http://MuslimWindow.blogspot.com/
Wednesday, July 31, 2013
Tuesday, July 30, 2013
[Serenity Fountain] TO FEEL SAFE AT DREADFUL PLACES
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Saturday, July 27, 2013
Thursday, July 25, 2013
[Serenity Fountain] THE SWEETEST BLESSING
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Dr. Ali Zeki Osmanagaoglu
Yavuz Selim Cad.No:30
Fatih/ISTANBUL/TURKIYE
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Monday, July 22, 2013
Sunday, July 21, 2013
البرادعي يطالب بمادة في الدستور تسمح للجيش بالانقلاب على الشرعية خوفاً ...
http://MuslimWindow.blogspot.com/
Muslim Brotherhood Rejects Censorship on Creativity, Has Clear Vision on Art and Politics
Muslim Brotherhood Rejects Censorship on Creativity, Has Clear Vision on Art and Politics
Heated confrontation at Dar El-Hilal (publishing house) symposium on Culture and Art in Muslim Brotherhood Thought, as Islamist and leftist intellectuals debate the Brotherhood’s cultural vision.
El-Hilal magazine organized a symposium on culture and the arts in Muslim Brotherhood thought, on Sunday (August 26), moderated by Mohamed El-Shafei, the magazine’s editor-in- chief.
Participants included Dr. Khaled Fahmi, Faculty of Arts professor - University of Menoufia; Dr. Mahmoud Khalil; Asem Shalaby, Chairman of the Egyptian Publishers Association (EPA); and Khaled Bannoura, member of the Shura Council (Egypt’s upper house of parliament).
On the opposite side, attendees included writer Salah Issa, Farida Al-Naqqash, Shaaban Youssef, film director Magdy Ahmed Ali, leftist writer Ahmed Abdel-Hafeez, and Dr. Tariq Noamani, Faculty of Arts professor – Cairo University.
The symposium kicked off with Salah Issa claiming that for the Brotherhood, the question of cultural identity is vague and unclear.
In response, Khaled Fahmi countered that the question of identity is crystal clear for the Brotherhood, adding that the group accepts the Egyptian cultural identity as summed up by the late Dr. Zaki Naguib Mahmoud who said that “Egyptians boast two basic traits: they are religious and inventive”.
Meanwhile, leftist writer Ahmed Abdel-Hafeez charged that the Brotherhood never reviewed its ideas over the past eighty years.
In reply, Dr. Fahmi explained that the Brotherhood has clear and well-documented thought reviews in which the group transcended Hassan Al-Banna’s past statements, e.g. its opinion regarding multiplicity of political parties – where Al-Banna’s original opinion was that such multiplicity would tear the nation apart – an opinion that has been reviewed and abandoned. The Brotherhood did publish a document in which it stressed its full acceptance of partisan pluralism, which ultimately led to the founding of the Brotherhood’s Freedom and Justice Party (FJP).
Another example of a ‘thought review’, Dr. Fahmi added, is that originally the Muslim Brotherhood did not accept women's participation in political life, a Salafist influence now fading, even altogether absent within the Brotherhood.
He said that in 1994, the Brotherhood affirmed permissibility of women's participation in all political activities.
Dr. Fahmi further assured that his statements were not theoretical, aimed at silencing certain opposing voices: they were based on true faith and clear cultural and political views and vision.
Film director Magdy Ahmed Ali accused the Brotherhood of living a Salafist phase even now. He described Brotherhood performance and ideas on art and creativity as rigid, prejudiced and intolerant.
Dr. Khaled Fahmi replied, citing the example of Fatima Abdul-Hadi, wife of a leading Brotherhood member, who said in her memoirs that she had established a theater group in which Brotherhood girls acted in plays presented to the public in Egypt.
According to her memoirs, no Brotherhood leader, Imam or Elder censured Fatima Abdul-Hadi for allowing the Sisters to act in the presence of an audience of men. Indeed, Fatima Abdul-Hadi affirmed that senior Muslim Brotherhood leaders, such as Sheikh Sayed Sabiq and others, did attend these plays.
Dr. Fahmi affirmed that the Muslim Brotherhood has always had – throughout their organizational phases – cultural programs, with poets and other artists participating in all Brotherhood activities. Indeed, Fahmi continued, the group always invites non-Brotherhood poets to take part in and contribute to its events and activities.
In response to writer Farida Al-Naqqash’s accusation that the Muslim Brothers are no reformers, Fahmi countered that they most certainly are: “The Muslim Brothers have always been reformers. They learn and teach their members history, and they build on it”.
Fahmi cited Talaat Harb’s response to Qasim Amin in one of his books, in which he said that: "The Muslim Brothers are only human. However, their cultural contribution is beyond the 60% barrier. We can focus on the cultural common denominator".
Fahmi further added that Al-Banna always exhorted the Muslim Brothers to work and sacrifice for the Egyptian homeland’s progress.
Fahmi pointed to Rached Ghannouchi’s reviews and statements in which he said that a woman can be the embodiment of human perfection.
He also noted that when Coptic thinker Milad Hanna wrote his book "Seven Pillars of Egyptian Identity", the Muslim Brotherhood accepted his ideas and never rejected any of them.
For his part, publisher Asem Shalaby said that the Brotherhood did affirm, in its party's platform, its refusal of any prior censorship on creativity, and suggested that the idea should be integrated into the country’s Constitution as a fundamental principle, adding that any control or censorship of artists and intellectuals should be by artists themselves – through their own charter or code of honor.
Meanwhile, Shalaby blamed intellectuals for their condescending approach towards the Muslim Brotherhood’s calls for dialogue, adding that it is not right for intellectuals to put all Islamists in one basket, “They should not equate between the Brotherhood project and other projects”.
Furthermore, Dr. Tariq Noamani accused the Brotherhood of having cave-mentality and ‘underground’ thought. But Shalaby said: “When Egypt’s Creativity Front was being founded, I contacted Dr. Imad Abu-Ghazi – Minister of Culture, at the time – seeking to join in as a member, to work within its framework, according to its mechanisms and methodology. Abu-Ghazi then told me that there is no point in joining: if a Muslim Brother came up with any enlightened production, his affiliation with the Brotherhood would be ignored and denied”.
Shalaby also affirmed that within each intellectual or political faction, there are variations, and hence intellectuals must always work to develop the positive side, rather than throwing it together with the negative side into the same basket.
He pointed to what the author Sana Albissi wrote, about two months earlier, documenting the artistic side of the Muslim Brotherhood.
Shalaby pointed out that, back in 1934 – and six years after its founding – the Brotherhood had a theater group presenting eight plays, in which well-known artists and actors, e.g. George Abyad, participated, and which introduced between 30 and 40 artists.
http://MuslimWindow.blogspot.com/
Saturday, July 20, 2013
Kolo: What Ramadan means to me
Kolo: What Ramadan means to me
Like millions of Muslims around the world, Liverpool's Kolo Toure is currently observing the Holy Month of Ramadan.
A period of self-control and discipline, Ramadan involves 30 days of fasting, from dawn until sunset - but how does the lack of food and drink affect the preparations of professional athletes like Toure?
Earlier this week, Liverpoolfc.com dropped by Melwood to speak to the Ivorian defender about Ramadan and what it means to him.
Kolo: What Ramadan means to me
For our fans who don't observe Ramadan, please can you explain what Ramadan is and what is involved?
Ramadan is part of the Muslim religion. You have to go for 30 days without eating or drinking at a certain time of the day. From three o'clock in the morning until nearly 10 o'clock at night. During this time, you can't eat or drink - but as soon as the sun goes down, you can start eating. The next day you start again.
Do you think footballers face an additional physical challenge during Ramadan?
Yes. I've been observing Ramadan during all the years I've been in football. It's been tough, but at the same time I feel like I am much stronger, because my mental condition takes over. It's definitely hard, but when you believe in God, nothing in impossible.
Do you create a meal plan during Ramadan to ensure your body is receiving the correct foods during pre-season training?
Yes. It's very important that you eat well. It's important that you eat the right food because you can gain weight or you can have less food in your body. That's why you need to drink very well. You also need to be aware of what you are doing, because your body is missing things. With the doctor and all the people at the club, we try to work on that. They give me things that I can take to help me feel better.
Do you find that the self-discipline involved in being a footballer helps you during Ramadan?
Yes. You definitely need discipline. For me, the first five days are difficult but after that, the body just starts to [adapt] and you feel really happy. You clean your body as well and you feel even stronger after Ramadan. I recently watched a programme on BBC about Demba Ba - and he scored a lot of goals after Ramadan because he was much fitter. I think it's amazing how Ramadan can make you really strong.
Do you have to train at different times during Ramadan?
For me, it doesn't matter because mentally I'm ready for it and I go for every challenge. I give 110 per cent in training - it will never be a case of me saying: "No, I don't want to train as hard." I want to train just as hard and I want to win every single game. For me, Ramadan is not an easy time because it's a time when I need to work much harder, because I need to help my teammates. That's the way I see things.
The festival of the Breaking of the Feast is celebrated at the end of Ramadan, how will you celebrate this festival?
I will celebrate like every Muslim - with my family, my wife and my kids. Maybe they will be here [in Liverpool]. The celebration is big - everybody is very happy because it has normally been a tough month. Ramadan is an important part of Islam, and when you are observing it, God is happy with you and you have to have a big celebration. We eat, we have a party and we give praise. We enjoy the day as much as we can.
As Ramadan is based on a lunar calendar, and therefore changes every year, will it be more difficult to observe during the football season?
I have done Ramadan during a season. And for me, it was alright. It depends on the age of players. I'm different; I do my own thing.
Is the club supportive of your decision to observe Ramadan?
Massively -[the club] have been unbelievable. Fantastic. Everybody around me has tried to help me; the physios, the doctor and the coaches. They have a room for us to pray here at Melwood. It's not only for Muslims, but for Christians as well, which is amazing. That shows the football club is supporting people like us, who want to pray. It's not easy because we have different lifestyles, but by being Muslim or a religious person, you have to do certain things. It's fantastic of the club to support people who trust in God.
Finally, do you have a message for all our Muslim fans around the world?
Assalamalykum to all the Muslims that are fasting - Ramdan Kareem and I pray that God eases all our suffering and helps those in need.
http://MuslimWindow.blogspot.com/
Like millions of Muslims around the world, Liverpool's Kolo Toure is currently observing the Holy Month of Ramadan.
A period of self-control and discipline, Ramadan involves 30 days of fasting, from dawn until sunset - but how does the lack of food and drink affect the preparations of professional athletes like Toure?
Earlier this week, Liverpoolfc.com dropped by Melwood to speak to the Ivorian defender about Ramadan and what it means to him.
Kolo: What Ramadan means to me
For our fans who don't observe Ramadan, please can you explain what Ramadan is and what is involved?
Ramadan is part of the Muslim religion. You have to go for 30 days without eating or drinking at a certain time of the day. From three o'clock in the morning until nearly 10 o'clock at night. During this time, you can't eat or drink - but as soon as the sun goes down, you can start eating. The next day you start again.
Do you think footballers face an additional physical challenge during Ramadan?
Yes. I've been observing Ramadan during all the years I've been in football. It's been tough, but at the same time I feel like I am much stronger, because my mental condition takes over. It's definitely hard, but when you believe in God, nothing in impossible.
Do you create a meal plan during Ramadan to ensure your body is receiving the correct foods during pre-season training?
Yes. It's very important that you eat well. It's important that you eat the right food because you can gain weight or you can have less food in your body. That's why you need to drink very well. You also need to be aware of what you are doing, because your body is missing things. With the doctor and all the people at the club, we try to work on that. They give me things that I can take to help me feel better.
Do you find that the self-discipline involved in being a footballer helps you during Ramadan?
Yes. You definitely need discipline. For me, the first five days are difficult but after that, the body just starts to [adapt] and you feel really happy. You clean your body as well and you feel even stronger after Ramadan. I recently watched a programme on BBC about Demba Ba - and he scored a lot of goals after Ramadan because he was much fitter. I think it's amazing how Ramadan can make you really strong.
Do you have to train at different times during Ramadan?
For me, it doesn't matter because mentally I'm ready for it and I go for every challenge. I give 110 per cent in training - it will never be a case of me saying: "No, I don't want to train as hard." I want to train just as hard and I want to win every single game. For me, Ramadan is not an easy time because it's a time when I need to work much harder, because I need to help my teammates. That's the way I see things.
The festival of the Breaking of the Feast is celebrated at the end of Ramadan, how will you celebrate this festival?
I will celebrate like every Muslim - with my family, my wife and my kids. Maybe they will be here [in Liverpool]. The celebration is big - everybody is very happy because it has normally been a tough month. Ramadan is an important part of Islam, and when you are observing it, God is happy with you and you have to have a big celebration. We eat, we have a party and we give praise. We enjoy the day as much as we can.
As Ramadan is based on a lunar calendar, and therefore changes every year, will it be more difficult to observe during the football season?
I have done Ramadan during a season. And for me, it was alright. It depends on the age of players. I'm different; I do my own thing.
Is the club supportive of your decision to observe Ramadan?
Massively -[the club] have been unbelievable. Fantastic. Everybody around me has tried to help me; the physios, the doctor and the coaches. They have a room for us to pray here at Melwood. It's not only for Muslims, but for Christians as well, which is amazing. That shows the football club is supporting people like us, who want to pray. It's not easy because we have different lifestyles, but by being Muslim or a religious person, you have to do certain things. It's fantastic of the club to support people who trust in God.
Finally, do you have a message for all our Muslim fans around the world?
Assalamalykum to all the Muslims that are fasting - Ramdan Kareem and I pray that God eases all our suffering and helps those in need.
http://MuslimWindow.blogspot.com/
A Hindu woman’s journey to Islam
A Hindu woman’s journey to Islam
A Hindu woman, Saumya, describes how she converted to Islam. Here is her story.
When the truth is revealed to you and you stand face to face with it, how long can you refuse to accept it? How long would you run away denying it?
There comes a point in your life when you have to break free from all the chains that hold you back from answering the True Call.
It is a moment where nothing else seems significant and equivalent to the call of the Almighty God and His path of freedom, bliss and satisfaction.
All the lies with which you have been living with start fading and your beliefs as a disbeliever fall like a pack of cards. And what you witness is an Eureka moment, a moment when you realize the truth, when you realize the beauty of Islam.
I remember the day when I stood in front of the mirror in my room, looking vaguely, trying to search for something but failing to find an answer. In retrospect, I was never an atheist.
I always believed that God existed and being a Hindu it existed for me in thousand forms: From a stone to a tree, from a tree to a river, from a river to a well (funny but true). All were objects of worship for me as I was told by my family and other traditions.
I took pride in being a polytheist, considering that all objects made by God are worth worshipping and that there exists a part of God in them, in every single being; so all are worthy of worship. It could be a cow, a tree, a river (as I said also a well), idols and even human beings themselves.
I detested Islam for being so rigid and stubborn on this. I found the Muslims static, living in the past, while the world is moving far ahead of them. For me all their beliefs were unreasonable (may be because I never looked for reason), impractical, cruel and outdated.
Probably, it was not my fault; I was made to look at them this way. It was a pre-conceived notion, which I inherited from this society which has often kept a negative image of Islam in majority of its opinions.
My first encounter with Islam was in high school where the majority of my classmates were Muslims and during free classes we used to have discussions on Islam (largely because of the anti-Islam propaganda by the Hindu Organizations post 9/11 and the Gujarat riots).
During these talks they tried to clear various misconceptions that I carried regarding monotheism, rights of women, their status, and other popular myths which have become clichéd more or less.
Yet, it was not convincing for me, I still kept those beliefs and my pride in being polytheist. Though I was not anymore an anti-Muslim, I was moved by the sufferings of the people who were one of us, simply dying because they practiced a different faith. I became more secular in my outlook.
I give the major credit of becoming a monotheist to Arya Samaj, a Hindu organization that believes that Hinduism preaches monotheism and not rituals and idol worshiping. After coming under its influence I stopped worshiping idols, performing any sort of rituals and going to temples.
These are what I call the steps I was taking to finally reach my destination that is Islam.
Reading Vedas, Manu Smriti, and other scriptures only confused me. It was all philosophical, nothing material which could help you precisely find an answer for your daily life queries.
While in college studying law, it was the first time when the clarity of Islam dawned over me. It was nothing but a small course of family law — Hindu law and Islamic law regarding marriages, divorce, succession, etc.
While Hindu law was riddled with various technicalities, confusions, differences of opinions and lack of stability, Islamic law on the other hand was clear, precise and certain.
My opinion here changed overnight. What I used to find static, appeared stable to me. This made me curious to read more in this regard; I spent hours online talking to friends who used to tell me about Islam. I read various links and participated in forum discussions. My outlook toward Islam started changing which was reflected when I spoke with my friends or discussed things with them.
Of course this change was not appreciated by them, they warned me against the so-called ‘brain washers’ whose sole aim is to divert Hindus to Islam. All this used to bother me, I felt scared of their disagreement. I felt as though I were cheating my friends and family by doing what they sternly disagreed of. But, as I said earlier, how long can you run away from the truth? You cannot live with a lie and accepting the truth needs courage. And as the Holy Qur’an says:
“Believers, uphold justice. Always bear true witness, even if it be against yourself, your parents, or your relatives; and regardless of whether the person against whom you are speaking is rich or poor. God is close to people regardless of their material circumstances. Do not be led by emotion, as this may cause you to swerve from the truth. If you distort your testimony, or refuse to testify, remember that God is aware of all your actions.” (Qur’an 4:135)
And that day all the fears just drifted away, because if I wouldn’t have converted then I guess I would never had. I would have stayed stuck in the complexities of the material world where false emotions stop us from doing the right thing.
Though my friends and family members are yet unaware of it, but certainly I will tell them sooner or later and I hope Insha’Allah (God-willing) that they will respect my decision.
Alhamdullilah, I’m a Muslim today, trying to learn more and more about the Holy Qur’an and the guidelines of Prophet Muhammad, may God praise him. Insha’Allah, I will walk on his path in a better way.
With the help of a few friends and an organization, I’ve learned to pray; I’m praying 5 times daily Alhamdulillah. I pray to God to give me more strength so that I could always stand firm on my decision.
n Courtesy of www.islamreligion.com
http://MuslimWindow.blogspot.com/
A Hindu woman, Saumya, describes how she converted to Islam. Here is her story.
When the truth is revealed to you and you stand face to face with it, how long can you refuse to accept it? How long would you run away denying it?
There comes a point in your life when you have to break free from all the chains that hold you back from answering the True Call.
It is a moment where nothing else seems significant and equivalent to the call of the Almighty God and His path of freedom, bliss and satisfaction.
All the lies with which you have been living with start fading and your beliefs as a disbeliever fall like a pack of cards. And what you witness is an Eureka moment, a moment when you realize the truth, when you realize the beauty of Islam.
I remember the day when I stood in front of the mirror in my room, looking vaguely, trying to search for something but failing to find an answer. In retrospect, I was never an atheist.
I always believed that God existed and being a Hindu it existed for me in thousand forms: From a stone to a tree, from a tree to a river, from a river to a well (funny but true). All were objects of worship for me as I was told by my family and other traditions.
I took pride in being a polytheist, considering that all objects made by God are worth worshipping and that there exists a part of God in them, in every single being; so all are worthy of worship. It could be a cow, a tree, a river (as I said also a well), idols and even human beings themselves.
I detested Islam for being so rigid and stubborn on this. I found the Muslims static, living in the past, while the world is moving far ahead of them. For me all their beliefs were unreasonable (may be because I never looked for reason), impractical, cruel and outdated.
Probably, it was not my fault; I was made to look at them this way. It was a pre-conceived notion, which I inherited from this society which has often kept a negative image of Islam in majority of its opinions.
My first encounter with Islam was in high school where the majority of my classmates were Muslims and during free classes we used to have discussions on Islam (largely because of the anti-Islam propaganda by the Hindu Organizations post 9/11 and the Gujarat riots).
During these talks they tried to clear various misconceptions that I carried regarding monotheism, rights of women, their status, and other popular myths which have become clichéd more or less.
Yet, it was not convincing for me, I still kept those beliefs and my pride in being polytheist. Though I was not anymore an anti-Muslim, I was moved by the sufferings of the people who were one of us, simply dying because they practiced a different faith. I became more secular in my outlook.
I give the major credit of becoming a monotheist to Arya Samaj, a Hindu organization that believes that Hinduism preaches monotheism and not rituals and idol worshiping. After coming under its influence I stopped worshiping idols, performing any sort of rituals and going to temples.
These are what I call the steps I was taking to finally reach my destination that is Islam.
Reading Vedas, Manu Smriti, and other scriptures only confused me. It was all philosophical, nothing material which could help you precisely find an answer for your daily life queries.
While in college studying law, it was the first time when the clarity of Islam dawned over me. It was nothing but a small course of family law — Hindu law and Islamic law regarding marriages, divorce, succession, etc.
While Hindu law was riddled with various technicalities, confusions, differences of opinions and lack of stability, Islamic law on the other hand was clear, precise and certain.
My opinion here changed overnight. What I used to find static, appeared stable to me. This made me curious to read more in this regard; I spent hours online talking to friends who used to tell me about Islam. I read various links and participated in forum discussions. My outlook toward Islam started changing which was reflected when I spoke with my friends or discussed things with them.
Of course this change was not appreciated by them, they warned me against the so-called ‘brain washers’ whose sole aim is to divert Hindus to Islam. All this used to bother me, I felt scared of their disagreement. I felt as though I were cheating my friends and family by doing what they sternly disagreed of. But, as I said earlier, how long can you run away from the truth? You cannot live with a lie and accepting the truth needs courage. And as the Holy Qur’an says:
“Believers, uphold justice. Always bear true witness, even if it be against yourself, your parents, or your relatives; and regardless of whether the person against whom you are speaking is rich or poor. God is close to people regardless of their material circumstances. Do not be led by emotion, as this may cause you to swerve from the truth. If you distort your testimony, or refuse to testify, remember that God is aware of all your actions.” (Qur’an 4:135)
And that day all the fears just drifted away, because if I wouldn’t have converted then I guess I would never had. I would have stayed stuck in the complexities of the material world where false emotions stop us from doing the right thing.
Though my friends and family members are yet unaware of it, but certainly I will tell them sooner or later and I hope Insha’Allah (God-willing) that they will respect my decision.
Alhamdullilah, I’m a Muslim today, trying to learn more and more about the Holy Qur’an and the guidelines of Prophet Muhammad, may God praise him. Insha’Allah, I will walk on his path in a better way.
With the help of a few friends and an organization, I’ve learned to pray; I’m praying 5 times daily Alhamdulillah. I pray to God to give me more strength so that I could always stand firm on my decision.
n Courtesy of www.islamreligion.com
http://MuslimWindow.blogspot.com/
Using toothpaste whilst fasting
Using toothpaste whilst fasting*Please appropriately reference this fatwa to: www.fatwa-online.com, thankyou!*Question: Is it permissible for one who is fasting to use toothpaste during the day?
Response: It is permissible for one who is fasting to use toothpaste , being careful that nothing from the solution goes down his throat. It is preferable he clean his mouth with a miswaak and other than it from that which doesn't reach the throat, just as one should not exaggerate whilst gargling the water in the mouth during ablution (wudoo).
Shaykh Ibn Fowzaan
Fataawa Ramadhaan - Volume 2, Page 496, Fatwa No. 445; al-Muntaqaa min Fatawaa ash-Shaykh Saalih ibn Fowzaan - Volume 3, Fatwa No. 158 |
http://MuslimWindow.blogspot.com/
Friday, July 19, 2013
My first fasting was a wonderful experience
My first fasting was a wonderful experience
A new revert blogger, by the name of Marjana, chronicles his experience of keeping fasts in Ramadan.
Being a Muslim for the first year I was a little bit afraid before my very first fasting in Ramadan. As I was a person, who had never fast before it was difficult for me to imagine how to spend a day without food and water. The situation was compounded by my close relatives and friends: Everybody wanted to express his personal opinion about meaninglessness and absurdity of exhausting an organism, harmfulness of staying without food and drinking for long. They used to convince me that I will not be able to study efficiently during Ramadan. Nevertheless, the more they tried to reassure me the more determined to fast I was.
Fasting in a non-Muslim country was quite different from Ramadan in Muslim regions where we could observe joy, presents, decorations when everything changes and there is a smile on every face. As for me, as I had just converted to Islam I did not have a lot of Muslim friends with who I could spend each day of the Holy month. And my non-Muslim acquaintances when hearing that it was Ramadan time used to notice with sympathy, “It will be very hard to stay without food all day…”
But in fact, it was not hard at all; it was much harder to fast far from close people, without sharing the atmosphere of celebration, joy and happiness. I had to create a celebration myself every day. Ramadan is a wonderful time when one wants to do something good: To feed somebody, to help or just to share a good mood. A Muslim feels especially great when he meets a brother in Islam in a non-Muslim country and shares with him happiness of Ramadan.
Every time after returning home from market when I started unpacking my bags I used to find small presents from Muslim salesmen. And even if it was only one peach it was extremely pleasant and I wanted to do something good to somebody too.
As for nutrition in Ramadan the first some days appeared to be the hardest: It was difficult to control amount of eaten food during iftar. Before accepting Islam I had heard from non-Muslims: “Muslims don’t eat and drink during the day time but at nights eat to heart content!” Of course such understanding of Ramadan is wrong. But the fact is that controlling himself during iftar is a big problem for those who fast for the first time.
The best advice regarding this issue is given in Qur’an by Allah Almighty: “…And eat and drink, but be not excessive. Indeed, He likes not those who commit excess.” (Qur’an, 7:31)
Having got a stomachache and disability to do anything after my first iftars, I started thinking seriously about a right diet in Ramadan and remembered about Sunnah of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him).
The Prophet (peace be upon him) said: “Man fills no vessel worse than his stomach. It is sufficient for the son of Adam to have a few mouthfuls to give him the strength he needs. If he has to fill his stomach, then let him leave one-third for food, one-third for drink and one-third for air.” (Tirmidhi and Ibn Majah)
According to the example set by Prophet (peace be upon him), one should break his fast with dates and if there are no dates then one should drink a little water. After breaking the fast this way the Prophet (peace be upon him) used to pray Maghreb and only after this he would take his meal.
The Prophet (peace be upon him) said: “When one of you breaks his Saum (fasting), let him break it on dates; if he does not have any, break his fast with water for it is pure.’’ (Abu Dawud).
After following this example I understood that such approach is the best for iftar. Appetite is dampened after a few dated (or dry fruits) and praying. And instead of eating everything what is on the table one can control amount of food he takes. So, the following days of fasting were easy and beneficial for me.
The issue of nutrition in Ramadan is very important undoubtedly but Ramadan is not only about food. This month is much more than abstinence from eating and drinking.
One of my colleagues once asked me, “Don’t you eat anything at all? Don’t you eat even a little when no one can see you?” Her question made me laugh. I had to explain to her that fasting is not abstaining from food and drinking to show off; Muslims fast for the sake of Allah; they keep their mind, hearts, tongues, eyes, ears far from sinful actions. Nothing can be compared to blessing, which believers achieve during Ramadan. Only believers can understand that fasting is not only abstaining from food, it is a complete devotion yourself to Allah, it is search for blessing in every minute of this holy month, and competing in doing good things.
The Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) passed the words of Allah: “Allah the Exalted and Majestic said: ‘Every act of the son of Adam is for him, except As-Siyam (the fasting) which is (exclusively) for Me, and I will reward him for it.’”(Muslim)
I think it was one of the happiest moments for me when I learned a small surah (chapter) from Qur’an during one of Ramadan nights. It was a great achievement for me at that time as I did not know reading Arabic and was learning Qur’an by listening and reading from transliteration. Learning surahs by heart was quite difficult for me but during Ramadan there was inspiration and I could do it quickly and easily.
And how wonderful the prayer is when you recite ayats you have just learned them by heart!
In Sahih Al-Bukhari and in Sahih Muslim there is a Hadith where it is said: “The one who fasts, experiences two joys: He feels pleasure when he breaks the fast. He is joyful by virtue of his fast when he meets his Rabb.” During my first Ramadan I knew both of these joys!
I learned how to control my emotions, wishes, body; I worked about my patience. I understood that before Ramadan I used to waste my time. Instead of stimulating mind, reading, studying I used to spend my time in front of TV watching series, listening to music and talking over the telephone. In Ramadan all these things paled into insignificance. I was learning Qur’an, reading, praying a lot; I have got an intention to attend lessons in the Islamic center and I turned it into reality after Ramadan.
I feel pity for those Muslims who neglect Ramadan. They intentionally ignore all its blessings. And there is innumerable reward for believers from Allah for each minute of this blessed month. Each minute is precious and will not come back.
• Courtesy of b-muslim.com
http://MuslimWindow.blogspot.com/
A new revert blogger, by the name of Marjana, chronicles his experience of keeping fasts in Ramadan.
Being a Muslim for the first year I was a little bit afraid before my very first fasting in Ramadan. As I was a person, who had never fast before it was difficult for me to imagine how to spend a day without food and water. The situation was compounded by my close relatives and friends: Everybody wanted to express his personal opinion about meaninglessness and absurdity of exhausting an organism, harmfulness of staying without food and drinking for long. They used to convince me that I will not be able to study efficiently during Ramadan. Nevertheless, the more they tried to reassure me the more determined to fast I was.
Fasting in a non-Muslim country was quite different from Ramadan in Muslim regions where we could observe joy, presents, decorations when everything changes and there is a smile on every face. As for me, as I had just converted to Islam I did not have a lot of Muslim friends with who I could spend each day of the Holy month. And my non-Muslim acquaintances when hearing that it was Ramadan time used to notice with sympathy, “It will be very hard to stay without food all day…”
But in fact, it was not hard at all; it was much harder to fast far from close people, without sharing the atmosphere of celebration, joy and happiness. I had to create a celebration myself every day. Ramadan is a wonderful time when one wants to do something good: To feed somebody, to help or just to share a good mood. A Muslim feels especially great when he meets a brother in Islam in a non-Muslim country and shares with him happiness of Ramadan.
Every time after returning home from market when I started unpacking my bags I used to find small presents from Muslim salesmen. And even if it was only one peach it was extremely pleasant and I wanted to do something good to somebody too.
As for nutrition in Ramadan the first some days appeared to be the hardest: It was difficult to control amount of eaten food during iftar. Before accepting Islam I had heard from non-Muslims: “Muslims don’t eat and drink during the day time but at nights eat to heart content!” Of course such understanding of Ramadan is wrong. But the fact is that controlling himself during iftar is a big problem for those who fast for the first time.
The best advice regarding this issue is given in Qur’an by Allah Almighty: “…And eat and drink, but be not excessive. Indeed, He likes not those who commit excess.” (Qur’an, 7:31)
Having got a stomachache and disability to do anything after my first iftars, I started thinking seriously about a right diet in Ramadan and remembered about Sunnah of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him).
The Prophet (peace be upon him) said: “Man fills no vessel worse than his stomach. It is sufficient for the son of Adam to have a few mouthfuls to give him the strength he needs. If he has to fill his stomach, then let him leave one-third for food, one-third for drink and one-third for air.” (Tirmidhi and Ibn Majah)
According to the example set by Prophet (peace be upon him), one should break his fast with dates and if there are no dates then one should drink a little water. After breaking the fast this way the Prophet (peace be upon him) used to pray Maghreb and only after this he would take his meal.
The Prophet (peace be upon him) said: “When one of you breaks his Saum (fasting), let him break it on dates; if he does not have any, break his fast with water for it is pure.’’ (Abu Dawud).
After following this example I understood that such approach is the best for iftar. Appetite is dampened after a few dated (or dry fruits) and praying. And instead of eating everything what is on the table one can control amount of food he takes. So, the following days of fasting were easy and beneficial for me.
The issue of nutrition in Ramadan is very important undoubtedly but Ramadan is not only about food. This month is much more than abstinence from eating and drinking.
One of my colleagues once asked me, “Don’t you eat anything at all? Don’t you eat even a little when no one can see you?” Her question made me laugh. I had to explain to her that fasting is not abstaining from food and drinking to show off; Muslims fast for the sake of Allah; they keep their mind, hearts, tongues, eyes, ears far from sinful actions. Nothing can be compared to blessing, which believers achieve during Ramadan. Only believers can understand that fasting is not only abstaining from food, it is a complete devotion yourself to Allah, it is search for blessing in every minute of this holy month, and competing in doing good things.
The Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) passed the words of Allah: “Allah the Exalted and Majestic said: ‘Every act of the son of Adam is for him, except As-Siyam (the fasting) which is (exclusively) for Me, and I will reward him for it.’”(Muslim)
I think it was one of the happiest moments for me when I learned a small surah (chapter) from Qur’an during one of Ramadan nights. It was a great achievement for me at that time as I did not know reading Arabic and was learning Qur’an by listening and reading from transliteration. Learning surahs by heart was quite difficult for me but during Ramadan there was inspiration and I could do it quickly and easily.
And how wonderful the prayer is when you recite ayats you have just learned them by heart!
In Sahih Al-Bukhari and in Sahih Muslim there is a Hadith where it is said: “The one who fasts, experiences two joys: He feels pleasure when he breaks the fast. He is joyful by virtue of his fast when he meets his Rabb.” During my first Ramadan I knew both of these joys!
I learned how to control my emotions, wishes, body; I worked about my patience. I understood that before Ramadan I used to waste my time. Instead of stimulating mind, reading, studying I used to spend my time in front of TV watching series, listening to music and talking over the telephone. In Ramadan all these things paled into insignificance. I was learning Qur’an, reading, praying a lot; I have got an intention to attend lessons in the Islamic center and I turned it into reality after Ramadan.
I feel pity for those Muslims who neglect Ramadan. They intentionally ignore all its blessings. And there is innumerable reward for believers from Allah for each minute of this blessed month. Each minute is precious and will not come back.
• Courtesy of b-muslim.com
http://MuslimWindow.blogspot.com/
Ramadan — the most blissful month in a Muslim’s life
Ramadan — the most blissful month in a Muslim’s life
FARHANA BEHJAT- Arab News
Ramadan is a holy month in which each of us gets opportunity to make the best out of it. A chance to earn as much reward and good deeds as we want from Allah, and to ask for forgiveness of our sins. A month to change and start our life anew.
One of the most important things that Ramadan teaches us is ‘brotherhood.’
Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) is reported to have said in a Hadith: “The Muslim Ummah is like one body. If an eye is in pain then the whole body is in pain and if the head is in pain then the whole body is in pain.”
The prime illustration of this brotherhood can be seen in the two Holy Mosques in Makkah and Madinah in the month of Ramadan.
Millions circumambulate the Kaaba with beads of sweat on their forehead and the serene look on their faces. As the time of Maghrib draws in, you are elated to find many people ready to serve you with Zamzam and dates while you are still absorbed in the tranquility of Haram and the spirituality of the ambiance. When the Azan echoes under the never-ending blue canopy, everyone in Haram breaks his/her fast with dates and Zamzam. The Saudi government makes special arrangements too as the sufra is laid with gahwa (a special Arabic coffee), dates and Zamzam. Families sitting outside the Masjid share food with other families. Food is prohibited to be taken inside the Mosque.
As the Muezzin begins to say Takbir, the volunteers and other staff of the Holy Masjid take seconds to remove the leftovers and clean the whole vicinity in no time. And then begins the most disciplined and awesome act of a spiritual ritual: A complete silence dawns upon the vicinity as the voice of the Imam reciting the Qur’an begins and millions of people stand behind aligning shoulder to shoulder facing Kaaba and prostrate before the Creator of the worlds, the All Knower, to say their Maghrib prayer.
Witnessing this panoramic view of a large gathering — all facing Kaaba — is perhaps the most priceless moment for a Muslim in this world. Millions and millions of people facing the Qiblah under the fluorescent twilight sky and praising the Lord who has blessed us with every wonderful thing; but little do we care about thanking Him for all those bounties He has bestowed on us.
Allah said in the Qur’an in Surah Al-Hujjurat (49:10): “The believers are nothing else than brothers. So make reconciliation between your brothers, and fear Allah, that you may receive mercy.”
http://MuslimWindow.blogspot.com/
FARHANA BEHJAT- Arab News
Ramadan is a holy month in which each of us gets opportunity to make the best out of it. A chance to earn as much reward and good deeds as we want from Allah, and to ask for forgiveness of our sins. A month to change and start our life anew.
One of the most important things that Ramadan teaches us is ‘brotherhood.’
Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) is reported to have said in a Hadith: “The Muslim Ummah is like one body. If an eye is in pain then the whole body is in pain and if the head is in pain then the whole body is in pain.”
The prime illustration of this brotherhood can be seen in the two Holy Mosques in Makkah and Madinah in the month of Ramadan.
Millions circumambulate the Kaaba with beads of sweat on their forehead and the serene look on their faces. As the time of Maghrib draws in, you are elated to find many people ready to serve you with Zamzam and dates while you are still absorbed in the tranquility of Haram and the spirituality of the ambiance. When the Azan echoes under the never-ending blue canopy, everyone in Haram breaks his/her fast with dates and Zamzam. The Saudi government makes special arrangements too as the sufra is laid with gahwa (a special Arabic coffee), dates and Zamzam. Families sitting outside the Masjid share food with other families. Food is prohibited to be taken inside the Mosque.
As the Muezzin begins to say Takbir, the volunteers and other staff of the Holy Masjid take seconds to remove the leftovers and clean the whole vicinity in no time. And then begins the most disciplined and awesome act of a spiritual ritual: A complete silence dawns upon the vicinity as the voice of the Imam reciting the Qur’an begins and millions of people stand behind aligning shoulder to shoulder facing Kaaba and prostrate before the Creator of the worlds, the All Knower, to say their Maghrib prayer.
Witnessing this panoramic view of a large gathering — all facing Kaaba — is perhaps the most priceless moment for a Muslim in this world. Millions and millions of people facing the Qiblah under the fluorescent twilight sky and praising the Lord who has blessed us with every wonderful thing; but little do we care about thanking Him for all those bounties He has bestowed on us.
Allah said in the Qur’an in Surah Al-Hujjurat (49:10): “The believers are nothing else than brothers. So make reconciliation between your brothers, and fear Allah, that you may receive mercy.”
http://MuslimWindow.blogspot.com/
Kissing a woman, who is eligible for marriage, whilst fasting
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Kissing a woman, who is eligible for marriage, whilst fasting*Please appropriately reference this fatwa to: www.fatwa-online.com, thankyou!*Question: What is the ruling of the one who kisses a young woman, who is eligible for marriage to him, during Ramadhaan. Is it obligatory for him to make up the fast?
Response: This man who kissed this young woman, who is eligible to marry him, without doubt has not practised the wisdom behind fasting. This is because this man has committed an evil act and the Messenger (sal-Allaahu 'alayhe wa-sallaam) said ((One who does not abandon evil talk and actions and ignorance then Allaah is not in need of him abandoning food and water (whilst fasting) )). So, if he does this, then it is disliked and he has committed an evil and ignorant act. In fact, his fast has lost the wisdom (behind it) and is short on reward, without a doubt. However, according to the majority of the people of knowledge, this does not nullify the fast, which means we cannot order him to make up the fast. As for the one who asked the question, then he must advise the man who committed this act to repent to Allaah (subhaanahu wa-ta'aala). This action is impermissible (muharram) and leads the heart to align with creation and forget the repentance of Allaah (subhaanahu wa-ta'aala) and with that he opens himself to great Fitnah.
Shaykh Ibn 'Uthaymeen
Fataawa Ramadhaan - Volume 2, Page 515, Fatwa No.479;
Fataawa ash-Shaykh al-'Uthaymeen - Volume 1, Page 115-116
Fataawa Ramadhaan - Volume 2, Page 515, Fatwa No.479;
Fataawa ash-Shaykh al-'Uthaymeen - Volume 1, Page 115-116
http://MuslimWindow.blogspot.com/
Thursday, July 18, 2013
Vomitting whilst fasting
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Vomitting whilst fasting*Please appropriately reference this fatwa to: www.fatwa-online.com, thankyou!*Question: What is the ruling of one who vomits whilst fasting, does he have to make up his fast or not?
Response: It's ruling is that he does not have to make it up. As for the one who intentionally vomits, then he must make up his fast, as the Prophet (saw) said: ((One who vomits, then he does not have to make it up, and he who intentionally vomits, then he has to make it up)). Transmitted by Imaam Ahmad and the Four Imaams of the Sunan (Aboo Daawood, at-Tirmidhee, an-Nasaa'ee and ibn Maajah) with a Saheeh chain of narration on the authority of Aboo Hurayrah.
Shaykh Ibn Baaz
Fataawa Ramadhaan - Volume 2, Page 481, Fatwa No. 424
Fataawa Ramadhaan - Volume 2, Page 481, Fatwa No. 424
http://MuslimWindow.blogspot.com/
Rulings regarding wet dreams in Ramadhaan
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Rulings regarding wet dreams in Ramadhaan*Please appropriately reference this fatwa to: www.fatwa-online.com, thankyou!*Question: If one who is fasting has a wet dream during the day in Ramadhaan, does this nullify his fast or not and should he perform the ritual purification (of ghusl)?
Response: If one who is fasting has had a wet dream during the day in Ramadhaan, then his fast is sound and is not affected by the wet dream, because he had not done so intentionally. However, it is obligatory for him to perform the ritual purification (ghusl) so as to perform the prayer. To be prompt in performing the ritual purification is better, but not obligatory.
And Allaah knows best.
Shaykh Ibn Fowzaan
Fataawa Ramadhaan - Volume 2, Page 440, Fatwa No.365;
al-Muntaqaa min Fataawa ash-Shaykh Saalih ibn Fowzaan - Volume 3, Page 162
Fataawa Ramadhaan - Volume 2, Page 440, Fatwa No.365;
al-Muntaqaa min Fataawa ash-Shaykh Saalih ibn Fowzaan - Volume 3, Page 162
http://MuslimWindow.blogspot.com/
Harvesting the benefits of Ramadan
Harvesting the benefits of Ramadan
ALI AL-TIMIMI
IN the month of Ramadan it is very important that we spent a few moments to understand some of the wisdoms and lessons that we can learn from this month of fasting. The Prophet (peace be upon him) said: “Let the day that you fast not be the day that you break fast as equal.”
The above Hadith means one’s behavior, attitude and outlook are the same whether one fasts or not, i.e. fasting has no effect upon that person. This is why we need to reflect on some of these lessons.
Gaining Taqwa (piety)
God ordained fasting for gaining Taqwa, “O you who believe, fasting has been prescribed upon you as it has been prescribed upon those before you, so that you may attain Taqwa.” (Qur’an, 2:183) Taqwa in this case means to make a shield between oneself and God’s anger and hellfire. So we should ask ourselves, when we break our fasts, has this fasting day made us fear God more? Has it resulted that we want to protect ourselves from the hellfire or not?
Drawing closer to God
This is achieved by reciting and reflecting on the Qur’an during night and day, attending the Taraweeh prayers, remembering God, sitting in circles of knowledge and, for those who can, making Umrah. Also for those who can, making I’tikaaf (seclusion) in the last ten nights of Ramadan, so as to leave all worldly pursuits and seclude oneself in a masjid just thinking of God, so as to bring oneself closer to God. When one sins, one feels distant from God. That is why one might find it hard to read the Qur’an and come to the masjid. However, the obedient worshipper feels closer to God and wants to worship God more, because he is not shy from his sins.
Acquiring patience and strong will
God has mentioned patience more than 70 times in the Qur’an and has commanded patience in more than 16 ways in His Book. So when one fasts, and gives up one’s food and drink, and one’s marital sexual relations for those hours, one learns restraint and patience. This Ummah needs men and women that are strong willed, who can follow the Sunnah and the Book of God and not waver in front of the enemies of God. We do not need emotional people, who just raise slogans and shout, but when the time comes to stand by something firm, they cannot do so, they waver.
Striving for Ihsaan (righteousness and sincerity) and staying away from riyaa (showing off)
Ihsaan means to worship God as if one seeks Him, and even though one does not see Him, He sees all. Hasan Al-Basri said, “By God, in the last 20 years, I have not said a word or taken something with my hand or refrained to take something with my hand or stepped forth or stepped back, except that I have thought before I have done any action, ‘Does God love this action? Is God pleased with this action?’ So when one is fasting, one should gain this quality of watching oneself and also staying away from riyaa’ (showing off). That is why God said in a Hadith Qudsee, “Fasting is for Me and I reward it.” (Bukhari) God singles out fasting from all other types of worship saying, “Fasting is for Me”, because no one knows whether you are fasting or not, except God. For example, when one is praying or giving charity or making tawaaf, one can be seen by the people, so one might do the action seeking the praise of the people. Sufyaan Al-Thawree used to spend the nights and the days crying and the people used to ask him, “Why do you cry, is it due to the fear of God? He said, ‘No.’ They said, “Is it due to the fear of the hellfire?” He said, ‘No. It is not the fear of hellfire that makes me cry, what makes me cry is that I have been worshipping God all these years and doing scholarly teaching, and I am not certain that my intentions are purely for God.’”
Refinement of manners, especially those related to truthfulness and discharging trusts
The Prophet (may God send His blessing and peace upon him) said, “Whoever does not abandon falsehood in word and action, then God has no need that he should leave his food and drink.” (Al-Bukhari)
What we learn from this, is that we must pay attention to the purification of our manners. The Prophet said, “was sent to perfect good manners.” (Maalik) So we must check ourselves, are we following the behaviour of the Prophet? For example: Do we give salaam to those we don’t know and those we do know? Do we follow the manners of Islam, by telling the truth and only telling the truth? Are we sincere? Are we merciful to the creation?
Recognizing that one can change for the better
The Prophet (peace be upon him) said, “Every son of Adam sins and the best of the sinners are those who repent.” (Ibn Maajah) God provides many opportunities to repent to Him and seek His forgiveness. If one was disobedient they can become obedient.
Being more charitable
Ibn Abaas said, “The Prophet (peace be upon him) was the most charitable amongst the people, and he used to be more so in the month of Ramadan when Jibreel used to meet him on every night of Ramadan till the end of the month.” (Al-Bukhari) The Prophet (peace be upon him) said, “He who gives food for a fasting person to break his fast, he will receive the same reward as him, without anything being reduced from the fasting person’s reward.” (At-Tirmidhi)
Sensing the unity of the Muslims
The Prophet (peace be upon him) said, “Those of you who will live after me will see many differences. Then you must cling to my Sunnah and the Sunnah of the rightly guided caliphs. Hold fast to it and stick to it.” (Abu Dawood)
In this month we sense that there is a possibility for unity, because we all fast together, we break-fast together, we all worship God together, and we pray Salaatul-Eid together.
Therefore we sense that the unity of possible. It is possible for Muslims to be a single body, but this will only be achieved when obedience is only to God and His Messenger.
Learning discipline
The Prophet (peace be upon him) made us adhere to discipline and strictness, strictness that does not lead to fanaticism or going outside the bounds that God has laid down. One cannot knowingly break the fast before the sunset, as this will not be accepted by God. Muslims should learn to be very strict in their lives, because they are people of an important message, which they mold their lives around.
Teaching the young to worship God
It was the practice of the people of Madinah that during the fast of Aashura (which is now a recommended fast of one day) to get their children to fast with them. When the children would cry of hunger and thirst, their parents would distract their attention by giving them some sort of toy to play with. The children would break their fast with their parents. (as mentioned in Al-Bukhari). So the young should be brought to the Masjid and they should pray with their parents, so that they are able to get into the habit of becoming worshippers of God. If one does not encourage children to fast when they are young, they will find it very difficult to fast for thirty days at the age of puberty. This is why the Prophet said, “Command your children to pray at the age of seven and beat them at the age of ten (if they do not pray).” (Haakim)
Caring for one’s health
Fasting has many medical benefits and it teaches Muslims to take care of their health and build strong bodies. The Prophet said, “A strong believer is better and is more beloved to God than a weak believer, and there is good in everyone.” (Muslim)
n Courtesy of echo-of-islam.blogspot.com
http://MuslimWindow.blogspot.com/
ALI AL-TIMIMI
IN the month of Ramadan it is very important that we spent a few moments to understand some of the wisdoms and lessons that we can learn from this month of fasting. The Prophet (peace be upon him) said: “Let the day that you fast not be the day that you break fast as equal.”
The above Hadith means one’s behavior, attitude and outlook are the same whether one fasts or not, i.e. fasting has no effect upon that person. This is why we need to reflect on some of these lessons.
Gaining Taqwa (piety)
God ordained fasting for gaining Taqwa, “O you who believe, fasting has been prescribed upon you as it has been prescribed upon those before you, so that you may attain Taqwa.” (Qur’an, 2:183) Taqwa in this case means to make a shield between oneself and God’s anger and hellfire. So we should ask ourselves, when we break our fasts, has this fasting day made us fear God more? Has it resulted that we want to protect ourselves from the hellfire or not?
Drawing closer to God
This is achieved by reciting and reflecting on the Qur’an during night and day, attending the Taraweeh prayers, remembering God, sitting in circles of knowledge and, for those who can, making Umrah. Also for those who can, making I’tikaaf (seclusion) in the last ten nights of Ramadan, so as to leave all worldly pursuits and seclude oneself in a masjid just thinking of God, so as to bring oneself closer to God. When one sins, one feels distant from God. That is why one might find it hard to read the Qur’an and come to the masjid. However, the obedient worshipper feels closer to God and wants to worship God more, because he is not shy from his sins.
Acquiring patience and strong will
God has mentioned patience more than 70 times in the Qur’an and has commanded patience in more than 16 ways in His Book. So when one fasts, and gives up one’s food and drink, and one’s marital sexual relations for those hours, one learns restraint and patience. This Ummah needs men and women that are strong willed, who can follow the Sunnah and the Book of God and not waver in front of the enemies of God. We do not need emotional people, who just raise slogans and shout, but when the time comes to stand by something firm, they cannot do so, they waver.
Striving for Ihsaan (righteousness and sincerity) and staying away from riyaa (showing off)
Ihsaan means to worship God as if one seeks Him, and even though one does not see Him, He sees all. Hasan Al-Basri said, “By God, in the last 20 years, I have not said a word or taken something with my hand or refrained to take something with my hand or stepped forth or stepped back, except that I have thought before I have done any action, ‘Does God love this action? Is God pleased with this action?’ So when one is fasting, one should gain this quality of watching oneself and also staying away from riyaa’ (showing off). That is why God said in a Hadith Qudsee, “Fasting is for Me and I reward it.” (Bukhari) God singles out fasting from all other types of worship saying, “Fasting is for Me”, because no one knows whether you are fasting or not, except God. For example, when one is praying or giving charity or making tawaaf, one can be seen by the people, so one might do the action seeking the praise of the people. Sufyaan Al-Thawree used to spend the nights and the days crying and the people used to ask him, “Why do you cry, is it due to the fear of God? He said, ‘No.’ They said, “Is it due to the fear of the hellfire?” He said, ‘No. It is not the fear of hellfire that makes me cry, what makes me cry is that I have been worshipping God all these years and doing scholarly teaching, and I am not certain that my intentions are purely for God.’”
Refinement of manners, especially those related to truthfulness and discharging trusts
The Prophet (may God send His blessing and peace upon him) said, “Whoever does not abandon falsehood in word and action, then God has no need that he should leave his food and drink.” (Al-Bukhari)
What we learn from this, is that we must pay attention to the purification of our manners. The Prophet said, “was sent to perfect good manners.” (Maalik) So we must check ourselves, are we following the behaviour of the Prophet? For example: Do we give salaam to those we don’t know and those we do know? Do we follow the manners of Islam, by telling the truth and only telling the truth? Are we sincere? Are we merciful to the creation?
Recognizing that one can change for the better
The Prophet (peace be upon him) said, “Every son of Adam sins and the best of the sinners are those who repent.” (Ibn Maajah) God provides many opportunities to repent to Him and seek His forgiveness. If one was disobedient they can become obedient.
Being more charitable
Ibn Abaas said, “The Prophet (peace be upon him) was the most charitable amongst the people, and he used to be more so in the month of Ramadan when Jibreel used to meet him on every night of Ramadan till the end of the month.” (Al-Bukhari) The Prophet (peace be upon him) said, “He who gives food for a fasting person to break his fast, he will receive the same reward as him, without anything being reduced from the fasting person’s reward.” (At-Tirmidhi)
Sensing the unity of the Muslims
The Prophet (peace be upon him) said, “Those of you who will live after me will see many differences. Then you must cling to my Sunnah and the Sunnah of the rightly guided caliphs. Hold fast to it and stick to it.” (Abu Dawood)
In this month we sense that there is a possibility for unity, because we all fast together, we break-fast together, we all worship God together, and we pray Salaatul-Eid together.
Therefore we sense that the unity of possible. It is possible for Muslims to be a single body, but this will only be achieved when obedience is only to God and His Messenger.
Learning discipline
The Prophet (peace be upon him) made us adhere to discipline and strictness, strictness that does not lead to fanaticism or going outside the bounds that God has laid down. One cannot knowingly break the fast before the sunset, as this will not be accepted by God. Muslims should learn to be very strict in their lives, because they are people of an important message, which they mold their lives around.
Teaching the young to worship God
It was the practice of the people of Madinah that during the fast of Aashura (which is now a recommended fast of one day) to get their children to fast with them. When the children would cry of hunger and thirst, their parents would distract their attention by giving them some sort of toy to play with. The children would break their fast with their parents. (as mentioned in Al-Bukhari). So the young should be brought to the Masjid and they should pray with their parents, so that they are able to get into the habit of becoming worshippers of God. If one does not encourage children to fast when they are young, they will find it very difficult to fast for thirty days at the age of puberty. This is why the Prophet said, “Command your children to pray at the age of seven and beat them at the age of ten (if they do not pray).” (Haakim)
Caring for one’s health
Fasting has many medical benefits and it teaches Muslims to take care of their health and build strong bodies. The Prophet said, “A strong believer is better and is more beloved to God than a weak believer, and there is good in everyone.” (Muslim)
n Courtesy of echo-of-islam.blogspot.com
http://MuslimWindow.blogspot.com/
Wednesday, July 17, 2013
Top Islamist Sentenced to Death by Bangladesh Tribunal
Top Islamist Sentenced to Death by Bangladesh Tribunal
Secretary General of Jamaat-e-Islami, Ali Ahsan Mohammad Mujahid (L) waves from a police vehicle as he is transported to the central jail following his court verdict in Dhaka, Bangladesh, July 17, 2013.
Bangladesh Sentences Islamist Leader for War Crimes
VOA News
July 17, 2013
A Bangladeshi war crimes tribunal has convicted and sentenced to death a top Islamic party leader for his role in the kidnapping and killing of people during the country's 1971 independence war.
The verdict against 65-year-old Ali Ahsan Mohammad Mujahid, the secretary general of the Jamaat-e-Islami party, was handed down Wednesday in the capital, Dhaka.
Mujahid was convicted of torture, kidnapping and the murder of intellectuals. Seven charges were brought against Mujahid, prosecutor Tureen Afroz said.
"Out of the seven charges, five have been beyond reasonable doubt proved by the prosecution. And out of these five charges, three charges have been given death penalty, one for the life imprisonment and one for five years imprisonment."
Mujahid shouted "injustice" as the judge read the sentence.
The verdict is the second this week by the tribunal. On Monday, the controversial court sentenced 90-year-old Ghulam Azam, the spiritual leader of Jamaat-e-Islami, to 90 years in prison for his role in atrocities committed during the war.
So far six of the group's leaders have been sentenced since January by the war crimes tribunal, set up by the Awami-League led government in 2010. The trials have triggered violence that has left more than 100 people dead.
Critics have accused Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina of using the tribunals to decimate the country's opposition parties ahead of elections scheduled for next year.
Bangladesh fought a nine-month war against Pakistan in 1971 to obtain its independence. The government says three million people died in the violence, although other estimates put the death toll lower.
http://MuslimWindow.blogspot.com/
Secretary General of Jamaat-e-Islami, Ali Ahsan Mohammad Mujahid (L) waves from a police vehicle as he is transported to the central jail following his court verdict in Dhaka, Bangladesh, July 17, 2013.Bangladesh Sentences Islamist Leader for War Crimes
VOA News
July 17, 2013
A Bangladeshi war crimes tribunal has convicted and sentenced to death a top Islamic party leader for his role in the kidnapping and killing of people during the country's 1971 independence war.
The verdict against 65-year-old Ali Ahsan Mohammad Mujahid, the secretary general of the Jamaat-e-Islami party, was handed down Wednesday in the capital, Dhaka.
Mujahid was convicted of torture, kidnapping and the murder of intellectuals. Seven charges were brought against Mujahid, prosecutor Tureen Afroz said.
"Out of the seven charges, five have been beyond reasonable doubt proved by the prosecution. And out of these five charges, three charges have been given death penalty, one for the life imprisonment and one for five years imprisonment."
Mujahid shouted "injustice" as the judge read the sentence.
The verdict is the second this week by the tribunal. On Monday, the controversial court sentenced 90-year-old Ghulam Azam, the spiritual leader of Jamaat-e-Islami, to 90 years in prison for his role in atrocities committed during the war.
So far six of the group's leaders have been sentenced since January by the war crimes tribunal, set up by the Awami-League led government in 2010. The trials have triggered violence that has left more than 100 people dead.
Critics have accused Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina of using the tribunals to decimate the country's opposition parties ahead of elections scheduled for next year.
Bangladesh fought a nine-month war against Pakistan in 1971 to obtain its independence. The government says three million people died in the violence, although other estimates put the death toll lower.
http://MuslimWindow.blogspot.com/
HD - Full Taraweeh Makkah 2013 Day 2 w/ English Subtitle (Ramadan 1434)
1434 Ramadan Mubarak:The Etiquettes of fasting-1
The Etiquettes of fasting
Eating Suhoor (the pre-dawn meal):
It is recommended to eat a pre-dawn meal and there is no sin upon one who does not do so. Anas, may Allaah be pleased with him, reported that the Messenger of Allaah, sallallaahu alayhi wa sallam, said: "Eat a pre-dawn meal, for there are blessings in it." [Al-Bukhaari and Muslim] The reason is that it strengthens the fasting person, makes him more energetic, and makes fasting easier for him.
The minimum amount to eat in the pre-dawn meal:
Eating a small or large quantity of food, or even by drinking just a sip of water suffices the person and he is considered to have adhered to the Prophetic recommendation. Abu Sa'eed Al-Khudri, may Allaah be pleased with him, reported that the Prophet, sallallaahu alayhi wa sallam, said: "The pre-dawn meal is blessed, so do not neglect it even if you only take a sip of water. Verily, Allaah and the angels pray for those who have the pre-dawn meals." [Ahmad]
The time for the pre-dawn meal:
The time for the pre-dawn meal is between the middle of the night and dawn. It is considered best to delay it (that is, as close to dawn as possible). Zayd Ibn Thaabit, may Allaah be pleased with him, reported: "We ate the pre-dawn meal with the Messenger of Allaah, sallallaahu alayhi wa sallam, and then we got up for the prayer. He, may Allaah be pleased with him, was asked: 'What was the amount of time between the two?' He may Allaah be pleased with him responded: 'The time it would take to recite fifty verses.'" [Al-Bukhaari and Muslim]
Doubt concerning the time of Fajr (dawn):
If one is in doubt whether or not the time of Fajr has begun, he may continue to eat and drink until he is certain that it is Fajr. He should not base his action on doubt or suspicion. Allaah has made the signs for beginning the fast very clear and unambiguous. Allaah Says (what means): "…Eat and drink until the white thread of the dawn becomes distinct from the black thread [of the night]..." [Quran 2:187]
A man said to Ibn 'Abbaas, may Allaah be pleased with him: "I eat until I suspect that its time (i.e. Suhoor) has ended so I stop." Ibn 'Abbaas, may Allaah be pleased with him, observed: "Continue to eat until you are certain about the time." Abu Daawood, may Allaah have mercy upon him, reported that Ahmad Ibn Hanbal, may Allaah have mercy upon him, said: "If you are not sure whether or not it is time for Fajr, then eat until you are sure dawn has come."
Hastening in breaking the fast:
It is preferred for the fasting person to hasten in breaking the fast when the sun has set. Sahl Ibn Sa'd, may Allaah be pleased with him, reported that the Prophet, sallallaahu alayhi wa sallam, said: "People will continue to be upon virtue so long as they hasten in breaking the fast." [Al-Bukhaari and Muslim] It is recommended to break the fast by eating an odd number of dates or, if that is not available, then by drinking some water. Anas, may Allaah be pleased with him, reported: "The Messenger of Allaah, sallallaahu alayhi wa sallam, would break his fast with ripe dates before he would pray. If those were not available, he, sallallaahu alayhi wa sallam, would eat dried dates. If those were not available, he would drink some water." [Abu Daawood, Al-Haakim and At-Tirmithi]
Sulaymaan Ibn 'Amr, may Allaah be pleased with him, reported that the Prophet, sallallaahu alayhi wa sallam, said: "If one of you is fasting, let him break his fast with dates. If dates are not available, then with water, for water is purifying." [Ahmad and At-Tirmithi]
The preceding narration also shows that it is preferred to break the fast in the above manner before praying. After the prayer, the person may continue to eat, but if the evening meal is ready, one may begin with that. Anas, may Allaah be pleased with him, reported that the Messenger of Allaah, sallallaahu alayhi wa sallam, said: "If the food is already presented, eat before praying the sunset prayer and do not eat your meals in haste." [Al-Bukhaari and Muslim]
Supplications while breaking the fast and while fasting:
It is confirmed that the Prophet, sallallaahu alayhi wa sallam, would say upon breaking his fast: "The thirst has gone, the glands are wet and, Allaah willing, the reward is confirmed." [Abu Daawood]
The Prophet, sallallaahu alayhi wa sallam, also said: "Three people will not have their supplications rejected: a fasting person until he breaks his fast, a just ruler, and an oppressed person." [At-Tirmithi]
Refraining from performing any actions that do not befit fasting:
Fasting is an act of worship that draws one closer to Allaah. Allaah has prescribed it to purify the soul and to train it in good deeds. The fasting person must be on guard against any act that may cause him to lose the benefits of his fast. Thus, his fast will increase his Allaah-consciousness, as Allaah Says (what means): "O you who believe! Fasting is prescribed for you as it was prescribed for those before you that you may attain God-consciousness." [Quran 2:183]
This entails that fasting is not just refraining from eating and drinking, but it is also refraining from everything else that Allaah has forbidden. Abu Hurayrah, may Allaah be pleased with him, reported that the Prophet, sallallaahu alayhi wa sallam, said: "Fasting is not abstaining from eating and drinking only, but also from vain speech and foul language. If one of you is being cursed or annoyed, he should say: "I am fasting, I am fasting." [Ibn Khuzaymah, Ibn Hibbaan and Al-Haakim]
To stress the importance of having one's fast reflecting on his actions, the Prophet, sallallaahu alayhi wa sallam, said: "Allaah does not need the fast of one who does not abandon false speech or acting according to his false speech." [Al-Bukhaari]
Abu Hurayrah, may Allaah be pleased with him, narrated that the Prophet, sallallaahu alayhi wa sallam, said: "Perhaps a fasting person will get nothing from his fast save hunger, and perhaps the one who stands to pray at night will get nothing from his standing except sleeplessness."[An-Nasaa'i, Ibn Maajah, and Al-Haakim]
Using Miswaak (a tooth stick) or a brush:
It is preferred for the fasting person to use a tooth stick or a brush. There is no difference if he uses it at the beginning or the ending of the day. It is confirmed that the Prophet, sallallaahu alayhi wa sallam, used tooth stick [Miswaak] while fasting.
Being generous and studying the Quran:
Being generous and studying the Quran is recommended during any time, but it is especially stressed during the month of Ramadhaan. Al-Bukhaari may Allaah have mercy upon him recorded that Ibn 'Abbaas, may Allaah be pleased with him, said: "The Prophet, sallallaahu alayhi wa sallam, was the most generous of people, but he would be most generous during Ramadhaan when he would meet with Jibreel [the angel Gabriel]. He would meet with him every night and recite the Quran. When Jibreel met him, he, sallallaahu alayhi wa sallam, would be faster in spending charity than a fast wind."
Striving to perform as many acts of worship as possible during the last ten days of Ramadhaan:
Al-Bukhaari and Muslim may Allaah have mercy upon them recorded from 'Aa'ishah, may Allaah be pleased with her, that during the last ten days of Ramadhaan, the Messenger of Allaah, sallallaahu alayhi wa sallam, would awaken his wives during the night and then remain apart from them (refrain from sexual relations with his wives and concentrate on worship). A version in Muslim reads: "He, sallallaahu alayhi wa sallam, would strive [to do acts of worship] during the last ten days of Ramadhaan more than he would at any other time."
Eating Suhoor (the pre-dawn meal):
It is recommended to eat a pre-dawn meal and there is no sin upon one who does not do so. Anas, may Allaah be pleased with him, reported that the Messenger of Allaah, sallallaahu alayhi wa sallam, said: "Eat a pre-dawn meal, for there are blessings in it." [Al-Bukhaari and Muslim] The reason is that it strengthens the fasting person, makes him more energetic, and makes fasting easier for him.
The minimum amount to eat in the pre-dawn meal:
Eating a small or large quantity of food, or even by drinking just a sip of water suffices the person and he is considered to have adhered to the Prophetic recommendation. Abu Sa'eed Al-Khudri, may Allaah be pleased with him, reported that the Prophet, sallallaahu alayhi wa sallam, said: "The pre-dawn meal is blessed, so do not neglect it even if you only take a sip of water. Verily, Allaah and the angels pray for those who have the pre-dawn meals." [Ahmad]
The time for the pre-dawn meal:
The time for the pre-dawn meal is between the middle of the night and dawn. It is considered best to delay it (that is, as close to dawn as possible). Zayd Ibn Thaabit, may Allaah be pleased with him, reported: "We ate the pre-dawn meal with the Messenger of Allaah, sallallaahu alayhi wa sallam, and then we got up for the prayer. He, may Allaah be pleased with him, was asked: 'What was the amount of time between the two?' He may Allaah be pleased with him responded: 'The time it would take to recite fifty verses.'" [Al-Bukhaari and Muslim]
Doubt concerning the time of Fajr (dawn):
If one is in doubt whether or not the time of Fajr has begun, he may continue to eat and drink until he is certain that it is Fajr. He should not base his action on doubt or suspicion. Allaah has made the signs for beginning the fast very clear and unambiguous. Allaah Says (what means): "…Eat and drink until the white thread of the dawn becomes distinct from the black thread [of the night]..." [Quran 2:187]
A man said to Ibn 'Abbaas, may Allaah be pleased with him: "I eat until I suspect that its time (i.e. Suhoor) has ended so I stop." Ibn 'Abbaas, may Allaah be pleased with him, observed: "Continue to eat until you are certain about the time." Abu Daawood, may Allaah have mercy upon him, reported that Ahmad Ibn Hanbal, may Allaah have mercy upon him, said: "If you are not sure whether or not it is time for Fajr, then eat until you are sure dawn has come."
Hastening in breaking the fast:
It is preferred for the fasting person to hasten in breaking the fast when the sun has set. Sahl Ibn Sa'd, may Allaah be pleased with him, reported that the Prophet, sallallaahu alayhi wa sallam, said: "People will continue to be upon virtue so long as they hasten in breaking the fast." [Al-Bukhaari and Muslim] It is recommended to break the fast by eating an odd number of dates or, if that is not available, then by drinking some water. Anas, may Allaah be pleased with him, reported: "The Messenger of Allaah, sallallaahu alayhi wa sallam, would break his fast with ripe dates before he would pray. If those were not available, he, sallallaahu alayhi wa sallam, would eat dried dates. If those were not available, he would drink some water." [Abu Daawood, Al-Haakim and At-Tirmithi]
Sulaymaan Ibn 'Amr, may Allaah be pleased with him, reported that the Prophet, sallallaahu alayhi wa sallam, said: "If one of you is fasting, let him break his fast with dates. If dates are not available, then with water, for water is purifying." [Ahmad and At-Tirmithi]
The preceding narration also shows that it is preferred to break the fast in the above manner before praying. After the prayer, the person may continue to eat, but if the evening meal is ready, one may begin with that. Anas, may Allaah be pleased with him, reported that the Messenger of Allaah, sallallaahu alayhi wa sallam, said: "If the food is already presented, eat before praying the sunset prayer and do not eat your meals in haste." [Al-Bukhaari and Muslim]
Supplications while breaking the fast and while fasting:
It is confirmed that the Prophet, sallallaahu alayhi wa sallam, would say upon breaking his fast: "The thirst has gone, the glands are wet and, Allaah willing, the reward is confirmed." [Abu Daawood]
The Prophet, sallallaahu alayhi wa sallam, also said: "Three people will not have their supplications rejected: a fasting person until he breaks his fast, a just ruler, and an oppressed person." [At-Tirmithi]
Refraining from performing any actions that do not befit fasting:
Fasting is an act of worship that draws one closer to Allaah. Allaah has prescribed it to purify the soul and to train it in good deeds. The fasting person must be on guard against any act that may cause him to lose the benefits of his fast. Thus, his fast will increase his Allaah-consciousness, as Allaah Says (what means): "O you who believe! Fasting is prescribed for you as it was prescribed for those before you that you may attain God-consciousness." [Quran 2:183]
This entails that fasting is not just refraining from eating and drinking, but it is also refraining from everything else that Allaah has forbidden. Abu Hurayrah, may Allaah be pleased with him, reported that the Prophet, sallallaahu alayhi wa sallam, said: "Fasting is not abstaining from eating and drinking only, but also from vain speech and foul language. If one of you is being cursed or annoyed, he should say: "I am fasting, I am fasting." [Ibn Khuzaymah, Ibn Hibbaan and Al-Haakim]
To stress the importance of having one's fast reflecting on his actions, the Prophet, sallallaahu alayhi wa sallam, said: "Allaah does not need the fast of one who does not abandon false speech or acting according to his false speech." [Al-Bukhaari]
Abu Hurayrah, may Allaah be pleased with him, narrated that the Prophet, sallallaahu alayhi wa sallam, said: "Perhaps a fasting person will get nothing from his fast save hunger, and perhaps the one who stands to pray at night will get nothing from his standing except sleeplessness."[An-Nasaa'i, Ibn Maajah, and Al-Haakim]
Using Miswaak (a tooth stick) or a brush:
It is preferred for the fasting person to use a tooth stick or a brush. There is no difference if he uses it at the beginning or the ending of the day. It is confirmed that the Prophet, sallallaahu alayhi wa sallam, used tooth stick [Miswaak] while fasting.
Being generous and studying the Quran:
Being generous and studying the Quran is recommended during any time, but it is especially stressed during the month of Ramadhaan. Al-Bukhaari may Allaah have mercy upon him recorded that Ibn 'Abbaas, may Allaah be pleased with him, said: "The Prophet, sallallaahu alayhi wa sallam, was the most generous of people, but he would be most generous during Ramadhaan when he would meet with Jibreel [the angel Gabriel]. He would meet with him every night and recite the Quran. When Jibreel met him, he, sallallaahu alayhi wa sallam, would be faster in spending charity than a fast wind."
Striving to perform as many acts of worship as possible during the last ten days of Ramadhaan:
Al-Bukhaari and Muslim may Allaah have mercy upon them recorded from 'Aa'ishah, may Allaah be pleased with her, that during the last ten days of Ramadhaan, the Messenger of Allaah, sallallaahu alayhi wa sallam, would awaken his wives during the night and then remain apart from them (refrain from sexual relations with his wives and concentrate on worship). A version in Muslim reads: "He, sallallaahu alayhi wa sallam, would strive [to do acts of worship] during the last ten days of Ramadhaan more than he would at any other time."
Call for ICC probe into Nigerian military
Call for ICC probe into Nigerian military
DAKAR, 16 July 2013 (IRIN) - As Nigeria attempts a ceasefire [ http://reliefweb.int/report/nigeria/nigeria-says-peace-talks-boko-haram-islamists-amid-doubts ] with militant Islamist group Boko Haram (BH), analysts warn against a blanket amnesty and urge that an expanded International Criminal Court (ICC) probe include alleged abuses by the military.
The ceasefire is being negotiated by a government panel set up to develop an amnesty for BH, but details as to when the truce will be signed, whether all the BH factions have agreed to it, or if the amnesty has played a role in the planned ceasefire, remain sketchy.
Human rights [ http://www.hrw.org/news/2013/07/02/nigeria-reject-amnesty-atrocities ] groups insist that peace without justice is unsustainable and are urging Nigeria not to implement a blanket amnesty.
"War crimes, crimes against humanity, torture should not be subject to an amnesty. That is part of international law and part of ensuring a durable peace," Elise Keppler, senior counsel in the international justice programme at Human Rights Watch (HRW), told IRIN. "There could be an amnesty for taking up arms or committing lesser abuses, but the key is that it doesn't extend to the gravest crimes."
Nigeria has forgiven rebels in the past - most notably in the Niger Delta where militants who surrendered arms were pardoned.
Last year the ICC, which opened preliminary investigations into the BH unrest in 2010, found that there was a "reasonable basis" to believe that the militia had committed crimes against humanity, citing widespread and systematic attacks that killed more than 1,200 Christian and Muslim civilians in Borno, Yobe, Katsina, Kaduna, Bauchi, Gombe and Kano states in the north as well as Abuja, Kaduna and Plateau states in central Nigeria.
BH is accused of killing thousands [ http://www.irinnews.org/report/96923/nigeria-failure-to-prosecute ] across northern Nigeria since 2009. Militants have attacked churches, murdered civilians and carried out suicide bombings against security forces, newspapers, a UN office, markets and schools.
ICC urged to widen its scope
Analysts have urged the ICC to widen its scope to include the Nigerian security forces, which HRW and others accuse of killings, burning homes and ransacking towns including Baga, a remote community in the northeastern state of Borno.
"At the moment the ICC investigation is great for the Nigerian government as it's just about BH," said Kevin Jon Heller, associate professor and reader at Melbourne Law School.
"But the court is going to be essentially useless if it becomes the ICC for rebels. The biggest challenge for the court is how to investigate government officials and military officials that are associated with government when that government is still in power. I don't think they have a very easy solution for that."
Claus Molitor, a situation analyst with the Office of the Prosecutor, pointed out that the court has previously targeted top government officials including Sudan's President Omar al Bashir, Kenya's Uhuru Kenyatta and his deputy William Ruto.
"We follow the facts and we follow the law," he said. "We base our decision on the legal requirements of the Rome Statute. It has nothing to do with policy. It has nothing to do with preferring rebels over government forces."
"There is a reasonable basis to believe that BH did launch a systematic and widespread attack on civilians, but we can't say the same for the state forces," he added. "We're not closing the door on anything at this stage. Should there be new information we will assess that."
Mixed messages
Atta Barkindo, an expert on BH and researcher in political Islam, conflict and transitional justice in post-conflict societies at the School of Oriental and African Studies (SOAS) in London, however, believes that an amnesty could end the "continuous bloodletting and killing" and is important for reconciliation.
But he thinks the government of President Goodluck Jonathan has sent the rebels mixed messages. In April it offered an amnesty, then a month later declared emergency rule in the northern states and launched an air and ground campaign against BH.
"It's like a war zone," said Barkindo, who recently travelled to the region. "Soldiers are all over the place. There are checkpoints every 45 minutes and a curfew."
Recent violence suggests that the military crackdown may not be working.
An attack [ http://www.irinnews.org/report/98380/school-closures-in-northeastern-nigeria-after-killings ] in early July on a school in northeastern state of Yobe, one of the three under emergency rule, killed dozens of students. Some were reportedly burned alive and others shot. It is not yet clear who is responsible for the attack, but BH has previously targeted schools in the region.
SOAS researcher in conflict and identity in northern Nigeria Bala Mohammed Liman says determining exactly which crimes BH may have committed is difficult as its members are hard to identify.
"They are a shadowy group and apart from (leader) Abubakar Shekau no one is sure who the other members are," he said. "Every act of criminality in the north is attached to BH, and the security forces are so inept that they haven't been able to figure out who committed some of these crimes. So in the end everything that happens is said to be BH."
ICC assessing judiciary
The ICC is now assessing whether the Nigerian government is investigating and prosecuting those who committed the most serious crimes. Under ICC rules, it can only intervene when the domestic authorities are unable or unwilling to prosecute.
Four members of BH were recently sentenced to life imprisonment for the bombings of an electoral commission office and a church.
ICC's Molitor said that as part of its preliminary examination the court is monitoring the national proceedings. This includes speaking to people who monitor BH trials to determine fairness and whether the rights of the defendants are being respected.
"We haven't come to any conclusions as yet," he said, adding that Nigeria is cooperating with the ICC and that a team from the prosecutor's office may visit this year to follow up on previous missions to Abuja.
Nigeria capable of prosecuting BH crimes, say some
Melbourne Law School's Heller, however, said Nigeria was capable of prosecuting alleged BH crimes.
"Nothing is preventing Nigeria from prosecuting members of BH other than their inability to get their hands on them," he said. "Nigeria has a functioning judicial system and has every interest in capturing and prosecuting high-level members of BH so why should the ICC waste its precious resources on prosecutions that the government is perfectly willing to do?"
SOAS's Barkindo believes that Nigeria should take the lead on BH prosecutions to end the culture of impunity. "Nigeria needs to prove to its citizens that you cannot do these things and go free," he said.
He also argued that neither amnesties nor prosecutions will work if the government does not address the fundamental problems in the north that give rise to militancy.
"If you don't deal with these structural problems you will leave it open to another group coming up," said Barkindo. "The government must address the issues of poverty, unemployment and particularly the issue of education. A lot of young people remain illiterate in northern Nigeria compared to the south."
lc/ob/cb
DAKAR, 16 July 2013 (IRIN) - As Nigeria attempts a ceasefire [ http://reliefweb.int/report/nigeria/nigeria-says-peace-talks-boko-haram-islamists-amid-doubts ] with militant Islamist group Boko Haram (BH), analysts warn against a blanket amnesty and urge that an expanded International Criminal Court (ICC) probe include alleged abuses by the military.
The ceasefire is being negotiated by a government panel set up to develop an amnesty for BH, but details as to when the truce will be signed, whether all the BH factions have agreed to it, or if the amnesty has played a role in the planned ceasefire, remain sketchy.
Human rights [ http://www.hrw.org/news/2013/07/02/nigeria-reject-amnesty-atrocities ] groups insist that peace without justice is unsustainable and are urging Nigeria not to implement a blanket amnesty.
"War crimes, crimes against humanity, torture should not be subject to an amnesty. That is part of international law and part of ensuring a durable peace," Elise Keppler, senior counsel in the international justice programme at Human Rights Watch (HRW), told IRIN. "There could be an amnesty for taking up arms or committing lesser abuses, but the key is that it doesn't extend to the gravest crimes."
Nigeria has forgiven rebels in the past - most notably in the Niger Delta where militants who surrendered arms were pardoned.
Last year the ICC, which opened preliminary investigations into the BH unrest in 2010, found that there was a "reasonable basis" to believe that the militia had committed crimes against humanity, citing widespread and systematic attacks that killed more than 1,200 Christian and Muslim civilians in Borno, Yobe, Katsina, Kaduna, Bauchi, Gombe and Kano states in the north as well as Abuja, Kaduna and Plateau states in central Nigeria.
BH is accused of killing thousands [ http://www.irinnews.org/report/96923/nigeria-failure-to-prosecute ] across northern Nigeria since 2009. Militants have attacked churches, murdered civilians and carried out suicide bombings against security forces, newspapers, a UN office, markets and schools.
ICC urged to widen its scope
Analysts have urged the ICC to widen its scope to include the Nigerian security forces, which HRW and others accuse of killings, burning homes and ransacking towns including Baga, a remote community in the northeastern state of Borno.
"At the moment the ICC investigation is great for the Nigerian government as it's just about BH," said Kevin Jon Heller, associate professor and reader at Melbourne Law School.
"But the court is going to be essentially useless if it becomes the ICC for rebels. The biggest challenge for the court is how to investigate government officials and military officials that are associated with government when that government is still in power. I don't think they have a very easy solution for that."
Claus Molitor, a situation analyst with the Office of the Prosecutor, pointed out that the court has previously targeted top government officials including Sudan's President Omar al Bashir, Kenya's Uhuru Kenyatta and his deputy William Ruto.
"We follow the facts and we follow the law," he said. "We base our decision on the legal requirements of the Rome Statute. It has nothing to do with policy. It has nothing to do with preferring rebels over government forces."
"There is a reasonable basis to believe that BH did launch a systematic and widespread attack on civilians, but we can't say the same for the state forces," he added. "We're not closing the door on anything at this stage. Should there be new information we will assess that."
Mixed messages
Atta Barkindo, an expert on BH and researcher in political Islam, conflict and transitional justice in post-conflict societies at the School of Oriental and African Studies (SOAS) in London, however, believes that an amnesty could end the "continuous bloodletting and killing" and is important for reconciliation.
But he thinks the government of President Goodluck Jonathan has sent the rebels mixed messages. In April it offered an amnesty, then a month later declared emergency rule in the northern states and launched an air and ground campaign against BH.
"It's like a war zone," said Barkindo, who recently travelled to the region. "Soldiers are all over the place. There are checkpoints every 45 minutes and a curfew."
Recent violence suggests that the military crackdown may not be working.
An attack [ http://www.irinnews.org/report/98380/school-closures-in-northeastern-nigeria-after-killings ] in early July on a school in northeastern state of Yobe, one of the three under emergency rule, killed dozens of students. Some were reportedly burned alive and others shot. It is not yet clear who is responsible for the attack, but BH has previously targeted schools in the region.
SOAS researcher in conflict and identity in northern Nigeria Bala Mohammed Liman says determining exactly which crimes BH may have committed is difficult as its members are hard to identify.
"They are a shadowy group and apart from (leader) Abubakar Shekau no one is sure who the other members are," he said. "Every act of criminality in the north is attached to BH, and the security forces are so inept that they haven't been able to figure out who committed some of these crimes. So in the end everything that happens is said to be BH."
ICC assessing judiciary
The ICC is now assessing whether the Nigerian government is investigating and prosecuting those who committed the most serious crimes. Under ICC rules, it can only intervene when the domestic authorities are unable or unwilling to prosecute.
Four members of BH were recently sentenced to life imprisonment for the bombings of an electoral commission office and a church.
ICC's Molitor said that as part of its preliminary examination the court is monitoring the national proceedings. This includes speaking to people who monitor BH trials to determine fairness and whether the rights of the defendants are being respected.
"We haven't come to any conclusions as yet," he said, adding that Nigeria is cooperating with the ICC and that a team from the prosecutor's office may visit this year to follow up on previous missions to Abuja.
Nigeria capable of prosecuting BH crimes, say some
Melbourne Law School's Heller, however, said Nigeria was capable of prosecuting alleged BH crimes.
"Nothing is preventing Nigeria from prosecuting members of BH other than their inability to get their hands on them," he said. "Nigeria has a functioning judicial system and has every interest in capturing and prosecuting high-level members of BH so why should the ICC waste its precious resources on prosecutions that the government is perfectly willing to do?"
SOAS's Barkindo believes that Nigeria should take the lead on BH prosecutions to end the culture of impunity. "Nigeria needs to prove to its citizens that you cannot do these things and go free," he said.
He also argued that neither amnesties nor prosecutions will work if the government does not address the fundamental problems in the north that give rise to militancy.
"If you don't deal with these structural problems you will leave it open to another group coming up," said Barkindo. "The government must address the issues of poverty, unemployment and particularly the issue of education. A lot of young people remain illiterate in northern Nigeria compared to the south."
lc/ob/cb
SADAQA-I FITR
www.serenityfountain.org
SADAQA-I FITR
All of the following information was translated originally from Durr-ul-mukhtar, and from Ibni Abidin’s Radd-ul-mukhtar, which is an explanation of the former:
By the first light of the morning of the first day of ’Iyd of Ramadan[1], to give the Fitra [2] becomes wajib [3] for every free Muslim who has property or money as much as the amount of nisab [4] in addition to his indispensable possessions and debts. It does not become wajib before or after that time. The property that is to be included in the calculation of nisab for fitra and Qurban does not necessarily have to be intended for trade, nor does one have to have had it for one year. The condition is that one should have property as much as the amount of nisab by the time morning prayer becomes performable on the first day of ’Iyd.
Giving the fitra is not wajib for a person who receives the amount of nisab or who is born, or becomes a Muslim after that moment. It is necessary also for the safari (traveller) to give the fitra. It is also permissible to give it during Ramadan-i sharif, before Ramadan, or after the ’Iyd. Furthermore, if a person died before giving the fitra,zakat [5] , kaffarat [6] or something he vowed, and if he did not will it in his last request that it must be given, it is permissible for one of his inheritors to give it to the poor out of his own property, [not necessarily out of the dead person’s property]. But the inheritor does not have to give it. If he willed that it must be given, it is necessary to give it out of a third of the property he has left behind. His will is not executed if he has not left property. There will be more blessings if the fitra is given before the ’Iyd prayer. It cannot be given before Ramadan in Shafi’i Madhhab [7] and before ’Iyd in the Madhahib of Maliki and Hanbali.
GLOSSARY
[1] iyd: one of the two Islamic festivals.
[2] fitra: alms (2 kg of wheat or silver of equal value) given after every Ramadan, the ninth month of Muslim calendar.
[3] wajib: (act, thing) never omitted by the Prophet, so almost as compulsory as fard and not to be omitted. Wajib al-wujud: Being whose existence is indispensable and nonexistence is impossible.
[4] nisab: minimum quantity of specified wealth which makes one liable to do some certain duties.
[5] zakat: (fard duty of giving annually) certain amount of certain kinds of property to certain kinds of people, by which the remaining property becomes purified and blessed and the Muslim who gives it protects himself against being (called) a miser. See chapter 1 in Endless Bliss V.
[6] kaffara: specified penalty that should be paid along with qada’.
[7] madhhab: all of what a profound ‘alim of (especially) Fiqh (usually one of the four-Hanafi, Shafi’i, Maliki, Hanbali) or iman (one of the two, namely Ash-ari, Maturidi) communicated.
http://MuslimWindow.blogspot.com/
Tuesday, July 16, 2013
Monday, July 15, 2013
ElBaradei’s democracy: How Egypt’s revolution was betrayed
ElBaradei’s democracy: How Egypt’s revolution was betrayed
SEATTLE – “The revolution is dead. Long live the revolution,” wrote Eric Walberg, a Middle East political expert and author, shortly after the Egyptian military overthrew the country’s democratically elected President Mohammed Morsi on July 3.
But more accurately, the revolution was killed in an agonizingly slow death, and the murders were too many to count.
Mohamed ElBaradei, a liberal elitist with a dismal track record in service of Western powers during his glamorous career as the head of the International Atomic Energy Agency, is a stark example of the moral and political crisis that has befallen Egypt since the ouster of former President Hosni Mubarak. ElBaradei played a most detrimental role in this sad saga, from his uneventful return to Egypt during the January 2011 revolution — being cast as the sensible, Western-educated liberator — to the ousting of the only democratically elected president this popular Arab country has ever seen.
His double-speak was a testament not only to his opportunistic nature as a politician and the head of the Dostour Party, but to the entire political philosophy of the National Salvation Front, the opposition umbrella group for which he served as a coordinator.
The soft-spoken man, who rarely objected to the unfair pressure imposed on Iraq during his services as the head of the U.N. nuclear watch dog, was miraculously transformed into a fierce politician with persisting demands and expectations. His party, like the rest of Egypt’s opposition, had performed poorly in every democratic election and referendum held since the ouster of Mubarak.
Democracy proved him irrelevant. But after every failure he and the opposition managed to emerge even louder thanks to a huge media apparatus that operated around the clock in a collective, undying commitment in rearranging the country’s political scene in their favor, regardless of what the majority of Egyptians thought.
Soon after Gen. Abdel-Fattah el-Sissi announced a military coup on July 4, in what was a clearly well-organized conspiracy involving the army, much of the media, the opposition and disaffected Mubarak-era judges, silencing the Muslim Brotherhood and their own media were paramount. The level of organization in which the coup conspirators operated left no doubt that the military was most insincere when two days earlier they had given the quarreling political parties 48 hours to resolve their disputes or else.
Of course there was no room for compromise as far as ElBaradei’s opposition was concerned, and the army knew that well. On June 30, one year since Morsi had taken office following transparent, albeit protracted elections, the opposition organized with the sinister goal of removing the president at any cost.
Some called on the army, which has proven to be extremely devious and untrustworthy, to lead the “democratic” transition. ElBaradei even invited supporters of the former regime to join his crusade to oust the Brotherhood.
The idea was simple: to gather as many people in the streets as possible, claiming a second revolution and calling on the military to intervene to save Egypt from Morsi and his supposed disregard of the will of the people.
The military, with a repulsive show of orchestrated benevolence, came to the rescue, in the name of the people and democracy. They arrested the president, shut down Islamic TV stations, killed many and rounded up hundreds of people affiliated with the ruling party. Fireworks ensued, ElBaradei and his men gloated, for Egypt had supposedly been saved.
Except it was not.
“Mubarak-era media owners and key members of Egypt’s liberal and secular opposition have teamed up to create arguably one of the most effective propaganda campaigns in recent political history, to demonize Morsi and the Muslim Brotherhood,” wrote Mohamad Elmasry of the American University in Cairo.
Much of the media in Egypt never truly shifted allegiances. It remained as dirty and corrupt as it was during the Mubarak regime. It was there to serve the interest of the powerful business and political elites.
But due to the changing political reality — three democratic elections and two referendums, all won by Islamic party supporters — it was impossible for them to operate using the same language. They too jumped on the revolution bandwagon using the same frame of references as if they were at the forefront of the fight for freedom, equality and democracy.
Egypt’s reactionary forces, not only in the media, but also the pro-Mubarak judges, the self-serving military, etc, managed to survive the political upheaval not for being particularly clever.
They simply had too much room to regroup and maneuver since the desperate opposition, ElBaradie and company, put all of their focus on discounting Morsi, undermining the Muslim Brotherhood, and undercutting the democratic process that brought them to power. In their desperation and search for power, they lost sight of the revolution and its original goals, disowned democracy, but more importantly endangered the future of Egypt itself.
What took place in Egypt, starting with the orchestrated ‘revolution’ on June 30, from the army’s ultimatum, to the military coup, to the shameless reinvention of the old order — accompanied with repopulating the prisons and sending tanks to face unarmed civilians — was not only disheartening to the majority of Egyptians, but was a huge shock to many people around the world as well. Egypt, which once inspired the world, is now back to square one.
Since the onset of the so-called Arab Spring, an intense debate of numerous dimensions has ensued. One of its aspects was concerned with the role of religion in a healthy democracy.
Egypt, of course, was in the heart of that debate, and every time Egyptians went to the ballot box they seemed to concur with the fact that they wished to see some sort of marriage between Islam and democracy. It was hardly an easy question, and until now there have been no convincing answers. But, as in any healthy democracy, it was the people who were to have the final say. The fact that the choice of a poor peasant from a distant Egyptian village didn’t match ElBaradei’s elitist sensibility is of no consequence whatsoever.
It is unfortunate, but hardly surprising, that many of the idealists who took to Tahrir Square in January 2011 and spoke of equal rights for all couldn’t bear the outcome of that equality. Some complained that decades of marginalization under Mubarak didn’t qualify Egypt’s poor, uneducated and illiterate to make decisions on political representation and democratic constitution.
And in a sad turn of events, these very forces were openly involved in toppling the democratically elected president and his party, as they happily celebrated the return to oppression as a glorious day of freedom. ElBaradie may now return to center stage, lecturing Egypt’s poor on what true democracy is all about — and why, in some way, the majority doesn’t matter at all.
Ramzy Baroud (www.ramzybaroud.net)
http://MuslimWindow.blogspot.com/
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