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4 Things that the Holy Prophet (S.A.W.) said! (It will only take a few minutes, do read)
The Holy Prophet (SAW) Said:

1) Four things that make your body sick:
a) Excessive talking
b) Excessive sleeping
c) Excessive eating and
d) Excessive meeting other people

2) Four things that destroys the body:

a) Worrying
b) Sorrow (Sadness/Grief)
c) Hunger
d) Sleeping late in the night

3) Four things that dry the face & take away its happiness:
a) Lying
b) Being disrespectful / impudent (insisting on something wrong knowingly)
c) Arguing without adequate knowledge & Information.
d) Excessive immorality (doing something wrong without fear).

4) Four things that increases the wetness of face & its happiness:
a) Piety
b) Loyalty
c) Generosity (being kind)
d) To be helpful to others without he/she asking for that.

5) Four things that stop the Rizq (Sustenance) :
a) Sleeping in the morning (from Fajr to sunrise)
b) Not Performing Namaz or being Ir-regular in Prayers
c) Laziness / Idleness
d) Treachery / Dishonesty

6) Four things that bring / increase the Rizq:
a) Staying up in the night for prayers.
b) Excessive Repentance
c) Regular Charity
d) Zikr (Remembrance of Allah).

"Save yourself from worrying.
Somebody else already
took care of your affairs for you."
 

Relying on God (tawakkul) is one of the important Islamic concepts that may be misunderstood and therefore might lead to undesirable results. This misunderstanding might also lead to some forms of deviation and introducing innovations in religion. Likewise, it might result in a state of failure in both religious affairs and worldly affairs. When you leave worldly affairs to unreliable people, neglect the means, or quit your work completely, you are deviating from the path of relying on God and practicing apathy (tawaakul) not relying on God (tawakkul).

In his well-known book, Al-Hikam (Words of Wisdom), sheikh Ahmad Ibn `Ataa'illah As-Sakandari says: "Save yourself from worrying. Somebody else already took care of your affairs for you." What is meant by tadbir here?

Tadbir in Arabic means considering the results and outcomes of a certain action. Therefore, tadbir is closely connected with outcomes. In their turn, the outcomes are connected with the concept of relying on God. God says: (… so that they answered, "God is enough for us; and how excellent a guardian is He!") (Aal `Imran 3:173); (Then, when you have decided upon a course of action, place your trust in God: for, verily, God loves those who place their trust in Him.) (Aal `Imran 3:159); (In God, then, let the believers place their trust!) (Aal `Imran 3:160) Thus, the virtue of relying on God is mentioned and highly praised in many Qur'anic verses and what is mentioned frequently in the Qur'an is of profound significance and takes high priority.

There is a considerable difference between relying on God and worrying which is the same difference between the means and outcomes. By this I mean that there is a difference between work represented in striving to achieve the goals, exerting efforts and devoting time and the outcome of this work represented in events, figures, and results. Your role is to strive and rely on God. You do not have to worry about the process of governing such affairs. It is God who governs everything. (And who is it that governs all that exists?) (Yunus 10:31), this is a clear question raised in the Qur'an.

God governs all that exists. You have to take the means and leave the outcomes to God because taking the means and causes is part of relying on God. When the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) wanted to give an example of relying on God, he said:

"If you had all relied on Allah as you should rely on Him, then He would have provided for you as He provides for the birds, who wake up hungry in the morning and return with full stomachs at dusk." (Authenticated by Al-Albani)

You are like the bird. The bird does not stand on one branch of a tree all the time waiting for the grains. But it moves from one branch to another until it gets the grains. The bird has to do its best to get the grains, and providing the bird with the grains is God's work.

Therefore, you should take the means and leave out the outcomes to God. Some Muslims -even those who are on the path to God- do not take the means, stay at the mosque all the time and ask people for food and clothes. They argue that governing things is not their task. Their argument is correct, but they have to rely on God and relying on God necessities having recourse to the means and the causes of achieving goals.

It is reported that a man used to stay at the mosque all the time arguing that he is devoting himself and his time to worship God. The Prophet asked about the one who takes care of him. The Prophet was told that the man's brother takes care of him. The Prophet replied: "His brother is better than him." `Umar ibn Al-Khattab advised some people who stayed at the mosque and said "We are relying on God." He said his common words: "The sky does not rain gold or silver."

If one cannot attain success after having recourse to every necessary means, this is a proper situation to really rely on God. If the means you have taken fail you, you might say: O God, I have done my best and I left no stone unturned, what should I do? At this point, you are indeed putting your trust in God.

Sometimes God might withhold from me the causes, the means and take from me my power so that I return to Him and rely on Him. This is a valuable God-given gift.

What is not conformable with relying on God is not to do anything or not to have recourse to every kind of means and causes of success. Some ignorant people ignore taking the necessary means intentionally. What is needed from you is to take all the means, and then rely on God.

Sometimes God might withhold from me the causes, the means and take from me my power so that I return to Him and rely on Him. This is a valuable God-given gift.

Relying on God is not inconsistent with what we call nowadays planning, making a feasibility study, studying the market, etc. All this is part of relying on God because by planning, organizing, studying, etc. we are having recourse to the means of success. If you are a trader, you have to make a feasibility study and do your calculations. If you lose, this is God's decree. If you win, it is also God's decree. You do not have to worry about the outcomes. To lose or to win, to succeed or to fail, is not your business.

Even in religious issues whether they have to do daw`ah (Islamic call) issues, scientific issues, or worship issues, you do the thing and leave the rest to God. For example, you worship God by calling people to do good deeds but guiding those people is left to God. God says:

(It is not for you [O Prophet] to make people follow the right path, since it is God [alone] who guides whom He wills.) (Al-Baqarah 2:272);

He also says:

(Verily, you cannot guide aright everyone whom you love: but it is God who guides him that wills [to be guided]; and He is fully aware of all who would let themselves be guided.) (Al-Qasas 28:56)

Ibn `Ataillah says: (Save yourself from worrying. Somebody else already took care of your affairs for you.) What is meant by "somebody else"? Who provides you with the means of living? Who plans for your success? Who decides on the outcomes? It is God the Almighty. Therefore, if somebody else has done something for you, why you go and do it yourself?

This is a very simple rational issue. If there is a specialist in a certain field doing something for you, it is not proper to go and do it yourself. How about if the one who is taking care of this thing is God Himself!



Reference: http://www.onislam.net/english/shariah/refine-your-heart/advice/452230-relying-on-god-properly.html

 

"If there were, in the heavens
And the earth, other gods
Besides Allah, there would
Have been confusion in both!
But glory to Allah,
...The Lord of the Throne:
(High is He) above
What they attribute to Him!"
[Al-Qur’an 21:22]

“And the (faithful) slaves of the Most Gracious (Allaah) are those who walk on the earth in humility and sedateness”

[al-Furqaan 25:63]

“Whoever works righteousness — whether male or female — while he (or she) is a true believer (of Islamic Monotheism) verily, to him We will give a good life (in this world with respect, contentment and lawful provision), and We shall pay them certainly a reward in proportion to the best of what they used to do (i.e. Paradise in the He...reafter)”

[al-Nahl 16:97]

“Say (O Muhammad صلى الله عليه وسلم): (But) the things that my Lord has indeed forbidden are Al‑Fawaahish (great evil sins and every kind of unlawful sexual intercourse) whether committed openly or secretly, sins (of all kinds), unrighteous oppression, joining partners (in worship) with Allaah for which He has given no authority, and ...saying things about Allaah of which you have no knowledge”

[al-A’raaf 7:33]




"When some trouble toucheth man,
He crieth unto his Lord,
Turning to Him in repentance:
But when He bestoweth
A favour upon him
...As from Himself,
(Man) doth forget what he cried
And prayed for before,
And he doth set up
Rivals unto Allah."
[Al-Qur’an 39:8]


“O you who believe (Muslims)! When the call is proclaimed for the Salaah (prayer) on Friday (Jumu‘ah prayer), come to the remembrance of Allaah [Jumu‘ah religious talk (Khutbah) and Salaah (prayer)] and leave off business (and every other thing). That is better for you if you did but know!”

[al-Jumu’ah 62:9]

By Magdy Abd Al-Shafy 
people used to reject prophets unless they bring forth seen miracles . Some believed and other went on in their stubbornness . Now after the demise of the prophets , people are in need to know if there is God or not ; Darwinism and evolution produced atheism and secularism , a world wide sweeping dogma that have thrown humanity back in the ages of darkness . Because of the distortion of Christianity and Judaism,  these religions became so wavering and shaky leaving the concept of theism in jeopardy .
Islam , being the last revealed religion , is standing now in the face of such unsubstantiated claims of atheism . Most of the findings of the science that science brags about are mentioned in the Holy Quran , that was revealed more than 1400 years ago.
  Allah says in the Holy Quran what means " "Soon will We show them Our Signs in the (furthest) regions (of the earth), and in their own souls, until it becomes manifest to them that this is the Truth. Is it not enough that thy Lord doth witness all things? "
Among the many scientific miracles that are mentioned in the Holy Quran is the black hole "
The holy Quran mentions the black holes in the following holy verse by its very specific characteristics ; these are :
(1)They are running stars.
(2)They are veiled or receded .
(3)They are sweeping stars .
let's read the following verse from the holy Quran first before reading what astrophysics says about the black holes .
God says in the holy Quran what means [So verily, I swear by the stars that are veiled . And by the (sweeping ) stars that move swiftly and hide themselves. And by the night as it departs; And by the dawn as it brightens; Verily, this is the Word (this Qur'an brought by) a most honorable messenger [Jibril (Gabriel), from Allah to the Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him)].] (At-Takwir: 15-19)
It is well known that stars change their nature as they age till they die , among the endpoints of stars is the black hole .  God says in the Holy Quran what means" And call not, besides God, on another god. there is no god but He. Everything (that exists) will perish except His own Face. to Him belongs the Command, and to Him will ye (All do Him will ye (all) be brought back. "( Al-Kasas :88)
 


 During the life cycle of stars , stars change from one entity to another , this change takes millions of years . One of these is the black hole . The black hole is fearful .
 What kinds of black holes are there?
Scientists have identified three kinds of black holes – small, medium, and large.
(1)The small one or low-mass black holes stellar or galactic black holes
These low-mass black holes form from collapsed stars that were once 100 times as massive as our Sun .
When such a massive star runs out of energy, it throws off its outer shell and is left with a core that is still 15 times as massive as the Sun
Scientists believe that our Milky Way Galaxy contains tens of thousands of these black holes, hence the name "galactic" black hole.
(2) Super massive black holes reside in the center of galaxies. Some scientists speculate that most galaxies, including our own, harbor a super massive black hole
(3) The mid-size black holes .
 There are two main processes constantly going on in massive stars: nuclear fusion (which tends to blow the star's hydrogen outward from the star's center) and gravitation (which tends to pull all hydrogen back in the direction it had come). These two processes balance one another until all the star's hydrogen is exhausted, allowing gravitation to take over.
Once gravitation dominates, the star becomes unstable and starts to collapse. Once the star starts to collapse, it does not stop, and the star (and ultimately its atoms ) will cave inward upon itself, resulting in the formation of a black hool (Hewitt 186).
 
  A supermassive black hole is a black hole with a mass of an order of magnitude between 105 and 1010 (hundreds of thousands and tens of billions) of solar masses . It is currently thought that most, if not all galaxies , including the Milky Way , contain supermassive black holes at their galactic centers. Supermassive black holes have some interesting properties which distinguish them from relatively low-mass cousins , but they remain black hole sucking what fall a prey

 

 
 

 

X-Rays Indicate Star Ripped Up by Black Hole

 

  Why are black holes black?
In order for a rocket to leave the surface of Earth, it must travel faster than 25,000 miles per hour (7 miles per second). This is called escape velocity. If the rocket has a speed less than the escape velocity of an object, the object's gravity will pull it back down. The escape velocity of a black hole is greater then 186,000 miles per second. That means a rocket would have to travel faster than 186,000 miles per second in order to leave the black hole. The speed of light is 186,000 miles per second, so light doesn't travel fast enough to leave the black hole, hence it is black.
 
Institute's Digitized Sky Survey has played an important supporting role in helping radio and X-ray astronomers discover an ancient black hole speeding through the Sun's galactic neighborhood. The rogue black hole is devouring a small companion star as the pair travels in an eccentric orbit looping to the outer reaches of our Milky Way galaxy.
 


 

It is believed that the black hole is the remnant of a massive star that that lived out its brief life billions of years ago and later was gravitationally kicked from its home star cluster to wander the Galaxy with its companion
 

Most of the stars in our Milky Way galaxy are within a thin disk, called the plane of the Galaxy. However, there also are globular clusters, each containing hundreds of thousands of the oldest stars in the Galaxy, which orbit the Galaxy's center in paths that take them far from the Galaxy's plane. 
 
 

 So when a star which has consumed all its fuel collapses in on itself, eventually turning into a black hole with infinite density and zero volume and an immensely powerful magnetic field.
The holy Quran refers to this fact ;i.e. the death of stars because of the exhaustion of its fuel " When the stars are extinguished " (Qur'an, 77:8)
Will all stars be black holes?
However, not all stars upon gravitational collapse form black holes. A star less than 1.4 times the mass of the sun will become a white dwarf . A star between 1.4 and 3 times the mass of the sun will become a neutron star . It's only those stars greater than 3 times the mass of the sun that become black holes upon collapse. They are formed from the cores of super massive stars and can best be described as regions of space where so much mass is concentrated that nothing, not even light, can escape the gravitational pull. It is an area where the escape velocity is greater than the speed of light. The more massive an object is, the faster you have to travel to escape its gravity. This is known as the escape velocity.
Black holes are so massive that their escape velocity is faster than the speed of light. Since nothing can travel faster than light, nothing can escape the gravity of a black hole.
Facets of Scientific Inimitability:
Allah, the Almighty, swore by these things to confirm the fact that the Ever-Glorious Qur'an is a Divine revelation. He (Exalted and Glorified be He) says:[So verily, I swear by the stars that are veiled . And by the (sweeping ) stars that move swiftly and hide themselves. And by the night as it departs; And by the dawn as it brightens; Verily, this is the Word (this Qur'an brought by) a most honorable messenger [Jibril (Gabriel), from Allah to the Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him)].] (At-Takwir: 15-19)
The importance of this kind of confirmation lies in the object used for swearing here, which is described in a way tantamount to black holes. The black holes are running stars that move in their poles, and hide themselves after having been obvious, as they are at the end of their lives. They produce no light due to their gravity which enables them to gravitate everything in their way and clear their way by swallowing up everything around. The Ever-Glorious Qur'an describes them as being ‘cleaners’ in conformity with the scientific description. The Qur’anic description which confirms the scientific one stands as decisive evidence that the Ever-Glorious Qur'an is the true word of Allah - Glory be to Him.
A non-Moslem scientist defined the black holes in a way that is really expressive. Though he never read the holy quran , he used the same word that the holy Quran used .This reflects how much the holy Quran scientific facts are in conformity with newly discovered facts .  He literally said  " It creates an immense gravitational pull not unlike an invisible cosmic vacuum cleaner. As  it sucks in all matter in its way -not even light can escape.
The Arabic word " Konus " can be translated " sweeper or cleaner . It is the same word from which we derive what can be used in cleaning flats , i.e , the vacuum cleaner .
  The Holy Quran is more accurate when describing the black hole ; in just three words the Holy Quran describes the black holes as follows :
(1)They are running and that what science says . 
(2)They are receding away or veiled after being apparent and science says they were stars that receded or veiled as light can't escape their gravitation  
(3)They suck or sweep any matter and that what science says about these stars

In The Name Of God, Most Gracious, Most Merciful
O mankind! We created you from a single soul, male and female, and
made you into nations and tribes, so that you may come to know one
another. Truly, the most honored of you in God's sight is the greatest
of you in piety. God is All-Knowing, All-Aware 49:13)

WHAT IS ISLAM?
Islam is not a new religion, but the same truth that God revealed through all His
prophets to every people. For a fifth of the world's population, Islam is both a religion
and a complete way of life. Muslims follow a religion of peace, mercy, and
forgiveness, and the majority have nothing to do with the extremely grave events
which have come to be associated with their faith.

WHO ARE THE MUSLIMS?
One billion people from a vast range of races, nationalities and cultures across the
globe -- from the southern Philippines to Nigeria -- are united by their common Islamic
faith. About 18% live in the Arab world; the world's largest Muslim community is in
Indonesia; substantial parts of Asia and most of Africa are Muslim, while significant
minorities are to be found in the Soviet Union, China, North and South America, and
Europe.

WHAT DO MUSLIMS BELIEVE?
Muslims believe in One Unique, Incomparable God; in the Angels created by Him; in
the prophets through whom His revelations were brought to mankind; in the Day of
Judgment and individual accountability for actions; in God's complete authority over
human destiny and in life after death. Muslims believe in a chain of prophets starting
with Adam and including Noah, Abraham, Ishmael, Isaac, Jacob, Joseph, Job, Moses,
Aaron, David, Solomon, Elias, Jonah, John the Baptist, and Jesus, peace be upon
them. But God's final message to man, a reconfirmation of the eternal message and a
summing-up of all that has gone before was revealed to the Prophet Muhammad
through Gabriel.

HOW DOES SOMEONE BECOME A MUSLIM?
Simply by saying 'there is no god apart from God, and Muhammad is the Messenger
of God.' By this declaration the believer announces his or her faith in all God's
messengers, and the scriptures they brought.

WHAT DOES 'ISLAM' MEAN?
The Arabic word 'Islam' simply means 'submission', and derives from a word meaning
'peace'. In a religious context it means complete submission to the will of God.
Mohammedanism' is thus a misnomer because it suggests that Muslims worship
Muhammad rather than God. 'Allah' is the Arabic name for God, which is used by
Arab Muslims and Christians alike.

WHY DOES ISLAM OFTEN SEEM STRANGE?
Islam may seem exotic or even extreme in the modern world. Perhaps this is because
religion does not dominate everyday life in the West today, whereas Muslims have
religion always uppermost in their minds, and make no division between secular and
sacred. They believe that the Divine Law, the Shari'a, should be taken very seriously,
which is why issues related to religion are still so important.

DO ISLAM AND CHRISTIANITY HAVE DIFFERENT ORIGINS?
No. Together with Judaism, they go back to the prophet and patriarch Abraham, and
their three prophets are directly descended from his sons Muhammad from the eldest,
Ishmael, and Moses and Jesus from Isaac. Abraham established the settlement which
today is the city of Makkah, and built the Ka'abah towards which all Muslims turn
when they pray.

WHAT IS THE KA'ABAH?
The Ka'abah is the place of worship which God commanded Abraham and Ishmael to
build over four thousand years ago. The building was constructed of stone on what
many believe was the original site of a sanctuary established by Adam. God
commanded Abraham to summon all mankind to visit this place, and when pilgrims go
there today they say 'At Thy service, O Lord', in response to Abraham's summons.

WHO IS MUHAMMAD?
Muhammad was born in Makkah in the year 570, at a time when Christianity was not
yet fully established in Europe. Since his father died before his birth, and his mother
shortly afterwards, he was raised by his uncle from the respected tribe of Quraysh. As
he grew up, he became known for his truthfulness, generosity and sincerity, so that he
was sought after for his ability to arbitrate in disputes. The historians describe him as
calm and meditative. Muhammad was of a deeply religious nature, and had long
detested the decadence of his society. It became his habit to meditate from time to
time in the Cave of Hira near the summit of Jaba al-Nur, the 'Mountain of Light' near
Makkah.

HOW DID HE BECOME A PROPHET AND A MESSENGER OF GOD?
At the age of 40, while engaged in a meditative retreat, Muhammad received his first
revelation from God through the Angel Gabriel. This revelation, which continued for
twenty-three years, is known as the Qur'an. As soon as be began to recite the words
he heard from Gabriel, and to preach the truth which God had revealed to him, he and
his small group of followers suffered bitter persecution which grew so fierce that in
the year 622 God gave them the command to emigrate. This event, the Hijra,
'migration', in which they left Makkah for the city of Madinah some 260 miles to the
north, marks the beginning of the Muslim calendar. After several years, the Prophet
and his followers were able to return to Makkah, where they forgave their enemies
and established Islam definitively. Before the Prophet died at the age of 63, the
greater part of Arabia was Muslim, and within a century of his death Islam had spread
to Spain in the West and as far East as China.

HOW DID THE SPREAD OF ISLAM AFFECT THE WORLD?
Among the reasons for the rapid and peaceful spread of Islam was the simplicity of its
doctrine-Islam calls for faith in only one God worthy of worship. It also repeatedly
instructs man to use his powers of intelligence and observation.
Within a few years, great civilizations and universities were flourishing, for according
to the Prophet, 'seeking knowledge is an obligation for every Muslim man and
woman'. The synthesis of Eastern and Western ideas and of new thought with old,
brought about great advances in medicine, mathematics, physics, astronomy,
geography, architecture, art, literature, and history. Many crucial systems such as
algebra, the Arabic numerals, and also the concept of the zero (vital to the
advancement of mathematics), were transmitted to medieval Europe from Islam.
Sophisticated instruments which were to make possible the European voyages of
discovery were developed, including the astrolabe, the quadrant and good
navigational maps.

WHAT IS THE QUR'AN?
The Qur'an is a record of the exact words revealed by God through the Angel Gabriel
to the Prophet Muhammad. It was memorized by Muhammad and then dictated to his
Companions, and written down by scribes, who cross-checked it during his lifetime.
Not one word of its 114 chapters, Suras, has been changed over the centuries, so that
the Qur'an is in every detail the unique and miraculous text which was revealed to
Muhammad fourteen centuries ago.

WHAT IS THE QUR'AN ABOUT?
The Qur'an, the last revealed Word of God, is the prime source of every Muslim's faith
and practice. It deals with all the subjects which concern us as human beings: wisdom,
doctrine, worship, and law, but its basic theme is the relationship between God and
His creatures. At the same time it provides guidelines for a just society, proper human
conduct and an equitable economic system.

ARE THERE ANY OTHER SACRED SOURCES?
Yes, the Sunna, the practice and example of the Prophet, is the second authority for
Muslims. A Hadith is a reliably transmitted report of what the Prophet said, did, or
approved. Belief in the Sunna is part of the Islamic faith.

EXAMPLES OF THE PROPHET'S SAYINGS
The Prophet said:
'God has no mercy on one who has no mercy for others'.
'None of you truly believes until he wishes for his brother what
he wishes for himself'.
'He who eats his fill while his neighbor goes without food is not
a believer'.
'The truthful and trusty businessman is associated with the
prophets, the saints, and the martyrs'.
'Powerful is not he who knocks the other down, indeed powerful is
he who controls himself in a fit of anger'.
'God does not judge according to your bodies and appearances but
He scans your hearts and looks into your deeds'.
'A man walking along a path felt very thirsty. Reaching a well he
descended into it, drank his fill and came up. Then he saw a dog
with its tongue hanging out, trying to lick up mud to quench its
thirst. The man saw that the dog was feeling the same thirst as he
had felt so he went down into the well again and filled his shoe
with water and gave the dog a drink. God forgave his sins for this
action'. The Prophet was asked: 'Messenger of God, are we rewarded
for kindness towards animals?' He said, 'There is a reward for
kindness to every living thing'.
From the Hadith collections of Bukhari, Muslim, Tirmidhi and Bayhaqi
WHAT ARE THE 'FIVE PILLARS' OF ISLAM?
They are the framework of the Muslim life: faith, prayer, concern for the
needy, self-purification, and the pilgrimage to Makkah for those who are
able.

1. FAITH
There is no god worthy of worship except God and Muhammad is His messenger.
This declaration of faith is called the Shahada, a simple formula which all the faithful
pronounce. In Arabic, the first part is la ilaha illa'Llah - 'there is no god except God';
ilaha (god) can refer to anything which we may be tempted to put in place of God --
wealth, power, and the like. Then comes illa'Llah:' except God, the source of all
Creation. The second part of the Shahada is Muhammadun rasulu'Llah: 'Muhammad is
the messenger of God'. A message of guidance has come through a man like ourselves.
A translation of the Call to Prayer is:
God is most great. God is most great.
God is most great. God is most great.
I testify that there is no god except God.
I testify that there is no god except God.
I testify that Muhammad is the messenger of God.
I testify that Muhammad is the messenger of God.
Come to prayer! Come to prayer!
Come to success (in this life and the Hereafter)! Come to success!
God is most great. God is most great.
There is no god except God.

2. PRAYER
Salah is the name for the obligatory prayers which are performed five times a day, and
are a direct link between the worshipper and God. There is no hierarchical authority in
Islam, and no priests, so the prayers are led by a learned person who knows the
Qur'an, chosen by the congregation. These five prayers contain verses from the
Qur'an, and are said in Arabic, the language of the Revelation, but personal
supplication can be offered in one's own language.
Prayers are said at dawn, noon, mid-afternoon, sunset and nightfall, and thus
determine the rhythm of the entire day. Although it is preferable to worship together in
a mosque, a Muslim may pray almost anywhere, such as in fields, offices, factories
and universities. Visitors to the Muslim world are struck by the centrality of prayers in
daily life.

3. THE 'ZAKAT'
One of the most important principles of Islam is that all things belong to God, and that
wealth is therefore held by human beings in trust. The word zakat means both
'purification' and 'growth'. Our possessions are purified by setting aside a proportion
for those in need, and, like the pruning of plants, this cutting back balances and
encourages new growth.
Each Muslim calculates his or her own zakat individually. For most purposes this
involves the payment each year of two and a half percent of one's capital. A pious
person may also give as much as he or she pleases as sadaqa, and does so preferably
in secret. Although this word can be translated as 'voluntary charity' it has a wider
meaning. The Prophet said 'even meeting your brother with a cheerful face is charity'.
The Prophet said:
'Charity is a necessity for every Muslim'. He was asked: 'What if
a person has nothing?' The Prophet replied: 'He should work with
his own hands for his benefit and then give something out of such
earnings in charity'. The Companions asked: 'What if he is not
able to work?' The Prophet said: 'He should help poor and needy
persons.' The Companions further asked 'What is he cannot do even
that?' The Prophet said 'He should urge others to do good'. The
Companions said 'What if he lacks that also?' The Prophet said 'He
should check himself from doing evil. That is also charity.'

4. THE FAST
Every year in the month of Ramadan, all Muslims fast from first light until sundown,
abstaining from food, drink, and sexual relations. Those who are sick, elderly, or on a
journey, and women who are pregnant or nursing are permitted to break the fast and
make up an equal number of days later in the year. If they are physically unable to do
this, they must feed a needy person for every day missed. Children begin to fast (and
to observe the prayer) from puberty, although many start earlier.
Although the fast is most beneficial to the health, it is regarded principally as a method
of self-purification. By cutting oneself off from worldly comforts, even for a short
time, a fasting person gains true sympathy with those who go hungry as well as growth
in one's spiritual life.

5. PILGRIMAGE (Hajj)
The annual pilgrimage to Makkah -- the Hajj -- is an obligation only for those who are
physically and financially able to perform it. Nevertheless, about two million people
go to Makkah each year from every corner of the globe providing a unique opportunity
for those of different nations to meet one another. Although Makkah is always filled
with visitors, the annual Hajj begins in the twelfth month of the Islamic year (which is
lunar, not solar, so that Hajj and Ramadan fall sometimes in summer, sometimes in
winter). Pilgrims wear special clothes: simple garments which strip away distinctions
of class and culture, so that all stand equal before God.
The rites of the Hajj, which are of Abrahamic origin, include circling the Ka'abah
seven times, and going seven times between the mountains of Safa and Marwa as did
Hagar during her search for water. Then the pilgrims stand together on the wide plain
of Arafa and join in prayers for God's forgiveness, in what is often thought of as a
preview of the Last Judgment.
In previous centuries the Hajj was an arduous undertaking. Today, however, Saudi
Arabia provides millions of people with water, modern transport, and the most up-todate
health facilities.
The close of the Hajj is marked by a festival, the Eid al-Adha, which is celebrated
with prayers and the exchange of gifts in Muslim communities everywhere. This, and
the Eid al-Fitr, a feast-day commemorating the end of Ramadan, are the main festivals
of the Muslim calendar.

DOES ISLAM TOLERATE OTHER BELIEFS?
The Qur'an says:
God forbids you not, with regards to those who fight you not for
(your) faith nor drive you out of your homes, from dealing kindly
and justly with them; for God loveth those who are just
(Qur'an, 60:8)
It is one function of Islamic law to protect the privileged status of minorities, and this
is why non-Muslim places of worship have flourished all over the Islamic world.
History provides many examples of Muslim tolerance towards other faiths: when the
caliph Omar entered Jerusalem in the year 634, Islam granted freedom of worship to
all religious communities in the city.
Islamic law also permits non- Muslim minorities to set up their own courts, which
implement family laws drawn up by the minorities themselves.

WHAT DO MUSLIMS THINK ABOUT JESUS?
Muslims respect and revere Jesus, and await his Second Coming. They consider him
one of the greatest of God's Messengers to mankind. A Muslim never refers to him
simply as 'Jesus', but always adds the phrase 'upon him be peace'. The Qur'an confirms
his virgin birth (a chapter of the Qur'an is entitled 'Mary'), and Mary is considered the
purest woman in all creation. The Qur'an describes the Annunciation as follows:
Behold!' the Angel said, 'God has chosen you, and purified you,
and chosen you above the women of all nations. O Mary, God gives
you good news of a word from Him, whose name shall be the Messiah,
Jesus son of Mary, honored in this world and the Hereafter, and
one of those brought near to God. He shall speak to the people
from his cradle and in maturity, and shall be of the righteous.'
She said: 'O my Lord! How shall I have a son when no man has
touched me?' He said: 'Even so; God creates what He will. When He
decrees a thing, He says to it, "Be!" and it is 3:42-7)
Jesus was born miraculously through the same power which had
brought Adam into being without a father:
Truly, the likeness of Jesus with God is as the likeness of Adam.
(3:59)
During his prophetic mission Jesus performed many miracles. The
Qur'an tells us that he said:
I have come to you with a sign from your Lord: I make for you out
of clay, as it were, the figure of a bird, and breathe into it and
it becomes a bird by God's leave. And I heal the blind, and the
lepers (3:49)
Neither Muhammad nor Jesus came to change the basic doctrine of
the belief in One God, brought by earlier prophets, but to confirm
and renew it. In the Qur'an Jesus is reported as saying that he
came:
To attest the law which was before me. And to make lawful to you
part of what was forbidden you; I have come to you with a sign from
your Lord, so fear God and obey me 3:50)
The Prophet Muhammad said:
that Muhammad is His messenger, that Jesus is the servant and
messenger of God, His word breathed into Mary and a spirit
emanating from Him, and that Paradise and Hell are true, shall be
received Hadith from Bukhari)

WHY IS THE FAMILY SO IMPORTANT TO MUSLIMS?
The family is the foundation of Islamic society. The peace and security offered by a
stable family unit is greatly valued, and seen as essential for the spiritual growth of its
members. A harmonious social order is created by the existence of extended families;
children are treasured, and rarely leave home until the time they marry.

WHAT ABOUT MUSLIM WOMEN?
Islam sees a woman, whether single or married, as an individual in her own right, with
the right to own and dispose of her property and earnings. A marriage dowry is given
by the groom to the bridge for her own personal use, and she keeps her own family
name rather than taking her husband's. Both men and women are expected to dress in
a way which is modest and dignified; the traditions of female dress found in some
Muslim countries are often the expression of local customs.
The Messenger of God said:
faith amongst believers is he who is best in
manner

CAN A MUSLIM HAVE MORE THAN ONE WIFE?
The religion of Islam was revealed for all societies and all times and so accommodates
widely differing social requirements. Circumstances may warrant the taking of another
wife but the right is granted, according to the Qur'an, only on condition that the
husband is scrupulously fair.

IS ISLAMIC MARRIAGE LIKE CHRISTIAN MARRIAGE?
A Muslim marriage is not a 'sacrament', but a simple, legal agreement in which either
partner is free to include conditions. Marriage customs thus vary widely from country
to country. As a result, divorce is not common, although it is not forbidden as a last
resort. According to Islam, no Muslim girl can be forced to marry against her will: her
parents will simply suggest young men they think may be suitable.

HOW DO MUSLIMS TREAT THE ELDERLY?
In the Islamic world there are no old people's homes. The strain of caring for one's
parents in this most difficult time of their lives is considered an honor and blessing,
and an opportunity for great spiritual growth. God asks that we not only pray for our
parents, but act with limitless compassion, remembering that when we were helpless
children they preferred us to themselves. Mothers are particularly honored: the
Prophet taught that 'Paradise lies at the feet of mothers'. When they reach old age,
Muslim parents are treated mercifully, with the same kindness and selflessness.
In Islam, serving one's parents is a duty second only to prayer, and it is their right to
expect it. It is considered despicable to express any irritation when, through no fault of
their own, the old become difficult.
The Qur'an says:
Your Lord has commanded that you worship none but Him, and be kind
to parents. If either or both of them reach old age with you, do
not say 'uff' to them or chide them, but speak to them in terms of
honor and kindness. Treat them with humility, and say, 'My Lord!
Have mercy on them, for they did care for me when I was little
(17:23-4)

HOW DO MUSLIMS VIEW DEATH?
Like Jews and Christians, Muslims believe that the present life is only a trial
preparation for the next realm of existence. Basic articles of faith include: the Day of
Judgement, resurrection, Heaven and Hell. When a Muslim dies, he or she is washed,
usually by a family member, wrapped in a clean white cloth, and buried with a simple
prayer preferably the same day. Muslims consider this one of the final services they
can do for their relatives, and an opportunity to remember their own brief existence
here on earth. The Prophet taught that three things can continue to help a person even
after death; charity which he had given, knowledge which he had taught and prayers
on their behalf by a righteous child.

WHAT DOES ISLAM SAY ABOUT WAR?
Like Christianity, Islam permits fighting in self-defense, in defense of religion, or on
the part of those who have been expelled forcibly from their homes. It lays down strict
rules of combat which include prohibitions against harming civilians and against
destroying crops, trees and livestock. As Muslims see it, injustice would be
triumphant in the world if good men were not prepared to risk their lives in a righteous
cause.
The Qur'an says:
Fight in the cause of God against those who fight you, but do not
transgress limits. God does not love transgressors 2:190)
If they seek peace, then seek you peace. And trust in God for He
is the One that heareth and knoweth all things 8:61)
War, therefore, is the last resort, and is subject to the rigorous conditions laid down by
the sacred law. The term Jihad literally means 'struggle', and Muslims believe that
there are two kinds of Jihad. The other 'Jihad' is the inner struggle which everyone
wages against egotistic desires, for the sake of attaining inner peace.

WHAT ABOUT FOOD?
Although much simpler than the dietary law followed by Jews and the early
Christians, the code which Muslims observe forbids the consumption of pig meat or
any kind of intoxicating drink. The Prophet taught that 'your body has rights over you',
and the consumption of wholesome food and the leading of a healthy lifestyle are seen
as religious obligations. The Prophet said:
'Ask God for certainty (of faith) and well-being; for after
certainty, no one is given any gift better than health!'

ISLAM IN THE UNITED STATES
It is almost impossible to generalize about American Muslims: converts, immigrants,
factory workers, doctors; all are making their own contribution to America's future.
This complex community is unified by a common faith, underpinned by a countrywide
network of a thousand mosques.
Muslims were early arrivals in North America. By the eighteenth century there were
many thousands of them, working as slaves on plantations. These early communities,
cut off from their heritage and families, inevitably lost their Islamic identity as time
went by. Today many Afro-American Muslims play an important role in the Islamic
community.
The nineteenth century, however, saw the beginnings of an influx of Arab Muslims,
most of whom settled in the major industrial centers where they worshipped in hired
rooms. The early twentieth century witnessed the arrival of several hundred thousand
Muslims from Eastern Europe: the first Albanian mosque was opened in Maine in
1915; others soon followed, and a group of Polish Muslims opened a mosque in
Brooklyn in 1928.
In 1947 the Washington Islamic Center was founded during the term of President
Truman, and several nationwide organizations were set up in the fifties. The same
period saw the establishment of other communities whose lives were in many ways
modeled after Islam. More recently, numerous members of these groups have entered
the fold of Muslim orthodoxy. Today there are about five million Muslims in America.

HOW DOES ISLAM GUARANTEE HUMAN RIGHTS?
Freedom of conscience is laid down by the Qur'an itself:
There is no compulsion in religion 2:256)
The life and property of all citizens in an Islamic state are considered sacred whether a
person is Muslim or not. Racism is incomprehensible to Muslims, for the Qur'an
speaks of human equality in the following terms:
made you into nations and tribes, so that you may come to know one
another. Truly, the most honored of you in God's sight is the
greatest 49:13)

 

The Purpose Of  The Women's Veil In The Quran and Bible

The command to wear the veil is found in both the Quran and Bible. However, the reason for the command is different when you compare the two books. 

 Lets see what the Quran says...

 Surah 33:59

Prophet! Tell thy wives and thy daughters and the women of the believers to draw their cloaks close round them (when they go abroad). That will be better, so that they may be recognized and not annoyed. Allah is ever Forgiving, Merciful.

So the Quran says that women should wear the veil so that they can be recognized (as pious Muslim women) and then no one would bother flirting or annoying them.

Lets compare this with the Bible...

1 Corinthians 11:3-12

Now I want you to realize that the head of every man is Christ, and the head of the woman is man, and the head of Christ is God. Every man who prays or prophesies with his head covered dishonors his head. And every woman who prays or prophesies with her head uncovered dishonors her head—it is just as though her head were shaved. If a woman does not cover her head, she should have her hair cut off; and if it is a disgrace for a woman to have her hair cut or shaved off, she should cover her head. A man ought not to cover his head,since he is the image and glory of God; but the woman is the glory of man. For man did not come from woman, but woman from man;  neither was man created for woman, but woman for man. For this reason, and because of the angels the woman ought to have a sign of authority on her head.

So we see that since the man is the glory of God and the woman is the glory of man then she has to wear the veil as a sign of authority. Her wearing the veil shows that she is subjected in authority to the man. 

power authority, i.e. the sign of the husband's authority.

Source: http://bible.crosswalk.com/Commentaries/ScofieldReferenceNotes/srn.cgi?book=1co&chapter=011

Also notice what verse 10 says, "and because of the angels". A woman has to wear the veil because of the angels. What does this mean? Some commentators don't know...

What this means, I do not yet understand.

Source: http://bible.crosswalk.com/Commentaries/GenevaStudyBible/gen.cgi?book=1co&chapter=011

Because of the angels. This clause has puzzled the critics. The idea probably is: "There should be no violation of decorum, such as a bareheaded woman in a public assembly would be, lest it offend the ministering angels which are always present, though unseen.

Source: http://bible.crosswalk.com/Commentaries/PeoplesNewTestament/pnt.cgi?book=1co&chapter=011

However, others have given some explanations...

because of the angels, that is, say some, because of the evil angels.

Source: http://bible.crosswalk.com/Commentaries/MatthewHenryComplete/mhc-com.cgi?book=1co&chapter=011

Who are these evil angels? The next commentary elaborates more...

De Veland. Virg. c. 7. understands them of evil angels, and that a woman should cover her head in time of worship, lest they should lust after her; though much rather the reason should be, lest they should irritate and provoke lust in others:

Source: http://bible.crosswalk.com/Commentaries/GillsExpositionoftheBible/gil.cgi?book=1co&chapter=011&verse=010&next=011&prev=009

As we see there is an opinion that the woman should wear the veil so that the angels won't come down and have sex with them! 

Therefore women should cover their heads in order not to tempt the angels to come down and take them as wives this is supported by

Genesis 6: 1-4

When men began to increase in number on the earth and daughters were born to them, 2 the sons of God saw that the daughters of men were beautiful, and they married any of them they chose. 3 Then the LORD said, "My Spirit will not contend with [a] man forever, for he is mortal [b] ; his days will be a hundred and twenty years." 4 The Nephilim were on the earth in those days—and also afterward—when the sons of God went to the daughters of men and had children by them. They were the heroes of old, men of renown. 

This Christian thinks that the 'sons of God' being referred in this verse are the angels. 

You also have...

2 Peter 2:4

For if God did not spare angels when they sinned, but sent them to hell,[a] putting them into gloomy dungeons[b] to be held for judgment;

The commentary...

 and of Aza and Azael, angels, who, they say, sinned by lusting after the daughters of men, they frequently affirm, that God cast them down from their holiness

Source: http://bible.crosswalk.com/Commentaries/GillsExpositionoftheBible/gil.cgi?book=2pe&chapter=002&verse=004&next=005&prev=003

Jude 6

6And the angels who did not keep their positions of authority but abandoned their own home—these he has kept in darkness, bound with everlasting chains for judgment on the great Day.

Here is the commentary of this verse...

The sinning of angels can be thought of in two main ways: in the original rebellion of some angels against God, and in the sin of the "sons of God" described in Genesis 6:1-2

i. Genesis 6:1-2: Now it came to pass, when men began to multiply on the face of the earth, and daughters were born to them, that the sons of God saw the daughters of men, that they were beautiful; and they took wives for themselves of all whom they chose.

c. This describes some type of sexual union between these sinning angels (spirit beings) and willing humans

d. It is useless to speculate on the nature of this union. Whether it was brought about by something like demon possession, or whether angels have power permanently to assume the form of men is not revealed.

e. How can we know there was something sexual here? Jude tells us in verse 7: in a similar manner to these, having given themselves over to sexual immorality and gone after strange flesh - as in Sodom and Gomorrah, there was an unnatural sexual union

i. Understand that the occult is filled with sexual associations with the demonic, and there are those today who actively pursue such associations

ii. It goes without saying that the blood of Christ can free anyone from such terrible experiences, and that a child of God has a unique protection in such matters

f. God judged these wicked angels, setting them in everlasting chains; apparently some fallen angels are in bondage while others are unbound and active among mankind as demons.

i. By not keeping their proper place, they are now kept in chains - their sinful pursuit of freedom has put them in bondage

ii. Those who insist on freedom to do whatever they want are like these angels - so free that they are bound with everlasting chains! True freedom comes from obedience.

iii. Their sin has separated them from the presence of God; so will your sin! And, if angels cannot break the chains sin has brought upon them, what make you think you can? You need Christ to set you free!

g. The warning: your spiritual status doesn't matter; you must still continue to the end

i. Angels who once enjoyed marvelous intimacy in God's immediate presence are now banished from Him; their high spiritual status wasn't enough

ii. There will be many in hell of "high spiritual status;" all of that will be of no help on judgment day

Source: http://www.blueletterbible.org/tmp_dir/c/1140203986-8823.html

Conclusion

So the Quran tells women to wear the veil for purposes of recognition, safety and honor and the Bible tells women to wear the veil so that it can show that they are subjected to man in authority and so that they cannot tempt the angels to lust after them. Which book gives more honor to women?

------------------------------------------------------

Biblical Veil-A Must For All Women!! (Not only public worship)

A Christian Lady Ask.....?

Most people think (rightly or wrongly) that Islam is an exclusive religion. The thinking goes: You either believe in it or you don't. Anyone who doesn't, will suffer punishment. That punishment will most likely be the Hellfire.

Or the thinking goes: Hold on, what about all the really good people who were (or are) non-Muslim. Mother Teresa, Mahathma Gandhi, and so on, did countless good things for humanity. Will all their good deeds go to waste just because they weren't Muslims?

But what is the answer? Does Islam say that all non-Muslims will go to hell?

This post is not to say that the answer is "Yes, they're all gonna be punished" or "No, God is Love, the good people will be ok". This post is merely to give food for thought, and, if it makes any conclusion at all, will be to say "Don't know for sure, but not necessarily".

People cite different verses from the Qur'an to present their particular view point.

Let's take a look at a few (please note that for in-depth Quranic exegesis please refer to qualified Quranic scholars):
 

"Surely those who believe, and those who are Jews, and the Christians, and the Sabians, whoever believes in Allah and the Last day and does good, they shall have their reward from their Lord, and there is no fear for them, nor shall they grieve."
(Holy Qur'an 2:62 and (almost identical in) 5:69)

This seems to indicate that salvation is dependent upon three conditions only: Belief in God, Belief in the Day of Judgement, and righteous or good deeds.

What about Mother Teresa and her ilk of righteous non-Muslims?

"Then shall anyone who has done an atom's weight of good, see it!
And anyone who has done an atom's weight of evil, shall see it."
(Holy Qur'an 99:7-8)

This verse suggests "anyone" or everyone will be rewarded for their good and bad actions. But will they go to Heaven or Hell? Allah hu Alim.

Another argument put forward is that, only those who have received a full and complete understanding of Islam will be judged by their acceptance(Muslim) or rejection (kufr) of it. If they haven't received this complete understanding of Islam then they will be tested on Judgement Day, and dealt with accordingly.

And as a final note, something useful from Mr. Lamaan Ball, editor of Ask About Islam:

When we refer to "Islam" there are at least two specific distinct meanings implied. Firstly there is the essential Islam as the religion of all the prophets from Adam, Noah, Abraham, Moses, Jesus and until Muhammad. Secondly there is the meaning specific to the revelation given to Muhammad and all the religious instructions contained therein. We might call this the completed Islam. Essential Islam encompasses the broad principles of pure monotheism free from shirk(associating partners with God), and our moral accountability before God. The completed Islam is the full set of guidance provided through the Qur'an and the sunnah of Muhammad which abrogates the earlier rules given through previous prophets.

Both 5:69 and 3:85 refer to the essential Islam and not the completed Islam we often mean in our conversations. Once this point is understood, the apparent problem disappears.

Second, the mere historical existence of Muhammad (pbuh) does not mean that the completed Islam has reached everyone. Once the completed Islam reaches any group of people, - by which I mean that the message is adequately delivered – then they can no longer claim to be doing good if they are knowingly rejecting God's guidance in the Qur'an. Before that situation is reached, for any individual, it is quite possible that they are Muslims in the sense of following essential Islam. Just as the earliest followers of earlier prophets were.

Extra reading for those who like to.. errr... read: Isn't it unfair if good non-Muslims go to hell?

Assalamu ‘alaikum wa rahmatullah,

You know, we have to find answers for questions like the one you have raised here, by consulting the Holy Qur’an and hadith of Prophet Muhammad (pbuh). That is because these two are the original sources and foundations of Islam.

So, let us go to the Qur’an to find what it says about the fate of Non-Muslims:

Those who believe (in the Qur'an), and those who follow the Jewish (scriptures), and the Christians and the Sabians,- any who believe in God and the Last Day, and work righteousness, shall have their reward with their Lord; on them shall be no fear, nor shall they grieve.

Surah 2 Verse 62

Here we find that Islam teaches that all people whether technically Jews or Christians or even Sabians (an ancient religious group) are entitled to be rewarded from God. That is on the condition that they believe in God and the Day of Judgment and lead a good life.

This is quite different than the Jewish and Christian beliefs. Jews believe that the Children of Israel are the ones specially chosen by God for all His blessings. Similarly Christians maintain that those who believe in Christ’s atonement are guaranteed of heaven, irrespective of their actions. Unlike both these groups, Islam holds that any one who leads a good correct life, here on earth, on the basis that there is a God Who is the Supreme Ruler and Judge of all His creatures, will be rewarded in the hereafter.

Here we need to understand who a Muslim is. A Muslim is a person who submits to God. It is not the name of a caste or race. That is to say, any human can be a Muslim if:

(a)He believes in one and only one God.
(b)He leads a good life by submitting to that one God.

One can ask whether this also is an exclusivist stand. The answer is that there cannot but be a dividing line between good and evil. Those who court evil are naturally excluded from Divine Grace. It is a law of nature, (in other words, God’s own law) that we are destined to face the consequences of our decisions and actions. A person’s action is considered good or bad based on the intention behind it. The Prophet (pbuh) has said:

‘Actions are judged on the basis of intentions.’

For example, think of a person who unknowingly gave poison to a patient, thinking that it was medicine. If the patient dies as a consequence, we do not consider that person a murderer. It is because the sincere intention was good. Thus, we can see that many apparently bad actions need not really be bad and vice versa. We can go a little further and say that good intentions in themselves become good, if they are based on the right philosophy or the right belief. As for our earthly life, we should take care that our actions are motivated by the right purposes, arising from the right beliefs.

Islam provides a philosophy, a world-view, in which the source of all good is the Creator and Sustainer of the universe. This means that the way of life Islam teaches is divinely ordained and that it is quite in conformity with the principles on which the whole universe functions. It is the same Creator Who has decided that His reward is for those who follow His laws. There is no real sense in saying that He should reward those who deny, even His existence!

A non-Muslim, by definition, is a person who does not recognize God as a Sovereign Law giver Who rewards the good and punishes the bad. For this reason, he has no claim to any reward from God. He may be doing apparently good deeds; but his good deeds are not based on seeking to do God's will. So they can only get the instrumentally good results that they can naturally have in this world, and not the reward of the other world which can only come from morally good acts.

As for Muslims, who apparently hold the right beliefs - they will get the Divine reward only if they lead good lives derived from the right beliefs. Islam, unlike Christianity, does not teach that faith alone can save a person. Both faith and exerting effort are necessary; they are the two sides of the same coin.

For more answers on this subject see:Salvation

See also:
Disbeliever's Good Deeds: Can They Take Him to Paradise?
Read more: http://discover.islamonline.net/servlet/Satellite?cid=1123996015654&pagename=IslamOnline-English-AAbout_Islam%2FAskAboutIslamE%2FAskAboutIslamE#ixzz0q0OXtIrV

 

The next time your boss takes you to task for napping on the job, tell him or her you are just trying to improve your job performance.

A new study by at the Harvard School of Public Health found that napping not only revs a person up for the rest of the day, improving brain function, but it also helps protect the heart.

But don’t take the news as an excuse to sleep away the entire afternoon; naps are only beneficial when they do not last longer than 30 minutes. The study of nearly 24,000 people found that those who regularly took afternoon naps were nearly 40 percent less likely to die from heart disease than non-nappers.

Researchers suggest that naps might protect the heart by lowering levels of stress hormones and enhancing heart health. Dimitrios Trichopoulos at the Harvard School of Public Health in Boston, Massachusetts, US, and colleagues recruited about 24,000 volunteers between the ages of 20 and 86, in Greece, who had no history of heart disease, stroke or cancer. The researchers collected information about the participants’ napping habits and followed them for six years, on average.

After controlling for risk factors such as diet and physical activity, Trichopoulos’s team found that people who took at least three naps per week lasting 30 minutes or longer had a 37 percent reduced risk of death from heart disease than their non-napping counterparts.  Also, pervious studies have shown that the brain is more active in people who nap than in those who do not sleep during the day.

“O ye who believe! let those whom your right hands possess (servants), and the (children) among you who have not come of age ask your permission (before they come into your presence), on three occasions: before morning prayer; when ye doff your clothes for the noonday heat; and after the late-night prayer: these are your three times of undress; outside those times it is not wrong for you or for them to move about attending to each other: Thus does Allah make clear the Signs to you: for Allah is full of knowledge and wisdom” Sura al-Noor, verse 58. “This study which encourages people to take naps is not new in the Islamic religion.

The scholars understood the word noonday in this verse to the time of relaxation and taking a nap in the afternoon,” said Shaker Hiba, the principal of al-Ishraq School and the preacher of al-Tawheed Mosque. “Also, Prophet Muhammad peace be upon him says, ‘Take naps, because devils do not take naps.’” Also, in the old days, people would snooze for an hour or so after the midday meal, and in some Latin American and European countries naps are still in vogue.

In Yemen, the people who are keen to take naps in the afternoon are mostly non-qat-chewers.  The benefits of napping are not necessarily tied to a specific sleep stage. Simply resting in the mid-afternoon can revitalize your energy level and balance your mood. Sleep itself may not be the crucial factor in the positive effects of afternoon naps on improving mood; what may be important is an afternoon period of relaxation common to both resting and napping. The protective effect of these naps was more prominent among working persons than retirees. The researchers suggest that the naps might boost heart health by keeping levels of the stress hormone in check.

The researchers add that this potential stress-busting effect might be most prominent in people burdened by heavy workloads. Previous studies have linked high levels of stress hormones to increased inflammation in the body and damaged blood vessels.  “Usually naps are taken after lunch but they would be more beneficial if they were taken before lunch. Sleep after immediately eating causes indigestion and leads to fatness, which is the main cause of heart disease,” said Dr. Marwan al-Dubai, a cardiologist at Al-Jumhouri Hospital.
“Taking naps relax the nervous system, digestive system, muscular system and other systems of the body. When these systems relax they lead to heart relaxation. When all these systems are working at full capacity, they can overstrain the heart. Over time, this strain can cause heart muscles to become inflated.” Research on napping indicates that an afternoon nap—even one that’s only 10 minutes long—can enhance alertness, mood, and mental performance and it has the same benefit as the eight-hour night sleep.

 
Sleep researchers have shown that regardless of how long one sleeps at night, the human body is programmed to become sleepy in the early afternoon, even without a big lunch. “When anyone has his lunch after a tiring morning of work, the stomach can not digest the food well because it needs extra energy, so the body begins to be sluggish and the stress hormone increases,” says Najat Sayem, the head of Psychology Department at Sana’a University.

“The person feels anxiety and discomfort unless he takes a nap or just relaxes for a while. So, the stress hormone decreases; furthermore, he ‘recharges his battery’ to continue the rest of his duties.” Many people think sleeping during the day makes you lazy and less willing to do work. The reality is quite the contrary; napping can be useful for reducing sleepiness and increasing performance.  Naps can help when you have had a poor night’s sleep. For instance, when the previous night’s sleep was shorter than usual, or when you know you will have to be alert and awake later than your usual bedtime.

“I used to take a nap every day mainly because it is sunnah, and Prophet Muhammad peace be upon him took naps. Furthermore, if I take an afternoon nap I feel that I get two days in one,” said Majid al-Jaradi, a teacher at Sana’a Community Collage. “Morning work makes you feel exhausted, but when you take an afternoon nap, you feel energized and can do more.”

A brief afternoon nap usually leaves people feeling more energized. However, the nap should not be longer than 30 minutes; any more than that and the body falls into a deep sleep, from which it is difficult to awake.  Moreover, brief naps taken daily are far healthier than sleeping in or taking very long naps on the weekend. It is best to take your nap about the same time each day. Naps also should be taken in the midday because late-afternoon naps can cause a change in your biological clock, making it difficult to fall asleep at night and get up at the proper time the next morning. Some companies in the West have set up nap rooms with reclining chairs, blankets and alarm clocks.

They do that because to double the productive energy of their employees. People who have trouble falling asleep at night should avoid taking daytime naps. “For a while I had the habit of taking an hour-long nap after I got back from school. It jazzed me up for the rest of the evening,” said Abdullah Yahya, a student. “Napping is the key to feeling refreshed and not sleepy. Even laying with eyes closed is very refreshing and useful.” “If I do not chew qat I love to take a nap after lunch to have the energy to continue my work and other activities into the night,” Muhammad al-Kawkabani, a chanter, said.

“Prophet Muhammad peace be upon him and his companions were taking naps because they were up most of the night worshiping. So, they napped to compensate for the previous night, and to be able to be awake the next night for worshiping.” “If you have the opportunity for an afternoon nap, particularly after a poor night of sleep, take one you will feel more alert and energetic afterwards. It also improves mood, energy, and subjective alertness,” al-Kawkabani said.

dear brothers and sisters, as salam alaikum warah matul lahi wabar ka tuhu ( may peace and blessings of Allah subhana wa ta'lah be upon all of you )

today I was driving a car and was about to take left turn awaiting for the coming to car pass by me, suddenly I heard strong horns from my back car, I got soooo irritated I took a turn and started scolding him and he and me both went away towards their way.

now it night and my mind is fresh to analyze the same situation again .

 

I 've been thinking how many of us do react like this? i guess most of us. lets say if someone give anykind of pain to you most probably our reaction is to either hurt him/her or scold atleast... right???

 

now lets read this story of Prophet Muhammad Sallal lahu alaihee wasallam (p.b.u.h)

and see how our Prophet Muhammad P.b.u.h used to react in such situations.

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One old woman made a habit of throwing rubbish on Prophet Muhammad (salAllahu alayhi wsalam) whenever he passed from her house! Muhammad (salAllahu alayhi wsalam) had to pass that house daily on the way to the mosque.
Even when the old woman threw rubbish on him, he would pass silently without showing any anger or annoyance. This was a regular, daily event.

One day when the Prophet was passing by, the woman was not there to throw the rubbish. He stopped, and asked the neighbour about her well-being, and wondering why she wasn't dropping any rubbish on him.

The neighbour informed the Prophet that the woman was sick on bed. The Prophet politely asked permission to visit the woman. When allowed he entered the house, the woman thought that he had come there to take his revenge when she was unable to defend herself because of sickness.

But the Prophet (salAllahu alayhi wsalam) assured her that he had come to her, not to take any revenge, but to see her and to look after her needs, as it was the command of Allah that if any one is sick, a Muslim should visit him and should help him if his help is needed.


The old woman was greatly moved by this kindness and love of the Prophet. By the example of greatness of Muhammad, she understood that he was truly the Prophet of God and Islam was the true religion. She accepted Islam at once, Alhamdulilah.

 

 

The Translation ::

I Love U Just The Way U R ,, I Love U No Matter What U R ..

Whatever Happened ,, Whatever Will Happen It's U ,, U R My Sweet Heart ..

My Wife U R My Sweet Heart ..

U Belong To Me ,, So I Don't Fear Any Blamer Who Cares Only About Loathing Me ,,

The Time Had Allow Us To Be Joined For Eternity ..

U Irrigated The Love In My Heart By Saying All The Right Things And Being All The Right Things ..

The Happiness Is Gone When Ur Gone ,,

And The Life Is Clear When Ur Around ,, My Whole Day Is
Drudge Until The Moment I Come Back To Home ..

I Meet U And My Agony Will Be Washed Up When U Speak ..

I Just Hate Life When U Complain About It ,, So I Do My Best To Get U Whatever U Want ..

U R My Beatitude ,, So Please Enjoy The Warmth Of Love As Long As U Live ..

Our Souls Have Been Joined Like Soil And Grass ..

Oh My Hope ,, And My Peace .. Oh My Joy ,, And My Soul ..

Life Is Heaven No Matter How Difficult It Gets As Long As Ur Contented ..

Translation Ends ..
Please Forgive The Mistakes ..

salam alaikum warah matul lahi wabar katuhu;

May peace and blessings of Allah subhana wa ta'lah be upon you and me all

most of the time in our life we ever ignore to do goods which are s

mall but mostly concentrating on the deeds which are more shown

and vivid. but we never pay heed on the fact that the small amount

of drops can fill whole bucket so as as our deeds. we should make

the collection of small small deeds so that our bucket could also

fill with small rewards and wait for the time when we get the jackpot

and able to do something bigger and wider. keep in mind untill and

unless we start by something small we cannot be able to do something

bigger. so my friends start collecting your small small bricks of good

deeds to make Fort in Jannah(paradise)

May Allah subhana wa ta'lah make us do all good deeds as much as

we can take care keep me and everything who are suffering in prayers

ONLY GOD CAN JUDGE ME