Jan 23, 2013

Mawlid :: To Celebrate or Not To ?????


بسم اللّٰہ الرحمٰن الرحیم
 
السلامُ علیکم و رحمۃ اللہ و برکاتہ
To Celebrate or not to Celebrate...that's the Question
by Asma bint Shameem
Some of us celebrate it with great devotion and diligence, while some of us are against it with an equally great vengeance. Some say it is our religious duty while others say it is nothing but bid'ah.
People argue about it. Families split up, friends forsake each other. And sometimes people literally fight over it and hurt one another.
So what is it that I am talking about?
I am talking about celebrating the birthday of the Prophet صل اللہ عليه و سلم, the Mawlid or Milad, as some of us say.
Yes, the 12th of Rabi-ul-Awwal is what I'm talking about. But, ever wondered..... what is the reality regarding the celebration of the birth of our beloved Prophet صل اللہ عليه و سلم anyway?
Let's examine the facts.
First of all, whenever a Muslim is faced with a problem or confusing situation, what are we supposed to do? Allaah tells us:
يَا أَيُّهَا الَّذِينَ آمَنُواْ أَطِيعُواْ اللّهَ وَأَطِيعُواْ الرَّسُولَ وَأُوْلِي الأَمْرِ مِنكُمْ فَإِن تَنَازَعْتُمْ فِي شَيْءٍ فَرُدُّوهُ إِلَى اللّهِ
وَالرَّسُولِ إِن كُنتُمْ تُؤْمِنُونَ بِاللّهِ وَالْيَوْمِ الآخِرِ ذَلِكَ خَيْرٌ وَأَحْسَنُ تَأْوِيلاً
“O you who believe! Obey Allaah and obey the Messenger (Muhammad), and those of you (Muslims) who are in authority. (And) if you differ in anything amongst yourselves, refer it to Allaah and His Messenger, if you believe in Allaah and in the Last Day. That is better and more suitable for final determination” [Nisaa’:59]
Referring it to Allaah and His Messenger means to turn to Allaah's Book and the Sunnah of our beloved Prophet صل اللہ عليه و سلم.
What does
the Qur’aan say about it?
1. What does the Qur'aan say about the Mawlid?
Nothing.
Yes that's right.....NOTHING. There is absolutely nothing in the Qur'aan that tells us to celebrate the birthday of the Prophet صل اللہ عليه و سلم . Not one single ayah.
You see, all acts of worship are tawqeefi which means that they are not subject to personal opinion and it is not permissible to do any acts of worship except those which are approved by Sharee'ah.
So, for example, I cannot pick a special day or time, say the 22nd of every month, and start celebrating that day as a form of worship. Why?
Because there is nothing in the Sharee'ah that permits me to do that.
By the same token, I cannot start praying three raka'ah for Fajr from tomorrow, even if I want to worship Allaah more, because Fajr Salah is only two rakaat as commanded upon us by the Sharee'ah.
And similarly, if there is no order for us to celebrate the birthday of the Prophet صل اللہ عليه و سلم , then we don't.
In fact, the Prophet صل اللہ عليه و سلم said: “Whoever innovates anything in this matter of ours (i.e., Islam), that is not part of it will have it rejected.” (Bukhaari).
Now someone might argue that we don't celebrate the Mawlid/Milad as an act of worship. So let's see what other evidences we have.
 
IS IT IN THE SUNNAH?
2. What does the Sunnah say about it?
Again, there is nothing in the Sunnah of the Prophet صل اللہ عليه و سلم that shows us that
he صل اللہ عليه و سلم EVER celebrated his birthday or that of his wives, children, or Sahaabah.
There is not one single hadeeth that tells us that he صل اللہ عليه و سلم thought this day was significant enough to celebrate it.
Just think.....if there was any good in doing so, wouldn't he would have done so himself and wouldn't he have ordered the Sahaabah to do so?
And obviously, it is not possible that he صل اللہ عليه و سلم forgot to tell us about it, Aoodhu billaah!
Did the Sahaabah celebrate the Mawlid/Milad?
The Sahaabah were witnesses to the revelation of the Qur'aan. They had the Prophet صل اللہ عليه و سلم right in front of their eyes. They ate, drank, sat, slept, talked, walked, lived with the Prophet (صل اللہ عليه و سلم). If they misunderstood anything or were mistaken, the Prophet (صل اللہ عليه و سلم) immediately corrected them.
And thus, their understanding and practice of Islaam was the best.
Yet, when we look at the lives and practice of the Sahaabah, we find that NONE of them EVER celebrated the birth of their beloved Prophet صل اللہ عليه و سلم, whether during his life or even after he passed away.
Not Abubakr, not Umar, not Uthman, not Ali, nor Aaishah, Ibn Umar, Ibn Masud, Talha, Az-Zubair, Bilal Radhi Allaahu Anhum Ajma'een. Not. One. Single. Sahaabi.
Doesn't that prove anything?
The Sahaabah absolutely loved the Prophet (صل اللہ عليه و سلم). They gave up their homes, families, lives, everything they had... for his sake, in the blink of an eye. Yet this love did NOT promote them to celebrate his birth.
 
This love translated into the practical application of his teachings and NOT picking the 12th of Rabi-ul-Awwal to celebrate his birthday.
What about the Four Imaams and other Ulama?
Did any of the Imaams or scholars – Abu Haneefah, Maalik, al-Shaafi’i, Ahmad, al-Hasan al-Basri, Mujaahid, Ibn alQayyim, etc. do this or command others to do it or say that it was good? No. In fact, it was not even mentioned during the first and best three centuries.
The Prophet صل اللہ عليه و سلم said: “The best of mankind are my generation, then those who come after them, then those who come after them." (Bukhaari, Muslim).
And if the 'best of mankind' didn't celebrate his birth, then we shouldn't either.
Actually, the celebration of the Prophet’s birthday appeared many centuries later. By this time, many of the features of true religion had disappeared and bid’ah had become widespread.
Think about it!
Can it be possible that the Sahaabah, the Imaams and the people of the best three centuries were unaware of the importance of celebrating the birthday of the Prophet صل اللہ عليه و سلم or that they were lacking in their love for him?
And it was only those who came later who were aware of it or loved him more?!!! How can that be?!!
Actually, dear brother/sister in Islaam, TRUE love of the Prophet صل اللہ عليه و سلم is shown and proven by following the guidance that he صل اللہ عليه و سلم brought. So follow his Sunnah to the best of your ability and don't fall into innovated forms of worship. It is nothing but a trap of the Shaytaan.
قُلْ إِن كُنتُمْ تُحِبُّونَ اللّهَ فَاتَّبِعُونِي يُحْبِبْكُمُ اللّهُ وَيَغْفِرْ لَكُمْ ذُنُوبَكُمْ وَاللّهُ غَفُورٌ رَّحِيمٌ
“Say (O Muhammad): ‘If you (really) love Allaah, then follow me, Allah will love you and forgive you your sins. And Allaah is Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful." (Aal ‘Imraan 3:31)
And remember the words of the Prophet صل اللہ عليه و سلم when he said:
“The best of speech is the Book of Allaah, and the best of guidance is the guidance of Muhammad. The most evil of things are those which are newly-invented (in religion), and every innovation (bid'ah) is a going astray.” (Muslim).
And Allaah knows best.
جزاک اللہ خیر
والسلام علیکم و رحمۃ اللہ و برکاتہ





--

بسم اللہ الرحمٰن الرحیم 

السلام علیکم و رحمۃ اللہ و برکۃ
 
May Allah swt strengthens His Taqwa in our hearts. ameen






'
 ' T
here is no obedience to any created  being if it involves disobedience towards the Creator"

 


With Thanks to: Sis.Tanveer Jahan
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Jan 16, 2013

GRAND INTERNATIONAL ESSAY CONTEST with prizes worth Indian Rs. One Million (US$ 20,000)

LET US KNOW THIS MAN PROPHET MUHAMMED(S),THE MESSENGER OF PEACE 


No matter who you are, no matter what your religious, ideological and political beliefs are, you must know this Man. Prophet Muhammed (S) was an epitome of truth, purity and righteousness. He was the most remarkable man that ever set foot on Earth. He preached a religion, founded a State, built a nation, laid down a moral code, initiated numerous social and political reforms, and established a dynamic society where fairness and integrity were the norms. 

A simple incident provides a glimpse to his personality: 

Once some of his companions took away the chicks of a bird from their nest to stroke them. When the mother bird found her chicks missing from the nest, it began to fly around screeching. When informed of the matter, Prophet Muhammed (S) the messenger of God disapproved the act of his companions and ordered the chicks to be put back in the nest. 

Here we present all non-Muslims a golden opportunity to know the greatest benefactor of mankind and how his revolutionary teachings can change our lives in order to make this world a better place to live in. All you need to do is submit an essay on the topic, ‘Let us know this man’, keeping in mind the following rules. Exciting cash prizes are up for grabs. 

Rules and Guidelines for Participation in the Essay contest 

Eligibility: 

This contest is exclusively for Non-Muslims from any part of the world. 

Scope of the Essay: 

The essay ‘LET US KNOW THIS MAN’ must cover most of the following dimensions of the life and teachings of Prophet Muhammed (S): 
  • His teachings on Peace,
  • Unity of God, 
  • Unity of Mankind, 
  • Human Relations and 
  • Universal Brotherhood 
  • His success in liberating the society from evils 
  • His attitude towards his opponents, people of other faiths and Prisoners Of War (POW) 

Conclusion: 

Please write your impressions about Prophet Muhammed (S) before and after joining this contest. 

Sources: 

For information on the above subjects, the participants may visit the following links or may benefit from any other source. However, please do mention those sources in your essay. 

Enrolment :

The process of enrolment will begin on 7th January 2013 and will end on 15th March 2013. Candidates willing to participate in the contest must enroll themselves by providing the following details: 
1.Name, age, occupation and address – both e-mail and postal address 
2.Brief self introduction 
3.Copy of any authentic photo ID card. 
4.A Passport size photo. 
These details may be sent by email to madhyamakendra1@gmail.com OR madhyamakendra2@gmail.com 

You may also send your essays by post to 
Madhyama Kendra, 
P.O.Box No 156, 
C 21, 2nd floor Al Rahaba Plaza, 
Nellikai Road, 
Mangalore, 
Karnataka, 
India -575001 

Last date for submission of essays: 

15th April 2013. 

Modes of Submission: 

  1. Please carefully note the dates for enrollment and the final date for submission of the Essays. 
  2. Preferably, the essays must be written in English. 
  3. However, Indians may write their essays in Hindi, Tamil, Bengali, Malayalam, Kannada, Marathi, Bengali, Punjabi and Assamese language as well. 
  4. The essays may be submitted online or in the form of hard copy. 
  5. Only original essays will be considered for the competition. 
  6. No part of it should have been published earlier nor should it be under consideration for publication or a contest elsewhere. 
  7. Any form of plagiarism will result in is disqualification of the entry. 
  8. Only one essay per participant is permitted. 

Length of the essay: 

The essay shall be not less than 3000 words or 10 A4 size pages.
Essays must have a cover page containing the name and contact details of the participant, The words “Essay Competition” must be clearly written on the top of the external cover /envelope. 
Online email submission should be in MS WORD attachment, clearly mentioning the subject. 

Prizes The Winners will be awarded as follows: 

# First prize : Indian Rupees 500,000 (US $10,000) 
# Second prize : Indian Rupees 300,000 (US $6,000) 
# Third prize : Indian Rupees 200,000 (US $4,000) 
# Special prizes for 200 select entries. 
Selected essays will be published in 4 major languages i.e. English, Hindi, Arabic and Urdu.
In case 200 or more essays are received from any particular country, three special prizes will be awarded to selected participants from each such country. 
In case 200 or more essays are received in any particular Indian language, three special prizes will be awarded to selected participants in each such language. 
Prizes will be distributed in a specially convened international conference 

Other terms and conditions: 

The entire administration of the contest including determining the eligibility of participant or essays, standard of essays , evaluation and awarding of the prizes is within the sole and absolute discretion of Madhyama Kendra, Mangalore. Madhyama Kendra, Mangalore assumes no responsibility for lost, delayed or incomplete entries or technical malfunction of the server, traffic congestion on net or a combination thereof.
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Nov 19, 2012

[The Hindu] Why I can’t pay tribute to Thackeray


 
MARKANDEY KATJU

Political leaders, film stars, cricketers, etc. are all falling over one another to pay tribute to the late Bal Thackeray. Amidst this plethora of accolades and plaudits pouring in from the high and mighty, I humbly wish to register my vote of dissent.
I know of the maxim De mortuis nil nisi bonum (of the dead speak only good), but I regret I cannot, since I regard the interest of my country above observance of civil proprieties.

What is Bal Thackeray’s legacy?

It is the anti-national ‘sons of the soil’ (bhumiputra) theory.
Article 1(1) of the Indian Constitution states: “India, that is Bharat, shall be a Union of States.”
Thus, India is not a confederation but a union.
Article 19 (1) (e) states: “All citizens shall have the right — to reside and settle in any part of the territory of India.”
Thus, it is a fundamental right of a Gujarati, south Indian, Bihari, U.P.ite, or person from any other part of India to migrate to Maharashtra and settle down there, just as it is of Maharashtrians to settle down in any part of India (though there are some restrictions in J&K, and some North-East States, due to historical reasons).
The bhumiputra theory states that Maharashtra essentially belongs to Marathi people, while Gujaratis, south Indians, north Indians, etc. are outsiders. This is in the teeth of Articles 1(1) and 19(1)(e) of the Constitution. India is one nation, and hence non-Maharashtrians cannot be treated as outsiders in Maharashtra.
The Shiv Sena created by Thackeray attacked south Indians in the 1960s and 70s, and vandalised their restaurants and homes. In 2008, Biharis and U.P.ites living in Mumbai (the bhaiyyas who eke out a livelihood as milk and newspaper vendors, taxi drivers etc.) were described as infiltrators and attacked, their taxis smashed, and several beaten up. Muslims were also vilified.

This, of course, created a vote bank for Thackeray based on hatred (as had Hitler, of whom Thackeray was an admirer), and how does it matter if the country breaks up and is Balkanised?

Apart from the objection to the ‘sons of the soil’ theory for being anti-national and unconstitutional, there is an even more basic objection, which may rebound on Thackeray’s own people.

India is broadly a country of immigrants (like North America) and 92-93 per cent of the people living in India today are not the original inhabitants but descendants of immigrants who came mainly from the north-west seeking a comfortable life in the sub-continent (see the article ‘What is India?’ on my blog justicekatju.blogspot.in and the video on the website kgfindia.com ).

The original inhabitants (the real bhumiputra) of India are the pre-Dravidian tribals, known as Adivasis (the Bhils, Gonds, Santhals, Todas, etc.) who are only 7-8 per cent of our population today.

Hence if the bhumiputra theory is seriously implemented, 92-93 per cent of Maharashtrians (including, perhaps, the Thackeray family) may have to be regarded as outsiders and treated accordingly. The only real bhumiputra in Maharashtra are the Bhils and other tribals, who are only 7-8 per cent of the population of Maharashtra.

Several separatist and fissiparous forces are at work in India today (including the bhumiputra theory). All patriotic people must combat these forces.

Why must we remain united? We must remain united because only a massive modern industry can generate the huge wealth we require for the welfare of our people — agriculture alone cannot do this — and modern industry requires a huge market. Only a united India can provide the huge market for the modern industry we must create to abolish poverty, unemployment and other social evils, and to provide for the huge health care and modern education systems we must set up if we wish to come to the front ranks of the most advanced countries.

Hence I regret I cannot pay any tribute to Mr. Bal Thackeray.
(Markandey Katju is Chairman, Press Council of India.)

Source: The Hindu - 19/11/2012.

## Respected Katju Sir, I appreciate your courage and Determination.
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Nov 8, 2012

Save yourself from the FB side bar Fitnah..!!



If you are tired of seeing those almost half nude Ads shown on FB'S side bar, then follow these steps.

1. Bring your cursor to the ads top right corner, and you will see a 'X' .
2. It will show you 'Hide This Ad / Hide all Ads from so and so'.
3. Choose what you want to do.
4. From the resulting window, choose any of the below options.
--------------------------------------------------------
Ads hidden
We'll try not to show you ads from xxxxxxxxxxxxx.
Why did you hide them?
  • Uninteresting
  • Misleading
  • Sexually explicit
  • Against my views
  • Offensive
  • Repetitive
  • Other
--------------------------------------------------------
5. Again it will ask you
--------------------------------------------------------
Ads Hidden
To help us show you better ads, tell us what you like.
--------------------------------------------------------
6. Go to the resulting page and choose as much as Islamic oriented or kids oriented or science / schools / FMCG brands... whatever you like.

7. Remember that these Ads are analyzed from your 'Likes' so like such good / decent / information pages which will protect your 'Hijab' from the half-nude-sidebar :))
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Oct 17, 2012

The Ten Days Of Dhul Hijjah

The Best Days of Deals are Here !!!


RasulAllāh صلى الله عليه وسلم said:
“There are no days wherein righteous actions are more beloved to Allaah than these ten days (of Dhul Hijjah).” They said: Not even jihad in the way of Allaah?
He صلى الله عليه وسلم said: “Not even jihad in the way of Allaah, except for a man who leaves out (for jihad) with his wealth and self and doesn’t return back with any of them.”
- Saheeh Bukhaari, Book of The Two Eids, Hadith #919




RasulAllāh صلى الله عليه وسلم was asked about fasting on The Day of ‘Arafah. [He, صلى الله عليه وسلم replied]: ‘Fasting on the day of ‘Arafah is an expiation of last year’s and next year’s sins.’
- Sunan Nisaa’i, 4/205 and Sunan Abu Dawud; classified by al-Albaani as saheeh in Saheeh Abi Dawud, 2/462

Please note:
  1. The Day of Arafah is the day before the day of Eid.
  2. Fasting expiates minor sins of last and next years; for major sins, repentance is required.
  3. It is not established in the Sunnah for pilgrims to fast this day.  (source).




Remember Allah much - sitting, standing, walking, lying by your side.
"…and the men and the women who remember Allaah much with their hearts and tongues – Allaah has prepared for them forgiveness and a great reward (i.e. Paradise)."
- Surah al-Ahzaab 33, Aayah 35

Keep saying:
Sub-han-Allah | Al-Hamdu-Lillah | Allahu akbar
Laa-ilaaha illallah
Allaahu akbar, Allaahu akbar, la ilaaha ill-Allaah; wallaahu akbar Allahu akbar wa Lillaahi’l-hamd
  1. About saying takbeer (Allahu akbar) after each Salaah, refer here.
  2. Write the above adhkaar, stick them in your workplace and inside home.




RasulAllāh صلى الله عليه وسلم said: “When any one of you intending to sacrifice the animal enters in the month (of Dhul-Hijjah) he should not get his hair or nails touched (cut/trimmed)”.
- Saheeh Muslim, The Book of Sacrifices, Hadith #146

What about family members, are they allowed to cut hair or nails? Know it here.


  1. Perform Hajj: Rasool Allah صلى الله عليه وسلم is reported to have said: "An accepted Hajj brings no less a reward than Jannah".
  2. Those not going to Hajj should gain the Love of Allah during these special days by worshipping Allaah, praying (salaat), reading Qur`an, remembering Allaah, making supplication (du‘aa), giving charity, honouring his parents, upholding the ties of kinship, enjoining what is good and forbidding what is evil and so on.
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Jun 12, 2012

Help and reap immeasurable rewards.

Pl see this link for Tamil version -- http://bit.ly/Sadaqah
Pl Contact in mail, if you need a handwritten request and/or hospital acknowledgment.


HELP WANTED FROM KIND-HEARTED PEOPLE :
    This letter is in regard to one of a Tamilian who was severely injured while working in Riyadh and is seeking all of our help.

Habibur Rahman from Melappalayam Tirunelveli District after completing his alim course from Usmaniyya arabic college , had to go to Riyadh to work and thereby support his family in poverty .
    In his work , while he was trying to attach a built steel room onto the elevator , the rope that was tied  with the rollerwheel , got cut , and fell right onto the steel room floor base and he was severely injured , his spine bones collapsed .  . He wasn't able to feel anything from below his ribs. He was taken to the hospital for first aid treatment ...After a short  treatment , the hospital administration sent him out.Don't know why !
    The company that was in charge of the entire lift project declined that Habirur Rahman worked for them and they cannot offer help. The sub-contract company that he worked for, gave only Rs .2000  and said they can't do more. So his family and friends are trying to get him to a hospital in Kottayam in Kerala for further treatment. Meanwhile he is staying in a Riyadh baddha - aljazeera hospital room with the help of Br.Shihab and Kerala association
    Br.Habib Rahman has three sisters. His family , being poor ,he took the responsibility of three sisters'  wedding  and everything .Now he himself is in a very bad condition.
    So please if you could help with anything ,Allah SWT will reward you immensely. His family is trying to fly him in  Air India ( with wheel chair assistance because he cannot sit ) to Cochin and then to Kottayam. It is definitely going to cost a lot.
    So whatever your help would be , send them to imthias@imthias.com. We'll send them to concerned person as soon as possible.


Regards,
Imtiaz
Secretary 
Riyadh and Saudi Tamil Sangam
Chairman: Taffaraj
Phone - 0540753261

May Allah accept all our good deeds, Kindly find below the bank details, you may transfer to any of the bank below;

Saudi British Bank :  005-060520-101 IBAN : SA6645000000005060520101
Saudi Hollandi Bank : 032289448688 IBAN : SA09 5000 0000 0322 8944 8688
Al-Rajhi Bank : 166608010107787 IBAN : SA15 8000 0166 6080 1010 7787
Indian Bank : Name:  Aimthias Ahmed   (yes, No Spelling mistakes. This is the proper name.)
        Account number : A/C : 6134 0120 0541 NRO

        ICICI BANK, Thillai Nagar Branch, Trichy
        Branch Code: 006134
        MICR Code: 620229004
ICICI ACCOUNT HOLDER NAME: Abdul Rahman Imthias Ahmed


Name :

InshaAllah I shall handover the money to the concerns.
Best Regards,
Ahmed Imthias
imthias@imthias.com
 +966540753261

Contact Person in India:
Name: Mohamed Sheikh Farook (Patient's Father)
Account Number: 1109101037051   
Bank:Canara Bank, Melapalayam Branch  

Tirunelveli-627005
Tamil Nadu, INDIA.
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