him to rugby. At 17, Sonny was the youngest player to be offered a contract to play in the Rugby League for the Sydney Bulldogs junior grades. He advanced up the ranks quickly and in 2004, he was the youngest player to play in a test match for the Kiwis. Watch video Sonny donating his gold chain to 14 year-old: www.islamicbulletin.org/videos/nz/gold.mp4 It was in France while playing for the French Rugby Union Club that Williams converted to Islam. He had first started taking an interest in becoming Muslim when he went to Australia. Once he moved to France, he became very close with a family from Tunisia; they lived in a flat with one bedroom with their five children. According to Sonny, it amazed him to see how happy and content they were. Their hospitality and caring made him realize the beauty of Islam. Williams has spoken openly in interviews about how becoming a Muslim has helped him grow and become the better person he is today. He considers himself to be a true Muslim and feels complete happiness through his faith. He rejected an offer to wear a jersey with bank sponsorships on it since interest goes against the Muslim faith. Ramadan is a special time for Williams, and he speaks about the appreciation he feels for things that we take for granted. He greatly believes that it is not enough to have faith alone, and feels that the rest is up to us. God gives us talent, he has said, but it is up to us to take that and drive it through will and dedication. The Christchurch Attacks and New Zealand’s Example After the Christchurch carnage on Muslims praying in the El Noor Mosque, New Zealanders showed the world that they won’t tolerate the hatred that saw 50 people gunned down in their place of worship. The small island nation of only 4 million people rallied together to take a stand against terrorism. People of all faiths stood together to pray. Many women, including the Prime Minister of New Zealand, Jacinda Ardern, wore headscarves to show their solidarity. Additionally, millions of dollars were collected to help the victims and the families of the deceased. New Zealand and its people showed that tolerance, respect and acceptance is the only way to move forward and proved it by: · Mourning as one nation. All the funeral costs were undertaken by the government. · People can face up to 14 years in jail for spreading hate news or showing the video of the attack. Plus, guns were banned within hours of the attack. · Police, the public and even gang members took to patrolling outside mosques. The Azaan was played on all national media at the time of the Friday prayers. · Visas were fast-tracked for relatives to enter New Zealand and the homes of many New Zealanders were opened to provide shelter, food and support to their fellow human beings who had suffered this terrible atrocity. Williams immediately took action after these attacks by visiting victims and giving money to help families. He also created a charity in order to facilitate the donations that immediately started coming in. He has spoken about Islamophobia and about how he feels that he has been misunderstood. He reiterates in interviews how important it is that no man or woman believes that they are better than others no matter their color or creed. Forgiveness and knowledge are essential and Williams feels that not only New Zealand, but all other nations need to work toward this in order to heal racism and hatred. Watch video: www.islamicbulletin.org/videos/nz/widow.mp4 Watch video: www.islamicbulletin.org/videos/nz/cemetery.mp4 Williams openly spoke of his admiration for the Prime Minister and how fast the country acted, and also admired the fact that Prime Minister Ardern quoted verses from the Qur’an during her speeches. Naivety and ignorance allow people to believe anything they are fed, but in the 10 years that Williams has been a Muslim he advises people to read up on Islam and to learn that it is a religion that offers answers through faith--a religion that preaches tolerance and love. One of the greatest moments for any Muslim convert is the moment when their loved ones, especially their mother, decide to also embrace Islam. Sonny Williams has spoken in interviews about that blessed moment when his mother and teammate, Ofa Tu’ungafasi, took their Shahada, just two weeks after the Christchurch attack. In April 2019, he tweeted, “Hearing my mum talk about Islam with such joy makes my heart full. Subhanallah, when Allah places the contentment in your heart it’s beautiful to see.” Louisville renames airport after hometown hero Muhammad Ali
In standing position, with your head and eyes directed to the place of prostration, raise both hands above your shoulders and say, as you move your hands to place on your chest. QIYAM Intention: Stand straight facing the Qiblah (direction of the Kabah in Mecca), and make your Niyyah (intention in your heart) for the intended prayer. PERFORMING THE FIRST RAK’AH (UNIT) OF PRAYER Recite another surah (chapter) from the Holy Quran if this is the 1st or 2nd Rakat (unit). See pages 3 and 4 for some short suras. Recite only the Arabic . In the 3rd and 4th Rakah (Unit), only recitation of Surah Al Fatiha is required. Place right hand over the left hand and keep the gaze of eyes and face directed to place of prostration and recite Surah Al Fatiha (The Opening): As you move from standing position (Qiyam) to bowing (Ruku’) position say: Allaahu Akbar RUKU’ Say this 3 times You should now be in the bowing (RUKU’) position. Subhaana rabbiyal 'atheem Glory be to my Lord The Supreme Sami'-Allaahu liman hamidah Allah listens to the one who praises Him As you move from Ruku (bowing) position to standing postion, say: In standing position, keep your body straight with your hands resting by your sides and say, The Islamic Bulletin www.islamicbulletin.org 1 of 4 A Step-by-Step Guide On How to Perform Salah Salah (Prayer); *Please perform Wudu (ablution before prayers) before you start, see page 4 The Prophet Muhammad (SAW) said: “Pray as you have seen me praying.” (Sahih Al-Bukari) Allaahu Akbar Allah is the greatest A'oothu billahi minash-shaytanir-rajeem I seek refuge with Allah from Satan the accursed TAKBEER Rabbanaa wa lakal hamd Our Lord, and to You belongs the praise 1. Bismillaahir-Rahmaanir-Raheem In the name of God, the infinitely Compassionate and Merciful. 2. Al hamdu lillaahi rabbil ‘aalameen Praise be to God, Lord of all the worlds. 3. Ar-Rahmaanir-Raheem The Compassionate, the Merciful. 4. Maaliki yawmid-Deen Ruler on the Day of Reckoning. 5. Iyyaaka na’abudu wa iyyaaka nasta’een You alone do we worship, and You alone do we ask for help. 6. Ihdinas siraatal mustaqeem Guide us on the straight path, 7. Siraatal latheena an ‘amta’ alaihim the path of those who have received your grace; Ghairil maghduubi’ alaihim not the path of those who have brought down wrath, Waladdaalleen. nor of those who wander astray. Aameen Oh Allah answer our prayer.
The Islamic Bulletin www.islamicbulletin.org 2 of 4 As you go down into prostration (Sujood) (Sajdah), say: While in prostration position, say three times: In prostration position, ensure: -The nose and forehead are touching the ground. -The palms of the hands are placed on the ground (with fingers together) below your ears and your forearms should not rest on the ground. -The two knees are on the floor. As you come up to sitting position (Jalsah) (Q’adah), say: Sit relaxed with your back straight, and with your hands resting comfortably on your thighs and knees and say: SUJOOD SAJDAH JALSAH Q’ADAH Next you go into the prostration (sujood) position for a second time as described in step 7. As you go into this position say: PERFORMING THE SECOND OR FINAL RAK’AH (UNIT) OF PRAYER Repeat steps 3 to 9 from the first Rak’ah (unit) of prayer 2 Rakats/Units 4 Rakats/Units 3 Rakats/Units WHAT TO DO NEXT ? You have now completed the 1st and 2nd rak’ah . What you do next will depend on which prayer you are performing i.e. howmany raka’ah you are performing. Use this chart to know what you next step is. Attahiyat Allaahu Akbar Allah is Greatest Subhaana rabbiyal 'alaa Glory be to my Lord the most high Allaahu Akbar Allah is Greatest Rabbighfirlee Oh Allah, forgive me Allaahu Akbar Allah is Greatest Subhaana rabbiyal 'alaa Glory be to my Lord the most high Attahiyyaatu Lillaahi was-salawaatu wattayyibaatu All compliments, prayers and pure words are due to Allaah. Al-salaamu ‘alayka ayyuhan-Nabiyyu Peace be upon you, O Prophet, wa rahmatullaahi wa barakaatuh. And the mercy of Allaah and His blessings. Assalaamu ‘alaynaa wa ‘alaa ‘ibaad-illaahi assaaliheen. Peace be upon us and upon the righteous slaves of Allaah. Ash-hadu allaa ilaaha illa-Allaah I bear witness that there is no god except Allaah wa ash-hadu anna Muhammadan ‘abduhu wa rasooluh And I bear witness that Muhammad is His slave and Messenger. In the sitting position say the following 3 times: In the sujood position say the following 3 times: The first unit is now complete. Now you should complete the second/final rak’ah (unit).
Any of the following chapters may be recited in Arabic after Suratul Fatiha The Salah ( Prayer) is now complete. It is recommended to make supplications after the completion of the prayer, and pray any Sunnah (voluntary) prayers (where applicable). The Islamic Bulletin www.islamicbulletin.org 3 of 4 COMPLETE THE PRAYER Upon completion of the Tashahhud and the words that follow, the player is finished with the Tasleem by doing the following: Turn your head to the right and say: Turn your head to the left and say: Attahiyat Assalaamu 'alaykum wa rahmatullah May Allah's peace and mercy be upon you Assalaamu 'alaykum wa rahmatullah May Allah's peace and mercy be upon you Subhan Allah Glory be to Allah Al-hamdu lillah Praise be to Allah Allaahu Akbar Allah is the greatest Allaahumma salli ‘ala Muhammad O Allaah, send prayers upon Muhammad wa ‘ala aali Muhammad and upon the family of Muhammad, kama salayta ‘ala Ibraaheem as You sent prayers upon Ibraaheem wa ‘ala aali Ibraaheem, and the family of Ibraaheem, innaka hameedun majeed You are indeed Worthy of Praise, Full of Glory. Allaahumma baarika ‘ala Muhammad O Allaah, bless Muhamma wa ‘ala aali Muhammad and the family of Muhammad kama baarakta ‘ala Ibraaheem as You blessed Ibraaheem wa ‘ala aali Ibraaheem, and the family of Ibraaheem, innaka hameedun majeed You are indeed Worthy of Praise, Full of Glory. Surat Al-Kawthar 108 Bismi Allahi arrahmani arraheem In the name of Allah, Most Gracious, Most Merciful. 1. Inna aAAtaynakaalkawthar To thee have We granted the Fount (of Abundance). 2. Fasalli lirabbika wanhar Therefore to thy Lord turn in Prayer and Sacrifice. 3. Inna shani-aka huwa al-abtar For he who hateth thee, he will be cut off (from Future Hope). Surat Al-Ikhlas 112 Bismi Allahi arrahmani arraheem In the name of Allah, Most Gracious, Most Merciful. 1. Qul huwa Allahu ahad Say: He is Allah, the One and Only; 2. Allahu assamad Allah, the Eternal, Absolute; 3. Lam yalid walam yoolad He begetteth not, nor is He begotten; 4. Walam yakun lahu kufuwan ahad And there is none like unto Him.
The Islamic Bulletin www.islamicbulletin.org Page 4 of 4 Bismillah In the name of Allah HOW TO PERFORMWUDU’ (STEP-BY-STEP) THE FOLLOWING STEPS MUST BE OBSERVED IN ORDER BEFORE WUDU: Intention of making wudu should be done in the heart, then say: Completely washing the hands including the wrists and between the fingers (3 times). Rinse the mouth (3 times). Using the right hand, put a small amount of water into the mouth, swirl around, then expel. Sniff water into the nostrils as far as possible with the right hand, and then sniff it out with the left hand (3 times). Wash the face from forehead to chin, left earlobe to the right earlobe making sure the whole face is washed (3 times). Wash the two arms up to and including the elbows, hang, and between the fingers. Begin with the right arm (3 times for each arm). Wipe the head with wet fingers starting at the fringe to the back hairline and back the same way all in one movement (once only). Simultaneously wipe the inside of both ears with the index fingers, and the back of the ears with the thumbs (once only). Wash the feet including the ankles and between the toes. Begin with the right foot (3 times for each foot). Ash-hadu anllaa ilaaha illallaah wa ash-hadu anna Muhammadan 'abduhu wa rasooluh. I bear witness that there is no God worthy of worship except Allah. And I bear witness that Muhammad is His Slave and Messenger. Allaahuma ij'alnee minat-tawabeena waj'alnee minalmutatahireen. O Allah, make me among those who turn to You in repentance, and make me among those who purify themselves. Du'a after Wudu Surat Al-Falaq 113 Bismi Allahi arrahmani arraheem In the name of Allah, Most Gracious, Most Merciful. 1. Qul aAAoothu birabbi alfalaq Say: I seek refuge with the Lord of the Dawn 2. Min sharri ma khalaq From the mischief of created things; 3. Wamin sharri ghasiqin ithawaqab From the mischief of Darkness as it overspreads; 4. Wamin sharri annaffathatifee alAAuqad From the mischief of those who practise secret arts; 5. Wamin sharri hasidin itha hasad And from the mischief of the envious one as he practises envy. Surat An-Nas 114 Bismi Allahi arrahmani arraheem In the name of Allah, Most Gracious, Most Merciful. 1. Qul aAAoothu birabbi annas Say: I seek refuge with the Lord and Cherisher of Mankind, 2. Maliki annas The King (or Ruler) of Mankind, 3. Ilahi annas The god (or judge) of Mankind,- 4. Min sharri alwaswasi alkhannas From the mischief of the Whisperer (of Evil), who withdraws (after his whisper),- 5. Allathee yuwaswisu fee sudoori annas (The same) who whispers into the hearts of Mankind,- 6. Mina aljinnati wannas Among Jinns and among men.
Do you Really Love Allah? 1. Longing – When we are in a relationship with another person, we look forward to our next encounter, yearn for it even. We think about that other person often, sometimes not able to think about anything else. “The hearts find peace only in the remembrance of Allah” Quran 13:28 Is that how we treat our relationship with Allah? Does He enter our thoughts often? Do we look forward to the next time we will go to the mosque, or do we just look to get our prayer session over with? Do we live our life preparing for and looking forward to our ultimate meeting with Allah? People are always cautious, always measured, when expressing their affection for another human being. Most of us do hold off on uttering the words “I love you” until we are absolutely sure that not only do we truly love the person, but that they will return the sentiment. However, Muslims are quick to express--- with words--- a love of Allah. But do our actions and our prayerfulness and our lifestyles reflect the love of Allah that we claim to have? Below is a litmus test containing 5 proofs--- 5 ways of being, if you will--- that define a true love of Allah: 2. Non-disobedience – We try to never do anything to upset our loved ones, because we love them! Why would we do something that would hurt that person in any way? Why, then, do we commit sins that would hurt Allah? Of course, He is forgiving of all our sins, but our act of committing them strains our relationship with our Creator. If our objective is turning to loving Allah, we must stop committing those sins because we know they would stop us from loving Allah. 3.Remembrance – We remember and mention with enthusiasm the people and things we love in conversations small and large. Do we treat Allah in the same way? Bringing Him up not only at meetings and celebrations, but also in the regular course of our lives? “...And the men who remember Allah often and the women who do so - for them Allah has prepared forgiveness and a great reward.” [ Quran 33:35].” 4. Joy – When we love someone, we enjoy being with them. We spend time with the one or ones we love because it brings us joy. This joy carries into other parts of our life, making us better workers, better citizens, better husbands, wives, children, and friends. Do we approach our prayers practice with such joy? Or are we simply angling for heaven and trying to avoid hell? It is not a bad thing to wish to go to heaven, but we must enjoy our prayer rather than practice it only because it is a must. This is a deeper relationship with Allah. Prayer turns into a source of joy. We wait for the prayer time to arrive and we enjoy practicing it. This is a great proof of loving Allah. The Prophet (PBUH) would to tell Bilal to make the call of prayer saying, “Relieve us with prayer Bilal.” Prayer was a source of relaxation and convenience for the prophet PBUH. 5. Omnipresence – Especially at the beginning of a relationship, we see our new partner in all situations, whether we are with them or not. We see their smile in the sunshine, their tears in the rain, and hear their laughter in the wind. But do we see Allah, the Creator, in all of his creation? “In the creation of the heavens and earth, and the alternation of the night and the day are signs for those of understanding.” [Quran 189-90] I was obviously far from loving Allah when I first knew about these five proofs. There was no love or anything, just talk. This prompted me to make a radical decision one year ago to try and build a relationship with Allah. I am not talking about that kind of relationship where the employee for example does extra work in order to get a bonus! This is just one level of building a relationship, because there is a deeper level. I am talking here about building a friendship. You might wonder what I mean by having a friendship with Allah. It is similar to the friendship that Abraham had with Allah. “And Allah took Abraham as an intimate friend”. An intimate friend is a friend that you love. Each atom of a human’s body must be filled with love. This is the deepest form of relationships that you can have with Allah, which is being his intimate friend. My objective was to deepen my relationship with Allah by doing things with love, desire and pleasure. “O you who have believed, remember Allah with much remembrance [ Quran 33:41] ”
In this issue, we will take a closer look at why the creation of the camel is of such significance, as we are asked to do in the 17th verse of Surah Al-Gashiya: “Do they not look at the Camels, how they are made?” The most striking feature of the camel is the rather unusual and interesting shape of its body. Created in such a way so that it can survive through the most adverse of conditions, the camel can go for days without water and food while still carrying hundreds of pounds on its back. All this, as it trudges alongside its owner across difficult desert terrains with fine, sinking sand through scorching days and freezing nights. The camel has always been a symbol of the desert, a staple of life in such regions of the world. But most people are ignorant to the true nature of the camel as well as to some of the incredible adaptations the most prominent creature on the Horn of Africa and Arabian Peninsula. There is a misconception that the camel is an ill-tempered animal, often imagined as spitting at passers-by. The reality is much to the contrary. Those who work closely with the animal find the camel to be smart, sociable, and gentle. To be sure, there have been observed instances of ill-tempered camels, but usually because they have been instigated in some way. The constitution of every part of a camel’s body has been specially designed by Allah (SWT). For example, the structure of the camel’s feet is unique, with two toes connected to each other with a flexible cushion, consisting of four balls of fat. This allows for a firm grasp of any type of terrain that might be encountered. The nails at the end of the toes protect them from any bumps, while the knees are protected with a covering of thick skin that’s as hard as a horn and called the callus. This is especially needed as the camel lies down to rest on the hot floor of the desert. The Shi p of the Desert Then do they not look at the camels - how they are created? -Surah Al-Gashiya,Ayah 17
Everyone knows that camels have one or two humps depending on their region of origin. This consists of a mass of fat, which will provide the camel with nutrients during lean times. A camel can go for up to 6 months during the winters without water because of its hump and can lose up to 33% of its body weight in this time. Humans can survive without water for 3-5 days. A camel’s thick felted fur has two purposes. Firstly, it protects against the heat and cold. Secondly, it eliminates the loss of water from the body. The body of the camel automatically increases its temperature during the heat of the day in order to prevent perspiration. During cold nights they decrease their body temperature to 30°C. Camels can survive in temperature extremes ranging from highs of +50°C and lows of -50°C. The design of the camel’s eyelashes resembles combs that lock together in the event of danger, and not even one grain of sand can enter the eye during a sandstorm. That is why camels also have long hair around their ears and nose. A long neck ensures that the animal can reach more than 9 feet to feed on the leaves of taller trees. Some more interesting facts: · They can drink up to 35 gallons (one-third of their body weight) of water in 10 minutes. · The mucus structure in a camel’s nose allows it to moisturize the dry air as it breathes it in. · Most living creatures die when their urea levels increase, whereas, the liver of the camel continuously filters any urea produced and turns it into a source of protein and water. · One-fifth of the camel’s weight is stored in its hump as body fat. · Strong rubbery lips allow camels to even eat sharp thorns. · Their strong digestive system consists of a four-chambered stomach; they are able to eat anything, even reeds, wires, and plastics. Interestingly, camel milk contains a molecule similar to insulin and has antibodies and enzymes. People with allergies to cow’s milk can consume it without it affecting them and it also reduces cholesterol. The latest research is concentrated on the immunoglobulin found in camel milk and its cancer-fighting properties. Checklist of the benefits of camel milk: · Boosts the immune system · Helps prevent anemia · Reduces blood sugar levels and protects from diabetes · Protects from autoimmune disorders · Aids increased blood circulation · Risks for arteriosclerosis, heart attacks and strokes are lowered · Allergies are reduced · Bone development increases · Stimulates all the organ systems and growth There is no living creature on earth that can execute this type of perfection on its own. The “ship of the desert” has a composition of many intricate systems that help it to survive. The chemistry and engineering of the camel was created by the One and Only Allah, and offered to the service of mankind. Mankind, however, has the responsibility to acknowledge this together with all of our Creator’s miracles across the earth and the universe as Allah has asked us to do. “Do ye not see that Allah has subjected to your (use) all things in the heavens and on earth, and has made His bounties flow to you in exceeding measures, (both) seen and unseen? Yet there are among men those who dispute about Allah, without knowledge and without guidance, and without a Book to enlighten them! ” (Surah Luqman, Ayah 20)
To Those Who Do Not Believe Throughout time, there has existed controversy between the atheist and the believer in God. It’s become a common refrain of the Atheist when faced with the question of the existence of God that the burden of proof lies with the believer “Show me scientific proof, beyond your faith, that Allah exists,” a non-believer might request, ending most conversations on the topic. However, the Islamic faith and some basic logic offers proof of a Creator of the universe. In the Quran, we learn of God’s plan for humankind, the purpose for our existence. “I have not created the jinn, the spirits, nor human beings, for any other purpose except to worship Me.” (Quran 51:56) Where will humankind worship Allah ? On Earth, in this solar system, in the Milky Way, part of the universe. A universe with all the component parts that move in concert so perfectly. Orbits that do not intersect. No conflict whatsoever. “It is He Who created the Night and the Day, and the sun and the moon: all (celestial bodies) swim along, each in its rounded course.” (Quran 21:33) But where on Earth will humankind worship Allah? Or, within what might be the better question? The human body, one of Allah’s most amazing creations, is programmed by its Creator. And what about the human brain? Receiver and sender of impulses, more intricate and powerful than any computer. We are all born with a functioning brain, gifted to us by Allah so that we may serve our life’s purpose: to worship Him. But there is more wonder in the human body than the brain and heart. Consider the human eye. A powerful camera capable of focusing near and far, interpreting colors and sensing differences. Or our kidneys, which balance the toxicity of the human body by filtering all that we ingest. How could such a perfect machine exist if not created by a divine, intelligent designer? Further, how does one explain the scientific knowledge proposed in the Quran over 1400 years ago? That water is the origin of all life on Earth (Quran 21:30), that the universe is expanding (Quran 51:47). The technology to make these scientific discoveries and observations was still a thousand years from being invented. Further and more complete discussions of the wonders of Allah’s creation follow below. Next, proof from the world of logic and statistics and philosophy. Start with the fact that, according to scientists, the universe is finite and, hence, has a beginning. Science also has proven that something cannot be created from nothing. Furthermore, something cannot create itself, because in order for it to create itself, it would have to exist already. So, if something cannot manifest from nothing, nor can something manifest itself, someone must have created the universe. Finally, the atheist leans on Darwin’s evolutionary model to explain the rise of humankind from lesser life forms. Such science, they say, demolishes the notion of faith as proof of, well, anything. But recently, when several college-level science students and their professors were asked to provide examples of organisms that have changed their “kind” as Darwin’s model suggests, they came up empty. Many of them referred to Darwin’s finches, whose beaks adapted for the purposes they needed. An adaptation is not evolution. There was no change in kind. When pushed further, these students and professors explained that these changes occurred thousands and thousands, if not millions, of years ago, hence unobservable to the human eye. Unobservable, so the belief of Darwin’s evolutionary model must rely on faith in the scientists who report its existence. That same faith which was not good enough to prove the existence of a Creator in the first place. So, when examined more closely using the elegance of the Quran or basic logic, the burden of proof for the existence or non-existence of Allah falls back squarely on the shoulders of the Atheist. Evidence That Allah Does Exist Is All Around Allah SWT calls upon us to acknowledge Him. All around us we see the signs of His presence. Some people are completely blind to the miracle of the Creation and call themselves non-believers, doubters and atheists and insist that all the beauty around us was created by one Big Bang! We read in the Qur’an (Verse 41:53) “….signs in the horizons and within themselves until the truth is clear to them.” Allah calls upon us to acknowledge Him through signs and it is our responsibility to reflect on them and to recognize Him. We are all born with a natural predisposition to be believers and to have faith, but this can either be nurtured or be neglected. Those that nurture their faith will see the signs of Allah’s work everywhere and will respect Him and offer praise. Those that neglect their faith find it easy to dismiss everything and base the Creation on a meaningless and random theory. 23
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy MTUxNjQ1