APRIL FOOL & Islam ensures universal peace

SAY NO TO APRIL FOOL DAY..

Islam is a religion of truthfulness, which teaches human beings to be truthful and honest in all walks of life.  It prohibits deception and hurting others.  Lying and fabrication leads to innumerable sins which drag one down in to hell.  To become a perfectly-mannered person it is necessary to refrain from lying.

April fool is nothing but a compendium of many sins and evils like lying, cheating, hurting others, etc.  For this reason, the Shariah disallows it.  The Holy Prophet (Sallallahu alaihi wa sallam) has prohibited one from lying:

Translation of Hadith:  You refrain from lying and deception as it leads to disobedience and sin and human beings lie and search for opportunities to lie, to the point that he (or she) is written down as a liar with Allah Ta'ala.

(Sunan Abu Dawood, Vol. 2, Pg No: 681, Jame' Tirmidhi Vol. 2, Pg No: 18)

Lying is a great sin, whether in solemnity or in fun.  There are severe warnings for those lie for fun and joke.  There is a Hadith in Sunan Abu Dawood:

Translation of Hadith:  Destruction and ruin is for that person who resorts to lying to make people laugh. There is ruin for him, there is ruin for him! Telling one's brother something which he considers as true although it is totally false is a great dishonesty.

(Sunan Abu Dawood, Vol. 2, Pg No: 681)

There is a Hadith in At Targhib Wat Tarhib:

Translation of Hadith:  Hadhrat Sufyan bin Usaid al Hadhrami (May Allah Ta'ala be well pleased with him) narrates:  I heard the Holy Prophet (Sallallahu alaihi wa sallam) say: It is a huge deception that you tell your brother something to the point that he believes you although you are lying to him.

In April Fool, lying and hurting others is present, even though for some time.  Islam has prohibited lying and deception.  The Holy Prophet (Sallallahu alaihi wa sallam) said:

Translation of Hadith:  Muslim is the brother of another Muslim, he is not to abandon him without help nor humiliate him.

(Sahih Muslim, on the authority of Zujajatul Masabeeh, Vol. 4, Pg No: 97).

There is a Hadith in Sunan Abu Dawood:

Translation of Hadith:  Whoever deceives is not from among us.

April Fool is in fact a custom of Christians.  Muslims should completely avoid the wrong beliefs and immoral and immodest customs of other religions.  The Holy Prophet (Sallallahu alaihi wa sallam) has prohibited from imitation of other communities.  There is a Hadith in Mishkaat on the authority of Jame Tirmidhi:

Translation of Hadith:  It has been narrated on the authority of Hadhrat Abdullah Bin Umar (May Allah Ta'ala be well pleased with him) that the Holy Prophet (Sallallahu alaihi wa sallam) said: Do not imitate/follow Jews and Christians. Those who follow other communities have been declared as members of that community.

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From the above mentioned Hadith, it is clear that jokes, etc in the name of April Fool is in fact deceiving, cheating and hurting people, which is a base and degenerate sin.  It is all the more bases because it is against the rights of the people (Huquq ul 'ibaad).  It should be remembered about the rights of the people that even after repentance (tauba), these sins are not forgiven until the concerned person forgives them.

Excellent article on cancer

 

 

Excellent article on cancer.   AFTER YEARS OF TELLING PEOPLE CHEMOTHERAPY IS THE ONLY WAY TO TRY AND ELIMINATE CANCER, JOHNS HOPKINS IS FINALLY STARTING TO TELL YOU THERE IS AN ALTERNATIVE WAY . Cancer Update from Johns Hopkins: 1. Every person has cancer cells in the body. These cancer cells do not show up in the standard tests until they have multiplied to a few billion. When doctors tell cancer patients that there are no more cancer cells in their bodies after treatment, it just means the tests are unable to detect the cancer cells because they have not reached the detectable size. 2. Cancer cells occur between 6 to more than 10 times in a person's lifetime. 3. When the person's immune system is strong the cancer cells will be destroyed and prevented from multiplying and forming tumours. 4. When a person has cancer it indicates the person has multiple nutritional deficiencies. These could be due to genetic, environmental, food and lifestyle factors. 5. To overcome the multiple nutritional deficiencies, changing diet and including supplements will strengthen the immune system. 6. Chemotherapy involves poisoning the rapidly-growing cancer cells and also destroys rapidly-growing healthy cells in the bone marrow, gastro-intestinal tract etc, and can cause organ damage, like liver, kidneys, heart, lungs etc. 7. Radiation while destroying cancer cells also burns, scars and damages healthy cells, tissues and organs. 8. Initial treatment with chemotherapy and radiation will often reduce tumor size. However prolonged use of chemotherapy and radiation do not result in more tumor destruction. 9. When the body has too much toxic burden from chemotherapy and radiation the immune system is either compromised or destroyed, hence the person can succumb to various kinds of infections and complications. 10. Chemotherapy and radiation can cause cancer cells to mutate and become resistant and difficult to destroy. Surgery can also cause cancer cells to spread to other sites. 11. An effective way to battle cancer is to starve the cancer cells by not feeding it with the foods it needs to multiply. WHAT CANCER CELLS FEED ON: a. Sugar is a cancer-feeder. By cutting off sugar it cuts off one important food supply to the cancer cells. Sugar substitutes like NutraSweet, Equal,Spoonful, etc are made with Aspartame and it is harmful. A better natural substitute would be Manuka honey or molasses but only in very sma ll amounts. Table salt has a chemical added to make it white in colour. Better alternative is Bragg's aminos or sea salt. b. Milk causes the body to produce mucus, especially in the gastro-intestinal tract. Cancer feeds on mucus. By cutting off milk and substituting with unsweetened soy milk, cancer cells are being starved. c. Cancer cells thrive in an acid environment. A meat-based diet is acidic and it is best to eat fish, and a little chicken rather than beef or pork. Meat also contains livestock antibiotics, growth hormones and parasites, which are all harmful, especially to people with cancer. d. A diet made of 80% fresh vegetables and juice, whole grains, seeds, nuts and a little fruits help put the body into an alkaline environment. About 20% can be from cooked food including beans. Fresh vegetable juices provide live enzymes that are easily absorbed and reach down to cellular levels within 15 minutes to no urish and enhance growth of healthy cells. To obtain live enzymes for building healthy cells try and drink fresh vegetable juice (most vegetables including bean sprouts) and eat some raw vegetables 2 or 3 times a day. Enzymes are destroyed at temperatures of 104 degrees F (40 degrees C). e. Avoid coffee, tea, and chocolate, which have high caffeine. Green tea is a better alternative and has cancer-fighting properties. Water-best to drink purified water, or filtered, to avoid known toxins and heavy metals in tap water. Distilled water is acidic, avoid it. 12. Meat protein is difficult to digest and requires a lot of digestive enzymes. Undigested meat remaining in the intestines become putrified and leads to more toxic buildup. 13. Cancer cell walls have a tough protein covering. By refraining from or eating less meat it frees more enzymes to attack the protein walls of cancer cells and allows the body's killer cells to destroy the cancer cells. 14. Some supplements build up the immune system (IP6, Flor-ssence, Essiac, anti-oxidants, vitamins, minerals, EFAs etc.) to enable the body's own killer cells to destroy cancer cells. Other supplements like vitamin E are known to cause apoptosis, or programmed cell death, the body's normal method of disposing of damaged, unwanted, or unneeded cells. 15. Cancer is a disease of the mind, body, and spirit. A proactive and positive spirit will help the cancer warrior be a survivor. Anger, unforgiveness and bitterness put the body into a stressful and acidic environment. Learn to have a loving and forgiving spirit. Learn to relax and enjoy life. 16. Cancer cells cannot thrive in an oxygenated environment. Exercising daily, and deep breathing help to get more oxygen down to the cellular level. Oxygen therapy is another means employed to destroy cancer cells. (PLEASE FORWARD IT TO PEOPLE YOU CARE ABOUT) This is an article that should be sent to anyone important in your life.

 

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Be Aware about Maggi......................

B E AWARE.....!!! Many of us can't do without " Maggi " especially when one is away from home, in a foreign land. Here is a piece of information to share so that we can remove the potential health hazard of consuming Maggi. Maybe you should print this e-mail to keep as a reminder, pin it up in the kitchen or dining room as reminder or in your purse if you are always travelling.   DO NOT IGNORE THIS ... Especially those fond of Maggi... '   CORRECT WAY OF COOKING NOODLES' The correct way to cook instant noodles without harming our bodies and health:   Normally, how we cook the instant noodles is to put the noodles into a pot with water, throw in the powder and let it cook for around 3 minutes and then it's ready to eat. This is the WRONG method of cooking the instant noodles. By doing this, when we actually boil the ingredients in the powder,normally with MSG, it will change the molecular structure of the MSG, causing it to be toxic. The other thing that you may or may not realize is that, the noodles are coated with wax and it will take around 4 to 5 days for the body to excrete the wax after you have eaten the noodles.   CORRECT METHOD:   1. Boil the noodles in a pot of water. 2. Once the noodles are cooked, take out the noodles, and throw away the water which contains wax. 3. Boil another pot of water, add the cooked noodles into the hot boiling water and then turn off the stove. 4. Only at this stage when the stove is off, and while the water is very hot, add the flavouring powder into the water, to make noodle soup. 5. However, if you need dry noodles, remove the noodles and add the flavouring powder and toss it to get dry noodles. Dietician's Note: If you buy plain hakka noodles which you make, you initially need to boil in water and discard the water. This will soften the noodles but to prevent it from sticking we need to add a tbsp of oil and also the noodles are deep fried partially to make them crunchy and then dusted with flour to prevent them from sticking while boiling. Hence when you buy the noodles they are already made unhealthy and this is the type we use to make stir fry noodles and the regular Maggie too is made the same way, plus they add MSG / Ajinomoto and other chemical preservatives. A large number of patients with ages ranging from 18-24 years  are ending up with pancreatitis either as a swelling or infection of the pancreas due to regular consumption of instant noodles... If the frequency is more than 3 times a week, then it is very hazardous... Please share this info and help save a life .         ______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

CAN I BORROW Rs. 25 ?....MUST READ

Can I borrow Rs. 25? A woman came home from work late, tired and irritated, to find her 5-year old son waiting for her at the door. SON: 'Mummy, may I ask you a question?' MUM: 'Yeah sure, what it is?' replied the woman. SON: 'Mummy, how much do you make an hour?' MUM: 'That's none of your business. Why do you ask such a thing?' the woman said angrily. SON: 'I just want to know. Please tell me, how much do you make an hour?' MUM: 'If you must know, I make   Rs. 50 an hour.' SON: 'Oh,' the little boy replied, with his head down. SON: 'Mummy, may I please borrow Rs.25?' The mother was furious, 'If the only reason you asked that is so you can borrow some money to buy a silly toy or some other nonsense, then you march yourself straight to your room and go to bed. Think about why you are being so selfish. I don't work hard everyday for such childish frivolities.' The little boy quietly went to his room and shut the door.. The woman sat down and started to get even angrier about the little boy's questions. How dare he ask such questions only to get some money? After about an hour or so, the woman had calmed down , and started to think: Maybe there was something he really needed to buy with that Rs.25.00 and he really didn't ask for money very often.The woman went to the door of the little boy's room and opened the door. 'Are you asleep, son?' She asked. 'No Mummy, I'm awake,' replied the boy. 'I've been thinking, maybe I was too hard on you earlier' said the woman. 'It's been a long day and I took out my aggravation on you. Here's the Rs.25 you asked for.' The little boy sat straight up, smiling. 'Oh, thank you Mummy!' he yelled. Then, reaching under his pillow he pulled out some crumpled up bills. The woman saw that the boy already had money, started to get angry again. The little boy slowly counted out his money, and then looked up at his mother. 'Why do you want more money if you already have some?' the mother grumbled. 'Because I didn't have enough, but now I do,' the little boy replied. 'Mummy, I have Rs.50 now. Can I buy an hour of your time? Please come home early tomorrow. I would like to have dinner with you.' The mother was crushed. She put his arms around her little son, and she begged for his forgiveness. It's just a short reminder to all of you working so hard in life. We should not let time slip through our fingers without having spent some time with those who really matter to us, those close to our hearts. Do remember to share that R50 worth of your time with someone you love. If we die tomorrow, the company that we are working for could easily replace us in a matter of hours. But the family & friends we leave behind will feel the loss for the rest of their lives. Please don't break this even if you only send it to one person. Thanks

Fwd: Nine great benefits of reciting the Quran

                 Indeed to reflect on Allah's verses is a form of worship that will draw one close to Allah Most High. This reflection is not a reckless and wandering one, rather it includes a study of the classical tafseer of the verses being pondered over, as this would fulfil Ibnul-Qayyim's great advice, "Such as reflecting over a book which a person has memorised and he expounds it so that he may understand what its author intends by it."

Indeed the Book of Allah is not a book like any other, it is the timeless Speech of Allah, not a created thing, the study guide for life and death and what comes after. Therefore it deserves a more careful study than anyone else's speech. It necessitates that its reader return to the early narrations of those who witnessed its revelation and heard its explanation by the one deputed by Allah to rehearse and explain His Words to humanity (sallallaahu 'alaihi wa sallam). For if one would try to ponder over the meanings of the verses without having done this study, then surely the filth of the time that he lives in and his ignorance of the correct application and understanding that the early Muslims had would cause him to understand some things not intended by Allah Most High, and therefore he would go astray, thinking to be worshipping Allah. So every sincere Muslim who hopes to earn Allah's Love breciting and reflecting over Allah's Book, then let him hold tight to the meanings explained by the Prophet (sallallaahu 'alaihi wa sallam), and those taught by the companions and their immediate followers, and the early scholars of Islam.

 

So dear brother and sister Muslim! Know that reciting and pondering over the Book of Allah, devoting your time regularly to its study and implementation has tremendous benefits in this life and the Next, so let us now look to just a few of them to attach ourselves more firmly to Allah's Majestic Words. Each benefit stands as enough of an encouragement to shun any laziness we have and dedicate ourselves to the Qur'an.

 

1 - Reading and reflecting over the Qur'an fulfils an Islamic duty.

 

Indeed the Prophet (sallallaahu 'alaihi wa sallam) summarised this Religion with his statement: "The Religion is naseehah (sincerity)!" So then Tameem ibn Aws, may Allah be pleased with him, then said, "We asked, 'To whom?'" He said: "To Allah, HIS BOOK, His Messenger, the leaders of the people, and their common folk." [Muslim] The sincerity that is due to the Book of Allah includes its regular recitation, learning the rules of tajweed and reciting it beautifully, learning about its tafseer and the reasons for its revelation, affirming that it is the Truth, the perfect Speech of Allah and not part of the creation, honoring it and defending it, abiding by the orders and prohibitions found in it, teaching it and calling to it. So by reading and reflecting over the Qur'an, one fulfills an obligation and is rewarded for that. Upon fulfilling this obligation, the Qur'an then becomes a proof for him on the Day of Judgment! And that is our second benefit we will take by embracing this Noble Book...

 

2 - The Qur'an will be a proof for us on the Day of Judgment.

 

This is due to the statement of the Messenger: "And the Qur'an is a proof for you or against you." [Muslim] So one of two things will occur with this proof, the Book of Allah. It will either be in your favor, a proof for you on the Day when you will need every single good deed, or it will be something standing against you, the very Speech of your Creator, a proof against you! Who could be saved from the terrors of that Day if Allah's own Speech is against him?!?! Think carefully, dear Muslim brothers, about your position with the Qur'an! Are you neglecting it, contradicting it, being heedless of its orders and prohibitions, are you thinking deeply over it?! Will it be on your side on the Day of Judgment.?! O Allah! We ask you, by Your Glorious Speech and the rest of your beautiful Names and Attributes, to make the Qur'an a proof for us! O Allah! Don't make the Qur'an a proof against us on that Day, and save us from the hellfire! For if Allah makes the Qur'an a proof in our favour on that Day, then it would also be an intercessor for us, when NO intercession will take place except by His Permission.

 

3 - The Qur'an will intercede for us on the Day of Judgment.

 

The proof: Aboo Umaamah relates that the Prophet (sallallaahu 'alaihi wa sallam) said: "Read the Qur'an, for verily it will come on the Day of Standing as an intercessor for its companions." [Muslim]

 

4 - Your status in this life will be raised.

 

In Saheeh Muslim, we find a lovely story, about how a man from the people of Jannah, 'Umar ibn Al-Khattaab, understood this principle. Some men came to question him during his khilaafah about the leadership of Makkah, they asked, "Who do you use to govern Makkah?" He said, "Ibn Abzaa." They asked, "And who is Ibn Abzaa?" Umar replied, "A freed slave from those we freed." They remarked, "You left a freed slave in charge of the people of the Valley (the noble tribes of the Quraysh)!?!?" So he answered them, "Verily he is a reader of the Book of Allah and is knowledgeable about the obligations of the Muslims. Haven't you heard the statement of your Messenger: "Verily Allah raises some people by this Book and lowers others by it."

 

5 - You will be from the best of the people.

 

'Uthmaan, may Allah be pleased with him, said that the Prophet (sallallaahu 'alaihi wa sallam) said: "The best of you are the ones who learn the Qur'an and teach it to others" [Al-Bukhari]

 

6 - There are ten rewards for each letter you recite from the Qur'an.

 

As an authentic hadith in At-Tirmithee proves: "Whoever reads a letter from the Book of Allah, he will have a reward. And that reward will be multiplied by ten. I am not saying that "Alif, Laam, Meem" is a letter, rather I am saying that "Alif" is a letter, "laam" is a letter and "meem" is a letter." So increase your recitation of the Qur'an to gain these merits, and to gain the following merit as well.

 

7 - The reciters of the Qur'an will be in the company of the noble and obedient angels.

 

'Aa'ishah, may Allah be pleased with her, relates that the Prophet (sallallaahu 'alaihi wa sallam) said: "Verily the one who recites the Qur'an beautifully, smoothly, and precisely, he will be in the company of the noble and obedient angels. And as for the one who recites with difficulty, stammering or stumbling through its verses, then he will have TWICE that reward." [Al-Bukhari and Muslim]

 

So dear brother or sister Muslim, do not let the Shaytaan give you false excuses, such as "I am not an 'Arab," or "Its not my language." This hadith is a firm proof against these whisperings. Dedicate yourself to the Book of Allah, whether you are an 'Arab or not! The excuses have been eliminated and the pathway has been cleared for you to embrace the Book of Allah without holding back or offering excuses! And surely you will not hesitate to seek a teacher or a study circle for the Qur'an once you hear the last and perhaps greatest benefits of reading and contemplating over the Qur'an...

 

8 - Your position in Paradise is determined by the amount of Qur'an you memorize in this life!

 

'Abdullaah ibn 'Amr ibn Al-'Aas heard the Prophet (sallallaahu 'alaihi wa sallam) saying: "It will be said to the companion of the Qur'an: Read and elevate (through the levels of the Paradise) and beautify your voice as you used to do when you were in the dunyaa! For verily, your position in the Paradise will be at the last verse you recite!" [Aboo Daawood and At-Tirmithee, saheeh]

 

9 - The Qur'an will lead you to Paradise!

 

The Prophet said: "The Qur'an is an intercessor, something given permission to intercede, and it is rightfully believed in. Whoever puts it in front of him, it will lead him to Paradise; whoever puts it behind him, it will steer him to the Hellfire." [An authentic hadith found in At-Tabaraanee, on the authority of 'Abdullaah ibn Mas'ood]

 

Know, dear brother or sister, that these nine benefits from the many benefits available can only be attained by a sincere commitment to the Book of Allah, not by a person's mere statement, "I love the Qur'an, it's beautiful." Rather the heart must be sincerely attached to Allah's Book and the limbs and tongue will follow in this attachment. You must know that we only mentioned a few of the numerous benefits of reading and reflecting over the Qur'an. There are many benefits that await your reading in the Qur'an and books of hadith, like the chapter of the Qur'an that will argue on your behalf in the grave, and that it is a physical healing, a source of rest and relaxation for your heart, among many other things. And Allah knows best.

Misconception about ISLAM - 4

What is the Quran (Koran)?

 

The Qur'aan (Quran / Koran) is the word of the Lord of the Worlds, which Allah revealed to His Messenger Muhammad (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him), to bring mankind forth from darkness into light: 

"It is He Who sends down manifest Ayaat (proofs, evidences, verses, lessons, signs, revelations, etc.) to His slave (Muhammad) that He may bring you out from darkness into light

[Surah (Chapter of) al-Hadeed 57:9 – English interpretation of the Quranic Verse] 

Allah has told us in the Qur'aan (Quran / Koran) the stories of the earlier and later generations and the creation of the heavens and the earth. He has explained in detail what is halaal and what is haraam, the basics of good manners and morals, the rulings of worship and dealings with others, the lives of the Prophets and the righteous, and the reward and punishment of the believers and disbelievers. He has described Paradise, the abode of the believers, and He has described Hell, the abode of the disbelievers. He has made it (the Qur'aan (Quran / Koran)) an explanation of all things:

"And We have sent down to you the Book (the Qur'aan (Quran / Koran)) as an exposition of everything, a guidance, a mercy, and glad tidings for those who have submitted themselves (to Allah as Muslims)"

[Surah (Chapter of) al-Nahl 16:89 – English interpretation of the Quranic Verse] 

The Qur'aan (Quran / Koran) explains the names and attributes of Allah and what He has created. It calls us to believe in Allah, His angels, His Books, His Messengers and the Last Day: 

"The Messenger (Muhammad) believes in what has been sent down to him from his Lord, and (so do) the believers. Each one believes in Allah, His Angels, His Books, and His Messengers. (They say,) 'We make no distinction between one another of His Messengers' — and they say, 'We hear, and we obey. (We seek) Your forgiveness, our Lord, and to You is the return (of all)'"

[Surah (Chapter of) al-Baqarah 2:285 – English interpretation of the Quranic Verse] 

The Qur'aan (Quran / Koran) describes the Day of Judgement and what will happen after death – the resurrection, the gathering, the judgement and being brought to account. It describes the Cistern, the Siraat (bridge over Hell), the Balance [in which deeds will be weighed], the blessings and torment, and the gathering of mankind on that great Day: 

"Allah! Laa ilaaha illa Huwa (none has the right to be worshipped but He). Surely, He will gather you together on the Day of Resurrection about which there is no doubt. And who is truer in statement than Allah?

[Surah (Chapter of) al-Nisaa' 4:87 – English interpretation of the Quranic Verse] 

The Qur'aan (Quran / Koran) calls us to examine and ponder the signs of Allah in the universe and the verses of the Qur'aan (Quran / Koran): 

"Say: 'Behold all that is in the heavens and the earth'"

[Yoonus 10:101 – English interpretation of the Quranic Verse] 

"Do they not then think deeply in the Qur'aan (Quran / Koran), or are their hearts locked up (from understanding it)?"

[Muhammad 47:24 – English interpretation of the Quranic Verse] 

The Qur'aan (Quran / Koran) is the Book of Allah for all of mankind: 

"Verily, We have sent down to you (O Muhammad) the Book (this Qur'aan (Quran / Koran)) for mankind in truth. So whosoever accepts the guidance, it is only for his ownself; and whosoever goes astray, he goes astray only for his (own) loss. And you (O Muhammad) are not a Wakeel (trustee or disposer of affairs, or guardian) over them"[Surah (Chapter of) al-Zumar 39:41 – English interpretation of the Quranic Verse] 

The Qur'aan (Quran / Koran) confirms the Books which came before it, the Tawraat (Torah) and Injeel (Gospel), and it is a witness over them, as Allah says (English interpretation of the Quranic Verse): 

"And We have sent down to you (O Muhammad) the Book (this Qur'aan (Quran / Koran)) in truth, confirming the Scripture that came before it and Muhaymin (trustworthy in highness and a witness) over it (old Scriptures)"[Surah (Chapter of) al-Maa'idah 5:48] 

After the Qur'aan (Quran / Koran) was revealed, it became the Book for all of mankind until the Hour begins. Whoever does not believe in it is a kaafir who will be punished with torment on the Day of Resurrection, as Allah says (English interpretation of the Quranic Verse): 

"But those who reject Our Ayaat (proofs, evidences, verses, lessons, signs, revelations, etc.), the torment will touch them for their disbelief (and for their belying the Message of Muhammad)"[Surah (Chapter of) al-An'aam 6:49] 

Because of the greatness of the Qur'aan (Quran / Koran) and the signs, miracles, parables and lessons contained therein, in addition to its eloquence and beautiful style, Allah says (English interpretation of the Quranic Verse): 

"Had We sent down this Qur'aan (Quran / Koran) on a mountain, you would surely have seen it humbling itself and rent asunder by the fear of Allah. Such are the parables which We put forward to mankind that they may reflect"[Surah (Chapter of) al-Hashr 58:21] 

Allah has challenged mankind and the jinn to produce something like it, even one soorah or one aayah, but they could not do that and will never be able to do that, as Allah says (English interpretation of the Quranic Verse): 

"Say: 'If the mankind and the jinn were together to produce the like of this Qur'aan (Quran / Koran), they could not produce the like thereof, even if they helped one another'"[Surah (Chapter of) al-Israa' 17:88] 

Because the Qur'aan (Quran / Koran) is the greatest of the heavenly Books, the most complete, the most perfect and the last of them, Allah commanded His Messenger Muhammad (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) to convey it to all of mankind, as He says (English interpretation of the Quranic Verse): 

"O Messenger (Muhammad)! Proclaim (the Message) which has been sent down to you from your Lord. And if you do not, then you have not conveyed His Message. Allah will protect you from mankind" [Surah (Chapter of) al-Maa'idah 5:67] 

Because of the importance of this book and the ummah's need for it, Allah has honoured us with it. He sent it down to us and has guaranteed to preserve it. Allah says (English interpretation of the Quranic Verse): 

"Verily, We, it is We Who have sent down the Dhikr (i.e. the Qur'aan (Quran / Koran)) and surely, We will guard it (from corruption)" [Surah (Chapter of) al-Hijr 15:9] 

Hajj Pilgrimage & Last Sermon of The Prophet Muhammad Sallallahu Alaihi Wa Sallam

Hajj Pilgrimage

The Fifth and the last article of faith in Islam is the annual pilgrimage to Kab'ah, the scared House of Allah or Baitul Haram in the lunar month of Zilhajj from 1st to 10th. It is obligatory, once in a life time on all adult Muslims provided they can afford it, and enough provision is left behind for the maintenance of dependants. Allah (SWT) in the Qur'an commands the performance of the Hajj Pilgrimage (Surah Al-e-Imran -3:96-99 and surah al-Hajj: 22:26 to 29). The Hajj was made obligatory in the ninth year after Hijrah. The first Hajj pilgrimage was performed the same year. Abu Bakr (r.a) was appointed its leader. Kab'ah is the oldest House of Worship for Allah on earth built by Prophet Ibrahim
and his son Ismail (Surah-Baqarah-2:127-128) around 2500 B.C. The Qur'an reveals that "the first house of worship appointed for men was that at Bakkah (ancient name of Makkah)** full of blessing for mankind in it are signs manifest (for example) the station of Ibrahim (Maqam Ibrahim) – whoever enters it attains security; pilgrimage thereto is a duty men owe to Allah…. those who can afford the journey." (3:96-97) They also were the first two persons to circumambulate around Kab'ah. It symbolizes the focal point for **Besides Bakkah, Makkah has many other names such as "Al-Bayt al-Atiq", Al-Bayt al-Haram (Sacred House), "Al-Balad al-Amin (the city of safety), "Al-Mamum (the city of security), Umm-Rahm (the mother of Mercy), Ummul-Qura (the mother of cities), etc. the submission of Muslims to Allah (SWT) on earth from all over the world. They face Kab'ah wherever they may be while saying their Salah. Kab'ah is therefore called the Qiblah of Muslims.

The Hajj pilgrimage commemorates a unique event in the history of Islam. In obedience to the command of Allah (SWT), Ibrahim (AS) laid the head of his son Ismail (PBUH) on the altar to sacrifice him. Allah (SWT) accepted this supreme sacrifice but Ismail was divinely rescued and replaced by a lamb. This Pilgrimage epitomizes the true spirit and meaning of Islam i.e. total submission to the will and command of Allah (SWT). It also makes man feel small and insignificant before the majesty and glory of Allah (SWT). Man's ego collapses and nothingness overwhelms him when he circumambulates around the House of Allah (SWT), dressed in a simple unstitched two-piece of cloth (Ehram) bereft of all his pomp, dignity and vanity. The Hajj pilgrimage eloquently highlights the universality, equality and unity of mankind. All differences and distinctions based on ethnicity, caste, colour, wealth and worldly status simply disappear, replaced by a sublime and unique bond of brotherhood and fraternity, irrespective of the region one comes from, the language one speaks and the vocation one pursues. Here the king and the commoner, the rich and the poor stand on par with each other as they will be, standing before Allah (SWT) on the Day of Judgment. The Hajj pilgrimage also commemorates Hajera's (Hagar's) anxious moments in desperate search for water for his thirsty and bitterly crying infant son Ismail. She ran impatiently seven times between the hillocks of As-Safa and Al-Marwa. Her anxiety was divinely relieved when she found spring of water, called "Zam Zam", gushing out of the ground where Ismail was agitatedly rubbing his heels while crying in anguish. This agonizing experience of Hajera has been immortalized in Qur'an: "Verily As-Safa and Al-Marwah are among the signs of God." (2:153). The Prophet used to perform Sa'i regularly. According to a Tradition "The Prophet said I start with what Allah has commanded me to start with (meaning start with Sa'I (i.e. fast walking) from the As-Safa". (Tafsir Ibn Kathir, volume I, page: 450).

 

Sa'i is considered as Wajib.
The Prophet himself led the second Hajj pilgrimage in the 10th Hijrah. It was his first and last pilgrimage, has been called Hajjatu-Waida. During this pilgrimage he delivered his last memorable Sermon. One from Jabal Ar Rahmah (Mount of Mercy), in the Plains of Arafat on 9th. Dhul Hajj and the other in Muzdalfah on 10th. Dhul Hajj or Yaum Al-Nahr (day of sacrifice). In the sermon from Jaba Ar Rahmah he proclaimed unambiguously:

 

        "O people! Listen to my word, for I do not think that I and you will meet again in this place and perform Hajj together after this year. O people! Allah (swt) says "O people! We created you from one male and female and made you into tribes and, so as to be known to one another. Surely the noblest among you in the sight of Allah is he who is the most righteous." (49:13)Your Lord (Rabb) is one and your father Adam is one who was fashioned out of clay. An Arab has no superiority over an Ajami (non-Arab)nor an Ajami over an Arab. Similarly neither a red coloured person is superior to a black coloured one nor a black coloured one to red-coloured one, but for their Taqwa (fear of God)." He further added that "every claim of privilege whether that of blood and property belongs to pre-Islamic period and is under my feet" As the Prophet concluded his sermon from Jabal Ar Rahmah (Mount Mercy) in the plains of Arafat that the verse relating to the perfection of the Deen was revealed to him: "Today I have perfected your religion for you, completed my favour upon you and approved al-Islam as a Deen (way of Life) for you." (5:3).

• Thus the concept of privileges based on wealth and cast and colour and complexion were abolished and equality of mankind was firmly established and are among the cardinal principles of Islam. These principles candidly reflect the true spirit of the Hajj pilgrimage. It may not be out of place to mention that since Islamic religious services follow the lunar calendar the hardships involved in the performance of these services are equally borne by Muslims the world over because of the cyclical nature of seasons and changing duration of days and nights.

The merits of Islam

This is a reasonable enough question for one who has not entered Islam, but one who believes in and practices this religion already knows the blessings which are his because of this religion. There are many reasons for this, which include the following: (1) The Muslim worships One God, Who has no partner, and Who has the most beautiful names and the highest attributes. Thus the Muslim's focus and aim is concentrated, focused on His Lord and Creator; he puts his trust in Him and asks Him for help, patience and support; he believes that Allaah is able to do all things, and has no need of a wife or son. Allaah created the heavens and earth; He is the One Who gives life and death; He is the Creator and Sustainer from Whom the slave seeks provision. He is the All-Hearing Who responds to the supplication of His slave, and from Whom the slave hopes for a response. He is the All-Merciful and All-Forgiving, to Whom the slave turns in repentance when he has committed a sin or fallen short in his worship of Allaah. He is the Omniscient and All-Seeing, who knows all intentions and what is hidden in people's hearts. The slave feels ashamed to commit a sin by doing wrong to himself or to others, because his Lord is watching over him and sees all that he does. He knows that Allaah is All-Wise, the Seer of the Unseen, so he trusts that what Allaah decrees for him is good; he knows that Allaah will never be unjust to him, and that everything that Allaah decrees for him is good, even if he does not understand the wisdom behind it. (2) The effects of Islaamic worship on the soul of the Muslim include the following: Prayer keeps the slave in contact with his Lord; if he enters it in a spirit of humiliation and concentration, he will feel tranquil and secure, because he is seeking a "powerful support," which is Allaah, may He be glorified and exalted. For this reason, the Prophet of Islaam, Muhammad (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) used to say: "Let us find relaxation and joy in prayer." If something distressed him, he would hasten to pray. Everyone who finds himself faced with disaster and tries prayer finds strength, patience and consolation, because he is reciting the words of his Lord, which cannot be compared to the effect of the words of a created being. If the words of some psychologists can offer a little comfort, what do you think of the words of the One Who created the psychologist? Now let us look at zakaat, which is one of the pillars of Islaam. Zakaat purifies the soul from stinginess and miserliness, and accustoms people to being generous and helping the poor and needy. It will bring a great reward on the Day of Resurrection, just like other forms of worship. It is not burdensome, like man-made taxes; it is only 25 in every thousand, which the sincere Muslim pays willingly and does not try to evade or wait until someone chases him for it. Fasting involves refraining from food and sex. It is a form of worship, and a way in which one can feel the hunger of those who are deprived. It is also a reminder of the blessings of the Creator, and it brings rewards beyond measure. Hajj is the Pilgrimage to the sacred House of Allaah, which was built by Ibraaheem (Abraham, upon whom be peace). By performing Hajj one is obeying the command of Allaah and the call to come and meet Muslims from all over the world. (3) Islaam commands all kinds of good and forbids all kinds of evil. It encourages good manners and proper treatment of others. It enjoins good characteristics such as truthfulness, patience, deliberation, kindness, humility, modesty, keeping promises, dignity, mercy, justice, courage, patience, friendliness, contentment, chastity, good treatment, tolerance, trustworthiness, gratitude for favours, and self-control in times of anger. Islaam commands the Muslim to fulfil his duty towards his parents and to uphold family ties, to help the needy, to treat neighbours well, to protect and safeguard the wealth of the orphan, to be gentle with the young and show respect to the old, to be kind to servants and animals, to remove harmful things from the road, to speak kind words, to forgive at the time when one has the opportunity to take revenge, to be sincere towards one's fellow-Muslims, to meet the needs of the Muslims, to give the debtor time to repay his debt, to prefer others over oneself, to console others, to greet people with a smiling face, to visit the sick, to support the one who is oppressed, to give gifts to friends, to honour his guest, to treat his wife kindly and spend on her and her children, to spread the greeting of peace (salaam) and to seek permission before entering another person's house, lest one see something private that the other person does not want one to see. Some non-Muslims may do these things out of politeness or good manners, but they are not seeking reward from Allaah or salvation of the Day of Judgement. If we look at what Islam has prohibited, we will find that it is in the interests of both the individual and society as a whole. All these prohibitions serve to safeguard the relationship between the slave and his Lord, and the relationship of the individual with himself and with his fellow-man. The following examples demonstrate this: Islam forbids the association of anything in worship with Allaah and the worship of anything other than Allaah, because this spells doom and misery. Islaam also forbids visiting or believing soothsayers and fortune-tellers; magic or witchcraft that may cause a rift between two people or bring them together; belief in the influence of the stars on events and people's lives; cursing time, because Allaah is directing its affairs; and superstition, because this is pessimism. Islam forbids cancelling out good deeds by showing off, boasting or reminding others of one's favours; bowing or prostrating to anything other than Allaah; sitting with hypocrites or immoral people for the purposes of enjoying their company or keeping them company; and invoking the curse or wrath of Allaah on one another or damning one another to Hell. Islaam forbids urinating into stagnant water; defecating on the side of the road or in places where people seek shade or where they draw water; from facing the qiblah (direction of prayer) or turning one's back towards it when passing water or stools; holding one's penis in one's right hand when passing water; giving the greeting of salaam (peace) to one who is answering the call of nature; and putting one's hand into any vessel before washing it, when one has just woken up. Islaam forbids the offering of any nafl (supererogatory) prayers when the sun is rising, when it is at its zenith, and when it is setting, because it rises and sets between the horns of Shaytaan (Satan); praying when there is food prepared that a person desires; praying when one urgently needs to pass water, stools or wind, because that will distract a person from concentrating properly on his prayer. Islam forbids the Muslim to raise his voice in prayer, lest it disturb other believers; to continue offering supererogatory prayers at night when one feels drowsy - such a person should sleep then get up; to stay up all night in prayer, especially one night after another; and to stop praying when there is doubt as to the validity of one's wudoo' - unless one hears a sound or smells an odour. Islaam forbids buying, selling and making "lost and found" announcements in the mosque - because it is the place of worship and remembrance of Allaah, where worldly affairs have no place. Islam forbids haste in walking when the iqaamah (call immediately preceding congregational prayer) is given, and prescribes walking in a calm and dignified manner. It is also forbidden to boast about the cost of building a mosque; to decorate a mosque with red or yellow paint or adornments which will distract the worshippers; to fast day after day without a break; and for a woman to observe a supererogatory fast when her husband is present without his permission. Islaam forbids building over graves, making them high, sitting on them, walking between them wearing shoes, putting lights over them or writing on them. It is forbidden to disinter the dead or to take graves as places of worship. Islam forbids wailing, tearing one's clothes or leaving one's hair unkempt when a person dies. Eulogizing the dead in the manner of the times of Ignorance (Jaahiliyyah) is also forbidden, although there is nothing wrong with informing others that a person has died. Islaam forbids the consumption of riba (interest); all kinds of selling which involve ignorance (of the product), misleading and cheating; selling blood, wine, pork, idols and everything that Allaah has forbidden - their price, whether bought or sold - is haraam; najash, which is offering a price for something one has no intention of buying, as happens in many auctions; concealing a product's faults at the time of selling; selling something which one does not own or before it comes into one's possession; undercutting, outbidding or out bargaining another; selling produce before it is clear that it is in good condition and free of blemish; cheating in weights and measures; and hoarding. A partner who has shares in a plot of land or a date palm tree is forbidden to sell his share without consulting his partners. It is forbidden to consume the wealth of orphans unjustly; to bet or gamble; to take anything by force; to accept or offer bribes; to steal people's wealth or to consume it unjustly; to take something for the purpose of destroying it; to undermine the value of people's possessions; to keep lost property which one has found, or to keep quiet about it and not announce it, for it belongs to the one who recognizes it; to cheat in any way; to ask for a loan with no intention of repaying it; to take anything of the wealth of a fellow-Muslim, unless it is given freely, because what is taken because of another person's shyness is haraam; and to accept a gift because of intercession. Celibacy and castration are forbidden, as is marrying two sisters, or a woman and her aunt (paternal or maternal), whether he marries the aunt after marrying her niece or vice versa, for fear of breaking the ties of kinship. It is forbidden to make deals in marriage, such as saying "Let me marry your daughter and I will give you my daughter or sister in marriage." Such reciprocal deals are a form of oppression and injustice, and haraam. Islaam forbids mut'ah (temporary marriage), which is a marriage contract for a period of time agreed by the two parties, at the end of which the marriage expires. Islaam forbids intercourse with a menstruating woman, until she has purified herself (by taking a bath after her period ends), and also forbids anal intercourse. A man is forbidden to propose marriage to a woman when another man has already proposed to her, unless the other man withdraws his proposal or gives him permission. It is forbidden to marry a previously-married woman without consulting her, or a virgin without seeking her permission. It is forbidden to wish (a newly married couple) "Bi'l-rafaa' wa'l-baneen (a joyful life and many sons)," because this is the greeting of the people of Jaahiliyyah, who hated daughters. The divorced woman is forbidden to conceal what Allaah has created in her womb (if she is pregnant). A husband and wife are forbidden to speak (to others) about the intimacies of married life. It is forbidden to turn a woman against her husband or to take divorce lightly. It is forbidden for a woman to ask for another's divorce, such as asking a man to divorce a woman so that she can marry him. A wife is forbidden to spend her husband's money without his permission, or to keep away from his bed without good reason, because the angels will curse her if she does that. A man is forbidden to marry his father's wife, or to have intercourse with a woman who is pregnant from another man. It is forbidden for a man to practise 'azl (coitus interruptus) with his free wife without her permission. It is forbidden for a man to return home from a journey late at night and startle his family, unless he has previously notified them when he will arrive home. A man is forbidden to take anything of his wife's mahr (dowry) without her consent, or to keep annoying his wife so that she will give up her wealth. Islaam forbids women to make a wanton display of themselves (tabarruj). It also forbids extreme forms of female circumcision. Women are forbidden to admit anyone into their husband's home without his permission; his general permission is acceptable so long as they stay within the limits of sharee'ah. It is forbidden to separate a mother and child (in case of divorce); to let one's womenfolk behave foolishly (in an immoral fashion) and not say anything; to let one's gaze wander everywhere; and to follow an accidental glance with an intentional glance. Islaam forbids the eating of dead meat, regardless of whether it died by drowning, strangulation, shock or falling from a high place; eating blood, pork and anything slaughtered in a name other than that of Allaah or for idols; eating the flesh or drinking the milk of beasts that feed on filth and waste matter; eating the flesh of every carnivorous beast that has fangs and every bird that has talons; eating the meat of domesticated donkeys; killing animals by keeping them and throwing stones at them until they die, or detaining them without food until they die; slaughtering with teeth or nails; slaughtering one animal (for food) in front of another; or sharpening the knife in front of the animal to be slaughtered. In the area of clothing and adornment, men are forbidden the extravagance of wearing gold. Muslim are forbidden to be naked or to expose their thighs; to leave their clothes long (below the ankles) and trail them on the ground for the purpose of showing off; and to wear clothes that will attract attention. It is forbidden to bear false witness; to make false accusations against a chaste believing woman; to accuse someone who is innocent; to utter lies; to slander and backbite; to call people by offensive nicknames; to spread gossip and malicious slander; to make fun of the Muslims; to boast about one's status; to shed doubts on a person's lineage; to utter slander, insults and obscenities; to speak in an indecent or rude manner; or to utter evil in public, except by one who has been wronged. Islaam forbids telling lies; one of the worst kinds of lie is to lie about dreams, like fabricating dreams and visions in order to prove one's virtue, or make some material gains, or to frighten an enemy. Muslims are forbidden to praise themselves, or to talk in a secret way: two may not converse secretly to the exclusion of a third, because this is offensive. It is forbidden to curse a believer or someone who does not deserve to be cursed. Islaam forbids speaking ill of the dead; praying for death; wishing for death because of some suffering that one is passing through; praying against one's self, one's children, one's servants or one's wealth. Muslims are told not to eat the food that is directly in front of others or to eat from the centre of the dish or platter; rather they should eat from what is directly in front of them or thereabouts, because the barakah (blessing) comes in the middle of the food. It is forbidden to drink from a broken edge of a vessel, because this could cause harm; or to drink from the mouth of a vessel; or to breathe into it. It is forbidden to eat while lying on one's stomach; to sit at a table where wine is being drunk; to leave a fire burning in one's house when one sleeps; to sleep with Ghamr in one's hand, like an offensive smell or the remainder of food (grease); to sleep on one's stomach; or to talk about or try to interpret bad dreams, because these are tricks of the Shaytaan. It is forbidden to kill another person except in cases where it is right to do so; to kill one's children for fear of poverty; to commit suicide; to commit fornication, adultery or sodomy (homosexuality); to drink wine, or even to prepare it, carry it from one place to another, or sell it. Muslims are forbidden to please people by angering Allaah; to offend their parents or even to say "Uff" (the slightest word of contempt) to them; to claim that a child belongs to anyone but his real father; to torture by means of fire; to burn anyone, alive or dead, with fire; to mutilate the bodies of the slain; to help anyone commit falsehood; or to cooperate in wrongdoing and sin. Islaam forbids speaking ill of the dead; praying for death; wishing for death because of some suffering that one is passing through; praying against one's self, one's children, one's servants or one's wealth. Muslims are told not to eat the food that is directly in front of others or to eat from the centre of the dish or platter; rather they should eat from what is directly in front of them or thereabouts, because the barakah (blessing) comes in the middle of the food. It is forbidden to drink from a broken edge of a vessel, because this could cause harm; or to drink from the mouth of a vessel; or to breathe into it. It is forbidden to eat while lying on one's stomach; to sit at a table where wine is being drunk; to leave a fire burning in one's house when one sleeps; to sleep with Ghamr in one's hand, like an offensive smell or the remainder of food (grease); to sleep on one's stomach; or to talk about or try to interpret bad dreams, because these are tricks of the Shaytaan. It is forbidden to kill another person except in cases where it is right to do so; to kill one's children for fear of poverty; to commit suicide; to commit fornication, adultery or sodomy (homosexuality); to drink wine, or even to prepare it, carry it from one place to another, or sell it. Muslims are forbidden to please people by angering Allaah; to offend their parents or even to say "Uff" (the slightest word of contempt) to them; to claim that a child belongs to anyone but his real father; to torture by means of fire; to burn anyone, alive or dead, with fire; to mutilate the bodies of the slain; to help anyone commit falsehood; or to cooperate in wrongdoing and sin. It is forbidden to obey any person by disobeying Allaah; to swear falsely; to swear a disastrous oath; to eavesdrop on people without their permission; to invade people's privacy or look at their private parts; to claim something that does not belong to one or that one did not do, for the purpose of showing off; to look into someone's else's house without permission; to be extravagant; to swear an oath to do something wrong; to spy on others or be suspicious about righteous men and women; to envy, hate or shun one another; to persist in falsehood; to be arrogant or feel superior; to be filled with self-admiration; to be pleased with one's arrogance. Islam forbids taking back one's charity, even if one pays to get it back; employing someone to do a job without paying him his wages; being unfair in giving gifts to one's children; bequeathing everything in one's will and leaving one's heirs poor - in such a case the will should not be executed; writing a will that concerns more than one third of one's legacy; being a bad neighbour; or changing a will to the detriment of one or some of one's heirs. A Muslim is forbidden to forsake or shun his brother for more than three days, except for a reason sanctioned by sharee'ah; to hold small stones between two fingers and throw them because this could cause injury to eyes or teeth; to include his heirs in a will, because Allaah has already given heirs their rights of inheritance; to disturb his neighbour; to point a weapon at his Muslim brother; to hand someone an unsheathed sword, lest it harm him; to come (walk) between two people except with their permission; to return a gift, unless there is some shar'i objection to it; to be extravagant; to give money to foolish people; to wish to be like someone to whom Allaah has given more of something; to cancel out his charity by giving offensive reminders of his giving; to wilfully conceal testimony; or to oppress orphans or scold one who asks for help or money. It is forbidden to treat with evil medicines, because Allaah would not create a cure for this ummah which includes something that He has forbidden. It is forbidden to kill women and children in warfare; to boast to one another; or to break promises. Islaam forbids betraying a trust; asking for charity that one does not need; alarming a Muslim brother or taking away his possessions, whether jokingly or seriously; changing one's mind after giving a gift, except in the case of a gift from a father to his child; practising medicine without experience; or killing ants, bees and hoopoe birds. A man is forbidden to look at the 'awrah (private parts) of another man, and a woman is forbidden to look at the 'awrah of another woman. It is forbidden to sit between two people without their permission; or to greet only those whom one knows, because the greeting is to be given to those whom you know and those whom you do not know. A Muslim is forbidden to let an oath come between him and good deeds; he should do what is good and make expiation for the oath. It is forbidden to judge between two disputing parties when one is angry, or to judge in favour of one party without hearing what the other has to say. It is forbidden for a man to walk through the market-place carrying something - like a sharp weapon - that could harm the Muslims, unless it is properly covered. A Muslim is forbidden to make another person get up, so that he can take his place. There are more commands and prohibitions which came for the benefit and happiness of individuals and mankind as a whole. Have you ever seen any other religion that can compare to this religion? Read this response again, then ask yourself: is it not a great pity that I am not one of them? Allaah says in the Qur'aan (interpretation of the meaning): "And whoever seeks a religion other than Islam, it will never be accepted of him, and in the Hereafter he will be one of the losers." [Aal 'Imraan 3:85] Finally, I hope that everyone who reads this will be guided to the correct way and to follow the truth. May Allaah protect you and us from all evil. Islam Q&A Sheikh Muhammed Salih Al-Munajjid