WHAT IS ISLAM? (very short description for Islam)

WHAT IS ISLAM?

Can we find an explanation of the great universe? Is there any convincing interpretation of the secret of existence? We realize that no family can function properly without a responsible head, that no city can prosperously exist without sound administration, and that no state can survive without a leader of some kind. We also realize that nothing comes into being on its own. Moreover, we observe that the universe exists and functions in the most orderly manner, and that it has survived for hundreds of thousand of years. Can we then say that all this is accidental and haphazard? Can we attribute the existence of man and the whole world to mere chance.

Man represents only a very small portion of the great universe. And if he can make plans and appreciate the merits of planning, then his own existence and the survival of the universe must also be a planned policy. This means that there is an extraordinary power to bring things into being and keep them moving in order.

In the world then must be a great force in action to keep everything in order. In the beautiful nature there must be a Great creator who creates the most charming pieces of art produces every thing for a special purpose in life. The deeply enlightened people recognize this creator and call him Allah “God”. He is not a man because no man can create or make another man. He is not an animal, nor he is a plant. He is neither an Idol nor is He a statue of any kind because non of these things can make itself or create anything else. He is different from all these things because he is the maker and keeper of them all. The maker of anything must be different from and greater than things which he makes.

There are various ways to know God “ALLAH” and there are many things to tell about him. The great wonders and impressive marvels of the world are like open books in which we can read about God. Besides, God Himself comes to our aid through the many Messengers and revelations He has sent down to man. These Messengers and revelations tell us everything we need to know about God.

The complete acceptance of the teachings and guidance of God ‘Allah’ as revealed to His Messengers Muhammad is the religion of Islam. Islam enjoins faith in the oneness and sovereignty of Allah, which makes man aware of meaningfulness of the Universe and of his place in it. This belief frees him from all fears and superstitions by making him conscious of the presence of the Almighty Allah and of man’s obligations towards Him. This faith must be expressed and tested in actions, faith alone is not enough. Belief in one God requires that we look upon all humanity as one family under the universal Omnipotence of God the Creator and Nourisher of all. Islam rejects the idea of chosen people, making belief in God and good actions the only way to heaven. Thus, a direct relationship in established with God, without any intercessor.

Islam is not a new religion. It is, in essence, the same message and guidance which Allah revealed to all Prophets. Adam, Noah, Abraham, Ismael, David, Moses and Jesus (PBUT). But the message which was revealed to Prophet Mohammed (PBUT) is Islam in its comprehensive, complete and final form.

The Quran is the last revealed word of Allah and the basic source of Islamic teachings and laws. The Quran deals with the basis of creeds, morality, history of humanity, worship, knowledge, wisdom, God-man relationship, and human relationship in all aspects. Comprehensive teaching on which, can be built sound systems of social justice, economics, politics, legislation, jurisprudence, law and international relations, are important contents of the Quran. Hadith, the teachings, sayings and actions of Prophet Mohammed (PBUT), meticulously reported and collected by his devoted companions. Explained and elaborated the Quranic verses.

THE FUNDAMENTAL ARTICLES OF FAITH IN ISLAM

The true faithful Muslim believes in the following Principal articles of faith:-

1. He believes in One God ‘Allah’, Supreme and Eternal, Infinite and Mighty, Merciful and Compassionate, Creator and Provider.
2. He believes in all Messengers of God without any discrimination among them. Every known nation had a warner or Messenger from God. They were chosen by God to teach mankind and deliver His divine message. The Quran mentions the name of twenty five of them. Among them Mohammad stands as the last Messenger and the crowning glory of the foundation of Prophethood.
3. Muslin believes in all scriptures and revelations of God. They were the guiding light which the Messengers received to show their respected peoples the Right Path of God. In the Quran a special reference is made to the books of Abraham, Moses, David and Jesus. But long before the revelations has been lost or corrupted. The only authentic and complete book of God in existence in the Quran.
4. The true Muslim believes in the Angels of Allah. They are purely spiritual and splendid beings whose nature requires on food, drink or sleep. They spend their days and nights in the worship of God.
5. Muslim believes in the last Day of Judgement. This world will come to an end someday, and the dead will rise to stand for their final and fair trial. People with good records will be generously, rewarded and warmly welcomed to the Heaven of Allah, and those with bad records will be punished and cast into Hell.
6. Muslim believes in the timeless knowledge of God and His power to plan and execute His planes and nothing could happen in His Kingdom against His will. His knowledge and power are in action at all times and command over His creation. He is wise and merciful, and whatever He does must have a meaningful purpose. If this is established in our mind and hearts, we should accept with good faith all that He does, although we may fail to under stand it fully, or think it is bad.

THE FIVE PILLARS OF ISLAM

Faith without actions arid practice is a dead end, as far as Islam is concerned. Faith by nature is very sensitive and can be most effective. When it is not out of practice or out of use, it quickly loses its liveliness and motivation power.

There are five pillars of Islam:

1. The declaration of faith: To bear witness that there is none worthy of worship except Allah, and that Mohammad (PBUH) is His Messenger to all human beings till the Day of Judgment. The Prophethood of Mohammad obliges the Muslims to follow, His exemplary life as a model.
2. Prayers: Daily, prayers are offered five times a day as a duty towards Allah. They strengthen and enliven the belief in Allah and inspire man to a higher morality. They purify the heart and prevent temptation towards wrong – doings and evil.
3. Fasting the month of Ramadan. The Muslims during the month of Ramadan not only abstain from food, drink and sexual intercourse from dawn to sunset but also sincerity and devotion. It develops a sound social conscience, patience, unselfishness and will – Power.
4. Zakkah: The literal and simple meaning of Zakkah is purity. The technical meaning of this word designates the annual amount in kind or coin which a Muslim with means must distribute among the rightful beneficiaries. But the religious and spiritual significance of Zakkah is much deeper and more lively. So it has humanitarian and sociopolitical values.
5. Hajj (Pilgrimage to Makkah): It is to be performed once in a lifetime, if one can afford it financially and physically.

The Status of Women in Islam _ II

The rights of women in Islam

The rights of women in Islam have been fully detailed in the Glorious Qur’an and in the traditions of Prophet Mohammad (p.b.u.h.) so that no Muslim male could try to get around them, out selfishness or personal greed. These female rights can be briefly summarized as follows:

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a) Spiritual equality between men and women in Islam:

The Noble Qur’an reads:

“O mankind! Be dutiful to your Lord, Who created you from a single person (Adam), and from him (Adam) He created his wife (Hawwa (Eve)), and from them both He created many men and women and fear Allah through Whom you demand your mutual (rights), and (do not cut the relations of) the wombs (kinship). Surely, Allah is Ever an AllWatcher over you.” ( Surat An-Nisâ’ (The Women): 1).

The address here “O mankind!” includes both men and women. Their creation from a single soul testifies for the fact that men and women are equal halves of the human race, and hence are equal in their human nature, intellectual capabilities, rights and obligations. This divine declaration nullifies all discriminatory practices introduced by man in the absence of the true form of divine guidance. Heeding our Creator implies listening to His instructions and obeying them, including this equality between the sexes being ” heedful of the wombs ” draws our attention to the biological fact of this sex equality, and reminds us of the origin of our existence in the mother’s womb, and the rights and obligations this fact implies. Equality between men and women is not only a human right and a pre-requisite for social justice, hut it is above all an act of worship following this divine decree, any violation of which will necessitate the punishment in this world and in the world to come.

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The Glorious Qur’an emphasizes the fact that the only means of distinction between human beings is their degree of piety and heedfulness of Allah as it reads:

“O mankind! We have created you from a male and a female, and made you into nations and tribes, that you may know one another. Verily, the most honourable of you with Allah is that (believer) who has At-Taqwa (i.e. one of the Muttaqoon (pious). Verily, Allah is All-Knowing, All-Aware.” ( Surat Al-Hujurât (The Dwellings): 13).

The Noble Qur’an also emphasizes that it is one’s deeds (not one’s gender) that counts as it reads:

“Every person is a pledge for what he has earned, ( Surat Al-Muddaththir (The One Enveloped): 38).

The Qur’an stipulates that believing men and women are supporters of one another in enjoining what is just and in forbidding what is evil and in worshipping Allah in the way He Has prescribed, as it reads:

“The believers, men and women, are Auliya (helpers, supporters, friends, protectors) of one another, they enjoin (on the people) Al-Maroof (i.e. Islamic Monotheism and all that Islam orders one to do), and forbid (people) from Al-Munkar (i.e. polytheism and disbelief of all kinds, and all that Islam has forbidden); they perform As-Salat (Iqamat-as-Salat) and give the Zakat, and obey Allah and His Messenger. Allah will have His Mercy on them. Surely Allah is All-Mighty, All-Wise. 71. ” Allah has promised to the believers -men and women, – Gardens under which rivers flow to dwell therein forever, and beautiful mansions in Gardens of Adn (Eden Paradise). But the greatest bliss is the Good Pleasure of Allah. That is the supreme success. 72.  ( Surat At-Taubah (The Repentance): 71-72).

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The word ” Nas ” (= Mankind) which includes both men and women is mentioned in the Glorious Qur’an 242 times, which clearly testify to the unity of the human race and the equality of both men and women as two facets of the same soul .

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b) Religious equality between men and women in obligation and reward:

The Glorious Qur’an reads:

“So their Lord accepted of them (their supplication and answered them), “Never will I allow to be lost the work of any of you, be he male or female. You are (members) one of another, so those who emigrated and were driven out from their homes, and suffered harm in My Cause, and who fought, and were killed (in My Cause), verily, I will remit from them their evil deeds and admit them into Gardens under which rivers flow (in Paradise); a reward from Allah, and with Allah is the best of rewards.” ( Surat Al-Imran (The Family of Imran): 195).

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The Noble Qur’an also reads:

“And whoever does righteous good deeds, male or female, and is a true believer in the Oneness of Allah (Muslim), such will enter Paradise and not the least injustice, even to the size of a Naqeera (speck on the back of a datestone), will be done to them.” ( Surat An-Nisâ’ (The Women): 124).

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The same meaning is repeated once more (16: 97) where the Qur’an reads:

“Whoever works righteousness, whether male or female, while he (or she) is a true believer (of Islamic Monotheism) verily, to him We will give a good life (in this world with respect, contentment and lawful provision), and We shall pay them certainly a reward in proportion to the best of what they used to do (i.e. Paradise in the Hereafter).” ( Surat An-Nahl (The Bees): 97).

Despite the fact that the general address in the Qur’an uses the masculine gender, it is equally applicable to both men and women. This has been spelled out in many Qur’anic verses which literally address both males and females.

The Noble Qur’an stipulates that both man and woman are equally obliged to practice their Islam in full and that their deeds are equally regarded. In practicing their religious obligations such as uttering the Islamic declaration (the Shahadah) , offering the  prayers, giving alms, fasting the month of Ramadan and performing pilgrimage by whoever can afford it, the Qur’an calls upon both male and female Muslims with the same address. In carrying out such religious obligations there is no difference whatsoever between men and women except for the limited time of the females’ monthly period, when they are exempted from both daily prayers and fasting. Females are also exempted from fasting during their pregnancy and nursing periods if there is any threat to their health or to the life of their babies. Missed obligatory fasting days can be made-up for whenever the woman can, but missed prayers are forgiven.

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The Glorious Qur’an reads:

“Verily, the Muslims (those who submit to Allah in Islam) men and women, the believers men and women (who believe in Islamic Monotheism), the men and the women who are obedient (to Allah), the men and women who are truthful (in their speech and deeds), the men and the women who are patient (in performing all the duties which Allah has ordered and in abstaining from all that Allah has forbidden), the men and the women who are humble (before their Lord Allah), the men and the women who give Sadaqat (i.e. Zakat, and alms, etc.), the men and the women who observe Saum (fast) (the obligatory fasting during the month of Ramadan, and the optional Nawafil fasting), the men and the women who guard their chastity (from illegal sexual acts) and the men and the women who remember Allah much with their hearts and tongues (while sitting, standing, lying, etc. for more than 300 times extra over the remembrance of Allah during the five compulsory congregational prayers) or praying extra additional Nawafil prayers of night in the last part of night, etc.) Allah has prepared for them forgiveness and a great reward (i.e. Paradise ). 35 . It is not for a believer, man or woman, when Allah and His Messenger have decreed a matter that they should have any option in their decision. And whoever disobeys Allah and His Messenger, he has indeed strayed in a plain error.” 36. ( Surat Al-Ahzâb (The Confederates): 35, 36).

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This same address to believers, men and women is repeated several times throughout the Noble Qur’an [e.g. "The believers, men and women, are Auliya (helpers, supporters, friends, protectors) of one another, they enjoin (on the people) Al-Maroof (i.e. Islamic Monotheism and all that Islam orders one to do), and forbid (people) from Al-Munkar (i.e. polytheism and disbelief of all kinds, and all that Islam has forbidden); they perform As-Salat (Iqamat-as-Salat) and give the Zakat, and obey Allah and His Messenger. Allah will have His Mercy on them. Surely Allah is All-Mighty, All-Wise. 71 . Allah has promised to the believers -men and women, - Gardens under which rivers flow to dwell therein forever, and beautiful mansions in Gardens of Adn (Eden Paradise). But the greatest bliss is the Good Pleasure of Allah. That is the supreme success. "72. ( Surat At-Taubah (The Repentance): 71, 72);

"And tell the believing women to lower their gaze (from looking at forbidden things), and protect their private parts (from illegal sexual acts, etc.) and not to show off their adornment except only that which is apparent (like palms of hands or one eye or both eyes for necessity to see the way, or outer dress like veil, gloves, head-cover, apron, etc.), and to draw their veils all over Juyubihinna (i.e. their bodies, faces, necks and bosoms, etc.) and not to reveal their adornment except to their husbands, their fathers, their husbands fathers, their sons, their husbands sons, their brothers or their brothers sons, or their sisters sons, or their (Muslim) women (i.e. their sisters in Islam), or the (female) slaves whom their right hands possess, or old male servants who lack vigour, or small children who have no sense of the shame of sex. And let them not stamp their feet so as to reveal what they hide of their adornment. And all of you beg Allah to forgive you all, O believers, that you may be successful. ( Surat An-Nûr (The Light):31);

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"And those who annoy believing men and women undeservedly, bear on themselves the crime of slander and plain sin." ( Surat Al-Ahzâb (The Confederates): 58);

"So know (O Muhammad SAW) that La ilaha ill-Allah (none has the right to be worshipped but Allah), and ask forgiveness for your sin, and also for (the sin of) believing men and believing women. And Allah knows well your moving about, and your place of rest (in your homes). "( Surat Muhammad: 19);

"That He may admit the believing men and the believing women to Gardens under which rivers flow (i.e. Paradise ), to abide therein forever, and to expiate from them their sins, and that is with Allah, a supreme success," (Surat Al-Fath (The Victory):5)

"They are the ones who disbelieved (in the Oneness of Allah Islamic Monotheism), and hindered you from AlMasjidalHaram (the sacred mosque of Makkah) and the sacrificial animals, detained from reaching their place of sacrifice. Had there not been believing men and believing women whom you did not know, that you may kill them, and on whose account a sin would have been committed by you without (your) knowledge, that Allah might bring into His Mercy whom He will, if they (the believers and the disbelievers) should have been apart, We verily had punished those of them who disbelieved, with painful torment. ( Surat Al-Fath (The Victory): 25);

"O you who believe! When believing women come to you as emigrants, examine them, Allah knows best as to their Faith, then if you ascertain that they are true believers, send them not back to the disbelievers, they are not lawful (wives) for the disbelievers nor are the disbelievers lawful (husbands) for them. But give the disbelievers that (amount of money) which they have spent (as their Mahr) to them. And there will be no sin on you to marry them if you have paid their Mahr to them. Likewise hold not the disbelieving women as wives, and ask for (the return of) that which you have spent (as Mahr) and let them (the disbelievers, etc.) ask back for that which they have spent. That is the Judgement of Allah. He judges between you. And Allah is All-Knowing, All-Wise." 10. " And if any of your wives have gone from you to the disbelievers, and you have an accession (by the coming over of a woman from the other side), then pay to those whose wives have gone, the equivalent of what they had spent (on their Mahr). And fear Allah in Whom you believe." 11. "O Prophet! When believing women come to you to give you the Baia (pledge), that they will not associate anything in worship with Allah, that they will not steal, that they will not commit illegal sexual intercourse, that they will not kill their children, that they will not utter slander, intentionally forging falsehood (i.e. by making illegal children belonging to their husbands), and that they will not disobey you in any Maroof (Islamic Monotheism and all that which Islam ordains) then accept their Baia (pledge), and ask Allah to forgive them, Verily, Allah is Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful." 12. (Surat Al-Mumtahanah (The Woman to be examined): 10-12);

"My Lord! Forgive me, and my parents, and him who enters my home as a believer, and all the believing men and women. And to the Zalimoon (polytheists, wrong-doers, and disbelievers, etc.) grant You no increase but destruction!" ( Surat Nûh (Noah): 28);

"Verily, those who put into trial the believing men and believing women (by torturing them and burning them), and then do not turn in repentance, (to Allah), will have the torment of Hell, and they will have the punishment of the burning Fire." ( Surat Al-Burûj (The Big Stars): 10), etc.] .

This testifies to the absolute equality between men and women in Islam, despite their (natural differences physical, physiological, psychological and emotional differences) which have to be taken into account without the slightest infringement on the rights and obligations of each gender.

The equality between men and women in Islam stems from the basic purpose of their creation : to worship their creator in the way He has prescribed and to play their role on earth as successful vice-gerents who are not only constructive elements , but witnesses and conveyors of truth to all mankind and protectors of the divine justice . Through their sincere efforts for the implementation of the divine code of life, Muslim men and women can fulfill their goal on earth and achieve the pleasure of their Creator. This noble goal cannot be reached through the single efforts of one gender, as it needs the combined and collective efforts of both men and women.

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c) Intellectual equality between males and females in Islam:

With the clear recognition of the physical, physiological, psychological and emotional differences between males and females, Islam emphasizes their intellectual equality. Both men and women are exhorted to seek knowledge, cherish it, preserve it and propagate it to the best of their abilities. Both are credited with their capacity to learn and to gain both knowledge and wisdom. Their spiritual and religious equality in both obligations and reward confirm their intellectual equality.

This equalitarian judgment for the two human genders is explicitly stated in the Glorious Qur’an and expelled in the traditions of Prophet Mohammad (p.b.u.h.).

Enough to mention that the very firstly revealed verses from the Noble Qur’an came down with the divine instruction (ÅÞÑÃ) to read and write , and with the honoring of the tool of writing (the pen) by which Allah has taught mankind (males and females) all what they never knew before.

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These were followed by hundreds of other verses that exhort humanity at large (males and females alike) to seek knowledge and wisdom in both their revealed and acquired forms. Revealed knowledge come down to man as a divine guidance in areas that cannot possibly be correctly addressed by the human intellect, while acquired knowledge is gained by man through a continued process of observation and conclusion and for experimentation, observation and conclusion.

The Glorious Qur’an invites all human beings (males and females) to think deeply about themselves, their creation and the creation of other living beings around themselves; about the earth they live on, and the rest of the universe they live in, its creation, structure, composition, phenomena and governing laws; about the history of mankind on earth, and the reasons behind the rise and fall of human civilizations.

The Qur’anic address here is always to mankind (with both its male and female components) because such knowledge is essential to the various members of humanity to play their role successfully as vicegerents on earth and to become move conscious of their Creator.

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The Glorious Qur’an reads:

“And of men and AdDawab (moving living creatures, beasts, etc.), and cattle, in like manner of various colours. It is only those who have knowledge among His slaves that fear Allah. Verily, Allah is Al-lMighty, Oft-Forgiving.” ( Surat Fâtir (The Originator of Creation): 28)

The Qur’an also reads:

“Is one who is obedient to Allah, prostrating himself or standing (in prayer) during the hours of the night, fearing the Hereafter and hoping for the Mercy of his Lord (like one who disbelieves)? Say: “Are those who know equal to those who know not?” It is only men of understanding who will remember (i.e. get a lesson from Allahs Signs and Verses).” ( Surat Az-Zumar (The Groups): 9)

The Qur’an adds:

“O you who believe! When you are told to make room in the assemblies, (spread out and) make room. Allah will give you (ample) room (from His Mercy). And when you are told to rise up (for prayers, Jihad (holy fighting in Allahs Cause), or for any other good deed), rise up. Allah will exalt in degree those of you who believe, and those who have been granted knowledge. And Allah is Well-Acquainted with what you do.” ( Surat Al-Mujâdilah (The Woman Who Disputes): 11)

And Allah (s. w. t.) advises His blessed Prophet to ask for knowledge as the Qur’an reads:

“Then High above all be Allah, the True King. And be not in haste (O Muhammad SAW) with the Quran before its revelation is completed to you, and say: “My Lord! Increase me in knowledge.” ( Surat Tâ-Hâ : 114)

Prophet Mohammad (p.b.u.h.) is quoted to have said:

“Seeking knowledge is mandatory for every Muslim (male and female).

(Al-Bayhaquy; Al-Tabarany)

In another authentic Hadith (saying), he (p.b.u.h.) is quoted to have said:

“Seek knowledge from the cradle to the grave”

And he (p.b.u.h.) sums up his message in education by saying:

“I was only sent as an educator”

This drive for gaining knowledge has made the mosques real centers for learning and educating both Muslims (male and female). Muslim women used to have their own study circles with the Prophet (p.b.u.h.) in his own mosque, and with a large number of his successors thereafter.

The very first three universities in the whole world [Al-Zaytounah (79 A.h., 698 C.e.) Al-Qarawiyoun (245 A.h., 859 C.e.) and Al-Azhar (361 A.h., 970 C.e.)] Were established in mosques and are still functioning today. The university of Al-Qarawiyyoun was established by a Muslim lady with the name of “Fatimah Al-fihriyyah”.

Throughout the Islamic history, many learned women have left their distinguished impressions in many different disciplines of human knowledge. These were highly regarded for both their scholarly status and Islamic commitment. Of these, enough to mention our lady, “Aaishah”, the Prophet’s wife, who is considered one of the most reliable sources for “Hadith”, lady “Nafeesah” (a descendant of Aly bin Abou Taleb) who was such a great authority on “Hadith” that imam Al-Shafiy sat in her study circle in the mosque of Umre bin Al-Aas, when he was at the height of his fame, and lady “Shuhdah” who lectured publicly in one of the principal mosques of Baghdad. Many other Muslim women were famous as religious scholars, teachers, poets, writers, philosophers, medical doctors, social workers and rulers in their own rights. Indeed, every encouragement has always been given to the Muslim woman to pursue her studies in any field that suites her nature and intellectual abilities, subject to certain religious and moral precepts laid down in the Holy Qur’an and in the traditions of prophet Mohammad (p.b.u.h.).

Source: http://www.rasoulallah.net/subject_en.asp?hit=1&parent_id=422&sub_id=7887

The Status of Women in Islam I

Generally speaking, females represent the physically, psychologically and emotionally weaker half of the human race. This physical weakness is compensated by numerous instinctive powers in the form of super-sensual conceptions that are usually lacking in males. Nevertheless, this render half of humanity has always been dominated, maltreated, oppressed and exploited by the stronger half in the absence of the proper form of divine guidance. This fact can be clearly demonstrated by a fair review of the status of women throughout history.

Women in pre-Islamic civilizations and traditions:-

1) In the ancient Chinese civilization, women were regarded as disqualified minors; nothing was considered inferior to a woman. The Chinese rule presumed that “women were created and placed at the most inferior point of human race, and should be given the meanest work”. Stemming from this, women had no rights what so ever (cf. Wil Durant, Chinese civilization).

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2) In the ancient Indian civilization, the Manu law emphasized the subjection of women as a cardinal principle, that women are unclean and that they must be excluded from inheritance. In one of its articles (# 148) it reads that: “in childhood, a female must be subject to her father, and later to her husband. When her lord dies, she will be subject to his sons or his next of kin, for a woman must never be independent”. It adds “there is no creature more sinful than woman”.

The “Rite of sati” which stipulates that a Hindu widow should burn herself on the pyre of her deceased husband was in practice until lake in the 18^th century and in parts of India is still practiced up fill now.

Recently, it was reported that more than five million widows are homeless, through expulsion by their late husbands’ families or their own families.

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3) In the ancient Greek civilization women were considered as minors, subject to some male control, her name as well as her body should be concealed behind the doors of her home and her consent on marriage was generally thought to be unnecessary.

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4) In ancient Rome , women were considered to have no rights, no powers and no will. A Roman wife was described as : ” a babe , a minor , a ward , a person incapable of doing or acting anything according to her own individual taste , a person continually under the tutelage and guardianship of her husband (cf. Allen , 1889 , v. 3 , p. 550). Women were generally looked down upon as chattels that were trafficked in, and were treated as slaves or housemaids. Considered as inferior to man, a wife had to sit on the ground in the presence of her husband, and follow a foot while he rode (cf. Wil Durant, history of the world).

In the ancient Roman law, a woman was completely dependent on some man. If married, she and her property would pass into the power of her husband. The wife was considered a purchased property of her husband, and like a slave, is only acquired for his benefit. A woman could never exercise any civil or public office …, she could never be a witness, a surety, a tutor, or a curator; she could never make a will or sign a contract.

In the Roman law, women were looked down upon as incapacitated beings, as children or insane persons. Age minority, insanity and womanhood were the main reasons for disqualifying any person. Both female children and wives had no independent status throughout the life of their guardians, who had full authority on them, including the right to sell, expel, torture imprison and even kill.

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5) In the old Scandinavian law, women were under perpetual tutelage, whether unmarried or married. If a woman were to marry without the consent of her tutor, he was given the right to administer and usufruct her property during her life (cf. encyclopedia Britannica, v. 28, p. 783).

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6) According to the old English common law: “… all real property which a wife held at the time of her marriage became a possession of her husband. He was entitled to the rent from the land, and to any profit which might be made from operating the estate during the joint life of the spouses. As time passed, the English courts devised means to forbid a husband’s transferring of real property without the consent of his wife, but he still retained the right to manage it and to receive the money which it produced. As to a wife’s personal property, the husband’s power was complete. He had the right to spend it as he saw fit”.

Only by the late 19^th century the ” married women’s property act ” which came out in 1870 C.e. and was amended in 1882 C.e. and 1887 C.e. gave married women the right to own property and to enter contracts on a par with spinsters , widows and divorcees (cf. encyclopedia Britannica 11^th edition , 1968 , v. 23 , p. 624) .

Under the title of “the subjection of women”, John Stuart mill wrote: ” … meanwhile, the wife is the actual bondservant of her husband; no less so than slaves “.

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7) The encyclopedia biblical (1902, v. 3, pp. 2942-2947) states that: ” to betroth a wife to oneself meant simply to acquire possession of her by payment of the purchase money; the betrothed is a bought girl for whom the purchase money has been paid … the girl’s consent is unnecessary, and the need for it is nowhere suggested in the law … the woman, being man’s property, his right to divorce her follows as a matter of course … “.

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In the Jewish tradition, women were given a very inferior status, being considered unclean and untouchable during their periods. Whether daughter or wife a woman had no right of inheritance as long as there were male off springs to inherit the deceased father or husband.

Moreover, the woman herself could be inherited by either the father, brother, husband or any male in the family. Following the book of exodus, Egyptian Jews have the following article in their civil status law (article # 36) which states that “in the absence of a male offspring, the widow shall marry the brother of her dead man, and shall be to nobody but himself, unless he dissolves this wedlock”.

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9) The new testament is completely devoid of any injunction on the family life , but the early Christian traditions did not only follow the Jews in affirming the inferior status of women , but also deprived them of a number of legal rights they had previously enjoyed .

In their book entitled “marriage east and west”, David and Vera Mace (1960 p. 80, 81) wrote:

“It would be hard to find anywhere a collection of more degrading references to the female sex than the early church fathers provide”. These two authors (op. cit.) quote Lecky, the famous historian, where he speaks of “these fierce incentives which form so conspicuous and so grotesque a portion of the writing of the fathers” in his own words as follows:

“… The woman was represented as the door of hell, as the mother of all human ills. She should be ashamed at the very thought that she is a woman.

She should live in continual penance on account of the curses she has brought upon the world. She should be ashamed of her dress, for it is the memorial of her fall. She should be especially ashamed of her beauty, for it is the most potent instrument of the devil”.

David and Vera Mace (op. cit.) also quote Tertulian in his most scathing attack on women where he wrote addressing them: ” do you know that you are each an eve? The sentence of God on the sex of yours lives in this age; the guilt must – of necessity – live too.

You are the devil’s gateway; you are the unsealer of that forbidden tree; you are the first deserters of the divine law; you are she who persuaded him whom the devil was not valiant enough to attack.

You destroyed so easily God’s image, man …”

———————-

10) In pagan Arabia women had no rights at all. They used to be looked upon as commodities to be bought and inherited. Because of such very low value assigned to women, the ugly habit of burying baby girls alive was widespread in some tribes for fear of shame. This female infant side is a cruel, murdering crime that reflects the attitudes of some parents who detested and rejected their female infants, and portrays an image for the status of woman in these days of ignorance (jahiliyyah). Among other bad habits of the pagan Arabs was that a widow was herself subject to be inherited along with the property of her dead husband.

—————–

Women in Islam:

The Glorious Qur’an was revealed more than fourteen centuries ago with the clear emphasis that both the fore-parents of the human race Adam and eve (may Allah be pleased with them both) had been created from one single soul [" O mankind! Be dutiful to your Lord, Who created you from a single person (Adam), and from him (Adam) He created his wife (Hawwa (Eve)), and from them both He created many men and women and fear Allah through Whom you demand your mutual (rights), and (do not cut the relations of) the wombs (kinship). Surely, Allah is Ever an AllWatcher over you." ( Surat An-Nisâ' (The Women):1).

"It is He Who has created you from a single person (Adam), and (then) He has created from him his wife (Hawwa (Eve)), in order that he might enjoy the pleasure of living with her. When he had sexual relation with her, she became pregnant and she carried it about lightly. Then when it became heavy, they both invoked Allah, their Lord (saying): "If You give us a Salih (good in every aspect) child, we shall indeed be among the grateful." ( Surat Al-A'râf (The Heights): 189).

"And Allah has made for you wives of your own kind, and has made for you, from your wives, sons and grandsons, and has bestowed on you good provision. Do they then believe in false deities and deny the Favour of Allah (by not worshipping Allah Alone)." ( Surat An-Nahl (The Bees): 72).

"The Creator of the heavens and the earth. He has made for you mates from yourselves, and for the cattle (also) mates. By this means He creates you (in the wombs). There is nothing like unto Him, and He is the All-Hearer, the All-Seer." ( Surat Ash-Shûra (The Consultation): 11). etc.].

The Noble Qur’an also came down with the emphasis that our fore-mother eve (may Allah be pleased with her) is not alone blamed for Adam’s first sin. Both were jointly wrong in their disobedience to the divine order, both recognized their mistake and repented, and both were forgiven ” Then the Shaitan (Satan) made them slip therefrom (the Paradise ), and got them out from that in which they were. We said: “Get you down, all, with enmity between yourselves. On earth will be a dwelling place for you and an enjoyment for a time.” (Surat Al-Baqarah (The Cow): 36) , ” Then Shaitan (Satan) whispered suggestions to them both in order to uncover that which was hidden from them of their private parts (before); he said: “Your Lord did not forbid you this tree save you should become angels or become of the immortals.” 20. ” And he (Shaitan (Satan)) swore by Allah to them both (saying): “Verily, I am one of the sincere wellwishers for you both.” 21. “So he misled them with deception.

Then when they tasted of the tree, that which was hidden from them of their shame (private parts) became manifest to them and they began to stick together the leaves of Paradise over themselves (in order to cover their shame). And their Lord called out to them (saying): “Did I not forbid you that tree and tell you: Verily, Shaitan (Satan) is an open enemy unto you?” 22. “They said: “Our Lord! We have wronged ourselves. If You forgive us not, and bestow not upon us Your Mercy, we shall certainly be of the losers.” 23. “(Allah) said: “Get down, one of you an enemy to the other (i.e. Adam, Hawwa (Eve), and Shaitan (Satan), etc.). On earth will be a dwellingplace for you and an enjoyment, – for a time.” 24.” ( Surat Al-A’râf (The Heights): 20-24) . Indeed, Adam was specifically blamed alone in one Qur’anic verse at least “Then they both ate of the tree, and so their private parts appeared to them, and they began to stick on themselves the leaves from Paradise for their covering. Thus did Adam disobey his Lord, so he went astray.” ( Surat Tâ-Hâ): 121).

The Qur’anic guidance declares in numerous verses the fact that men and women are integrating, equal halves of the human race. They are equal in their humanitarian nature, rights and obligations, despite their physical, physiological, psychological and emotional differences which integrate and are essential for the making and continuity of a balanced life for the human race. These marked and indisputable differences between men and women, do not imply any supremacy of one of the sexes over the other, as they only reflect their integral and complementary roles in life.

Indeed , both the Qur’an and the traditions of Prophet Mohammad (p.b.u.h.) have emphasized the spiritual, religious, intellectual, social, economic and political equality between men and women, raising women to their natural position in the human society and returning to them their honour and dignity which have always been lost in the absence of the true form of divine guidance .

Enough to mention that one of the lengthiest chapters (Suras) in the Holy Qur’an (Chapter # 4) is entitled An-Nisâ’ (the women). this Qur’anic chapter covers social parameters such as women , their relationship to the other sex , marriage , family rights for and obligations on each member , orphans , inheritance , dealing with family disputes and the recalcitrant in the larger family and in the society at large . It emphasizes the necessity of divine guidance in such matters where man alone can never give a fair judgment.

Another lengthy Surah (Chapter) in the Qur’an is called Al-Imran or (the family of Imran) the father of Mary, mother of Jesus (may Allah be pleased with them both). the 19^th chapter in the Qur’an is entitled Maryam (Mary), the mother of Jesus; the 58^th Qur’anic chapter is named Al-Mujadilah (the pleading woman); the 60^th chapter is entitled Al-Mumtahanah (the tested woman); both chapters # 65 and 66 which are named Al-Talaq (the divorce) and Al-Tahreem (the act of forbidding), respectively, deal with family and social matters including divorce, its necessity as a last resort, when all forms of reconciliation fail to preserve the family bondage (as Islam does not compel unhappy couples to stay together) and the necessary precautions the Qur’an prescribes against the abuse of such license, which – out of all things – is the most hateful to Allah, but permitted by Him. Indeed, the incompatibility of certain individuals and the weaknesses of human nature require certain outlets and safeguards if the sanctity of marriage is not to be made into a fetish at the expense of human life. These two Qur’anic chapters explain how far can the opposition of one sex against the other, or the lack of harmony between the two sexes, the turning away from sex in general, or the perversion of this divinely granted relation ship can be highly injurious to the higher interests of the individuals, their families and the society at large.

Enough to mention that two of the most highly praised figures in the Glorious Qur’an are Maryam (Mary), the mother of Jesus (peace be upon them both) and ( Asia ) the wife of the Pharoh of Moses (p.b.u.h.).

Prophet Mohammad (p.b.u.h.) is quoted to have said:

“The most generous (in character) amongst you is the one who is kind to women, and the wicked of you is the one who insults them”.

In his farewell pilgrimage speech Prophet Mohammad (p.b.u.h.) is quoted to have said:

“I enjoin upon you to deal with women in a fair and a just way as they are the twin half of men “.

Source: http://www.rasoulallah.net/subject_en.asp?hit=1&lang=ar&parent_id=422&sub_id=7411

Who is the Terrorist, Israel Or Hamas ? ( I want to see your comment)

Judge by logic please , see every picture of these and feel it , if it was your son , daughter , brother , sister , mother or father

Do not escape without commenting !!!

Virtues of the Ten Days of Dhul Hijjah

This is a link for a free e-book about :

“Virtues of the Ten Days of Dhul Hijjah”

 http://www.islamhouse.com/p/1355

I hope you get benefit from it

Tens websites links to answer all your questions about life & religion

This is a list of many useful links for those whor are serious about their life & religion!
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Testimonies of Jewish Converts To Islam Introduction
http://www.jews-for-allah.com/e-books/Testimonies-Jews-for-Allah.pdf

Islam A Global civilization
http://www.iad.org/PDF/Global.pdf

You will find over 700 questions and answers posted by inquirers about all
kinds of Islamic issues, from social to modern life, Islamic rulings,
Islam and christianity, Jesus and Mohammad and other messengers of the
Lord.
http://www.lordswords.com/faq/show_cats.asp

http://binbazfoundation.org/streams/true1_islam.asx

A nice introducing to Islam Film :
http://binbazfoundation.org/english/msrwa_alislam.html

========  for atheists
Didn't you asked your self one day :
What's The Purpose of life ?
Here you will get the answer :
http://english.islamway.com/bindex.php?section=lessons&lesson_id=280&scholar_id=16

The Purpose of Creation
http://www.viewislam.com/belief/purpose.htm

What Is the Reason of Creation?Part1 & Part2
http://www.beconvinced.com/Audio/Creator1.ram
http://www.beconvinced.com/Audio/Creator2.ram

Purpose of Life?
Why are we here? Find out - before it's too late ... Read More
http://www.todayislam.com/death.htm

The Concept of God in Islam
http://www.islamland.org/broch1/eb044.htm

GOD's original name in Hebrew and Aramaic was indeed "Allah".
http://www.aol40.com/allah.htm

GOD .. What is His Name?
By Ahmed Deedat
http://www.aol40.com/allah4.htm

How I Came To Islam? (Abdur-Raheem Green ):
http://english.islamway.com/bindex.php?section=lessons&lesson_id=137&scholar_id=16

Islam the religion of peace
http://www.islamland.org/books1/peace.htm

Islamic Perspective of Sex
http://www.islamland.org/books1/persp.htm

The Islamic Ruling on Homosexuality
http://thetruereligion.org/homosexuality.htm

Sex, Drugs & Rock 'N' Roll
http://english.islamway.com/bindex.php?section=lessons&lesson_id=138&scholar_id=16

Islamic way of life
http://islamland.org/books1/e007.htm

Islaam a Whole Way of Life
http://www.islaam.com/audio/lectures/yi/ram/yiawhole.ram

Islam! The Future Of Mankind! (by Cat Stevens)
http://www.islam.org/audio/ra600_2.ram

The true religion
http://islamland.org/books1/e031.htm

The way to happiness
http://islamland.org/books1/e002.htm

Do people need Religion?
http://www.beconvinced.com/Audio/DoPeople.ram

A Brief Illustrated Guide To Understanding Islam
http://www.islam-guide.com

Good audios to learn about Islam :
http://beconvinced.com/SPEECHES.htm

Good audios and videos to learn about Islam :
http://free.freespeech.org/sultan/

Want to see some Videos about Islam ?
http://islamicweb.com/resources/video.htm

Islam the perfect religion :
http://www.islamland.org/books1/perfe.htm

http://www.islamtomorrow.net
a site of american preacher converted to islam

Why Should You Be A Muslim ?
http://www.beconvinced.com/Audio/Reason1.ram
http://www.beconvinced.com/Audio/Reason2.ram

Islam! - The Modern Alternative - Why Islam is good for you !
http://thetruereligion.org/modernalternative.htm

pamphlets about Islam :
http://www.islamland.org/broch1/index.htm

======== تعريف عام بالإسلام ومداخل إليه General introduction to Islam

What do you want to know about ISLAM,
the fastest growing religion in the World ?
http://islam-guide.com

What do you want to know about ISLAM,
the fastest growing religion in the World ?
http://sultan.org

Islam FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions):
http://sultan.org/articles/ISLAMFAQ.html

Islam The Fastest Growing Religion in the World ...Discover Why?
http://www.whyislam.org/discoverwhy.htm

What is Islam ? Find answers at :
http://thetruereligion.org

Introducing Islam
http://www.islamonline.net/english/introducingislam/index.shtml

A-Z of Islam A-Z of Islam Compiled from the books and tapes of Dr. Abu Ameenah Bilal Philips Muslim Contribution to Science Islam is the complete submission and obedience to Allah (God).
http://2discoverislam.com/books/2discoverislam_com_A-Z_of_Islam.pdf

ISLAM The Fastest Growing Religion in the World ...Discover Why?
http://www.icna.org/Dawah/brochure_islam_fastest.htm

Introduction to Islam:
http://www.al-sunnah.com/introduction_to_islam.htm

Understanding Islam and Muslims
http://islamicity.com/Mosque/uiatm/un_islam.htm

A Brief Illustrated Guide To Understanding Islam
http://islam-guide.com

Discover Islam
http://www.discover-islam-online.com/

Statistics of the Muslims' population around the World
http://www.islamicweb.com/begin/results.htm

A Brief Illustrated Guide To Understanding Islam
http://islam-guide.com

The Purpose of Creation
http://www.viewislam.com/belief/purpose.htm

Your Way to Islam: by Dr. Mohammad Al-Ashqar
http://al-sunnah.com/your_way_to_islam.htm

Discover Islam
http://www.discoverislam.com

Learn about the the fastest growing religion in the World :
http://www.i-g.org

Islam: The True Religion (By Bilal Philips)
http://islamworld.net/true.html
http://islam.org/audio/ra600_3.ram

The True Religion
http://thetruereligion.org

There are many religions, Why do Muslims think that Islam is true ?
Is there any factual basis ?
http://ssmu.mcgill.ca/icn/merits.html

Explore & Discover & Be Convinced That Islam Is The truth !
http://www.beconvinced.com

Be happy !
http://www.beconvinced.com

Why Should You Be A Muslim (By Dawud Adib)
http://www.beconvinced.com/Audio/Reason1.ram
http://www.beconvinced.com/Audio/Reason2.ram

It is The Truth
http://www.it-is-truth.org

World Religious And Political Leaders Accepted Islam
http://www.todayislam.com/converts/index.htm
Islam Unveiled
http://www.islamunveiled.org

Introduction to Islam fastest growing religion in the World :
http://al-sunnah.com/introduction_to_islam.htm

Islam! - The Modern Alternative - Why Islam is good for you !
http://thetruereligion.org/modernalternative.htm

Islam? Islam is the fastest growing religion in the world. Why?
At last the story BEHIND THE FACTS ...Read More
http://www.todayislam.com/islam/

Why are so many women converting to Islam ?
http://geocities.com/Athens/Agora/4229/women.html

Why Are Priests, Preachers, Ministers & Leaders of other religions
entering Islam in big numbers? ... Read More How? Why?
http://www.todayislam.com/converts/index.htm

Former Christian Priests and Missionaries who have Embraced Islam
http://thetruereligion.org/priests.htm

Islam & Science
http://islamicity.com/education/science/

Some Scientists Declaration about The Holy Quran and Islam
http://www.islampedia.com/ijaz/Html/Scientist_All/Index.htm

Veiws of Non-Muslim Scientists about Islam
http://fortunecity.com/meltingpot/jellyfish/347/Islamic_Medicine.html#10

Science Leads to  Islam
http://www.science4islam.com/html/indexe.html

New Muslims Stories
http://thetruereligion.org/converts.htm

How To Become a Muslim?
http://www.orst.edu/groups/msa/books/muslim.html

Recommended Reading books about Islam
http://viewislam.com/rread/index.html

The meaning of the testimony of faith
http://islamland.org/books1/e005.htm

I want to embrace Islam but ....Many Questions & Answers !
http://al-sunnah.com/onlyforyou.htm

The True Islamic Personality of the Muslim as Defined in the Qur’an and the Sunnah
http://www.wefound.org/e_contents_iman.htm

How to End Racism
http://islamland.org/articles1/a014.htm

========= Audios and Videos صوتيات ومرئيات :

Why Should You Be A Muslim ?
http://www.beconvinced.com/Audio/Reason1.ram
http://www.beconvinced.com/Audio/Reason2.ram

Islam: The True Religion By Bilal Philips
http://islam.org/audio/ra600_3.ram

Free audios that will IMPROVE your LIFE :
http://islamway.com/english/images/library/nonmuslims.htm

These Audios will improve your all LIFE :
http://beconvinced.com/SPEECHES.htm

Good audios to learn about Islam :
http://www.beconvinced.com/SPEECHES.htm

Do people need Religion?
http://www.beconvinced.com/Audio/DoPeople.ram

Islam! The Future Of Mankind! - (Yusuf  Islam, or Cat Stevens before)
http://www.islam.org/audio/ra600_2.ram

Quran & Modern Science Part1 & Part2
http://www.beconvinced.com/Audio/QurSci1.ram
http://www.beconvinced.com/Audio/QurSci2.ram

Video:
http://islam.org/video/irf1.ram

The story of Muhammad(PBUH) read by Yusuf Islam
http://islam.org/audio/lprophet.ram
pnm://mediaserver.hadi.org/lprophet.ra

The Life of The Last Prophet ( By Yusuf Islam )
http://islam.org/audio/lprophet.ram
pnm://mediaserver.hadi.org/lprophet.ra

Womens Right & Roles Part1 & Part2
http://www.beconvinced.com/Audio/WomenIs1.ram
http://www.beconvinced.com/Audio/WomenIs2.ram

The Message of Jesus(PBUH) (Audio) Part1 & Part2
http://www.beconvinced.com/Audio/JesusMes1.ram
http://www.beconvinced.com/Audio/JesusMes2.ram

Prophets Last Sermon (Video)
http://www.islam.org/Video/ch5_10th.ram

Audio
http://www.beconvinced.com/Audio/sermon.ram

Why Cat Stevens Became a Muslim (Cat Stevents)
http://www.beconvinced.com/Audio/catstev1.ram
http://www.beconvinced.com/Audio/catstev2.ram

Muslims don’t need drugs
http://www.beconvinced.com/Audio/NoDrugs.ram

The Life of Malcolm X Part1 & Part2
http://www.beconvinced.com/Audio/MalcolmX1.ram
http://www.beconvinced.com/Audio/MalcolmX2.ram

The Life of Malcolm X Part1 & Part2 (download)
http://www.beconvinced.com/DOWNLOADS.htm#AUDIO

Malcolm X a Muslim
WHY MALCOLM X LEFT THE NATION OF ISLAM AND BECAME A  TRUE MUSLIM  (audio)
http://www.beconvinced.com/Audio/MalMecca.ram

Nation of Islam Exposed by A.Idris Palmer:
http://www.malcolm-x.org/docs/abt_noix.htm

The Birth of Jesus Was a Miracle (& the Story of Maryam)
http://www.islaam.com/audio/lectures/yi/ram/yijesus2.ram

Jesus Was Saved by Allah From the Cross
http://www.islaam.com/audio/lectures/yi/ram/yijesus3.ram

Crucification: Fact Or Fiction
http://www.islam.org/audio/ra622_3.ram

We Are More Worthy of Jesus Than They Are
http://www.islaam.com/audio/lectures/yi/ram/yijesus1.ram

The Dajjal and the Return of Jesus
http://www.islaam.com/audio/lectures/yi/ram/yijesus4.ram

Want to see some Videos ?
http://islamicweb.com/resources/video.htm

learn about Islam religion from Vedios:
http://islamicweb.com/resources/video.htm

Islam In America
http://www.islam.org/Video/cbs1.ram

Understanding Major Religions: Islam!
http://www.islamicity.org/video/klcs.ram

The True Religion Of God!:Part1 & Part2
http://www.beconvinced.com/Audio/TrueReli1.ram
http://www.beconvinced.com/Audio/TrueReli2.ram

Choosing Islam!
http://www.islamicity.org/video/sv1.ram

Is The Bible God's Word - (Ahmed Deedat)
http://www.islam.org/audio/ra622_4.ram

The Real Message Of Jesus(P.B.U.H)   (Bilal Philips)
http://www.beconvinced.com/Audio/JesusMes1.ram
http://www.beconvinced.com/Audio/JesusMes2.ram

Christ In Islam - (Ahmed Deedat) 3 parts
http://www.islam.org/audio/ra622_1a.ram
http://www.islam.org/audio/ra622_1b.ram
http://www.islam.org/audio/ra622_1c.ram

We Believe In Jesus
http://www.islamland.org/books1/bjesus.htm

A Comparision of the Jesus(pbh) of the Qur'an and the Jesus(pbh) of the Bible.
http://www.islaminfo.com/article.asp?level=1

Trinity?  Myth Or Reality (Jamal Badawi)
http://www.islam.org/Radio/ch200.htm

Jesus (P.B.U.H) In Islam  (Jamal Badawi)
http://www.islam.org/audio/ra200_K1.ram

more debates :
http://islamicity.com/radio/ch622.htm

========= Christianity , Jesus النصرانية ، عيسى عليه السلام  :

A Brief Illustrated Guide To Understanding Islam
http://www.islam-guide.com

Good audios to learn about Islam :
http://beconvinced.com/SPEECHES.htm

Islam: Misunderstood throughout the World
http://english.islamway.com/bindex.php?section=article&id=91

Islam and Christianity:
A Presentation by Gary Miller.
http://www7.bev.net/civic/icb/icb_engl.htm

Combat Kit - Against Bible thumpers:
http://jamaat.net/combatkit/combat.html

Top Misconceptions about Islam
http://islamweb.net/pls/iweb/misc1.view_subject?vsubject=24&thelang=E

Some Scientists Declaration about The Holy Quran and Islam
http://www.islampedia.com/ijaz/Html/Scientist_All/Index.htm

Basic beliefs of Christians and Muslims side by side
http://www.islam101.com/religions/christ_islam.html

Jesus: The Islamic and Christian Views Compared
A good article about the Muslim beliefs of Jesus.
It is an objective comparitive study of based on the
Islamic and Christian scriptures.
http://www.soundvision.com/Info/jesus/inIslam.asp

ISLAM AND CHRISTIANITY - A COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS
http://www.jamaat.net/deedat.htm

Muslim Christian Dialogue
http://www.iad.org/books/MCD.html

The God That Never Was
http://jamaat.net/gtnw/god.html

Who Was Jesus According to Jesus
http://www.islaminfo.com/articleview.asp?level=13&catID=1

The Truth About Prophet Jesus
http://www.islamland.org/books1/tjesus.htm

The Real Story Of Mary From the Holy Quran
http://geocities.com/SoHo/Gallery/3001/storyofmary.htm

THE TRUE MESSAGE  OF JESUS CHRIST
BY DR. BILAL PHILIPS
http://www.al-sunnah.com/true_message_of_jesus.htm

Who is our Savior ? (Allah or Jesus)
http://jesus-or-allah.com/

True Christianity
http://www.sunnahonline.com/ilm/dawah/ce_index.htm

The Bible Denies the Divinity of Jesus
http://islam-guide.com/ch3-10-1.htm

Jesus Was Saved by (God)Allaah From the Cross
http://www.islaam.com/audio/lectures/yi/ram/yijesus3.ram

What Did Jesus Really Say?
http://wings.buffalo.edu/sa/muslim/library/jesus-say/contents.html

Is Jesus Really God?
A former Christian has written this short piece based on his study of Bible.
http://www.soundvision.com/Info/jesus/ishegod.asp

Prophet Jesus (PBUH) Never Claimed Divinity
http://sultan.org/articles/pjncd.html

You Say You Follow Jesus' Teachings ???
http://viewislam.com/belief/jesus4.htm

Who invented the Trinity?
http://www.islamland.org/broch1/eb031.htm

Was Jesus Sent to be Crucified?
http://islamland.org/broch1/eb042.htm

The Truth About The Original Sin
http://www.islamland.org/books1/tosin.htm

-------- Buddhism , Bahaiism , Hinduism  البوذية ، البهائية ، الهندوسية -------

What is the Relationship between Christianity and Buddhism ?
http://www.themodernreligion.com/comparative/christ/bible_buddhism.htm

What Buddhism Scripture say about Muhammad?
http://convertstoislam.org/GospelofBuddhafortoldMuhammad.htm

Buddha predicted Prophet Muhammad (Muhammad foretold by Gautama (Gospel of Buddha)
http://convertstoislam.org/GospelofBuddhafortoldMuhammad.htm

Buddhism to Islam : Buddha and Muhammad - Islam and Buddhism - Buddhists and Muslims
http://convertstoislam.org/Buddhism/

Testimonies of Buddhists who turned to Allah and Islam
http://convertstoislam.org/testimoniesofBuddhistwhobecameMuslim.html

BUDDHISM AND THE BIBLE
http://www.salaf.indiaaccess.com/buddhism/buddhism_and_bible.htm

Buddhism and the Bible
by Michoel Drazin, ISBN 965-229-070-X
http://www.themodernreligion.com/comparative/christ/bible_buddhism.htm

Reality of Idol worship and Buddhism
http://www.islamic-ef.org/english/activities/buddism.htm

Testimonies of Buddhists who turned to Allah
http://convertstoislam.org/testimoniesofBuddhistwhobecameMuslim.html

Comparisons between Christianity, Hinduism, Buddhism and Islam
http://muslim-canada.org/ch1hakim.html

Yoga compared to Islamic Prayers
http://www.convertstoislam.org/Islam_meditation_yoga_Buddhism.htm

What is a Bahai, and what proofs support or not support the movement?
http://www.islam.tc/ask-imam/questions/177.html

Answering Bahaullah
http://www.answeringbahaullah.com/

Unknown Brother 1's Testimony (old Bahaii)
http://www.islam.tc/ask-imam/questions/177.html

Islaam compared with Hinduism (part1), Part 2
http://www.beconvinced.com/Audio/IslamHindu1.ram
http://www.beconvinced.com/Audio/IslamHindu2.ram

Islam and Hinduism:
http://www.jannah.com/cgi-bin/serve.pl?f=ad-iah

COMMON QUESTIONS > COMMON QUESTIONS ASKED BY HINDUS ABOUT ISLAM
http://www.irf.net/irf/faqonislam/middle/categories1.php3?cat1=2&cat2=6

Shia false beleives :
http://www.sultan.org/shia.html

----------- BIBLE  الانجيل وتحريفه-----------
Let the Bible speak

The Bible Led Me to Islam !!!
http://thetruereligion.org/leblanc.htm

What the Bible Says About Muhammed by Ahmed Deedat
http://www.jamaat.net/muhinbible/intro.html

What all Christians and Jews MUST know about the Bible
http://islamicweb.com/index.asp?folder=bible

Examining The Bible
http://islamic-awareness.org/Bible/

Examining The Quran
http://islamic-awareness.org/Quran/

Is the Bible the word of God ?
http://www.jamaat.net/bible/Bible1-3.html

Gospel of Barnabas !
http://barnabas.net

Barnabas, His Gospel, and its Credibility
http://understanding-islam.com/articles/religions/barnabas.htm

A List of Biblical Contradictions
http://sultan.org/articles/biblecon.txt

50,000 Errors in the Bible!
http://www.jamaat.net/bible/AwakeArticle(1957).html

Corruption of the Torah ?
http://islamworld.net/torah.html

Studies about Talmud
http://abbc.com/talmud/index.htm

What the Bible Says about Muhammad (peace be upon him)?
by Ahmad Deedat
http://www.beconvinced.com/RELIGION/BIBLEONMUHAM.htm

Let the Bible speak !
http://www.northumbria.ac.uk/societies/islamic/scriptur/biblespe.htm

50,000 Errors in the Bible!
http://www.jamaat.net/bible/AwakeArticle(1957).html

Dr. Zakir Naik Debates
http://www.ahya.org/invite/drzakir.shtml

Links about Christian-Muslim Debate
http://geocities.com/m_ghounem/extl.html

Muslim Answers
http://www.muslim-answers.org

Answering Christianity
http://sultan.org/articles/answers.html

Answering for Islam
http://www.afi.org.uk

Answering Missionaries
http://thetruereligion.org/missionary.htm

Islam Answers Back
http://www3.sympatico.ca/shabir.ally/toppage1.htm

Islamic Awareness against Christian missionary lies
http://islamic-awareness.org

-------- Prophet Muhammad peace be upon him ------

Twelve Proofs that Muhammad is a true Prophet
http://www.islaam.com/Article.aspx?id=61

Muhammad - the Most Influential Person in History
http://thetruereligion.org/the100.htm

Did Jesus and Isaiah PROPHESY the coming of MUHAMMAD?
http://islamworld.net/prop.html

WHAT THE BIBLE SAYS ABOUT MUHUMMED (PBUH)
God revealed a prophecy to Moses that a Prophet would arise that would be like him.
In this small booklet, the Muslim scholarly claim is weighed against the traditional Christian claim.
http://www.jamaat.net/muhinbible/intro.html

What Famous Non-Muslims Say About Prophet Muhammad ?
http://cyberistan.org/islamic/quote1.html

The Final Prophet
http://www.usc.edu/dept/MSA/fundamentals/prophet/finalprophet.html

Articles about the Final Prophet
http://al-sunnah.com/muhammad.htm

Life of prophet Muhammed (peace be upon him)
http://geocities.com/Athens/Delphi/1229/lopm/00cntnts.htm

Detailed life of prophet Muhammed (peace be upon him)
http://prophetmuhammed.org

PROPHET MUHAMMAD IN HINDU SCRIPTURES
http://www.cyberistan.org/islamic/prophhs.html

PROPHET MUHAMMAD IN PARSI SCRIPTURES
http://www.cyberistan.org/islamic/parsi1.html

Love of the Prophet (PBUH) by Dr. Bilal Philips [part1] & [part2]
http://www.islaam.com/audio/lectures/bp/ram/bplove1.ram
http://www.islaam.com/audio/lectures/bp/ram/bplove2.ram

Companions of The Prophet
http://www.iqra.20m.com/sahabah.html

==== DAWA BY THE HOLY QURAN ====

Alfatiha :
1 - In the Name of Allah, the Most Beneficent, the Most Merciful.
2 - All the praises and thanks be to Allah, the Lord of the 'Alamin (mankind, jinns and all that exists).
3 - The Most Beneficent, the Most Merciful.
4 - The Only Owner (and the Only Ruling Judge) of the Day of Recompense (i.e. the Day of Resurrection).
5 - You (Alone) we worship, and You (Alone) we ask for help (for each and everything).
6 - Guide us to the Straight Way.
7 - The Way of those on whom You have bestowed Your Grace, not (the way) of those
who earned Your Anger (such as the Jews), nor of those who went astray
(such as the Christians).Holy Quran (1:1-7)

Sura Al-Ikhlas or At-Tauhid
1 - Say (O Muhammad (Peace be upon him)): "He is Allah, (the) One.
2 - "Allah-us-Samad (The Self-Sufficient Master, Whom all creatures need, He neither eats nor drinks).
3 - "He begets not, nor was He begotten;
4 - "And there is none co-equal or comparable unto Him." Holy Quran (121:1-4)

"And there are, certainly, among the People of the Book (Jews and Christians),
those who believe in Allah, and that which has been revealed to you
and in that which has been revealed to them, humbling themselves
before Allah: They will not sell the Revelations of Allah for a miserable gain!
For them is a reward with their Lord, and Allah is swift in account." {Holy Quran 3:199}

Can you have a look here please :
http://wings.buffalo.edu/sa/muslim/quran/pickthall/

Have you ever just give a look at the The Holy Quran , the last book of God ?
what can you loose 
http://wings.buffalo.edu/sa/muslim/quran/pickthall/

Have a look @ Muslims Holy Book , The Holy Quran :
http://wings.buffalo.edu/sa/muslim/quran/pickthall/

Free Download : English Translation of The Holy Quran
http://al-sunnah.com/download/nquran.zip

Read, listen and understand the Last Revelation to mankind at the Holy
Quran Center.
http://islamicity.com/mosque/quran/

Listen to Quran, The Holy Book of GOD:
http://quran.islamway.com/shatry/050.ram

Want to listen to something better than music ?
http://english.islamway.com/echapters.php?recitor_id=9

How about some MP3 ? :
http://english.islamway.com/echapters.php?recitor_id=9

Have you ever listened to this kind of singings ??
http://quran.islamway.com/rashed/001.ram
http://quran.islamway.com/rashed/002.ram
http://quran.islamway.com/rashed/0012.ram

http://quran.islamway.com/shatry/001.ram
http://quran.islamway.com/shatry/001.ram
http://quran.islamway.com/shatry/050.ram
http://quran.islamway.com/shatry/112.ram

Listen , Relax and Enjoy :
http://english.islamway.com/erecitorslist.php

These MP3 will help you to relax :
http://quran.islamway.com/rashed/001.mp3
http://quran.islamway.com/rashed/002.mp3

http://quran.islamway.com/agmy/001.mp3
http://quran.islamway.com/agmy/002.mp3
http://quran.islamway.com/agmy/072.mp3

Qur'anic Recitation with English Translation by
Qari Muhammad Ayub, Spoken in English by J.D. Hall
http://islamicity.com/Radio/ch152.htm

The Holy Quran is the most and the must book you need to read
http://wings.buffalo.edu/sa/muslim/quran/pickthall/

Translations of Holy Quran in 19 language
http://thetruereligion.org/links.htm

An introduction to the Holy Quran
http://www.orst.edu/groups/msa/quran/quran/intro.html

Topics Index of the Holy Quran
http://students.washington.edu/rameez/islam/quran/noble/subject1.htm

The Holy Quran and the modern science

Miraculous Quran
http://islamweb.net/pls/iweb/misc1.view_subject?vsubject=54&thelang=E

The Amazing Quran
http://fortunecity.com/meltingpot/jellyfish/347/Islamic_Medicine.html#1

Holy Quran Resources on the Internet
http://www.quran.org.uk

The Amazing Qur'an by Gary Miller
http://www.witness-pioneer.org/vil/Books/GM_aq/index.htm

The Amazing Qur'an by Gary Miller Audio
http://islam.org/audio/RA1100_7.ram

Books Of God! The Almighty
http://www.islam.org/audio/ra200_D14.ram

Miracles of the Qur'an
Many scientific facts which could not have been known at the time of the Quranic revelation,
1400 years ago, shows to the man of today that the Qur'an is the word
of Almighty God. Watch this video documentary produced by Harun Yahya.
http://islamicity.com/audiovideo/ra202/miracles_of_quran.ram

Qur'aan & Modern Science Questions/Answers
http://www.beconvinced.com/Audio/QurSci1.ram
http://www.beconvinced.com/Audio/QurSci2.ram

Some Scientists Declaration about The Holy Quran and Islam
http://www.islampedia.com/ijaz/Html/Scientist_All/Index.htm

Science & Religion:  Part 1&2 :
http://www.beconvinced.com/Audio/ReliSci1.ram
http://www.beconvinced.com/Audio/ReliSci2.ram

Examining The Quran
http://islamic-awareness.org/Quran/

Articles about The Holy :
http://www.islamzine.com/quran/

Recitation of Quran:
This has a healing effect on the body, mind and heart.
These healing effects are due to the effect of sound (echo) and the meaning.
The letter Alif resounds unto the echoes to heart and the letter YA resounds
unto echoes to the pineal gland in the brain.
"O Mankind: There has come to you a direction from your Lord and
a healing for the (disease) in your hearts - and for those who believe
a guidance and mercy!" (Quran 10:57)
"And We sent down in the Quran that which is healing and a mercy to those who believe:
to the unjust it causes nothing but loss after loss". (Quran 17:82).
The movements in Salat are mild, uniform, and involve all muscles and joints.
The caloric output is desired to keep the energy balance.
http://www.soundvision.com/Info/halalhealthy/DivineHelp.asp

Islamic Teaching Series
http://islamicity.com/multimedia/radio/ch200/

Health Guidelines From Quran And Sunnah
http://www.soundvision.com/Info/halalhealthy/DivineHelp.asp

====== Dawaa by stories :
Converters to Islam from All religions:
http://thetruereligion.org/converts.htm

Want to read a LIFE-IMPROVE stories ???
http://thetruereligion.org/converts.htm

GENERAL ADVICE FOR NEW MUSLIMS FROM OTHER CONVERTS
http://jews-for-allah.org/islam/advicetoConverts.htm

Why are Jewish Women converting to Islam ?
http://jews-for-allah.org/Why-Believe-in-Allah/Jewish-Women-Converting-to-Islam.htm

Testamonies:   Video
http://jews-for-allah.org/Why-Believe-in-Allah/Video-Testimonies.ram

Find all your answers about Islam and Muslims here :
http://www.islam-qa.com

The story of Muhammad(PBUH) read by yusuf islam
http://islam.org/audio/lprophet.ram

YOU will like this story !
http://www.islamland.org/books1/salman.htm

Inspiring Stories
http://www.lordswords.com/stories/startstories.asp

-------------  WOMEN & ISLAM

Why are so many women converting to Islam ?
http://geocities.com/Athens/Agora/4229/women.html

The Distorted Image of Muslim Women
http://thetruereligion.org/distorted.htm

Women In Islam Versus Women In The Judaeo-Christian Tradition: The Myth & The Reality
http://sultan.org/articles/women.html

The Wisdom behind the Islamic Laws Regarding Women
http://www.salafi.net/books/book2_e.html
for download :
http://www.salafi.net/zip/book2_e.zip

The Rights and Duties of Women in Islam - by Abdul Ghaffar Hassan
http://al-sunnah.com/pdf/womright.pdf

The Ideal Muslimah
The True Islamic Personality of the Muslim Woman as Defined in the Qur’an and the Sunnah
http://www.islammessage.com/pdf/e/0001.pdf

Misconceptions on Human Rights in Islam
http://free.freespeech.org/sultan/misconceptions.pdf

Woman in the shade of Islam
http://islamland.org/books1/e001.htm
http://free.freespeech.org/sultan/women.pdf

Good Audios about Women in Islam:
http://www.jannah.org/sisters/womentapes.html

Many More Articles on Women In Islam
http://www.jannah.org/sisters/

Sisters Corner : teaching about Islam for women
http://sisters.islamway.com/
Women Forum :
http://sisters.islamway.com/forum.php

A forum for Muslim and non-Muslim women
http://clubs.yahoo.com/clubs/thenewmuslimah

for more info about islam and women please visit :
http://sultan.org

Listen to this nice song about Hijab !
http://sisters.islamway.com/article.php?sid=8

-----

FOR JEWS !
"And there are, certainly, among the People of the Book (Jews and Christians),
those who believe in Allah, and that which has been revealed to you
and in that which has been revealed to them,
humbling themselves before Allah: They will not sell the Revelations of Allah for a miserable gain!
For them is a reward with their Lord, and Allah is swift in account." {Holy Quran 3:199}
http://jews-for-allah.org/

Please before you can't read , READ THIS :
THE  DAY  OF  WRATH
http://www.islaam.com/books/0_preface.htm

If you believe in ARMAGEDDON  ,
YOU NEED TO READ THIS BOOK :
T H E  D A Y  OF  W R A T H
http://www.islaam.com/books/0_preface.htm

WHO DO YOU BELEIVE : NOSTRADAMUS OR THE BIBLE ???
The Day of the Lord's Wrath :
http://www.islaam.com/books/12_the_day_of_the_lords_wrath.htm

The Day of the Lord's Wrath
http://www.islaam.com/books/12_the_day_of_the_lords_wrath.htm

ISLAMIC FLASHES :

GOOD SONG by (Yusuf Islam) :
Oh , They killed the little Ones ! (GOOD FLASH SONG)
http://216.87.214.211/html/movies/littleones.swf 

Can You hear me this time please !
http://w64.14.saudi.net.sa/~u146409577/everwonder.swf

Islamic Flash :
http://www.lordswords.com/present/final.html
http://www.lordswords.com/present/pres2.html
http://www.lordswords.com/present/pres3.html

http://w64.14.saudi.net.sa/~u146409577/ig.avi

----- ISLAM & TERRORISM :------

What Does Islam Say about Terrorism?
http://islam-guide.com/ch3-11.htm

Myths about Islam - Terrorism, women, the 'Nation of Islam' and more
http://thetruereligion.org/islam.htm#myths

Islam and The Issue of Terrorism
http://www.themodernreligion.com/terror/terrorism.htm

Myths about Islam - Terrorism, women, and more ..
http://thetruereligion.org/islam.htm#myths

Islam and The Issue of Terrorism
http://www.themodernreligion.com/terror/terrorism.htm

Islam - A Religion of Terror?
http://www.themodernreligion.com/terror/terrorism_terror.htm

Islam and the West: Who is the Terrorist?
http://www.themodernreligion.com/terror/terrorism_who.htm

What Does Fundamentalism Really Mean?
http://www.themodernreligion.com/terror/def-fundy.html

Fundamentalism: Are Muslims the Only ones to Blame?
http://www.themodernreligion.com/terror/fundamentalism-sakr.html

Violence, Christianity and Islam :
http://www.themodernreligion.com/terror/terrorism_compare.html

Jihad Or Terrorism
http://www.themodernreligion.com/jihad.html

Who Are The Real Terroist?
http://www.beconvinced.com/Audio/Terror1.ram
http://www.beconvinced.com/Audio/Terror2.ram

Tolerance in Islam
http://users.erols.com/gmqm/toleran1.html

Who Is Guilty?
Dr. William L. Pierce
Copyright: 2001 National Alliance
http://www.natvan.com/internet-radio/ts/092201.ram
http://www.natall.com/internet-radio/ts/092201.ram

Can any one here tell me if Islam is evil why US people converting to Islam as in here :
A Wave of Conversion to Islam in the U.S. Following September 11 !!!
http://sultan.org/articles/convert.html

Muslims against terrorism FAQ
http://www.muslimsagainstterrorism.org/faq.html

THE SWORD OF ISLAM
http://www.al-sunnah.com/sword.htm

A Non-Muslim on  Terrorism :
http://web.mit.edu/tac/www/chomsky-18oct01-16k.ram

Islam in Spain
The Muslims in Spain build there a civilization far superior to anything Spain had ever known,
they called it al-Andalus, southern Spain (Andalusia).
http://islamicity.com/education/ihame/default.asp?Destination=/education/ihame/5.asp

Belief in predestination (Qada wa Qadar) is an undisputed article of faith in Islam.
For some people, this belief leads to contentment and satisfaction,
even in the face of hardship and adversity. But for others, it provides justification
for their wrongdoing: how often do we hear people arguing that they should
not be blamed for their disobedience since it has already be decreed by Allah that they will sin?
http://www.islamland.org/books1/faith.htm

nice song
http://www.biznaseducation.com/koko2003/37.htm

Makkah Photos :
http://www.islamland.org/photo/makkah.htm

المواد الصوتية الدعوية الإسلامية بمختلف اللغات
Islamic Audios in 10's of Languages:
http://www.islamhouse.com/dc/ 

===========
100% FREE RELIGIOUS BOOKS :
http://www.sultan.org/books/

صفحة البواحث :للبحث عن المواضيع والمواقع الإسلامية
Search In Islamics fast and easy !
http://www.sultan.org/b/

Hundreds of good Arabic Islamic sites :
http://sultan.org/a/

للبحث عن الفتاوى بأسرع وقت
Search in Fatawa easily :
http:www.sultan.org/f/

For searching in Hadith in Arabic :
http:www.sultan.org/h/

Free E books in PDF format :

http://www.sultan.org/books/

Good links about christianity and Islam,
Islam view about Jesus and Marry:

http://www.sultan.org

please dont use these links in spam , they'er for wise Daawa and guidance .
They can help you in chat and dialouges , use it wisley please .
I Got this fron this link ( May Allah Bless him for this hard work)
http://sultan.org/fordawa.txt

I was about to kill my blog twice, but … !

Being a busy university student does not give you the plenty time you wish to do all what you like. One of the things I like is blogging.

Actually I opened this blog because it was a 2% weight of a course called e-commerce. The instructor told us to write 2 entries at least per week, one of them must be e-commerce or technology related and the other one is up to you. First I considered this a homework assignment that should be done whether you liked it or not, but soon I liked blogging itself and I was about to become a blogging addicted.

Day after day, week after week  and month after month I built a reasonable readership and started to receive more comments and views in the blog. However, I went through times where I was busy , do not have a time to write or do not have something to write. Views on the blog dropped down dramatically and I asked my self ” why don’t you stop blogging since there is no many people interested in what you write – especially that English is a second language for me -”?. When I took a knife to kill my blog I received this comment:

“
Your blog is interesting!

Keep up the good work!

“

 

 

So, I put the knife down and said ” Heeee , there some people waiting for what you write, don’t let them down”.

I started working hard again and my blog’s market share went up again and the river flowed again. The saver was AlexM in the post “More Than 40 Hadiths for Women“. So AlexM thank you for saving the blog.

However, like economy , the recession period came again and the same thoughts / feelings. After thinking for a while I took the knife again. When I aimed it to the blog another saver came out by this comment:

“
Hi. I am a long time reader. I wanted to say that I like your blog and the layout.

Peter Quinn
“

Yes, Peter  you saved the blog in the post “The International Financial System Crisis in the Perspective of the Islamic Economy” , so thank you too. Your action was like the butterfly effect theory, where the butterfly wings movement can stop a tornado!

Many things in life are really like this. YOUR action – regardless if you consider it huge or negligible – influences directly or indirectly. The effects may not come into your mind but this happened throughout history and still happening.
The questions in mind at the end

Why are we so lazy to say ” I appreciate it ” if we  appreciate things or people?

Why are we misers in our words?

Why do we like to “take” more than we “give” ?

How many times did we participate in killing others efforts?

How long does it take for us to say or write “keep it up” or “your doing well” – when we really see some good  work- ?

or in other words, why don’t we comment ?

Many questions, but, will the answers be ……. ?

 

 

 

The International Financial System Crisis in the Perspective of the Islamic Economy

Prepared by:

 

Dr. Husain Husain Shahata

Professor in Al-Azhar University

Consultant Expert in the Islamic Financial Transactions 

 

 

 

Relative Verses from the Holy Quran and the Prophetic Traditions

 

Allah The Almighty Said:

{Allah will destroy Riba (usury) and will give increase for Sadaqat (deeds of charity, alms, etc.) And Allah likes not the disbelievers, sinners} (Al-Baqara: 276).

 

{That which ye give in usury in order that it may increase on (other) people’s property hath no increase with Allah; but that which ye give in charity, seeking Allah’s Countenance, hath increase manifold}(Ar-Rum: 39).

 

The Prophet – Peace be upon him – said:

((If adultery and usury “Riba” prevail in any country, Allah The Almighty will destroy it)).

[Narrated by Abu Ya'la from Abdullah bin Masoud].

 

((When any people deal with usury “Riba” lunacy will appear in their society))

 

 

 

 

Index

 

Introduction to Signs of Collapse in New International Economic System.

The International Financial System Crisis Aspects

The Main Reasons Behind the International Financial System Crisis.

The Opinion of the Islamic Economy regarding The International Financial System Crisis.

Stability & Security Rules in the Islamic Economy.

The Method of Overcoming the Crisis by Applying the Islamic Economy Rules & Regulations.

Summary: The Islamic Economy Rules & Regulations are the Only Way for Salvation.

Call for the Economists & Businessmen.

Call for the Muslims in General.

 

Finally, All Praise Be to Allah The Almighty.

 

  

Introduction:

The economists of the man-made economy have predicted the collapse signs of the socialist economic system because of its concepts & principles which contradict the human nature and conflict with the Islamic rules & regulations. Similarly, the economists of the capitalist economic system have predicted the collapse signs thereof because of its concepts & principles which contradict the orders of Allah The Almighty and undermines the values & morals. It is relies upon the monopoly and the usury interests (Credit and loans against interest) which are the most vicious evil in the Earth and the motive behind worshiping money, controlling the borrowers by the lenders, restricting their freedom, stealing their business & homes and causing dangerous social & economic effects.

 

Many people are asking themselves:

What are the reasons behind the International Financial Crisis?

What are the reasons behind the bankruptcy of the banks dealing, selling and purchasing loans & debits?

What are the reasons behind the bankruptcy of the large companies taking finance from the banks under the interest system? Is it expected to confront a new international stagnancy under capitalism and its tools like globalism and interest system?

Moreover, many Arab and Muslim people are asking themselves about the perspective of the Islamic economy & banks for this crisis?

 

These inquires and questions will be the substance of our study from the Islamic Economy point of view.

 

Aspects of the International Financial System Crisis

The signs & symbols of collapse in the International Financial System emerged and caused panic, fear and worry for the money-makes & wealthy people, left the financial institutions & brokers confused in setting up the salvation plans and made the governmental officials afraid of losing their positions and calling for the scientists, specialists and experts to find the way out.

 

Here are few examples about the financial crisis signs:

The hurry in withdrawing the deposits from the banks because the capital is coward as stated by the mass media.

Several financial institutions have stopped giving loans to the companies & individuals fearing the difficulty of recovery.

Shortage of liquidity negotiated by individuals, companies and financial institutions and this caused a severe deflation in the economic activity and all other aspects of life and made the borrowers unable to repay their debts.

Drop of the negotiations in the financial markets and the resulted confusion of rise and fall indexes.

The decrease of power level used by the companies due to the shortage in liquidity and freezing the loans by the financial institutions except under high interest rates and difficult guarantees.

The decrease of sales, especially in the real estates, cars and other sectors due to the low liquidity.

The increase of unemployment levels due to the bankruptcy and liquidation, and every employee or worker fears dismissal.

The increase demand for the social subsidies from the governments.

The decrease of consumption, spending, saving and investment levels which caused stagnancy, unemployment, liquidation and bankruptcy.

 

All this invite us to ask: What are the main & real reasons behind this crisis?

 

The Main Reasons Behind the International Financial Crisis:

The right diagnosis of the crisis is the master key for finding the right remedy. It is only the accurate, right, neutral and objective view which can introduce the perfect solution for the difficult problems.

 

The famous economists worldwide, including winners of Nobel Prize like Maurice Allias, said: (The capitalist economy system is depending on certain concepts and rules which are the main cause of its collapse if not amended immediately).

 

There are several known economists predicted that the new international economic system is founded on principles leading to its failure.

 

Here are some of the reasons mentioned by them for the current crisis:

 

First: The economic morals corruption such as: monopoly, deception, the fabricated rumors, lies, fraud, exploitation and the delusive transactions which all caused injustice treatment by the wealthy people and creditors against the poor and debtors. This injustice will make the wronged people complain from injustice and the creditors will complain from debtors and the result will be social revolutions when they refrain from repaying their debts and loans.

 

Second: Money became the substance of tyranny and the weapon of the tyrants for controlling policies and taking the sovereign decisions in the world to the degree that the materialists became worshippers of money.

 

Third: The usury banking system relies on the interest rate system and operates within the frame of dealing, trading, purchasing and selling of debts. Whenever the interest rate of the deposit increases, the interest rate of the loans given to individuals and companies will increase similarly and all of this will benefit the banks and financial brokers while the borrowers will suffer injustice in paying the loans taken by them for the purpose of consumption or production. Some economists, like Adam Smith, the father of economists, said: “The real development and the rational use of the production factors will not be achieved unless the interest rate became nil” and they considered the alternative method is the system of sharing profits and losses because it enhance stability and security. They further said: “The interest rate system will make the money goes to the hands of small group of people who will control the wealth totally”.

 

Fourth: The traditional financial and banking system relies on the method of scheduling the debts against a higher interest rate or replacing the due loans with new ones of higher interest rate, exactly like what the Arab before Islam was saying: (Pay now or increase the interest rate). This process will cause additional liabilities on the borrowers who were unable to repay the first loan due to the higher rate of interest.

 

Fifth: The international financial system and the financial markets system are mainly depending on the financial derivates system which, in turn, depends on delusive transactions which, in turn, depend on probabilities & possibilities i.e. there are no true exchange of goods and services, it is just gambling and betting. Not only this, some of these transactions are depending on credits taken from the banks in the form of loans which can lead to a financial crisis in case of loss.

 

Sixth: The bad manners of the financial brokerage institutions which induce people to take loans, deceive them and exploit their ignorance to take loans from the financial institutions. They request high commissions if the risks were high and the borrower alone will bear the adverse consequences thereof and this ultimately will lead to the financial crisis.

 

Seventh: The expansions in applying the credit cards system (Overdraft) which caused high financial liabilities on the users who will bear higher interest rates if he could not repay the debt until he is put to jail, mortgage his car or house. This is exactly what happened to many holders of such cards, caused them confusions in the budget of their homes, and led finally to a crisis in certain usury banks.

 

 

The Destructive Effects of the International Financial System Crisis

Until this sensitive stage of collapse signs  in the International Financial System which suffered a severe paralysis, the following adverse effects have appeared:

 

First: The Panic, fear and confusion of all people, including:

The presidents, rulers and ministers.

Owners of the financial institutions and the in-charge of the financial markets.

Owners of the financial brokerage institutions.

Owners of the deposits in the banks and otherwise.

The borrowers from banks, the clients of banks and owners of the deposits.

The consumers who are threatened with price rise waves.

The employees and workers who are threatened of losing their positions.

The poor who are living under subsidies and charity.

This crisis became like the cancer of the blood, all the time circulating in the economic life arteries.

 

Second: Bankruptcy of some banks and financial institutions due to the lack of liquidity and the withdrawal of the deposits by its owners; consequently, some governments, through its central banks, were obliged to rescue the remainder in order to avoid the total collapse of the economic life which may cause bankruptcy to the country as a whole.

 

Third: Bankruptcy of the companies which were dealing in loans against interest and some of them stopped certain production lines and began executing the mortgages and guarantees available with it; consequently, this causes disorder in their cash flows.

 

Fourth: Losing the employment and the rise of the percentage of people who are looking for the social and governmental subsidies which, in turn, caused extra burdens on the budgets of the countries and delayed several new investment projects.

 

Fifth: Some countries have imposed more taxes in order to compensate the deficit in their budgets due to the rise of support budgets toward the companies and banks which are close to bankruptcy or to support the deposits and otherwise.

 

Sixth: The borrowers have lost their assets and homes which were mortgaged against such loans. They became homeless, helpless, poor and immigrants.

 

The Effect of the International Financial System Crisis on the Islamic Economy & Islamic Banks:

Many people are asking themselves: What are the effects of the international financial system crisis on the Islamic banks, Islamic financial institutions, the Islamic investments and the Islamic finance institutions?

The opinions of the Islamic economists and the experts of the Islamic institutions should not just react to the financial and banking international crisis; contrary, they should highlight the Islamic economy rules and regulations and demonstrate the applications thereof by ensuring that such crisis was a natural result for the incompliance with the Islamic economy rules and regulations. We will take this topic in detail in the following paragraph and will concentrate on the rules of security and stability in the Islamic financial and economic system which guarantees avoiding such crisis.

 

The Rules & Regulations of the Security & Stability in the Islamic Economy:

The Islamic financial and economic system and its financial institutions are relying on several regulations which guarantee stability & security and reduce the risks resulting from the man-made regulations which rely upon the interest system and the financial derivates. Here are the most important Rules & Regulations:

 

First: The Islamic financial and economic system depends on set of values, virtues and morals like: trust, credibility, transparency, clearness, facilitation, cooperation, integrity and solidarity. This set of values and morals are the main guarantee for achieving the security and stability for all clients. The Islamic Sharia prohibits the financial and economic transactions which depend on deception, lies, gambling, fraud, prejudice, ignorance, exploitation, monopoly, greediness, injustice and taking the money of people wrongfully. The compliance with the Islamic morals and values is considered a worship to Allah The Almighty which entails reward from Allah and regulates the manners of the Muslim, whether he was producer or consumer, seller or buyer, and whether in case of activity or stagnancy, stability or instability.

 

Second: The Islamic financial and economic system depends on the principle of sharing profits and losses and the actual negotiation and exchange of money and assets under the Islamic regulations which ensure realizing the permissible benefits, the actual interaction between the businessmen, money makers, and expert and working under the rules of justice, right and exert all-out efforts to reduce the severity of any crisis; therefore, there is no party who is always winner and there is no party who is always loser; it is the just sharing of profits and losses.

 

The economists and scientists of the Islamic economy have set up a group of Islamic investment and finance contracts abiding with the Islamic regulations, such as: finance by way of speculation, sharing, Murabaha, Istesna’, Salam, Ijara, Muzara’a, Musaqa and otherwise (for more information, kind visit the website of Dar Al Mashora www.Darelmashora.com).

 

The Islamic Sharia has prohibited all finance contracts by way of investment depending on the loans and interests which are considered one of the main reasons behind the current international financial crisis.

 

Third: The Islamic Sharia has prohibited the financial derivates which depend on delusive transactions, prejudice and ignorance. The scientists of the Islamic economy considered such transactions as prohibited gambling.

 

Moreover, the experts and scientists of the man-made economy confirmed that one of the reasons of the international financial crisis is the financial derivates system because it does not motivate or create actual economic development; contrary, it is a bad mean for earning money and causes inflation & rise in prices. Consequently, this will cause bad morals and will accelerate the collapse of the financial institutions which depend on such system, exactly like what happened to the markets of East Asia countries.

 

Fourth: The Islamic Sharia has prohibited all kinds & forms of selling debts against debts, like: discounting bills and the post date cheques. Moreover, the Islamic Sharia has prohibited the system of re-scheduling the debts against increasing the interest rate. The Prophet – Peace be upon him – prevented selling debts against debts.

 

Moreover, the experts and scientists of the man-made economy confirmed that one of the reasons of the international financial crisis is trading in debts by certain financial brokerage companies.

 

Fifth: The Islamic financial and economic system is depending on the principle of facilitating the repayment by the debtor who is not able to repay for reasons beyond his control. Allah The Almighty said: {And if the debtor is in a hard time (has no money), then grant him time till it is easy for him to repay, but if you remit it by way of charity, that is better for you if you did but know} (Al-Baqara: 280).

The experts and scientists of the man-made economy emphasized that one of the main reasons behind this financial crisis is the inability of the debtor to repay, increasing the interest rate by the creditor or revolve the loans with higher interest rate or against mortgage on the debtor, then the creditor will leave the debtor homeless, helpless and will cause social and human difficulties causing several psychological, social, political and economic problems.

 

Applying the Islamic Economy Rules & Regulations is the only Way Out of This Crisis:

The results of analyzing the current financial crisis demonstrated that the crisis was the outcome of the following man-made regulations:

The interest system (Riba) on the deposits and paying interests on the loans.

Trading in debts.

Scheduling the debts by increasing the interest rates against increasing the repayment period.

Debts sale system.

The financial derivates system which depends on the probability and luck.

 

The Islamic economy, with financial institutions and banks, prohibits all of these systems which were the main reasons behind the current crisis and the main source of contradiction with the natural attitudes of the human being and their legal rights.

 

The Islamic Sharia has prohibited the system of imposing interests on the loans and credits and permitted the finance and investment on the basis of profits and losses sharing.

 

The Islamic Sharia has further prohibited all forms of prejudice, ignorance, deception, fraud, lies, rumors, exploitation, monopoly, taking the money of people wrongfully and emphasized on honesty, trust, clearness, demonstration and transparency.

 

Summary: The Rules & Regulations of the Islamic Economy are the Only Way Out of the Crisis

When the people comply with the rules and regulations of the Islamic Economy they will find their way out of this serious crisis. Allah The Almighty Said: {if there comes to you guidance from Me, then whoever follows My Guidance shall neither go astray, nor fall into distress and misery * But whosoever turns away from My Reminder (i.e. neither believes in this Quran nor acts on its orders, etc.) verily, for him is a life of hardship, and We shall raise him up blind on the Day of Resurrection}(Taha: 123, 124. He said also: {Allah will destroy Riba (usury) and will give increase for Sadaqat (deeds of charity, alms, etc.) And Allah likes not the disbelievers, sinners} (Al-Baqara: 276).

 

A Call to the Economists, Money-Makers & Businessmen

To the scientists, experts and judges who wish to reform the man-made financial and economic systems which caused the misery & misfortune to the human beings and caused serious crisis every time and then, hurry up to the Islamic Sharia, the Islamic rules and regulations, the religion of guidance, mercy and charity. Allah the Almighty said: {Indeed, there has come to you from Allah a light (Prophet Muhammad PBUH) and a plain Book (this Quran) * Wherewith Allah guides all those who seek His Good Pleasure to ways of peace, and He brings them out of darkness by His Will unto light and guides them to a Straight Way (Islamic Monotheism)}(Al-Ma’eda: 15, 16).

 

To the economists, money-makers and businessmen, hurry up to the Islamic Economy, its rules and regulations. It is the only way for security, stability, prosperity and development. Avoid dealing in Riba (usury & interests) which is the most vicious evil in the financial and economic transactions so that you can spare yourselves the consequences of the war with Allah The Almighty & His Messenger. Allah said: {O you who believe! Be afraid of Allah and give up what remains (due to you) from Riba (usury) (from now onward), if you are (really) believers * And if you do not do it, then take a notice of war from Allah and His Messenger but if you repent, you shall have your capital sums. Deal not unjustly (by asking more than your capital sums), and you shall not be dealt with unjustly (by receiving less than your capital sums)} (Baqara: 278, 279).

 

To those who wish to reform the international banking system, hurry up to the Islamic banking system. The scientists and economists confirmed the failure of the international banks which deal with usury and interests. Allah the Almighty Said:

{Allah will destroy Riba (usury) and will give increase for Sadaqat (deeds of charity, alms, etc.) And Allah likes not the disbelievers, sinners} (Al-Baqara: 276).

The Prophet – Peace be upon him – said: (If adultery and usury “Riba” prevail in any country, Allah The Almighty will destroy it)). [Narrated by Abu Ya'la from Abdullah bin Masoud].

 

A Call to All Muslims

To the people who are confused in their life, straying in darkness of the nights, hurry up to Islam again.

To those who wish to reform society and get rid of its problems, difficulties and rescue it, hurry up to Islam.

To those who are standing at the door of reform and hesitant about the right way to be taken, hurry up to Islam.

To those who were confused with means and lost their aims, hurry up to Islam, it is the right way.

To those who spent their life in fruitless experiments under the instructions of hesitant minds and confused thinking, hurry up to Islam.

To those sincere & faithful people, hurry up to Islam. 

 

To all of you, I address this Quranic Call:

Allah The Almighty Said: {O people of the Scripture (Jews and Christians)! Now has come to you Our Messenger (Muhammad PBUH) explaining to you much of that which you used to hide from the Scripture and passing over (i.e. leaving out without explaining) much. Indeed, there has come to you from Allah a light (Prophet Muhammad SAW ) and a plain Book (this Quran) * Wherewith Allah guides all those who seek His Good Pleasure to ways of peace, and He brings them out of darkness by His Will unto light and guides them to a Straight Way (Islamic Monotheism)} (Al-Ma’eda: 15, 16).

 

 

Source: http://www.rasoulallah.net/subject_en.asp?hit=1&parent_id=350&sub_id=6924

Madain Saleh (Pictures)

Madain Saleh

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What is Madain Saleh?

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Madain_Saleh

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These are special pictures (my own) taken in Madain Saleh in Al-Ula in Saudi Arabia

I meant not to write my blog name or even my name at the bottom of the pictures to make it everybody’s

So, do not hesitate to pick whatever you like among them

 

Outside the Mountains

 

 

 

 

Inside the Mountains

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Here we come again to the Universty!

Tomorrow is the first day in the semester

after a long vaction in a rural palce , my room in the universty doorm looks strange.

I need some time to get used to the wether here

I will put some pictures of my vacation in another post