Sunday, December 30, 2007

AL-ifta

AL-ifta


Islamic religion is build on or base on tow important issues, first one the Noble Qur’an and second Sunnah , Hadith . So every new issue submits or distribute by Muslim scholar will refuse if NOT base on Noble Qur’an and Sunnah.

The requirements of publish new issue ( fatwah) you MOST have complete knowledge of Noble Qur’an and Sunnah like memorizes and explanations it both. And you should study Islamic interaction with graduated scholars that recommend your qualifications, In another hand you should graduated from Islamic university or famous Mosque ( Masjeed). www.alifta.com

For example: Parents, relatives and neighbors according to Noble Book and Sunnah.

Almighty said:

“ Your sustainer has decreed that you worship none but him, and that you be kind to parents. Whether one or both of them attain old age in your life-time, do not say to them a word of contempt nor repel them, but address them in terms of honour. And, out of kindness, lower to them the wing of humility and say: My Sustainer! Bestow on them your mercy, even as they cherished me in childhood. (17:23-24)”

“ And render to the relatives their due right, as (also) to those in need, and to the traveler; and do not squander your wealth in the manner of a spendthrift.” (17: 26)

The prophet (PBUH) has said:

“ He is not believer who eats his fill when his neighbor beside him is hungry; and : he does not believe whose neighbors are not safe from his injurious conduct”

According to the Noble Book and Sunnah a Muslim has to discharge his moral responsibility not only to his parent’s, relative and neighbors but to the entire mankind, animals, trees and plants.


Shacky Al-Ejily.




The Fast of Ramadan

The Fast of Ramadan

Ramadan is the ninth month of the Muslim calendar. The Month of Ramadan is also when it is believed the Holy Quran "was sent down from heaven, a guidance unto men, a declaration of direction, and a means of Salvation"

It is during this month that Muslims fast. It is called the Fast of Ramadan and lasts the entire month. Ramadan is a time when Muslims concentrate on their faith and spend less time on the concerns of their everyday lives. It is a time of worship and contemplation
During the Fast of Ramadan strict restraints are placed on the daily lives of Muslims. They are not allowed to eat or drink during the daylight hours. Smoking and sexual relations are also forbidden during fasting. At the end of the day the fast is broken with prayer and a meal called the iftar. In the evening following the iftar it is customary for Muslims to go out visiting family and friends. The fast is resumed the next morning
According to the Holy Quran:

One may eat and drink at any time during the night "until you can plainly distinguish a white thread from a black thread by the daylight: then keep the fast until night"
The good that is acquired through the fast can be destroyed by five things -
the telling of a lie
slander
denouncing someone behind his back
a false oath
greed or covetousness
These are considered offensive at all times, but are most offensive during the Fast of Ramadan
During Ramadan, it is common for Muslims to go to the Masjid (Mosque) and spend several hours praying and studying the Quran. In addition to the five daily prayers, during Ramadan Muslims recite a special prayer called the Taraweeh prayer (Night Prayer). The length of this prayer is usually 2-3 times as long as the daily prayers. Some Muslims spend the entire night in prayer .

On the evening of the 27th day of the month, Muslims celebrate the Laylat-al-Qadr (the Night of Power). It is believed that on this night Muhammad first received the revelation of the Holy Quran.

And according to the Quran, this is when God determines the course of the world for the following year
When the fast ends (the first day of the month of Shawwal) it is celebrated for three days in a holiday called Id-al-Fitr (the Feast of Fast Breaking). Gifts are exchanged. Friends and family gather to pray in congregation and for large meals. In some cities fairs are held to celebrate the end of the Fast of Ramadan.

http://www.holidays.net/ramadan/story.htm

Muslim Pilgrimage Exemplifies Believers' Equality Before God

Muslim Pilgrimage Exemplifies Believers' Equality Before God

Ahmad Al-AkhrasColumbus, OhioDecember 21, 2007


In this bird's-eye view of the Grand Mosque in the holy city of Mecca, Saudi Arabia, Muslim pilgrims perform their evening prayer. (Photo: Roslan Rahman / AFP-Getty Images)
Muslims from all over the world are taking part in the largest gathering on Earth, the Hajj, or pilgrimage to Mecca. The Hajj is a religious obligation that every Muslim must fulfill, if financially and physically able, at least once in his or her lifetime.
During these historic days, white, brown, and black people, rich and poor, kings and peasants, men and women, old and young will all stand before God, all brothers and sisters, at the holiest of shrines in the center of the Muslim world, where all will call upon God to accept their good deeds. These days represent the zenith of every Muslim's lifetime.
The Hajj resembles the reenactment of the experiences of the Prophet Abraham, whose selfless sacrifice has no parallel in the history of humankind.
The Hajj symbolizes the lessons taught by the final prophet, Muhammad, who stood on the plain of Arafat, proclaimed the completion of his mission and announced the proclamation of God: "This day have I perfected your religion for you, completed my favor upon you, and have chosen for you Islam, or submission to God, as your religion" (Quran 5:3).
This great annual convention of faith demonstrates the concept of equality of mankind, the most profound message of Islam, which allows no superiority on the basis of race, gender, or social status.

The only preference in the eyes of God is piety as stated in the Quran: "The best amongst you in the eyes of God is most righteous."
During the days of the Hajj, Muslims dress in the same simple way, observe the same regulations, and say the same prayers at the same time in the same manner, for the same end. There is no royalty and aristocracy, but humility and devotion. These times confirm the commitment of Muslims, all Muslims, to God. It affirms their readiness to leave the material interest for his sake.

The Hajj is a reminder of the Grand Assembly on the Day of Judgment when people will stand equal before God waiting for their final destiny, and as the Prophet Muhammad said, "God does not judge according to your bodies and appearances, but he scans your hearts and looks into your deeds."
The Quran states these ideals really nicely (49:13): "O mankind! We created you from a single (pair) of a male and a female, and made you into nations and tribes, that ye may know each other (not that ye may despise (each other)). Verily the most honored of you in the sight of God is (he who is) the most righteous of you. And God has full knowledge and is well acquainted (with all things)."


While Malcolm X was in Mecca performing his pilgrimage, he wrote to his assistants: "They asked me what about the Hajj had impressed me the most … I said, 'The brotherhood! The people of all races, colors, from all over the world coming together as one! It has proved to me the power of the One God' … All ate as one, and slept as one. Everything about the pilgrimage atmosphere accented the oneness of man under one God."
This is what the Hajj is all about.


Dr. Ahmad Al-Akhras is the vice chair of the Council on American-Islamic Relations. He has made the Hajj three times. This piece first appeared in The Columbus Dispatch