الثلاثاء، 13 ديسمبر 2011
السبت، 10 ديسمبر 2011
كن ايجابيا في حياتك تسعد ويسعد بك الأخرين
تحاشاهم
.. تجنبهم..
اهرب منهم..
من هم؟ ولماذا كل هذا التنبيه؟
إنهم سارقو الأحلام، ناقلو الموجات السلبية، زارعو الكآبة واليأس والقنوط.إنهم ببساطة: الأشخاص المتشائمون، الثرثارون على وجه الخصوص. هؤلاء الذين يأتون ليجالسوك ويفعموا دماغك بأفكارهم السلبية عن الحياة.فهم قادرون في أحايين كثيرة على تغيير مسار حياة الشخص بصفة لا يمكن تصورها
كن ايجابيا
جلس رجل أعمى على عتبات عمارةوبجانبه لوحة مكتوب عليها:" أنا أعمى أرجوكم ساعدوني".
فمر رجل إعلانات بالأعمى ووقف ليرى أن قبعته لا تحوي سوى قروش قليلة. ودون أن يستأذن الأعمى أخذ لوحته وكتب عليها عبارة أخرى وأعادها مكانها ومضى في طريقه. لاحظ الأعمى أن قبعته قد امتلأت بالقروش والأوراق النقدية، فعرف أن شيئا قد تغير وأدرك أن ما سمعه من الكتابة هو ذلك التغيير فسأل أحد المارة عما هو مكتوب عليها فكانت الآتي:" نحن في فصل الربيع لكنني لا أستطيع رؤية جماله" .
غير وسائلك عندما لا تسير الأمور كما يجب
كن ايجابيا
كل شيء يبدأ صغيرا ثم يكبر ,إلا المصائب والشدائد فإنها تبدأ كبيرة ثم تصغر فليس لنا سوى الصبر والاحتساب ، وتهون المصائب أمام العبد المؤمن القنوع بقضاء الله وقدره.
كن ايجابيا
لا تحاول أن تعيد حساب الأمس
وما خسرت فيه .. فالعمر حين تسقط أوراقه لن تعود مرة أخرى
ولكن مع كل ربيع جديد سوف تنبت أوراق أخرى
فانظر الى تلك الأوراق التي تغطي وجه السماء
ودعك مما سقط على الأرض فقد صارت جزءاً منها
إذا كان الأمس ضاع .. فبين يديك اليوم
وإذا كان اليوم سوف يجمع أوراقه ويرحل ..
فلديك الغد.. لا تحزن على الأمس فهو لن يعود
ولا تأسف على اليوم .. فهو راحل
واحلم بشمس مضيئه في غد جميل
كن ايجابيا
كن بلسماً إن صار دهرك أرقما وحـلاوة إن صـار غـيـرك عـلـقما
إن الـحـيـاة حـبـتـك كـلَّ كـنـوزهـا لا تـبخلنَّ على الحياة ببعض ما ..
أحـسـنْ وإن لـم تـجـزَ حـتى بالثنا أيَّ الجزاء الغيثُ يبغي إن همى ؟
مَنْ ذا يكافئُ زهـرةً فـواحـةً ؟أو مـن يـثـيبُ الـبلـبل المترنما ؟
يـاصـاحِ خُـذ عـلـم الـمـحبة عنهما لـو لـم تَـفُـحْ هذي ، وهذا ما شدا ،
فـاعـمـل لإسـعـاد الـسِّوى وهنائهم أيـقـظ شـعـورك بـالـمـحبة إن غفا.
كن ايجابيا
( كل من ارتكب الذنوب والمعاصي وغفل عن أمر الله عز وجل فإنه يعاني من النكد والألم ومن سوء الحياة وفسادها بقدر ما ارتكبه من المعاصي ) د.سفر الحوالي.
كن ايجابيا
نحن نراقب بطريقة دقيقة كل ما هو بحاجة إلى تصحيح وندون أصغر الثغرات ونقاط الضعف ونحاول ضبطها، هذه العادة لا تبعد عنا فقط المحيطين بنا، بل هي تضرب معنوياتنا أيضاً. فنحن نركز باستمرار على ما لا يسير كما يجب، وعلى ما لا يعجبنا. وأخيراً ننسى هذه القاعدة الأساسية المهمة لهدوئنا الداخلي وهي أنه لا شيء كامل في هذه الحياة. لا تنسوا أبداً، أنكم حين تنتقدون شخصاً، لا تكشفون علاته بل تكشفون علاتكم أنتم بوصفكم أشخاصاً تعيشون على نقد الآخرين. وفي هذه الحالة عليكم أن تتخلصوا من هذه العادة السيئة.
كن ايجابيا
أرخص سلعة
إن النصائح المجانية والانتقادات هي أرخص السلع في عالمنا، وكل شخص لا يجد ما يفعله يمكنه ببساطة أن يشنف مسامعك لساعات بعيوبك وأخطائك، ويحذرك من هذا الأمر وينهاك عن آخر.
ولقد كان من الممكن أن يختلف الأمر أو أن يكون أقل خطورة لو أن العقل الواعي هو الذي يتعامل مع هكذا آراء وأحاديث، لكن مكمن الخطورة أن العقل الباطن -وهو كالمغناطيس- هو الذي يستقبل كل تلك الإشارات، وهي -للأسف- سلبية 100%.
لذلك احذر منهم !
كن ايجابيا
اجعل حبك لنفسك يتضاءل أمام حبك لغيرك .. فالله تعالى يقول : وَيُؤْثِرُونَ عَلَى أَنْفُسِهِمْ وَلَوْ كَانَ بِهِمْ خَصَاصَةٌ " الحشر 9 .والسعداء يوزعون الخير على الناس ، فتتضاعف سعادتهم .. والأشقياء يحتكرون الخير لأنفسهم ، فيختنق في صدورهم . اجعل قلبك مليئا بالحب
والتسامح والحنان .. فالأشقياء هم الذين امتلأت قلوبهم حقدا وكراهية ونقمة .
كن ايجابيا
وجود رسالة للحياة، وهو عامل مشترك بين كل الناجحين والمتميزين، والرسالة هي الغاية التي يريد الفرد تحقيقها في حياته، وهي أمر مستمر ولا ينتهي إلا بموت الفرد، لذلك يعتبر النجاح رحلة مستمرة لا تتوقف، وهو في مراحل يكون نجاح باهر وفي أحيان يكون فشلاً أو نجاحاً باهتاً، والفرد الذي وضع رسالة لحياته والتزم بها نجده أكثر حرصاً على وقته وأكثر حرصاً على إنجاز أهدافه وترك إنجازات بارزة من بعد وفاته. هذا هو العامل الأول المشترك بين الناجحين، وجود رسالة للحياة.
كن ايجابيا
التجديد والإبداع، التجديد والإبداع متلازمان، وهما أمران ضروريان لكل شخص، إذ أن الروتين اليومي الممل يمتص من طاقة وحماسة الإنسان، فلزم عليه ان يجدد حياته، يجددها من جوانبها الروحية والعقلية والنفسية والجسدية، ولهذا تجد الناجحون يحرصون على تطوير أنفسهم من خلال عدة وسائل، ويحرصون على تطوير وسائلهم لتحقيق أهدافهم.
كن ايجابيا
سـئـل نـــابليـــــون :
كيف استطعت أن تولد الثقة في نفوس أفراد جيشك .؟!
فأجاب : كنت أرد على ثلاث بثلاث ؟؟
- من قال لا أقدر .. قلت له ... حاول
- من قال لا أعرف ... قلت له ... تعلم
- من قال مستحيل ... قلت له ... جرب
كن ايجابيا
لا يوجد شيء يستطيع اضطرابك سوى أفكارك أنت .وأنت لديك القوة على رفض كل الأفكار التى بداخلك
كن ايجابيا
0
0
الكلمة التي تخرج لايمكن أن تعود تنطلق كالرصاصة من مسدس في يدعابث .. كيف وإن كانت كلمة جارحة لن تمحوها كل كلمات الاعتذار وإن غلفت بحلاوة المعنى تبقى في داخل القلب جرح لا يندمل
لذلك بجب أن نفكر قبل أن نتحدث مع الآخرين أن ننتقي كلماتنا عندما نعاتبهم .. عندما نحبهم .... حتى لا تنطلق
منا رصاصات تجرح من نحب فربما كلمة قالت لصاحبها دعني.
كن ايجابيا
إن أصحاب الأثر الذي يمتد الي عشرات السنين لا بد أن يتقنوا مهارة الطموح ، الصعود إلى القمة من خلال رؤية مشرقة ،ترنو بإشعاع الأمل ، طموح يقفز به إلى أعالي القمم ، طموح كطموح عمر بن عبد العزيز حيث قال :
" إن لي نفساً تواقة ، تمنت الإمارة فنالتها ، وتمنت الخلافة فنالتها ، وأنا الآن أتوق للجنة وأرجو أن أنالها "
كن تواقا
إن أصحاب الإنجاز الملموس دائماً في تطور ملحوظ ، في الاهتمامات ، في السلوكيات .... على كافة التقدمات ،فهم يُغذون نقصهم بالتعليم المستمر ، يقول إبراهيم الحربي عن الإمام أحمد :" لقد صحبته عشرين سنة ، صيفاً وشتاءً ، حراً وبرداً ، ليلاً ونهاراً ، فما لقيته في يوم إلا وهو زائد عليه بالأمس "
هناك قاعدة مهمة جدا في التعلم
* إن مدى ما يستفيده الإنسان مما يسمعه تساوي 35 %
أي إن الإنسان الذي يستمع إلى محاضرة أو إلى ندوة أو إلى أشرطة أو غيرها يكون استفاد من ما سمع بمقدار 35% من المادة .
* ومدى ما يستفيده الإنسان مما يسمعه ويدونه تصل إلى 55%
* ومدى ما يستفيده الإنسان مما يسمعه ويدونه ويطبقه يصل الي اكثر 85%.
اذا أستمع ودون وطبق
كن ايجابيا
ليكن شعارك : (إذا أصبحت فلا تنتظر المساء وإذا أمسيت فلا تنتظر الصباح ) ضع هذه العبارة نصب عينيك، وسطرها على صفحات صدرك ، وانقشها في سويداء قلبك.
يقول ابن العربي ( الفقيه المالكي) رحمه الله : ومن الغبن العظيم أن يعيش الرجل ستين سنة ، ينام ليلها فيذهب الثلث من عمره لغواً ، ومن الجهالة والسفالة أن يتلف الباقي في لذة فانية ، ولا يتلف عمره في لذة باقية عند الغني الكريم .
كن ايجابيا
لا تقف كثيراً على الأطلال خاصة اذا كانت الخفافيش قد سكنتها والأشباح عرفت طريقها وابحث عن صوت عصفور يتسلل وراء الأفق مع ضوء صباح جديد.
إذا كنت تريد السعادة، فلا بد أن تقنع بما يتوفر لديك منها، لأن السعادة المطلقة لاوجود لها إلا في خيال الشعراء،ومن يبحث عن السعادة المطلقة، وفي كل الأوقات سوف يجني شقاء دائما.
يقول أحد الحكماء : " إن الإنسان يظن أنه يستطيع أن يكون سعيدا طوال حياته ليس إلا مجنونا"
لا وجود للمطلق في هذه الدنيا، فلا راحة مطلقة، ولا صحة مطلقة، ولا لذة مطلقة، فمن الأفضل أن يستعيض الإنسان من البحث عن السعادة المطلقة بالأمل المطلق.
قال عمرو بن العاص
"المرء حيث يضع نفسه فإذا أعزها علا أمرها وإذا أذلها ذل وهان قدره"
"الحياة فرصة واحدة فإما فلاح الراشدين وإما عثرات النائمين . الحياة فرصة لا تحتمل نوماً ثقيلاً ، ولا جلوساً طويلاً ، الحياة صفحة بيضاء فإما تاريخ الناجحين وإما نوم الغافلين ! وإذا كانت النفوس كباراً . تعبت في مرادها الأجساد. ومن علامة كمال العقل علو الهمة! والراضي بالدون دنيء" مشعل الفلاحي
كن ايجابيا
عامل من أنت مسؤول عنهم كما يحب أن يعاملك من هو مسؤول عنك.
كن ايجابيا
في حال الرغبة في الرد او المناقشة يرجى الضغط على الرابط ادناهكن ايجابيا في حياتك تسعد ويسعد بك الأخرين
الخميس، 8 ديسمبر 2011
Concepts of Happiness
على الرغم من السعادة ربما يكون واحدا من أهم الأشياء في الحياة ، والعلم لا تزال لا يمكن تفسير الكثير حول هذا الموضوع. مفهومها نفسه هو بعيد المنال. هل هي فكرة ، والعاطفة والفضيلة ، والفلسفة ، والمثالية ، أم أنها مجرد مبرمجة في الجينات؟ هناك عند الاتفاق على أي تعريف لذلك ، لا يزال حتى الآن يبدو أن الجميع يبيع السعادة في هذه الأيام -- تجار المخدرات ، وشركات الأدوية ، وهوليوود وشركات لعبة ، ومعلمو المساعدة الذاتية ، وبطبيعة الحال ، ديزني ، خالق أسعد مكان على وجه الأرض . السعادة حقا يمكن شراؤها؟ هي السعادة تتحقق من خلال تعظيم اللذة ، وكسب الشهرة والثروة ، أو يعيشون حياة الترفيه غير محدود؟ فإن سلسلة من المقالات استكشاف لفترة وجيزة في تطور الفكر الغربي في السعادة ، تليها التفاهم الثقافي الحالي في الغرب. أخيرا ، ستناقش معنى وسيلة لتحقيق السعادة قليلة في الإسلام.
تطور الفكر الغربي في السعادة
واستندت فكرة المسيحية من السعادة على هذا القول وذكرت يسوع ،
"... حان الوقت الآن لديك من الحزن ، لن أراك مرة أخرى وسوف نفرح لك ، وليس لأحد أن يسلب فرحكم" (يوحنا 16:22)
وقد وضعت فكرة المسيحية من السعادة على مر القرون ، وبالتالي ، تقع على اللاهوت من الخطيئة ، والتي ، كما أوضح القديس أوغسطين في مدينة الله ، علم أنه نظرا لآدم وحواء العدوان الأصلي في عدن ، والسعادة الحقيقية "بعيد المنال في حياتنا الراهنة". [1]
في عام 1776 ، وتوماس جيفرسون ، تلخص قرن جيدة للتفكير في الموضوع في أوروبا وأميركا ، اعتبر "السعي وراء السعادة" أ "من البديهي" الحقيقة. قبل هذا الوقت ، كان قد أعلن عن الحقيقة كثيرا من السعادة وبثقة بحيث أنه ، بالنسبة للكثيرين ، فإنه نادرا ما يحتاج الأدلة. كان ، كما قال جيفرسون ، بديهيا.لتأمين "أعظم السعادة لأكبر عدد" قد أصبحت حتمية أخلاقية في هذا القرن. ولكن كيف للتو "من البديهي" كان السعي وراء السعادة؟ كان ، في الواقع ، كان واضحا جدا أن السعادة لدينا في نهاية المقصود بطبيعة الحال؟ اعترف المسيحيون بأن البشر السعادة خلال السعي حجهم الأرضية ، ولكنها بقيت متشككة حول تحقيقه. في مكان آخر ، كان جيفرسون نفسه تشاؤما من أي وقت مضى سواء المطاردة أن يقدموا إلى نتيجة مرضية. "السعادة الكمال... لم يكن القصد من قبل الإله لتكون واحدة من الكثير من مخلوقاته ،" والمحدد في خطاب 1763 ، مضيفا أنه حتى بوعي "أكثر حظا منا ، في رحلتنا عبر الحياة ، وكثيرا ما يلتقي مع المصائب والمحن التي قد تصيب كثيرا علينا ". [2] إلى "تحصين عقولنا" ضد هذه الهجمات ، وخلص إلى القول "يجب أن تكون واحدة من الدراسات الرئيسية والمساعي من حياتنا".
في حين أنه في القرن الخامس ، ويمكن Boethius الادعاء بأن "الله هو السعادة نفسها" [3] في منتصف القرن 19 ، كان عكس المعادلة بحيث يصبح نصها "السعادة هو الله." السعادة الدنيوية برزت الطاغوت الأصنام ، و بؤرة المعنى في الحياة الحديثة ، ومصدر طموح الإنسان ، والغرض من وجودها ، ولهذا السبب لماذا وعلى. إذا كانت السعادة ليس كما قال فرويد : "في خطة الخلق ،' [4] هناك من على استعداد للتغيير من عمل صانع وضعه هناك من قبل التصنيع ، والمستهلكة ، وتصديره والديمقراطية واقتصاد السوق الحر (المادية). كما لاحظ الفيلسوف باسكال بروكنر "السعادة هي الأفق الوحيد للديمقراطيات عالمنا المعاصر". كدين بديل ، نقل المادية الله الى مجمع للتسوق.
السعادة في الثقافة الغربية
في ثقافتنا ، ويعتقد عموما أن يتم تحقيق السعادة عندما تصبح غنية وقوية ، أو شعبية. الشباب يريدون أن يكونوا أن نجمة البوب الشهيرة ، وهو الحلم القديم للفوز بالجائزة الكبرى. نحن نسعى في كثير من الأحيان عن طريق إزالة جميع السعادة الإجهاد ، والحزن ، والتهيج. بالنسبة للبعض ، السعادة تكمن في تغيير المزاج العلاجات. إيفا موسكوفيتش ، وهو مؤرخ ، ويعطي فكرة عن الهوس الاميركي مع الانجيل للعلاج : "اليوم ، وهذا الهاجس لا يعرف حدودا... هناك أكثر من 260 [أنواع مختلفة من] برامج من 12 خطوة في اميركا". [5]
سبب واحد لدينا الكثير من المتاعب تحقيق السعادة هو أن ليس لدينا أي فكرة عن ما هو عليه. وبالتالي ، فإننا إصدار الأحكام الفقراء في الحياة. حكاية الإسلامية يوضح العلاقة بين الحكم مع السعادة.
"أوه ، عظيم حكيم ، Nasrudin" ، وقال
الطالب تواقة ، "لا بد لي أن أطرح عليكم
سؤال مهم جدا ، والجواب
الذي نسعى إليه جميعا : ما هو
سرية لتحقيق السعادة؟ "
الفكر Nasrudin لبعض الوقت ،
ثم اجاب. "سر
السعادة هي الحكم الجيد ".
"آه" ، وقال للطالب. "ولكن كيف
نقوم تحقيق الحكم الجيد؟
"من الخبرة" ، وأجاب
Nasrudin.
"نعم" ، وقال للطالب. "ولكن كيف
لا نبلغه التجربة؟ '
"حكم سيء".
مثال على حكمنا جيدة مع العلم أن وسائل الراحة المادية في حد ذاتها لا تؤدي إلى السعادة دائمة. بعد أن وصلت إلى هذا الاستنتاج بعد الحكم حسن نيتنا ، ونحن لا تراجع في وسائل الراحة لدينا. نواصل يتوقون لالسعادة التي تبدو بعيدة المنال. علينا بذل مزيد من التفكير المال الذي هو السبيل لتصبح سعيدة ، والإهمال في عملية عائلتنا. معظم الأحداث الكبرى التي نحلم بها لاستمرار السعادة العائد أقل مما كنا نأمل فيه.بالإضافة إلى الحصول على السعادة أقل مما كنا نتوقع أو تأمل ، ونحن في كثير من الأحيان لا نعرف بالضبط ما نريد ، ما الذي يجعلنا سعداء أو كيفية الحصول عليها. نحن نخطئ.
لا يأتي من السعادة الدائمة "مما يجعلها". تخيل شخصا ما يمكن أن المفاجئة أصابعهم وتعطيك الشهرة والثروة ، والترفيه. هل ستكون سعيدا؟ هل سيكون البهيجة ، ولكن في المدى القصير. كنت تدريجيا على التكيف مع الظروف الجديدة والحياة ستعود الى وضعها الطبيعي مزيج من العواطف. تشير الدراسات إلى أن الفائزين اليانصيب الكبرى بعد بضعة أشهر لا أكثر سعادة من الشخص العادي! لاستعادة الفرح ، وكنت في حاجة حتى الآن إلى ارتفاع عال.
وكان لدينا لكل شخص دخل ، بالدولار اليوم ، النظر ، أيضا ، كيف علينا "جعله". وفي عام 1957 ، أي أقل من 8،000 دولار. اليوم هو 16000 $. مع تضاعف الدخل ، لدينا الآن ضعف السلع المادية التي يمكن شراؤهم بالمال -- بما في ذلك ضعف عدد السيارات للفرد الواحد. لدينا أيضا أفران الميكروويف والتلفزيونات الملونة والفيديو ، وأجهزة الرد على المكالمات ، و 12 مليار دولار سنويا بقيمة اسم العلامة التجارية الأحذية الرياضية.
ولذا فإننا أكثر سعادة؟ وفي عام 1957 ، رقم ، 35 في المئة من الامريكيين قال المركز الوطني للبحوث الرأي انهم "سعداء جدا". وفي عام 1991 ، سوى 31 في المئة قالوا الشيء نفسه. [6] وفي الوقت نفسه ، فإن معدلات الاكتئاب ارتفعت.
قال رسول الله الرحمة :
"الإثراء الحقيقي لا يأتي عن طريق حيازة الكثير من الثروات ، ولكن الحقيقي هو تخصيب اليورانيوم من الروح" ( صحيح البخاري )
السبت، 3 ديسمبر 2011
The Purpose of Our Lives
? Have we forgotten the purpose of our lives
Sometimes we think we exist just to have a good time.
So we indulge in satisfying our lusts and desires,
Even if means becoming hypocrites, thieves and liars
We forget the sole reason Allah created our souls.
It is to worship Him alone, until they bury our bones
Never faltering, never shifting, away from our Iman,
Remaining true to Allah as best as we can.
But beyond this belief in our hearts come our actions
Balancing obedience to Allah and appeasing satisfactions
What is a Muslim who forgets the commands of His religion?
One who is blinded by Dunya, and lost all vision?
Have we forgotten that we have one of two destinations?
Hell is for the transgressors, and Jannah is for the patient.
In this test we can enjoy ourselves, and be pleased with our lives,
But the reason we live is to worship Allah, and this will not change until we die.
In the sorrow and regret of the most horrific of days,
We’d wish to return to Dunya, only to change our ways.
A Day on which we’d beg Allah on our hands and our knees,
Return us to this Dunya! So we can salvage our Deeds!
But Nay!
You’ve had your chances and received your warnings!
But remember when you slept during the early mornings?!
When you neglected Fajr, and didn’t keep up with your Salah?
You were cheap and you were greedy, and didn’t pay your Zakah!
You indulged in the obsession of this Dunya with the sinners,
And prevented your own self the company of the winners.
Who might they be, if you ask as you listen?
The winners are those who answered their Lord in submission.
They obeyed Allah and realized life’s mission:
To submit to the One who created you from clay,
and to fear the most horrifying, detrimental of days
These winners are the ones who enjoined in the worship of their Lord:
They kept their covenant with Allah, not breaking one word.
Prayer by prayer, Day by Day,
Holding firmly to the Qur’an, while following the Prophet’s way.
The best of the Muslims receive Jannah’s delight.
Because they fasted through the day and prayed Tahajjud through the night.
They fulfilled the necessary obligations and did more,
They kept their loyalty to the One who they lived and died for.
Let us all reflect, as to how we may be viewed by the Sublime.
Are we of the hypocrites who don’t even pray on time?
Of the losers who worship every nickel and dime?
Of the animals who don’t treat fellow Muslims with respect?
Of the enemies of Allah whose commands we neglect?
Are we the sinners whose own lives we’ll regret?
Or have we devoted ourselves to pursuing Paradise?
Of the Muslims whose actions are intelligent and wise?
Of the noble who tell only truth with no lies?
Of the pious who pray every prayer on time?
Let us Never forget our aim for Paradise,
We must worship Allah, through all of the sacrifice.
For those who fall short, Jahannam is their destination.
Allah’s Judgement is most Supreme, and His is the best of legislation.
So Ya Allah! We beg of you to guide us the straight path!
And we seek refuge with Your mercy from the torment of Your wrath!
Ya RABB! Grant us patience and let us die in submission!
Let us realize and succeed in the struggles of life’s mission!
We are for You and to You we return,
So grant us refuge from Hellfire’s burn!
Grant us the peak of Jannah with the Prophets, martyrs and righteous,
For none exceeds You in Your generocity, O Lord of Kindness!
And send Your peace and blessings upon he who You’ve sent to guide us,
To make us of the pious, and bring us out of the blindness
So we indulge in satisfying our lusts and desires,
Even if means becoming hypocrites, thieves and liars
We forget the sole reason Allah created our souls.
It is to worship Him alone, until they bury our bones
Never faltering, never shifting, away from our Iman,
Remaining true to Allah as best as we can.
But beyond this belief in our hearts come our actions
Balancing obedience to Allah and appeasing satisfactions
What is a Muslim who forgets the commands of His religion?
One who is blinded by Dunya, and lost all vision?
Have we forgotten that we have one of two destinations?
Hell is for the transgressors, and Jannah is for the patient.
In this test we can enjoy ourselves, and be pleased with our lives,
But the reason we live is to worship Allah, and this will not change until we die.
In the sorrow and regret of the most horrific of days,
We’d wish to return to Dunya, only to change our ways.
A Day on which we’d beg Allah on our hands and our knees,
Return us to this Dunya! So we can salvage our Deeds!
But Nay!
You’ve had your chances and received your warnings!
But remember when you slept during the early mornings?!
When you neglected Fajr, and didn’t keep up with your Salah?
You were cheap and you were greedy, and didn’t pay your Zakah!
You indulged in the obsession of this Dunya with the sinners,
And prevented your own self the company of the winners.
Who might they be, if you ask as you listen?
The winners are those who answered their Lord in submission.
They obeyed Allah and realized life’s mission:
To submit to the One who created you from clay,
and to fear the most horrifying, detrimental of days
These winners are the ones who enjoined in the worship of their Lord:
They kept their covenant with Allah, not breaking one word.
Prayer by prayer, Day by Day,
Holding firmly to the Qur’an, while following the Prophet’s way.
The best of the Muslims receive Jannah’s delight.
Because they fasted through the day and prayed Tahajjud through the night.
They fulfilled the necessary obligations and did more,
They kept their loyalty to the One who they lived and died for.
Let us all reflect, as to how we may be viewed by the Sublime.
Are we of the hypocrites who don’t even pray on time?
Of the losers who worship every nickel and dime?
Of the animals who don’t treat fellow Muslims with respect?
Of the enemies of Allah whose commands we neglect?
Are we the sinners whose own lives we’ll regret?
Or have we devoted ourselves to pursuing Paradise?
Of the Muslims whose actions are intelligent and wise?
Of the noble who tell only truth with no lies?
Of the pious who pray every prayer on time?
Let us Never forget our aim for Paradise,
We must worship Allah, through all of the sacrifice.
For those who fall short, Jahannam is their destination.
Allah’s Judgement is most Supreme, and His is the best of legislation.
So Ya Allah! We beg of you to guide us the straight path!
And we seek refuge with Your mercy from the torment of Your wrath!
Ya RABB! Grant us patience and let us die in submission!
Let us realize and succeed in the struggles of life’s mission!
We are for You and to You we return,
So grant us refuge from Hellfire’s burn!
Grant us the peak of Jannah with the Prophets, martyrs and righteous,
For none exceeds You in Your generocity, O Lord of Kindness!
And send Your peace and blessings upon he who You’ve sent to guide us,
To make us of the pious, and bring us out of the blindness
All praise is due to You, Lord of the Heavens, the Earth, and all that’s between.
Master of the Universe, All-Knower of the Unseen.
Master of the Universe, All-Knower of the Unseen.
الجمعة، 2 ديسمبر 2011
?What Is the Status of Women in Islam
?What Is the Status of Women in Islam |
Islam sees a woman, whether single or married, as an individual in her own right,
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Islam encourages the husband to treat his wife well, as the Prophet Muhammad
said: {The best among you are those who are best to their wives.}1
Mothers in Islam are highly honored. Islam recommends treating them in the best way. A man came to the Prophet Muhammad
and said, “O Messenger of God! Who among the people is the most worthy of my good companionship?” The Prophet
said: {Your mother.} The man said, “Then who?” The Prophet
said: {Then your mother.} The man further asked, “Then who?” The Prophet
said: {Then your mother.} The man asked again, “Then who?” The Prophet
said: {Then your father.}2
(For in-depth articles on women in Islam, please refer to the links at In-Depth Articles on Women in Islam.)
The Way To Achieve Happiness |
By Abdurrahman Demashqeyyah1
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It is the nature of every person to seek happiness. Some people strive to seek material happiness in this world away from religion, thinking that this is the true happiness. But this kind of happiness will be succeeded by pain and sorrow at the Day of Judgment, and its people will know that their striving led them only to misery and not happiness.
While others know that the true way to happiness is to obey God and follow His religion. For them the pleasures and riches of the world are of little consequence. When this happiness penetrates and fills the heart of the believer he does in fact live in this world as if he were in Paradise. Those are the people who find true happiness in this world.
What kind of happiness could be greater than that of someone who humbles himself to God, worships Him, strives for His pleasure, and strives to enter Paradise and have salvation from Hellfire?
The believer lives with such a sweetness in his heart that if the masters of the earth knew of it, they would fight him to death to take it from him. God has said:
Happiness is in the good life mentioned in this verse, that even the rich disbelievers cannot find, despite the money they have. That is why we are not surprise when we know that many among them committed suicide.
To reach true happiness, we need to know what is the purpose of our life, how to reach success in the hereafter, and to fulfill the requirements of reaching this success by following the commands of God and His true religion.
We know much about Mars, Earth, moon, stars, and galaxies, thanks to the century of knowledge. But how much we know about our eternal life after death and how to reach success in the hereafter?
People need to eat every day to supply their bodies with energy and to keep themselves healthy. If they stop eating for a period of time, diseases will sneak up upon them and overtake them, and perhaps even kill them. Similarly, people also need food of another kind, food for the spirit and heart. It is unfortunate that while people are careful never to forget to feed their bodies, they do not show the same concern for the health of their souls and hearts. The heart needs food as the body does. The diseases of the body and the debilitating effects they have are not more dangerous than the diseases of the heart and soul.
الخميس، 1 ديسمبر 2011
Searching for Happiness ?
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Searching for Happiness ?
|
Dr. Saleh Abdul Azeez As Sindee
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Happiness is a common goal that everyone strives to attain. Philosophers, intellectuals, doctors and artists alike have all strived in search of the causes of happiness and ways to escape anxiety. The reality is, however, that the proposed solutions achieve only partial or superficial happiness. They are more or less like drugs which only provide temporary relief; when their effect wares off, anxieties return two fold. The following words invite you to ultimate happiness and will lead you to true success. But before you begin reading, I hope that you to take a moment to try to open your heart and mind - as the intelligent one is he who searches for the truth no matter where it lies. An undeniable reality is that permanent happiness cannot be achieved except by believing in God - The Creator - and following His guidance. Since it is He who created mankind, He is the one who knows what pleases and benefits them, just as he knows what saddens and harms them. A number of psychologists have affirmed that only a religious person lives with true content and serenity. So if believing in God leads to ultimate happiness, then how can this be achieved? There are numerous religions and a variety of creeds. However, their critical differences in core issues make it impossible for all of them to be correct. So which is the correct religion? What is the correct creed that God requires us to believe in and in the end pleases Him? And which one of these creeds guarantees us happiness in this life and in the hereafter? Before answering these questions, a criterion must first be established to be used as a basis for correctly determining the true religion. I firmly believe that all sensible people will agree that a religion is not deemed correct simply due to the fact that one was raised in that religion, had parents that adhered to it, or lived in a society that practiced it. Rather a religion's accuracy and authenticity are based upon substantial evidence and firm intellectual proofs. Intellect, the distinguishing factor between mankind and animals, must be applied when studying the issue of religion, which is undeniably the most important and gravest of all matters. A short journey into the world of religions and sifting through various creeds could prove to be a good method in arriving at the desired conclusion. In order to save you the time and effort, I say with full conviction and confidence that no matter how much you investigate this issue, you will only arrive at one reality: that the true and correct religion is Islam and that true happiness and content lies within it. Before you hastily rebut this statement and stop reading, please realize that completing the rest would not harm you at all, and it may in fact benefit you. Also, remember that you have an intellect by which you can distinguish things and determine truth from falsehood. Why Islam? This is an important question, indicating that the questioner is mature and enlightened. In response I say: Islam is a religion that includes a number of merits and characteristics that are absent from other religions. These characteristics, alone, serve as convincing evidence that Islam is the true religion of God. You can determine the authenticity of this statement by contemplating them. Islam's many merits and characteristics make it impossible to elaborate on all of them. However, some of the most important can be summarized as follows: 1. Amongst the greatest merits of Islam is that it fulfills the spiritual aspects of the human being and enables those who embrace it to have an ongoing connection with God. This makes it possible for them to be at ease spiritually. It shields them from chaos, being lost or feeling (spiritually) empty, and protects from mental instability. 2. Another of Islam’s merits is that it coincides totally with common sense. All of the Islamic legislation and its rulings are acceptable intellectually and are never contradictory. One man who embraced Islam was asked why he did so and replied, "Islam never ordered me to do anything that I later wished wasn't obligated, and it never forbade me from anything that I later wished wasn’t forbidden." Much of what is readily accepted in other religions causes great confusion. This confusion makes it difficult to believe many of the fundamental tenets/doctrines that these religions are based upon. On the other hand, we find that Islam respects the intellect, prohibits ignorance, and condemns blind following. 3. Islam is an all-inclusive way of life attending to both spiritual and physical needs. Practicing Islam does not mean that one has to be secluded or that he is prohibited from the finer things in life. Rather, according to Islam, a person can be religious and still enjoy a normal life - attaining prestigious ranks/positions and achieving the highest academic degrees. 4. Among the merits of Islam is that it is a comprehensive religion. Every aspect of a person’s life is managed by Islam. There is not a problem except that a solution for it lies in Islam, which makes it possible to embrace and practice in every time and place. How can this not be the case in such a well organized religion that has guidelines and positive instruction for every aspect of life including: conflict resolution, buying and selling, social and marital relations, greetings, public etiquettes, and even how a person eats, sleeps and dresses. These practices have not been addressed generally, but rather in precise detail, causing the mind to wonder in amazement. Know that Islam even provides direction on how to wear and remove footwear. It encourages people to use their right hand when eating, drinking, shaking hands, and when giving and receiving items. As for disliked affairs such as using the bathroom, the left hand is to be used. Islam also has wonderful instructions regarding going to sleep and waking up. When two Muslims meet, Islam directs them on how they should greet each other; a rider should initiate greeting the pedestrian, the youth should initiate greeting the elderly, and a small group should initiate greeting a larger group. These are but a few of Islam’s many comprehensive guidelines for all aspects of life. 5. Another of Islam’s merits is that it establishes good for mankind in all its regulations and safeguards them from evil. It is man himself who benefits from these regulations. Islam's prohibition of alcohol and drugs for example is only because of the great harm they cause to a person's physical and mental health. You can witness the state of a drunken man, no longer human except in appearance. A lot of murders, disputes, traffic accidents and rapes would not have taken place were it not for consuming these mind-altering products. Islam's prohibition of premarital sex relieves societies of destructive diseases (such as AIDS and other STDs), immoral behavior, and the existence of a generation of illegitimate children. This generation is often deprived of a mother’s love and a father’s upbringing which can lead them to become burdensome on society. Islam prohibits women from displaying themselves publicly. This is because Islam considers women to be valued, preserved pearls; not some cheap merchandise to be displayed for all to see. It does so to protect them from the wolves of mankind - those who are only concerned with satisfying their lusts, even if it is at the cost of a woman’s honor, nobility, status, and purity. On the other hand, Islam permits all harmless and beneficial drinks. It also permits married couples to enjoy one another within a happy home. In summary, Islam has not eliminated freedoms and desires. Rather, it regulates them for the benefit of mankind and the society at large. 6. A radiant aspect of Islam is that it pays a great deal of attention to values, character, and praiseworthy manners, while prohibiting mankind from oppression, transgression and bad character. Islam is a religion of love, unity and mercy. It defines an individual’s relationship with his parents, relatives, neighbors, friends and all people. Islam embeds the best of manners in those who embrace it and prevents them from living selfishly. It encourages its followers to help others and take others' feelings into consideration - especially the poor, orphans, elderly and widows. They all have rights in Islam that must not be taken lightly by Muslims. Muslims shouldn’t feel like they are bestowing favors upon others when giving them their due rights, rather these rights are obligations upon Muslims. It is considered to be a great sin in Islam for one to go to sleep with a full stomach knowing that his neighbor is hungry. Islam even prohibits two people from whispering to each other in the presence of a third, taking his feelings into consideration. Islam goes even further than that, obligating kind treatment to animals and prohibiting harming them. More specifically, Islam prohibits slaughtering an animal while another watches, or sharpening a knife while it is watching, so that it is not tormented along with being slaughtered. Truthfulness, trustworthiness, bravery, generosity, humility, abiding by promises, visiting the sick, attending funerals, being dutiful to parents, visiting relatives and neighbors, and striving to help others are all etiquettes that are encouraged by Islam. On the other hand, Islam strictly prohibits oppression, lying, conceitedness, envy, and insulting or betraying others. It is impermissible in Islam to speak ill of a person in his absence, even if what is being said is true. Islam encourages people to moderate in spending, being neither excessive nor misers. During times when a lot of societies complain about cold heartedness, materialism, selfishness and so on, we find that Islam has proven remedies for all of these problems. This summarized introduction should make it clear that Islam is a logical religion that can be easily understood by all people. The doors to Islam are wide open and do not shut for anyone looking to enter. Understanding all of Islam's teachings in a short article is impossible. However, briefly discussing some of its fundamental tenets should assist in further clarifying the religion for those who are interested. All of Islam’s regulations and teachings are important, but some have precedence over others. There are six essential articles of faith that one must believe in, and five pillars that one's faith must be built upon. As for the six articles that must be believed in: 1. Believing in Allah (God) alone, associating no partners unto Him in worship. This is done by believing that Allah alone is the Creator of this universe and everything that is within it, and that it is He alone who disposes its affairs as He sees fit. Consequently, worship can only be offered to Him alone. Worship is implementing the teachings of Islam and its legislation while believing that all other religions are false. 2. Believing in the angels. Angels were created by Allah but we can not see them. They worship Allah and never disobey Him. Allah orders them to carry out many of the universe's affairs. The angel Gabriel, for example, (peace be upon him) delivers Allah’s revelation to the messengers. Another is Mikayeel (peace be upon him), who is entrusted with the affairs of rain. Still there are other angels responsible for writing the deeds of mankind - deeds which they will be held accountable for on the Day of Resurrection. It is essential to believe that all of the angels act solely upon the order of Allah and do only what He wills. 3. Believing in the Books of Revelation. This means to believe that Allah revealed books to His servants comprising of His words. These books contain bliss for mankind by clarifying what Allah is pleased with as well as what He dislikes. The Angel charged with delivering revelation to the Prophets is Gabriel (peace be upon him) - the greatest of angels. A prophet then conveys the revelation to the rest of mankind. Allah has revealed many books, amongst them: The Torah, revealed to Moses (peace be upon him), The Psalms, revealed to David (peace be upon him), The Gospel, sent down to Jesus (peace be upon him) and the Quran, which was revealed to Muhammad (peace be upon him). One must believe that the Quran has abrogated all books prior to it, meaning that - after the Prophet (Muhammad) was sent - it is the only book that can be acted upon, especially since the Quran combines all the merits of past books and further supplements them. Know that the Quran is from the greatest evidences that this religion is the truth revealed by Allah (God) the Most High. The Quran was revealed over 1400 years ago. Since then till this day, no contradictions or mistakes have been found in the Quran, not even in a single word. Many of the scientific discoveries of modern times were mentioned in the Quran. Since that time until today, nothing has been added to or subtracted from the Quran, while previous revelations have been tampered with and altered. It is for this reason that you can pick up a copy of the Quran in the far East and find it to be exactly the same as one you pick up in the far West. If you were to come across a copy of the Quran that is hundreds of years old, you would also find that it is exactly the same as the one being printed currently - you wouldn’t be able to find even one letter that is different. This is because of Allah’s protection of this Book, the Book of the religion that sealed all other religions. Speaking about the Quran would take a lot of time. However, it is enough for you to know that there is nothing like it whatsoever; not by way of (literary) style, its effect on people, nor its information about the unseen. 4. Believing in the Prophets. This is done by believing that Allah has chosen the best of mankind to be recipients of His revelation and ordered them to convey His religion to the people. There are numerous Prophets, among them are: Noah, Abraham, David, Solomon, Lot, Joseph, Moses and others (peace be upon all of them). Also from them is Jesus. It is imperative to believe that he is among the best of Prophets and to love and respect him. Whoever despises him or denies his prophethood is not Muslim. Likewise it is compulsory to believe that Allah created him from a mother only, with no father, just as Allah created Adam with neither a mother nor a father. Having mentioned this, we now know that Jesus is a noble messenger and not God, nor is he a son of God. He foretold the coming of a prophet to come after him; Muhammad ibn (the son of) Abdullah, the last of the prophets. Muhammad ibn Abdullah (peace be upon him) was sent 1400 years ago. It is compulsory for everyone who comes after him until the Day of Judgment to believe in him and his message, and obey his orders and prohibitions. All those who studied the biography of this messenger have agreed that he is a great personality who has been bestowed with the best of manners and most noble etiquettes. He had characteristics which were not present in anyone before him and will not be present in anyone after him. Anything that you read about him, no matter how small it is, confirms what I am saying. Allah has also granted him proofs and evidences that establish the authenticity of his prophethood, thus having doubt in this fact is intellectually impossible. Having been given such proofs and evidences of his prophethood, whoever denies his truthfulness, would make it impossible for that individual to establish the truthfulness of any other prophet. 5. The Last Day. This is fulfilled firmly believing that after this life of ours is over, there is another more complete life. In it, there are immense rewards and magnificent luxuries, as well as punishment. Luxury is in Heaven and punishment in Hell. So whoever is righteous and believes in the religion of Islam enters Heaven, a place that contains untold pleasure and unimagined bliss. All the luxuries on earth cannot be compared to it at all. Whoever enters Heaven will continue to live in such luxuries for eternity as death does not exist therein. As for those who act upon evil and do not believe in Islam, they would end up in Hell, which contains fires and punishment that can not be imagined, all of the fires of earth and forms of punishment cannot be compared to the punishment of the hellfire at all. The existence of punishment and reward after this life is an issue that is intellectually acknowledged, because it is impossible for this world to exist and then just diminish into nothingness. This is trifling about, and our Lord, the Creator, does not engage in such activities. 6. Believing in Divine Decree. This is to believe that everything that happens in this world is due to Allah’s knowledge and will. Nothing except what He wills takes place, and what He does not will, does not take place. Allah has written everything in a great book (The Preserved Tablet). Believing in divine decree also includes believing that Allah created everything. As for the five pillars that must be practiced: 1. Uttering a phrase that is the key to entering into Islam. It is a contract between a servant and his Lord, signifying that he is upon this religion: “Ashhadu an la ilaha ila Allah, wa ashadu ana Muhammad ‘abduhu wa rasuluhu.” “I bear witness that there is no deity worthy of worship except Allah, and that Muhammad is His servant and Messenger.” This testimony signifies the acceptance, admission, and adherence to the fact that worship must be offered to Allah alone. It also includes the acceptance of Islam as the only correct religion, Allah as the only true deity deserving worship, and that all other deities and religions are false. The second part of the testimony entails an affirmation that Muhammad is the Messenger of Allah and that he is to be obeyed and believed in all that he says. 2. The Prayer. It is a combination of statements, actions and invocations carried out in a specific manner. It is performed five times daily and doesn’t take much time at all. In fact, a prayer may not take more than five minutes. Prayer is the link between a servant and his Lord. It enables a Muslim to be confident, mentally and spiritually at rest, calm and untroubled. 3. The Zakaat. A wealthy Muslim must give a small portion of his money to the poor, 2.5% of his wealth to be exact. Even though it is a small amount, it enables the Muslim community to be conciliated and merciful amongst each other. It propagates brotherhood, love and concern amongst Muslims. And again, Zakaat is only to be given out by the wealthy, not the poor. 4. Fasting. What is meant by fasting is that a person withholds from eating, drinking and sexual relations during the month of Ramadan [which is the 9th month of the lunar calendar] between dawn and sunset. The sick, travelers, and those with valid excuses are pardoned from fasting. They are permitted to eat and drink but must make up the missed days once they become able. Fasting has many health, personal, and social benefits. Amongst them are: giving the digestive system a break, allowing Muslims to grow spiritually and practice good mannerisms. It enables Muslims to be conscious of their needy brothers and sisters, those who are unable to find enough food to satisfy their needs throughout the year. Consequently, the Muslims humble themselves and strive to help them. 5. Hajj. It is a form of worship that must be performed only once in a lifetime, in Makkah. Those who are physically incapable or not financially able to perform it are pardoned from doing so. Hajj contains many magnificent benefits; the gathering of Muslims from all around the globe in one place getting to know each other and displaying love for one another, not to mention what a Muslim achieves by way of spiritual purification and character refinement due to experiencing such a spiritual environment in the shade of Hajj. Hopefully what has preceded is sufficient in clarifying - in a summarized fashion - some of the merits of Islam. I invite all who have not yet entered into the fold of Islam to listen to a sincere invitation from one who only wants good for you: save yourself before death takes you by surprise, and thus you die upon other than Islam - what a great loss that is! Do you know what dying upon other than Islam means? It means that you would enter the Hellfire, abiding therein for eternity. This is what Allah has warned all those who die without embracing Islam. So why would you take a chance with an issue as grave as this? I’m going to ask you a question that I want you to answer honestly: What would you lose if you embraced Islam? If you embrace Islam, you can continue living your normal ordinary life, but in a more spiritual, organized, and pleasant fashion…and after death, tremendous delight and eternal pleasure await you. If you have reached a level of conviction, believing that Islam is the true religion, but fear that embracing Islam would prevent you from enjoying pleasures that you cannot live without, then compare these temporary pleasures with eternal pleasure. Which of the two should be given preference? Furthermore, you can embrace Islam and then gradually try to reduce such pleasures. And if you were to honestly invoke Allah, He would surely aid you in leaving them. In any case, embracing Islam and having shortcomings is better than not embracing Islam at all. If the barrier between you and Islam is due to having a weak personality, the inability to make such a big decision, or because you fear that people may talk about you or mock you, know that these are just unrealistic thoughts. You would not be the first person to embrace Islam; a lot of others have made the decision to do so. They did not lose anything, their lives were not ruined, nor do they have any regrets. Furthermore, does it make sense that you sacrifice your own well being and happiness in this life and in the hereafter just because you fear mockery or admonishment? This affair is worthy of your time. Contemplate upon it deeply. My last words: Do not lose yourself! I ask Allah to bless you with true guidance. One who wishes only the best for you, |
الاثنين، 28 نوفمبر 2011
الأحد، 27 نوفمبر 2011
انطلاقة: I would like to invite you to islam ,i know it`s...
انطلاقة:
I would like to invite you to islam ,i know it`s...: I would like to invite you to islam ,i know it`s weird to recieve such a mail from somone you don`t know, but actually it`s important tha...
I would like to invite you to islam ,i know it`s...: I would like to invite you to islam ,i know it`s weird to recieve such a mail from somone you don`t know, but actually it`s important tha...
انطلاقة: Women in Christianity and Islam
انطلاقة: Women in Christianity and Islam: Women in Christianity and Islam Whenever the topic of Islam is brought up among Westerners, it has been my experience that the first obj...
Women in Christianity and Islam
Women in Christianity and Islam
Whenever the topic of Islam is brought up among Westerners, it has been my experience that the first objection that immediately springs into their minds is: "But women are so extremely oppressed in Islam." And, "But women are second class citizens in Islam." For example, they see that Muslim women usually observe modest standards in their clothing and they automatically equate their modesty with oppression. They appear to feel that freedom is in some way directly proportional to how little clothing one wears, and that oppression is directly proportional to the degree of modesty one exhibits in their clothing. Although this topic does not directly relate to the main topic of this book, still it seems inevitable to touch on this subject even if only very briefly due to it's importance.
The problem is twofold: First of all, those people who make such objections usually only have a very superficial knowledge of what the true teachings of Islam, and secondly, they do not realize what The Bible requires of all believing women.
I was once passing through Canada with my parent's in law and their family. As we walked down the street a Canadian Christian girl (in her late teens to early twenties) passed by us with a group of her friends. She looked at my mother in law who was dressed in modest clothing and had a large scarf wrapped around her head such that only her face was showing. She then stopped my mother in law and said words to the effect of: "Why do you allow your men to oppress you?. Why do you wear these clothes?."
Now, my mother in law is a university graduate, a straight A student, highly respected by her peers, and gainfully employed as an inspector of the public educational system back in my home country. My mother in law has also distinguished herself in her study of the English language and it's grammatical structure. However, she did not have an extensive working knowledge of American and Canadian pronunciation and slang, and thus, she missed the tone with which this question was delivered to her.
I decided to move a reasonable distance away and let her handle this situation herself. My mother in law was very happy to answer this girl's question and went on to explain to her about our religion and customs and how we prefer to dress modestly, and that Allah Almighty requires us to do this. However, this was not the answer this girl was looking for so she retorted: "Thanks for sharing!," then spun around and stormed off.
Now, in my home country, our elders are quite used to being highly respected by those who are younger than them and being served by them. For this reason, it did not even occur to my mother in law that this question could have been anything more than a young girl respectfully asking an innocent question of a trusted elder, and I hated to tell her otherwise. I would have hated for her to leave Canada thinking that all Canadians or all Christians speak this way to their elders since I know that this is not the true case. However, this episode did indeed sadden me.
Many non-Muslims feel sorry for any Muslim women they see adorned in their modest clothing. They feel that they are deprived the freedom to roam around in more scant and revealing clothing. Anyone who lives in a manner other that which they have become accustomed to is seen by them to be oppressed and forced to live in this manner. There are certain tribes in the Amazon jungle, in Australia, and in Africa which have become accustomed to walking around in a simple g-string around their waist. What would the people of the West say if these people were to condemn the Western habit of "forcing" their women to wear "excessive amounts of clothing" and to demand that all women in the west immediately stop wearing anything but the simplest g-string around their waist? What if they were to say that the Western society should immediately stop unjustly persecuting their women and preventing them from freely roaming the streets wearing only a pair of socks? They would say that the people making these demands have no morals or shame. Philosophers would have a field day with such a question.
What if someone were to claim that it was immoral, discriminatory, and unjust to separate men and women in different public bathrooms just as it is not just to do so with blacks and whites. What if this person were to then call (in the interest of equality, fairness, and constitutional freedom of course) for a merging of men and women's bathrooms into one "unisex" or "equal-opportunity" bathrooms for both men and women? Once again, the philosophers would have a field day. Anyone who follows the news will see that this may indeed be where the USA is now headed. In the New York Post (31 Aug. 1994 or a little before) it was reported that women have now won the right to appear topless in the New York subway system. Where will the USA be a few years from now? That is anyone's guess.
Who has the power to determine what is decent and modest clothing? Who is to determine what is decent and modest behavior? Muslims assign this right to God alone. This is the essence of "Islam." "Islam" means "The submission to the will of God." What God commands, a Muslim does. They do not demand that God justify his commands before they accept them. Once they have verified that a command is indeed from God then they abide by it without hesitation.
We can indeed find this lesson in the story of Adam. In the Islamic version of the story of Adam (slightly different than that of Judaism/Christianity), Adam and Eve were created by God, educated, clothed, and then allowed to inhabit heaven. They were told by God that they could have anything their hearts desired except they must not eat from the tree. Out of envy, the devil encouraged them to eat from the tree and told them that it's fruit would make them angles or immortal. They ate from the tree and immediately, their bodies were revealed to one another, so they took to scooping up the leaves off the trees in order to cover themselves. This is when Allah sent them down to earth. What mankind learned from this lesson is that just because a person does not know the wisdom behind a command of God, and others tell him to disobey it, then if they do not abide by it, by the time the reason for the command is made apparent to them it may be too late.
Example of dress worn by a Christian nun.
Compare it with how Muslim women dress today
Well then, what is the Biblical view on these matters? Actually, even in this day and age there still remains traces in Christianity of the common ancestry with Islam with regard to the accepted norms of modest dress for Christian women as ordained by her Creator. In the above figure we have an example of the sort of dress codes observed by Christian nuns. We are strangely amazed to find that it is almost the striking similarity it bears to the sort of outfit which most Muslim women wear. Why is that? Well, although there are quite a number of very pronounced differences between Biblical and Qur'anic laws in this regard, let us start with the Biblical view:
What the New Testament has to say:
1 Timothy 2:11-14 "Let the woman learn in silence with all subjection. But I suffer not a woman to teach, nor to usurp authority over the man, but to be in silence. For Adam was first formed, then Eve. And Adam was not deceived, but the woman being deceived was in the transgression."
1 Corinthians 14:34 "Let your women keep silence in the churches: for it is not permitted unto them to speak; but they are commanded to be under obedience as also saith the law. And if they will learn any thing, let them ask their husbands at home: for it is a shame for women to speak in the church."
1 Corinthians 11:5-10: "But every woman that prayeth or prophesieth with her head uncovered dishonoureth her head: for that is even all one as if she were shaven. For if the woman be not covered, let her also be shorn: but if it be a shame for a woman to be shorn or shaven, let her be covered. For a man indeed ought not to cover his head, forasmuch as he is the image and glory of God: but the woman is the glory of the man. For the man is not of the woman: but the woman of the man. Neither was the man created for the woman; but the woman for the man. For this cause ought the woman to have power on her head because of the angels."
1 Corinthians 11:13: "Judge in yourselves: is it comely that a woman pray unto God (with her head) uncovered?"
What the Old Testament has to say:
Genesis 3:12-16 "And the man (Adam) said, The woman (Eve) whom thou gavest to be with me, she gave me of the tree, and I did eat. And the LORD God said unto the woman, What is this that thou hast done? And the woman said, The serpent beguiled me, and I did eat. And the LORD God said unto the serpent, Because thou hast done this, thou art cursed above all cattle, and above every beast of the field; upon thy belly shalt thou go, and dust shalt thou eat all the days of thy life: And I will put enmity between thee and the woman, and between thy seed and her seed; it shall bruise thy head, and thou shalt bruise his heel. Unto the woman he said, I will greatly multiply thy sorrow and thy conception; in sorrow thou shalt bring forth children; and thy desire shall be to thy husband, and he shall rule over thee."
Leviticus 12:2-5 "Speak unto the children of Israel, saying, If a woman have conceived seed, and born a MALE child: then she shall be unclean SEVEN DAYS; according to the days of the separation for her infirmity shall she be unclean. And in the eighth day the flesh of his foreskin shall be circumcised. And she shall then continue in the blood of her purifying THIRTY THREE days; she shall touch no hallowed thing, nor come into the sanctuary, until the days of her purifying be fulfilled. But if she bear a FEMALE child, then she shall be unclean TWO WEEKS, as in her separation: and she shall continue in the blood of her purifying SIXTY SIX days."
Ecclesiastics 7:26-28 "And I find more bitter than death the woman who is a snare, whose heart is a trap and whose hands are chains. The man who pleases God will escape her, but the sinner she will ensnare....while I was still searching but not finding, I found one upright man among a thousand but not one upright woman among them all".
Leviticus 15:19-30 "And if a woman have an issue (her period/menses), [and] her issue in her flesh be blood, she shall be put apart seven days: and whosoever toucheth her shall be unclean until the even. And every thing that she lieth upon in her separation shall be unclean: every thing also that she sitteth upon shall be unclean. And whosoever toucheth her bed shall wash his clothes, and bathe [himself] in water, and be unclean until the even. And whosoever toucheth any thing that she sat upon shall wash his clothes, and bathe [himself] in water, and be unclean until the even. And if it [be] on [her] bed, or on any thing whereon she sitteth, when he toucheth it, he shall be unclean until the even. And if any man lie with her at all, and her flowers be upon him, he shall be unclean seven days; and all the bed whereon he lieth shall be unclean. And if a woman have an issue of her blood many days out of the time of her separation, or if it run beyond the time of her separation; all the days of the issue of her uncleanness shall be as the days of her separation: she [shall be] unclean. Every bed whereon she lieth all the days of her issue shall be unto her as the bed of her separation: and whatsoever she sitteth upon shall be unclean, as the uncleanness of her separation. And whosoever toucheth those things shall be unclean, and shall wash his clothes, and bathe [himself] in water, and be unclean until the even. But if she be cleansed of her issue, then she shall number to herself seven days, and after that she shall be clean. And on the eighth day she shall take unto her two turtles, or two young pigeons, and bring them unto the priest, to the door of the tabernacle of the congregation. And the priest shall offer the one [for] a sin offering, and the other [for] a burnt offering; and the priest shall make an atonement for her before the LORD for the issue of her uncleanness."
In other words, the Bible teaches us that:
Women should learn in silence and subjugation.
Women should not teach.
Women should not have authority over men but should remain silent.
Adam and Eve were not equal in sin. Adam was not deceived but Eve was.
Women are commanded to be under obedience to men. God ordained that men shall for all time rule over women
Women must keep silent in Churches. It is shameful for them to open their mouths therein. If they have a question they should ask their husbands before going to church and then their husbands will ask for them in the church.
A woman should neither pray nor profess with her head uncovered.
If a woman prays with her head uncovered then she might as well shave her head.
Man was created in the image and glory of God, and Woman was created in the glory of Man, thus Man must have power over her.
Any woman who delivers a male baby shall be unclean for one week. But any woman who delivers a female baby shall be unclean for TWO weeks. Thus, females make their mothers DOUBLY unclean as compared to males.
While it is possible to find one upright man in every thousand, it is impossible to find even one single upright woman in every thousand
Woman is a snare, her heart is a trap, and her hands are chains. The man who pleases God will escape her, but she will ensnare the sinner.
If a woman had her period and touches a chair or a bed or anything else then that item immediately becomes unclean. Anyone who then touches those things shall also become unclean. They must then bathe themselves and wash their clothes because they have touched an item that a menstruous woman has touched.
What the canonized saints of Christianity said about women:
"Woman is a daughter of falsehood, a sentinel of Hell, the enemy of peace; through her Adam lost paradise" (St. John Demascene)
"Woman is the instrument which the devil uses to gain possession of our souls" (St. Cyprian)
"Woman is the fountain of the arm of the devil, her voice is the hissing of the serpent" (St. Anthony)
"Woman has the poison of an asp, the malice of a dragon" (St. Gregory)
St. Tertullian, while he was talking to his 'best beloved sisters' in the faith, he said, "Do you not know that you are each an Eve? The sentence of God on this sex of yours lives in this age: the guilt must of necessity live too. You are the Devil's gateway: You are the unsealer of the forbidden tree: You are the first deserter of the divine law: You are she who persuaded him whom the devil wasn't valiant enough to attack. You destroyed so easily God's image, man." Once again, St. Augustine wrote to a friend, "What is the difference whether it is in a wife or a mother, it is still Eve the temptress that we must beware of in any woman." Centuries later, St. Thomas Aquinas still considered women as defective, "As regards the individual nature, woman is defective and misbegotten, for the active force in the male seed tends to the production of a perfect likeness in the masculine sex; while the production of woman comes from a defect in the active force or from some material indisposition, or even from some external influence." (all these quotations can be found in Karen Armstrong's book, The Gospel According to Woman, London: Elm Tree Books, 1986, pp. 52-62. See also Nancy van Vuuren, The Subversion of Women as Practiced by Churches, Witch-Hunters, and Other Sexists Philadelphia: Westminster Press pp.28-30.)
Orthodox Jewish men in their daily morning prayer recite "Blessed be God King of the universe that Thou has not made me a woman." The women, on the other hand, thank God every morning for "making me according to Thy will" (Thena Kendath, "Memories of an Orthodox youth" in Susannah Heschel, ed. On being a Jewish Feminist, New York: Schocken Books, 1983, pp. 96-97)
According to the Jewish Talmud, "women are exempt from the study of the Torah." In the first century C.E., Rabbi Eliezer said: "If any man teaches his daughter Torah it is as though he taught her lechery" (Leonard J. Swidler, Women in Judaism: the Status of Women in Formative Judaism, Metuchen, N.J: Scarecrow Press, 1976, pp. 83-93)
According to Rabbi Dr. Menachem M. Brayer (Professor of Biblical Literature at Yeshiva University) in his book 'The Jewish woman in Rabbinic literature', it was the custom of Jewish women to go out in public with a head covering which, sometimes, even covered the whole face leaving one eye free (Psychosocial Perspective, Hoboken, N.J: Ktav Publishing House, 1986, p. 239). He quotes some famous ancient Rabbis saying, "It is not like the daughters of Israel to walk out with heads uncovered" and "Cursed be the man who lets the hair of his wife be seen....a woman who exposes her hair for self-adornment brings poverty." Rabbinic law forbids the recitation of blessings or prayers in the presence of a bareheaded married woman since uncovering the woman's hair is considered "nudity" (Ibid., pp. 316-317. Also see Swidler, op. cit., pp. 121-123). Dr. Brayer also mentions that "During the Tannaitic period the Jewish woman's failure to cover her head was considered an affront to her modesty. When her head was uncovered she might be fined four hundred zuzim for this offense." Dr. Brayer also explains that veil of the Jewish woman wasn't always considered a sign of modesty. Sometimes, the veil symbolized a state of distinction and luxury rather than modesty. The veil personified the dignity and superiority of noble women. It, also, represented a woman's inaccessibility as a sanctified possession of her husband (24. Ibid., p. 139). It is clear in the Old Testament that uncovering a woman's head was a great disgrace and that's why the priest had to uncover the suspected adulteress in her trial by ordeal (Numbers 5:16-18).
St. Tertullian in his famous treatise 'On The Veiling Of Virgins' wrote, "Young women, you wear your veils out on the streets, so you should wear them in the church, you wear them when you are among strangers, then wear them among your brothers..." Among the Canon laws of the Catholic church today, there is a law that require women to cover their heads in church (Clara M. Henning, " Cannon Law and the Battle of the Sexes" in Rosemary R. Ruether, ed., Religion and Sexism: Images of Woman in the Jewish and Christian Traditions, New York: Simon and Schuster, 1974, p. 272.).
Some Christian denominations, such as the Amish and the Mennonites for example, keep their women veiled to the present day. The reason for the veil, as offered by their Church leaders, is "The head covering is a symbol of woman's subjection to the man and to God" : The same logic introduced by St. Paul in the New Testament (Donald B. Kraybill, The riddle of the Amish Culture, Baltimore: Johns Hopkins University Press, 1989, p. 56.)
Russian Orthodox women are expected to wear a head covering when in the church. Most don't outside of it in America, but many in Russia and many other eastern Orthodox women all over eastern Europe, Greece, and the middle east do wear scarves on their heads all the time when in public
These are only a small sampling. For many more similar quotations please obtain a copy of the 70 page book "Women in Islam Versus Women in the Judaeo-Christian Tradition: The Myth & The Reality," By Dr. Sherif Abdel Azeem, World Assembly of Muslim Youth.
Continuing, according to the Old Testament, a childless widow must marry her husband's brother, even if he is already married and regardless of her consent, so that she might bear a child from him (Genesis 38).
Further, according to the Bible:
"If a man happens to meet a virgin who is not pledged to be married and rapes her and they are discovered, he shall pay the girl's father fifty shekels of silver. He must marry the girl, for he has violated her. He can never divorce her as long as he lives"
Deuteronomy 22:28-30
One must ask a simple question here, who is really punished, the man who raped the woman or the woman who was raped? What is to prevent someone from finding the best looking woman in town, raping her, telling everyone about it, and then having the courts force her to be his wife for the rest of her life?
According to Numbers 27:1-11, widows and sisters don't inherit at all. Daughters can inherit only if their deceased father had no sons.
So what is the standpoint of the Qur'an with regard to women? Women are indeed commanded by Allah to cover their heads and wear modest clothing, however, in Islam this is not a sign of denigration or subjugation to men, rather, it is a sign of chastity, modesty, and the fear of God. It also designates this woman to all men who might deal with her that she is to be dealt with respect. This could be compared to the situation in the West when one meets a nun or priest, how the nun's habit and the priest's robes signal those who meet them that this person does not condone vulgarity of speech or evil actions. This is made apparent in the Qur'an in Al-Ahzab:
"… that is closer to their being recognized so that they shall not be abused, and Allah is ever Forgiving, Merciful" Al-Ahzab(33):59 (also see Noor(24):31)
What about the rights of women in Islam? Are they indeed, as the popular propaganda would have us believe, "second class citizens"? Let us read the Qur'an:
"And they (women) have rights similar to those of men over them in a just manner"
The noble Qur'an, Al-Baqarah(2):228
"And their Lord has heard them (and He says): Verily! I suffer not the work of any worker, male or female, to be lost. You proceed one from another. So those who fled and were driven forth from their homes and suffered damage for My cause, and fought and were slain, verily I shall remit their evil deeds from them and verily I shall bring them into Gardens underneath which rivers flow. A reward from Allah. And with Allah is the fairest of rewards."
The noble Qur'an, A'al-Umran(3):195.
"And covet not the thing in which Allah has made some of you excel others. Unto men a fortune from that which they have earned, and unto women a fortune from that which they have earned. (Envy not one another) but ask Allah of His bounty. Verily! Allah is Knower of all things."
The noble Qur'an, Al-Nissa(4):32.
"Unto the men (of a family) belongs a share of that which parents and near kindred leave, and unto the women a share of that which parents and near kindred leave, whether it be little or much, a legal share."
The noble Qur'an, Al-Nissa(4):77.
"And whoso does good works, whether of male or female, and he (or she) is a believer, such will enter paradise and they will not be wronged the dint in a date stone."
The noble Qur'an, Al-Nissa(4):124.
"And the believers, men and women, are protecting friends one of another; they enjoin the right and forbid the wrong, and they establish worship and they pay the poor-due, and they obey Allah and His messenger. As for these, Allah will have mercy on them. Lo! Allah is Mighty, Wise."
The noble Qur'an, Al-Tauba(9):71
"Whosoever does right, whether male or female, and is a believer, him verily We shall quicken with good life, and We shall pay them a recompense in proportion to the best of what they used to do."
The noble Qur'an, Al-Nahil(16):97.
"And of His signs is this: He created for you spouses from yourselves that you might find tranquillity in them, and He ordained between you love and mercy. Lo, herein indeed are signs for folk who reflect."
The noble Qur'an, Al-Room(30):21
"Whoso does an ill deed, he will be repaid the like thereof, while whoso does right, whether male or female, and is a believer, (all) such will enter the Garden, where they will be nourished without stint."
The noble Qur'an, Mumin(40):40.
In the Qur'an, both Adam and Eve share the blame for eating from the tree. This can be seen in the Qur'an in such verses as Al-Baqarah(2):36, Al-A'araf(7):22-24. They were also both forgiven by God Almighty for this sin. Actually, in one verse of the Qur'an (Taha(20):121), Adam is specifically blamed.
Islam encourages spouses to take each other's council and to seek mutual agreement in matters which affect them, for example, in the Qur'an, Al-Bakarah(2):233 we read:
"Mothers shall suckle their children for two whole years; (that is) for those who wish to complete the suckling. The duty of feeding and clothing nursing mothers in a seemly manner is upon the father of the child. No one should be charged beyond their capacity. A mother should not be made to suffer because of her child, nor should he to whom the child is born (be made to suffer) because of his child. And on the (father's) heir is incumbent the like of that (which was incumbent on the father). If they desire to wean the child by mutual consent and (after) consultation, it is no sin for them; and if you wish to give your children out to nurse, it is no sin for you, provided that you pay what is due from you in kindness. Observe your duty to Allah, and know that Allah is Seer of what you do."
Husbands are commanded to treat their wives with kindness and respect. In Al-Nissa(4)-19 we read
"..But consort with them in kindness, for if you hate them it may happen that you hate a thing wherein Allah has placed much good."
The Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) said:
"The best believers are the best in conduct, and the best of you are those who are best to their wives."
When Muhammad (pbuh) first became the prophet of Islam, the Pagans of Arabia had inherited a similar disregard for woman as had been passed down among their Jewish and Christian neighbors. So disgraceful was it considered among them to be blessed with a female child that they would go so far as to bury this baby alive in order to avoid the disgrace associated with female children.
Through the teachings of Islam, Muhammad (pbuh) put a swift and resounding end to this evil practice. Not only did he severely discourage and condemn this act but he also used to teach them to respect and cherish their daughters and mothers as partners and sources of salvation for the men of their family:
AbuSa'id al-Khudri narrated:
"The Prophet (pbuh) said: If anyone cares for three daughters, disciplines them, marries them, and does good by them, he will enter Paradise."
(Narrated by Abu-Dawood)
Abdullah the son of Abbas narrated:
"The Prophet (pbuh) said: If anyone has a female child, and does not bury her alive, or slight her, or prefer his male children over her, Allah will bring him into Paradise."
(Narrated by Abu-Dawood)
Muhammad (pbuh) is also sited in "Sahih Muslim" as saying:
"Whoever maintains two girls till they attain maturity, he and I will come on the Day of Resurrection like this; and he joined his fingers".
In other words, if one loves the messenger of Allah and wishes to be with him on the day of resurrection in heaven, then they should do good by their daughters.
To learn more about the rights of women in Islam, the issue of modest dress codes, the issue of polygamy, and many other issues which can not be covered here, I highly recommend the following books:
Women in Islam Versus Women in the Judaeo-Christian Tradition: The Myth & The Reality, By Dr. Sherif Abdel Azeem, World Assembly of Muslim Youth.
"The Status of Women in Islam," by Dr. Jamal A. Badawi, World Assembly of Muslim Youth.
"Women's rights in Islam," by Lea Zaitoun, World Assembly of Muslim Youth.
"Gender Equity in Islam," by Dr. Jamal Badawi, World Assembly of Muslim Youth.
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