12 Tips for Young Muslim Youth

Why should you, a young Muslim, be helping to bring your friends closer to Allâh?

After all, you've got your own struggles to deal with: trying to explain to hostile teachers why you pray, Hijab discrimination, standing up in class when the professor attacks Islâm, dealing with parents who think you've gone nuts because you're growing a beard, or all the other difficulties faced by a number of practicing Muslim youth?

Islâm was never meant to be an individualistic faith, reserved for the "chosen few". Muslims have a duty to spread the Deen; and practicing Muslim youth, whether beginners, activists or leaders, have a crucial role to play.

"Allâh has put them in a position that perhaps no one else is in," notes Sheema Khan, former Muslim Youth of North America (MYNA) advisor for eastern Canada.

"They have the means to communicate with their peers, they have an understanding of what they're going through plus they have the guidance of Islâm."

Who is your childhood friend going to listen to? Who is your childhood friend, who would rather spend Fridays at MacDonald's than the Masjid, or your classmate who is Muslim in name and only knows that "Muslims don't eat pork" going to listen to: the nice Imam of the Masjid who would freak out if he saw the way they were dressed and talked or you who may have grown up with them, joked with them, or see them everyday in school?

The answer is obvious: You.

Don't panic. Here are some tips and advice which can help. These are advices from other Muslims, many of whom have been there and done that:

Tip # 1 : Make Your Intention Sincere

All work we do should ideally be for the sake of Allâh. That includes the task of bringing someone closer to Allâh. That of course means this should not be connected to arrogance, thinking you're the teacher and everyone else should be lucky you've embarked on a crusade to save them. Guidance is from Allâh. Make Dua and make sincere efforts and remember Allâh.

Tip # 2 : Practice What You Preach

Not practicing what you preach is wrong and you will lose the confidence of anyone, young or old, once they figure you out. Don't do it.

Tip # 3 : Use The Qur'ân, Seerah of the Prophet and Ahlulbait (peace be upon them)

As TABLIGH Guides Read and understand those chapters of the Qur'ân which talk about how the Prophets presented the message of Islâm to their people. Read the Seerah to see especially how the Prophet Muhammad and Ahlulbait peace and blessings be upon them) brought Islâm to so many different people, including young people.

As well, talk to Tabligh workers, and check out manuals they may have written, like Yahiya Emerick's How to Tell Others About Islâm.

Tip # 4 : Talk To People As If You Really Don't Know Them

Don't assume you know someone just by looking at them. You don't know that the Muslim girl in your homeroom who walks through the school's hallways as if they were fashion show catwalks, is not someone you can talk to about Allâh because she looks like a snob. Or that the Muslim guy who you've never seen at Juma at your university is a "bad Muslim". Maybe he was never really taught Islâm and has no idea what importance Friday prayers have in Islâm, especially for Muslim men.

Tip # 5 : Smile

Did you know the Prophet was big on smiling? But many "practicing" Muslims seem to have "their faces on upside down" as one speaker once said-frowning and serious. Smiling, being polite and kind are all part of the manners of the Prophet, which we must exercise in our daily lives. If we want to approach others with Islâm, we have to make ourselves approachable. Smiling is key to this.

But note that being approachable does not mean being flirtations with the other gender. There are Islâmic rules for how men and women should deal with each other which have to be respected. Tabligh is no excuse to have long and private conversations and meetings with the other sex, for example. Set up a system where someone expressing an interest in Islâm is referred to someone of the same sex.

Tip # 6 : Take The Initiative & Hang Out With Them

Take the first step and invite someone you may have spoken to a couple of times to sit at lunch together, to check out a hockey game or invite them over for Iftaar in Ramadan.

Also, share difficulties, sorrows and frustrations. Help with homework, be a shoulder to cry on when depression hits, or just plain listen when your friend is upset, discuss common problems and KEEP THEIR SECRETS. There are few things as annoying as a snitch and backstabber. But an important note: if the problem is of a serious nature, (i.e. your friend is thinking of committing suicide or is taking drugs), notify and consult an adult immediately.

Tip # 7 : Show Them Islâm Is Relevant Today, Right Here, Right Now

Young people may think Islâm is too "old fashioned" and not in tune with the modern age.

Prove this wrong. Show how Islâm is really about relating to Allâh, which any human being can do, anywhere, anytime. Allâh is always closer to you than your jugular vein and He hears and knows everything. Encourage friends to ask Allâh's help during tests, exams, and in dealing with problems at home with parents and siblings. Also point out how Islâm relates to teenagers: Islâm gives you focus and an understanding of who you are and where you are going, which most of "teen culture" does not.

Tip # 8 : Get Them Involved In Volunteer Work With You

If you are already involved in the community, get your friend to help out. Ask them to make a flyer for one of your youth group's events or brainstorm for ideas about activities to hold this school year. This involvement makes them feel part of the Muslim community and deepens your friendship, since you are now working together on something beneficial for both of you. Make sure you thank them for their contribution.

Tip # 9 : Ask Them 4 Fundamental Questions

As your friendship develops, you will notice the topics you discuss may become more serious. You may be discussing, for instance, future goals and plans. We recommends four questions to ask that can steer the topic to Allâh and Islâm:

a. Where am I going in life and what would make me really happy deep down inside?
b. What do I believe?
c. Who should I be grateful to?
d. Did I get to where I am today without the help of anyone?

Tip # 10 : Emphasize Praying 5 Times A Day Before Any Other Aspect Of Islâm

A person's main connection with Allâh, on a daily basis, is through the prayer five times a day. Don't emphasize any other aspect of Islâm until your friend starts making a real effort to pray five times a day. Emphasize the direct connection one has with Allâh in prayer. If they are facing a problem, tell them to pray, and to ask Allâh for help in Salah and outside this time. When possible, make it a point to pray together during your "hang out time". If your friend begins to pray, that is the first step to other aspects of Islâm like giving up swearing, treating parents with respect or dressing Islâmically.

Tip # 11 : Help Instill Confidence In Adults

Adults, like Bart Simpson's dad Homer, are considered bumbling idiots in the eyes of "teen culture". Your job as a young Muslim is to help turn the tables on this false and un-Islâmic belief. All you have to do is this: when a Muslim adult does something good (i.e. saving someone's life, donating money to a worthy cause, the Imam gives a good speech, taking good care of his/her family) bring it up in the course of your conversations with your friend and praise the adult in question. Doing this regularly may not only change your friend's perspective, but could lead to them seeing their own parents in a more respectful way.

Tip # 12 : Support Them Even When They Become More Practicing

Remember, just because a person starts practicing Islâm more regularly, this does not mean everything will be okay from this point onwards. There will still be hard times, difficulties. There may be times when your friend may have doubts about his or her new found practice of Islâm. Be there to reassure them.

Theme of Ramdhan

Ramadan Message
                                                                                              By Shabir Mir
Asalamualikum!!
Fasting in the month of Ramadan is one of the five basic pillars of Islam.
Allah has said in Quran “O you ,who belive !As-Sawm(fasting) is prescribed for you as it was prescribed for those before you, that you may become “al –muttaqoon”(pious)---surah Al-Baqrah 2:183.
We observe dawn to dusk fast in Ramadan only for the pleasure of our creator and sustainer Allah subhantallah.
It is a symbol of rising above all needs of body and willingly enduring their pressures in total submission to Allah.
This month is meant to maximize the direct acts of “Ibadah” and to minimize the pure mundane activities so that one may accelerate his spiritual progress and repair any losses to it suffered during the year.
This month has been designed to maintain a balance between spiritual and materialistic aspects of life.
The theme of Ramadan is not just abstaining from food and drink as is evident from the hadith of our beloved prophet ”How many people are fasting while they get nothing from it except hunger and thirst”.
Nor is it(theme) to go into shopping frenzy before Ramadan and indulge in over-eating from breakfast to suhoor. This kind of behavior on our part is against the spirit of Ramadan and disliked by Prophet Mohammad(peace be upon him)“The son of Adam does not fill any vessel worse than his stomach.It is sufficient for the son of Adam to eat a few mouth- full’s to keep him going. If he must do that (fill his stomach) then let him fill one third with food, one third with water and one third with air”. –Al Tirmidhi 138.
From these hadiths it becomes apparent that there is more to Ramadan fasting than abstaining from food and water. Overcoming hunger and thirst and other needs of body are part of it, but protecting our eyes, ears, tongue and mind from sins is also necessary.
Ramadan is about attaining Tqwa—fear and/or consciousness about the presence of Allah at all times. We must spent much time in remembrance of Allah (dhikir) as established by this hadith— “Shall I not tell you of the best of your deeds, the most pleasing to your sovereign ,those that raise you most in status and that are better than your giving gold and silver—Remembrance of Allah (dhikir)”.{Al-Tirmidhi }

We engage in sins by the hour—daily, weekly and yearly. Unfortunately , in many cases we are not even aware of committing those sins. Ramadan provides us with an opportunity to ask for the heart-felt forgiveness for the sins we must have done. The Prophet (Peace and blessing of Allah be upon him) has said , ”Every son of Adam sins and best of sinners are those who repent”.—Ibn Maajah.
Ramadan is the month of Sabr (patience) and the reward for sabr is heaven. Sabr means not only patience and perseverance in difficulties, it also means being steadfast in avoiding sins in the face of temptations.
This is the month to achieve softness of heart, humility, tranquility, and total submission to Allah---Khushoo. In our behavior we should be compassionate, considerate, humble, forgiving and helping. Indulgence in arguments and backbiting should be avoided at all costs. If heart is properly focused then the rest of the body will follow as has been said by the prophet(PBUH) ,”In body there is a piece of flesh which, if it is sound , the entire body will be sound but if it is corrupt the entire body will be corrupt. Verily it is the heart”.-Al Bhukhari-25.
Ramadan is also the month for generosity, kindness and charity. Our beloved prophet (PBUH) has said that best charity is that given in Ramadan.
( “The best charity is that given in Ramadhan.)”[At-Tirmithi]. Charity doesn’t need to be huge sums of money, precious metals or other materials. It can be a smile, a comforting word or a gesture to a person in distress. Prophet Mohammad (PBUH) used to release all prisoners of war and fulfill the needs of every person who would ask him for something.
IN this month believers sustenance is increased and whoever gives food to a fasting person to break his fast shall have his sins forgiven and he will be saved from the fire of hell and he shall have same reward as fasting person.
Ramadan provides an opportunity to organize, struggle and liberate ourselves from selfishness, individualism, consumerism, addictions, temptations and unbridled desires.
 Ramadan is the month of Quran, Taqwa, prayers, dhikir (remembrance of Allah) and charity. It is a month for spiritual and physical rejuvenation, a time to ponder at our sins and seek forgiveness, an opportunity to reorganize ourselves to be better human beings.
Let us constantly gauge our deeds, hearts and souls and if they are not tuned to Allah and spirit of Ramadan then we may have adopted a theme which was not sanctioned by our beloved prophet (peace and blessing of Allah be upon him).
Lastly there are no better words to describe Ramadan than those of our prophet in his khutbah in last week of Shaban“"Oh people! A great month has come over you; a blessed month; a month in which is a night better than a thousand months; month in which Allah has made it compulsory upon you to fast by day, and voluntary to pray by night. Whoever draws nearer (to Allah) by performing any of the (optional) good deeds in (this month) shall receive the same reward as performing an obligatory deed at any other time, and whoever discharges an obligatory deed in (this month) shall receive the reward of performing seventy obligations at any other time. It is the month of patience, and the reward of patience is Heaven. It is the month of charity, and a month in which a believer's sustenance is increased. Whoever gives food to a fasting person to break his fast, shall have his sins forgiven, and he will be saved from the Fire of Hell, and he shall have the same reward as the fasting person, without his reward being diminished at all." [Narrated by Ibn Khuzaymah]
May Allah accept all our good deeds—Ameen.
Remember me in your prayers and Duas.


This is the text of the lecture by Dr .Shabir Mir given at IDFmGabga on 05/09/2010 at Kuwait

The Biggest Change in My Life – ASister’s Story!

As salaamu alaykum warahmatuallaah
wabarakatuh,
I want to talk to you about my life before and
after Hijab. I am a Muslim girl 20 years old from
Arabian Gulf ” The original place of Islam.” I used
to believe that hijab is not an important issue.
And it ’s lucking my freedom. So I decided that I
would never were Hijab as long as I live.
Although my mother wears Hijab but she never
convinces my sisters or me to wear it. She
thought that you have to believe in it to do it or
else you will take it off as soon as we are far
away from her. And I think that it might be right
in some way.
Or it might make hijab more difficult for us when
we get older. It is so hard to get used to
something for your whole life and change it at
once. It will take you a long time to change your
mind. Any way, I used to love to show up
specially that I am not bad looking at all. And that
was the most difficult part. I used to love to dress
up and buy expensive clothes and I loved it when
every one was looking and pointing at me. I used
to love it when some says “wow! She’s
beautiful.”
After I finished my High school I decided to go to
have my degree in the United States. I saw a
thing in there that I have not ever seen before. It
is Muslim society and community. It ’s amazing
society with perfect Muslims. They are practicing
Islam in a different way that we got used to it.
Muslims in Gulf aria have been borne Muslims.
Arabs didn ’t have to ask any questions because
every thing is obvious. We didn’t have to think
about faith and how to believe in God, because
we were raised and every one around us is
Muslim. We didn ’t know what’s the real Islam
and how does it feel to live between all different
religious and a mix society. And I just realized
that people in Gulf didn ’t practice pure religion,
but they had a mixture between Islam and
culture. So many things that I thought it was an
Islamic terms turned out to be a culture believe.
And they are absolutely wrong aspects. I learned
that the pure Islam is not the one that we were
raised on which is full of nonsense stuff that we
had in our culture since a long time ago. The real
Islam is only in Quran and Sunah.
When people in the states find out that I am
Muslim, they always ask so many questions
about Islam and most the time I can ’t find an
answer to their questions. So I started to go
searching and looking in Islamic books and in
Internet about Islam “the real thing.” I was like
someone has not heard any thing about Islam
before. I learned so many things that I have not
knew.. I started to go to the masjid and sit with
so many brothers and sisters talking and
discussing Islamic matters. I swear that I have
never gone to any masjid in my country or even
think about it. Although we had thousands of
Masjids back home. All the sisters in the masjids
were wearing hijab except me. And they were all
Americans except me. And they wear all broad
about it and I respected them so much for that. I
started to think about it all the time.
And I started to have so many dreams about me
wearing the hijab. I started to have some strange
feeling towered my self; I hated it when
someone was looking at me. I felt that I was only
a picture without a heart or a brain. I finally
decided to go for it and wear the Hijab. It was the
best choice I have ever had. For the first time in
my life; I felt that I am a strong person. Because I
will go for what I believe in, and I didn ’t care of
what people think of it or how they will look at
me.
First day of Hijab was the best. I never felt so
good and broad in my whole life of my self as
much as I felt in that day. My friends and relatives
didn ’t believe that I could do it. And every one
said that I won’t keep it for too long. And that
maybe one of the things that pushed me to keep
it until this day. I had to go through a fight with
my self. My self which always loved this life any
try to enjoy it as much as I could. Now was time
to say stop, and I did. After a while every one
started to respect me so much that no one had
treat me like that before. Every one believed in
me so much because they knew that I am a
religious person. And what gave them that
expression? It ’s the Hijab. I can go every where
now and no one would look at me as if I was a
picture or a dummy. Never the less I still dress up
good and put make up when I am with my
sisters and that turned out to be more fun.
I believe that Allah demand Hijab to help us and
to make our life easier. It builds respect between
men and women. Also, it ’s a matter of keeping
your body to your self or who Allah allowed you
to show (mahram). It is also a sign that show
that you are Muslim, like in all religious. For
example, Jewish wears a small cup on top of
their heads and Christians wear a cross. And non
of those two feels ashamed to show it to public.
No man would think badly about
A woman who is wearing a hijab so that will
provide her to fall in mistakes (khateah) or
something that is (haram). A person who can
wear Hijab is strong enough to do any thing else
and to go through any problems that she may
face in all life matter. Every one around you will
trust you in every thing because you trust your
self. Don ’t you think your body is so important?
And don’t you think your body is that valuable?
You don’t need some one to tell you that you’re
beautiful because you know that. And you don’t
need someone to look at you as if you were a
beautiful drawing or a picture because you ’re a
human been.
As salaamu alaykum warahmatallaah
wabarakatuh..
(please forward this to all the people you know, I
want every one to read my story)
May Allah bless you, jazakum allaah khayran

Fasting for the Whole Year

It is narrated in Sahih Muslim that Rasoolullah (SAW) said, “He who observed the fast of Ramadan and then followed it with six (fasts) of Shawwal, it would be as if he fasted for the whole year.”

We are currently in the first few days of Shawwal with less than four weeks remaining to take advantage of the hadith mentioned above. One can try to fast the Sunnah fast of the Prophet Muhammad (SAW) (Mondays and Thursdays) so that we can accomplish this beautiful task. Maybe even organize a little iftar between your friends a few days this month? Let us beat this Ramadan withdrawl! Remember, the Lord of Shawwal is the same as the Lord of Ramadan and all the other months so let us strive for our best even now once Ramadan has ended.

Sunnahs and Etiquettes of Eid

The Sunnahs that the Muslim should observe on the day of Eid are as follows:

1 – Doing ghusl before going out to the prayer.

It was narrated in a saheeh hadeeth in al-Muwatta’ and elsewhere that ‘Abd-Allaah ibn ‘Umar used to do ghusl on the day of al-Fitr before going out to the prayer-place in the morning. Al-Muwatta’ 428.

Al- Nawawi (may Allaah have mercy on him) said that the Muslims were unanimously agreed that it is mustahabb to do ghusl for Eid prayer.

The reason why it is mustahabb is the same reason as that for doing ghusl before Jumu’ah and other public gatherings. Rather on Eid the reason is even stronger.

2 – Eating before going out to pray on Eid al-Fitr and after the prayer on Eid al-Adha:

Part of the etiquette is not to go out to pray on Eid al-Fitr until one has eaten some dates, because of the hadeeth narrated by al-Bukhaari from Anas ibn Maalik, who said that the Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) used not to go out on the morning of Eid al-Fitr until he had eaten some dates… of which he would eat an odd number. Al-Bukhaari, 953.

It is mustahabb to eat before going out to emphasize the fact that it is forbidden to fast on that day and to demonstrate that the fast has ended.

Ibn Hajar (may Allaah have mercy on him) suggested that the reason for that was so as to ward off the possibility of adding to the fast, and to hasten to obey the command of Allaah. Al-Fath, 2/446

Whoever does not have any dates may break his fast with anything that is permissible.

But on Eid al-Adha it is mustahabb not to eat anything until one comes back from the prayer, so he should eat from the udhiyah if he has offered a sacrifice. If he is not going to offer a sacrifice there is nothing wrong with eating before the prayer.

3 – Takbeer on the day of Eid

This is one of the greatest Sunnahs on the day of Eid because Allaah says (interpretation of the meaning):

“(He wants that you) must complete the same number (of days), and that you must magnify Allaah [i.e. to say Takbeer (Allaahu Akbar: Allaah is the Most Great)] for having guided you so that you may be grateful to Him”

[al-Baqarah 2:185]

It was narrated that al-Waleed ibn Muslim said: I asked al-Awzaa’i and Maalik ibn Anas about saying Takbeer out loud on the two Eids. They said, Yes, ‘Abd-Allaah ibn ‘Umar used to say it out loud on the day of al-Fitr until the imam came out (to lead the prayers).

It was narrated in a saheeh report that ‘Abd al-Rahmaan al-Sulami said, “They emphasized it more on the day of al-Fitr than the day of al-Adha.”. Wakee’ said, this refers to the takbeer. See Irwa’ al-Ghaleel, 3/122/

Al-Daaraqutni and others narrated that on the morning of Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha, Ibn ‘Umar would strive hard in reciting takbeer until he came to the prayer place, then he would recite takbeer until the imam came out.

Ibn Abi Shaybah narrated with a saheeh isnaad that al-Zuhri said: The people used to recite Takbeer on Eid when they came out of their houses until they came to the prayer place, and until the imam came out. When the imam came out they fell silent, and when he said takbeer they said takbeer. See Irwa’ al-Ghaleel, 1/121

Saying takbeer when coming out of one's house to the prayer place and until the imam came out was something that was well known among the salaf (early generations). This has been narrated by a number of scholars such as Ibn Abi Shaybah, ‘Abd a l-Razzaaq and al-Firyaabi in Ahkaam al-Eidayn from a group of the salaf. For example, Naafi’ ibn Jubayr used to recite takbeer and was astonished that the people did not do so, and he said, “Why do you not recite takbeer?”

Ibn Shihaab al-Zuhri (may Allaah have mercy on him) used to say, “The people used to recite takbeer from the time they came out of their houses until the imam came in.”

The time for takbeer on Eid al-Fitr starts from the night before Eid until the imam enters to lead the Eid prayer.

In the case of Eid al-Adha, the takbeer begins on the first day of Dhu’l-Hijjah and lasts until sunset on the last of the days of tashreeq.

Description of the takbeer:

It was narrated in the Musannaf of Ibn Abi Shaybah with a saheeh isnaad from Ibn Mas’ood (may Allaah be pleased with him) that he used to recite takbeer during the days of tashreeq:

Allaahu akbar, Allaahu akbar, laa ilaaha ill-Allaah, wa Allaahu akbar, Allaah akbar, wa Lillaah il-hamd (Allaah is Most Great, Allaah is most Great, there is no god but Allaah, Allaah is Most great, Allaah is most great, and to Allaah be praise).

It was also narrated elsewhere by Ibn Abi Shaybah with the same isnaad, but with the phrase “Allaahu akbar” repeated three times.

Al-Mahaamili narrated with a saheeh isnaad also from Ibn Mas’ood: “Allaahu akbaru kabeera, Allaahu akbaru kabeera, Allaahu akbar wa ajallu, Allaahu akbar wa Lillaah il-hamd (Allaah is Most Great indeed, Allaah is Most Great indeed, Allaah is most Great and Glorified, Allaah is Most Great and to Allaah be praise).” See al-Irwa’, 3/126.

4 – Offering congratulations

The etiquette of Eid also includes the congratulations and good wishes exchanged by people, no matter what the wording, such as saying to one another Taqabbala Allaah minna wa minkum (May Allaah accept (good deeds) from us and from you” or “Eid mubaarak” and other permissible expressions of congratulations.

It was narrated that Jubayr ibn Nufayr said: When the companions of the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) met one another on the day of Eid, they would say to one another, “May Allaah accept (good deeds) from us and from you.” Ibn Hajar said, its isnaad is hasan. Al-Fath, 2/446.

Offering congratulations was something that was well known among the Sahaabah, and scholars such as Imam Ahmad and others allowed it. There is evidence which suggests that it is prescribed to offer congratulations and good wishes on special occasions, and that the Sahaabah congratulated one another when good things happened, such as when Allaah accepted the repentance of a man, they went and congratulated him for that, and so on.

Undoubtedly these congratulations are among the noble characteristics among the Muslims.

The least that may be said concerning the subject of congratulations is that you should return the greetings of those who congratulate you on Eid, and keep quiet if others keep quiet, as Imam Ahmad (may Allaah have mercy on him) said: If anyone congratulates you, then respond, otherwise do not initiate it.

5 – Adorning oneself on the occasion of Eid.

It was narrated that ‘Abd-Allaah ibn ‘Umar (may Allaah be pleased with him) said that ‘Umar took a brocade cloak that was for sale in the market and brought it to the Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him), and said, “O Messenger of Allaah, buy this and adorn yourself with it for Eid and for receiving the delegations.” The Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said to him, “Rather this is the dress of one who has no share (of piety or of reward in the Hereafter)…” Narrated by al-Bukhaari, 948.

The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) agreed with ‘Umar on the idea of adorning oneself for Eid, but he denounced him for choosing this cloak because it was made of silk.

It was narrated that Jaabir (may Allaah be pleased with him) said: The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) had a cloak which he would wear on the two Eids and on Fridays. Saheeh Ibn Khuzaymah, 1756,

Al-Bayhaqi narrated with a saheeh isnaad that Ibn ‘Umar used to wear his best clothes on Eid.

So a man should wear the best clothes that he has when going out for Eid.

With regard to women, they should avoid adorning themselves when they go out for Eid, because they are forbidden to show off their adornments to non-mahram men. It is also haraam for a woman who wants to go out to put on perfume or to expose men to temptation, because they are only going out for the purpose of worship.

6 – Going to the prayer by one route and returning by another.

It was narrated that Jaabir ibn ‘Abd-Allaah (may Allaah be pleased with him) said: On the day of Eid, the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) used to vary his route. Narrated by al-Bukhaari, 986.

It was said that the reason for that was so that the two routes would testify for him on the Day of Resurrection, for the earth will speak on the Day of Resurrection and say what was done on it, both good and bad.

And it was said that it was in order to manifest the symbols of Islam on both routes, or to manifest the remembrance of Allaah (dhikr), or to annoy the hypocrites and Jews, and to scare them with the large number of people who were with him. And it was said that it was in order to attend to the people’s needs, to answer their questions, teach them, set an example and give charity to the needy, or to visit his relatives and uphold the ties of kinship.

And Allaah knows best.

Frequently Asked Question about Islam

What is Islam?

The word "Islam" is an Arabic word that means "submitting and surrendering your will to Almighty God" . The word comes from the same root as the Arabic word "salam", which means peace. Unlike the names used for other religions, such as Buddhism, Hinduism and Christianity, the name for the religion of Islaam was both revealed by God and carries a deep spritual meaning - only by submitting one's will to Almighty God can one obtain true peace both in this life and in the life hereafter. Islaam teaches that all religions originally had the same essential message - which was to submit whole-heartedly to the will of God and to worship Him and Him alone. For this reason, Islaam is not a new religion but is the same divinely revealed Ultimate Truth that God revealed to all prophets, including Noah, Abraham, Moses and Jesus.

Who are Muslims?


The Arabic word "Muslim" literally means "someone who submits to the will of God" . The message of Islaam is meant for the entire world and anyone who accepts this message becomes a Muslim. Some people mistakenly believe that Islaam is just a religion for Arabs, but nothing could be further from the truth, since in actuality over 80% of the world's Muslims are not Arabs! Even though most Arabs are Muslims, there are Arabs who are Christians, Jews and atheists. If one just takes a look at the various peoples who live in the Muslim World - from Nigeria to Bosnia and from Morocco to Indonesia - it is easy enough to see that Muslims come from all different races, ethnic groups and nationalities. From the very beginning, Islaam had a universal message for all people. This can be seen in the fact that some of the early companions of the Prophet Muhammad were not only Arabs, but also Persians, Africans and Byzantine Romans. Being a Muslim entails complete acceptance and active obedience to the revealed will of Almighty God. A Muslim is a person who freely accepts to base his beliefs, values and faith on the will of Almighty God. In the past, even though you don't see it as much today, the word "Mohammedans" was often used as a label for Muslims. This label is a misnomer and is the result of either wilful distortion or sheer ignorance. One of the reasons for the misconception is that Europeans were taught for centuries that Muslims worshipped the Prophet Muhammad in the same way that Christians worship Jesus. This is absolutely not true since a Muslim is not permitted to worship anyone or anything besides Almighty God.



Who is Allaah?


Very often one will here the Arabic word "Allaah" being used in regards to Islaam. The word "Allaah" is simply the Arabic word for Almighty God, and is the same word used by Arabic speaking Christians and Jews. If one were to pick up an Arabic translation of the Bible, one would see the word "Allaah" being use where the word "God" is used in English. Actually, the Arabic word for Almighty God, "Allaah", is quite similar to the word for God in other Semitic languages - for example, the Hebrew word for God is "Elah". For various reasons, some non-Muslims mistakenly believe that Muslims worship a different God than the God of Moses and Abraham and Jesus. This is certainly not the case, since the Pure Monotheism of Islaam calls all people to the worship of the God of Noah, Abraham, Moses, Jesus and all of the other prophets.

Can we see Allaah?


Allaah is not like the sun. Anyone can see the sun. Moreover, Allaah is the Most Beautiful. Nothing is as beautiful as Allaah. Actually looking at Allaah is the greatest pleasure of the people of Paradise. This pleasure is not granted by Allaah to anyone but the believers. So no one will see Allaah before he dies.



Does Allaah see us?

Allaah sees us and knows everything about us. He knows us better than we know ourselves. There is not a leaf on a tree that blows away, or stays in its place except that He knows it. There is not a dry spot or wet spot, nor a grain in the depths of the earth except that Allaah knows it.



Where is Allaah?


Allaah is the Highest. He is High above all of His creation. He ascended above His Throne, which is immeasurably greater than the Heavens and the Earth. So much greater, that the Heavens and the Earth could fit in the footstool of the Throne, and they would be like a ring thrown into an open desert. Allaah is certainly the Greatest.



Does Allaah look like us?


No. Allaah is Perfect. He is not like any of His creation. He has told us that He has Hands, Eyes, and Face. However, all of these attributes are befitting to His Might and Glory. A Muslim does not say a single thing about Allaah, other than what Allaah says about Himself. Allaah is Perfect and Unique.



Is Allah the same as what Christians call the father?


Allah is the creator who Jesus worshipped. He is the Creator who spoke to Moses, and split the sea for Moses, and his followers. That is Allah. But Allah tells us: "Say Allah is one, He is Perfect, He has never begotten, nor was He begott, and there is no one equal to Him".



What does it mean to believe in Allaah?


It means:

• To believe in Allaah’s total Perfection and Uniqueness.
• To believe in the Angels. We must love them all in the same way, we cannot hate an Angel; for example, it is forbidden to hate Michael who is given the charge of Rain and the vegetation of the Earth or Gabriel, who is entrusted with Revelation (i.e. he brings down the Scriptures to the prophets, may Allaah exalt their mention).
• To believe in Allaah's books revealed to His Prophets, may Allaah exalt their mention, taking into consideration that all of these books have either disappeared or changed, except the last divine book, the Quran.
• To believe in His Prophets, may Allaah exalt their mention, because they are His Messengers and He sent them. We cannot pick and choose, a Muslim must believe in all the Prophets of Allaah, may Allaah exalt their mention.
• To believe in the Last Day: The Day of Judgment.
• To believe in Allaah's predestination of good and bad (we might consider something bad from our perspective), but to Allaah everything He does is good).

Who is Muhammad?


The last and final prophet that God sent to humanity was the Prophet Muhammad. Muhammad explained, interpreted and lived the teachings of Islaam. The Prophet Muhammad is the greatest of all prophets for many reasons, but mainly because the results of his mission have brought more people into the pure belief in One God than any other prophet. Even though other religious communities claimed to believe in One God, over time they had corrupted their beliefs by taking their prophets and saints as intercessors with Almighty God. Some religions believe their prophets to be manifestations of God, "God Incarnate" or the "Son of God". All of these false ideas lead to the creature being worshipped instead of the Creator, which contributed to the idolatrous practice of believing that Almighty God can be approached through intermediaries. In order to guard against these falsehoods, the Prophet Muhammad always emphasised that he was only a human-being tasked with the preaching of God's message. He taught Muslims to refer to him as "the Messenger of God and His Slave". To Muslims, Muhammad is the supreme example for all people - he was the exemplary prophet, statesman, military leader, ruler, teacher, neighbour, husband, father and friend. Unlike other prophets and messengers, the Prophet Muhammad lived in the full light of history. Muslims don't need to have "faith" that he existed and that his teachings are preserved - they know it to be a fact. Even when his followers only numbered a few dozen, Almighty God informed Muhammad that he had be sent as a mercy to all of mankind. Because people had distorted or forgotten God's messages, God took it upon Himself to protect the message revealed to Muhammad. This was because Almighty God promised not to send another messenger after him. Since all of God's messengers have preached the message of Islaam - i.e. submission to the will of God and the worship of God alone - Muhammad is actually the last prophet of Islaam, not the first.



Do Muslims worship Muhammad ( sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam)?


No. Muslims do not worship Muhammad, sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam or any other prophet(s), may Allaah exalt their mention. Muslims believe in all prophets including Aadam (Adam), Nooh (Noah), Ibraaheem (Abraham), Daawood (David), Sulaymaan (Solomon), Moosaa (Moses) and 'Eesaa (Jesus), may Allaah exalt their mention. Muslims believe that Muhammad, sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam, was the last of the prophets. They believe that God Alone is to be worshipped, not human beings or idols etc.



What do Muslims think of Jesus ?


Muslims think highly of Jesus and his worthy mother, Mary. The Qur’an tells us that Jesus was born of a miraculous birth without a father. He was given many miracles as a prophet. These include speaking soon after his birth in defense of his mother's piety. God's other gifts to him included healing the blind and the sick, reviving the dead, making a live bird out of clay and, most importantly, the Divine message he was carrying. These miracles were given to him by God to establish him as a prophet. According to the Quran, he was not crucified but was raised into Heaven (which means):

“And [for] their saying: “Indeed, we have killed the Messiah, Jesus, the son of Mary, the Messenger of Allah.” And they did not kill him, nor did they crucify him; but [another] was made to resemble him to them. And indeed, those who differ over it are in doubt about it. They have no knowledge of it except the following of assumption. And they did not kill him, for certain Rather, Allaah raised him to Himself. And ever is Allaah Exalted in Might and Wise. ” [Quran 4: 157-158]



Is there a Trinity in Islam?



No. Allaah is Perfect. The Quran Says (what means): “Allaah – there is no deity except Him, the Ever-Living, the Sustainer of (all) existence. Neither drowsiness overtakes Him nor sleep. To Him belongs whatever is in the heavens and whatever is on the earth…”[Quran 2:255] Can Jesus, or Mohammed peace be upon them be worshipped?
No, Allah does not accept that a cow, a person, an angel, a prophet, a stone, or anything be worshipped in place of him, or even along with Him. Worship must be to Allah the creator of them.



Did Allah create Evil?



Yes, Allah created the good, and the bad. Whatever bad happens to us is due to our sins. We sin and Allah pardons much of what we do; however, when something bad happens to us it is our fault, and we are to blame. Bad things that happen to a person are a chance for that person to reflect, and ask: ”Why is this happening to me?” A chance for a person to return from his sin, and obey, and worship Allah.

What are the Teachings of Islaam?



The foundation of the Islaamic faith is belief in the Unity of God. This means to believe that there is only one Creator and Sustainer of everything in the Universe, and that nothing is divine or worthy of being worshipped except for Him. Truly believing in the Unity of God means much more than simply believing that there is "One God" - as opposed to two, three or four. There are a number of religions that claim belief in "One God" and believe that ultimately there is only one Creator and Sustainer of the Universe. Islaam, however, not only insists on this, but also rejects using such words as "Lord" and "Saviour" for anyone besides Almighty God. Islaam also rejects the use of all intermediaries between God and Man, and insists that people approach God directly and reserve all worship for Him alone. Muslims believe that Almighty God is Compassionate, Loving and Merciful.
The essence of falsehood is the claim that God cannot deal with and forgive His creatures directly. By over-emphasising the burden of sin, as well as claiming that God cannot forgive you directly, false religions seek to get people to despair of the Mercy of God. Once they are convinced that they cannot approach God directly, people can be mislead into turning to false gods for help. These "false gods" can take various forms, such as saints, angels, or someone who is believed to be the "Son of God" or "God Incarnate". In almost all cases, people who worship, pray to or seek help from a false god don't consider it to be, or call it, a "god". They claim belief in One Supreme God, but claim that they pray to and worship others beside God only to get closer to Him. In Islaam, there is a clear distinction between the Creator and the created. There is no ambiguity in divinity - anything that is created is not deserving of worship and only the Creator is worthy of being worshipped. Some religions falsely believe that God has become part of His creation, and this has led people to believe that they can worship something created in order to reach their Creator.Muslims believe that even though God is Unique and beyond comprehension - He has no "Son", partners or associates. According to Muslim belief, Almighty God "does not beget nor was He begotten" - neither literally, allegorically, metaphorically, physically or metaphysically - He is Absolutely Unique and Eternal. He is in control of everything and is perfectly capable of bestowing His infinite Mercy and Forgiveness to whomever He chooses. That is why is called the All-Powerful and Most-Merciful. Almighty God has created the Universe for man, and as such wants the best for all human beings. Muslims see everything in the Universe as a sign of the Creatorship and Benevolence of Almighty God. Also, the belief in the Unity of God is not merely a metaphysical concept. It is a dynamic belief that effects ones view of humanity, society and all aspects of life. As a logical corollary to the Islaamic belief in the Oneness of God, is its belief in the oneness of mankind and humanity.



What is the Qur'aan?


It is the final revelation of the will of Almighty God's to all of mankind, which was conveyed through the Angel Gabriel, in Arabic, to the Prophet Muhammad in its sounds, words and meanings. The Qur'aan, sometimes spelled Koran, was relayed to the Prophet's companions, which they memorised verbatim, and which has been publicly and continually recited by them and their successors until the present day. In short, the Qur'aan is the book of guidance from God par excellence. The Qur'aan is still memorised and taught by millions of people. The language of the Qur'aan, Arabic, is still a living language to millions of people, so unlike the scriptures of other religions, the Qur'aan is still read in its original language by countless millions of people. The Qu'ran is a living miracle in the Arabic language; and is know to be inimitable in its style, form and spiritual impact. God's final revelation to mankind, the Qur'aan, was revealed to the Prophet Muhammad over a period of 23 years. The Qur'aan, in contrast to many other religious books, was always thought to be the Word of God by those who believed in it, i.e. it wasn't something decreed by a religious council many years after being written. Also, the Qu'ran was recited publicly in front of both the Muslim and non-Muslim communities during the life of the Prophet Muhammad. The entire Qur'aan was also completely written down in lifetime of the Prophet, and numerous companions of the Prophet memorised the entire Qur'aan word-for-word as it was revealed. So unlike other scriptures, the Qur'aan was always in the hands of the common believers, it was always thought to be God's word and, due to wide-spread memorisation, it was perfectly preserved. In regards to the teachings of the Qur'aan - it is a universal scripture, and it is addressed to all of mankind, and not to a particular tribe or "chosen people". The message that it brings is nothing new, but the same message of all of the prophets - submit to Almighty God and worship Him alone. As such, God's revelation in the Qur'aan focuses on teaching human beings the importance of believing in the Unity of God and framing their lives around the guidance which He has sent. Additionally, the Qur'aan contains the stories of the previous prophets, such as Abraham, Noah, Moses and Jesus; as well as many commands and prohibitions from God. In modern times in which so many people are caught up in doubt, spiritual despair and "political correctness", the Qur'aanic teachings offer solutions to the emptiness of our lives and the turmoil that is gripping the world today.



How Do Muslims View the Nature of Man, the Purpose of Life and the Life Hereafter?



In the Holy Qur'aan, God teaches human beings that they were created in order to worship Him, and that the basis of all true worship is God-consciousness. Since the teachings of Islaamic encompass all aspects of life and ethics, God-consciousness is encouraged in all human affairs. Islaam makes it clear that all human acts are acts of worship if they are done for God alone and in accordance to His Divine Law. As such, worship in Islaam is not limited to religious rituals. The teachings of Islaam act as a mercy and a healing for the human soul, and such qualities as humility, sincerity, patience and charity are strongly encouraged. Additionally, Islaam condemns pride and self-righteousness, since Almighty God is the only judge of human righteousness. The Islaamic view of the nature of man is also realistic and well-balanced. Human beings are not believed to be inherently sinful, but are seen as equally capable of both good and evil. Islaam also teaches that faith and action go hand-in-hand. God has given people free-will, and the measure of one's faith is one's deeds and actions. However, human beings have also been created weak and regularly fall into sin. This is the nature of the human being as created by God in His Wisdom, and it is not inherently "corrupt" or in need of repair. This is because the avenue of repentance of always open to all human beings, and Almighty God loves the repentant sinner more than one who does not sin at all. The true balance of an Islaamic life is established by having a healthy fear of God as well as a sincere belief in His infinite Mercy. A life without fear of God leads to sin and disobedience, while believing that we have sinned so much that God will not possibly forgive us only leads to despair. In light of this, Islaam teaches that: only the misguided despair of the Mercy of their Lord. Additionally, the Holy Qur'aan, which was revealed to the Prophet Muhammad, contains a great deal of teachings about the life hereafter and the Day of Judgement. Due to this, Muslims believe that all human beings will ultimately be judged by God for their beliefs and actions in their earthly lives. In judging human beings, Almighty God will be both Merciful and Just, and people will only be judged for what they were capable of. Suffice it to say that Islaam teaches that life is a test, and that all human beings will be accountable before God. A sincere belief in the life hereafter is key to leading a well-balanced life and moral. Otherwise, life is viewed as an end in itself, which causes human beings to become more selfish, materialistic and immoral.



Do Non-Muslims go to Heaven?


Allaah only accepts Islam because it is Allaah's true religion given to all His Prophets, may Allaah exalt their mention. He Says in the Quran (what means): "Whoever seeks a religion other than Islam, it will not be accepted of him, and he will be one of the losers in the Hereafter".

[Quran 3:85]

What about someone who has never heard of Islam?


Allaah is the Most Just, there is no one more Merciful than Allaah. Allaah said in the Quran (what means): “Whoever is guided is only guided for [the benefit of] his soul. And whoever errs only errs against it. And no bearer of burdens will bear the burden of another. And never would We punish until We sent a messenger." [Quran 17: 15]

Thus, if a person had never heard about Islam and was never warned clearly, Allaah would have a special test in the Hereafter for that person, equal to the chance that person would have had on earth.



What can I ask of Allah?

Any thing but don't ask Him to do things like make you a prophet. Cause He has already said that there will be no more prophets.
You can ask Allah for guidance. Meaning you can ask Him to show you the correct religion.



Who are my best friends?


Your best friends are the ones that care where you go after you are dead. This is like the prophets. They cared that we go to heaven, even if it meant some hardship on earth.



Who is my worst enemy?

That would be the devils, whether they are human devils (evil people), or Jinn devils (like Iblis) The Arabic word for a devil is Shaytan (similar to Satan). Satan wants us all to go to hell. He wants us to be bad on earth, even if we get rich, or do lots of wrong things that we appear to enjoy, he does not mind that. But he wants to make sure we don't go to heaven.

How do we know Islam is the truth?



Islam is the only religion that:

• Holds Allaah as One, Unique and Perfect.
• Only Allaah is considered worthy of worship, not ‘Eesaa (Jesus) nor an idol, or an angel.
• The Quran does not contain contradictions.
• The Quran contains scientific facts, which are 1400 years ahead of their time. Even though it was revealed 1400 years ago, the Quran contains scientific facts which are only being discovered now. Scientific facts coincide with the Quran perfectly, and are not at variance with it.
• Allaah challenges the world to produce the like of the Quran, while confirming that they will never be able to do so.
• Prophet Muhammad , was considered the most influential man in History. A non-Muslim wrote a book called “The 100” about the most influential men in history, and Prophet Muhammad , was ranked first. Prophet ‘Eesaa (Jesus) was placed third. Note that even Prophet ‘Eesaa (Jesus) was a prophet sent by Allaah. Would Allaah allow a false prophet to be so successful? No. Even the Bible says this in Deuteronomy 18:19: “A false prophet must die.” Yet, Prophet Muhammad , did not die until he had completely conveyed his Message and taught Allaah's religion.
• Prophet Muhammad , had predicted many future events, and all of his prophecies have come true or are still coming true.
• Most importantly: Allaah created humankind and we know that we should only worship Him. This is an instinct that is ingrained in all human beings. Allaah did not just leave us to our own resources, rather He sent Prophets, may Allaah exalt their mention, in all ages and for all nations.. These Prophets, may Allaah exalt their mention, were granted miracles as proof. The miracle for today’s age is the Quran. In this age there is no religion, except Islam, that worships only Allaah and believes in Him as being totally Perfect, and believes in all of His Prophets, may Allaah exalt their mention, and all the Scriptures.

Can anyone become a Muslim? Yes, anyone can. There are two declarations, which are necessary:

• To bear witness that no one deserves to be worshiped except Allaah.
• To bear witness that Prophet Muhammad , is the Messenger of Allaah.
  This is the declaration of faith which makes a person Muslim, however, this should be said in Arabic.

After this, what’s next? After a person becomes a Muslim he/she is taught about Prayers, Fasting, the Poor due, Pilgrimage. These are the pillars of Islam. Then what?Muslims are brothers. A Muslim should love for his brother what he loves for himself. Allaah's wealth does not run out and Allaah can provide for us all. We pray for each other and love each other, and love for our brothers and sisters what we love for ourselves.