Clever King

There was a country long time ago where the people would change a king every year. The person who would become the king had to agree to a contract that... he will be sent to an island after his one year of being a king. So, one king finished his term and it was time for him to go to the island and live there. The people dressed him up in expensive clothes and put him on an elephant and took him around the cities to say goodbye to all the people. This was the moment of sadness for all the kings who ruled for one year. After saying goodbye, the people took the king with a boat to the remote island and left him there. On their way back, they discovered a ship that had sunk just recently. They saw a young man who survived by holding on to a floating piece of wood. As they needed a new king, they picked up the young man and took him to their country. They requested him to be a king for a year. First he refused but later he agreed to be a king. People told him about all the rules and regulations and that how he will be sent to an island after one year.

After three days of being a king, he asked the ministers if they could show him the island where all the other kings were sent. They agreed and took him to the island. The island was covered with thick jungles and sound of vicious animals were heard coming out of them. The king went little bit inside to see how it was and discovered the dead bodies of all the past kings. He understood that as soon as they were left in the island, the animals came and killed them. The king then went back to the country and requested the people to provide him with 100 strong workers. He was provided with 100 workers and he took them to the island and told them to remove all the deadly animals and to cut down all the trees. He would visit the island every month to see how the work is progressing. In the first month, all the animals were removed and many trees were cut down. In the second month, the whole island was cleaned out. The king then told the workers to plant gardens in various parts of the island. He also took with himself useful animals like chickens, ducks, birds, goats, cows etc. In the third month, he ordered the workers to build big houses and docking stations for ships. Over the months, the island turned into a beautiful place. The young king would wear simple clothes and spend very little from his earnings. He sent all the earnings to the island for storage. Nine months have passed like this. The king called the people and told them that "I know that I have to go the island after one year, but I would like to go there right now." But the people didn't agree to this and said that he have to wait for another 3 months to complete the year.

3 months passed and now it was a full year. The people dressed up the young king and put him on an elephant to take him around the country to say goodbye to others. However, this king is unusually happy to leave the kingdom. People asked him, "All the other kings would cry at this moment and why are you laughing?" He replied, "Don't you know what the wise people say? They say that when you came to this world as a baby, you were crying and everyone was smiling. Live such a life that when you are dieing, you will be smiling and everyone around you will be crying. I have lived that life. While all the other kings were lost into the luxuries of the kingdom, I always thought about the future and planned for it. I turned the deadly island into a beautiful abode for me where I can stay peacefullly."

We should take a lesson from this story about how we should also live our life. The life of this world is to prepare for the life hereafter. In this life, we shouldn't get lost into the beautiful things of this world and forget about what is to come in the afterlife. Rather, even if we are kings, we should live a simple life like our beloved Prophet Muhammad (SAW) and save all our enjoyments for the hereafter. May Allah make it easy for us all.

Benefits of Understanding the Quran

1. The Purpose of Revelation If you don’t understand Qur’an and keep on reading it, the very purpose of revelation is lost. Allah SWT says: “ (Here is) a Book which We have sent down unto you (O Muhammad!), full of blessings, that they may mediate on its Signs, and that men of understanding may receive admonition [38:29].”

How can we do that if we don’t understand the Qur’an! One cannot and does not carry translation always, especially while listening to it in Salah!

2. The Garden of Mind The mind is like a garden. If we don’t sow flowers, weeds will grow. Even if we sow flowers, weeds will still grow. We will need to remove the weeds continuously.

Flowers are the Guidance and the weeds are satanic thoughts. Allah SWT sows flower seeds into our brain every time we listen to Qur’an, especially in Salah/Namaz. If we don’t water them (ponder), they will be wasted and weeds may grow.

3. The Objectives of Recitation There are 5 objectives of Reading Qur’an:

to receive rewards from Allah;
to gain knowledge;
to take action based on what Allah SWT is asking us to do;
to cure our heart and mind; and
to talk to Allah SWT!


How can we achieve all of these, especially the last four, if we don’t understand the Qur’an.

4. The Cleaning of Heart People know that Fajr is compulsory but very few come to Masjid. Why? Not because they don’t know but because their hearts are rusted. We have a major misconception that Qur’an is a book of commandments only. The verses that deal with commandments constitute less than 10% of the total verses. The rest 90% is for the heart and mind. The heart keeps rusting and deviating because of sins. We need de-rusting and re-alignment.

Adam (A) was asked not to go near the tree. Allah says: “but he forgot; and We did not find in him any determination.” We humans have these weaknesses. We have several fitnahs (trials) surrounding us. We need continuous reminders and warnings which come to us only through daily recitation and listening to the Qur’an. Allah says about the Qur’an: “a healing for the (diseases) in your hearts” [10:57]. Can there be a better cure than what Allah has prescribed for us?

5. The Strengthening of heart The Qur’an was revealed to the prophet (PBUH) in pieces. “And those who disbelieve say: Why has not the Quran been revealed to him all at once? Thus, that We may strengthen your heart by it and We have arranged it well in arranging. [25:32]. Heart should be firm in belief to His promises and warnings. Continuous pondering of the Qur’an everyday during and after Salahs helps us strengthen our hearts.

6. Daily ‘Talk’ (Munajaat) with Allah SWT Prophet Muhammed (PUBH) used to interact with the recitation. “And when he recited the Verses which referred to the Glory of Allah, he glorified Him, the Great, and when he recited the Verses that mention supplication, he supplicated, and when he recited the Verses that mention seeking Refuge of the Rubb, he sought (His) Refuge.” [Muslim].

Can we live without talking at least five minutes every day to our near and dear ones? Allah is most beloved to us. He loves us more than seventy times that of our mothers. Still we live without bothering as to what Allah SWT said today to us during Salah!

7. Live Guidance Whatever we read or listen to the Qur’an, remember that it is a live guidance from Allah SWT to each individual when he or she listens to Qur’an. It is a HUGE loss only if one can appreciates the value of live guidance from Allah, our own Creator. A wise man can never neglect this.

8. Relationship with Allah SWT There are different dimensions to the relationship with Allah - His Love, Sincerity, Trust in Him, Remembering Him directly and whenever we see His signs in creation, Pondering His creation and in His names, not complaining of Qadaa, etc. This relationship is strengthened over time. It requires slow and steady cooking with regular heat coming from Qur’an.

9. Qu’ranic Character According to Aisha (R), “His (the Prophet, pbuh) morals were the Qur’an”. The Qur’an is theory and the Prophet’s life was practical demonstration of that theory (thee Qur’an). We need to study the Seerah of the Prophet pbuh and keep relating the verses that we study to his life. This is a project in itself and requires one to ponder the verses every day along with the Seerah of the Prophet, pbuh.

10. Qur’anic Vision As a patient starts describing his problems, the doctor’s mind starts working on diagnosis and comes up with the relevant medicines. Similary, we come across many situations in our life. We should be able to see solutions in the Qur’an corresponding to these situations. Only through continuous pondering and relating it to the daily life, one can attain this vision.

THE BLESSED MONTH OF RAMADAN

THE BLESSED MONTH OF RAMADAN Dr. Ibrahim B. Syed President Islamic Research Foundation International, Inc. 7102 W Shefford Lane Louisville, KY 4024206462 E-MAIL: PRESIDENT@IRFI.ORG WEBSITE: WWW.IRFI.ORG Human beings look for what they think of as happiness in thrills and chills, in things and events, ininstant gratification. Surely, this type of thing is fun, but it's transitory(short-lived). To be truly happy - contented, at peace with oneself – one must be true to oneself, honest with those around. One must treat other people fairly. The real source of happiness is inner peace. If our mind is peaceful, we shall be happy all the time, regardless of external conditions, but if it is disturbed or troubled in any way, we shall never be happy, no matter how good our external conditions may be. External conditions can only make us happy if our mind is peaceful. We can understand this through our own experience. For instance, even if we are in the most beautiful surroundings and have everything we need, the moment we get angry any happiness we may have disappears. This is because anger has destroyed our inner peace. If one wants true and lasting happiness one needs to develop and maintain “inner peace”. The only way we can do this is by training our mind and body through spiritual practice. For Muslims Ramadan gives the opportunity of Siyam (fasting), Salaat (ritual prayers), Tilawat-e-Qur’an (recitation of the Qur’an) and Dhikr Allah (Remembrance of Allah). The blessed month of Ramadan brings happiness, goodness, spiritual enlightenment, rewards, and physical and spiritual benefits to all the Muslims. Ramadan brings out a special feeling of emotional excitement and religious zeal among Muslims of all ages. Children look forward to the excitement of sighting the moon and eating special meals with their families. Adults appreciate the opportunity to double their rewards from God and seek forgiveness for past sins. As Ramadan emphasizes Muslim brotherhood and community, all feel a particular closeness towards Allah and amongst their family and friends. Muslims have to change their whole physical and emotional selves during these 30 long days of fasting. “Atyab at-tihani Bi-munasabat hulul shahru Ramadan al-Mubarak” is Arabic for: “The most precious congratulations on the occasion of the coming of Ramadan” WHAT IS RAMADAN? The word, Ramadan is derived from the Arabic root word ramida or ar-ramad signifying strong burning heat and dryness, especially the ground. Thus, the word Ramadan indicates the warm sensation in the stomach as a result of thirst. Spiritually, Ramadan burns out the sins with good deeds, as the sun burns the ground. The hearts and souls of believers are more receptive (readily open) to the warnings and remembrance of Allah during Ramadan, just as the sand and stones are receptive to the sun's heat. While the heat helps shape, form, and mold virtually every matter - including metal, plastics, plants and living cells - Ramadan undoubtedly helps a serious believer to remold, reshape, reform, and renew his/her physical and spiritual nature and behavior. RAMADAN is called the blessed month because: In this month, the whole Qur'an was sent down to the first sky from Lawhe Mahfuz. In the month of Ramadan, there is the night (Laylathul Qadr), which is better than 1000 months. In this month, the thawaab of good deed is equal to the fardh of another month. This is the month of patience and the reward of this patience is Jannah. This month teaches the lesson of kindness towards others. In this month, the Rizq (daily bread) of Muslims is increased. In this month, the first ten days are of mercy, second ten days are of forgiveness and the last ten days are of being freed from Hell. The month of Ramadan is a month in which the Mercy and Blessings of Allah Ta'ala descend upon us continuously. Ramadan is the most important month of the year. It is the month that the believers await with eagerness. During Ramadan the believers get busy seeking Allah's mercy, forgiveness, and protection from Hellfire. This is the month for renewing our commitment and re-establishing our relationship with our Creator. It is the spring season for goodness and virtues when righteousness blossoms throughout the Muslim communities. It offers every Muslim an opportunity to strengthen his Iman, purify his heart and soul, and to remove the evil effects of the sins committed by him. Prophet Muhammad, Sall-Allahu alayhi wa sallam. Said, "Anyone who fasts during this month with purity of belief and with expectation of a good reward (from his Creator), will have his previous sins forgiven," "Anyone who stands in prayers during its nights with purity of belief and expectation of a reward, will have his previous sins forgiven." The rewards for good deeds are multiplied manifold during Ramadan. Qur'an was revealed in this month Whenever the month of Ramadan approaches, happiness and joy return to the Ummah, because Ramadan brings two of the greatest gifts of Allah, namely the fasting month of Ramadan and the celebration of the revelation of Al Qur'an. "The month of Ramadan is the month in which the Qur'an was revealed as a guidance for humanity, as a clear proof of that guidance, and as a criterion for distinguishing between right and wrong" (2: 185). Ramadan was the host month that received final revelation, Al-Qur'an Al-`Azeem. Allah (SWT) conferred this book upon humanity through His Messenger Muhammad bin `Abdullah. According to a Hadith the reading of Al-Qur'an has been mandated by its Author (Allah (SWT)), for the believers all the time, particularly in the month of Ramadan. From the beginning of Islam, Muslims read Al-Qur'an while fasting in the month of Ramadan. By reading the Qur'an the believer cherishes the privilege of directly conversing with the Creator of the Universe. But the Qur'an is also a Huda (a guidance). And as Huda – as true guidance – it teaches us how to live our lives as complete human beings. It teaches us how to live our lives with respect, dignity, honor, and love. It further teaches us that Allah Ta’ala is a divinity that embraces the concerns of all humanity. Ramadan is the month of spiritual excitement in the Muslim world. It is the month of fasting and recitation of the Glorious Qur'an, which was revealed during this month-the month of Tahajjud and Qiyam Al-Lail, Taraweeh prayers, Sadaqah, Zakat-ul-Fitr, Zakat Al-Mal. The spiritual training during the month of Ramadan cannot be complete without a great deal of reading of the Book of Allah. This divine Book deals with the questions of total life: creed, moral instructions, administration of warnings, giving good news, lessons from historical events, interpretation of the material and natural phenomenon, inviting humanity to their Creator, and admonishing the unbelievers. Ramadan affords a believer an opportunity to cross-reference his entire life with the reading of Al-Qur'an; and anyone who observes this practice during Ramadan has a better chance of graduating to a higher spiritual level. Fasting is a powerful expression of Allah that takes the Muslims to the blessings of His mercy, and a key to uncouple the mysteries of His nearness. Fasting is a discipline that provides direct communication between the believers and the Creator. This is an act of 'Ibadah that develops self-worth, self-strength, self-rebuilding, self-discipline and self-control. The institution of fasting moves the believer from unauthentic to authentic. It enriches the vital needs of human being, both physical and spiritual. Fasting is a characteristic form of worship ('Ibadah) prescribed as part of an overall system of Islam. Fasting directs the fasting person to the art of balancing the spiritual essentials with physical needs. Fasting strengthens the will power that controls our actions. Fasting awakens the mind and stimulates clear thinking and consciousness of Allah. Fasting is the sobering of a mind and reconstruction of our spiritual faculties. Fasting makes the individual ready and prepared to meet the Creator. To a Muslim, fasting not only means abstaining from food, but also refraining from all vices and evils committed by us consciously or unconsciously. For it is believed that if one volunteers to refrain from lawful foods and sex, they will be in a better position to avoid unlawful things and acts during the rest of the year. The third pillar of Islam, Zakat, is an opportunity that should not be lost on eligible Zakat payers: to mix Ramadan with mandatory gift giving so as to carry on the commands of Allah (SWT) and to combat greed of an affluent person and to help needy meet his essential needs, and thus build a bond of strong relationship in the Ummah. HADITH ON RAMADAN Abu Hurayrah (ra) relates the Messenger of Allah (saws) said when one Ramadan came: "A blessed month has arrived. Observing it in fasting is mandated on you (the believers). During this month, the gates of Paradise will be opened and the gates of Hellfire will be closed. The evil ones (Shayaatin) will be handcuffed. In it there is one night, during which worship is better than worship in a thousand months. Whoever is denied its blessings has been denied the biggest blessing." (Ahmed, Nasaee, and Baihaqi). This hadith emphasizes the importance of being mindful and aware of the rules that govern the 'Ibadah of fasting. For one of the key words in every 'Ibadah is "muwafaqah Ash-Shari'ie," observing in accordance to the commands of the Lawgiver. THE MERITS OF FASTING Islam is built on five pillars. Each represents a unique institution through which the believer builds his/her relationship with the Creator and the creation. Of all the pillars of Islam, none is more special than Siyaam or fasting. While there may be an appearance of Riya, or show, in all other pillars such as- Salaat, Zakaat, Hajj, and even the Kalimah - there is no such possibility in fasting. The only One Who knows that you are really abstaining from food and drink is Allah, the Almighty. It is easy to pretend to be fasting; while secretly, you may eat or drink. It has been reported by the way of Abu Hurayrah (ra) that the Prophet (sas) reported that Allah (SWT) said in a Hadith Al-Qudsi: "All services of the son of Adam are for him except fasting. It is for Me, and I will reward him for it. Fasting is a shield. On the day you fast, do not use obscenity, nor yell at others, nor act ignorantly towards them. However, if anyone abuses you verbally or attempts to draw you to fight with him, say 'I am fasting' two times. The Prophet (sas) then states: I swore by the One (Allah) in Whose Hand is the soul of Muhammad, the breath of the faster is sweeter to Allah on the Day of Judgment than the scent of musk. The fasting person experiences enjoyment twice: he is pleased when he breaks his fast, and he is pleased when he meets his Maker" (Muslim). Certainly, there is only one reason why a believer will put himself or herself through this ordeal or trying physical exercise and that is to seek the pleasure of Allah (SWT). The fast is the single most important device to test the Iman, or faith, of the believer and the depth of his sincerity and commitment to the concept of Tawheed, the Oneness of Allah. The hadith also states that fasting is a shield, an armor protecting the believer from sinful acts (ma'asi). When you eat, the blood flow increases considerably, and the energy level increases, making it easier for Satan to use your own energy level to tempt you to commit sins. In another hadith, the Prophet states: "Satan runs in the circulatory system of the son of Adam in the same way blood circulates in our system; so tighten his passages with hunger." (Bukhari/Muslim) Fasting enables the believer to guard against his archenemy. It also helps him against human evil by putting the patience and perseverance gained from fasting into use with forbearance and forgiveness. Otherwise, in this case, Al-Qur'an allows the believer to repel evil without transgression. Also it is the month of social activities among Muslims. During the month the entire lifestyle of Muslims undergoes a dramatic change, with the nights wearing a festive look. The whole pattern of private and public life is transformed along with the timings for schools and universities. The spiritual fervor of Ramadan supersedes all other activities throughout the year. No one can explain the happiness unless he seeks the blessings of this month day and night. For these and many other reasons, the following is recommended for those who wish to benefit from this month. Preparations in this regard should start at least from the month of Rajab, two months in advance. Al­lah has revealed in Surah Al-Tawbah (Re­pentance) concerning the four sacred months: The number of months in the sight of Allah is twelve (in a year); so ordained by Him the day He created the heavens and the earth; of them four are sacred.” (9: 36) (Zul Qi’dah, Zil Hijjah and Muharram; and then the month of Rajab, which is be­tween Jamada II and Sha‘ban.) Therefore, it is recommended that Muslims in­crease their fasting in those months so as to be close to Allah. Moreover, they would be pre­paring themselves for Ramadan before it comes. Our beloved Prophet (pbuh) used to fast most of the month of Sha’ban. The Prophet said: ‘Many people are unaware of this month's sig­nificance; it is between Rajab and Ramadan. In this month the deeds of the people are lifted to the Lord of the Worlds. I like my deeds to be lifted while I am in a state of fasting.” Ramadan is the month of fasting. As the Qur’an says: ‘0 you who believe! Fasting is prescribed to you as it was a prescribed to those before you that you may (learn) self-restraint (Taqwa).” (2:183) Taqwa can be realized through three opportunities provided for us by the fast: The disciplining of the will (tarbiyat ul-Iradah) The purification of the self (tazkiyat un-Nafs) The purification of the soul (tasfiyat ur-Ruh) Allah (SWT) says: " That He wants you to complete the prescribed period (of fasting) so that you are able to magnify the greatness of Allah for His having guided you, and so that – perchance – you may be thankful" (2: 185). The greatness of Ramadan therefore lies in the opportunity it offers for the development of Taqwa – a virtue that allows us to truly participate in that great cosmic celebration in honor of the revelation of the Qur'an as a Huda to all people, which is, as mentioned earlier, Ramadan itself. Ramadan allows us to magnify Allah Ta’ala as He ought to be magnified, namely, with complete awareness of our earthly duties and spiritual work; and, therefore, to be of those who are truly thankful to Allah. It is a virtue too, which is ultimately celebrated in the Quran itself, for Allah says: " The best of you are those who have learnt Taqwa" (49: 13). Rec­ommendations to increase the spiritual strength 1 * Try to reduce the number of hours that you watch TV, and instead spend sometime read­ing Qur’an, Hadith, Sirath, Fiqh, Shariah and any literature about Islam. * Avoid looking at any unlawful or salacious pictures whether they are from commercial magazines of departmental stores or oth­erwise. * Avoid going to theaters. Instead try to go to Masjid, and make it a habit at least once a day. * Avoid eating in excess, and try to curb your eating habit. Don’t eat unless you are hungry and try not to overload your stomach. * For those who have the habit of drinking coffee, tea or soda, try your best to reduce their consumption. * For those given to smoking cigarettes, try to curb this habit before Ramadan. * Those fond of music, rap-music and songs should reduce the time spent on them. In­stead they should recite or listen to the Noble Qur'an. * For those who enjoy playing cards, cut it out and fill your time with something useful. * For those who enjoy picnics to enjoy social outings, apply a break on this habit before Ramadan. * If you have friends who do not practise the teachings of Islam, try your best to avoid so­cializing with them. * If you travel quite often for the sake of business, try to do local business so that you will be close to your family and your local community. *If you are a late night sleeper, go to bed early, so that you will be able to wake up early for Salat Al-Fajr. *Try to fast Mondays and Thursdays as of today. * Keep yourself in a state of Wudoo’, most of the time. * Evaluate yourself daily before going to sleep. Thank Allah for the good deeds you have done, and apologize to Him for the mis­take you have made. * Give yourself the time to isolate yourself for contemplation, remember Allah through Zikr: Tasbeeh (Subhaan Allah), Takbeer (Allahu Akbar), Tahmeed (Al-hamdu Lillah) and Tah­leel (La ilaha ill-Allah). You will be elated spiritually and you will enjoy life tremendously. * Those of you, who can perform Umrah be­fore Ramadan, please do so. * Start giving charity on a daily basis no mat­ter how little it is. * Find time to pray the extras, such as Duha Salat, Qiyam Al-Layl and Tahajjud. * Find time to help others with your wisdom. Knowledge, and other talents. * Try to educate Muslims and non-Muslims through articles. * Associate yourself with Muslim scholars, Hafiz, Qari’ and other Ulama so that you will be able to learn from them. * Train yourself to do good and render ser­vices free of charge to others. *Try to learn how to make Da'wah to non-Muslims. It is an art with knowledge and di­plomacy. To prepare ourselves before Ramadan ap­proaches us is far better than waiting till it comes. To prepare ourselves for anything else in life is a sign of wisdom and maturity. To train ourselves step-by-step is an excellent idea instead of last minute training. Muslims should train and pre­pare themselves well in advance before Ram­adan and Hajj. THE WISDOM BEHIND FASTING 2 There are reasons and wisdom behind every single act in Islam, no matter how small. It is possible to know the wisdom behind some acts, and for others we may never know. Salaat, for instance, is a daily training for purifying the believer and reminding him or her that he/she is a member in a community of believers. Fasting, on the other hand, is an annual institution containing all conceivable attributes for human excellence. It is a training for the body and soul, a renewal of life, encouraging the spirit of sharing and giving. The following are some of the general benefits: Self-Restraint (Taqwa) Allah (SWT) states: "O you who believe! Fasting is prescribed to you as it was prescribed to those before you that you may (learn) self restraint." (Al-Qur'an, 2:183) This verse indicates the first lesson or wisdom to be gained in fasting is Taqwa (self-restraint or the conscious of Allah (SWT)). That is to say, fasting instills in the heart the essence of consciousness of the Creator, moral courage both in secret and manifest, guiding the heart, the seat of emotion from spoilage and moral indecency. Fasting instills taqwa or conscious of Allah, and does so by controlling two aspects of the human body, which are the root causes of human downfall, namely the stomach and the private parts. The human body is constructed with the need to please the two of them and, in the process, man transgresses the rights of others, fellow human beings, and the commandments of Allah are violated. By Fasting one raises the level of taqwa, thereby the person avoids the sins, which are detrimental to life itself. Behavior Modification It is possible for a fasting person to control or changes his or her habits; the reason being human life is an embodiment of acquired habits. To change or control a habit is to wage a war on oneself. If jihad is mandatory on every believer because it is the peak of the essence in Islam, and it entails changing habits, then fasting is the training ground for the inevitable that will occur. The believer cannot wage a war and hope to defeat an enemy if he or she cannot wage a war against his soul. For a fasting person who controls the consumption of food and drink, it will undoubtedly be easy for him to control other habits, including the habits of smoking, drug abuse and illicit sex. If you can control your tongue, hands and all other parts of your body, it will be easy for you to apply the same training for the rest of the year. Heath Benefits The benefits of fasting transcend guiding the faster from idle talk and indecent acts. Fasting is a guard against disease, provided the faster follows the strict dietary rule: eating during Iftar (fast breaking) and avoiding over-eating. Allah (SWT) states: "...Eat and drink, but waste not by excess, for Allah loves not wasters." (Al-Qur'an, 7:31). Some disorders originate from stomach indigestion. This is why the Messenger of Allah (sas) says: "The son of Adam will never fill a container with something worse and evil than his stomach. It will suffice him some morsels (food) that will keep him on his feet, otherwise, he should divide his stomach into three parts: one third for his food, one third for his drink and the other third for his breath." (Ibn Hibban) The fast helps to correct the problem of obesity and diabetes. Doctors over the years have used fasting as a prescription for certain ailments.Once there was a discussion between Ali Bin Husain bin Waquid (ra) and a Christian physician to the Khalifah, Haroon Ar-Rasheed, about Islam's outlook on the science of medicine and health care. The physician said to Ibn Waquid: "There is not in your Book, Al-Qur'an, anything about medicine. For if Al-Qur'an is a book of science, what about this science? Aren't there two kinds of sciences: the science of the body and the science of the soul?" Ibn Waquid responded: "Allah, the Most High has combined both sciences in half of a verse, when He states: "...Eat and drink but waste not by excess, for Allah loves not the wasters." (Al-Qur'an, 7:31) The physician said: "Why, then, has nothing been mentioned about medicine from the mouth of your Messenger?" Ibn Waquid replied: "Our Messenger (sas), has combined the sciences about medicine in a few words when he says: "The stomach is the house for disease and prevention is the essence of medicine." The Christian physician then said: "Then your book, Al-Qur'an, and your Prophet Muhammad left nothing about medicine for Jalienas (Galen - a famous physician of the ancients)." (Arkanul Arba`ah by Abul Hasan Nadwi) An American physician published a report on fasting and its benefits saying: "It is mandatory on every person who is sick to restrain from food certain days in a year whether he be wealthy or poor because if bacteria can find food in abundance in the body, it will grow and multiply. But with fasting it becomes weak.'' He then praised Islam. It should be considered as the wisest religion, because by mandating fasting it has mandated health care. He continued: "Indeed, Muhammad, who brought this religion, was the best physician who succeeded in his teachings, for he called for prevention before ailment, that is apparent in fasting and the nightly prayer (Taraweeh) that Muslims observe after fast breaking every day of Ramadan, for these physical acts contain big benefits in digesting food." (Arkanul Arba`ah by Abul Hasan Nadwi) Patience Fasting helps in conditioning the heart, the soul, and the body on the virtues of patience, tenacity, and firmness in the face of adversity. Patience is the pinnacle of self-mastery, discipline and spiritual agility. Patience is to turn the phrase "I can't" into "I can." It is to say, the difficult is easy. It is an inner and psychological demolition of things perceived by others as impossible. Fasting helps in all these shades for the virtuous, patient person because, the conditioning is that if a believer can exercise patience, and forsake gourmet food and drink, and the exhilaration we enjoy while eating or drinking our favorites, as well as marital association, the gratifying of other normal appetites for a whole day, for a month the realization that the barrier between you and food is your consciousness of your Creator, can better make you able to exercise patience in virtually everything in life. Social Benefits Socially, fasting is an expression of solidarity with the poor, the family and the whole society. This is a period in which the rich have first-hand experience of what it is to be poor, the pains the indigent suffers in normal living conditions. The process of disciplining resulting from Islamic fasting instills in the rich the virtue of mercy, Rahmah, which is very important in terms of social well - being and proliferation of harmony. Allah bestows His mercy upon those who themselves are merciful to others. "Those who are merciful to others, the Merciful will have mercy upon them," the Messenger said. He continued, "Have mercy upon those on earth, and those in heaven will have mercy upon you." (Abu Dawud/Tirmidhi) Family Ties Fasting strengthens family ties, especially in that the family is an endangered institution in western society. It helps the family gather together to break fast, at Iftar, and eat Sahur together at least twice a day for a month. The family even makes Salaat, together with the father as Imam. Fasting enhances and energizes friendship, as Ramadan is known as the month of invitations and visitations. Friends, family members and neighbors extend invitations to each other to come to their homes to have Iftar together. Muslims communities have Iftar in the Masajids. The Messenger said, "When a believer invites you, you should respond." In addition, Muslims get together in the Masajid for Taraweeh and ta' aleem. REFERENCES 1. Dr. Ahmad H. Sakr (Pres­ident, Foundation for Islamic Knowledge, P.O. Box 665, Lombard, IL 60148. Fax: 708-627-8894) " Gear Yourself for Ramadan" Islamic Future-Vol. XII, No. 64, p. 3, Dec-Jan 1996/1997. 2. http://www.contactpakistan.com/Communitylibrary/Islam/Ramadan/wisdom.htm

The bare-footed desert Arabs are competing in building lofty buildings.

Another story about a yet a new building competing to be the tallest in the world.
The hadith of Prophet, peace and blessing be upon him, is indeed coming true.

Ya Allah have mercy on us.

"The bare footed Desert Arab are competing in building lofty buildings."

If you don't recognize the reference, it is one of the signs of the Last Day mentioned by the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, in the famous Hadith Jibril. The second hadith in Imam Nawawi 40 Hadith.


RIYADH, Saudi Arabia — Saudi Arabia unveiled plans Tuesday to build the world's tallest tower (The tallest tower in the world will be built by 2020)— a mixed-use structure that will rise two-thirds of a mile high — in the Red Sea port city of Jeddah. Saudi billionaire Prince Alwaleed bin Talal signed a $1.23 billion contract with Bin Laden Group for the proposed tower, which will take just over five years to complete. The building is the centerpiece of the planned Kingdom City development being built outside Jeddah by Prince Alwaleed's Kingdom Holding. "Building this tower in Jeddah sends a financial and economic message that should not be ignored," Prince Alwaleed told reporters. "It has a political depth to it to tell the world that we Saudis invest in our country despite what is happening around us from events, turmoil and revolutions even." Adrian Smith + Gordon Gill, a Chicago architectural firm, has been selected to design the Kingdom Tower, which will feature a Four Seasons hotel, serviced apartments, Class A office space, luxury condominiums and the world's highest observatory.07 more images after the break...
When completed, the 1,000-meter-plus (3,280-foot-plus) tower would replace Gulf neighbor Dubai's 828-meter (2,716-foot) Burj Khalifa as the tallest tower in the world. The Burj Khalifa was built by Emaar Properties for a total cost of $1.5 billion. The exact final height is still a closely guarded secret, though it will be at least 173 meters (568 feet) taller than Burj Khalifa.

We need to make the first move

I totally agree with this post from muslimaonamission:

Making the First Move

If we follow islam the way we are supposed to, instead for "Muslim eyes only", we can make some headway.

Most of us are only interact with Muslims. We go to work, but duck in and duck out, without people really noticing that we are Muslims. We are not engaged in community affairs, I mean the community at large. We are not seen in many circles that are involved in community service.

Until we as a community come out of our shell, we will always struggle to be recognized as anything other than terrorists. The people have nothing positive to say about us, so they will stick to the negative they hear from others.

The tricks of the devil

The second chapter of this book: SelfDiscipline-in-10-Days discuss very interestingly the tools of Shaitan.   The book is embedded below.


Self-Discipline in 10 Days

Push yourself to make this second an EXCELLENT second!!

It is difficult to put together an excellent life. 
It is even difficult to put together an excellent year.

God gives us occasions to reawaken our awareness of him.

Ramadan is one such occasion. 
God wants us to make this month an excellent month, according to this verse:

The Cow 183 - O you who believe, fasting is prescribed for you, like it was prescribed for those before you, so that you may attain Taqwa (awareness of God).

Pushing yourself for one month is also very hard. 

Can you push yourself today?
Can you push yourself to make this hour an excellent hour?
How about this minute?
How about this second?

What tools do you have to push yourself?

Victoria Moran argues that one of the best tools you have is within yourself.
Pose questions to yourself to gain clarity on almost any situation.

Is this good for me?
What does my body have to say about this?
What are my values?
What am I not seeing?
What really matters here?
What would make me genuinely happy?
Who has some guidance for me right now?