Youth Matters

Alhamdulilah, this Saturday I attended the seventh annual Texas Dawah Convention (TDC), held in Houston, Texas. I wish I could have attended Sunday and Monday, however circumstances left me no choice but to leave early.

Yes, I know I missed the Houston’s greatest Eid Carnival yet (on Friday). I have a feeling it was the idea of the same houstonians who keep promising Disney World is coming to their city. You know who you are.

For those who were not there, you’ve probably heard of TDC by a super enthused relative or friend who swears by it. While I won’t add to the super hype, much of the excitement is justified, if perhaps over the top. The selling point in short however are the lectures.

With both feet firmly planted on the ground, I can tell you they are, in fact worth it. If you’ve never gone, I suggest you give it a shot. The first time I attended, I found myself shattering many misconceptions others had told me about the conference.

Try it for yourself. There’s always a group of seasoned, eager TDC’ers ( sisters or brothers) looking to split a hotel room .

Masha Allah, every year improvements are made in all areas of the conference. In terms of logistics and organization, keep in mind it’s mainly volunteer work.

MuslimMatters has a nice summary of the lectures here. I’ve been told most of the lectures are being recorded and will be available to purchase. I was able to jot down some points I gathered from the lectures, although they in no form do justice to the delivery or material (live attendance).

The Fiqh of Inheritance-Part 1 by Shaykh Isam Rajab

This lecture was given early after fajir (around 7am). The title was not sizzling with marketing, yet this talk ranks as one of my favorites. To bring relevance and interest to a seemingly dry subject is a difficult task. Shaykh Rajab did excellently despite the subject matter and time of the lecture. In fact, most participants I talked with afterwards left with a keen interest and intention of further studying the Fiqh of Inheritance.

- The knowledge of inheritance requires a mathematical/analytical approach.

- It requires practice (like tajweed) simple reading will not suffice. No matter how many times you read about it, you have to practice with real world examples to be good

- It was known as the ‘knowledge of one month,’ by scholars of the past. It can be learned readily in about a month, however it can also be lost in the same amount of time (if not practiced).

- The beauty of inheritance lies in the fact it’s rules are set by Allah subhanahuwa Ta’la. As such there is little difference of opinions overall, in this branch of knowledge.

- Contrary to popular belief men do NOT always recieve more than women-in fact at times females may receive more depending on the relationship to the deceased.

- The crux of the science: 25 recipients of inheritance. Know them.

-Always look to the relationship of the deceased when deciding who gets what amount.

- We all need the basic knowledge of inheritance, who among us do not have any posessions?

ps: Arees Institute is planning a class on inheritance in 2008.

The Perfect Husbad- Shaykh Yaser Birjas

The best part of this lecture was the examples from the life of the Prophet (Peace be Upon him). The ilustrative examples Shaykh Birjas chose were often so relavant to our times, we were often in shock. It goes without saying we need to learn more about the life our our Prophet (Peace be Upon him).

- The Prophet (Peace be upon him) was the perfect model of a husband in all aspects.

- Humble yourself towards your Creator: treat your wife and kids with respect.

- Husbands and husbands-to-be: Are you ready for adaptability?

- The Prophet (Peace be Upon him) showed tremendous loyalty to his wife Khadijah (RA),
one form of this loyalty was not marrying a second wife while he was with her.

- Men talk to relay information. Women often talk to establish relationships, understanding this is the key to successful communication with your spouse.

- Have Righteousness with Manners: Being dedicated to your deen does not entail being rigid or strict. Do not make things difficult for your family.

- Playfulness with Modesty: Appropriate playtime with kids is imperative to
a healthy household and is the sunnah of the Prophet (Peace be Upon him).

- Patience with Forebearance: Be patient, be patient, be patient.

Mom, Dad “I’m in Love”- Shaykh Yassir Fazaqa

Between Shaykh Fazaqa’s insight into the psychology of romance and jokes, he enlightened the audience in regards to understanding ‘love’ in the light of Islam. He also talked about the importance of understanding our youth and how to educate ourselves about a touchy yet critical community issue.

-The Quran does not directly define ‘love,’ but more importantly talks about the
consequences. The first consequence: Committment.

- Love is NOT a noun, but a verb.

- Traditionally the community has largley been dismissive of ‘love’ which is wrong.

- Denying the obvious is not wise.

- Love takes time, it is therefore a choice.

- Sexual chemistry/attraction does not equal love.

- What we love determines how we live our life.

- Our Thoughts and Feelings can only be known to others by invitation.

- When on the phone with the opposite gender for serious marriage consideration keep
some general rules in mind:

1. The sun goes down, the phone goes down.
2. Always assume there’s a third party on the line. Watch what you say.
3. Do not make a habit of chatting away on the phone. Ask questions to help make a choice.

I also attended:

The Best Advice Ever Given- Shaykh Zoubir Bouchikhi
The House of Khadijah- Shaykh Yasir Qadhi
Men are from Mecca, Women are from Medina- Shaykhs: Yaser Birjas, Yasir Qadhi and
Yassir Fazaqa

I can’t find those notes (!) but as soon as I do I’ll update. Please feel free to comment and share your thoughts about the lectures I posted, or those that you attended.

I curiously asked a first time attendee what they thought of their TDC experience so far. They looked at me and responded: “I can’t believe what I’ve been missing”

May Allah accept the efforts of the speakers, organizers, volunteers, and dedicated individuals who have sacrificed and worked so hard for our Ummah. Please remember them in your prayers.

Eid Mubarak!
Today, tomorrow…basically any day that ends in ‘-y’ this week (sarcasm)

May Allah accept from us!

The Prophet (s) said,
“Fasting on the day of ‘Arafah erases the sins for two years: the previous year and the coming year…”

~and~

“Allah sets more people free from Hell on the Day of Arafah than on any other day.”

It is highly encouraged to ask forgiveness on this day and fast for those still at home not performing hajj.

We all need Allah’s forgiveness, don’t let this day pass you up. Allah will forgive you for 730 days of sins (365×2) for fasting 1 day. Thats an offer too precious to pass up.

Thoughtful consideration or a marketing ploy?

While your deciding, make sure to check out the Nokia ‘Ramadan Edition’!
What will they come up with next…?

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Islamic Countries to Launch Joint Car in 2011

TEHRAN (Reuters) – A car to be made by Iran, Malaysia and Turkey will be launched in 2011, the head of the Middle East’s biggest carmaker and partner in the project, Iran Khodro, said on Wednesday.

Manouchehr Manteghi, chief executive and president of the partly state-owned Iranian company, said Islamic countries would be behind all the investment and production.

Malaysia’s Proton chief executive, Syed Zainal Abidin Syed Mohamed Tahir, said in November the three countries would develop the car with Islamic features such as a compass to determine the direction of Mecca.

But Tahir did not say when production would start.

“This car will be produced with the latest technology and it will measure up to all global standards when it goes into different markets in 2011,” Manteghi said.

But he denied that any Islamic features would be standard and said the car could be marketed in non-Muslim countries.

“Each Islamic country can order the additional equipment based on its own needs. In addition to Islamic countries, this car is capable of being presented in all global markets,” Manteghi told a news conference.

His remarks were originally carried by Iranian media and later confirmed to Reuters by Iran Khodro officials.

Manteghi said his firm, which produced more than 525,000 cars and pick-up trucks in 2006/07, was chosen by the Organisation of The Islamic Conference OIC to lead the project.

The car will be sold for about 6,000 to 8,000 euros (4,300 to 5,800 pounds). He said the main target markets would be in Africa, the Middle East and southeast Asia.

Iran Khodro has partnerships with global carmakers, such as a joint venture with France’s Renault to make the no-frills Logan, sold in Iran as the Tondar-90.

It also makes vehicle models such as Peugeot’s 206 and 405 and Suzuki’s Grand Vitara.

Sulaiman (as) and the Ant

By Yahya Ibrahim

Allah (swt) narrates to us in the Quran the story of Sulaiman and an ant. We must first understand that Sulaiman (as) was a Prophet who had been given dominion that surpassed all other human beings past and present. ‘Abdullah bin ‘Amr bin al-’Aas () reports that Rasool ul Allah () said, ‘When Sulaiman (Solomon) son of Dawoud (David) (re-)built Baitul Maqdis he requested from Allah three things in intervals:

- He asked Allah governorship with Justice that is in accordance with the Laws of Allah
- He asked to possess dominion that cannot be attained/possessed by anyone after him
- He asked, after having completed the (re-) building of the Masjid, that anyone who comes to it, seeking only to pray in it, that he departs from it (exits him) sinless as the day he was given birth to by his mother (In another narration he said, ‘As for the (first) two requests, then he received them. I am hopeful that he was granted the third as well.’) ¹

One of the blessings extended to Sulaiman was his ability to converse with the natural living environment.

Allah (swt) says in Surat al-Naml:

“And there were gathered before Sulaiman (Solomon) his hosts of jinns and men, and birds, and they all were set in battle order (marching forwards). Till, when they came to the valley of the ants, one of the ants said: “O ants! Enter your dwellings, lest Sulaimân (Solomon) and his hosts crush you, while they perceive not.”

So he [Sulaiman (Solomon)] smiled, amused at her speech and said: “My Lord! Inspire and bestow upon me the power and ability that I may be grateful for Your Favours which You have bestowed on me and on my parents, and that I may do righteous good deeds that will please You, and admit me by Your Mercy among Your righteous slaves.” Surat an-Naml (27: 17-19)

Shaykhul Islam Ibn al-Qayyim discusses in Miftaah Dar as-Sa’aadah (Vol. 1, Pg. 243) the linguistic power of the ant’s speech.

He says: The dialogue of the ant – “O ants! Enter your dwellings, lest Sulaiman (Solomon) and his hosts crush you, while they perceive not” – involves 10 different communicational tools. This single statement carried in its message the following 10 linguistic parameters:

1. A Call and plea
2. An indication
3. Identification
4. Mandating
5. Stating
6. Warning
7. Specification
8. Discerning and proving
9. Generalizing
10. Excusing

The simple and concise exhortation of the miniscule ant carried all that has been listed above. As a result, Sulaiman felt compelled to thank Allah for the Ni’mah that Allah extended to him. So Sulaiman invoked Allah saying:

So he [Sulaiman (Solomon)] smiled, amused at her speech and said: “My Lord! Inspire and bestow upon me the power and ability that I may be grateful for Your Favours which You have bestowed on me and on my parents, and that I may do righteous good deeds that will please You, and admit me by Your Mercy among Your righteous slaves.” Surat an-Naml (27: 19)

Here is the break down of the ant’s exhortation.

“O” : A call and plea

“ants!” : Identification and Indication

“Enter” : Mandating and Commanding

“your dwellings,” : Stating what to do

“lest Sulaiman” : Specifying and Labeling

“and his hosts” : Discerning and Proving

“crush you” : Warning

“while they perceive not” : Excusing

SubhanAllah! An ant’s sentence contained all of that eloquence and precision. Let us ponder the words of Allah (swt):

“There is not a moving (living) creature on earth, nor a bird that flies with its two wings, but are communities like you. We have neglected nothing in the Book, then unto their Lord they (all) shall be gathered.” Al-An’aam 6:38

¹ Reported by an-Nasaa’i, Ahmed, Ibn Majah, Ibn Hibban, Al-Haakim in al-Mustadrak, Al-Bayhaqi in ash-Shu’ab and others.

Yay. My favorite time of the year. No, not the weather. Finals Week.

20 Examp Tips for Students

Praise be to Allaah and peace and blessings be upon the Messenger and upon his family and companions.

The Muslim student puts his trust in Allaah when facing the tests of this world, and he seeks His help whilst following the prescribed means, in accordance with the words of the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him): “The strong believer is better and is more beloved to Allaah than the weak believer, although both are good. Strive to attain that which will benefit you and seek the help of Allaah, and do not feel helpless.” (Saheeh Muslim, hadeeth no. 2664)

Among those means are the following:

- Turning to Allaah by making du’aa’ in any way that is prescribed in Islam, such as saying, “Rabbiy ishrah li sadri wa yassir li amri (O my Lord, expand my chest and make things easy for me).”

- Getting used to sleeping early and going to exams on time.

- Preparing all required or permitted equipment such as pens, rulers and setsquares, calculators and watches, because being well prepared helps one to answer questions.

- Reciting the du’aa’ for leaving the house: “Bismillaah, tawakkaltu ‘ala Allaah, wa laa hawla wa laa quwwata illa Billaah. Allaahumma inni a’oodhu bika an adilla aw udalla, aw azilla aw uzalla, aw azlima aw uzlama, aw ajhala aw yujhala ‘alayya (In the name of Allaah, I put my trust in Allaah, and there is no strength and no power except with Allaah. O Allaah, I seek refuge with You lest I should stray or be led astray, lest I slip (commit a sin unintentionally) or be tripped, lest I oppress or be oppressed, lest I behave foolishly or be treated foolishly).” Do not forget to seek your parents’ approval, for their du’aa’ for you will be answered.

- Mention the name of Allaah before you start, for mentioning the name of Allaah is prescribed when beginning any permissible action; this brings blessing, and seeking the help of Allaah is one of the means of strength.

- Fear Allaah with regard to your classmates, and do not be affected by their anxiety or fear just before the exam, for anxiety is a contagious disease. Instead, make them feel optimistic by saying good words as prescribed in Islam. The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) was optimistic when he heard the name of Suhayl (which means “easy”) and he said: “Things have been made easy for you.” He used to like to hear the words ‘Yaa Raashid, when he went out for any purpose. So be optimistic that you and your brothers will pass this exam.

- Remembering Allaah (dhikr) dispels anxiety and tension. If something is too difficult for you, then pray to Allaah to make it easy for you. Whenever Shaykh al-Islam Ibn Taymiyah (may Allaah have mercy on him) found something too difficult to understand, he would say, “O You Who taught Ibraaheem, teach me; O You Who caused Sulaymaan to understand, cause me to understand.”

- Choose a good place to sit during the exam, if you can. Keep your back straight, and sit on the chair in a healthy manner.

- Look over the exam first. Studies advise spending 10% of the exam time in reading the questions carefully, noting the important words and dividing one’s time between the questions.

- Plan to answer the easy questions first, then the difficult ones. Whilst reading the questions, write notes and ideas which you can use in your answers later.

- Answer questions according to importance.

- Start by answering the easy questions which you know. Then move on to the questions which carry high marks, and leave till the end the questions to which you do not know the answers, or which you think will take a long time to produce an answer or which do not carry such high marks.

- Take your time to answer, for the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: “Deliberation is from Allaah and haste is from the Shaytaan.” (A hasan hadeeth. Saheeh al-Jaami, 3011).

- Think carefully about the answer and choose the right answer when answering multiple-choice questions. Deal with them in the following manner. If you are sure that you have chosen the right answer, then beware of waswasah (insinuating whispers from the Shaytaan). If you are not sure, then start by eliminating the wrong or unlikely answers, then choose the correct answer based on what you think is most likely to be correct. If you guessed at a correct answer then do not change it unless you are sure that it is wrong – especially if you will lose marks for a wrong answer. Research indicates that the correct answer is usually that which the student thinks of first.

- In written exams, collect your thoughts before you start to answer. Write an outline for your answer with some words which will indicate the ideas which you want to discuss. Then number the ideas in the sequence in which you want to present them.

- Write the main points of your answer at the beginning of the line, because this is what the examiner is looking for, and he may not see what he is looking for if it is in the middle of the page and he is in a hurry.

- Devote 10% of the time for reviewing your answers. Take your time in reviewing, especially in mathematical problems and writing numbers. Resist the desire to hand in the exam papers quickly, and do not let the fact that some people are leaving early bother you. They may be among the people who have handed in their papers too early.

- If you discover after the exam that you answered some questions incorrectly, then take that as a lesson in the importance of being well prepared in the future, and not rushing to answer questions. Accept the will and decree of Allaah and do not fall prey to frustration and despair. Remember the hadeeth of the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him), “If anything befalls you, do not say, ‘If only I had done such and such.’ Rather say, ‘Qadar Allaah wa maa sha’a kaan (the decree of Allaah and what He wills happened),’ for saying ‘if only’ opens the door for the Shaytaan.” (Saheeh Muslim, and the first part of this hadeeth was mentioned above).

- Note that cheating is haraam whether it is in foreign language tests or any other tests. The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said, “Whoever cheats is not one of us.” It is wrongdoing and it is a haraam means of attaining a degree or certificate, etc., that you have no right to. The consensus is that cheating is a kind of cooperation in sin and transgression. So do without that which is haraam, and Allaah will suffice you from His bounty. Reject all offers of haraam things that come to you from others. Whoever gives up a thing for the sake of Allaah, Allaah will compensate him with something better. You have to denounce and resist evil, and tell the authorities about any such thing that you see during the exam, or before or after it. This is not the forbidden kind of slander rather it is denouncing evil which is obligatory.

Advise those who buy or sell questions or post them on the Internet etc., or who prepare cheat notes. Tell them to fear Allaah, and tell them of the ruling on what they are doing and on the money they earn from that. Tell them that the time they are spending in preparing these haraam things, if they spent it in studying, or answering previous exams, or helping one another to understand the subject before the exam, that would be better for them than doing these haraam things.

- Remember what you have prepared for the Hereafter, and the questions of the examination in the grave, and how to be saved on the Day of Resurrection. Whoever is saved from the Fire and admitted to Paradise will indeed have succeeded.

We ask Allaah to make us succeed in this world and cause us to be among those who are victorious and saved in the Hereafter, for He is the All-Hearing Who answers prayer.

Sheikh Muhammed Salih Al-Munajjid

US commander converts to Islam
Sun, 04 Nov 2007 12:32:05

The US commander of International Security Assistance Force in the Andar district of Ghazni Province in Afghanistan has embraced Islam. The US commander of International Security Assistance Force in the Andar district of Ghazni Province in Afghanistan has embraced Islam.

Cap. Cormier Michel – 45 – commands 300 ISAF troops in the Taliban-infested district. The Ghazni governor, district chief, provincial council members, local officials, elders, ISAF soldiers and students attended a ceremony marking the commander’s conversion to Islam.

The ceremony, which lasted well over three hours, concluded with chants of ‘Allah-o-Akbar (Allah is Great).Cap. Michel, who changed his name to Abdul Wahed, started his brief speech with Bismillah (In the name of Allah, the most Beneficent and the most Merciful). During the last five years, Abdul Wahed pointed out, he had been studying Islamic books and he concluded that Islam is the first religion.

“Islam is a religion of peace and brotherhood, but terrorists and extremists are bringing a bad name to it,” he noted.

MSM/BGH