--- Cooking ---

IT MAKES YOU THINK ...

A few months before I was born, my dad met a stranger who was new to our small Nottingham City. From the beginning, Dad was fascinated with this enchanting new comer, and soon invited him to live with our family. The stranger was quickly accepted and was around to welcome me into the world a few months later.

As I grew up I never questioned his place in our family. In my young mind, each member had a special niche. My brother, Yusuf, five years my senior, was my example. Samya, my younger sister, gave me an opportunity to play 'big brother' and develop the art of teasing. My parents were complementary instructors - mum taught me to love Allah, and dad taught me to obey Him. But the stranger was our storyteller. He could weave the most fascinating tales. Adventures, mysteries and comedies were daily conversations. He could hold our whole family spellbound for hours each evening. If I wanted to know about politics, history or science, he knew it.

He knew about the past and seemed to understand the present. The pictures he could draw were often so life like that I would often laugh or cry as I watched. He was like a friend to the whole family. He took dad, Yusaf and me to our first major league baseball game. He was always encouraging us to see the movies and he even made arrangements to introduce us to several famous people.

The stranger was an incessant talker. Dad didn't seem to mind but sometimes mum would quietly get up - while the rest of us were enthralled with one of his stories of faraway places - go to her room, read the Qur'aan.

I wonder now if she prayed that the stranger would leave. You see, my dad ruled our household with certain moral convictions. But this stranger never felt obligation to honor them. Profanity, for example, was not allowed in our house - from us, from our friends or adults. Our longtime visitor, however, used occasional four letter words that burned my ears and made dad squirm. To my knowledge the stranger was never confronted. My dad was a teetotaler who didn't permit alcohol in his home - not even for cooking. But the stranger felt like we needed exposure and enlightened us to other ways of life. He offered us beer and other alcoholic beverages often. He made cigarettes look tasty, cigars manly and pipes distinguished. He talked freely (probably too much too freely) about sex. His comments were sometimes blatant, sometimes suggestive and generally embarrassing. I now know that my early concepts of the man - woman relationship were influenced by the stranger.

As I look back, I believe it was Allah's mercy that the stranger did not influence us more. Time after time he opposed the values of my parents. Yet he was seldom rebuked and never asked to leave. More than thirty years have passed since the stranger moved in with the young family on Mornings dale Drive. He is not nearly so intriguing to my dad as he was in those early years. But if I were to walk into my parent's den today, you would still se him sitting over in the corner, waiting for someone to listen to him talk and watch him draw his pictures.

His name you ask?

We called him TV.

It makes you think, doesn't it...

QUESTIONS ANSWERED ???

MORTGAGES:

Is it wrong for a Muslim to take out a mortgage for buying a home?

Some scholars have issued the fatwa that taking a mortgage to buy a home is permissible. The reason being a home is a basic necessary and therefore out of necessity one can have a mortgage since no one can buy a house without a mortgage. They also argue that if Muslims were not allowed this facility they will always be renting homes and never become homeowners. Hence they would be economically weak. However, other scholars strongly disapprove of mortgages as clearly haram. My humble suggestion in this matter is asking your conscience.

REVENGE:

I was recently divorced the reason was that my husband's family did not like me so they turned him against me. They say that 'what goes around comes around'. Is this true? Will one day his sisters get the same cruel treatment that I got from them? I am very bitter and angry. How can I hurt my ex-husband? His family deserves it!

The Shariah gives everyone the right to revenge and get compensation. The Quran says, "If you want to retaliate, retaliate to the same degree as the injury done to you. But if you are patient, it is better to be patient. But your patience is only Allah. Do not be grieved by them and do not be constricted by what they hatch. Allah is with those who have Taqwa of Him and with those who are good doers. An-Nahl: 126-8

Need I say any more Sister. Please read this passage again and again, your bitterness (which is understandable) will melt away, taste the sweetness of forgiveness. And Allah will reward you more for your forbearance and endurance of pain.

CHEATING AND FREE SCHOOL MEALS:

My friend is on free school meals even though her father is well off and he owns a restaurant. I think they are cheating the government. Yet he is always giving me lectures on Islam in the car when we are going to school, do you think I am right?

Yes, you are absolutely right, if they are cheating the government, this is a fraud and trickery which is haram. Islam hates such practices. Muslims must be honest with everyone Muslims and non-Muslims alike. Sadly, it is such evil things which influence the children as well, if they eat haram food it will lead to haram works, thus the expression "You are what you eat". We must be careful to avoid haram food, not only gelatine or non-halal animal based foods but foods purchased with haram money.

RELIGION TRAILS AND TRIUMPHS OF A NEW MUSLIM

       On the 5th May 1999, Abu Hurrairah accepted Islam. Being a Muslim has been an inspiring experience for him. Here he tells about his experiences with MUSLIMS and non-Muslims since he said the Shahaddah. Abu Hurrairah hopes these personal and candid reflections will be constructive, encouraging and provocative.

       I found the welcome into the Ummah emotionally and mentally overwhelming. The genuine display of joy in my accepting Islam, the immediate friendships that were formed, the generosity, the wonderful gifts, the kind words of support, the invitations to share a meal and open ended offers of help demonstrated to me the great strength and character that Muslims have in a world dominated by greed, selfishness and exploitation. My friends and family have on the whole been untroubled by my life-changing decision to accept Islam. There is of course apprehension and worry, but this is to expected. They know that I have studied many faiths and ideologies, and also know that I must be both spiritually and intellectually certain in making my judgement.

       During a short period that I have been a Muslim, I must say that the biggest surprise has been the diversity of characters and behaviour of my new brothers and sisters. Within the first few days and weeks after accepting Islam, diverse assumptions about me became apparent. Some brothers were surprised that I knew even the most basic aspects of the faith, while others seemed to think that I should (perhaps miraculously!) have the same knowledge it had taken them a lifetime to acquire. I welcome and still need correction, advice and knowledge in Sunnah. However some new Muslims might find mumbling about their shortcomings in their presence, but conveniently in an unfamiliar language (Urdu; I am white, English and linguistically challenged) discourteous and unhelpful. I suggest that new brothers and sisters would prefer direct, but thoughtful and kind correction. But, the knowledge and advice does have to be correct. In several areas Salah for example, I have sometimes been advised wrongly. This confusion does not help. I strongly suggest that new Muslims must seek out a clearly knowledgeable brother or sister for frequent guidance on such matters. Personally I have been very fortunate in this respect.

        Now that I have mentioned �my ethnicity' I must express my amusement on seeing the reaction from some brothers and sisters when I introduce myself to them. I cannot describe the look of incredulity and confusion on some faces, but here is a typical sample of such an introduction:

   'You are a Muslim?'
   'Yes.'
   'Are you English?'
   'Yes.'
   'You were born here?'
   'Yes.'
   'You're not from Pakistan?'
   'No.'

      Although these experiences have their amusing side, it does however indicate for me a sad truth. Many Muslims and non-Muslims seem to think Islam is not for white Europeans. This of course is not true. There are many converts in Europe and the west to Islam from the indigenous populations.

      A small number of brothers do seem to confuse my becoming a Muslim with becoming a Pakistani. Although I find the salwar kameez comfortable, I will however continue to wear my usual clothing! Although I love curry, I will however continue to eat traditional Sunday roasts with Yorkshire puddings!

     I think learning Arabic takes priority over learning Urdu! And however humiliating, I will continue to support England in cricket! (Lord Norman Tebbit will be relieved!)

     Immigrants to this country, predominately from the Asian sub-continent have built solid outposts of Islam. Literally, with respect to purpose built mosques and the many buildings converted to such a use. These buildings, some of which are majestic and beautiful, evoke all praise to Allah. Spiritually, Muslims have brought with them the greatest wealth possible. They have brought Islam: the worship of the one God, and the guidance of his last messenger (s.a.w.) to mankind. I, for one, am very grateful. However, from my own observations, it appears some communities and mosques are too insular, too inward looking. I ask all Muslims to look outwards and to share your wealth where you can. I know there are many like myself, who despair at living in a society that promotes greed, exploitation, immorality, the occult, selfishness, disrespect, atheism, consumerism etc. Some are looking for the answers, some are looking for Divine guidance, some are looking for Islam, but its up to we Muslims to put up the signposts. Everyone, white or black, male or female, Asian or European, rich or poor, has the right to worship Allah. No one has a monopoly on Islam.

     We human beings are a funny lot. You may think your neighbour is aloof, unfriendly, maybe a bigot. This neighbour though, may for a long time have wanted to ask you a question concerning your faith, but felt it inappropriate to ask. A little openness towards non-Muslim friends, neighbours and work colleagues with respect to sharing Islam can do at least two things. One, it is an opportunity to dispel the many misconceptions about Islam and Muslims. Two, it opens the door to the house of Islam to those who's hearts are searching for Allah. When it was the will of Allah, this is how I came into Islam.

QUESTIONS ANSWERED ? ? ?

Art subjects at A-level

Q. I want to follow A-level art course at college, is this permissible?

Ans: Islam is a whole way of life that caters for our psychological, intellectual and aesthetic needs. If by art you mean 'human creative skills' then there is no problem with that. What is not permitted is painting portraits of people, animals and idols where the artist claims that he originates and creates as Allah does. On the other hand drawing and painting natural scenes of beauty, trees, rivers, forests etc, is permissible as long as the content of the photograph is not haram like obscene scenes, actors or actresses or kafir leaders.

Breaking a promise: breaking an engagement.

Q. I have a problem. Two years ago, I was seventeen when I was engaged to a boy in Pakistan. It was done with my full support. But now I am beginning to have second thoughts, I don't want to marry him, I have grown up in England he has grown up in Pakistan. Furthermore, I understand he isn't very Islamic either. Tell me, how can I say all this to my parents? How can I make them go back on their word?

Ans: Intentionally breaking a promise is a sin as well as a painful and a distressing experience. However, if it becomes a necessity one has to be courageous enough to go ahead and do it. Engagement is a public announcement of intention to marry, breaking it will cause harm to the honor of both families, clearly you seem to be aware of that and that's why you are hesitant to talk to your parents. But if you are sure that this is what you want then don't prolong your misery by keeping it a secret. Tell them your reasons for withdrawing and explain your feelings. It is important to marry some one who you are sure of meeting your expectations. May Allah guide you and help you.

How to read Salat Al Tasbih.

Q. I have read that Salat Al Tasbih removes all the sins of the past. Is this so? How does one say this prayer?

Ans: You are right, there is Hadith which mentions this. Abdullah Ibn Abbas (r.a.) reports the blessed Messenger (s.a.w.) said to his uncle Abbas, 'Shall I not tell you (a prayer) that will develop ten good qualities in you and also remove all your previous intentional and unintentional sins as well as your hidden and open sins? It is that you pray four units of Nafil. In every unit before reciting the Surah Al Fatiha read the Tasbih Subhanallahi wall hamda lillahe wa laillah illalaho walla ho akbar fifteen times then recite the Fatiha and another Surah then read the Tasbih ten times, then in Rukuh read the Tasbih ten times, then you prostrate and read the Tasbih another ten times, when you sit after the prostration then read it ten times again. And when you prostrate again you read Tasbih ten times. Hence in every unit you read it seventy five times. Reap this in the four units. If you can read this daily then do so, if not then once a week, once a month, once a year or at least once in your lifetime.

Archeive Articles

MATHEMATICS OF THE HOLY QURAN

Maths in Quran.

Insha-Allah READ this to the end...!

Dr. Tariq Al Suwaidan discovered some verses in the Holy Quran that mention one thing is equal to another,
i.e. man is equal to women.

Although this makes sense grammatically, the astonishing fact is that the number of times the word man appears in the Quran is 24 and the number of times the word woman appears is also 24, therefore not only is this phrase correct in the grammatical sense but also true mathematically (24).

Upon further analysis of various other verses, he discovered that this is consistent throughout the whole Quran, where it says one thing is like another. See below for some astonishing results:-

The word number of times mentioned in Arabic Quran: Dunia (one name for life) 115 . Aakhirat (one name for the life after) 115

Malaikat (angels) 88 . Shaytan (satan) 88
Life 145 . Death 145
Benefit 50. Corrupt 50
People 50 . Messengers 50
Eblees (king of devils) 11 . Seek refuge from eblees 11
Museebah (calamity) 75 . Thanks 75
Spending (sadaqah) 73 . Satisfaction 73
People who are Mislead 17 . Dead people 17
Muslimeen 41 . Jihad 41
Gold 8 . Easy life 8
Magic 60 . Fitnah (dissuasion, misleading)
Zakat (taxes Muslims pay for the poor) 32
Barakah (increasing or blessings of a wealth) 32
Mind 49 . Noor (light) 49
Tongue 25. Sermon 25
Desire 8 . Fear 8
Speaking publicly 18. Publicising 18
Hardship 114 . Patience 114
Muhammad 4 . Sharee*ah (Muhammad's teachings) 4
Man 24 . Woman 24

And amazingly enough have a look how many times the following words appear:-

Salat (Prayer ) 5 Month 12   Day 365 Sea 32 Land 13

Sea + land = 32 + 13 = 45

% sea = 32/45 * 100 %   = 71.11111111

% land= 13 / 45 * 100 % = 28.88888889

(%sea + %land) = 100.00%

Subhan-Allah!

Modern Science has only recently proven that the water covers 71.111 % of the earth, while the land covers 28.889 %.

Is this a coincidence?

Who taught prophet Mohammad (PBUH) all this? Allah,the All Mighty taught him this.

As the Quran tells us: This is) a Book, the Verses whereof are perfected (in every sphere of knowledge, etc.), and then explained in detail from One (Allah), Who is All-Wise and Well-Acquainted (with all things).(Al'Quran 11:1)

The above is from the the series of the scientific miracles in Quraan, by Dr.Tariq Al Suwaidan
May ALLAH Bless us all.

LESSONS FROM HADITH

Scrupulousness in all Affairs

N'uaman bin Basheer (r.a.) reports he heard the blessed Prophet (s.a.w.) say (and he pointed using his fingers at his ears), "The lawful is distinctly clear and so is the unlawful clear but in between the two lie the doubtful things, not many people know them. Whoever avoids the doubtful things has saved his religion and reputation. Whoever does the doubtful things has committed the unlawful like a shepherd grazing (his sheep) near a sanctuary, sooner or later he will be grazing inside it. Listen! Every king has a sanctuary and the sanctuary of Allah is the unlawful, and listen carefully! In everybody is a piece of flesh if it is healthy then the whole body is healthy but, if it is ill then the whole body falls ill, and it is the heart". (Bukhari)

"Whoever avoids doubtful things" means those things that may appear to be doubtful should be shunned lest they are Haram. The question may arise how can someone fall into the Haram by doing doubtful things? This is because if he gets into the habit of doing doubtful things without taking any precautions, he will begin to neglect them and there will begin to neglect them and there will be a lack of concern with religious matters, hence he falls into Haram by his own actions. The scholars therefore aptly say that whoever frequently does doubtful things darkens his heart and deprives it of the light of knowledge and piety. He will fall into the Haram and not be aware of it. May Allah protect us from doubtful things. Secondly, if something is doubtful and one does it without investigating it, it is quite possible that it may be Haram.
Imam Nawawi (r.a.) considers this Hadith to be one of the three Ahadith which form the foundation of all Islamic teachings. According to him it contains one third of Islamic teachings, the other two Ahadith are:
"The value of deeds depends on intention" and "The beauty of a person's Islam is in leaving all that is not of his concern".
The value of this Hadith lies in the fact that the blessed Messenger (s.a.w.) is giving instructions to ensure we avoid doubtful things in food, drink, means of earning and other areas of life since avoiding them will give protection to ones religion and reputation.
According to Al Qurtabi, many rules and regulations can be deduced from this Hadith alone because it helps to differentiate between lawful and others and also links all deeds with the heart.
Scholars have mentioned four degrees of piousness:
First degree - Piousness or cautiousness of the ordinary people, which is simply avoiding sins.
Second degree - Piousness of the devout people, which is avoiding that which is doubtful.
Third degree - Piousness of the God-fearing people, which is avoiding anything that even has a shadow of doubt in it.
This is the piousness described in the Hadith. Umar (r.a.) once said: "we used to leave nine tenths of lawful because of fear of falling into Haram."
Fourth degree - The piousness of the Siddiqeen (the truthful), and that is refraining from even that which does not resemble any doubtful thing, neither does it lead to unlawful, but its consumption is not helpful in the worship of Allah.

PORTABELLO PARABLES

Introducing a new series of short stories exclusive to 'The Invitation' magazine.
Tariq Wilkinson of Norwich gives us an insight into the lives and experiences of the characters in this discreet little bookshop.

Once upon a time in the great, weary, once Imperial City of London there was a shop, a bookshop, a second-hand bookshop no less, at the glitzy end of the Portabello Road. It was not, at first at least, a particularly glamorous shop, indeed the cynical might have said it was a particularly unglamorous shop, and yet in this shop, unbeknownst to the general public worked four Muslim Murids, dedicated to the service of their Sheikh and ferocious in the defense of their deen, Islam, and their Prophet Muhammad, may Allah bless him and grant him peace.

Gradually, by Allah, this little shop began to attract a regular clientele from out of the ranks of the rum assortment of characters who inhabit and frequent the Portabello Road. The Catholic priest was a regular purchaser of not always entirely devotional tomes, he bought more than the occasional Agatha Christie and at time took his pick from one of the saucier selection of popular modern authors!

The infamous book collector, 'Peter the Pipe' would amass a huge collection of quite unreadable volumes in times of prosperity and sell them back again to the shop when times were hard at an appreciable loss to himself and gain for the shop. Such was the reward for having to suffer his interminable whining about the trials of life, and so indeed do many booksellers supplement their hard earned living at the innocent expense of the well heeled pensioner.

And so who were personnel of this stirring and imaginative business enterprise? Well, its founders and mainstays were Siddi Najib Nice Price, Siddi Idris Job Well Done and Siddi Umar Full of Joy: Three genuine hurricanes of hard working knowledgeable diligence, and soon the shop, equipped with a natty purple and gold sign, was the pride and joy of Portabello Road. By the permission of Allah, books poured into the shop from all quarters of the capital and raced out again in the hands of the delighted customers and the mighty form of Umar became a well-recognised figure in the book fairs of our Islands prestigious capital.

And so life went on with little event and plenty of business until one day a man walked into the shop and started to browse around. His eyes moved searchingly and yet listlessly, curiously and yet disinterestedly, intelligently and yet somehow dimly from one shelf to another. He passed through history, biography, geography, art and philosophy, when suddenly and unexpectedly he came to rest at the rich and well stocked Islamic section that occupied one auspicious corner of the bookshop, ever hopeful were the faithful trio of attracting a deserving candidate into embracing the deen of Islam.

In this case, however, it was not to be - the poor wretch merely began to sneer and jeer under his breath at the magnificent selection of learned volumes on offer with an air of arrogance, as if he was somehow above such things, only, of course, there by demonstrating the shallowness of his own soul. Undeterred, the noble Idris stepped up and offered the hapless customer his habitual assistance, "can I be of service, Sir?" Those oft-repeated words and yet how different they sound on one man's lips as compared to another's.

"No, thank you," replied the man, the transparent layer of amiability masking the deep-seated insincerity of his nafs, "I was just browsing through your Islamic section."

"And do you find anything there to interest you, sir?" continued the valiant shopkeeper, by now somewhat perplexed by the man's seeming indifference to works of the profound and universal importance.

2No," chirruped the foolish fellow, "I was just reminded of the time that I was a Muslim."

Idris took a step back, aghast, shocked by the terrible past tense of that verb 'to be' and the general disobedience of the statement. Notwithstanding he quickly be recomposed himself.

"Do I understand by that remark that you were once and are no longer a Muslim," Idris ruthlessly pursued the man's comment to the logical limits of its possible meanings.

"Yes, I was," replied the man arrogantly, "but, of course, I've left all that behind me now. Moved on to other things, you know," and he made as if to return to his nonchalant browsing. Idris, however, needed little time to take stock of the situation; his anger was the anger of Allah, for Allah, by Allah. His tongue and wits were no longer his own.

"My friend, you didn't leave anything behind, Allah took your deen away from you. You didn't deserve it, and if He doesn't return it to you, you're going to the Fire."

The swung around and faced Idris with the appalled look of someone who has been reminded of a powerful truth at the core of his heart, but whose conscious self is too proud to accept it. Without another word, he turned and hastened out of the shop; jolted into reflecting upon the Prophet's warning just as once he had accepted his good news.

By Tariq Wilkinson

The Invitation
Nottingham

The Sacred Travelogue

Dr Abdul Rauf is a well-known Pakistani writer or Islamic issues. In 1994 he did The Hajj and wrote a book on his journey of life called 'The Sacred Travelogue' published by Ferozsons Pakistan. Here Nabeela Fatima has extracted some of the high points from 'The Sacred Travelogue' for The Invitation.

The Unforgettable Event

All the pilgrims assemble in Arafat on the ninth of Zil-Hajjah. At sunset they return to Mina via Muzdalifah, a barren valley. Million of people are seen picking pebbles in the soft moonlight.

The night at Muzdalifah is an unforgettable event. Sleeping in the open, on the rugged ground, under the blue canopy of the lovely sky is an exceptionally thrilling experience. While I am somewhat accustomed to such and other similar exposures in life, it was first of its kind for my wife. Nevertheless she too seemed to be adjusting and enjoying an extremely rare and graceful style of sleeping on a simple bed on the ground under the starry heaven.

On the morning of tenth Zil-Hijjah we offered our Fajr prayers. We picked up a few more pebbles, we required 49 for the three impending Ramis at Mina. While strolling all alone in Muzdalifah valley, I lost my bearings and our nightly squatting spot. After several repeated and frantic up and down movements for about half an hour, I eventually was able to locate my group mates when most of them had already boarded the Mina-bound coach.

Our coach set off from Mina around sunrise. There was extreme rush on the road, though it was less than the nightly rush from Arafat to Mudalifah. We soon arrived in our base camp at Mina. On the day of Eid-Ul-Adha. We arranged our animal sacrifices through a Saudi bank. After that we had our hair cut and got dressed into routine dress.

Tawaf on Different Ka'aba Floors

After the stay in Arafat, sacrifice and stoning, the pilgrims must visit the Ka'aba. This is a very busy time. On the tenth Zil-Hijjah we returned to Makka for the Tawaf-e-Ziyrah, All the floors of the Holy Ka'aba were overflowing with surging seas of eager souls. Clasping our hands into each others firmly we managed with struggle to complete the first Tawaf circuit. As it was impossible to keep on the remaining Tawaf, we moved to the next floor, however, it was the same situation there. We finally moved to the third floor where we completed our Tawaf, taking far longer time.

On the fourth day we performed Rami (stoning of devils) for the second time, throwing seven pebbles at each three Jamrahs. Our Hajj was completed by God's grace, we bade goodbye to Mina camp and returned to our rest house. Later I was to enjoy the unique honour of climbing the Great Mountain viewing the history-making cave with my own eyes.

Unique Delights of Hajj

Here the pilgrim reminisces those pleasurable moments of being in the sacred land. Wholesome pleasures, no doubt! Indeed they were so thrilling and exciting that I even forget even those childhood pleasures whose memories were still vibrant in my mind.

1. Reading the Holy Book whilst sat in front of the authors house
2. Kissing the house where the Holy Prophet (s.a.w.) was born
3. Climbing the history making mountain
4. Sitting and praying on suffah in Masjid An-Nabvi
5. Drinking the water of Zam Zam
6. Greeting Muslim from all over the globe

The Holy Prophet's (s.a.w.) Birthplace

The house where the Blessed Messenger was born is near the sacred mosque. It has been converted into a library. This house fascinates the pilgrim.

The house in Makka Mukarramah where the Holy Prophet (s.a.w.) was born is charged with infinite magnetic attraction. I remember years back when I had gone for Umrah, I had made several attempts at kissing the history-making place. But the all-vigilant Shurti (Police) had scared me away each time. However, one midnight I found an excellent opportunity. I kissed as many times as I could. Unfortunately I was not able to indulge in this fiery passion. But I feel that it is not humanly possible to refrain from it either.

World's Sweetest Water

The spring that has been running for thousands of years has satisfied the thirst of countless millions. This most healthy and holy water is a prized gift from the Holy land.

There is no water sweeter than the Zam Zam coming into the Ka'aba from the age-old mysterious fountain. Year back I even managed a refreshing dip underneath one of its taps, as there was very little rush then. But during 1994 Hajj it was difficult even to enjoy gulping a glass of water peacefully for the rush was simply unprecedented.

Here I stand at your service oh! Allah

'The significance of the fact that millions of Muslims travel to do Hajj'

Every year millions of people come to Arabia to perform the pilgrimage. In doing so they are fulfilling a prophecy and promise made to Abraham (AS) by Allah and recorded in the Qur'an which says that people would flock to the sanctuary of the Ka'ba... 'on foot and on camel...' etc. The fact that the people come from all over the world symbolizes their devotion to Allah and it is a sort of re-enactment of all the travelling that Abraham (AS) did in the service of Allah.

Thus the pilgrim is in a way following the steps of their father in faith, Abraham. The journey is also a reminder that life is but a journey also and it too has a destiny, which is to return to Allah and account for our lives on earth.

'When the pilgrimage is made'

There are two types of pilgrimage:

"Umra: The lesser pilgrimage which can be performed at any time but is not equal to the Hajj proper.

Hajj: The mandatory pilgrimage which is a duty for every Muslim man and woman to perform. There is a specified period for the Hajj, namely one week from the 8th day of the Islamic month of Dhul Hijjah to the 13th day of that month. Dhul Hijjah is the twelfth month in the Islamic lunar calender.

'The state of hram'

Ihram means to make a specific intention to perform the pilgrimage and to perform the pilgrimage and to perform the rites prior to entering the special pilgrimage attire which signifies that the state of Ihram has been entered. It is mandatory for a pilgrim performing Hajj or 'Umra to enter into Ihram. Ihram does not begin from the moment one leaves one's home, but it does begin at points around Mecca called Mowaqit, some 100-500km from the Ka'ba depending on the direction from which the pilgrim happens to come. At the mowaqit, the pilgrim must be in full Ihram, otherwise he/she cannot pass this point to enter the precinct of Mecca.

'Entering the state of hram'

The most important aspect of Ihram is to make the intention to do the pilgrimage, something which must come from the heart. Thus the pilgrim should make an intention that his pilgrimage is done as an act of worship to God and in pursuit of His pleasure alone. In addition, before entering the attire of the Ihram, the pilgrim must:

a) Take a full bath
b) Put away all his regular clothing (men only), and wear just two pieces of towelling, one wrapped around the waist and the other on the chest - leaving the right shoulder exposed and the left shoulder covered. The pilgrim must also put away his normal shoes and wear sandals which expose the heels. The head should also be exposed. No sewn clothes may be worn during the state of Ihram.

'The attire of women on pilgrimage'

Since, in the interests of modesty it is not practical that women should wear unsewn clothes like the men, they are free to wear whatever they like providing it is modest and shows neither their wealth nor their bodies. They must however leave their hands and faces exposed and it is preferable for them to wear a simple white garment.

'The significance of this attire'

Clothes are a symbol of individuality and ego, of authority and power and of wealth. The person who is going for pilgrimage - a very high and pure act of worship of Allah - is expected to forget his ego and symbolize his brotherhood and equality with poorer Muslims by wearing exactly the same clothes as them during the pilgrimage.

'Things which must be observed whilst in Ihram'

Apart from wearing the special attire of Ihram, the pilgrim is expected to:

a) Abstain from all disruptive acts
b) Watch that he engages in no indecency whether by word or deed
c) Abstain from hunting or killing any animal so as to establish peace with all creatures. The only permitted exception being to kill those insects and animals which pose a threat to one's life
d) Abstain from even cutting the twig from the branch of a tree
e) Abstain from cutting one's own hair and nails
f) Abstain from intimate relations with the one's husband/wife. The aim here being to forget all worldly pleasures.

'The chant of the pilgrims on the way to pilgrimage'

It is highly encouraged that once the pilgrim is in a state of Ihram he/she should chant the following supplication to Allah:

"Verily yours is the praise, blessings and majesty

There is no partner with thee"

The supplication stops when the pilgrims enter Mecca.

'The Ka'ba'

The Ka'ba is a simple cubical structure covered with a black cloth.

The cloth is not something which is essential but it has traditionally been used. There is a door to the Ka'ba and those who have been through the door say that there is nothing inside the Ka'ba - no images, idols or even inscriptions. In spite of this simplicity, pilgrims experience a great feeling of excitement when visiting the Ka'ba - the first house on earth built for the worship of one God. Pilgrims also feel a great attachment and closeness with Abraham (AS) and the other monotheistic prophets of Allah.

'The rites the pilgrim performs when at the Ka'ba'

On reaching the Ka'ba, the pilgrim must make seven circumambulations of the Ka'ba with the Ka'oa on his left side, (Tawaf). Everyone moves around the Ka'ba in this one direction and everyone must start the tawaf from the same corner of the Ka'ba - namely that corner that houses the blackstones. Pilgrims pray earnestly to Allah for forgiveness, guidance, support and salvation in the Hereafter whilst circling the Ka'ba.

'The significance of circling the Ka'ba'

All the rites of the pilgrimage are done out of full obedience to Allah as communicated to the Prophet (SAWS). Many people have reflected on the significance of making tawaf of the Ka'ba and the idea of Austrian Muslim, Mohammad Assad, is that just as the atom has electrons and neutrons circling it, and the sun is circled by all other planets, so also, the centre in the life of all Muslims should be the worship of God and seeking His pleasure, hence the circling of the Ka'ba.

-Courtesy Islamia Schools Trust

YOUR QUESTIONS ANSWERED

The Last Day

Q:   As I look around me I see all the signs of the last day, I am very concerned, I really believe the world will end soon. Am I being paranoid?

A:   We do not know the exact date of the final day when the world will end, however, the blessed Messenger (s.a.w.) forecasted the signs which will indicate that the time of the end of the world is near. These signs can be found in books of hadith-saying of the Prophet (s.a.w.). The Hadith book Bukhari and Muslim each contain a chapter on these signs.

Briefly, the sign that will appear are one of two types, the minor and major signs.

The minor signs are; widespread ignorance of Islam, lack of knowledge of religion, sexual depravity, immodesty, disobeying parents, cursing ancestors and tradition, abundance of wealth and material resources etc.

Amongst the major signs are: The dominance of Dajjal, the return of Jesus, the leadership of mahdi and the appearance of Gog and Magog.

As you will notice most of the minor signs forecasted by the blessed Messenger (s.a.w.) have come true, however, most major signs are still pending especially the return of Jesus, so rejoice, we still have time to do good work and do not worry.

Hajj

Q:   At what stage in one's life is it the best time to perform the Hajj (pilgrimage)?

A:   The glorious Quran says
"Pilgrimage (to Makka) is a duty that men owe to Allah, those who can afford" (Ale Imran:97).

From this Divine command and various Hadith the Scholars conclude that one must perform Hajj as soon as he can afford to travel to Makka and he has the means of travelling. Nowadays it costs about a thousand pounds for the whole trip. So the best time is when you have got this sum of money, your first priority should be to go and do the Hajj, who knows yours circumstances next year. It is a custom in some Muslim countries that young men do Hajj first and then get married.

The Prophet (s.a.w.) said, "A pilgrim returns home free from the burden of sins like a new baby born", again sadly, in our materialistic society our priorities are somewhat different, perhaps a new car, latest computer or a kitchen.
May Allah guide us.

Muslim Charities

Q:   I have heard that Muslim charities are not to be trusted since the money ends up in wrong pockets. How true is this rumour?

A:   We should always bear in mind the principle of good opinion about other Muslims and their organisations. Suspicious rumours and doubts spread fear and lead to mistrusting others, this is cynicism. However if there is clear evidence and proof of someone being dishonest then that should be dealt with severely. We must support these charities by giving Zakat, making donations and helping as volunteers. You should enquire about the overheads and expenses of your charity to make them more effective. Ask them what their administration and management cost share as a percentage of money spent in the field. But be trusting and supportive rather than dismissive and cynical.

Zakat

Q:   I have only five tolas of gold and five hundred pounds cash. Do I have to pay Zakat on the Gold?

A:   The minimum amount of wealth on which Zakat is payable (Nisab) is 7.5 tolas of gold or equivalent amount in cash or another disposable form. Current values of one tola of gold is seventy pounds, therefore the nisab in pounds is �70 x 7.5 = �525. So your wealth exceeds this nisab therefore you will have to pay Zakat on the combined value of your gold and cash. 5 tolas = �350 plus �500 cash = �850. The rate of Zakat is 2.5 percentage therefore you will pay 2.5% of �850 = �17.42.

Q: What is the Islamic view on national savings premium bonds?

A: The British government funds nearly two thirds of its national debt by issuing bonds; these are either for a fixed length of time or for an indefinite period. They pay interest half-yearly, rate of interest paid is higher than the banks pay and that is what makes bonds attractive. As you know interest is prohibited in Islam, the Quran says, "Allah has permitted trading but prohibited interest". (Baqarah: 275) and "fear Allah and relinquish what remains of interest, if you are believers". (Baqarah: 278).

As an alternative type of investment I suggest buying shares in ethical companies, which do not deal with liquor, gambling and entertainment. Allah knows best.

Q: Is playing cards haram?

A: The traditional Islamic view is that playing cards is unlawful. Ahmed Ibn Naqib writes in Umdat Al Salik: "Every game played by two or more players that relies on luck, connective and guessing is unlawful, no matter whether money is stipulated or not" (reliance of the traveler, Sh. N. Keller).

Q: I have six children the eldest is 29 and the youngest is 15 years old. When my children were born I did not offer an Aqiqa for any of them. Can I offer it now?

A: It is Sunna to do the following things after a child is born:

1. To say the Adhaan and Iqama in the right and left ears respectively as soon as he or she is born.
2. To shave the hair on the seventh day and give in charity gold or silver equal to the weight of the hair.
3. To give the child a beautiful name.
4. To do Aqiqa. This means slaughtering two sheep for a boy and one for a girl. The meat is distributed or cooked and eaten by relatives and friends.
Some Fuqaha say if you were unable to do the Aqiqa near the birth it can be done later on. So you can offer the Aqiqa now or send money through any of the charities so the sacrifice can be done in another country and the meat could be distributed amongst the poor.

Q: Are men allowed to wear gold jewellery and silk clothes?

A: Wearing of jewellery by men is not encouraged, in fact apart from allowing the wearing of silver rings and precious stones in rings, no other type of jewellery is allowed. Hence ear rings, necklaces, pendants, neck chains, nose studs and ear studs are not allowed, these are ornaments reserved for the women. Sadly some young Muslims also wear rings and gold neck chains, these are haram. Similarly silk clothes are haram for men, however if the cloth has some silk woven into it (less than 50%) then that is permissible.

The blessed Messenger (s.a.w.) said: "Wearing gold and silk has been made unlawful for the men of my community but permissible for its women" (Tirmandhi).

Q: I want to know what to do with old letters that contain Allah's name or Bismillah. What about a copy of the Quran that is too old or worn out?

A: All such papers and copies of the Quran can either be burnt, thrown in a river or sea or be buried. All these disposable means are permitted.

Q: Does one have to do wudu after a shower or bath?

A: No, there is no need to do wudu after a shower or bath, provided you wash your body thoroughly and remember to rinse your mouth and clean your nostrils during the shower.

THE IMPORTANCE OF HAJJ.

The first house established for mankind was at Bakka, a place of blessings and guidance for all beings. In it are clear signs - the Maqam of Ibrahim. All who enter it are safe. Hajj to the home is a duty owed to Allah by all mankind - those who can find a way to it. But if anyone is Kafir, Allah is rich beyond need of any being". (Al Quran, Ale Imran: 96/97 - English translation Abdul Haq & Aisha Beweley).

When the Muslims were told to change direction of Kiblah from Jerusalem to Makka the Jews kicked up a fuss. They said that since the temple in Jerusalem is more ancient than the Ka'aba it is superior and therefore it should be the Kiblah. In this verse the Quran retorts by putting the record straight. The temple built by Sulaiman (a.a.) was not older than the Ka'aba which was built by his great grandfather, Ibrahim (a.a.).

' The first house established for the mankind' to worship their Lord Almighty. Does this mean that it was the first such house or the first place of blessing and guidance?

Imam Razi says:

"One opinion is that it was indeed the first house of worship built on the Earth" and he quotes many prominent Sahaba and commentators. For example he says "When Adam (a.a.) was on earth he complained of loneliness so Allah commanded him to build the Ka'aba and circumambulate it. Then Ibrahim was later told to rebuild it again".

'Bakka' is the other name for Makka; it also called 'Umm al Qurra' - the mother of other cities. Imam Razi enumerates several virtues of this mother of cities and the Ka'aba:

1. Its founder is the great Prophet Ibrahim (a.a.), the architect was the angel Jibrael (a.a.) and Ishmael (a.a.) its builder.
2. The Maqam Ibrahim is the stone with Ibrahim's (a.a.) actual footprint.
3. Birds do not fly directly over the Ka'aba; in fact they fly to the right or the left of it.
4. There is peace in this holy city, even the dogs do not fight, and the citizens live in harmony, this is the Baraka of Ibrahims dua.
5. When Abra the Yemeni king invaded Makka, his mighty army of elephants was decimated by the flocks of birds sent to protect the holy Ka'aba.
6. The Almighty chose this barren and rugged valley in order to deter the lovers of worldly riches and to encourage reliance on the Lord Almighty. Thus illustrating the excellence of poverty over wealth.

What is the meaning of baraka (blessing)?

It means growth and increase as well as permanence and eternity.

The blessings of the Ka'aba are numerous, e.g. One prayer in the sacred mosque is better than a hundred thousands elsewhere. Just imagine the Ka'aba as the centre of a concentric circle, with row upon row of devotees, their bodies turned towards it. The divine light increases and enlightens every soul present there; his is the mighty ocean and noble place, "and a guidance for all beings"that is the Kiblah for all. Providing the direction for their prayers.

"Hajj to the house is a duty"; this highlights the need to visit this magnificent and wonderful place. But not everyone, only "those who can find a way to do it" i.e. afford the expense and the means of travelling to it. The blessed Messenger (s.a.w.) said: "Whoever does Hajj without committing any sins returns home free from sins like the day he was born", and he also said: "Paradise is the only fitting reward for a good Hajj".

He warned of severe consequences of not performing the Hajj. He said: "A person who dies without Hajj may die as he wishes, as a Jew or a Christian".

The jurists insist that a person must perform Hajj the same year in which he becomes capable of affording it. In monetary terms it means anyone who can afford the air ticket (approx. �450) plus sundry expenses (approx. �450) must do Hajj that year, delaying it will be sin.

May Allah give us the opportunity to visit His blessed house and say salaam to His beloved messenger (s.a.w.) in Madinah.
AMEEN.

THE FIRST MONTH OF THE ISLAMIC CALENDAR

Muharram

Muharram is one of the four sacred months. During these four months, Zulqadah, Zulhijjah, Muharram and Rajab, the Arabs were forbidden to fight.

The month of Muharram has certain characteristics. The Holy Prophet (s.a.w.) said:

"The best fasts after the fasts of Ramadan are those of the month of Muharram".

The fast of the month of Muharram are not obligatory however the one who fasts in these days out of his own will is entitled to a great reward by Allah Almighty. The whole month of Muharram is sacred and blessed but the 10th of Muharram is very special. It is called 'Ashura'.

Ibn Abbas (r.a.) tells that when the Prophet (s.a.w.) migrated to Madina he found that the Jews there fasted on the 10th of Muharram. They said that it was the day on which the Holy Prophet Musa (a.a.) and his followers crossed the Red Sea miraculously and the pharaoh was drowned in its water. Hearing this from the Jews the Prophet (s.a.w.) said: "We are more closely related to Musa than you" and directed Muslims to fast on the day of Ashura. It is preferable to fast on one other day as well, either 9th or the 11th of Muharram. The Holy Prophet (s.a.w.) used to fast on the day of Ashura.

Adullah Ibn Masud reports that the Holy Prophet (s.a.w.) preferred to the fast of 'Ashura' to the fast of other days and preferred the fast of Ramadan to the fast of Ashura.

Some other people attribute the sacredness of Ashura to the martyrdom of Sayyidna Hussain (r.a.) in the 6th year A.H. The battle Imam Hussain fought against Yazid the tyrant. The shias hold lamentation and mourning ceremonies in the memory of martyrdom of Siyyidna Hussain (r.a.) in this month. Although the event of Karbala is one of the most tragic events of our history, the Holy Prophet (s.a.w.) forbade us from holding the mourning ceremonies on the death of any person. The people of Jahiliyyah (ignorance) used to mourn over their deceased relatives or friends through loud lamentations by tearing their clothes, beating their cheeks and chests. The Holy Prophet (s.a.w.) stopped the Muslims from doing all this and directed them to observe patience by saying: "Some people think that it is unlucky to get married in Muharram. This is a baseless superstition. If the death of a great person makes a day unlucky then there is hardly a day of the year, which escapes this".

5 things about Ashura (the tenth day of Muharram)

1) On this day Adam (a.a.) was created.
2) On this day Ibrahim (a.a.) was born.
3) On this day Allah accepted the repentance of Sayyidna Ibrahim (a.a)
4) On this day the world will end (Qiyamat).
5) Whoever takes a bath on this day of Ashura will never get ill.