Are We Really Independent?

Freedom: The First Step is Dependence
Summer 2004


In this discourse, Sheikh Din illuminates one of the great paradoxes of the spiritual path. He provides a twist to our tradition of celebrating Independence Day July 4th, by explaining that the first step to freedom is dependence! In our endless longing for freedom and peace, we learn that human beings are intimately connected to everything around them and, ultimately, dependent upon God/Allah.

Bismillah hir Rahman nir Rahim.
In the Name of Allah, most Merciful, most Compassionate.

I would like to discuss the concept of "freedom." After all, no matter what approach one takes to the spiritual path, inevitably all desire "freedom" as the outcome of the journey. The Sufi Tariqat (Arabic: Sufi Way) is intended to be the road, one's life path, which leads to liberation. The Sufi Community is meant to be the alliance of supportive company for the "travelers" along the way, so that they might make a smooth journey.
For a moment, let us contemplate what life would be like if we were looking at it through the eyes of total freedom. There would no longer be the necessity to adhere to a formalized spiritual path. Why? Because, we would be free! The structuralized approach to the spiritual process only arises to meet the need and address the growing desire of those longing to be free. The longing for freedom intensifies to the degree that one consciously realizes that one is in bondage. Bondage is suffering. The freedom that I am referring to here is also known as "enlightenment, liberation, peace, paradise, heaven, unconditional love or divine servitude" among the various religious texts.
All grapple with attempting to reconcile the boundaries of body and mind as well as desire and attachment. Each person is struck with the internal conflict in which there is a never-ending, endless desire for more and more and more. No matter how many creative techniques or methods one applies to materially accumulate, achieve or control, the endless desire is never satisfied. The longing for freedom continues.
The subject of freedom is not nearly as abstract as it might appear. As a matter of fact, everybody intrinsically understands the meaning of "freedom." It's not necessary for me to define it for you, because we are perfectly adequate to do that together. We all know inherently what we long for. You hear the word "freedom" chimed about; now let's find out what it means to us.
Community Response: It means to:
" not be stuck
" live without fear
" surrender my personal will to the Divine Will
" have no artificial controls
" have an open heart
" be totally conscious
" be real, to be true
" be fully expressed in individuality and creativity
" be completely responsible
" exist without boundaries have neither self-imposed nor socially imposed nor internally imposed nor externally imposed boundaries
" to live without the consequences of one's actions

Listen to all that was said here. Look at the list. It is extraordinary, isn't it? Yet, this list barely begins to describe how our innermost feelings pine for "total freedom." Freedom in its essence. Even further, this list proves that we all understand the subject of which we speak. Ultimately, we all do know what we desire, and we can intuit the idea of living freely. We experience the idea of it in our longing. What would it mean for one to live as an absolutely and completely free person?
The Sufi Path that we follow describes total freedom by the word salaam, from as-Salaam, the name of God that appears in the Holy Qur`an meaning "Peace." The word Islam is derived from the same root. Obviously, it should go without saying that if one possessed all of the attributes of freedom that were mentioned above in the list, he or she would be in a state of complete and total peace. Why are the "salaam" of the Sufis and the concepts of total freedom synonymous? Because the Sufis teach that the true state of salaam (peace) is one in which there is no more resistance to anything. This is the way of Islam (peace), total surrender or submission.
A realized Muslim, therefore, is one whose state of salaam or peace is unfettered, undisturbed and remains constant no matter the time, place, circumstance or condition. The true Muslims are complete in peace, because they are surrendered to the makings, workings and the direction of the Divine Will - Reality As It Is. Here I am drawing a distinction between Reality As It Is and an individual's personal projections. The true Muslim is not stuck being misidentified with his or her individual personality. The liberated ones have transcended the limits even of their own individualities. They are free. Sufism teaches that this freedom or peace is the natural and original state of the human being. The process of coming to, attaining and/or returning to this state of freedom and peace is what we call the practice of "Divine Remembrance."
Among the great Sufis and their literature there is much emphasis on remembrance as both the culmination of life as well as its practice. Jelaluddin Rumi, the great mystic poet of Konya, likens human remembrance to the sound of the reed flute that has been cut from the marsh. When one blows across the reed, it makes a sound of bittersweet wailing as if it were "remembering" the marsh, its true home from which it was cut. It longs to be home.
Likewise, a human being is like a long flute standing on two legs. The breath blows across the reeds of our nose and mouth making the sounds of life. The sighing and moaning sounds of our expressions are the "music of longing" as we strain to remember our own true home. We naturally long to return to the reed bed from which each of us was cut. Freedom and peace are the original and natural state of a person. We are on the path and in the process of remembering.
In order to help understand our process of remembering or returning to freedom, it might be helpful to highlight some of the keys to becoming a "free person." We've developed the idea of remembrance. Let's examine how one becomes free.
The first key to becoming a free person is to fully realize and to fully accept that you are not independent. This might confront your previous ideas and opinions. It may challenge your beliefs and expectations. Yet, no one is unto him or herself. No one individual, no personality is self-subsisting or forever existing.

The Holy Qur`an, in the Ayat al-Kursi (Verse of the Throne) of Surah al-Baqara (Chapter of the Cow/Heifer), beautifully depicts Allah, the Supreme Divinity, as the only Existence that is Self-Subsisting and requires of nothing, nor has need of anything other than Its own Self to exist.

Allah! There is no God but Allah, the Ever-Living, the Self-Subsisting, Supporter of all. No slumber or sleep can seize Him. His are all things in the heavens and on earth. Who is it that can intercede in His Presence except as Allah permits? Allah knows what is (appears to His creatures as) before or after or behind them. Nor shall they encompass aught of Allah's knowledge except at He wills. His "throne" extends over the heavens and the earth, and He feels no fatigue in guarding and preserving them. For Allah is Most High and the Supreme in Glory and Power.- SURAH AL-BAQARA, 2:255

The created, including humanity, is not like that! Only the Creator, God is That. Although it is said that the true Self, lying quiescent within the human heart is part and parcel to the Supreme Divinity, the individuality of personhood is limited and dependent. An individual human being is not limitless. The reason why I say that individuality is not limitless is because individuality will die. I understand that it can be argued, "The true Self, the Soul never dies. It is eternal."
However, I am not talking about that! The fact is, regardless of all the grandiose "spiritual truths," created individuals will expire and come to an end. Time will go on, places will change, people will be born, live and die, and history will continue to be made long after the existence of our individuality. We are not independent. We are dependent.
The reason why this concept of dependency challenges our many notions is because of the emergence of "rugged individualism" through the Protestant work ethic that has culminated in unbridled capitalist egotism. The last four to five hundred years of industrialization have wreaked havoc on this planet, its environment and its social systems, not to speak of the health, mentality and emotional conditions of its people. Albeit we have acquired many modern conveniences, but have we really progressed? Listen to the slogans, "Move west young man. There's gold in them thar hills. Seek fame and fortune. Bigger is better. If you've got it, flaunt it. Anyone can grow up and become the President of the United States. Are you kidding? I certainly don't need anybody. Doesn't affect me, what do I care? Congratulations, we've raised your credit limit."
We have developed a driving, obsessive-compulsive, social ego behavior of personalized self-worship. These behaviors are egged-on and coached by the latest psychological and "New Age" approaches which have us chant more and more individualistic affirmations like, "I am somebody. I am woman; I am strong. I'm O.K. You're O.K. Feel good about yourself! Go on. Pat yourself on the back. I am successful. I am thin, and I am sexy."
Although it seems like these ideas encourage a person to find one's "inner strength" and that they are harmless enough, in reality these affirmations drive a person to constantly seek approval, avoid conflict and discomfort and to become increasingly more self-obsessed. Rampant self-obsession and consumerism have us addicted to wanting to have what we want, when we want, how we want and whenever we want, regardless of anything other than what we want.
Worse yet, we have carried this obsessive behavior into our spiritual teachings and spiritual lives. We talk a good game of "surrender and submission," but when the "other shoe drops" and "push comes to shove," we refuse to let go of the neurotic attachments that we have to wanting everything to be how we want it . . . except . . . now we're "spiritual." The great modern day Tantric Buddhist Master, Chogyam Trungpa Rinpoche, called this trap "spiritual materialism" and insisted that this ego obsession had to be cut in order to perform real spiritual work, let alone have any spiritual realization.
Consider all of the wacky definitions that people have created for the "heaven or paradise" of the afterlife. They are full of wishful projections that include no loss to our materialist conceptions, even after we die! We recreate our attachments with fantasies of spiritual real estate that include all of our dead relatives, dead friends and even our dead pets. In heaven, all of your favorite foods are there endlessly, and you don't have to worry about getting fat, because you're in heaven. Do anything you want! There are no consequences. You don't have to work, and there's no need for money. It is a continuous Rainbow Gathering. You're in heaven.
Sounds like "freedom," . . . don't it?
We stake our claim on some place other than taking the responsibility for being here in order to be free. Freedom is for later, and when we get to there, we can have everything the way we want it. We don't have to depend on anybody or anything, other than being "saved" of course, and then we can go back to behaving however we want, even in heaven. We want to move there (away from here) as fast as possible. We want instant gratification, and we want what we want now, without any work and without relying on anyone else. We want peace and freedom for ourselves, so that we can own it, take it home and enjoy it as we please without any interference or threat that somebody might get some of ours.
We fool ourselves. We fool ourselves, because we have made ourselves believe that the acquisition of things, personal control, power, name, fame, prestige, money, influence and the exercise of personal choice are all taking place. In reality, I am always depending upon somebody or something else to keep up the illusion. I am not unto myself; I cannot do anything by myself.
One needs to eat, so one depends upon food in order to provide for nutrition and sustenance. Where does the food come from? Commercialism has trained you to depend on some golden corporation to make you hot food and have it available and waiting as quickly as you drive your late model, bank-financed luxury car around the building to pick it up at the delivery window. Of course, this is only after shouting the order of your desire into a microphone that looks like a clown.
Where does food come from? Somebody had to grow it, harvest it, prepare it, store it, ship it, manufacture it, prepare it again, cook it, serve it and then clean it up. Oh my God! I almost forgot about how and why food even grows to begin with. What gives it life? The Qur`an likens the growing of food to a divine miracle. Fertile fields and growing food are among the ayats, signs of God, showing Allah's existence to those who see.
Water falls from an open sky onto seemingly barren ground, and by nothing we can ascertain through the naked eye, living plants grow. On what, who and where are we depending for rain to fall? On what, who and where are we depending for the earth to be fertile? What causes a seed to sprout? I don't know how successful and powerful you are, but I have never been able to make a seed spontaneously sprout simply upon my command.
We've done a lot of gardening in this Community, and we always had to break the ground, till the soil, hoe the weeds, add nutrients, mulch, raise the beds, pick our timing and work the fields. We do all of this work hoping, praying and depending on some mysterious force that will make seeds sprout. Have you ever been able to command a seed to sprout by your personal willpower?
How did we come by our clothes? How did we develop our ideas for social acceptance? How have we tracked intelligence and passed down knowledge? Where does our education come from, and from whom have we learned? Why, among every indigenous culture, are there prayers venerating the ancestors, sages, scientists and enlightened ones that have come before? Why do human beings make such a big deal over funerals and the rites of death? Everything that we have experienced, that we are experiencing and that we will experience, is the consequence of a previous cause. We are completely dependent on everything that has come before us and that currently exists to allow us to be. Might we be thankful?
Food, clothing, shelter, health care, education and luxury all come from something that was cut out of something that existed before. What was before that? And, before that? And, before that? What is the primal cause? What, ultimately, do we depend on to keep our hearts beating and that allows us to breath? Can you depend on the fact that you will remember to take your next breath? Will you be so distracted by the world or lost in emotions that you will forget to breathe? I doubt it.
What is it that we depend on to awaken us each morning after laying down to sleep at night? Such a great dependency isn't it, when you can become completely devoid of your self-awareness for hours on end, and trust you will return to your senses. How much more vulnerable can you get? In the Jewish tradition there is a prayer upon rising in the morning that thanks God for restoring our souls. No wonder!
I don't really care what you call that thing you depend on for life, other than to get you to recognize that you are utterly dependent. If you would like to call what you rely on "God," fine. If the word God disturbs you, and you would like to call it a "scientific system," ten-four good buddy. If a system seems too impersonal, and you'd like to call it "Krishna," well then okay. If Krishna seems too anthropomorphic arid personal, and you would like to call it "Allah, the All Pervading Reality," akbar (great)! If the word Allah seems too foreign and scary, just too Islamic, because you've just watched the terrorist segment on the nightly news and would now like to call the universe your own "Divine Mother," well then Jai Ma!
The point is that no one, and I mean no one, is unto him or herself and independent. Just as we have depended upon others for the provision of our basic necessities, everyone is more so depending upon the existence of an eternal, unnamable, unseen, immeasurable and intangible force. All created things are relying upon it. That ineffable, eternal force that we have called "Spiritual Divinity" is accessible to us in the form of our lives through time, place, person and circumstances. We are comprised of body, mind and spirit. We rely upon all of these things so that we can simply do our trip, whatever our trip is, even if our trip is to deny God's existence or our dependence. The Divine Reality still allows us to be.
The favorite subject of an atheist is God, because an atheist is depending upon the concept of God in order to offer a point of view. If there isn't a God, there can't be an atheist, because there would be no more subject. Hardcore atheists build their whole life around arguing against the existence of God. Obviously they are still depending upon God in order to even have an argument.
As you realize that you're not independently standing alone, you will begin to see that all things, crossing time, place, person and circumstance as well as everything that is physical, mental/emotional or spiritual, are connected and interrelated. Not only are we not independent, we are entirely interdependent on everything that is. We comprise part of a whole of creation and exist as interlocking strands of fabric. In each part of creation, including human beings, is a "particle" of pure reflection of the whole of Reality that is the Divine Unity. Although the Divine Unity is One, it expresses Itself diversely as different pieces and parts; however, it is the sum total of all of the parts together that forms the whole of creation.
Rivers, lakes and streams depend upon the ocean for their own existence, and unto the ocean do they return, only through rain to recycle again. Although water is indeed water and is of the same essence as all water, it would be foolishly arrogant for a single raindrop to declare that it didn't need the ocean, or even worse yet, was the ocean, as it was falling from the sky. Eventually the drop will find out that the rain, rivers, lakes and streams come and go, but the ocean remains. In the end, the single raindrop is recalled back to the ocean from whence it came.
Here is my basic problem with the commonplace, New Age mentality of pop and pseudo-spirituality. People are walking around professing the belief that they are independent in a co-created universe by simply affirming: "I am light. I am love," and even "I am God." Not that they aren't imbued with the essence of light and love and God within, but the statements coming from their mouths are ones of egotism irrespective of their dependence on the One God, Allah.
It is egotistical for the raindrop to proclaim, "I am the ocean" until that drop literally falls into the ocean and discovers how vast the ocean really is. It would be better to witness, "I'm in the process of remembering my `oceaness.'" It is more humble and more sensitive to approach the ocean with respect realizing that it has provided the drop of water with the same essence as itself, time and time again.
In realizing our dependence, we let loose the grip of the illusion of our self importance. Placing yourself within the context of the whole of creation, and that you are merely one miniscule part therein, flies in the face of self-importance. What a notion it is that you are making yourself successful, self-reliant, self-subsistent and independent. No individual personality is the center of all, yet we behave in such a manner. It seems as if each person is emotionally addicted and endlessly fixated on their small self.
The Holy Qur`an beautifully illustrates this reminder:

Assuredly the creation of the heavens and the earth is a greater (matter) than the creation of men. Yet most men understand not. Not equal are the blind and those who (clearly) see: nor are (equal) those who believe and work deeds of righteousness and those who do evil. Little do you learn by admonition! - SURAH MU'MIN, 40:57-58

To realize dependence makes one vulnerable. Vulnerable to what? We are vulnerable to all and most vulnerable to the Creator of All. To travel the Sufi path means to participate in the collective process of humanity's enlightenment as much as it means to strive for one's own God realization. It is the saying of the great Bengali Saint Sri Ramakrishna's monastic order, "Realization of the Self and Selfless Service." It is also the protocol of the Sufi. "Serve Allah by serving Allah's creation." We do not exist alone. We exist in an environment that's a delicate eco-balance of people and nature.
When we forget where all of our resources came from and who they ultimately belong to, when we think that we are independent and that all of our resources are endless, when we behave as if we can do whatever we want whenever we want, we have cut ourselves off from the Reality of the Great Unity. From this perspective it would be impossible to attain any spiritual realization whatsoever. God's great principle of cause and effect will inevitable shut down all who stray from the course of nature.
So we're not alone. We are utterly dependent. We are dependent upon potable water, breathable air, arable soil and the protective ozone. We are dependent upon the five fundamental elements that are the building blocks of created life: earth, water, fire, air and ether. We are dependent upon the balance betweens all species living together in one eco-system, as well as between the individuals living and sharing in the social collective. We are dependent on the principle of homeostasis, between the centripetal and centrifugals forces of life, for equilibrium.
Otherwise, our hearts would blow up in our chests, and our eyeballs would pop out of our heads. Without being able to depend upon the physics of creation and its inherent, primordial properties, we wouldn't be able to stand up against gravity, and the earth wouldn't spin on its axis. We are utterly dependent. We are dependent on and vulnerable to each other, whether we want to be or not, whether we think we are or not, or even whether we like other people or not. Dependence is not matter of our choice.
It is only a matter of time before one's misery causes one to cry out for help. It's only a matter of time wherein one's separation from the "true home" causes such longing to return that we must actually turn to someone for help. Babies cannot stay alive without that help, without that embrace. They must be held and nurtured or they will die. Help comes to the dependent one in the form of love. The touch of love causes us to remember the reed bed and the longing to return home. Home is freedom and peace. "This is it. This is what I want. I want to be free!"
To return to the complete remembrance of our original state of spiritual peace and freedom, we have to first acknowledge and then accept our dependence. Ironically, human perfection as was demonstrated by the Prophets of God is the state of complete dependence on God. It is said when one empties one's self of one's self, Allah fills what remains. Fana wa baqa (Arabic: annihilation and fulfillment).
Quit fighting and resisting the fact that you are dependent in this world. Rather than fighting for your ego-driven individual rights, why not fight for the beneficence of cooperative dependence, so that the realization of the greatest potential is made available to all? Develop unconditional love, and become the servant of all. Discard the futility of attempting to make all others, and even the creation itself, serve you without end or consequence. Without your service through unconditional love, freedom and peace is impossible.

Charity for God's Sake...

Charity for God's sake has a hundred signs within the heart--
the good deed, a hundred tokens.
Though in charity riches are consumed,
a hundred lives come to the heart in return.
A sowing of pure seeds in God's earth, and then no income! Impossible.

-Mathnawi [IV, 1757-1759]

Over and Again God Admonishes Us...

In separation from God you have become arrogant; pay heed before His scourge strikes you down. Do not exult because of your good fortune. Over and again God admonishes you with the examples of the transgressors before you. If you really want to enjoy the limitless bounty of Allah, surrender yourselves before His will and endure all afflictions with fortitude.

-Sheikh Abdul Qadir Jillani, "Fayuz E Yazdani"

Wake Me Up Inside....

More songs from our youth....

"He who remembers his Lord and he who does not are like the living and dead."

-The Prophet Muhammad (pbuh)


Wake Me Up Inside

by Evanescence

How can you see into my eyes
Like open doors?
Lading you down into my core,
Where I've become so numb.

Without a soul,
My spirit's sleeping somewhere cold,
Until you find it there and lead it back
Home.

(Wake me up)
Wake me up inside.
(I can't wake up)
Wake me up inside.
(Save me)
Call my name and save me from the dark.
(Wake me up)
Bid my blood to run.
(I can't wake up)
Before I come undone.
(Save me)
Save me from the nothing I've become.

Now that I know what I'm without,
You can't just leave me.
Breathe into me and make me real.
Bring me to life.

(Wake me up)
Wake me up inside.
(I can't wake up)
Wake me up inside.
(Save me)
Call my name and save me from the dark.
(Wake me up)
Bid my blood to run.
(I can't wake up)
Before I come undone.
(Save me)
Save me from the nothing I've become.

Bring me to life.
(I've been living a lie.
There's nothing inside)
Bring me to life.

Frozen inside without your touch,
Without your love, darling.
Only you are the life among the dead.

(All of this sight,
I can't believe I couldn't see
Kept in the dark
but you were there in front of me)
I've been sleeping a 1000 years it seems.
I've got to open my eyes to everything.
(Without a thought
Without a voice
Without a soul
Don't let me die here.
There must be something more).
Bring me to life.

(Wake me up)
Wake me up inside.
(I can't wake up)
Wake me up inside.
(Save me)
Call my name and save me from the dark.
(Wake me up)
Bid my blood to run.
(I can't wake up)
Before I come undone.
(Save me)
Save me from the nothing I've become.

Bring me to life.
(I've been living a lie. There's nothing inside)
Bring me to life

Nobody's Home...

We can learn a lot about youth by the words they use in their music... So, adults, what can we learn about our youth from these words that they are singing? Remember, music today is the poetry of yesterday. Just as the poets were once the commentators of society, music today in many ways plays that role. Especially when it comes to our young....


"Nobody's Home"

by Avril Lavigne

I couldn't tell you why she felt that way,
She felt it everyday.
And I couldn't help her,
I just watched her make the same mistakes again.

What's wrong, what's wrong now?
Too many, too many problems.
Don't know where she belongs, where she belongs.
She wants to go home, but nobody's home.
It's where she lies, broken inside.
With no place to go, no place to go to dry her eyes.
Broken inside.

Open your eyes and look outside, find the reasons why.
You've been rejected, and now you can't find what you left behind.
Be strong, be strong now.
Too many, too many problems.
Don't know where she belongs, where she belongs.
She wants to go home, but nobody's home.
It's where she lies, broken inside.
With no place to go, no place to go to dry her eyes.
Broken inside.

Her feelings she hides.
Her dreams she can't find.
She's losing her mind.
She's fallen behind.
She can't find her place.
She's losing her faith.
She's fallen from grace.
She's all over the place.
Yeah,oh

She wants to go home, but nobody's home.
It's where she lies, broken inside.
With no place to go, no place to go to dry her eyes.
Broken inside.

She's lost inside, lost inside...oh oh yeah
She's lost inside, lost inside...oh oh yeah

Life Without Repentence...

Life without repentance is spiritual agony;
to be absent from God is immediate death.
Life and death both are sweet with God’s presence:
without God even the Water of Life is fire.


-Mathnawi [V, 770-771]

Surrender is the Source of Life....

Surrender is the Source of Life. It is not, and cannot be a concept. It must be a complete acceptance of God and Self as a manifestation of Divine Will. It is not the goal of the Work but the beginning. After spending time with God as God is, alone, we will eventually return to our "senses" so to speak, cleaned, refreshed and inspired. This 'return is the reality of self-realization. We cannot truly know ourselves without knowing God first. So how do we get to know God? By learning, accepting and being guided by His revelations. And through knowing God, we know ourselves. And we cannot know the Reality of God without including ourselves.

- Ali Ansari

A Glorious Way to Go...

One cold winter day a group of us were crossing the Mississippi River, and it was frozen solid. Someone brought up the inevitable question when crossing bridges, "What if the bridge collapsed and we all fell in?" Another person replied, "Wow, that would be an ugly way to go. That'd be real bad." I retorted, "No it wouldn't! It wouldn't make any difference. How you die has nothing to do with how 'ugly' it is or it's not. It is the 'way' you die that matters."

An ugly way to go is the following: Having regrets. Dying in fear. Having shame. Wishing that you could have done things differently, but you didn't. Wishing you had more time, but you don't. Laying on your death bed while underneath your carpet is all of the crap of your life that got swept under there that you don't want anybody to know about, you don't want anybody to see, you're embarrassed that you did, and you never came to terms with it. Dying in a state where you haven't forgiven and have not been forgiven - that's an ugly way to go. It has nothing to do with whether you fall off a bridge, or if someone picked you out of a crowd.

On the contrary, a glorious way to leave this world would be when there is nothing left of you. You lived life to its fullest. You did it. The firewood of your life has all become ash. "Here I am Lord. I used my life for what you gave it to me. There's nothing left. I made my mistakes, and I offered them to you. I had my successes, and they all came from you." In this state, every corner of all of your rooms and closets, every recess from the attic to your basement is clean and open to examination. Having lived a fully integrated spiritual life means that there no longer remains anything of you left swept under the carpet. All four corners have been turned up.

You should be able to look into the mirror of your own conscience and know without doubt, "There is nothing left for me that I could do, want to do or could have tried. I used all my sincere effort. I used every faculty, every breath, every thought, every word, and every action to fulfill myself for the purpose of why I was given this life. I took care of my life just as I would have a rare gift, a trust." That's a glorious way to go.

- Sheikh Din Muhammad Abdullah al-Dayemi

Islam as the Creation of Synergy

In Islam, salaat is the prayer-exercise of the surrendered who are aware of the effects and benefits of a synergistic alliance or commonality with the Prophet. We might see the purpose of Islam as being to create synergy toward the common goal of a heavenly life for all. And we might see the (violent) history of Islam (i.e. Wahhabism) as being all about the creation and destruction of this synergy.

- Ali Ansari

The Highest Person

The highest person is he who is of most use to humankind.

-'Ali bin Abi Talib (ra), "Masters of the Path"

What is Justice?

What is justice? Giving water to trees.
What is injustice? To give water to thorns.
Justice consists in bestowing bounty in its proper place,
not on every root that will absorb water.

-Mathnawi [V, 1089-1090]

Awe and Intimacy

The effect of awe is the disappearance of self; the self which is in a state of awe, disappears. Levels of awe may be measured by the degree to which the self has disappeared; some people are at a higer level of awe than others.

The effect of intimacy, by contrast, is alertness; those who are intimate, are alert. A person who is fully intimate, could be thrown into a fire, and the intimacy would not be disturbed.

-Qushayri, "Risalah"

British and Saudi Intelligence Recruit Terrorists In British Mosques

December 10, 2008 (LPAC)--The British think-tank Policy Exchange produced an exhaustive and fair-minded report, "The Hijacking of British Islam; How Extremist Literature Is Subverting Mosques in the UK," in 2007. An initial review shows how the whole framework of facts-on-the-ground in Britain, proves in the starkest terms that the British Muslim terrorists found in Chechnya, Bosnia, Afghanistan, India and Pakistan are no coincidence, but the result of the fact that British and Saudi intelligence are up to their elbows in cooperation in recruiting and deploying them in Britain.

First of all, the great majority of British Muslims, over two thirds of an estimated 1.8 million (half born in Britain), are of South Asian origin, mostly Pakistani, Bangladeshi or Indian. But the outside financing and control of mosques, is much more Saudi than it is South Asian. Indeed, under Saudi financing and control, the complexion of religious belief of Britons of Pakistani origin has been shifting rapidly since 1970 and later, with the rapid growth the Saudi-allied Deobandi movement, which was previously a minority of perhaps 20%. In September 2007, the London Times claimed that "almost half of Britain's mosques" were by then under Deobandi control.

Most of the South Asian Islamic terrorist movements are Deobandi-linked; the others are linked to various other Saudi-financed sects.

For this study, teams of Muslim researchers visited almost 100 representative British mosques, to see whether "extremist" literature, preaching hate or violent jihad, was available there. It was available in 26 mosques, or almost one-quarter. But what is more interesting is that a large part this hate literature had actually been shipped over from Saudi Arabia. If you include pamphlets produced with Saudi subsidies, it would be a clear majority.

Hate literature of this sort is an integral part of the recruiting of terrorists, as case studies have repeatedly shown.

The report's authors, who are scholars of Islam, place primary responsibility on Saudi Arabia for the growth of Islamic extremism and therefore terrorism in Britain, but omit to mention that all this is taking place under the nose, and therefore with the complicity, of British secret domestic intelligence MI-5, and by extension British secret foreign intelligence MI-6.

Forty-eight percent of the hate pamphlets were in English, 45% in Arabic, and 7% in Urdu, a Pakistani language. But one single institution of many such in Saudi Arabia, the Islamic University of Medina, publishes texts in no fewer than 47 languages. "This is an institution within the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia," the authors report, "dedicated to Islamic propagation (da'wah). It was founded in 1961 when members of the [London-hatched] Muslim Brotherhood who had been exiled from Egypt, persuaded the Saudi king to found a Wahhabite institution that might become a rival to Cairo's famous al-Azhar Mosque and University."

Most revealing is that it is precisely those Islamic institutions which are most extremism-ridden, which official British government bodies have chosen to "partner" with, and thus to support and sponsor. These include the Islamic Foundation and its associated Markfield Institute of Higher Education. The Muslim Safety Forum, which described itself as the "key advisory body ... on issues concerning British Muslims," with which the Metropolitan Police Service and the Association of Chief Police Officers were working unreservedly, had as affiliates three of the worst offending mosques and institutions.

In their conclusions, the authors demand that the Saudis come clean on what they're doing with their money and their extremist literature, and even ask them whether all Saudi clergy sent to Britain are given diplomatic status, in view of the fact that those recently approached by British police on any matter turn out to have diplomatic status, and therefore immunity.

The Destroyer of All Other "gods"

Love is the flame which, when it blazes,
consumes everything other than the Beloved.
The lover wields the sword of Nothingness
in order to dispatch all but God:
consider what remains after Nothing.
There remains but God: all the rest is gone.
Praise to you, O mighty Love, destroyer of all other "gods."


-Mathnawi [V, 588-590]

Londonistan Becomes Talk Of The Town In Arab World

December 5, 2008 (LPAC)--The British harboring, using and controlling of so-called Islamic terrorists is once again on the agenda in many Arab countries. It is not, however, because of the Mumbai terror attacks, but another case of flagrant British dirty tricks. One of the leading Al-Qaeda spiritual leaders who has played a crucial role in recruiting new members for Al-Qaeda in Britain and Europe since 1993, Omar Mahmoud Abu Omar, aka Abu Qatada, was rearrested in London for violating his bail conditions. The British Interior Ministry stated that Abu Qatada was hiding in preparation for fleeing to Lebanon to join another British-asset, Omar Bakri, leader of the London-based terrorist group Hiz-bu-Tahrir, who left Britain for Lebanon in 2006. Needless to say that in Lebanon, both Bakri and Abu Qatada would be performing new missions in the service of Her Majesty's BAE-Prince Bandar Wahhabi destabilization operations.

The question which is being raised is not why he was rearrested, but why he was set free in Britain in the first place, when all evidence pointed to the fact that he played a key role in recruiting terrorists, including Zakaria Mousawi (the only indicted terrorist in the USA for the 9/11 attacks), and Richard "shoebomber" Reid.

The Jordanian leading daily Al-Rai provides the answer to the question. Abu Qatada is Jordanian by origin and has two life-sentences awaiting him in Jordan for planning and conducting terrorist acts there. In spite of major efforts by the Jordanian government in the past years, the British government has refused to extradite him.

Saleh Al-Qallab writes today in Al-Rai today: From the first day of his arrival in Britain escaping Jordanian justice, Abu Qatada joined terrorist activities. Despite that, the British turned a blind eye to what he was doing. The reason is that they needed his services, the same way the U.S. intelligence needed the services of Sheikh Omar Abdulrahman. When he was still performing dirty security operations in the service of British interests, Abu Qatada was a man of opinion, who was to be protected, and all the Jordanian demands for extraditing him were met with absolute refusal. Then, when he has been exhausted and no longer able to perform these dirty services, the British suddenly discovered that he was posing a grave danger to their security.

The Arabic section of the LaRouche movement have prepared a special report on the British role in the Mumbai terror attacks, putting together the different EIR press releases. It is posted on the Arabic website (http://nysol.se/arabic/media/mumbai.html) and has been sent to all relevant Arabic media and government institutions in Arab countries

Healing: The Art of Correcting False Assumptions

Most of healing is dealing with the consequences of unconscious behavior.
The art of healing is the art of correcting the underlying assumptions that are the causes of unconscious behavior.
It is complete when understanding and forgiveness set in.

- Ali Ansari

On Purity...

Since man is made of clay, he can never be completely pure.
Since clay is basically foul, how can humans escape their basic nature?
Purity does not lie in rituals, nor can human nature be changed by effort.
Those who love God and remain conscious only of their Beloved attain purity.

-Al-Hujwiri, "The Kashf al-Mahjub"

Understanding the Face of Fascism in the Midst of a Financial Meltdown

Leaving out the Keynesian Sixth 'C'

November 3, 2008 (LPAC)--While invoking the honored name of Franklin Delano Roosevelt, yesterday's Sunday Telegraph--a.k.a. the 'Torygraph,' proposes a series of decidedly non-FDR, pro-Keynesian measures a new President of the U.S. should take. The proposal focuses on "the five Cs: capital, credit, confidence, change (of the regulatory variety) and closure," while managing to leave out the all-important sixth "C". Now that the bailout is under way, the new President should create "a climate of confidence" in the financial markets, and restructure the "outdated and outmoded" regulatory system by creating "one super-regulator" attached to the Fed.

These measures are explicitly fascist, which leads us to the unspoken sixth "C", for CORPORATISM. John Maynard Keynes, later Baron Keynes, explicitly endorsed fascist economics in the preface to his 1937 German-language edition of his "General Theory of Employment, Interest and Money." Keynes wrote in his foreword that his theory were best "adapted to the conditions of a totalitarian state," an admission which was not included in the English-language versions of his book. It is this overtly fascist Keynesian view that the British are pushing under the guise of a New Bretton Woods, in direct opposition to a return to the nation-building philosophy of FDR. One could truthfully argue that the British approach is actually the three Cs, corruption, criminality, and corporatism.

For more on the 6th C, check out LPACTV: What is Corporatism?

Remedy for the Global Financial Crisis: Tell the British to Sit Down and Shut Up

Dear Friends and Colleagues,

For those totally confused by the cause of the world's financial problems but wanting a solution, John Hoefle of the LaRouche news weekly, Executive Intelligence Review (Washington), gets straight to the point in this 28 second video:

http://www.larouchepac.com/news/2008/11/01/tell-british-sit-down-and-shut.html

and forward it to to your friends, relatives and colleagues and get it onto the Blogs. It will help the population see the 'big picture'

It appears on www.larouchepac.com which gives daily updates of the financial meltdown and the LaRouche movement's long struggle to replace this bankrupt and inhuman system internationally.

Kind regards,
Mohd Peter

Cast Aside the Jug and Seek the Water

The outward form of things passes away, but the essence remains forever.
How long will you be besotted with the shape of the jug?
Cast aside the jug, and seek the water.
If you look too closely at the form, you miss the essence.
If you are wise, you will always pick out the pearl from the shell.

-Rumi, "Mathnawi"

The Beauty and Mercy in the Crying Eye....

Sometimes in order to help He makes us cry.
Happy the eye that sheds tears for His sake.
Fortunate the heart that burns for His sake.
Laughter always follows tears.
Blessed are those who understand.
Life blossoms wherever water flows.
Where tears are shed divine mercy is shown.

-Rumi, "Mathnawi"

Remember Allah for Allah to Remember You

Allah says, "I am with My servant when he remembers Me and his lips move in My service."

- Prophet Muhammad, as reported by Abu Hurairah

This Religion is Easy....

This religion is easy.
Do not make it a rigor, or you shall be overcome.
Be steadfast, seek the closeness of Allah, grow in virtue, and implore His appeasement day and night.

- Prophet Muhammad (SAW), as reported by Abu Hurairah

Colin Powell on Religion in the U.S.

"...He's always been a Christian. But the really right answer is, what if he is (i.e. a Muslim)? Is there something wrong with being a Muslim in this country? The answer's no, that's not America," Powell said. "Is there something wrong with some 7-year-old Muslim-American kid believing that he or she could be president?"

- Former U.S. Sec. of State Colin Powell, responding to a question about Barack Obama's religion

Love is Selfless Not Selfish

Title Love is Selfless Not Selfish Question Two married felt true love for each other. Over the years their love flourished as pure as it can be -- without any physical or sexual desires - a real soulmate love. Although you can come with all different opinions about how bad this is, the two are so much in love that they believed in the Akhirah (the Hereafter) so strongly that they can envision being there together. Both of them pray to Allah to make them be together in the Hereafter. However during one meeting they somehow did commit zina (fornication) and now they are in repentance. Now they don't have sexual desires, but then no one would believe this kind of love existed. Anyway, they think the only way out (which they tried to avoid in the first place in order not to destroy the two homes etc..) is to get divorced and then marry each other, because they just can not stop talking to or seeing each other, but they do not want to continue this life. Can each get divorce or khula` (wife's request for divorce) from their spouses and get married? They did not inform their spouses about the bad part, which happened all of sudden but the spouses from both parties know they these two love each other. The option of not talking is not there as most likely it will cause them to die for sure or be like the living dead. Question -, is the path explained valid, and how can one repent with what happened? Please do not reply with a typical judgment as the matter is very, very complicated, we need your guidance not a fatwa please.. Date 08/Oct/2008 Name of Counsellor

Answer

In the name of Allah the Most Gracious the Most Merciful.

May He bestow His peace and blessings on His messenger, Muhammad, his family, Companions, and all of those who follow them sincerely.

As salamu `alaykum,
Dear brother, thank you for writing to us with your question. It is a bit difficult to make out the situation as you explain it, but I will try my best to answer the question as best I can given my level of understanding as to what you are asking.

It is always important, in this type of forum, that we ask questions with sincerity and openness, and not try to qualify our questions with, “well, I’m interested in what you have to say as long as long as it’s not A,B or C.” You mentioned in your question that you do not want us to answer you in a judgmental way, that you want us to provide you with ‘guidance.’ The way you pose your question indicates that you are looking for a particular response, or, more bluntly, that you would like us to ‘endorse’ your actions due to their ‘complexity’ and because of the intensity of emotions experienced between the two parties involved. Well, unfortunately, we cannot provide ‘guidance’ in such a manner. We must be honest and tell you what we think based on our knowledge and experience, as well as our understanding of the situation as you have explained it.

That’s all we have to go on.
Quite frankly, some of the things you say in your question make little sense. For example, you say that the two parties have no sexual desires for one another, but did commit adultery, and then after they committed adultery, they again had no sexual feelings for one another. This makes no sense. The whole point of the Islamic teaching of people of opposite sexes keeping safe distance from one another, both physically and socially, is to avoid this very thing – temptation. This is not a mere cultural practice, but rather a practical method for keeping our human temptations and desires in check.

It’s called preventive medicine. Many so-called intelligent people like to say that this is ridiculous, that grown men and women are mature enough to have social relations with one another without it necessarily turning into sexual relations. If so, why are there so many extra-marital affairs going on in the world, leading to divorces, domestic violence, broken homes and the like? How many such affairs start at places like the office, where so-called ‘harmless’ social contact can so easily blossom into a full-blown extra-marital love affair? Does Allah not know us better than we know ourselves? We think we are so smart, yet the facts and numbers are proof that we are not.

The situation you are in now is a difficult one. As you have requested, I will not give you a fatwa because I am not qualified to do so, however, your question – can these two people now both request divorce due to their love affair with one another – requires a fatwa of some sort. You are asking a question that is related to legal matters, i.e. can they legitimately ask for divorce given the circumstances. That particular question I cannot answer. As such, it is difficult for me to answer your question, other than to say that regardless of how much these two people love each other, the bottom line is that their love for one another appears greater than their love for Allah, as they have already committed adultery yet insist on moving forward with the illicit relationship. That’s not being judgmental, that’s the simple fact of the situation.

Reality is reality. You say that the two are afraid to destroy their respective homes, but based on what they have done already it seems as though that’s going to happen regardless. Especially since the two insist that their desperate love for one another must continue. Their homes are already in trouble, brother, first by being involved in this kind of relationship and secondly by committing adultery. Unless something dramatic is done quickly, I fear that further damage to the homes will ensue.

True love is not destructive, brother. True love is selfless, it’s sacrifice for the other - it’s wanting the best for another. It’s a state where individual desires disappear and one’s life becomes a vehicle for service of the other. There is no more wanting for ourselves, only for others for the sake of God. Thus the adage, “If you love somebody, set them free….” That is true love and it is only love of God that can bring us that love. Love is not “I gotta have this person at all costs and no matter who and what I destroy in the process…” Love is, “I want whatever is best for this person, regardless of what I GET out of it!” And whatever is best for another includes their life in this world and the life to come. There is no true love, however, that destroys homes and souls by committing capital crimes in God’s eyes. That is not true love.

The first thing I think that needs to be done before any action should be taken is sincere tawbah/repentance for what has taken place between these two people. Only with sincere repentance and then asking Allah for guidance can there be any honest attempt to resolve the situation in a way that is healthy. Otherwise, these two people will be merely following their nafs/desires’ wishes, causing more destruction in their wake. Right now, I sense that these two people are blinded by their love/lust for one another and are not capable of making clear judgments as to what is best. They need to, though, before they do any more harm to their families and themselves.

If they are sincere, as you say, in their desire to be together in the Akhirah, then they have to come to their senses now in this life and realize that the path they are on is certainly not going to bring them together in the Akhirah in any desirable state. They need to realize this and put their lives and their actions in perspective. Their prayers to be together in the life to come will be answered, in sha-Allah, if they are able to control themselves and act within the bounds of God’s laws and guidance. Only by doing so will they realize their dreams of being together in the life to come.

How Hard it is to be Human!

Angels were created without lust and evil, the worst obstacles of humankind.
Those who, despite their evil nature, remain pious excel angels in rank.

Enthused by their purity angels denounced the human race, so God chose three angels to go to the earth and reform its inhabitants.
One angel, espying the corruption, begged God to let him return.
The other two, in their earthly form, gave in to lust and fell from grace.
Thus God revealed to the other angels the superiority of the devout.

-Al-Hujwiri, “The Kashf al-Mahjub”

Real Faith

Real faith is having complete trust in God.
It is the belief in the wisdom which comes from the Unseen.
Such certainty can only be attained through the knowledge that emerges with divine help.

-Al-Hujwiri, "The Kashf al-Mahjub"

The Formula for Paradise...

Worship the Merciful, feed the hungry, and spread peace.
You shall then enter Paradise in peace.

-Prophet Muhammad (SAW), as reported by Abd’Allah bin Amr

Fear and Hope: Two Pillars of Faith

Fear and hope are two pillars of faith.
By practicing either one of them a person will not fall into error,
because both fear and hope lead to union.
Those who fear devote themselves to God through fear of separation from Him,
and those who hope worship in hope of realizing the ultimate union.

-Al-Razi, "The Kashf al-Mahjub"

Best Time to Make Du’a

Life is all about belief in the unseen, the unseen that is more powerful than all the riches of this world. “Oh Allah, the most Gracious, the most Merciful, grant me a peaceful life in this world and the other.” A du'a - the only means of pleading with our Lord. Du’a or supplication brings us closer to Allah, helps us remember Him and proves our faith in Him. It is important to ask through Du’a at all times of need in our life. There are certain times when du'a is more likely to be accepted by Allah (Subhanahu wa Ta’ala) as mentioned by the Prophet (PBUH). These times are as follows:

1. The Last Third Of The Night

Abu Hurairah (Rali Allahu Anhu) narrated that Allah’s Messenger (SalAllahu alayhi wasalam) said: ‘In the last third of every night our Rabb (Cherisher and Sustainer) (Allah (Subhanahu wa Ta’ala)) descends to the lowermost heaven and says; “Who is calling Me, so that I may answer him? Who is asking Me so that may I grant him? Who is seeking forgiveness from Me so that I may forgive him?” [Sahih al-Bukhari, Hadith Qudsi]

Amr ibn Absah narrated that the Prophet (PBUH) said: ‘The closest any worshipper can be to His Lord is during the last part of the night, so if you can be amongst those who remember Allah at that time, then do so.’ [At-Tirmidhi, an-Nasa’i, al-Hakim - Sahih]

2. Late at night

When people are sleeping and busy with worldly pleasures Allah (Subhanahu wa Ta’ala) gives the believers an opportunity, or an answer hour if they can fight sleep and invoke Allah (Subhanahu wa Ta’ala) for whatever they need.

The Prophet (Salallahu alayhi wasalam) said: ‘There is at night an hour, no Muslim happens to be asking Allah any matter of this world or the Hereafter, except that he will be given it, and this (occurs) every night.’ [Muslim #757]

3. Between Adhan and Iqamah

Anas (Rali Allahu Anhu) narrated that Allah’s Messenger (Salallahu alayhi wasalam) said: ‘A supplication made between the Adhan and Iqama is not rejected.’ [Ahmad, abu Dawud #521, at-Tirmidhi #212, Sahih al-Jami #3408, an-Nasai and Ibn Hibban graded it sahih (sound)]

4. An Hour on Friday

Narrated Abu Hurairah (Rali Allahu Anhu ): Allah’s Messenger (Salallahu alayhi wasalam) talked about Friday and said:
‘There is an hour on Friday and if a Muslim gets it while offering Salat (prayer) and asks something from Allah (Subhanahu wa Ta’ala), then Allah (Subhanahu wa Ta’ala) will definitely meet his demand.’ And he the Prophet (Salallahu alayhi wasalam) pointed out shortness of that particular time with his hands. [Sahih al-Bukhari]

Some have said that this hour is from the time the Imam (prayer’s leader) enters the mosque on Friday’s prayer until the prayer is over (ie between the two khutbahs), whereas others have said that it is the last hour of the day (ie after the Asr prayer until the Maghrib prayer).

(Note: when we say an hour here we do not mean the hour everyone knows (60 minutes) but an unspecified period of time because the time counters which we use today came after the Prophet (Salallahu alayhi wasalam) had died.

5. While Drinking Zamzam Water

Jaber (Rali Allahu Anhu ) narrated that Allah’s Messenger (Salallahu alayhi wasalam) said: ‘Zamzam water is for what it is drunk for.’ [Ahmad 3: 357 and Ibn Majah #3062]

This means that when you drink Zamzam water you may ask Allah (Subhanahu wa Ta’ala) for anything you like to gain or benefit from this water such as healing from illness.... etc.

6. While Prostrating

Abu Hurairah (Rali Allahu Anhu ) narrated that Allah’s Messenger (Salallahu alayhi wasalam), said:
‘The nearest a slave can be to his Lord is when he is prostrating, so invoke (supplicate) Allah (Subhanahu wa Ta’ala) much in it. [Muslim, abu Dawud, an-Nasa’i and others, Sahih al-Jami #1175]

When a Muslim is in his Salat (prayer) he is facing Allah (Subhanahu wa Ta’ala) and when he prostrates he is the nearest he can be to Allah (Subhanahu wa Ta’ala) so it is best to invoke Allah (Subhanahu wa Ta’ala) at this time. It is said that while in prostration, one should not ask for worldly needs (ie a nice car, a new job, etc), but for the Hereafter.

7. When Waking Up at Night

Narrated Ubada Bin As-Samit that Allah’s Messenger (Salallahu alayhi wasalam) said: ‘Whoever wakes up at night and says La ilaha illallahu wahdahu la shrika lahu lahulmulku, wa lahul hamdu, wa huwa ala kulli shai’in qadir. Alhamdu lillahi, wa subhanallahi wa la ilaha illallahu, wallah akbir, wa la hawla wala quwata illa billah (none has the right to be worshipped but Allah (Subhanahu wa Ta’ala) He is the only one who has no partners. His is the kingdom and all the praises are for Allah (Subhanahu wa Ta’ala) All the glories are for Allah (Subhanahu wa Ta’ala) And none has the right to be worshipped but Allah (Subhanahu wa Ta’ala) and Allah (Subhanahu wa Ta’ala) is the most Great and there is neither might nor power except with Allah (Subhanahu wa Ta’ala) and then says, Allahumma ighfir li (O Allah! Forgive me) or invokes Allah (Subhanahu wa Ta’ala), he will be responded to and if he makes ablution and performs Salat (prayer), his Salat (prayer) will be accepted. [Sahih al-Bukhari]

8. At The End Of The Obligatory Salat

Narrated Abu Omamah (Rali Allahu Anhu ): that Allah’s Messenger (Salallahu alayhi wasalam) was asked, O Messenger of Allah, which supplication is heard (by Allah (Subhanahu wa Ta’ala), he said the end of the night and at the end of the obligatory Salat (prayer) [at-Tirmidhi] This time is after saying ‘At-tahyat’ , and before making Tasleem (finishing prayer)

9. The Night Of ‘Qadr’ (Decree)

This night is the greatest night of the year. This is the night which the almighty Allah (Subhanahu wa Ta’ala) said about it, “The night of Al-Qadar (Decree) is better than a thousand months.” [Surah al-Qadr, 97: 3]

The Night of Decree is one of the odd nights of the last ten nights of the blessed month of Ramadan. The angels descend down to the earth, and the earth is overwhelmed with peace and serenity until the break of dawn and when the doors of Paradise are opened, the worshipper is encouraged to turn to Allah to ask for his needs for this world and the Hereafter.

10. During The Rain

Narrated Sahel Ibn Sa’ad (Rali Allahu Anhu ): that the Messenger of Allah (Salallahu alayhi wasalam) said: ‘Two will not be rejected, Supplication when the Adhan (call of prayer) is being called, and at the time of the rain’. [Al-Hakim 2: 114, and Abu Dawud #2540, ibn Majah]

‘Seek the response to your du’as when the armies meet, and the prayer is called, and when rain falls’ [Reported by Imam al-Shafi’ in al-Umm, al-Sahihah #1469]

The time of the rain is a time of mercy from Allah (Subhanahu wa Ta’ala) so, one should take advantage of this time when Allah (Subhanahu wa Ta’ala) is having mercy on His slaves.

11. At the Adhan

‘Seek the response to your du’as when the armies meet, and the prayer is called, and when rain falls’ [Reported by Imam al-Shafi’ in al-Umm, al-Sahihah #1469]

In another hadith; ‘When the prayer is called, the doors of the skies are opened, and the du’a is answered’ [al-Tayalisi in his Musnad #2106, al-Sahihah #1413]

12. The One Who Is Suffering Injustice and Oppression

The Messenger of Allah (Salallahu alayhi wasalam) said to Mua'ad Ibn Jabal (Rali Allahu Anhu ), 'Beware of the supplication of the unjustly treated, because there is no shelter or veil between it (the supplication of the one who is suffering injustice) and Allah (Subhanahu wa Ta'ala)'
(Sahih Al-Bukhari and Muslim)

The Prophet (Salallahu alayhi wasalam) declared,
'Three men whose du'a is never rejected (by Allah) are: the fasting person until he breaks his fast (in another narration, when he breaks fast), the just ruler and the one who is oppressed" (Ahmad, at-Tirmidhi - Hasan)

In another hadith; The Prophet (Salallahu alayhi wasalam) declared: 'Three du'as are surely answered: The du'a of the oppressed, the du'a of the traveller, and the du'a of the father/mother (upon their child)'

The One who is suffering injustice is heard by Allah (Subhanahu wa Ta'ala) when he invokes Allah (Subhanahu wa Ta'ala) to retain his rights from the unjust one or oppressor. Allah (Subhanahu wa Ta'ala) has sworn to help the one who is suffering from injustice sooner or later as the Messenger of Allah (Salallahu alayhi wasalam) said.

13. The Traveller

The Messenger of Allah (Salallahu alayhi wasalam) said; Three supplications will not be rejected by Allah (Subhanahu wa Ta'ala)), the supplication of the parent for his child, the supplication of the one who is fasting, and the supplication of the traveller. (al-Bayhaqi, at-Tirmidhi - Sahih)

During travel supplication is heard by Allah (Subhanahu wa Ta'ala) if the trip is for a good reason, but if the trip is for a bad intention or to perform illegal things (making sins) this will not apply to it.

14. The Parent's Supplication for their Child

The Messenger of Allah (SalAllahu alayhi wasalam) said; Three supplications will not be rejected (by Allah (Subhanahu wa Ta'ala)), the supplication of the parent for his child, the supplication of the one who is fasting, and the supplication of the traveller. [al-Bayhaqi, at-Tirmidhi - Sahih]

15. Dua after praising Allah and giving salat on the Prophet (sal Allahu alayhi wasalam) in the tashahhud at the end of salat.

Narrated Faddalah ibn Ubayd (Rali Allahu Anhu ): that the Messenger of Allah (Salallahu alayhi wasalam) said:
'When anyone of you makes du'a, let him start by glorifying his Lord and praising Him, then let him send blessings upon the Prophet (Salallahu alayhi wasalam), then let him pray for whatever he wants' [abu Dawud #1481, at-Tirmidhi #3477]

In another hadith; Baqiy ibn Mukhallid (Rali Allahu Anhu) narrated that that the Messenger of Allah (Salallahu alayhi wasalam) said: 'Every du'a is not responded to until one sends blessings upon the Prophet (Salallahu alayhi wasalam)' [al-Bayhaqi]

In another hadith; Umar (Rali Allahu Anhu) narrated that the Prophet (Salallahu alayhi wasalam) said:
'Du'a is detained between the heavens and the earth and no part of it is taken up until you send blessings upon your Prophet (Salallahu alayhi wasalam)' [at-Tirmidhi #486]
After a person has finished his tashahhud and before saying the 'salam', supplication at this time is one likely to be responded to. Ibn Mas'ud narrates: I was once praying, and the Prophet (Salallahu alayhi wasalam), Abu Bakr and Umar (were all present). When I sat down (in the final tashahhud), I praised Allah, then sent salams on the Prophet, then started praying for myself. At this, the Prophet (Salallahu alayhi wasalam) said:
'Ask, and you shall be given it! Ask, and you shall be given it!' (at-Tirmidhi #593 - hasan, Mishkat al-Misbah #931)

16. The dua of a Muslim for his absent brother or sister Muslim stemming from the heart.

The prophet (Salallahu alayhi wasalam) said: 'There is no believing servant who supplicates for his brother in his absence where the angels do not say, 'the same be for you'' [Muslim]

17. Dua on the Day of Arafat

The Messenger of Allah (Salallahu alayhi wasalam) said: 'The best supplication is the supplication on the day of Arafat'. [at-Tirmidhi and Malik]

The day of Arafat is the essence and pinnacle of Hajj. On this great and momentous day, millions of worshippers gather together on one plain, from every corner of the world, with only one purpose in mind - to response to the call of their Creator. During this auspicious day, Allah does not refuse the requests of His worshippers.

18. Dua during the month of Ramadan

Ramadan is month full of many blessings, thus the du'a of Ramadan is a blessed one. This can be inferred from the Prophet (Salallahu alayhi wasalam) saying: 'When Ramadan comes, the Doors of Mercy (another narration says Paradise ) are opened, and the doors of Hell are closed, and the Sahitans are locked up'

Thus, it is clear that du'a during Ramadan has a greater chance of being accepted, as the Gates of Paradise and Mercy is opened. [Sahih al-Bukhari #1899, Muslim #1079 and others]

19. Dua when the Armies meet

When the Muslim is facing the enemy in battle, at this critical period, the du'a of a worshipper is accepted.
Sahl bn Sa'd(Rali Allahu Anhu) narrated the the Prophet Salallahu alayhi wasalam) said:
'Two dua's are never rejected, or rarely rejected: the du'a during the call for prayer, and the du'a during the calamity when the two armies attack each other' [abu Dawud #2540, ibn Majah, al-Hakim]

In another narration: 'Seek the response to your du'as when the armies meet, and the prayer is called, and when rain falls' [Reported by Imam al-Shafi' in al-Umm, al-Sahihah #1469]

20. When Muslims gather for the purpose of invoking and remembering Allah (Dhikrullah)

The Prophet (Salallahu alayhi wasalam) said: If a group of people sit together remembering Allah, the angels will circle them, mercy will shroud them, peace will descend onto them and Allah will remember them among those with Him. [Muslim]

21. First Ten days of Dhul-Hijjah

The Prophet (Salallahu alayhi wasalam) said:
'There are no days during which good deeds are more beloved to Allah than during these ten days' [Sahih al-Bukhai #969 and others]

22. At Midnight

Abu Umamah (Rali Allahu Anhu) said, the Prophet (Salallahu alayhi wasalam) was questioned; 'Which du'a is heard (by Allah)?' He answered, 'At midnight and at the end of every obligatory prayer.' [At-Tirmidhi - Hasan]

23. Dua of people after the death of a person

In a long hadith, Umm Salamah (Rali Allahu Anhu) narrated that the Prophet (Salallahu alayhi wasalam) said, when Abu Salamah had just passed away, and had closed his eyes,
'Do not ask for yourselves anything but good, for the angels will say 'Ameen' to all that you ask for. O Allah, forgive Abu Salamah, and raise his ranks among those who are guided.' [Muslim, abu Dawud, Ahmad]

24. Dua of the one fasting until he breaks his fast

The Messenger of Allah (Salallahu alayhi wasalam) said; Three supplications will not be rejected (by Allah (Subhanahu wa Ta'ala)), the supplication of the parent for his child, the supplication of the one who is fasting, and the supplication of the traveller. [al-Bayhaqi, at-Tirmidhi - Sahih]

25. Dua of the one fasting at the time of breaking fast

The prophet (Salallahu alayhi wasalam) declared, 'Three men whose du'a is never rejected by Allah are: when a fasting person breaks fast (in another narration, the fasting person until he breaks his fast), the just ruler and the one who is oppressed.' [Ahmad, at-Tirmidhi - Hasan]

26. Dua of a just Ruler

The prophet (Salallahu alayhi wasalam) declared, 'Three men whose du'a is never rejected by Allah are: the fasting person until he breaks his fast (in another narration, when he breaks fast), the just ruler and the one who is oppressed.' [Ahmad, at-Tirmidhi - Hasan]

27. Du'a of a son or daughter obedient to his or her parents

It is well known in the story narrated in hadith of three men who were trapped by a huge stone in a cave. One of them who was kind to kids and parents asked Allah to remove the stone, and his du'a was answered. [Sahih al-Bukhari 3:36 #472]

28. Dua immediately after wudu

Umar ibn Al-Khattab (Rali Allahu Anhu) reported that the Prophet (salAllahu alayhi wasalam) said: 'There is not one of you that makes wudu, and does it perfectly, then says: I testify that there is no deity worthy of worship except Allah. He is Alone, having no partners. And I bear witness that Muhammad is His slave and messenger', except that the eight gates of Paradise are opened for him, and he can enter into it through whichever one He pleases'
[Muslim #234, abu Dawud #162, Ahmad, an-Nasa'i]
Saying what has been mentioned in the hadith that is directly related to it (ablution)

29. Dua after stoning the Jamarat at Hajj

The stoning of the small Shaitan (jamrat sugra), or the middle Shaitan (jamrat wusta) pillars during Hajj. It is narrated that the Prophet (Salallahu alayhi wasalam) would stone the small Jamarah (one of the three pillars that is stoned in the last days of Hajj), then face the qiblah, raise his hands, and make du'a for a long time. He would then stone the middle Jamarah and do the same. When he stoned the large Jamarah, he would depart without making any du'a.
[Sahih al-Bukhari #1753 and others]

30. At the Crowing of a Rooster

Abu Hurairah (Rali Allahu Anhu) narrated that the Prophet (Salallahu alayhi wasalam) said: 'When you hear a rooster crowing, then ask Allah for His bounties, for it has seen an angel, and when you hear a donkey braying, then seek refuge in Allah from Shaitan, for it has seen a Shaitan' [Sahih al-Bukhari, Muslim, Ahmad, Sahih al-Jami #611]

31. Du'a made inside the Ka'bah

The Ka'bah is a sanctuary that has no comparison in the entire world. The du'a of one who prays inside the hijr is considered as being made inside the ka'bah, as it is part of the house (Baitullah). [This is the semicircle to the right of the Ka'bah if you face the door, opposite to the Yemeni corner and the Black stone wall.]

Usamah ibn Zayd narrated, 'When the Prophet (Salallahu alayhi wasalam) entered the House (Ka'bah), and he made du'a in all of its corners [Muslim 2: 968 and others]

32. Du'a on the mount of Safa or Marwah during Umrah or Hajj
It is narrated that the Prophet (Salallahu alayhi wasalam) would make long du'as at Safa and Marwah. [Muslim #1218 and others]

33. While reciting Surah al-Fatihah

The Prophet (Salallahu alayhi wasalam) said that Allah the Exalted had said: ' I have divided the prayer into two halves between me and my servant, and my servant will receive what he asks for. When the servant says: Praise be to Allah, the Lord of the universe, Allah the Most High says: My servant has praised Me. And when he (the servant) says: The Most Compassionate, the Merciful, and Allah the Most High says: My servant has lauded Me. When he (the servant) says: Master of the Day of Judgment, He remarks: My servant has glorified me, and sometimes He will say: My servant entrusted (his affairs) to Me. When he (the worshipper) says: Thee do we worship and of Thee do we ask help, He (Allah) says: This is between me and my servant, and my servant will receive what he asks for. Then, when he (the worshipper) says: Guide us to the straight path, the path of those to whom Thou hast been Gracious - not of those who have incurred Thy displeasure, nor of those who have gone astray, He (Allah) says: This is for My servant, and My servant will receive what he asks for. [Muslim 4: 395]

34. Saying 'Ameen' during prayer

After finishing the recitation of Al-Fatihah, the saying of 'Ameen' in congregation.
The Prophet (Salallahu alayhi wasalam) said: 'When the Imam says 'Ameen', then recite it behind him (as well), because whoever's Ameen coincides with the Ameen of the angels will have all of his sins forgiven.' [Sahih al-Bukhari #780, Muslim #410 and others]

35. While visiting the sick, and dua made by the sick

Umm Salamah narrated that the Prophet (Salallahu alayhi wasalam) said:
'When you visit the sick, or the dead then say good, because the angels say 'Ameen' to whatever you say. [Muslim #2126]

Ali (Radhi Allahu Anhu ) reported that the Prophet (SalAllahu alayhi wasalam) said:
'When a Muslim visits his sick Muslim brother in the morning, seventy thousand angels make dua for his forgiveness till the evening. And when he visits him in the evening, seventy thousand angels make dua for his forgiveness till the morning, and he will be granted a garden for it in Jannah.' [At-Tirmidhi, abu Dawud]

- Author unknown

Inspirational Story

Inspirational story

A young man had been to Wednesday Night Class of Quranic Studies. The Mualim had shared about listening to Allah and obeying Allah through intuition. The young man couldn't help but wonder, 'Does Allah still speak to people through intuition?' After Lessons, he went out with some friends for coffee and pie and they discussed the message. Several different ones talked about how Allah had led them in different ways and that at the end you'll know it was Allah(SWT) Who has directed you.

It was about ten o'clock when the young man started driving home. Sitting in his car, he just began to pray, 'Allah...If you still speak to people, speak to me. I will listen. I will do my best to obey.' As he drove down the main street of his town, he had the strangest thought to stop and buy a gallon of milk. He shook his head and said out loud, 'Allah is that you?' He didn't get a reply and started on toward home. But again, the thought, buy a gallon of milk came into his head. 'Okay, Allah, in case that is you, I will buy the milk.' It didn't seem like too hard a test of obedience. He could always use the milk. He stopped and purchased the gallon of milk and started off toward home. As he passed Seventh Street , he again felt the urge, 'Turn Down that street.' This is crazy he thought, and drove on past the intersection. Again, he felt that he should turn down Seventh Street .. At the next intersection, he turned back and headed down Seventh. Half jokingly, he said out loud, 'Okay, Allah, I will.'

He drove several blocks, when suddenly, he felt like he should stop. He pulled over to the curb and looked around. He was in a semi-commercial area of town. It wasn't the best but it wasn't the worst of neighborhoods either. The businesses were closed and most of the houses looked dark like the people were already in bed. Again, he sensed something, 'Go and give the milk to the people in the house across the street.' The young man looked at the house. It was dark and it looked like the people were either gone or they were already asleep. He started to open the door and then sat back in the car seat. 'Allah, this is insane. Those people are asleep and if I wake them up, they are going to be mad and I will look stupid.' Again, he felt like he should go and give the milk.

Finally, he opened the door, 'Okay Allah (SWT), if this is you, I will go to the door and I will give them the milk. If you want me to look like a crazy person, okay. I want to be obedient. I guess that will count for something, but if they don't answer right away, I am out of here.' He walked across the street and rang the bell. He could hear some noise inside. A man's voice yelled out, 'Who is it? What do you want?' Then the door opened before the young man could get away. The man was standing there in his jeans and T-shirt. He looked like he just got out of bed. He had a strange look on his face and he didn't seem too happy to have some stranger standing on his doorstep. 'What is it?' The young man thrust out the gallon of milk, 'Here, I brought this to you.'

The man took the milk and rushed down a hallway. Then from down the hall came a woman carrying the milk toward the kitchen. The man was following her holding a baby. The baby was crying. The man had tears streaming down his face. The man began speaking and half crying, 'We were just praying. We had some big bills this month and we ran out of money. We didn't have any milk for our baby. I was just praying and asking Allah (SWT) to show me how to get some milk.' His wife in the kitchen yelled out, 'I ask him to send an Angel with some. Are you an Angel?'

The young man reached into his wallet and pulled out all the money he had on him and put in the man's hand. He turned and walked back toward his car and the tears were streaming down his face. He knew that Allah (SWT) still answers prayers."

If you put your whole trust in Allah, as you ought, He most certainly will satisfy your needs, as He satisfies those of the birds. They come out hungry in the morning, but return full to their nests." (Tirmidhi)"

What actions are most excellent? To gladden the heart of human beings, to feed the hungry, to help the afflicted, to lighten the sorrow of the sorrowful, and to remove the sufferings of the injured." (Bukhari)

Moral: Allah swt always waits for us. He is ready to forgive us and answer our prayers. However it is us who need to get closer to Him. He is always there for us and waiting for us to ask for anything, yet we choose to do things on our own. Remember that He is the Creator and the Rabb of the universe and is willing to help you in your time of need. I believe it is time that we finally open our hearts and mind and submit ourselves to His will. This is a reminder to myself and to everyone else.

"O Rubb, grant me Your love, grant me that I love those who love You; grant me, that I might do the deeds that win Your love. Make Your love dearer to me than the love of myself, my family and wealth." (Tirmidhi)

Ameen.

Purity Does Not Lie in Rituals....

Since man is made of clay, he can never be completely pure.
Since clay is basically foul, how can humans escape their basic nature?
Purity does not lie in rituals, nor can human nature be changed by effort.
Those who love God and remain conscious only of their Beloved attain purity.

-Al-Hujwiri, "The Kashf al-Mahjub"

Your Lord Will be Unjust to No One...

The record of your deeds will be given to each of you.
And those of you who are sinners, will be horrified at what you read.
You will scream, and say: ‘I can hardly believe it! This book leaves out nothing; every action, both great and small, has been noted down.’
Yes, you will find an account of all that you have done.
Your Lord will be unjust to no one.

- Qur'an, Al-Kahf, Surah 18:49

How Forgiving is Allah....

A man went back to transgressing after he had sincerely asked forgiveness of God and swore never to sin again.

"How will God forgive me this time?" he asked in despair.

A heavenly voice responded, "You obeyed Me and I made amends for you, then you abandoned Me and I indulged you, and now that you returned to Me I shall receive you."

-Al-Hujwiri, "The Kashf al-Mahjub"

Many of the questions we get on Islamic cyber counseling have to do with this issue -- can Allah really be THAT forgiving? From what I have learned and experienced the key to fogiveness of course is sincere repentance. If we are truly sincere in our tawbah, then yes, Allah is that forgiving and more so, regardless of how many times we slip....

The Secrets of Prayer....

Prayer is that which enables the soul to realize its divinity.
Through prayer human beings worship absolute truth, and seek an eternal reward.
Prayer is the foundation-stone of religion; and religion is the means by which the soul is purified of all that pollutes it.
Prayer is the worship of the first cause of all things, the supreme ruler of all the world, the source of all strength.
Prayer is the adoration of the one whose being is necessary.

-Ibn Sina, “Kitab al-Najat”

A Checklist for Ramadhan

1. Ask Allah to enable you to reach Ramadan and to get the most out of it as the Salaf (early generation of pious people) used to do.

2. Intend to fast every day with Iman and pure intention seeking the reward from Allah alone. The Prophet peace be upon him said, "Whoever fasts in Ramadan with Iman and seeking reward (from Allah) his past sins will be forgiven". (Bukhari)

3. Read the whole Qur'an at least once as the Prophet peace be upon him did.

4. Have Suhoor as the Prophet peace be upon him said, "Have Suhoor because it is blessed".

5. Make Du'a during the fast because the Prophet peace be upon him said that three people's supplication is not rejected one of them is the fasting person. Ask for the good of this life and the next for yourself, your family and Muslims in general.

6. Make Dua before opening the fast. The Prophet peace be upon him said, "The fasting person has a supplication that is answered when he opens his fast".

7. Give Sadaqah and be good to people. The Prophet peace be upon him was the most generous of people and he was most generous in Ramadan.

8. Avoid anything that diminishes the fast such as, lying, backbiting, cheating, getting angry. The Prophet peace be upon him said "Whoever does not give up false statements (i.e. telling lies), and evil deeds, and speaking bad words to others, Allah is not in need of his (fasting) leaving his food and drink." [Bukhari]

9. Do not eat too much after Iftar.

10. Ask for forgiveness since this is the month Allah frees people from the fire.

11. Pray At-Tarawih. If you pray in the Masjid complete the Salah with the Imam. If you pray at home prolong the Salah as long as you can. The Prophet peace be upon him said, "Whoever prays during Ramadan with Iman and seeking reward (from Allah) his past sins will be forgiven".

12. Feed the poor and invite others for Iftar. The Prophet peace be upon him said, "Whoever gives Iftar to someone fasting he will have the same reward without decreasing the reward of the person fasting".

13. Try harder the last ten nights especially the odd nights. The prophet would strive in Ramadan more than he would in any other month and more so in the last ten days.

14. Say this Dua in the nights that Laitul-Qadr is likely to fall on: Allhumma innaka afuwun tuhibbul-afwa fa'fu anni (O Allah you are Forgiving and love forgiveness so forgive me).

15. Ask Allah to accept all your good actions during this month."Oh you who believe, what is the matter with you that when you are asked to march forward in the cause of Allah you cling heavily to the earth. Are you pleased with the life of this world rather than the Hereafter but little is the enjoyment of the life of this world as compared with the Hereafter." -Al Quran 9.3

Stand Up in Prayer at Night...

Listen, stand up in prayer during the night*,
for you are a candle,
and at night a candle stands and burns.

*Qur'an: Surah Al-Muzzamil (The Enwrapped One), 73:20

-Rumi, Mathnawi [IV, 1456]

The Month of Mercy has Arrived...

Ramadan is the (month) in which was sent down the Qur'an, as a guide to mankind, also clear (Signs) for guidance and judgment (Between right and wrong). So every one of you who is present (at his home) during that month should spend it in fasting, but if any one is ill, or on a journey, the prescribed period (Should be made up) by days later. Allah intends every facility for you; He does not want to put to difficulties. (He wants you) to complete the prescribed period, and to glorify Him in that He has guided you; and perchance ye shall be grateful.

-Qur'an, Al-Baqara, 2:185

How Just is the World...

I never saw anyone as just as the world.
As long as you pursue the world it will pursue you,
but when you turn away from it and seek God,
it will leave you alone and its glamour shall no longer fascinate you.

-Al-Hujwiri, "The Kashf al-Mahjub"

God is Incomparable....

In order to think about God, you may compare him with other beings;
but remember that he is incomparable.
In this way you will live in the house of truth.

-Ibn Arabi, “Fusus al-hikam”

Your Enemy...

Your worst enemy lies between your two ribs.

- Prophet Muhammad (SAW)

The Supreme Being...

God, the supreme being, is neither circumscribed by space, nor touched by time;
he cannot be found in a particular direction, and his essence cannot change.
The secret conversation is thus entirely spiritual;
it is a direct encounter between God and the soul, abstracted from all material constraints.

-Ibn Sina, "Kitab al-Najat"

He is Boundless....

Do not think of God as isolated from his creation.
Do not think of God as bound by rules.
Do not compare God with any other entity.
Beware of thinking of God as remote.
You are not God; and you are God.
You see him in the essences of all things; yet he is boundless.

-Ibn Arabi, "Fusus al-hikam"

Seek from God...

Seek what you wish from God, not from men.
Be satisfied in joy; there is honor therein.
On friends and relatives be not a burden.
Rich is he who hopes from God, not from men.

-Al-Ghazzali, "Ihya Ulum Id-Din"

Advice for Muslim Parents

KEEPING MUSLIM TEENS MUSLIM

22 Tips for Parents

What does it take for parents to get a teen to become a practicing Muslim? Sound Vision has talked to parents, Imams, activists and Muslims who have grown up in the West to ask what are some practical things parents can do to help Muslim teens maintain their Deen. These are some of their suggestions:

Tip #1: Take parenting more seriously than you would a full-time job
This means both parents must understand their children are a trust from Allah, and He will ask how they were raised. If the children do not grow up practicing Islam because of their parents' negligence, it is not going to be pretty in this life or the next.

Tip #2:Reduce or change work hours and exchange them for time with the family
It is better to have one full-time job, fewer luxuries in the house (i.e. more cars, expensive clothes, a bigger, fancier home) and more time with the family, than many material things and absent parents. This goes for mothers AND fathers. Parents can't instill values in their children if they just aren't there, period. Quit that extra job on the weekends or in the evenings and instead drive the kids to the mosque for Halaqas and activities instead. Or consider switching shifts at work so that you're home when the kids are.

Tip #3: Read the Quran, understanding its meaning, for five minutes every day
Just five minutes. Whether it's in the car during a traffic jam, early morning after Fajr, or right before you go to bed, read the Quran with a translation and/or Tafseer. Then watch the snowball effect. You will, Insha Allah, reconnect with Allah, and in the long run, develop into a role model helping your whole family, not just your teen, reconnect with Him too.

Tip #4: Attend a weekly Halaqa
Trade playing cards or watching television on Sunday afternoons for a Halaqa. If you don't have something already in place during that time slot, help the Imam to set one up. Attend it vigilantly. The added bonus of this is that when children see their parents striving to learn about Islam, they will in many cases be encouraged to do the same.

Tip #5: Respect your teen
Respecting your teen means not treating them like inept babies, but like maturing adults, not talking down to them or humiliating and insulting them. It means involving them in useful activities around the home and seeking their opinions on matters of importance.

Tip #6: Take an interest in what they do
Does Noor play hockey in an all-girls' sports league? Attend Noor's games as regularly as possible. Does Ihsan collect stamps? See if you can find old letters from your parents in Malaysia or Lebanon and pass the stamps on them to her. Does Muhsin love building websites? Visit his site, post a congratulatory e-mail on the message board and offer some suggestions for the site. Give him a book on advanced web design as Eid gift.

Tip #7: Be aware of problems and address them straightforwardly
As you spend more time with your teen, you will be more able to sense if there is something bothering them. Don't brush this feeling under the carpet. Address it straight on. But don't do this in the family meeting or n in front of others. Do it during the next tip.

Tip #8: "Date" your teenager
While dating is commonly associated with boy-girl social meetings, the concept can be extended to any meeting between two people wanting to get to know each other better. It's especially important to "date" your children on an individual level once they hit their teens because they are no longer just "one of the kids". They are young adults who need attention and guidance on an individual level. You can go out on a "date" when Sumayya graduates from high school (instead of going to the prom), when Ahmed gets his driver's license or if you feel there is something bothering them and you want to address them alone.

Tip #9: Don't just be your teen's parent, be his or her partner
Making them a partner means giving them responsibilities within the family. Get 16 year old Amir, who just got his driver's license, to help his mom with grocery shopping on Saturday's; get 15 year old Jasmine, who loves flowers, to be responsible for the garden and mowing the lawn. This way, teens will feel a part of the family, included and needed.

Tip #10: Build a Masjid in your home
Delegate a room, part of the basement or the living room as the home Masjid. You can do this for less than $25. Make this Masjid entirely the responsibility of the kids. Get the eldest to be in charge and to delegate responsibilities for younger siblings. Responsibilities include keeping the Masjid clean, waking people up for Fajr, calling the Adhan, etc.

Tip #11: Don't practice "men's Islam"
That means don't exclude wives or daughters from prayers. When the men are praying in Jamaah, make sure the women are either behind them or also praying in congregation. Make sure the Imam recites the prayer loud enough for the women to hear if they are in another part of the house. Also, encourage women to pray in Jamaah if there are no men present.

Tip #12: Establish an Islamic library and choose a librarian
Equip your home with an Islamic library with books, video and audio cassettes about various aspects of Islam, catering to everyone's age and interests. If 13-year-old Bilal likes adventure novels, for example, make sure you have a couple of Islamic adventure books Get one of your teens to be the librarian. S/he keeps materials organized and in good condition. Any requests for materials to be added to the collection have to go through him or her. Give this librarian a monthly budget for ordering new books, cassettes, etc.

Tip#13: Take them out.....to Islamic activities
Instead of a fancy dinner at a restaurant, save your money to take everyone out to the next Muslim community dinner or activity. Make a special effort to go to events where other Muslim teens will be present and the speaker caters his/her message to this crowd. It's also important to regularly take Bilal and Humayra to Islamic camps and conferences where they will meet other Muslim kids their age on a larger scale.

Tip #14: Move to a racially and religiously mix neighborhood in your city
If your children can interact with Muslim as well as non-Muslim children on a daily basis, it is going to be healthier for their growth. May be a move closer to a masjid is going to help as well.

Tip #15 : Help teens start their own youth group
After living in a Muslim neighborhood and attending Islamic activities regularly, teens in many cases will develop a friendship with other Muslims their age. Don't let this end here.Help them establish a youth group, not just to learn about Islam, but to go to the amusement park together, go swimming, etc. Have meetings at members' houses on a weekly or bimonthly basis. Get this group involved in useful work like cleaning up litter around the Masjid or visiting senior citizens' homes.This group must have parental supervision, although teens' decision-making powers should not be interfered with unless really necessary.

Tip #16: Establish a TV-free evening and monitor TV watching in general
Parents' biggest competitor for their children's attention is the T.V. Sound Vision's unTV guide. Monitoring what everyone watches simply means taking care to remind and help everyone avoid shows which depict sex, violence and encourage unIslamic activities. Put up a list of acceptable and unacceptable shows on the wall beside the T.V. Establishing TV-free evenings means having one evening of the week when no one, adult, teen or child is allowed to watch television. Hopefully, this is a first step towards general TV reduction in the home. This is an ideal time to have the next tip.

Tip #17: Have weekly family meetings
The purpose: to find out what is going on in everyone's lives and to consult the family on important issues. Hanan started attending a Halaqa, Imran just returned from a Muslim youth camp, Bilal aced the last algebra test. The point is not to just give this news in point form. It's to elicit discussion and communication between everyone, and to keep up-to-date about what is going on in everyone's life, which gets harder when kids become teenagers.This is also the place to consult the family and decide on major issues affecting everyone: a move to another city; a marriage of one of the family members; difficulties with a bully in school, etc.Please note: Shura in the family does not mean a majority vote determines what to do about a situation. While the parents remain in charge, teens and younger children voice opinions and suggestions parents will consider in making a final decision about a matter.

Tip #18: Have "Halal Fun night" once a month
"Fun is Haram" is a joke sometimes heard amongst Muslim youth, mocking the attitude of some Muslims for whom virtually anything enjoyable is automatically labeled Haram (forbidden). Islamic entertainment is a much neglected area of Muslim concern. Islamic songs, skits, etc. are a viable tool for the transmission of Islam. Maybe 16-year-old Jameel knows how to play the Duff, while his sister Amira, 14, can write and sing well. Let them present their own Islamic song to the whole family. Or have 12-year-old Ridwan recite some of his best poetry. Make one of the teens in charge of this event. Help them establish a criteria of acceptable and unacceptable Halal entertainment.

Tip #19: Provide the right role models-What would Abu Bakr have done?
Apart from being a role model yourself by trying to practice Islam, make sure you provide teens with reading material about the Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) and his Companions (Sahaba), both the men and the women. Otherwise, the characters on the programs your kids watch on television may become their "Sahabas". Discuss what a Companion may have done in a situation relevant to teens' lives. What would Abu Bakr Siddiq do if he saw a someone selling answers to the grade 11 math final exam? What would Aisha have done is she was confronted with the opportunity to cheat her parents?

Tip #20: Read books on Positive Parenting
These can be books written by Muslims, but even books by non-Muslims can help. However, just be ready and make sure you are able to identify what is Islamically acceptable versus what is not.

Tip #21: Get them married early
The societies of the West are permeated by sex: on TV, billboards, on the streets, buses, in movies, etc. A Muslim teenager facing this is in a tough position: succumb to the temptations or try really, really hard not to. Getting them married early (check out some tips for parents) will ease the pressure, and they don't have to stop their studies to do this. Remember, as a parent you will also be partly responsible if your son or daughter wanted to marry, you stopped them and they ended up having sex outside of marriage. You should also remember when undertaking this step not to force your son or daughter to marry someone they do not like.

Tip #22: Last but not least-Make Dua
Make Dua. It is really Allah who guides and misguides, but if you've done your job as a parent, Insha Allah, keeping your teen a practicing Muslim will be easier to do than if you had neglected this duty. As well, make Dua for your teen in front of them. This reminds them how much you love them and your concern for them.

- Soundvision.com

The Purpose of Islam is to Teach Humanity Unity

The purpose of Islam is to teach humanity unity. It begins
with the unity of our Lord, that we unify Him in our understanding
and associate nothing with Him. The renowned theologian and
heresiologist, Imam Abu Ishaq al-Isfarayini (d. 418/1027) remarked
that, “All what theologians have said concerning the unity of God
can be summed up in two statements: first, God is other than any
concept that comes to mind. Second, while the essence of God
is utterly unlike other essences, it is, nonetheless, not devoid of
attributes.”

- Sh. Hamza Yusuf

The Purpose of Our Existence...

The basic purpose of human existence is acquisition of knowledge of God;
there is no relationship more true than this spiritual affiliation.
All other types of relationships are but derivative and dependent upon that spiritual connection, and in themselves nothing to boast of.

- Lahiji: "Mafatih"

A Woman's Pride: The God Standard Not the Man Standard

This is a truly awesome response to the 'women leading prayer' controversy... kudos to Yasmin!

Woman's Reflection on Leading Prayer:

by Yasmin Mogahed

'Given my privilege as a woman, I only degrade Myself by trying to be something I'm not--and in all honesty--don' t want to be: a man. As women, we will never reach true liberation until we stop trying to mimic men, and value the beauty in our own God-given distinctiveness. '

On March 18, 2005 Amina Wadud led the first female-led Jumuah (Friday) prayer. On that day women took a huge step towards being more like men. But, did we come closer to actualizing our God given liberation? I Don’t think so.

What we so often forget is that God has honored the woman by giving her value in relation to God not in relation to men. But as western feminism erases God from the scene, there are no standard left but men. As a result the western feminist is forced to find her value in relation to a man. And in so doing she has accepted a faulty assumption. She has accepted that man is the standard, and thus a woman can never be a full human being until she becomes just like a man-the standard.

When a man cut his hair short, she wanted to cut her hair short. When a man joined the army, she wanted to join the army. She wanted these things for no other reason than because the 'standard' had it. What she didn't recognize was that God dignifies both men and women in their distinctiveness—not their sameness. And on March 18, Muslim women made the very same mistake.

For 1400 years there has been a consensus of the scholars that men are to lead prayer. As a Muslim woman, why does this matter? The one who leads prayer is not spiritually superior in any way. Something is not better just because a man does it. And leading prayer is not better, just because it's leading. Had it been the role of women or had it been more divine, why wouldn't the Prophet have asked Ayesha or Khadija, or Fatima-the greatest women of all time-to lead?
These women were promised heaven-and yet they never lead prayer..

But now for the first time in 1400 years, we look at a man leading prayer and we think, 'That's not fair.' We think so although God has given no special privilege to the one who leads. The imam is no higher in the eyes of God than the one who prays behind.

On the other hand, only a woman can be a mother. And God has given special privilege to a mother. The Prophet taught us that heaven lies at the feet of mothers. But no matter what a man does he can never be a mother. So why is that not unfair?

When asked who is most deserving of our kind treatment? The Prophet replied 'your mother' three times before saying 'your father' only once.

Isn't that sexist? No matter what a man does he will never be able to have the status of a mother.

And yet even when God honors us with something uniquely feminine, we are too busy trying to find our worth in reference to men, to value it-or even notice. We too have accepted men as the standard; so anything uniquely feminine is, by definition, inferior. Being sensitive is an insult, becoming a mother-a degradation.

In the battle between stoic rationality (considered masculine) and self-less compassion (considered feminine), rationality reigns supreme.

As soon as we accept that everything a man has and does is better, all that follows is just a knee jerk reaction: if men have it-we want it too. If men pray in the front rows, we assume this is better, so we want to pray in the front rows too. If men lead prayer, we assume the imam is closer to God, so we want to lead prayer too. Somewhere along the line we've accepted the notion that having a position of worldly leadership is some indication of one's position with God.
A Muslim woman does not need to degrade herself in this way. She has God as a standard. She has God to give her value; she doesn't need a man.

In fact, in our crusade to follow men, we, as women, never even stopped to examine the possibility that what we have is better for us. In some cases we even gave up what was higher only to be like men.

Fifty years ago, society told us that men were superior because they left the home to work in factories. We were mothers. And yet, we were told that it was women's liberation to abandon the raising of another human being in order to work on a machine. We accepted that working in a factory was superior to raising the Foundation of society -just because a man did it.
Then after working, we were expected to be superhuman-the perfect mother, the perfect wife, the perfect homemaker -and have the perfect career. And while there is nothing wrong, by definition, with a woman having a career, we soon came to realize what we had sacrificed by blindly mimicking men. We watched as our children became strangers and soon recognized the privilege we'd given up.

And so only now-given the choice-women in the West are choosing to stay home to raise their children. According to the United States Department of Agriculture, only 31 percent of mothers with babies, and 18 percent of mothers with two or more children, are working full-time. And of those working mothers, a survey conducted by Parenting Magazine in 2000, found that 93% of them say they would rather be home with their kids, but are compelled to work due to 'financial obligations' . These 'obligations' are imposed on women by the gender sameness of the modern West, and removed from women by the gender distinctiveness of Islam.

It took women in the West almost a century of experimentation to realize a privilege given to Muslim women 1400 years ago.

Given my privilege as a woman, I only degrade myself by trying to be something I'm not--and in all honesty--don' t want to be: a man. As women, we will never reach true liberation until we stop trying to mimic men, and value the beauty in our own God-given distinctiveness.

If given a choice between stoic justice and compassion, I choose compassion. And if given a choice between worldly leadership and heaven at my feet - I choose Heaven.