Camels: A Gift from Allah

"Why do they not reflect on the camels and how they are created?" (Translation of Quran 88:17)

Camels creation is its own miracle. The camel is not always seen as a beautiful animal. But it is absolutely perfect for what it needs to do and where it needs to survive. This is a gift from God. Without camels, no one could travel in the deserts, so huge sections of the world would be not just difficult to live on, but completely unhabitable.

All of the camel is practical for his survival and for his service to man. A camel's feet, although hoofed, have large pads that spread out in the soft sand to keep the animal from sinking in. His face is designed as protection from sun and sand. The thick eyebrows, heavy eyelids and thick lashes all keep out sand, and there's even a third eyelid that can close in heavy storms. The still nostrils have special muscles which the camel can close against blowing sand. The ears have thick hair inside the ear, as well as outside to prevent dirt and sand from getting down inside the ear, and possibly causing infection.

A camel's hump is a lump of fat. This is used as a source of energy when food is scarce. The hump may actually shrink when no food is available, but the camel can live off it for many days. And it will reform perfectly when food is again available. Because food is so scarce in the desert, the camel must be able to eat anything (even the tents). The lining of the mouth is very tough so that the camel can bite and chew thorny cactus plants without harm to the mouth.

Most incredible is how the camel deals with heat and lack of water. First of all, camels have a low metabolic rate, so energy is used slowly. The body temperature has a wide range of normal. It may start the day at 94 and hit 105 in the heat of the afternoon (Human's normal temperature is 98 and at 101, we are sick). The camel is one of few animals that can sweat. The coarse body hair, which acts as a protection against the direct sun, also allows the camel this ability to sweat. Sweating is a more efficient cooling system than panting (as in dogs) as less precious fluid is lost. Additionally, in its incredibly efficient way, the camel does not sweat until its body temperature is near the top of its range.

No other creature can process water in the same way. It does not lose water from blood, only from the tissue. Thus the blood stays properly thin enough to circulate and remove body heat. The camel will only drink when needed and only replace what's lost. If he lost 5 gallons over the last two days, he will drink 5 gallons and walk away. He may not drink at all in winter.

And the camel can quickly replace all water lost - 25 gallons in a very short time. Other animals drinking too fast can die from water intoxication. So camels are truly remarkable animals. When we reflect on their creation, as God instructs us to do, we cannot help but marvel at the ways God made them fit perfectly into their niche.

May God help each of us to fit our own niche as well.

by Lydia Kelley
Masjid Tucson, P.O. Box 43476, Tucson, AZ 85733-3476

source: http://www.ummah.com/

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Bees and The Hidden Miracles of Honey

by Dr. Monzur Ahmed

The honey bee exhibits a combination of individual traits and social co-operation which is unparalleled in the animal kingdom. A glimpse into the nest makes it apparent why honey bees have fascinated us from the earliest days of scientific observations. The infrastructure of the nest, the perfectly uniform and functional comb, is composed of beeswax and is constructed into a repeating series of almost perfect hexagonal cells. The comb is the stage for the activity of the colony and is used for almost everything imaginable, from larval nursery to pantry to message centre.

At the individual level, honey bees have not one but three types of colony members: queens, drones and workers, each with their own specialisations and place in honey bee society. The queen reigns over the nest, surrounded by attendants and fed the rich food she requires to perform her few but crucial tasks in the colony. The queen produces powerful pheromones, chemical signals to recipient workers which control many of their behaviours and provide part of the 'social glue' which holds honey bee life together. A highly organised social structure exists within the colony and elaborate 'dances' are used to communicate the location of food sources.

The products of the hive are important to the modern agricultural system. Not only do honey bees provide us with honey, wax, propolis, royal jelly and pollen but they also pollinate a good portion of our crops, including such diverse agricultural plants as fruit trees, oilseeds, small berries and forage crops.

Honey is a remarkable viscous liquid, prepared by the bees from the nectars of various plants. It has occupied a prominent place in traditional medicines throughout world history. The ancient Egyptians, Assyrians, Chinese, Greeks and Romans employed honey for wounds and diseases of the gut. When the Children of Israel were in Egypt or journeying through the desert, their promised goal was a 'land flowing with milk and honey'.

Both the holy Qur'an and Hadith refer to honey as a healer of disease.

'And thy Lord taught the bee to build its cells in hills, on trees and in (men's) habitations..... there issues from within their bodies a drink of varying colours, wherein is healing for mankind. Verily in this is a Sign for those who give thought'. (Translation of Quran 16:68-69)

In addition, the Prophet (PBUH) said:

'Honey is a remedy for every illness and the Qur'an is a remedy for all illness of the mind, therefore I recommend to you both remedies, the Qur'an and honey'.(Bukhari)

The reader may be surprised to learn that the above quotation from the Qur'an is mentioned in a well known encyclopedia on honey (reference 3).

In recent years, scientific support is beginning to emerge confirming the beneficial effects of honey on certain medical and surgical conditions. These effects may be summarised as follows:

Antibacterial and antifungal properties

These properties of honey are well established. Undiluted honey inhibits the growth of bacteria such as Staphylococcus aureus, certain gut pathogens and fungi such as Candida albicans. At a concentration of 30-50%, honey has been shown to be superior to certain conventional antibiotics in treating urinary tract infections. The exact mechanism of the anti-microbial effect of honey remains obscure. Low pH, osmotic disruption of pathogens and the presence of bactericidal substances, collectively called inhibine may all play a part.

Anti-diarrhoeal properties

At a concentration of 40%, honey has a bactericidal effect on various gut bacteria known to cause diarrhoea and dysentery such as Salmonella, Shigella, enteropathogenic E. coli and Vibrio cholera. In one study, honey given with oral rehydration fluid was shown to reduce the duration of bacterial diarrhoea in infants and children.

Wound-healing and anti-inflammatory properties

Honey is of value in treating burns, infected surgical wounds and decubitus ulcers. Honey is very viscous, enabling it to absorb water from surrounding inflamed tissue. For example, a study in West Africa showed that skin grafting, surgical debridement and even amputation were avoided when local application of honey to wound promoted healing, whereas conventional treatment failed.

In another study, wound healing was accelerated by application of honey in women who had undergone radical vulvectomy for vulval cancer. Also, it has been suggested that honey may be useful in the treatment of chronic, foul smelling ulcers seen in leprosy.

Anti-tussive and expectorant properties

These anti-cough properties of honey are related to its capacity to dilute bronchial secretions and improve the function of the bronchial epithelium.

Nutritional properties

Uncontaminated honey is a healthy, easily digestible, natural and energy rich food. It contains carbohydrates, proteins, lipids, enzymes and vitamins. One tablespoon of honey provides 60 calories and contains 11g of carbohydrates, 1mg of calcium, 0.2mg of iron, 0.lmg of vitamin B and 1mg of vitamin C.

Honey is widely available in most communities but its medical potential remains grossly underutilised. Its mode of action remains incompletely understood and the healing properties of honey in other clinical and laboratory situations requires further evaluation. The miraculous beneficial properties of honey, so beautifully ex-pressed in the holy Qur'an and Sunnah 14 centuries ago expose the reluctance of modern science to accept and exploit this 'traditional remedy'.

source: http://www.ummah.com/

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Maximize the Last 10 Days of Ramadan

Laylatul Qadr (the Night of Power) is described in the Quran as, "better than a thousand months" (97:3). Any action done on this night such as reciting the Quran, remembering Allah, etc. is better than acting for one thousand months which do not contain the night of Qadr.

Allah's Messenger used to exert himself in devotion during the last ten nights to a greater extent than at any other time." (Muslim). Allah's peace and blessings be upon our beloved Prophet.

Aisha, may Allah be pleased with her, related that the Prophet said: Look for Laylatul Qadr on an odd-numbered night during the last ten nights of Ramadan (Bukhari).

The Prophet said: "Whoever prays during the night of Qadr with faith and hoping for its reward will have all of his previous sins forgiven." (Bukhari and Muslim recorded from Abu Huraira).

Here are some tips of things we can do on the Night of Power and the time before and after it.

1. Take a vacation for Allah.

We take a break from our jobs for almost everything in life. Why not this time to focus on worshiping and thanking our Creator.

If this is not possible at least take a few days off if you can. This can make it easier to stay awake at night to do extra Ibadah, not having to worry about getting to work the next day. It will also facilitate doing Itikaf.

2. Do I'tikaf.

It was a practice of the Prophet to spend the last ten days and nights of Ramadan in the masjid for I'tikaf.

Those in I'tikaf stay in the masjid all this time, performing various forms of zikr (the remembrance of Allah), like doing extra Salat, recitation and study of the Quran. They do not go outside the masjid except in case of emergencies, therefore, they sleep in the masjid. Their families or the masjid administration takes care of their food needs. I'tikaf of a shorter period of time, like one night, a day or a couple of days is encouraged as well.

3. Make this special Dua.

Aisha, may Allah be pleased with her, said: I asked the Messenger of Allah: 'O Messenger of Allah, if I know what night is the night of Qadr, what should I say during it?' He said: 'Say: O Allah, You are pardoning and You love to pardon, so pardon me.' "(Ahmad, Ibn Majah, and Tirmidhi).

The transliteration of this Dua is "Allahumma innaka 'afuwwun tuhibbul 'afwa fa'fu 'annee"

4. Recite the Quran.

Perhaps you can choose Surahs or passages from the Quran, which you have heard in Tarawih this past Ramadan to recite.

If you attend a class where the recitation of the Quran is taught, this is a great time to put your knowledge into practice.

5. Reflect on the meaning of the Quran.

Choose the latest Surah or Surahs you've heard in Tarawih and read their translation and Tafseer. Then think deeply about their meaning and how it affects you on a personal level.

6. Get your sins wiped out.

Abu Huraira narrated that the Messenger said: Whoever stands (in prayer) in Laylatul Qadr while nourishing his faith with self-evaluation, expecting reward from Allah, will have all of his previous sins forgiven. [Bukhari and Muslim).

Don't just pray using the shorter Surahs that you know. Try to make your prayers longer, deeper and meaningful. If you are familiar with longer Surahs, read the translation and explanation and then pray reciting these Surahs, carefully reflecting on the meaning while you pray.

Even if you are only familiar with the shorter Surahs, read the translation and explanation beforehand, and then pray reflecting on the message of the Surahs.

This is a good way to develop the habit of concentration, even in regular prayers, where many of us tend to be fidgety and/or easily distracted.

7. Make a personal Dua list.

Ask yourself what you really want from Allah. Make a list of each and everything, no matter how small or how big it is, whether it deals with this world or not. Allah loves to hear from us. Once this list is ready, you can do three things:

* Ask Allah to give you those things
* Think about what actions you have taken to get those things
* Develop a work plan to get those things in future.

8. Evaluate yourself.

Ask yourself those questions that need to be asked. Do an evaluation of where you are and where you are going. Let this evaluation lead you to feel happiness for the good you have done and remorse for the bad you have done. This latter feeling should make it easier to seek Allah's sincere forgiveness when making the Dua mentioned in tip number one above.

9. Make long, sincere and deep Duas

One of the best times to do this is during the last part of the night.

Abu Huraira, may Allah be pleased with him, related that the Prophet said: When the last one-third of the night remains, our Lord, the Glorious One descends towards the heaven of the earth and proclaims: Who is that who supplicates for Me, and I grant his supplication? Who is that who begs Me for anything and I grant it to him? And who is that who seeks My forgiveness, and I forgive him? (Bukhari, Muslim).

That means for instance, waking up one hour before Suhoor time to ask Allah for anything and everything you want that is Halal. This can be done using the Duas of the Sunnah, but also Dua in your own language, with sincerity and conviction.

10. Memorize a different Dua every night

They don't have to be long. They can be just one line. And be sure to know what they mean generally at least, even if you don't know the exact translation in English.

You can put them on index cards (or and keep them with you during the day, glancing at them during work, while driving, waiting in line, etc.) Then practice them at night in prayer.

11. Have Iftar with the family

If you've spent Iftar time on weekdays in your cubicle at work alone with a couple of dates, now is the last few days you'll have this Ramadan to spend with your family. Use it wisely.

12. Take the family to Tarawih

Have your spouse and kids missed Tarawih most of Ramadan because you weren't there to drive them to the Masjid, which is too far away to walk to? If so, do all of yourselves a favour and bring everyone for Tarawih in these last ten nights.

13. Attend the Dua after the completion of Quran recitation

Almost all Masjids where the Imam aims to finish an entire reading of the Quran in Tarawih prayers in Ramadan will be completing their recitation in these last ten nights. They may try to end on one of the odd nights and read the Dua at the end of a reading of the Quran. Attend this particular night's Tarawih prayer with your family. See if you can attend different Masjids' Tarawih prayers the night they finish reading the Quran.

14. Finish reading a book on the Prophet

Read about the Prophet's life, which can increase your love for him and Islam by seeing how much he struggled for Allah's sake. It may inspire you to push yourself even harder during these last ten nights. This community is built on sacrifice.

15. Plan for the next year

Once you've done a self-evaluation, you can plan on where you want to go, at least in the next 12 months. Laylatul Qadr is a great night to be thinking about this (without taking away from your worship), since you'll Insha Allah, be in a more contemplative state. You may choose to dedicate one night of power for evaluation and one night for planning for the next year.

16. To do list for the Night of Power

Make a to do checklist for each Night of Power. This should define how you would like your night, the one better than a thousand months, to be used. Pick things from this list and define the sequence you would like to do things in. This will help you avoid wasting your time in unproductive chats which common in the festive atmosphere of Masjids at the Night of Power.

by: Abdul Malik Mujahid
Abdul Malik Mujahid, is the President and Director of Sound Vision Foundation Inc. He is an Imam in the Chicago area and the Chairperson of the Council of Islamic Organizations of Greater Chicago (CIOGC).

source: http://www.islamicity.com/

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The Design in Water

Most of our planet is covered with water. Oceans and seas make up three fourths of the earth's surface while the land itself contains countless numbers of rivers and lakes. The snow and ice on the summits of lofty mountains is water in its frozen form. A substantial part of the earth's water is in the sky: every cloud contains thousands--sometimes millions-of tons of water in the form of vapor. From time to time, some of this water vapor turns into drops of liquid and falls to the ground: in other words, it rains. Even the air you're breathing now contains a certain amount of water vapor.

In short, no matter where you may look on the surface of the earth, you're certain to see water around somewhere. Indeed, the place you're sitting in at this moment probably contains about forty to fifty liters of water in it. Look around. You can't see it? Look again, more carefully, this time raising your eyes from these words and look at your hands, arms, legs, and body. That 40-50 liter mass of water is you!

It's you because about 70% of the human body is water. Your body's cells contain many things but nothing so much or so important as water. The biggest part of the blood that circulates everywhere in your body is of course water. This is true not just of yourself or of other people however: the bulk of the bodies of all living things is water. Without water it seems, life is impossible.

Water is a substance that was specially designed so as to be the basis of life. Each and every one of its physical and chemical properties was specially created for life.

Other liquids freeze from the bottom up; water freezes from the top down. This is one of the most unusual properties of water and it is crucial for the existence of water on the surface of the earth. Were it not for this property, that is, if ice didn't float, much of our planet's water would be locked up in ice and life would be impossible in its seas, lakes, ponds, and rivers.

Let's examine this in detail to see why. There are many places in the world where the temperature falls below 0°C in winter, often considerably below that. Such cold will of course affect the water in seas, lakes, etc. These bodies of water grow colder and colder and parts of them begin to freeze. If ice didn't behave the way it does (if it didn't float in other words) this ice would sink to the bottom while the warmer bits of water would rise to the surface and be exposed to the air. But the temperature of that air is still below freezing so these will freeze too and sink to the bottom. This process would continue until there was no liquid water left at all. But this isn't what happens. What happens instead is this: As it gets colder, water grows heavier until it reaches 4°C at which point everything suddenly changes. After this, the water begins to expand and it becomes lighter as the temperature drops. As a result, the 4°C water remains on the bottom, the 3°C water above it, the 2°C water above that and so on. Only at the surface does the temperature of the water actually reach 0°C and there it freezes. But only the surface has frozen: the 4°C layer of water beneath the ice remains liquid and that is enough for underwater creatures and plants to continue to live.

We should note here that another property of water-the low thermal conductivity of ice and snow-is also crucial in this process. Because they are such poor conductors of heat, the layers of ice and snow keep the heat in the water below from escaping into the atmosphere. As a result of all this, even if the air temperature falls to -50°C, the layer of sea ice will never be more than a meter or two thick and there will be many fractures in it. Creatures such as seals and penguins that dwell in polar regions can take advantage of this to reach the water beneath the ice.

Again let us recall what would happen if water didn't behave this way and acted "normally" instead. Suppose water continued to become denser the lower its temperature became like all other liquids and ice sank to the bottom. What then?

Well in that case, the freezing process in the oceans and seas would start from the bottom and continue all the way to the top because there would be no layer of ice on the surface to prevent the remaining heat from escaping. In other words, most of earth's lakes, seas, and oceans would become solid ice with a layer of water perhaps a few meters deep on top of it. Even when the air temperature increased, the ice at the bottom would never melt completely. In the seas of such a world, no life could exist and in an ecological system with dead seas, life on land would also be impossible. In other words, if water didn't "misbehave" and acted normally, our planet would be a dead world.

Why doesn't water act normally? Why does it suddenly begin to expand at 4°C after having contracted the way it should?

That is a question that nobody has ever been able to answer.

Water is "just right" for life to a degree that cannot be compared with any other liquid. The larger part of this planet, a world whose other attributes (temperature, light, electromagnetic spectrum, atmosphere, surface, etc) are all suitable for life, has been filled with just the right amount of water necessary for life. It should be obvious that this cannot all be accidental and that there must instead be intentional design.

To put it another way, all the physical and chemical properties of water show us that it is created especially for life. The earth, purposefully created for mankind to live in, was brought to life with this water that was specially created to form the basis of human life. In water, God has given us life and with it He causes the food by which we are nourished to spring from the soil.

But the most important aspect of all this is that this truth, which has been discovered by modern science, was revealed in the Qur'an, bestowed upon humanity as a guide fourteen centuries ago. Concerning water and mankind, God's word is revealed in the Qur'an thus:

“It is He who sends down water from the sky. From it you drink and from it come the shrubs among which you graze your herds. And by it He makes crops grow for you and olives and dates and grapes and fruit of every kind. There is certainly a Sign in that for people who reflect.” (Surat an-Nahl: 10-11)

source: http://www.hyahya.org/

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Educating Your Children in Ramadan

Children (who did not reach puberty) are not commanded to fast. However, their parents or guardians are strongly recommended to encourage them to fast a few days so that they get used to it and they grow up knowing of the worship of fasting as they would know that of praying. In fact this was the practise of the first women of Islam who were living around the Prophet, salla Allahu alaihi wa sallam. An example of that is ar-Rubayya' bint Mu'awiyyah who reported that:

"The Messenger of Allah,salla Allahu alaihi wa sallam, sent a man on the morning of the day of 'Ashurah, to the residences of the Ansar, saying: 'Whoever has spent the morning fasting is to complete his fast. Whoever has not spent this morning fasting should voluntary fast for the remainder of the day.' We fasted after that announcement, as did our young children. We would go to the mosque and make toys stuffed with cotton for them to play with. If one of them started crying due to hunger, we would give them a toy to play with until it was time to eat."

Dear sister remember that among the seven that Allah will shade under His shade on the Day of Judgement is a young man who grew up in the worship of Allah. Therefore let your children be one of these.

There are many ways to educate your children about Ramadan, the best and most important of which is to set the good example by fasting properly and behaving according to the Prophetic teachings. This is what your children will take from you first. When you are fulfilling this you can very easily [and they will accept it and practise it easily as well] teach them what you want. Here are few tips that you can use with your children [you can think of others as well]:

1. Depending on their age encourage them to fast a number of days up to every other day or more for those who are almost at the age of puberty. For those who are still young let them fast a day or two and praise them in front of friends and relatives for their achievement.

2. Let your children go with their father to the Masjid for Maghrib prayer and break the fast with the larger Muslim community to make them feel the greatness of fasting and the unity of Muslims in worshipping Allah.

3. If your children cannot fast let them eat with you at the time of Maghrib and teach them that you are breaking the fast even if they ate before.

4. Teach your children the supplication of breaking the fast

5. Take your children to the Taraweeh prayer so that they get used it and know about it from their early age. They may sit or stay in the back of the prayer room if they get tired.

6. Teach them to give charity. Do it in front of them and tell them you are doing it because the reward increases in Ramadan.

7. Teach them to recite Qur'an regularly and inform them that the Prophet used to do that in Ramadan.

8. Correct them if they behave wrongly or say unacceptable words and remind them that they are fasting, they are in Ramadan and this may alter their reward.

9. Wake them up for Suhoor [even if they don't fast] and Fajr prayer.

10. Teach them to feed the people fasting and tell them about the reward for that.

11. Dress them in the best clothes, give them a bath and take them with you to the Eid Prayer. Teach them that this is our feast and celebration and that Christmas, Easter, Thanksgiving and other holidays are not ours. Stress the distinction.

and remember that the Prophet salla allahu alaihi wa sallam said:

"One who is given the responsibility of the bringing up of daughters and treats them well will be a shield for him from Hell.

source: http://www.ummah.com/

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Why A Scientist Believes In God

This article of Mr A. Cressy Morrison, former President of the New York Academy of Sciences, first appeared in the "Reader's Digest" (January 1948); then on recommendation of Professor C. A. Coulson, F. R.S., Professor of Mathematics at Oxford University, was republished in the "Reader's Digest" November 1960 - It shows how science compels the scientists to admit to the essential need of a Supreme Creator.

We are still in the dawn of the scientific age and every increase of light reveals more brightly the handiwork of an intelligent Creator. In the 90 years since Darwin we have made stupendous discoveries; with a spirit of scientific humanity and of faith grounded in knowledge we are approaching even nearer to an awareness of God. For myself I count seven reasons for my faith.

First: By unwavering mathematical law we can prove that our universe was designed and executed by a great engineering Intelligence. Suppose you put ten coins, marked from one to ten, into your pocket and give them a good shuffle. Now try to take them out in sequence from one to ten, pulling back the coin each time and shaking them all again. Mathematically we know that your chance of first drawing number one is one in ten; of drawing one and two in succession, one in 100; of drawing one, two and three in succession, one in a thousand, and so on; your chance of drawing them all, from one to number ten in succession, would reach the unbelievable figure of one chance in ten thousand million. By the same reasoning, so many exacting conditions are necessary for life on earth that they could not possibly exist in proper relationship by chance. The earth rotates on its axis at one thousand miles an hour; if it turned at one hundred miles an hour, our days and nights would be ten times as long as now, and the hot sun would then burn up our vegetation during each long day, while in the long night any surviving sprout would freeze. Again, the sun, source of our life, has a surface temperature of 12,000 degrees Fahrenheit, and our earth is, just far enough away so that this 'eternal fire" warms us just enough and not too much! If the sun gave off only one-half its present radiation, we would freeze, and if it gave half as much more, we would roast. The slant of the earth, tilted at an angle of 23 degrees, gives us our season; if it had not been so tilted, vapors from the ocean would move north and south, piling up for us continents of ice. If our moon was, say, only 50 thousand miles away instead of its actual distance, our tides would be so enormous that twice a day all continents would be submerged; even the mountains would soon be eroded away. If the crust of the earth had been only ten feet thicker, there would be no oxygen without which animal life must die. Had the ocean been a few feet deeper, carbon dioxide and oxygen would have been absorbed and no vegetable life could exist. Or if our atmosphere had been thinner, some of the meteors, now burned in space by the million every day would be striking all parts of the earth, starting fires everywhere. Because of these, and host of other examples, there is not one chance in millions that life on our planet is an accident.

Second: The resourcefulness of life to accomplish its purpose is a manifestation of all-pervading Intelligence. What life itself is no man has fathomed. It has neither weight nor dimensions, but it does have force; a growing root will crack a rock. Life has conquered water, land and air, mastering the element, compelling them to dissolve and reform their combinations. Life, the sculptor, shapes all living things; an artist, it designs every leaf of every tree, and colours every flower. Life is a musician and has each bird to sing its love songs, the insects to call each other in the music of their multitudinous sounds. Life is a sublime chemist, giving taste to fruits and spices, and perfume to the rose changing water and carbonic acid into sugar and wood and, in so doing, releasing oxygen that animals may have the breath of life. Behold an almost invisible drop of protoplasm, transparent and jelly-like, capable of motion, drawing energy from the sun. This single cell, this transparent mist-like droplet, holds within itself the germ of life, and has the power to distribute this life to every living thing, great and small. The powers of this droplet are greater than our vegetation and animals and people, for all life came from it. Nature did not create life; fire-blistered rocks and a saltless sea could not meet the necessary requirements. Who, then, has put it here?

Third: Animal wisdom speaks irresistibly of a good Creator who infused instinct into otherwise helpless little creatures. The young salmon spends years at sea, then comes back to his own river; and travels up the very side of the river into which flows The tributary where he was born. What brings him back so precisely? If you transfer him to another tributary he will know at once that he is off his course and he will fight his way down and back to the main stream and then turn up against the current to finish his destiny more accurately. Even more difficult to solve is the mystery of eels. These amazing creatures migrate at maturity from all ponds and rivers everywhere - those from Europe across thousands of miles of oceans - all bound for the same abysmal deeps near Bermuda. There they breed and die. The little ones, with no apparent means of knowing anything except that they are in a wilderness of water nevertheless find their way back not only to the very shore from which their parent came but thence to the rivers, lakes or little ponds - so that each body of water is always populated with eels. No American eel has ever been caught in Europe, no European eel in American waters. Nature has even delayed the maturity of the European eel by a year or more to make up for its longer journey. Where does the directing iruptilse originate? A wasp will overpower a grasshopper, dig a hole in the earth, sting the grasshopper in exactly the right place so that he does not die but becomes unconscious and lives on as a form of preserved meat. Then the wasp will lay her eggs handily so that her children when they hatch can nibble without killing the insect on which they feed, to them dead meat would be fatal. The mother then flies way and dies; she never sees her young. Surely the wasp must have done all this right the first time and every time, or else there would be no wasp. Such mysterious techniques cannot be explained by adaptation; they were bestowed.

Fourth: Man has something more than animal instinct - the power of reason. No other animal has ever left a record of its ability to count ten or even to understand the meaning of ten. Where instinct is like a single note of a flute, beautiful but limited, the human brain contains all the notes of all the instruments in the orchestra. No need to belabour this fourth point; thanks to the human reason we can contemplate the possibility that we are what we are only because we have received a spark of Universal Intelligence.

Fifth: Provision for all living is revealed in phenomena which we know today but which Darwin did not know - such as the wonders of genes. So unspeakably tiny are these genes that, if all of them responsible for all living people in the world could be put in one place, there would be less than a thimbleful. Yet these ultra- microscopic genes and their companions, the chromosomes, inhabit every living cell and are the absolute keys to all human, animal and vegetable characteristics. A thimble is a small place in which to put all the individual characteristics of two thousand million human beings. However; the facts are beyond question. Well then, how do genes lock up all the normal heredity of a multitude of ancestors and preserve the psychology of each in such an infinitely small space? Here evolution really begins - at the cell, the entity which holds and carries genes. How a few million atoms, locked up as an ultra-microscopic gene, can absolutely rule all on earth is an example of profound cunning and provision that could emanate only from a Creative Intelligence - no other hypothesis will serve.

Sixth: By the economy of nature, we are forced to realize that only infinite wisdom could have foreseen and prepared with such astute husbandry. Many years ago a species of cactus was planted in Australia as a protective fence. Having no insect enemies in Australia the cactus soon began a prodigious growth; the alarming abundance persisted until the plants covered an area as long and wide as England, crowding inhabitants out of the towns and villages, and destroying their farms. Seeking a defense, the entomologists scoured the world; finally they turned up an insect which exclusively feeds on cactus, and would eat nothing else. It would breed freely too; and it had no enemies in Australia. So animal soon conquered vegetable and today the cactus pest has retreated, and with it all but a small protective residue of the insects, enough to hold the cactus in check for ever. Such checks and balances have been universally provided. Why have not fast-breeding insects dominated the earth? Because they have no lungs such as man possesses; they breathe through tubes. But when insects grow large, their tubes do not grow in ratio to the increasing size of the body. Hence there has never been an insect of great size; this limitation on growth has held them all in check. If this physical check had not been provided, man could not exist. Imagine meeting a hornet as big as a lion!

Seventh: The fact that man can conceive the idea of God is in itself a unique proof. The conception of god rises from a divine faculty of man, unshared with the rest of our world - the faculty we call imagination. By its power, man and man alone can fmd the evidence of things unseen. The vista that power opens up is unbounded; indeed, as man is perfected, imagination becomes a spiritual reality.

source: http://www.ummah.com/

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Zakaah al-Fitr

1. MEANING

Zakaah al-Fitr is often referred to as Sadaqah al-Fitr. The word Fitr means the same as Iftaar, breaking a fast and it comes from the same root word as Futoor which means breakfast. Thus, Islamically, Zakaah al-Fitr is the name given to charity which is distributed at the end of the fast of Ramadaan.

2. CLASSIFICATION

Sadaqah al-Fitr is a duty which is Waajib on every Muslim, whether male or female, minor or adult as long as he/she has the means to do so.

The proof that this form of charity is compulsory can be found in the Sunnah whereby Ibn `Umar reported that the Prophet (sallallaahu `alaihi wa sallam) made Zakaah al-Fitr compulsory on every slave, freeman, male, female, young and old among the Muslims; one Saa` of dried dates or one Saa` of barely. [collected by Bukhaaree - Arabic/English, vol. 2, p. 339, no. 579]

The head of the household may pay the required amount for the other members. Abu Sa'eed al-Khudree said, "On behalf of our young and old, free men and slaves, we used to take out during Allaah's Messenger's (sallallaahu 'alaihi wa sallam) lifetime one Saa` of grain, cheese or raisins". [collected by Muslim - English transl. vol. 2, p. 469, no. 2155]

3. SIGNIFICANCE

The significant role played by Zakaah in the circulation of wealth within the Islamic society is also played by the Sadaqah al-Fitr. However, in the case of Sadaqah al-Fitr, each individual is required to calculate how much charity is due from himself and his dependents and go into the community in order to find those who deserve such charity. Thus, Sadaqah al-Fitr plays a very important role in the development of the bonds of community. The rich are obliged to come in direct contact with the poor, and the poor are put in contact with the extremely poor. This contact between the various levels of society helps to build real bonds of brotherhood and love within the Islamic community and trains those who have, to be generous to those who do not have.

4. PURPOSE

The main purpose of Zakaah al-Fitr is to provide those who fasted with the means of making up for their errors during the month of fasting. Zakaah al-Fitr also provides the poor with a means with which they can celebrate the festival of breaking the fast (`Eed al-Fitr) along with the rest of the Muslims.

Ibn Abbaas reported, "The Prophet (sallallaahu 'alaihi wa sallam) made Zakaah al-Fitr compulsory so that those who fasted may be purified of their idle deeds and shameful talk (committed during Ramadaan) and so that the poor may be fed. Whoever gives it before Salaah will have it accepted as Zakaah, while he who gives it after the Salaah has given Sadaqah." [collected by Abu Dawood - Eng. transl. vol. 2, p. 421, no. 1605 - rated Saheeh by Shaikh Naser Al-Albanee]

Hence, the goal of Sadaqah al-Fitr is the spiritual development of the Believers. By making them give up some of their wealth, the believers are taught the higher moral characteristics of generosity, compassion (sympathy for the unfortunate), gratitude to God and the righteousness. But, since Islaam does not neglect man's material need, part of the goal of Zakaah al-Fitr is the economic well-being of the poorer members of society.

5. CONDITIONS

Zakaah al-Fitr is only Waajib for a particular period of time. If one misses the time period without a good reason, he has sinned and can not make it up. This form of charity becomes obligatory from sunset on the last day of fasting and remains obligatory until the beginning of Salaah al-'Eed' (i.e. shortly after sunrise on the following day). However, it can be paid prior to the above mentioned period, as many of the Sahaabah (companions of the Prophet(sallallaahu 'alaihi wa sallam) ) used to pay Sadaqah al-Fitr a couple days before the `Eed.

Naafi reported that the Prophet's companion Ibn `Umar used to give it to those who would accept it and the people used to give it a day or two before the `Eed. [collected by al-Bukhaaree - Arabic/English, Vol. 2, p.339, no. 579]

Ibn `Umar reported that the Prophet (sallallaahu 'alaihi wa sallam) order that it (Zakaah al-Fitr) be given before people go to make the Salaah (al-'Eed).

And Ibn `Abbaas reported that the Prophet (sallallaahu 'alaihi wa sallam) said, "Whoever gives it before the Salaah will have it accepted as Zakaah, while he who gives it after the Salaah (will not, for it will only be considered as) ordinary charity. Therefore, one who forgets to pay this Zakaah al-Fitr on time should do so as soon as possible even though it will not be counted as Zakaah al-Fitr.

6. RATE

The amount of Zakaah is the same for everyone regardless of their different income brackets. The minimum amount is one Saa` (two handfuls ) of food, grain or dried fruit for each member of the family. This calculation is based on Ibn `Umar's report that the Prophet(sallallaahu 'alaihi wa sallam) made Zakaah al-Fitr compulsory and payable by a Saa` of dried dates or a Saa` of barley.

The Sahaabee, Abu Sa`eed al-Khudree said, "In the Prophet's time, we used to give it (Zakaah al-Fitr) as a Saa` of food, dried dates, barley, raisins or dried cheese". [collected by al-Bukhaaree - Arabic/English vol. 2, p. 340, no. 582]

Dr. Abu Ameenah Bilal Philips

source: http://www.ummah.com/

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Eid Ul-Fitr

The tenth month of the Islamic calender is Shawwal. In respect of the significance and importance of Eid ul Fitr the following sayings should be remembered.

Hazrat Abu Hurraira (Radi Allahu Anh) reported that the messenger of Allah Ta’ala, Hazrat Mohummed (Sall Allahu Alaihi wa Sallam) said, "when the eve of Eid ul Fitr comes, all the angels rejoice. Allah Almighty says: "Oh My Angels! What is the reward of those labourers who have completed their task?" The angels reply that they should be fully rewarded. Allah Almighty then says:

"Be witness, I have forgiven them all."

Hazrat Abu Amamah (Radi Allahu Anh) reported that the Holy Prophet (Sall Allahu Alaihi wa Sallam) said, "Anyone who keeps alive the two nights of Eid (i.e- the eve of Eid ul Fitr and Eid ul Adhu) by remaining awake in the worship of Allah, his heart will not die on that day when every heart will be dead."

Hazrat Muaz ibn Jabal (Radi Allahu Anh) reported that the Prophet of Allah Ta’ala (Sall Allahu Alaihi wa Sallam) said, 10th nights of Zil-Hajj, the eve of Eid ul Fitr and the 15th night of Sha’baan) in the worship of Allah, by reciting the Quran, engaging in Zikr, rendering na’at Shareef and Darood-O-Salam, they have made Paradise obligatory for themselves.

The Salat (Namaz) to be offered on the eve of Eid ul Fitr are as follows: It has been said that four raka’at Nafl prayer should be offerd at home. In each raka’at after surah Fateha, you should recite surah Ikhlas 21 times. The person who offers this salat will have all 8 doors of Heaven opened to him, and all seven doors of Hell shut. He will have his place reserved in Paradise before his death. In another saying, it is the one who offers 4 raka’ats and in each raka’at after surah Fateha, he recites surah Ikhlas, surah Falaq and surah An-Nas, three times.

Then read kalimah Tamjeed 70 times, and sincerely repent for your sins. Allah Almighty through the blessings of this namaz will forgive your sins and accept your repentance.

The first day of Shawwal is Eid ul Fitr. It is a day to seek forgiveness for one’s sins. Fasting on this day is forbidden. The Holy Prophet (Sall Allahu Alaihi wa Sallam) would always eat something sweet before proceeding on the Eid Ghah for Eid salat (Namaz).

The following are some of the things a person is recommended to do on Eid day.

1. Take a hair cut (men only!).
2. Brush ones teeth.
3. Cut ones nails.
4. To take a bath.
5. To wear new clothes or clean clothes.
6. To wear perfume.
7. To perform Fajr at a local mosque.
8. To hasten to Eid Ghah.
9. To pay Fitrana.
10. To eat odd numbers of dates before going to Eid Ghah or to eat something sweet.
11. To go to Eid Ghah one way and come back home another.

THE SIX FASTS OF SHAWWAL

Hazrat Abu Ayub Ansari (Radi Allahu Anh) reported that the messenger of Allah (Sall Allahu Alaihi wa Sallam) said, "The one who observes the fasts of Ramadan followed by six voluntary fasts of Shawwal, will be regarded as though he had fasted perpetually.

Hazrat Jabir Ibn Abullah (Radi Allahu Anh) reports that the messenger of Allah (Sall Allahu Alaihi wa Sallam) said, "He who obsreves six fasts after Eid ul Fitr, it will be as though he had fasted the whole year,- ie One who brings a pious deed will be rewarded ten.’

The fasts of Ramadan are equal to 10 months, the six fasts of Shawwal will be equal to 2 months, giving a total of 12 months or one year.

Sadqa tul Fitr Wajib to every muslim on whom Zakat is Fard on behalf of himself and for all members of his family including minor children. The amount of Sadqat ul Fitr should be inquired from the local Mosque.

The Eid salat consists of two Rakats. The salat should be performed with Jama’at with an additional 6 Takbirs.

When one begins salat you should make niyat (intention) like any other salat but say this in addition that Eid salat with six additional Takbirs and there is no need to say time of salat.

After Subhanakallah do three Takbirs. The Imam will say Allahu Akhbar and will raise his hands to his ears, you also raise your hands to your ears. Hree times and then finish first Rakat like normal salat. In second Rakat do second Rakat as you do any other Rakats and before going to Raku the Imam will say three Takbirs, he and raise your hands to the ears three times and then finish salat as any other salat. After salam Imam will give the Khutba just like Friday. Listening to Eid Khutba is Wajib. After Khutba do dua.

When you go to Eid salat, you take one road and when you come back take a different road. It is Sunnat of our beloved Prophet (Sall Allahu Alaihi wa Sallam) and if it is possible to go in the mosque by foot.

You ought to say this Takhbir while going and comming back from Eid salat: "Allahu Akbar, Allahu Akbar La Ilaha Illahu Wallahu Akbar wa Lillahil Hamd."

In this month many anniversaries and celebrations take place. The first of this month is thanksgiving day for all Muslims. This is called Eid ul Fitr. And on first day great Wali Hazrat Ibrahim Adum passed away and his Urs takes place by his devotees. The freat muslim Sultan Hazrat Mahmud Ghaznvi, who conqured India, passed away on the 3rd and Hazrat Kazam Ali Khan, grandfather of Imam Ahmed Raza Barelvi passed away on the 4th of this month. Hazrat Khawaja Usman Harooni passed awy on the 6th and Shaykh Abdul Aziz Muhiddith Dehlvi passed away on 12th of this month. Hazrat Abdul Aziz bin Hazrat Gaus Al-Azam Abdul Qadir on the 25th, Allama Muhammad Iqbal on the 28th Hazrat Shaykh Sa’idi Shirazi on the 3rd Hazrat Yahya Munri passed away on the 5th of this month (Radi Allahu Ta’ala Anhum Ajmaeen). These special days are celebrated by all Muslims throughout the world. May Allah Ta’ala bless us all because of His beloved Awliya. Amen!

source: http://www.ummah.com/

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Ibn Sina

Ibn Sina, known as the 'doctor of doctors', was born in 370/980 in Afshana, his mother's home, near Bukhara.

Ibn Sina, known as the 'doctor of doctors', was born in 370/980 in Afshana, his mother's home, near Bukhara.

His native language was Persian. His father, an official of the Samanid administration, had him very carefully educated at Bukhara. Ibn Sina is known in the West as Avicenna. He displayed exceptional intellectual prowess as a child and at the age of ten was already proficient in the Qur'an and the Arabic classics. During the next six years he devoted himself to Muslim Jurisprudence, Philosophy and Natural Science and studied Logic, Euclid, and the Almeagest. His intellectual independence was served by an extraordinary intelligence and memory, which allowed him to surpass his teachers at the age of fourteen.

He then shifted his attention to Medicine at the age of 17 years and found it, as described by him, "not difficult". He did, however, find difficulty in understanding Aristotle's Metaphysics, which he grasped only with the help of al-Farabi's commentary. Having cured the prince of khurasan of a severe illness, he was allowed to make use of the splendid library of the Samanid princes. At the age of eighteen he had mastered all the then known sciences. His subsequent progress was due only to his personal judgment.

He became a reputable physician at the age of 18 and was summoned to attend the Samani ruler Nuh ibn Mansur (reigned 976-997 C.E.), who, in gratitude for Ibn Sina's services, allowed him to use the royal library, and there he found as many rare and unique books as he wanted. His training through contact with life was at least equal to his development in intellectual speculation. At the age of twenty-one he wrote his first philosophical book.

The death of his father forced him to enter the administration in order to earn his living. His judgment was swiftly appreciated. Having consulted him on medical matters, the princes had recourse to him also in matters of politics. He was a minister several times, his advice being always listened to and appreciated; but people started to envy him, and he was sometimes persecuted by his enemies and sometimes coveted by princes opposing those to whom he wished to remain loyal. He took flight and was obliged to hide on several occasions, earning his living by medical consultations.

He then moved to Ray, near modern Teheran and established a busy medical practice. When Ray was besieged, Ibn Sina fled to Hamadan where he cured Prince Shamsud-Dawala of colic and was made Prime Minister. A mutiny of soldiers against him caused his dismissal and imprisonment, but subsequently the Prince, being again attacked by the colic, summoned him back, apologized and reinstated him! His life at this time was very tiring: during the day he was busy with the Prince's services, while a great deal of the night was passed in lecturing and dictating notes for his books. Students would gather in his house and read parts of his two great books.

Following the death of the prince, Ibn Sina fled to Isfahan after a few brushes with the law, including a period in prison. He spent his final years in the services of the ruler of the city, Ala al-Daula whom he advised on scientific and literary matters and accompanied on military campaigns.

His friends advised him to slow down and take life in moderation, but this wasn't his character and so he rejected their advice. "I prefer a short life with width to a narrow one with length", he used to say.

Al-Qifti states that Ibn Sina completed 21 major and 24 minor works on philosophy, medicine, theology, geometry, astronomy and the like. Another source (Brockelmann) attributes 99 books to Ibn Sina comprising 16 on medicine, 68 on theology and metaphysics 11 on astronomy and four on verse. Most of these were in Arabic; but in his native Persian he wrote a large manual on philosophical science entitled Danish-naama-i-Alai and a small treatise on the pulse.

Among Ibn Sina's scientific works, the leading two are the Kitab al-Shifa (Book of Healing), a philosophical encyclopaedia based upon Aristotelian traditions and the al-Qanun al-Tibb which represents the final categorisation of Greco-Arabian thoughts on Medicine.

Of Ibn Sina's 16 medical works, eight are versified treatises on such matter as the 25 signs indicating the fatal termination of illnesses, hygienic precepts, proved remedies, anatomical memoranda etc. Amongst his prose works, after the great Qanun, the treatise on cardiac drugs, of which the British Museum possesses several fine manuscripts, is probably the most important, but it remains unpublished.

The most famous and most important of Ibn Sina's works is the Qanun. It recognizes the contagious nature of phthisis (tuberculosis of the lung) and the spread of disease by water and soil. It gives a scientific diagnosis of ankylostomiasis and attributes the condition to an intestinal worm. The Qanun points out the importance of dietetics and how far the environment can affect the health and the surgical use of oral anaesthetics. Ibn Sina advised surgeons to treat cancer in its earliest stages, ensuring the removal of all the diseased tissue. The Qanun's materia medica considers some 760 drugs, explaining their application and effectiveness. He recommended the testing of a new drug on animals and humans prior to general use.

Ibn Sina stressed the close relationship between emotions and the physical condition and felt that music had a definite physical and psychological effect on patients.

The Arabic text of the Qanun was published in Rome in 1593 and was therefore one of the earliest Arabic books to see print. It was translated into Latin by Gerard of Cremona in the 12th century. This 'Canon', with its encyclopedic content, its systematic arrangement and philosophical plan, soon worked its way into a position of pre-eminence in the medical literature of the age displacing the works of Galen, al-Razi and al-Majusi, and becoming the text book for medical education in the schools of Europe.

In the museum at Bukhara, there are displays showing many of Ibn Sina's writings, surgical instruments from the period and paintings of patients undergoing treatment. An impressive monument to the life and works of the man who became known as the 'doctor of doctors' still stands outside Bukhara museum and his portrait hangs in the Hall of the Faculty of Medicine in the University of Paris.

Ibn Sina got imprisoned, escaped, lived for fourteen years in relative peace at the court of Isfahan and died at Hamadan, during an expedition of the prince 'Ala' al-Dawla, in 428/1037. He was buried there; and a monument was erected to him to celebrate the (hidhri) millenary of his birth.

source: http://www.islamonline.com/

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Ibn Khaldun

IBN KHALDUN, Wali al-Din 'Abd al-Rahman b. Mohamed b. Mohamed b. Abi Bakr Mohamed b. al-Hassan (732-84/1332-82), one of the most prominent figures of Arab-Muslim culture.

IBN KHALDUN, Wali al-Din 'Abd al-Rahman b. Mohamed b. Mohamed b. Abi Bakr Mohamed b. al-Hassan (732-84/1332-82), one of the most prominent figures of Arab-Muslim culture.

He is universally recognized as the founder and father of Sociology and Sciences of History. He is best known for his famous 'Muqaddimah,' (Prolegomena).

His life is divided into three parts, the first of which (20 years) was occupied by his childhood and education, the second (23 years) by the continuation of his studies and by political adventures, and the third (31 years) by his life as a scholar, teacher and magistrate. The first two periods were spent in the Muslim West and the third was divided between the Maghrib and Egypt.

Khaldun was born in Tunisia in 1332 C.E., where he received his early education and where, still in his teens, he entered the service of the Egyptian ruler Sultan Barquq. His thirst for advanced knowledge and a better academic setting soon made him leave this service and migrate to Fez. This was followed by a long period of unrest marked by contemporary political rivalries affecting his career.

This phase also included a three year refuge in a small village Qalat Ibn Salama in Algeria, which provided him with the opportunity to write Muqaddimah, the first volume of his world history that gave him an immortal place among historians, sociologists and philosophers.

The uncertainty of his career still continued, with Egypt becoming his final abode where he spent his last 24 years. Here he lived a life of fame and respect, marked by his appointment as the Chief Malakite Judge and lecturing at the Al-Azhar University, but people started to envy which resulted in his removal from his high judicial office.

Ibn Khaldun's chief contribution lies in the fields of philosophy, history and sociology. He sought to write a world history preambled by a first volume aimed at an analysis of historical events. This volume, commonly known as 'Muqaddimah' or 'Prolegomena', was based on Ibn Khaldun's unique approach and original contribution and became a masterpiece in literature on philosophy of history and sociology.

By this work, Ibn Khaldun aimed at identifying psychological, economic, environmental and social facts that contribute to the advancement of human civilization and the currents of history. In this context, he analyzed the dynamics of group relationships and showed how group-feelings, al-'Asabiyya, give rise to the ascent of a new civilisation and political power and how, later on, its diffusion into a more general civilization invites the advent of a still new 'Asabiyya in its pristine form. He identified an almost rhythmic repetition of rise and fall in human civilization, and analyzed factors contributing to it.

Unlike most earlier writers interpreting history largely in a political context, Ibn Khaldun's emphasised environmental, sociological, psychological and economic factors governing the apparent events. This revolutionized the science of history and also laid the foundation of Umraniyat (Sociology).

Apart from the 'Muqaddimah' that became an important independent book even during the lifetime of the author, the other volumes of his world history Kitab al-I'bar deal with the history of Arabs, contemporary Muslim rulers, contemporary European rulers, ancient history of Arabs, Jews, Greeks, Romans, Persians, etc., Islamic History, Egyptian history and North-African history, especially that of Berbers and tribes living in the adjoining areas. The last volume deals largely with the events of his own life and is known as Al-Tasrif. This initiated a new analytical tradition in the art of writing autobiography.

Ibn Khaldun's great contributions in history, philosophy of history, sociology, political science and education have remained dominant and significant ever since his life. His books have been translated into many languages, both in the East and the West, and have inspired other figures to develop these sciences and add to them.

source: http://www.islamonline.com/

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Fasting: Meaning and Benefits

Fasting is a spiritual characteristic of Islam. It is meant to teach us essential values such as patience, sacrifice and humility.

Fasting is a unique moral and spiritual characteristic of Islam. It does not mean just abstaining completely from food, drink, sex and smoking from the break of dawn till sunset during the whole month of Ramadan. Fasting is meant to teach us essential values such as patience, sacrifice and humility.

Ramadan is a great month in which Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) received the first verses of the Holy Qur’an through revelation. The first battle of Islam against the infidels took place in Ramadan.

It is a pity that some young Muslims do not know the holiness of this month. They turn it into a month of sleeping and laziness. Some of them spend the whole night playing cards or watching TV. They go to bed after sunrise and sometimes miss noon or afternoon prayers, which is a great sin. During Ramadan we should ask forgiveness for our past sins and help in refraining from evil thoughts and actions, pray for guidance in our daily lives, and do our best to purify ourselves through self-restraint and good deeds.

It is also a time when Muslims are to focus on spiritual cleansing and enlightenment, establishing a strong link between themselves and God through prayers, supplication, charity, good deeds, kindness and helping others. Muslims know that refraining from backbiting, telling lies, insulting others or hurting them is as important as refraining from food and drink during Ramadan. Jabir related on the authority of Anas that the Apostle of Allah (peace be upon him) once said:

“Five things break the fast: The telling of lies, backbiting, carrying tales, perjury, and the casting of covetous and lustful eyes.” In another Hadith, Abu Huraira reported Allah’s Messenger as saying, “He who does not abandon falsehood in word and action in accordance with fasting, Allah has no need that he should abandon his food and drink.”

For all these reasons Islamic fasting is unique and provides a number of benefits and blessings. It is different from the other fasts previously observed in terms of the number of days, the time and the manner of fasting itself.

WHEN Islam introduced this matchless institution of fasting, it planted an ever-growing tree of uncountable products and invaluable blessings. The spiritual benefits of the fasting include:

Teaching the principle of sincere love. We do fasting out of deep love for our Lord. A person who loves Allah is a person who really knows what love is.

It equips us with a creative sense of hope and an optimistic outlook on life as a whole. Because we fast with a sincere desire to please Allah with a view to attaining His Mercy and Grace.

It imbues us with a genuine virtue of effective devotion, honest dedication and closeness to Allah, because when we fast we do so for Allah and for His sake alone.

It cultivates in us a vigilant and clear conscience, since a person keeps to himself the fact that he is fasting. A Muslim fasts to please Allah and satisfy his/her own conscience by being faithful in secret as well as in public.

Fasting is an effective tool in applied moderation and will power. The man who observes fasting properly is certainly the one who could discipline his passionate desires and place himself above physical temptations. It is a practical training for us to endure the hardships of hunger and thirst. We also have a good chance to get rid of our bad habits.

It teaches us patience and unselfishness, because when we fast, we feel the sufferings and pains of deprivation. This makes us realize the severe effects of such pains on others, who might be deprived of essential commodities for days or weeks together. Such a person is much quicker than others in sympathizing with his fellow human beings and responding to their needs. This is an eloquent expression of unselfishness and genuine sympathy.

It provides a Muslim with a transparent soul to transcend, a clear mind to think and a light body to move and act. All this is never the transient effect of carrying an empty stomach. Medical instructions, biological rules and intellectual experience attest to this fact. Thus, we could say that fasting has many medical benefits.

It shows Muslims a new method of saving and sound budgeting, because when we eat less quantity or fewer meals we spend less money and effort.

It creates in us the real spirit of social belonging, of unity and brotherhood, of equality before Allah as well as before law. This spirit is the natural product of the fact that when we fast, we feel that we are joining the whole Muslim society in observing the same duty, in the same manner, at the same time, for the same motives and to the same end.

It is a prescription from Allah for self-reassurance and self-control, for maintenance of human dignity and freedom, for victory and peace. These results never fail to manifest themselves as a lively reality in the heart of the Muslim who knows how to keep his fasting.

When he fasts in the proper manner, he is in control of himself, exercises full control over his passions, desires and resists all evil temptations. Thus, he is in a position to reassure himself, to restore his dignity and integrity and to attain freedom from evil. Once he obtains all these, he has established inner peace, which is the source of permanent peace with Allah and, consequently, with the entire universe.

It is a fact that the beauty of Islam lies in its moderation, balance, kindness and universality of which Ramadan is the most striking symbol. Ramadan is a month of mercy, forgiveness and blessings. It requires serenity, devotion, learning, politeness, generosity and reaffirmation of iman (faith) to be watchwords and hallmarks of a Muslim society.

Fasting in Ramadan is not what is commonly known as “going on a diet”. Ramadan fasting has its rules and prohibitions, its own system and social goals. It is enjoined for the moral elevation and spiritual development of a person. It is not mere abstention from the “goodies”, and worldly pleasures. In fact, abstention from food and drink is only a step toward the higher goal of righteousness. The Holy Qur’an makes it obvious by prescribing Ramadan fasting as one of the cardinal principles of Islam.

Allah does not want us to get involved in unnecessary hardships. All that Allah demands with regard to this sublime act of worship is the creation of a society, which follows His orders, and the righteous traditions of His Prophet. Hence the main object of Ramadan fasting is to promote righteousness, which is a progressive cultivation of spiritual values.

The Prophet is reported to have said that whoever abstains from food and drink but does not strive to safeguard himself against moral lapses, strives to no purpose. It was reported also that he said, “Whoever does not give up indecent speech and evil actions, Allah is not in need of his forsaking his food and drink.” So please be kind to all, go easy on the accelerator and be patient in all matters, for Allah is with those who are patient.

source: http://www.islamonline.com/

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The Virtues of Fasting (Siyam)

In Islam, fasting means “to abstain from something.” For example, one verse reports that Mary, the mother of Jesus, said: “I have vowed to the Merciful a fast, so today I will speak to no one.” (Surah Maryam, 19:26). In more general terms, it means to abstain from food, drink, and sexual intercourse, from dawn until sunset after making the explicit intention to do so for Allah’s sake.

Abu Hurayrah reported the Messenger (PBUH) said: “Allah said: ‘Every action of the son of Adam is for him except fasting, for that is solely for Me. I give the reward for it.’ The fast is a shield. If one is fasting, he should not use foul language, raise his voice, or behave foolishly. If someone reviles him or fights with him, he should say: ‘I am fasting’ twice. By the One in whose hand is the soul of Muhammad, the [bad] breath of the one who is fasting is better in the sight of Allah on the Day of Resurrection than the smell of musk. The one who is fasting is happy at two times: when he breaks his fast he is happy with it, and when he meets his Lord he will be happy that he has fasted.’” (Related by Ahmad, Muslim, and an-Nasa’i. A similar version is recorded by al-Bukhari and Abu Dawud, but with the following addition: “He leaves his food, drink, and desires for My sake. His fasting is for Me.... I will give the reward for it, and for every good deed he will receive ten similar to it.”)

`Abdullah ibn `Amr reported that the Messenger (PBUH) said: “The fast and the Qur’an are two intercessors for the servant of Allah on the Day of Resurrection. The fast will say: ‘O Lord, I prevented him from his food and desires during the day. Let me intercede for him.’ The Qur’an will say: ‘I prevented him from sleeping at night. Let me intercede for him.’ And their intercession will be accepted.” (Related by Ahmad with a sahih chain.)

Abu Umamah reported: “I came to the Messenger of Allah and said: ‘Order me to do a deed that will allow me to enter Paradise.’ He replied: ‘Stick to fasting, as there is no equivalent to it.’ Then I came to him again, and he said: ‘Stick to fasting.’” (Related by Ahmad, an-Nasa’i, and al-Hakim, who classified it as sahih.)

Abu Sa`id al-Khudri reported that the Messenger (PBUH): “No servant fasts on a day in the path of Allah except that Allah removes the hellfire 70 years further away from his face.” (Related by “the group,” except for Abu Dawud.)

Sahl ibn Sa`d reported that the Prophet (PBUH) said: “There is a gate to Paradise that is called ar-Rayyan. On the Day of Resurrection it will ask: ‘Where are those who fasted?’ When the last [one] has passed through the gate, it will be locked.” (Related by al-Bukhari and Muslim.)

source: As-Sayyed Sabiq, Fiqh as-Sunna.

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Facets of Fasting

by Kristie Karima Burns, MH, ND

Fasting, which is now one of the fastest growing health trends in the United States, has benefits that are as widespread as its popularity. It can help the body heal and rid itself of dangerous chemicals, combat addiction, and rejuvenate the soul as well as the body. However, before embarking on a fast, one should do some research so that they can choose the most appropriate type. There are a wide variety of different fasting programs, such as water-fasts, juice-fasts, whole food-fasts, and such spiritual fasts as Ramadan. Each one has a different benefit for the person who performs it, whereas the common goal for all people who fast is to achieve better health.

Regular Fasting

A water-fast, meaning that the individual drinks only purified water for 1-3 days, provides great benefits. When a person drinks nothing but water for a certain period of time, the water acts as a high-powered detoxification agent, lubricates the body’s cells, and nourishes the blood. As it is eliminated from the body, it carries with it as many chemicals and toxins as it can. A water-fast is usually supervised by a doctor and is performed after a more moderate fast, for toxins are actually released into the body’s system before they are eliminated. Safe fasting insures that this is done gradually and does not shock the body.

A juice-fast is similar to a water-fast, for a person is allowed only liquids. The benefit of avoiding solid foods is that juices are assimilated easily, require minimum digestion, supply many nutrients, and stimulate the body to clear wastes. Elson M. Hass, MD, in his book The Detox Diet, calls a juice-fast the single greatest natural healing therapy he knows. He says: “It is nature’s ancient, universal remedy for many problems, used instinctively by animals when ill and by earlier cultures for healing and spiritual purification.”

A whole food-fast is often used as a pre-fast, because it allows a person to eat solid foods and to consume liquids. One can eat only organic foods, drink pure water, consume foods that are in season and grown in one’s own region, eat only foods grown in nature, and cook only in natural pots and pans (e.g., those made from glass, ceramic, porcelain, or iron). Since so many people are exposed to coffee, alcohol, tobacco, meat, processed foods, sugar, chemical drugs, and even environmental pollutants, this “healthy diet” has become a “fast,” rather than the norm, for most people. Some people have even refined this fast to include only vegetables, fruits, or raw foods. Herbs can be added to this or any other fast, in order to target healing in specific organs. This kind of fast was used by Socrates, Plato, Avicenna, Galen, and even Hippocrates. Indulgence, it seems, is an age-old problem.

Spiritual Fasting

Spiritual fasting can encompass the fasting methods listed above or can be quite different. However, its goal is more holistic: to purify the mind, body, AND soul, rather than just the body. Christianity, Judaism, Islam, Buddhism, Hinduism, and even tribal religions all encourage fasting as a method of penance, ceremonial preparation, purification, mourning, sacrifice, and/or to enhance mental or spiritual powers.

Ramadan is a good example of a spiritual fast. In fact, the Qur’an states that it is more than just a physical fast or just a spiritual. In fact, fasting during Ramadan benefits the Muslim’s physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual bodies, for: "O you who believe. Fasting is prescribed to you as it was prescribed to those before you, so that you may have taqwa" (Surat al-Baqara, 2:183). Taqwa is translated in many ways: God-consciousness, God-fearing, piety, and self-restraining. It also has physical, spiritual and emotional connotations.

As this verse indicates, the intention behind the Ramadan fast is not only to benefit the physical being, but the mental and spiritual one as well. Most spiritual fasts have these goals in common, even if their methods are different.

The Benefits of Fasting

There are four main aspects of fasting in these three categories: going without food and water from sunrise to sunset, avoiding negative thoughts and actions, praying the tarawih prayer, and focusing one’s life on spiritual instead of physical actions.

Physically, going without food from sunrise to sunset benefits the body in many ways. According to Shahid Athar, studies done in Iran and Egypt show that such fasting has no adverse medical effects and may even have some beneficial effect on weight and lipid metabolism. He states: “The physiological effect of fasting includes lowering of blood sugar, lowering of cholesterol, and lowering of the systolic blood pressure. In fact, Ramadan fasting would be an ideal recommendation for the treatment of mild to moderate, stable, non-insulin diabetes, obesity, and essential hypertension.” This opinion agrees with that of Haas, who remarks that “fasting can be a cure for almost any disease.”

Longevity studies also illustrate fasting’s benefits. Studies on laboratory animals and humans consistently show that restricting caloric intake increases longevity and slows down the production rate of free radicals in the body. Therefore, it is no surprise that reducing these free radicals helps to prevent cancer. Thompson, Jiang, and Shu (The Center for Nutrition and the Prevention of Disease) mention that “cancer that occurs at numerous organ sites, including the colon and breast, is inhibited by energy restriction, and the inhibition is proportional to the degree of restriction imposed.”

Fasting can also be fundamental to healing various addictions, such as coffee, cigarettes, tea, drugs, alcohol, shopping, work, and food. The medical community has long accepted that addiction can be cured by breaking the addict’s habitual cycle. Breaking the cycle is the most popular curative method used in addiction therapy today. To cure one’s addiction to smoking, doctors prescribe nicotine patches, which are intended to help people resist cigarettes and break their habitual cycle. Patients also are asked to avoid friends or situations in which they usually smoke. Sometimes, drug addicts are even physically restrained to prevent them from taking drugs. In the case of coffee addiction, naturopaths advice their clients to detoxify their bodies by going without coffee for at least a day, and then building on the ensuing strength.

However, the goals of fasting Ramadan are not only physical. Withholding or resisting negative thoughts and actions is also mentally beneficial. Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) is reported to have said: “Fasting is not [abstaining] from eating and drinking only, but also from vain speech and foul language. If one of you is being cursed or annoyed, he should say: 'I am fasting, I am fasting.'"

Numerous hospital studies show that more than 70 percent of all outpatient complaints have no physical basis. Doctors who encounter these patients, however, often send them home with the statement “nothing is wrong.” However, there IS something wrong, for negative thoughts (e.g., anger, vanity, and foul language) can bring about a depletion in phosphorus, which the brain uses as food. This, in turn, places stress on the thyroid and adrenal glands, a condition that can affect everything from allergic reactions and the immune system to metabolism and hormone production. In his book, The Science and Practice of Iridology, Bernard Jensen says: "The doctor of the new day will recognize that a man's most important workshop is not the physical body, but the mind that controls it."

One reason Jensen said this is because the physical and mental bodies are linked. For instance, if negative thoughts deprive the brain of phosphorus, the brain cannot help the physical body perform such functions as speech and movement properly. In turn, if the physical body is not performing properly, the brain will lack the sufficient levels of blood circulation needed to think clearly. In this way, among others, praying tarawih adds to the benefits of the Ramadan fast.

Athar states that physically, “approximately 200 calories are burned during tarawih prayer.” However, even more beneficial than the actual physical exercise is the therapeutic exercise of the five prayer positions. Many curative therapies (e.g., Feldenkrais, Yoga, and Tai Chi) use positioning of the body to elicit a physical, mental, and spiritual balance. Muslim prayer positions are no different than these common medical approaches to physical therapy.

In fact, according to modern medical research, each prayer position relates to a different organ system. These organs are activated when assuming the prayer positions by stimulating the nerve ganglia that branch forth from the spinal column. As each bodily part is stimulated, healing energies increase in that area for a period of 5-30 minutes.

Last, but not least, most spiritual leaders who recommend fasting hope to increase their congregation’s spiritual strength. Imams, priests, and yogis all know that focusing one’s life on the spiritual rather than the physical for one month is very beneficial to one’s health. In fact, numerous studies show that such a focus can be physically beneficial. Healing with prayer and spiritual practices have been studied at Harvard Medical School and at hundreds of other prominent locations. One study found that people who prayed during the study increased their health in ten of the eleven criterion categories set forth by the study. Larry Dossey, in his book Reinventing Medicine, documents hundreds of these studies on the benefits of spirituality and its relationship to health.

Conclusion

In conclusion, chose the type of fasting that is most appropriate by considering all relevant safety and health goals. Those who are fasting can gain some wisdom from those who fast Ramadan, for if one does not chose the appropriate fast and then fast holistically, he or she “will get nothing from their fast save hunger, and perhaps the one who stands to pray at night will get nothing from their standing except sleeplessness."

source: http://www.masnet.org/

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Al-Quran dan Sains Modern

"Tak ada benturan dan pertentangan antara Islam dengan sains," cetus Ketua Persatuan Ulama Umat Islam Dunia, Dr Yusuf Al-Qaradhawi, dalam sebuah kesempatan. Alih-alih bertentangan, para saintis modern Barat telah membuktikan bahwa ajaran Islam sangat sejalan dengan ilmu pengetahuan modern.

Alquran--sebagai kitab suci dan petunjuk hidup umat Islam yang diturunkan kepada Nabi Muhammad SAW pada 14 abad silam, secara mengagumkan, mengungkapkan sederet fenomena ilmu pengetahuan yang telah terbukti akurasi dan kebenarannya. Hal itu berbeda dengan Bible ajaran Kristen yang justru memiliki banyak perbedaan pandangan dengan ilmu pengetahuan.

Munculnya perbedaan pandangan antara Bible dengan sains memang telah mengundang perdebatan di kalangan penganut Kristen. Banyaknya ketidaksesuaian antara Bible dengan sains diungkapkan Robert C Newman dalam sebuah tulisannya bertajuk Conflict between Christianity and Science. Hal itu kerap mengundang keraguan di kalangan Nasrani tentang kebenaran Bible sebagai firman Tuhan.

Setelah melakukan berbagai penelitian ilmiah, para saintis Barat telah membuktikan kebenaran janji Allah SWT tentang isi Alquran. Dalam surah Albaqarah ayat 2, Allah SWT berfirman, "Kitab (Alquran) ini tidak ada keraguan padanya, petunjuk bagi mereka yang bertakwa."

Prof Keith L Moore, guru besar Departemen Anatomi dan Biologi Sel Universitas Toronto, telah membuktikan kebenaran firman Allah SWT itu. "Saya tak tahu apa-apa tentang agama, namun saya meyakini kebenaran fakta yang terkandung dalam Alquran dan sunah," papar Moore yang terkagum-kagum dengan kandungan Alquran yang secara akurat menjelaskan perkembangan embrio manusia.

Berikut ini sebagian kecil fakta penting tentang kandungan Alquran yang sejalan dengan temuan dunia sains modern.

Pembentukan awan
Para saintis telah mempelajari beragam jenis awan. Selain itu, kalangan ilmuwan juga meneliti proses terbentuknya awan dan bagaimana hujan terjadi. Secara ilmiah, saintis memaparkan proses terjadinya hujan dimulai dari awan yang didorong angin. Awan Cumulonimbus terbentuk ketika angin mendorong sejumlah awan kecil ke wilayah awan itu bergabung hingga kemudian terjadi hujan.

Tentang fenomena pembentukan awan dan hujan itu, Alquran pun menjelaskannya secara akurat. Tidaklah kamu melihat bahwa Allah mengarak awan, kemudian mengumpulkan antara (bagian-bagian)-nya, kemudian menjadikannya bertindih-tindih. Maka, kelihatanlah olehmu hujan keluar dari celah-celahnya dan Allah (juga) menurunkan (butiran-butiran) es dari langit, (yaitu) dari (gumpalan-gumpalan awan, seperti) gunung-gunung. Maka, ditimpakan-Nya (butiran-butiran) es itu kepada siapa yang dikehendaki-Nya dan dipalingkan-Nya dari siapa yang dikehendaki-Nya. Kilauan kilat awan itu hampir-hampir menghilangkan penglihatan." (QS Annur: ayat 43).

Lautan dan sungai
Ilmu pengetahuan modern telah menemukan adanya batas di tempat pertemuan antara dua lautan yang berbeda. Pembatas itu membagi dua lautan sehingga setiap laut memiliki temperatur, berat jenis, dan kadar garam masing-masing. Misalnya, laut Mediterania memiliki air yang hangat serta kadar garam dan berat jenisnya lebih rendah dibandingkan Samudra Atlantik.

Temuan sains modern itu sejalan dengan Alquran yang telah mengungkapkannya sejak 14 abad lampau. Dalam surah Arrahman ayat 19-20, Allah SWT berfirman, ''Dia membiarkan dua lautan mengalir, yang keduanya kemudian bertemu. Antara keduanya, ada batas yang tidak dilampaui oleh masing-masing.''

Perbedaan kadar garam kedua lautan yang dipisahkan pembatas itu juga diungkapkan dalam surah Alfurqan ayat 53, "Dan, Dialah yang membiarkan dua laut mengalir (berdampingan); yang ini tawar lagi segar dan yang lain asin lagi pahit; dan Dia jadikan antara keduanya dinding dan batas yang menghalangi." Kebenaran ayat Alquran itulah yang membuat para saintis Barat berdecak kagum.

Pentingnya ASI
Dunia kesehatan modern beberapa tahun ini mulai menggaungkan pentingnya pemberian Air Susu Ibu (ASI). Anjuran itu mulai digalakkan karena ASI memiliki banyak keunggulan. Secara ilmiah, ASI merupakan makanan bagi bayi yang telah terbukti memiliki keunggulan dibandingkan dengan susu sapi atau susu yang berasal dari sumber lain. Alquran telah menyatakan pentingnya pemberian ASI bagi bayi dan batita sejak 14 abad lampau.

Dalam surah Al-Baqarah ayat 233, Allah SWT berfirman, "Para ibu hendaknya menyusukan anak-anaknya selama 2 tahun penuh. Yaitu, bagi yang ingin menyempurnakan penyusuannya. Dan, kewajiban ayah memberikan makan dan pakaian kepada para ibu dengan cara yang ma'ruf."

Serebrum (otak besar)
Pada surah Al 'Alaq ayat 15-16, Allah SWT berfirman, "Ketahuilah, sungguh jika dia tidak berhenti (berbuat demikian), niscaya Kami tarik ubun-ubunnya. (Yaitu) ubun-ubun orang mendustakan lagi durhaka." Ubun-ubun inilah yang disebut para saintis sebagai serebrum (otak besar). Lalu, apa hubungannya dengan kebohongan dan serebrum?

Secara psikologi, otak besar ini ternyata bertanggung jawab untuk merencanakan, memotivasi, dan memprakarsai hal yang baik ataupun buruk. Otak besar juga bertanggung jawab atas kebohongan dan kebenaran yang dikatakan seseorang.

Pembentukan embrio manusia
Alquran secara gamblang telah menjelaskan proses pembentukan embrio manusia. "Dan, sesungguhnya Kami telah menciptakan manusia dari suatu saripati (berasal) dari tanah. Kemudian, Kami jadikan saripati itu air mani (yang disimpan) dalam tempat yang kokoh (rahim). Kemudian, air mani itu Kami jadikan segumpal darah. Lalu, segumpal darah itu kami jadikan segumpal daging dan segumpal daging itu Kami jadikan tulang belulang. Lalu, tulang belulang itu Kami bungkus daging. Kemudian, Kami jadikan dia makhluk yang (berbentuk) lain ...." (QS Almu'minun: 12-14).

Fakta yang diungkapkan dalam Alquran itu sungguh mencengangkan para saintis modern Barat. "Saya sungguh sangat membahagiakan bisa membantu mengklarifikasi pernyataan Alquran tentang perkembangan manusia. Jelaslah bagi saya, pernyataan (Alquran) itu pastilah turun kepada Muhammad dari Tuhan," papar Prof Keith L Moore, ilmuwan terkemuka dalam bidang anatomi dan embriologi."Sebab, hampir semua pengetahuan itu belum ditemukan hingga beberapa abad kemudian. Ini membuktikan kepada saya bahwa Muhammad adalah seorang Rasul utusan Tuhan," imbuhnya.

sumber: http://republika.co.id/

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Jamaah Ramadan Bertambah, Masjid di Prancis Kurang

Keberadaan masjid yang kurang--atau tempat alternatif lain untuk ibadah jamaah bagi Muslim--di Prancis membuat mimpi buruk di kalangan muslim Prancis.

Hari pertama Sholat Jumat di bulan Ramadan ialah momen penting bagi setiap Muslim. Hanya saja bagi banyak Muslim Prancis yang memadati Masjid Al Fateh (terletak di divisi nomor 18, Paris), harus melakukan ibadah tersebut di luar masjid di bawah hujan deras.

"Daerah tersebut sudah terkenal penuh dengan warga Muslim. Walaupun ada dua masjid lain sekitar Masjid Al Fateh, tapi masjid kami selalu banyak didatangi sehingga membutuhkan area lebih dari ruang Masjid yang telah ada," ungkap Al Haj Karemo, salah satu petugas di Al Fateh seperti yang dikutip oleh IslamOnline.net

Meskipun dewan kota divisi masjid Al Fateh setuju menawarkan lebih dari 4.000 meter persegi lahan untuk membangun masjid baru, namun belum ada pihak yang mengambil langkah administratif untuk mewujudkan.

Hal penting berkaitan dengan kondisi masjid di Prancis sebenarnya terletak agenda utama Dewan Ajaran Muslim Prancis (FCMC). Mohamad Moussaoui, president dari FCMC berkeyakinan jika apa yang disebut masjid saat ini di Prancis berupa bangunan kecil dan tidak sehat. "Masjid merupakan kebutuhan Muslim, dan isu ini harus ditangani segera," ujarnya. Sementara di sisi lain, banyak masjid yang juga diresmikan di Prancis, salah satunya ialah Masjid kot Metz.

Berdasar statistik resmi, jumlah masjid di Prancis telah mencapai 1.600 bangunan. Statistik itu juga mengungkapkan jika sebagian besar masjid Prancis dulu berupa garasi lebar dan pabrik tua yang diubah fungsi. Prancis saat ini menjadi rumah bagi kurang lebih 6-7 juta warga Muslim, minoritas Muslim terbesar di Eropa.

sumber: http://republika.co.id/

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Al-Qur'an dan ASI (Air Susu Ibu)

"Dan barangsiapa berpaling dari peringatan-Ku, maka sesungguhnya baginya penghidupan yang sempit, dan Kami akan menghimpunkannya pada hari kiamat dalam keadaan buta..." (QS. Thaahaa, 20:124)

Dan Kami perintahkan kepada manusia (berbuat baik) kepada dua orang ibu-bapanya; ibunya telah mengandungnya dalam keadaan lemah yang bertambah-tambah, dan menyapihnya dalam dua tahun. Bersyukurlah kepadaKu dan kepada dua orang ibu bapakmu, hanya kepada-Kulah kembalimu. (QS. Luqman, 31:14)

Air susu ibu (ASI) adalah sebuah cairan tanpa tanding ciptaan Allah untuk memenuhi kebutuhan gizi bayi dan melindunginya dalam melawan kemungkinan serangan penyakit. Keseimbangan zat-zat gizi dalam air susu ibu berada pada tingkat terbaik dan air susunya memiliki bentuk paling baik bagi tubuh bayi yang masih muda. Pada saat yang sama, ASI juga sangat kaya akan sari-sari makanan yang mempercepat pertumbuhan sel-sel otak dan perkembangan sistem saraf. Makanan-makanan tiruan untuk bayi yang diramu menggunakan tekhnologi masa kini tidak mampu menandingi keunggulan makanan ajaib ini.

Daftar manfaat ASI bagi bayi selalu bertambah setiap hari. Penelitian menunjukkan, bayi yang diberi ASI secara khusus terlindung dari serangan penyakit sistem pernapasan dan pencernaan. Hal itu disebabkan zat-zat kekebalan tubuh di dalam ASI memberikan perlindungan langsung melawan serangan penyakit. Sifat lain dari ASI yang juga memberikan perlindungan terhadap penyakit adalah penyediaan lingkungan yang ramah bagi bakteri ”menguntungkan” yang disebut ”flora normal”. Keberadaan bakteri ini menghambat perkembangan bakteri, virus dan parasit berbahaya. Tambahan lagi, telah dibuktikan pula bahwa terdapat unsur-unsur di dalam ASI yang dapat membentuk sistem kekebalan melawan penyakit-penyakit menular dan membantunya agar bekerja dengan benar.

Karena telah diramu secara istimewa, ASI merupakan makanan yang paling mudah dicerna bayi. Meskipun sangat kaya akan zat gizi, ASI sangat mudah dicerna sistem pencernaan bayi yang masih rentan. Karena itulah bayi mengeluarkan lebih sedikit energi dalam mencerna ASI, sehingga ia dapat menggunakan energi selebihnya untuk kegiatan tubuh lainnya, pertumbuhan dan perkembahan organ.

Air susu ibu yang memiliki bayi prematur mengandung lebih banyak zat lemak, protein, natrium, klorida, dan besi untuk memenuhi kebutuhan bayi. Bahkan telah dibuktikan bahwa fungsi mata bayi berkembang lebih baik pada bayi-bayi prematur yang diberi ASI dan mereka memperlihatkan kecakapan yang lebih baik dalam tes kecerdasan. Selain itu, mereka juga mempunyai banyak sekali kelebihan lainnya.

Salah satu hal yang menyebabkan ASI sangat dibutuhkan bagi perkembangan bayi yang baru lahir adalah kandungan minyak omega-3 asam linoleat alfa. Selain sebagai zat penting bagi otak dan retina manusia, minyak tersebut juga sangat penting bagi bayi yang baru lahir. Omega-3 secara khusus sangat penting selama masa kehamilan dan pada tahap-tahap awal usia bayi yang dengannya otak dan sarafnya berkembang secara nomal. Para ilmuwan secara khusus menekankan pentingnya ASI sebagai penyedia alami dan sempurna dari omega-3.

Selanjutnya, penelitian yang dilakukan para ilmuwan Universitas Bristol mengungkap bahwa di antara manfaat ASI jangka panjang adalah dampak baiknya terhadap tekanan darah, yang dengannya tingkat bahaya serangan jantung dapat dikurangi. Kelompok peneliti tersebut menyimpulkan bahwa perlindungan yang diberikan ASI disebabkan oleh kandungan zat gizinya. Menurut hasil penelitian itu, yang diterbitkan dalam jurnal kedokteran Circulation, bayi yang diberi ASI berkemungkinan lebih kecil mengidap penyakit jantung. Telah diungkap bahwa keberadaan asam-asam lemak tak jenuh berantai panjang (yang mencegah pengerasan pembuluh arteri), serta fakta bahwa bayi yang diberi ASI menelan sedikit natrium (yang berkaitan erat dengan tekanan darah) yang dengannya tidak mengalami penambahan berat badan berlebihan, merupakan beberapa di antara manfaat ASI bagi jantung.

Selain itu, kelompok penelitian yang dipimpin Dr. Lisa Martin, dari Pusat Kedokteran Rumah Sakit Anak Cincinnati di Amerika Serikat, menemukan kandungan tinggi hormon protein yang dikenal sebagai adiponectin di dalam ASI. Kadar Adiponectin yang tinggi di dalam darah berhubungan dengan rendahnya resiko serangan jantung. Kadar adiponectin yang rendah dijumpai pada orang yang kegemukan dan yang memiliki resiko besar terkena serangan jantung. Oleh karena itu telah diketahui bahwa resiko terjadinya kelebihan berat badan pada bayi yang diberi ASI berkurang dengan adanya hormon ini. Lebih dari itu, mereka juga menemukan keberadaan hormon lain yang disebut leptin di dalam ASI yang memiliki peran utama dalam metabolisme lemak. Leptin dipercayai sebagai molekul penyampai pesan kepada otak bahwa terdapat lemak pada tubuh. Jadi, menurut pernyataan Dr. Martin, hormon-hormon yang didapatkan semasa bayi melalui ASI mengurangi resiko penyakit-penyakit seperti kelebihan berat badan, diabetes jenis 2 dan kekebalan terhadap insulin, dan penyakit pada pembuluh nadi utama jantung.

Fakta tentang "Makanan Paling Segar" [ASI]

Full hygiene may not be established in water or foodstuffs other than mother’s milk.

Fakta tentang ASI tidak berhenti hanya sampai di sini. Peran penting yang dimainkannya terhadap kesehatan bayi berubah seiring dengan tahapan-tahapan yang dilalui bayi dan jenis zat-zat makanan yang dibutuhkan pada tahapan tertentu. Kandungan ASI berubah guna memenuhi kebutuhan yang sangat khusus ini. ASI, yang selalu siap setiap saat dan selalu berada pada suhu yang paling sesuai, memainkan peran utama dalam perkembangan otak karena gula dan lemak yang dikandungnya. Di samping itu, unsur-unsur seperti kalsium yang dimilikinya berperan besar dalam perkembangan tulang-tulang bayi.

Meskipun disebut sebagai susu, cairan ajaib ini sebenarnya sebagian besarnya tersusun atas air. Ini adalah ciri terpenting, sebab selain makanan, bayi juga membutuhkan cairan dalam bentuk air. Keadaan yang benar-benar bersih dan sehat mungkin tidak bisa dimunculkan pada air atau bahan makanan, selain pada ASI. Namun ASI – sedikitnya 90% adalah air – , memenuhi kebutuhan bayi akan air dalam cara yang paling bersih dan sehat.

ASI dan Kecerdasan

Penelitian ilmiah menunjukkan bahwa perkembangan kemampuan otak pada bayi yang diberi ASI lebih baik daripada bayi lain. Penelitian pembandingan terhadap bayi yang diberi ASI dengan bayi yang diberi susu buatan pabrik oleh James W. Anderson – seorang ahli dari Universitas Kentucky – membuktikan bahwa IQ [tingkat kecerdasan] bayi yang diberi ASI lebih tinggi 5 angka daripada bayi lainnya. Berdasarkan hasil penelitian ini ditetapkan bahwa ASI yang diberikan hingga 6 bulan bermanfaat bagi kecerdasan bayi, dan anak yang disusui kurang dari 8 minggu tidak memberikan manfaat pada IQ.

Apakah ASI Dapat Memerangi Kanker?

Berdasarkan hasil seluruh penelitian yang telah dilakukan, terbukti bahwa ASI, yang dibahas dalam ratusan tulisan yang telah terbit, melindungi bayi terhadap kanker. Hal ini telah diketahui, walaupun secara fakta mekanismenya belum sepenuhnya dipahami. Ketika sebuah protein ASI membunuh sel-sel tumor yang telah ditumbuhkan di dalam laboratorium tanpa merusak sel yang sehat mana pun, para peneliti menyatakan bahwa sebuah potensi besar telah muncul. Catharina Svanborg, Profesor imunologi klinis di Universitas Lund, Swedia, memimpin kelompok penelitian yang menemukan rahasia mengagumkan ASI ini. Kelompok yang berpusat di Universitas Lund ini menjelaskan kemampuan ASI dalam memberikan perlindungan melawan beragam jenis kanker sebagai penemuan yang ajaib.

Awalnya, para peneliti memberi perlakuan pada sel-sel selaput lendir usus yang diambil dari bayi yang baru lahir dengan ASI. Mereka mengamati bahwa gangguan yang disebabkan oleh bakteri Pneumococcus dan dikenal sebagai pneumonia berhasil dengan mudah dihentikan oleh ASI. Terlebih lagi, bayi yang diberi ASI mengalami jauh lebih sedikit gangguan pendengaran dibandingkan bayi yang diberi susu formula, dan menderita jauh lebih sedikit infeksi saluran pernapasan. Pasca serangkaian penelitian, diperlihatkan bahwa ASI juga memberikan perlindungan melawan kanker. Setelah menunjukkan bahwa penyakit kanker getah bening yang teramati pada masa kanak-kanak ternyata sembilan kali lebih sering menjangkiti anak-anak yang diberi susu formula, mereka menyadari bahwa hasil yang sama berlaku pula untuk jenis-jenis kanker lainnya. Menurut hasil penelitian tersebut, ASI secara tepat menemukan keberadaan sel-sel kanker dan kemudian membunuhnya. Adalah zat yang disebut alpha-lac (alphalactalbumin), yang terdapat dalam jumlah besar di dalam ASI, yang mengenali keberadaan se-sel kanker dan membunuhnya. Alpha-lac dihasilkan oleh sebuah protein yang membantu pembuatan gula laktosa di dalam susu.

Berkah Tanpa Tara Ini Adalah Karunia Allah

Ciri menakjubkan lain dari ASI adalah fakta bahwa ASI sangat bermanfaat bagi bayi apabila disusui selama dua tahun. 10 Pengetahuan penting ini, hanya baru ditemukan oleh ilmu pengetahuan, telah diwahyukan Allah empat belas abad silam di dalam ayat-Nya: ”Para ibu hendaklah menyusukan anak-anaknya selama dua tahun penuh, yaitu bagi yang ingin menyempurnakan penyusuan..." (QS, Al Baqarah, 2:233)

Sang ibu bukanlah yang memutuskan untuk membuat ASI, sumber zat makanan terbaik bagi bayi yang lemah yang memerlukan makanan di dalam tubuhnya. Sang ibu bukan pula yang menentukan beragam kadar gizi yang dikandung ASI. Allah Yang Mahakuasa-lah, Yang mengetahui kebutuhan setiap makhluk hidup dan memperlihatkan kasih sayang kepadanya, Yang menciptakan ASI untuk bayi di dalam tubuh sang ibu.

sumber: http://www.harunyahya.com/

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