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SUNGAI DALAM LAUT“Dan Dialah yang membiarkan dua laut mengalir (berdampingan); yang ini tawar lagi segar dan yang lain masin lagi pahit; dan Dia jadikan antara keduanya dinding dan batas yang menghalangi.” (Q.S Al-Furqan:53)

Jika Anda termasuk orang yang gemar menonton rancangan TV `Discovery’ pasti kenal Mr.Jacques Yves Costeau, ia seorang ahli oceanografer dan ahli selam terkemuka dari Perancis. Orang tua yang berambut putih ini sepanjang hidupnya menyelam ke perbagai dasar samudera di seantero dunia dan membuat filem dokumentari tentang keindahan alam dasar laut untuk ditonton di seluruh dunia.

Pada suatu hari ketika sedang melakukan eksplorasi di bawah laut, tiba-tiba ia menemui beberapa kumpulan mata air tawar-segar yang sangat sedap rasanya kerana tidak bercampur/tidak melebur dengan air laut yang masin di sekelilingnya, seolah-olah ada dinding atau membran yang membatasi keduanya. Read the rest of this entry »

Allah azza wa jalla berfirman, “Sesungguhnya orang-orang yang beriman adalah bersaudara, maka damaikanlah di antara saudara kalian” [Al-Hujurat: 10]

“Sesungguhnya (agama tauhid) ini adalah agama kamu semua, agama yang satu dan Aku adalah Rabb-mu maka sembahlah aku!” [Al-Anbiya:92]

Ketika Ramadhan kadang terbayang adanya friksi-friksi yang bisa mengarah pada perpecahan dan kehancuran. Dimulai dari perbedaan awal puasa, jumlah hitungan shalat tarawih, antara shalat tarawih di rumah atau di masjid, dan berbagai doa serta amalan.

Haruskah kita terpecah hanya karena masalah furu` (cabang) tersebut? Yang lebih merupakan perkara sunat atau fadhilah amal? Sedangkan kita sangat faham persatuan atau ukhuwah islamiyah adalah wajib? [Ali-Imran: 103]

Bagi umat di zaman Rasulullah Saw, bulan Ramadhan tidak hanya sekedar sebagai bulan untuk berpuasa, untuk tidur atau bermalas-malasan. Lebih dari itu, Ramadhan adalah bulan penuh aktivitas dan momen penting lainnya.

Sebelum hijrah, bulan Ramadhan merupakan bulan Quran, yaitu bulan diturunkannya Al-Quran untuk pertama kali. Di samping itu bulan ini juga “bulan tadarus” Rasul bersama malaikat Jibril. Yaitu untuk mengulang kembali seluruh Al-Quran yang telah diwahyukan. Dan khusus pada tahun terakhir sebelum Rasulullah wafat, malaikat Jibril datanga dua kali untuk tadarus Quran bersama Nabi Saw.

Ada sembilan peristiwa penting yang sempat disaksikan Rasulullah setelah hijrah,

1. Perang melawan orang kafir Quraisy sebanyak enam kali di bulan Ramadhan.
2. Perang Badar dan penaklukan kota Makkah (Fathu Makah).
3. Pernikahan Ali dan Fatimah.
4. Pernikahan Rasulullah Saw dengan Hafshah binti Umar bin Khathab ra.
5. Pernikahan Rasulullah Saw dengan Zainab binti Khuzaimah.
6. Putri Rasulullah Saw yang bernama Ruqayah meninggal dunia
7. Hancurnya berhala-berhala, seperti Latta, `Uzza, Manat, dan Suwa` milik kaum musyrik.
8. Runtuhnya Masjid Adh-Dhirar yang dibangun orang-orang munafik untuk menghancurkan Islam.
9. Datangnya rombongan delegasi kaum Tsaqif yang ingin masuk Islam. Read the rest of this entry »
   
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Allah `azza wa jalla berfirman: “Wahai orang-orang yang beriman diwajibkan atas kamu berpuasa sebagaimana diwajibkan atas umat-umat sebelum kamu agar kamu bertaqwa.” (Al-Baqarah: 183)

Di bulan suci Ramadhan ini terdapat peristiwa-peristiwa besar yang menentukan peradaban manusia. Salah satunya adalah saat Rasulullah Saw mempertaruhkan pasukan “Badar” dalam sebuah pertarungan antara haq dan batil. Di antara doa Rasulullah waktu itu adalah, “Yaa Allah, jika Engkau hancurkan kumpulan (pasukan) ini maka Engkau tidak akan disembah lagi di muka bumi…….” Dan akhirnya Allah memenangkan hambaNya yang haq atas orang-orang kafir yang batil. Itulah kemenangan pertama sebagai awal kemenangan demi kemenangan risalah dakwah Islam.

Di samping itu jika kita telusuri sesungguhnya ramadhan penuh dengan nuansa pendidikan, sehingga layak dinamakan dengan syahrut tarbiyah atau bulan penggemblengan pribadi muslim menjadi pribadi muttaqin, orang-orang yang bertaqwa kepada Allah Rabbul `Izzah. Itulah madrasah ramadhan yang mulia dan penuh berkah. Di antara nilai-nilai pendidikan yang dapat kita raih dari bulan ini adalah: Read the rest of this entry »

The Picture of Earth Spells Out The Holy Name of Allah

This picture of the earth was made from space from the spaceship  Appolo-16 . This picture was published in magazine  National Geographic. People were wondering why in this picture some unusual zigzags at the top part of the picture. And only later on somebody who knows Arabic found out that these so called zigzags resembles word  Allah  in Arabic.

Name of Allah Almighty written on Stone

About Firaun

Mummy of Firaun

In British Museum there is one very unique mummy which was found by Red Sea, at place called Jabalain. It resembles a person with the beard, it is the oldest mummy (Scientists says that it is age approx 3 thousand years), even all inside organs were not removed. Also Scientists says that even mummy can t be preserved so well within such long period. So what is the secret of such good preserve of this mummy? See the answer in the Holy Qur an where it is says that the Fir aun will be preserved as a warning for generations.

“We will show them Our signs in all the regions of the earth and in their own souls, until they clearly see that this is the truth …” (Surah Fussilat, 41:53)

THE NAME OF ALLAH ALMIGHTY WRITTEN IN HONEY CUBES

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THE NAME OF ALLAH ALMIGHTY WRITTEN IN THE CLOUDS

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KALMA-E-TAYYEBA WRITTEN IN BRANCHES

A brother from Germany wrote and sent this photo. The branches clearly say in Arabic that - “THERE IS NO GOD BUT ALLAH”. This is said to be scene on a piece of cultivated farmland in Germany. Many Germans have been said to have embraced Islam upon seeing this miraculous sight and that the German government put steel fences around that part of the farm to prevent people from visiting and witnessing this miraculous site.

Abstracted from the writing of:
Sheikh Maulana Mohammed Ilyas Attar Qadri

Master of Masters, Prophet Muhammad (Swall Allahu Alaihi Wasallam) said that whoever fasts three days in the month of Shabaan and at the time of if’tar (breaking-fast at sunset) recites 3 times darood [salawat] on me, his sins will be forgiven and his provisions will be amplified and on the Day of Judgment he will enter Paradise riding on a heavenly female camel.

Sayiduna Anas (may Allah be pleased with him) that Sayidunna Esa (Jesus Alaihis’salam) passed by a mountain and there he saw a white stone. He started looking at it with awe. Allah revealed his message [wa’hy] on his messenger (alaihis’salaam), “Shall I disclose for you a thing stranger than this� “Surely!� he answered. So then that stone split and from it emerged an old man, with a green walking stick in his hand and pointing to the grapes vines said that I get my sustenance from here. Sayediunna Esa (Alihis’salaam) asked him, “How long have you been busy in worshipping Allah in this stone� The man replied “for 400 years.� Sayidunna Esa (Alaihi’salaam) said to Allah, “I think no one else would have worshipped like him.� Allah revealed, “whoever of the nation [ummah] of My Beloved Prophet (Swall Allahu Alaihi Wasallam) performs 2 cycles [raka’] of prayer on the 15th night of Shabaan is better than this 400 years of worship.� {Nuzhatul Majalis}

Mother of the believers, Sayidatuna A’isha (May Allah be pleased with her) says, I missed the Prophet (Swall Allau Alaihi Wasallam) one night so I went out to al-Baqi’ (graveyard, and found him). He said: “Were you afraid that Allah would wrong� I said: “O Messenger of Allah, I thought that you might have gone to visit one of your [other] wives.� He said: “Allah Glorious and Exalted descends to the nearest heaven on the night of mid-Shabaan (15th night) and He forgives more people than the number of hair on the hides of the flocks and herds of sheep of the tribe of Kalb. {Tirmidhi} It is recorded in books that the tribe of Kalb used to have the most number of sheep in Arabia , but some unfortunate people are still not forgiven on this night when Allah showers His mercy on mankind. Amongst them are 1) those who are habitual drinkers [alcoholics] 2) those who are habitual adulterous 3) those who are disobedient to their parents 4) those who break family ties 5) those who are mischief-spreaders and, 6) those who are back-bitters. In another narration mischief-spreader is replaced with those who make pictures. {Mukashifatul Quloob}. In other narrations those who practice magic, those who eat interest, those who lower their pants below their ankles with pride, those who start a fight between two Muslims, those who bear malice (have hatred for another Muslim) in their hearts without a lawful cause are also not forgiven on this blessed night unless they repent sincerely and also ask for forgiveness from fellow Muslims and make peace.

In a long Prophetic narration, narrated in Ghunya tut-Talibin, the Messenger of Allah said, that is the night of mid-Shabaan (15 night) when Allah (Exalted is He) arranges the affairs of the year. He transfers [some of] the living to the list of dead, and records those who will make pilgrimage [Hajj] to the House of Allah that year, neither adding one too many nor leaving a single one of them out.�

Once Leader of Believers, Sayidunna Omar bin Abdul Aziz (may Allah be pleased with them) was busy praying extra [na’fl salah/namaz] . He lifted his head and saw a green note, whose light [glow] spread till the sky and it read “This is a note of forgiveness from the Owner Allah Almighty (Exalted is He) to His servant Omar bin Abdul Aziz. (Tafseer Roh-ul-Bayan)

It is recorded from the Friends of Allah [Auliya-Allah] to pray 6 cycles of ritual prayer [raka’] after the Maghrib prayer. In the first two raka’ add with the intention that with its blessing extend life with harmony. Next two for the protection from misfortunes and evil, and next two so that may Allah make us dependant on Him and no one else. After every two cycles [raka’] recite 21 times Surah Ikhlas OR once Sura Yasin (chapter 36). Rather read both and gain mounts of rewards and then recite the Supplication of Shabaan (dua’ of Shabaan)

Spend the night, as much as possible, in worship and on the 15th of Shabaan fast. It is written in Anees-ul-Waezeen that whoever fasts on the fifteenth of Shabaan the fire of hell will not touch him.Since the book of deeds is changed on the 15 night, if it is possible, also fast on the 14th so that the last day of the yearly deed book is spent fasting and the first day is spent Fasting.

Question:

Why is the eating of pork forbidden in Islam?

Answer:

The fact that consumption of pork is prohibited in Islam is well known. The following points explain various aspects of this prohibition:

1. Pork prohibited in Qur’an

The Qur’an prohibits the consumption of pork in no less than 4 different places. It is prohibited in 2:173, 5:3, 6:145 and 16:115.

“Forbidden to you (for food) are: dead meat, blood, the flesh of swine, and that on which hath been invoked the name of other than Allah.” [Al-Qur’an 5:3]

The above verses of the Holy Qur’an are sufficient to satisfy a Muslim as to why pork is forbidden.

2. Pork prohibited in the Bible

The Christian is likely to be convinced by his religious scriptures. The Bible prohibits the consumption of pork, in the book of Leviticus “And the swine, though he divide the hoof, and be cloven footed, yet he chewed not the cud; he is unclean to you”.

“Of their flesh shall ye not eat, and their carcass shall ye not touch, they are unclean to you.” [Leviticus 11:7-8]

Pork is also prohibited in the Bible in the book of Deuteronomy

“And the swine, because it divides the hoof, yet chewed not the cud, it is unclean unto you. Ye shall not eat of their flesh, nor touch their dead carcass.” [Deuteronomy 14:8]

A similar prohibition is repeated in the Bible in the book of Isaiah chapter 65 verse 2 5.

3. Consumption of pork causes several diseases

The other non-Muslims and atheists will agree only if convinced through reason, logic and science. Eating of pork can cause no less than seventy different types of diseases. A person can have various helminthes like roundworm, pinworm, hookworm, etc. One of the most dangerous is Taenia Solium, which is in layman’s terminology called tapeworm. It harbors in the intestine and is very long. Its ova i.e. eggs, enter the blood stream and can reach almost all the organs of the body. If it enters the brain it can cause memory loss. If it enters the heart it can cause heart attack, if it enters the eye it can cause blindness, if it enters the liver it can cause liver damage. It can damage almost all the organs of the body. Another dangerous helminthes is Trichura Tichurasis.

A common misconception about pork is that if it is cooked well, these ova die. In a research project undertaken in America, it was found that out of twenty-four people suffering from Trichura Tichurasis, twenty two had cooked the pork very well. This indicates that the ova present in the pork do not die under normal cooking temperature.

Question:

Why are non-Muslims not allowed in the Holy cities of Makkah and Madinah?

Answer:

It is true that non-Muslims are not allowed in the holy cities of Makkah and Madinah, by law. The following points will serve to elucidate the possible reasoning behind such a restriction.

1. All citizens are not permitted in the cantonment area

I am a citizen of India. Yet, I am not permitted to enter certain restricted areas like the cantonment. In every country there are certain areas where a common citizen of that country cannot enter. Only a citizen who is enrolled in the military or those who are connected with the defence of the country are allowed in the

cantonment area. Similarly Islam is a Universal Religion for the entire world and

for all human beings. The cantonment areas of Islam are the two holy cites of

Makkah and Madinah. Here only those who believe in Islam and are involved in

the defence of Islam i.e. the Muslims are allowed.

It would be illogical for a common citizen to object against the restriction on

entering a cantonment area. Similarly it is not appropriate for non-Muslims to

object against the restriction on non-Muslims against entering Makkah and

Madinah.

2. Visa to enter Makkah and Madinah

a. Whenever a person travels to a foreign country he has to first apply for a

visa i.e. the permission to enter that country. Every country has its own

rules, regulations and requirements for issuing a visa. Unless their critera

are satisfied they will not issue a visa.

b. One of the countries which is very strict in issuing a visa is the United States

of America, especially when issuing visas to citizens of the third world. They

have several conditions and requirements to be fulfilled before they issue a

visa.

c. When I visited Singapore, it was mentioned on their immigration form -

death to drug traffickers. If I want to visit Singapore I have to abide by the

rules. I cannot say that death penalty is a barbaric punishment. Only if I

agree with their requirements and conditions will I be permitted to enter the

country.

d. The Visa – The primary condition required for any human being to enter

Makkah or Madina is to say with his lips, La ila ha illallah Muhammed ur

Rasulullah meaning that ‘there is no God but Allah and Muhammed (pbuh)

is His Messenger.’

Question:

When Islam is against idol worship why do the Muslims worship, and bow down to the Kaaba in their prayer?

Answer:

Kaaba is the Qibla i.e. the direction Muslims face during their prayers. It is important to note that though Muslims face the Kaaba during prayers, they do not worship the Kaaba. Muslims worship and bow to none but Allah.

It is mentioned in Surah Al-Baqarah:

“We see the turning of thy face (for guidance) to the heavens: now shall We turn thee to a Qiblah that shall please thee. Turn then thy face in the direction of the Sacred Mosque: wherever ye are, turn your faces in that direction.” [Al-Qur’an 2:144]

1. Islam believes in fostering unity

For instance, if Muslims want to offer Salaah (Prayer), it is possible that some may wish to face north, while some may wish to face south. In order to unite Muslims in their worship of the One True God, Muslims, wherever they may be, are asked to face in only one direction i.e. towards the Kaaba. If some Muslims live towards the west of the Kaaba they face the east. Similarly if they live towards the east of the Kaaba they face the west.

2. Kaaba is at the Centre of the World Map

The Muslims were the first people to draw the map of the world. They drew the map with the south facing upwards and north downwards. The Kaaba was at the centre. Later, western cartographers drew the map upside down with the north facing upwards and south downwards. Yet, Alhamdullilah the Kaaba is at the centre of the world map.

3. Tawaf around Kaaba for indicating one God

When the Muslims go to Masjid-e-Haram in Makkah, they perform tawaf or circumambulation round the Kaaba. This act symbolizes the belief and worship of One God, since, just as every circle has one centre, so also there is only one Allah (swt) worthy of worship.

4. Hadith of Umar (may Allah be pleased with him)

Regarding the black stone, hajr-e-aswad, there is a hadith (tradition), attributed to the illustrious companion of the Prophet Muhammed (pbuh), Umar (may Allah be pleased with him). According to Sahih Bukhari, Volume 2, book of Hajj, chapter 56, H.No. 675. Umar (may Allah be pleased with him) said, “I know that you are a stone and can neither benefit nor harm. Had I not seen the Prophet (pbuh) touching (and kissing) you, I would never have touched (and kissed) you”.

5. People stood on Kaaba and gave the adhaan

At the time of the Prophet, people even stood on the Kaaba and gave the ‘adhaan’ or the call to prayer. One may ask those who allege that Muslims worship the Kaaba; which idol worshipper stands on the idol he worships?

Question:

Under Islamic law, why is a woman’s share of the inherited wealth only half that of a man?

Answer:

1. Inheritance in the Qur’an

The Glorious Qur’an contains specific and detailed guidance regarding the division of the inherited wealth, among the rightful beneficiaries.

The Qur’anic verses that contain guidance regarding inheritance are:

* Surah Al-Baqarah, chapter 2 verse 180

* Surah Al-Baqarah, chapter 2 verse 240

* Surah An-Nisa, chapter 4 verse 7-9

* Surah An-Nisa, chapter 4 verse 19

* Surah An-Nisa, chapter 4 verse 33 and

* Surah Al-Maidah, chapter 5 verse 106-108

2. Specific share of inheritance for the relatives

There are three verses in the Qur’an that broadly describe the share of close relatives i.e. Surah Nisah chapter 4 verses 11, 12 and 176. The translation of these verses is as follows:

“Allah (thus) directs you as regards your children’s (inheritance): to the male, a portion equal to that of two females, if only daughters, two or more, their share is two-thirds of the inheritance; If only one, her share is a half.

For parents, a sixth share of the inheritance to each, if the deceased left children; If no children, and the parents are the (only) heirs, the mother has a third; if the deceased left brothers (or sisters) the mother has a sixth. (The distribution in all cases is) after the payment of legacies and debts. Ye know not whether your parents or your children are nearest to you in benefit. These are settled portions ordained by Allah; and Allah is All-Knowing, All-Wise.

In what your wives leave, your share is half. If they leave no child; but if they leave a child, ye get a fourth; after payment of legacies and debts. In what ye leave, their share is a fourth, if ye leave no child; but if ye leave a child, they get an eight; after payment of legacies and debts. If the man or woman whose inheritance is in question, has left neither ascendants nor descendants, but has left a brother or a sister, each one of the two gets a sixth; but if more than two, they share in a third; after payment of legacies and debts; so that no loss is caused (to anyone). Thus it is ordained by Allah; and Allah is All-Knowing Most Forbearing” [Al-Qur’an 4:11-12]

“They ask thee for a legal decision. Say: Allah directs (them) about those who leave no descendants or ascendants as heirs. If it is a man that dies, leaving a sister but no child, she shall have half the inheritance. If (such a deceased was) a woman who left no child, Her brother takes her inheritance. If there are two sisters, they shall have two thirds of the inheritance (between them). If there are brothers and sisters, (they share), the male having twice the share of the female. Thus doth Allah (SWT) make clear to you (His knowledge of all things). [Al-Qur’an 4:176]

3. Female some times inherits same or more than male counter part

In most of the cases, a woman inherits half of what her male counterpart inherits. However, this is not always the case. In case the deceased has left no ascendant or descendent but has left the uterine brother and sister, each of the two inherit one sixth.

If the deceased has left children, both the parents that is mother and father get an equal share and inherit one sixth each. In certain cases, a woman can also inherit a share that is double that of the male. If the deceased is a woman who has left no children, brothers or sisters and is survived only by her husband, mother and father, the husband inherits half the property while the mother inherits one third and the father the remaining one sixth. In this particular case, the mother inherits a share that is double that of the father.

4. Female usually inherits half the share of that of the male counter part

It is true that as a general rule, in most cases, the female inherits a share that is half that of the male. For instance in the following cases:

1. Daughter inherits half of what the son inherits,

2. Wife inherits 1/8th and husband 1/4th if the deceased has no children.

3. Wife inherits 1/4th and husband 1/2 if the deceased has children

4. If the deceased has no ascendant or descendent, the sister inherits a share that is half that of the brother.

5. Male inherits double than the female because he financially supports the family

In Islam a woman has no financial obligation and the economical responsibility lies on the shoulders of the man. Before a woman is married it is the duty of the father or brother to look after the lodging, boarding, clothing and other financial requirements of the woman. After she is married it is the duty of the husband or the son. Islam holds the man financially responsible for fulfilling the needs of his family. In order to do be able to fulfill the responsibility the men get double the share of the inheritance. For example, if a man dies leaving about Rs. One Hundred and Fifty Thousand, for the children (i.e one son and one daughter) the son inherits One Hundred Thousand rupees and the daughter only Fifty Thousand rupees. Out of the one hundred thousand which the son inherits, as his duty towards his family, he may have to spend on them almost the entire amount or say about eighty thousand and thus he has a small percentage of inheritance, say about twenty thousand, left for himself. On the other hand, the daughter, who inherits fifty thousand, is not bound to spend a single penny on anybody. She can keep the entire amount for herself. Would you prefer inheriting one hundred thousand rupees and spending eighty thousand from it, or inheriting fifty thousand rupees and having the entire amount to yourself?

Question:

Killing an animal is a ruthless act. Why then do Muslims consume non vegetarian food?

Answer:

‘Vegetarianism’ is now a movement the world over. Many even associate it with animal rights. Indeed, a large number of people consider the consumption of meat and other non-vegetarian products to be a violation of animal rights. Islam enjoins mercy and compassion for all living creatures. At the same time Islam maintains that Allah has created the earth and its wondrous flora and fauna for the benefit of mankind. It is up to mankind to use every resource in this world judiciously, as a niyamat (Divine blessing) and amanat (trust) from Allah. Let us look at various other aspects of this argument.

1. A Muslim can be a pure vegetarian

A Muslim can be a very good Muslim despite being a pure vegetarian. It is not compulsory for a Muslim to have non-vegetarian food.

2. Qur’an permits Muslims to have non-vegetarian food

The Qur’an, however permits a Muslim to have non-vegetarian food. The following Qur’anic verses are proof of this fact:

“O ye who believe! Fulfil (all) obligations. Lawful unto you (for food) are all four-footed animals with the exceptions named.” [Al-Qur’an 5:1]

“And cattle He has created for you (men): from them Ye derive warmth, and numerous benefits, And of their (meat) ye eat.” [Al-Qur’an 16:5]

“And in cattle (too) ye have an instructive example: From within their bodies We produce (milk) for you to drink; there are, in them, (besides), numerous (other) benefits for you; and of their (meat) ye eat.” [Al-Qur’an 23:21]

3. Meat is nutritious and rich in complete protein

Non-vegetarian food is a good source of excellent protein. It contains biologically complete protein i.e. all the 8 essential amino acid that are not synthesized by the body and should be supplied in the diet. Meat also contains iron, vitamin B1 and niacin.

4. Humans have Omnivorous set of teeth

If you observe the teeth of herbivorous animals like the cow, goat and sheep, you will find something strikingly similar in all of them. All these animals have a set of flat teeth i.e. suited for herbivorous diet. If you observe the set of teeth of the carnivorous animals like the lion, tiger, or leopard, they all have a set of pointed teeth i.e. suited for a carnivorous diet. If you analyze the set of teeth of humans, you find that they have flat teeth as well as pointed teeth. Thus they have teeth suited for both herbivorous as well as carnivorous food i.e. they are omnivorous. One may ask, if Almighty God wanted humans to have only vegetables, why did He provide us also with pointed teeth? It is logical that He expected us to need and to have both vegetarian as well as non-vegetarian food.

5. Human beings can digest both vege-tarian and non-vegetarian food

The digestive system of herbivorous animals can digest only vegetables. The digestive system of carnivorous animals can digest only meat. But the digestive system of humans can digest both vegetarian and non-vegetarian food. If Almighty God wanted us to have only vegetables then why did He give us a digestive system that can digest both vegetarian as well as non-vegetarian food?

6. Even plants have life

Certain religions have adopted pure vegetarianism as a dietary law because they are totally against the killing of living creatures. If a person can survive without killing any living creature, I would be the first person to adopt such a way of life. In the past people thought plants were lifeless. Today it is a universal fact that even plants have life. Thus their logic of not killing living creatures is not fulfilled even by being a pure vegetarian.

7. Even plants can feel pain

They further argue that plants cannot feel pain, therefore killing a plant is a lesser crime as compared to killing an animal. Today science tells us that even plants can feel pain. But the cry of the plant cannot be heard by the human being. This is due to the inability of the human ear to hear sounds that are not in the audible range i.e. 20 Hertz to 20,000 Hertz. Anything below and above this range cannot be heard by a human being. A dog can hear up to 40,000 Hertz. Thus there are silent dog whistles that have a frequency of more than 20,000 Hertz and less than 40,000 Hertz. These whistles are only heard by dogs and not by human beings. The dog recognizes the masters whistle and comes to the master. There was research done by a farmer in U.S.A. who invented an instrument which converted the cry of the plant so that it could be heard by human beings. He was able to realize immediately when the plant itself cried for water. Latest researches show that the plants can even feel happy and sad. It can also cry.

8. Killing a living creature with two senses less is not a lesser crime

Once a vegetarian argued his case by saying that plants only have two or three senses while the animals have five senses. Therefore killing a plant is a lesser crime than killing an animal. Suppose your brother is born deaf and dumb and has two senses less as compared to other human beings. He becomes mature and someone murders him. Would you ask the judge to give the murderer a lesser punishment because your brother has two senses less? In fact you would say that he has killed a masoom, an innocent person, and the judge should give the murderer a greater punishment. In fact the Qur’an says:

“O ye people! Eat of what is on earth, lawful and good” [Al-Qur’an 2:168]

9. Over population of cattle

If every human being was a vegetarian, it would lead to overpopulation of cattle in the world, since their reproduction and multiplication is very swift. Allah (swt) in His Divine Wisdom knows how to maintain the balance of His creation appropriately. No wonder He has permitted us to have the meat of the cattle.

10. Cost of meat is reasonable since all aren’t non-vegetarians

I do not mind if some people are pure vegetarians. However they should not condemn non-vegetarians as ruthless. In fact if all Indians become non vegetarians then the present non-vegetarians would be losers since the prices of meat would rise.

Question:

Why are two witnesses who are women, equivalent to only one witness who is a man?

Answer:

1. Two female witnesses not always considered equal to one male witness

There are no less than three verses in the Qur’an which speak about witnesses without specifying man or woman.

a) While making a will of inheritance, two just persons are required as witnesses. In Surah Maidah chapter 5 verse 106, the Glorious Qur’an says:

“Oh you who believe! When death approaches any of you, (take) witnesses among yourself when making bequests,– two just persons of your own (brotherhood) or others from outside if you are journeying through the earth and the chance of death befalls you.” [Al-Qur’an 5:106]

b) Two persons endued with justice in case of talaq.

“And take for witness two persons from among you, endued with justice, and establish the evidence (as) before Allah”. [Al-Qur’an 65:2]

c) Four witnesses are required in case of charge against chaste women

“And those who launch a charge against chaste women, and produce not four witnesses (to support their allegatios) flog them with eighty stripes; and reject their evidence even after: for such men are wicked transgressors” [Al-Qur’an 24:4]

2. Two female witnesses is equal to male witness only in financial transaction

It is not true that two female witnesses are always considered as equal to only one male witness. It is true only in certain cases. There are about five verses in the Qur’an that mention witnesses, without specifying male or female. There is only one verse in the Qur’an, that says two female witnesses are equal to one male witness. This verse is Surah Baqarah, chapter 2 verse 282. This is the longest verse in the Qur’an and deals with financial transactions. It says:

“Oh! ye who believe! When ye deal with each other, in transactions involving future obligation in a fixed period of time reduce them to writing and get two witnesses out of your own men and if there are not two men, then a man and two women, such as ye choose, for witnessesso that if one of them errs the other can remind her.” [Al-Qur’an 2:282]

This verse of the Qur’an deals only with financial transactions. In such cases, it is advised to make an agreement in writing between the parties and take two witnesses, preferably both of which should be men only. In case you cannot find two men, then one man and two women would suffice.

For instance, suppose a person wants to undergo an operation for a particular ailment. To confirm the treatment, he would prefer taking references from two qualified surgeons. In case he is unable to find two surgeons, his second option would be one surgeon and two general practitioners who are plain MBBS doctors.

Similarly in financial transactions, two men are preferred. Islam expects men to be the bread win nears of their families. Since financial responsibility is shouldered by men, they are expected to be well versed in financial transactions as compared to women. As a second option, the witness can be one man and two women, so that if one of the women errs the other can remind her. The Arabic word used in the Qur’an is ‘Tazil’ which means ‘confused’ or ‘to err’. Many have wrongly translated this word as ‘to forget’. Thus financial transactions constitute the only case in which two female witnesses are equal to one male witness.

3. Two female witnesses equal to one male witness even in the case of murder

However, some scholars are of the opinion that the feminine attitude can also have an effect on the witness in a murder case. In such circumstances a woman is more terrified as compared to a man. Due to her emotional condition she can get confused. Therefore, according to some jurists, even in cases of murder, two female witnesses are equivalent to one male witness. In all other cases, one female witness is equivalent to one male witness. In all other cases, one female witness is equivalent to one male witness.

4. Qur’an clearly specifies that one female witness equal to one male witness

There are some scholars who are of the opinion that the rule of two female witnesses equal to one male witness should be applied to all the cases. This cannot be agreed upon because one particular verse of the Qur’an from Surah Noor chapter 24, verse 6 clearly equates one female witness and one male witness:

“And those who launch a charge against their spouses, and have (in support) no evidence but their own - their solitary evidence can be received.” [Al-Qur’an 24:6]

5. Solitary witness of Ayesha (May Allah be pleased with her) is sufficient for Hadith to be accepted

Ayesha (May Allah be pleased with her) the wife of the beloved Prophet has narrated no less than 2220 Alhadith which are considered authentic only on her solitary evidence. This is sufficient proof that one witness of women can also be accepted.

Many jurists agree that even one witness of a woman is sufficient for the sighting of the crescent of the moon. Imagine one woman witness is sufficient for one of the pillars of Islam, i.e. fasting and the whole Muslim community of men and women agree and accept her witness! Some jurists say that one witness is required at the beginning of Ramadan and two witnesses at the end of Ramadan. It makes no difference whether the witnesses are men or women.

6. Female witnesses are preferred in some cases

Some incidents require only female witness and that of a male cannot be accepted. For instance, in dealing with the problems of women, while giving the burial bath i.e. ‘ghusl’ to a woman, the witness has to be a woman.

The seeming inequality of male and female witnesses in financial transactions is not due to any inequality of the sexes in Islam. It is only due to the different natures and roles of men and women in society as envisaged by Islam.

Question:

Why are most of the Muslims fundamentalists and terrorists?

Answer:

This question is often hurled at Muslims, either directly or indirectly, during any discussion on religion or world affairs. Muslim stereotypes are perpetuated in every form of the media accompanied by gross misinformation about Islam and Muslims. In fact, such misinformation and false propaganda often leads to discrimination and acts of violence against Muslims. A case in point is the anti-Muslim campaign in the American media following the Oklahoma bomb blast, where the press was quick to declare a ‘Middle Eastern conspiracy’ behind the attack. The culprit was later identified as a soldier from the American Armed Forces.

Let us analyze this allegation of ‘fundamentalism’ and ‘terrorism’:

1. Definition of the word ‘fundamentalist’

A fundamentalist is a person who follows and adheres to the fundamentals of the doctrine or theory he is following. For a person to be a good doctor, he should know, follow, and practice the fundamentals of medicine. In other words, he should be a fundamentalist in the field of medicine. For a person to be a good mathematician, he should know, follow and practice the fundamentals of mathematics. He should be a fundamentalist in the field of mathematics. For a person to be a good scientist, he should know, follow and practice the fundamentals of science. He should be a fundamentalist in the field of science.

2. Not all ‘fundamentalists’ are the same

One cannot paint all fundamentalists with the same brush. One cannot categorize all fundamentalists as either good or bad. Such a categorization of any fundamentalist will depend upon the field or activity in which he is a fundamentalist. A fundamentalist robber or thief causes harm to society and is therefore undesirable. A fundamentalist doctor, on the other hand, benefits society and earns much respect.

3. I am proud to be a Muslim fundamentalist

I am a fundamentalist Muslim who, by the grace of Allah, knows, follows and strives to practice the fundamentals of Islam. A true Muslim does not shy away from being a fundamentalist. I am proud to be a fundamentalist Muslim because; I know that the fundamentals of Islam are beneficial to humanity and the whole world. There is not a single fundamental of Islam that causes harm or is against the interests of the human race as a whole. Many people harbor misconceptions about Islam and consider several teachings of Islam to be unfair or improper. This is due to insufficient and incorrect knowledge of Islam. If one critically analyzes the teachings of Islam with an open mind, one cannot escape the fact that Islam is full of benefits both at the individual and collective levels.

4. Dictionary meaning of the word ‘fundamentalist’

According to Webster’s dictionary ‘fundamentalism’ was a movement in American Protestantism that arose in the earlier part of the 20th century. It was a reaction to modernism, and stressed the infallibility of the Bible, not only in matters of faith and morals but also as a literal historical record. It stressed on belief in the Bible as the literal word of God. Thus fundamentalism was a word initially used for a group of Christians who believed that the Bible was the verbatim word of God without any errors and mistakes.

According to the Oxford dictionary ‘fundamentalism’ means ‘strict maintenance of ancient or fundamental doctrines of any religion, especially Islam’. Today the moment a person uses the word fundamentalist he thinks of a Muslim who is a terrorist.

5. Every Muslim should be a terrorist

Every Muslim should be a terrorist. A terrorist is a person who causes terror. The moment a robber sees a policeman he is terrified. A policeman is a terrorist for the robber. Similarly every Muslim should be a terrorist for the antisocial elements of society, such as thieves, dacoits and rapists. Whenever such an anti-social element sees a Muslim, he should be terrified. It is true that the word ‘terrorist’ is generally used for a person who causes terror among the common people. But a true Muslim should only be a terrorist to selective people i.e. antisocial elements, and not to the common innocent people. In fact a Muslim should be a source of peace for innocent people.

6. Different labels given to the same individual for the same action,

i.e. ‘terrorist’ and ‘patriot’

Before India achieved independence from British rule, some freedom fighters of India who did not subscribe to non-violence were labeled as terrorists by the British government. The same individuals have been lauded by Indians for the same activities and hailed as ‘patriots’. Thus two different labels have been given to the same people for the same set of actions. One is calling him a terrorist while the other is calling him a patriot. Those who believed that Britain had a right to rule over India called these people terrorists, while those who were of the view that Britain had no right to rule India called them patriots and freedom fighters. It is therefore important that before a person is judged, he is given a fair hearing. Both sides of the argument should be heard, the situation should be analyzed, and the reason and the intention of the person should be taken into account, and then the person can be judged accordingly.

7. Islam means peace

Islam is derived from the word ‘salaam’ which means peace. It is a religion of peace whose fundamentals teach its followers to maintain and promote peace throughout the world. Thus every Muslim should be a fundamentalist i.e. he should follow the fundamentals of the Religion of Peace: Islam. He should be a terrorist only towards the antisocial elements in order to promote peace and justice in the society