NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC: INSIDE MECCA

A journey for 3 Muslims from different countries to perform Hajj (pilgrimage)

This story presents the most intimate and three-dimensional documentation of the annual pilgrimage to Makkah and sheds light on the universal principles of Islam during the days of the Hajj. Learn the historical significance of the city "Makkah" and, experience the epic journey of a lifetime, the "Hajj", as we witness the personal stories of the pilgrims and the mental preparation, physical strain and spiritual ecstasy they encounter on their life-altering pilgrimage of faith.

What Are the Names of Our Prophet?

Muhammad [Peace Be Upon Him]: What Are the Names of Our Prophet?

Did you know that the Prophet, had been called by many names and titles in the Qur`aan and Sunnah? Each of these names describing a special quality of this exalted personality. By understanding them and reflecting upon them, we can, begin to better understand his position in front of Almighty Allah and help increase . . .

. . .love and following of the Messenger of Allah - Muhammad (peace be upon him).

Read through this article by Sheikh Yusuf Estes here.

More about Muhammad [Peace and Blessings of Allah be Upon Him]

http://www.prophetofislam.com/

Watch Sheikh Yusuf Estes elaborate more on the subject in "Muhammad A to Z"

http://www.muhammadatoz.com/

Muhammad A to Z - By Yusuf Estes, Former Christian Preacher

While others are clamoring over what to do when someone draws a cartoon or a picture of one of the prophets of Almighty God, (peace be upon them all), we decided it was time to show the "Real Picture of Mohammed" - everything we could find from A to Z. The results were far too many to list all of them. So, we took the first 26 and put them in alphabetical order, but as you read through the commentaries of others, you will be able to realize many hundreds of additional qualities of this man, Muhammad, peace and blessings be upon him.

This "A-Z" on Muhammad, peace and blessings be upon him, deals with well established facts about Muhammad, peace and blessings be upon him, but certainly does not include everything there is to know about Muhammad, peace and blessings be upon him. Volumes and encyclopedias and even libraries have been dedicated to presenting the picture of this great man.

Vatican: Islam Surpasses Roman Catholicism as World's Largest Religion

VATICAN CITY — Islam has surpassed Roman Catholicism as the world's largest religion, the Vatican newspaper said Sunday.

"For the first time in history, we are no longer at the top: Muslims have overtaken us," Monsignor Vittorio Formenti said in an interview with the Vatican newspaper L'Osservatore Romano. Formenti compiles the Vatican's yearbook.

He said that Catholics accounted for 17.4 percent of the world population -- a stable percentage -- while Muslims were at 19.2 percent.

"It is true that while Muslim families, as is well known, continue to make a lot of children, Christian ones on the contrary tend to have fewer and fewer," the monsignor said.

Formenti said that the data refer to 2006. The figures on Muslims were put together by Muslim countries and then provided to the United Nations, he said, adding that the Vatican could only vouch for its own data.

When considering all Christians and not just Catholics, Christians make up 33 percent of the world population, Formenti said.

Spokesmen for the Vatican and the United Nations did not immediately return phone calls seeking comment Sunday.

Fox News Source: http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,343336,00.html

Read the comments of Sheikh Yusuf Estes here: Islam #1 - Admits Church

SHAALOM 2 SALAAM: A MUSLIMAH'S JOURNEY FROM JUDAISM TO ISLAM

Just came across this beautiful post on the blog "SHAALOM 2 SALAAM: A MUSLIMAH'S JOURNEY FROM JUDAISM TO ISLAM" by a revert sister named Safiyyah.

I was impressed by her voluntary activities, to name a few "Member of Islamic Writers Alliance (IWA) and Muslim American Journalists Association (MAJA). Islamic weekend school teacher. Muslim prison chaplain. Volunteer Muslim Patient Visitation Coordinator. "

I'd insist you all to read her post on "Shahadah".

This is just another reminder for us Muslims to get back to the Basics and utilize our best in learning and sharing the message of Islam.

May Allah make understanding and practicing Islam easy for us. May Allah use in spreading the Message of his Deen, that To Believe in One God, and not associate parters with Allah, the All-Mighty. Ameen...

Surah/Chapter 112. Al-Ikhlas [The Purity of Faith]

1. Say: He is Allah, the One!

2. Allah, the eternally Besought of all!

3. He begetteth not nor was begotten.

4. And there is none comparable unto Him.

[Sheikh Yusuf Estes] "Which Group is the Right Group?" Fourth Edition

"Which Group is the Right Group?" - by Yusuf Estes

Fourth Edition - October 15, 2005

Seems like these days the Muslims now come in "All Flavors." There are so many different names of so many groups in the world today. But which are the "true Muslims?"

The groups carry names like:

Sunnies, Salafies, Shi'ites, Ahmadiyah, Kadianis Sufis, Nation of Islam, Hanafi, Shafi, Wahabi, Moorish Science, Five Percenters, Aghakhanis, Ansar Allah, Modernists, Reformed Muslims - etc.

So many sects and groups - all claim to be the "saved sect of Islam"

- But which one is the real Islam?

- How do we know for sure?

Good Questions!

_____________

NOTE: With all respect to those who ascribe themselves to various groups in Islam, this article is dedicated to solving serious issues effecting Muslims world wide. The conclusion is that anyone who can say, "I believe there is only one God, Allah and Muhammad is His messenger and servant" is in fact, a Muslim. It is only when they insist on adding an adjective to describe their particular "type" of Islam that the problems begin to surface. Please read on with this thought in mind - Allah says; ""It is He (Allah) who has named you MUSLIMS.." [22:78]

_____________

Read more on the subject here.

Islam: The Definition

Islam: The Definition

Defining "ISLAM" in English What Does It Mean? - Is It A Noun Or A Verb? "Islam" - Is Both - A Verb - & - A Noun

"ISLAM" As A Verb(Action):	"ISLAM" As A Noun
Surrender to Almighty Allah	6 Articles of Belief
Submission to His Will	5 Pillars of Action
Obey His Commandments	Complete Way of Life
Sincere Worship Only For Him	Rights & Limitations
Peace in Mind, Heart & Soul	Moderation in All Things

A Brief Illustrated Guide to Understanding Islam

[Sheikh Yusuf Estes] Signs of Last Days - Today?

False Prophets! Wars! Famines! EarthQuakes! Heretical Teachings! Widespread Evil! Signs in the Sun and Stars!

It's all there and more..

In Islam over 1,400 years ago!

And ..

In Christianity over 2,000 years ago!

Compare the following here, then you decide - "Are We in the LAST DAYS?"

"Gitmo" Guard Accepts Islam

'TJ' Became Mustafa: "Gitmo" Guard Accepts Islam

As a guard in Guantanamo Bay, Terry Holdbrooks was charged with..

...keeping a careful watch on detainees in the infamous detention center. But after a series of extraordinary interactions between the former US Army specialist and Muslim detainees at the center, the Phoenix, Arizona-born prison guard decided to convert to Islam.

Watch the video and read more about it here.

[Suhaib Webb] ‘Eid Primer for Potential Khatibs, Converts, their Families and One’s Co-Workers and Friends

‘Eid Primer for Potential Khatibs, Converts, their Families and One’s Co-Workers and Friends by Suhaib Webb

Asalamu alaykum

For many of us, the ‘Eid prayer is a simple ritual that we observe twice a year. However, if one recently accepted Islam, or is dealing with the responsibility of his first ‘Eid khutbah, the ‘Eid prayer begins to seem as something truly daunting. With that in mind, I decided to compile a simple primer on the ‘Eid prayer. I hope this facilitates its observance, makes it easy for converts, their families, ones co-workers and first time preachers.

What is ‘Eid al-Fitir?

The word ‘Eid in Arabic means holiday and the word fitar means to break. Since this holiday takes place the day after the month of Ramadan ends, this holiday is given this name, “The holiday for breaking the fast.”

What happens on that day?

On the day of ‘Eid the entire Muslim community congregates in observance of the ‘Eid prayer.

What Time is This Prayer?

It can be prayed anytime after sunrise until noon and must be done so in congregation.

Who’s invited? Can I bring my non-Muslim friends and family members?

The entire community is encouraged to come, and you are definitely encouraged to bring all of your friends and family to the prayer and the celebrations thereafter!

How does one pray this prayer? Is it different than the Friday Prayer?

The ‘Eid prayer is similar to the Friday prayer in its number of cycles, two, that it is an auditory prayer and that both have sermons. However, unlike the Friday prayer, the ‘Eid prayer’s sermon follows the prayer.

The second difference lies in its number of takbirs (when the prayer leader says, “God is the greatest” which starts the prayer). In the ‘Eid prayer there are 6 additional takbir added to the original in the prayer’s first cycle, and 5 added to the second cycle of prayer after he rises from the sitting position to stand for the second cycle.

How it’s done:

The first cycle- The opening takbir, then the prayer leaders says “Allahu akbar” [God is the greatest] six mores times and then he recites the opening chapter from the Qur’an followed by a short reading from another chapter of the Qur’an or one of the smaller chapters.

Arising for the second cycle- One says “Allahu Akbar” to arise and stands for the second cycle of prayer then states Allahu Akbar 5 more times before reading the opening chapter from the Qur’an.

Note: if one is following the Imam, its much more easier. Just follow him!

Are their any special chapters of Qur’an that should be recited during this prayer?

It was the practice of the Prophet to read, after the first chapter of Qur’an, the 87th chapter in the first cycle of prayer; the 88th in the second cycle. Other considered it commendable to recite the 50th chapter from the Qur’an in the first cycle and the 54th in the second. However, if one is unable to read those chapters, there is nothing wrong with reading whatever he knows from the Qur’an.

What if one comes late and misses the extra takbirs?

If one comes after the preacher has already started, say he has already stated “God is the greatest” 3 times in addition to the opening statement “God is the Greatest”, then that person should began is prayer by saying, “God is the Greatest” and join the Imam. However once the preacher begins to recite the Qur’an, the late comer should keep saying “God is the greatest” [not in a loud voice] until he arrives to the total of 7 extra takbirs or 5 if he comes late for the second Rakat.

Thus, in the above scenario where the preacher said 3, the person would have said a total of 4 with him. However, once the preacher started to read Qur’an, the person should add an additional 4 takbir [saying God is the greatest] making it a total of 7.

If it were the second cycle, the person, once the preacher starts reading Qur’an, should add 2 more to reach the total of 5.

If one arrived late and started his/her prayer with the second cycle, missing the first. Then he/she should say 7 when he/shes stand to complete the prayer after the preacher closes the prayer.

If the person comes late and finds the congregation at the end of the prayer, meaning he missed all of the takbirs, he should arise, after the closure of the prayer, and say 7 takbirs in the first cycle and 5 in the second.

Note: one may pray behind any preacher who observes the takbirs in a different fashion recognized by Islamic ritual law. There is no problem to follow them in this; one should not make it a big issue.

What is the ruling for ‘Eid Prayer?

Eid prayer is a highly encouraged act for those ordered to pray the Friday prayer and recommended for those who are not ordered to pray the Friday prayer according to a group of scholars. However, there are other great scholars who hold it to be a religious obligation.

What Should the Preacher Talk about?

In addition to what constitutes the normal recognized procedures related to the sermon, one should insure that his sermon is relevant; providing the community with a feeling of empowerment and purpose. It is also good to channel the community into taking part in the different committees and programs that take place in the local mosque. One should also try and make the speech relevant to the attendees addressing each by drawing on valuable lessons that are practical and measurable.

I have a Family Member/Friend Who converted to Islam. Although I’m not Muslim can I Congratulate them and Offer Gifts?

Sure, there is absolutely nothing wrong with that religiously and no Muslim should take offense to it. If they do, please feel free to give their gifts to me!

Recommended acts:

1. To keep night vigil the night before the ‘Eid prayer*
2. To take a ritual bath prior to the prayer
3. To apply perfume [for men only]
4. To wear one’s best clothing
5. To return from the prayer using a different route
6. To eat something before the ‘Eid prayer. It is best to eat a few dates and if proven difficult, then drinking some water as this is the sunna of the Prophet [note for 'Eid al-Adha the opposite holds true].
7. To set out for the Masjid early engaging in Takbir. This is truly one of the greatest memories any family can have so seize this moment and engage in takbir with your families. If you’re solo, then know that you are engaging in takbir with the angels!
8. To pray in an open space
9. One should not pray before or after the ‘Eid prayer
10. It’s sermon is like that of Jum’ah, save it comes after the prayer.

May Allah bless you and give you the best ‘Eid ever!

Suhaib Webb

* Note: many consider this a comendable act, however the narration attributed to the Prophet [sa], “Whoever brings to life the night of ‘Eid [with worship] his heart will be alive on a day when the hearts will die” Is weak as noted in Tadhkirat al-Mawdu’at vol. 1 pg. 47.

www.suhaibwebb.com

Stories of the Prophets: Prophet Yunus (Jonah) (alaihis-salam)

Description of Jonah's People

Prophet Jonah (Yunus) (pbuh) also known as Dhan-Nun. About his people Almighty Allah said:

"Was there any town community that believed after seeing the punishment, and its Faith at that moment, saved it from the punishment? (the answer is none)--except the people of Jonah; when they believed, We removed from them the torment of disgrace in the life of the present world, and permitted them to enjoy for a while. (Ch 10:98 Quran)

The inhabitants of the town of Nineveh were idolaters who lived a shameless life. Prophet Jonah (pbuh) was sent to teach them the worship of Allah. The people disliked his interference in their way of worship, so they argued. "We and our forefathers have worshipped these gods for many years and no harm has come to us."

Jonah Leaves His People

Try as he might to convince them of the foolishness of idolatry and of the goodness of Allah's laws, the ignored him. He warned them that if they kept on with their foolishness, Allah's punishment would soon follow. Instead of fearing Allah, they told Jonah that they were not afraid of his threats. "Let it happen," they told him. Jonah was disheartened. "in that case, I will leave you to your misery!" so saying, he left Nineveh, fearing that Allah's anger would soon follow.

"Remember Dhan Nun (Jonah), when he went off in anger, and imagined that We shall not punish him (the calamities which had befallen him)! (ch 21:87)

The People are Forgiven

Hardly had he left the city when the skies began to change color and looked as if they were on fire. The people were filled with fear by this sight. They recalled the destruction of the people of 'Ad, Thamud and Noah. Was theirs to be a similar fate? Slowly faith penetrated their hearts. They all gathered on the mountain and started to beseech Allah for His mercy and forgiveness. The mountains echoed with their cries. It was a momentous hour, filled with sincere repentance.

Allah removed His wrath and showered His blessings upon them once again. When the threatening storm was lifted, they prayed for the return of Jonah so that he could guide them.

The Storm at Sea

Meanwhile, Jonah had boarded a small ship in the company of other passengers. It sailed all day in calm waters with a good wind blowing at the sails. When night came, the sea suddenly changed. A horrible storm blew as if it were going to split the ship into pieces. The waves looked wild. They rose up as high as mountains then plunged down like valleys, tossing the ship and sweeping over the deck.

Behind the ship, a large whale was splitting the water and opening its mouth. A command had been issued from Almighty Allah to one of the greatest whales of the sea to surface. It obeyed.

The whale hurried to the surface of the sea and followed the ship as it had been commanded. The tempest continued and the chief crewman asked the crew to lighten the ship's heavy load.

They threw their baggage overboard, but this was not enough. Their safety lay in reducing the weight further, so they decided among themselves to lighten their load by removing at least one person.

Jonah Jumps into the Sea

The captain directed: We will make lots with all of the travelers' names. The one whose name is drawn will be thrown into the sea." Jonah knew this was one of the seamen's traditions when facing a tempest. It was a strange polytheistic tradition, but it was practiced at that time. Jonah's affliction and crisis began.

Here was the prophet, subjected to polytheistic rules that considered the sea and the wind to have gods that riot. The captain had to please these gods. Jonah reluctantly participated in the lot, and his name was added to the other travelers' names. The lot was drawn and "Jonah" appeared.

Since they knew him to be the most honorable among them, they did not wish to throw him into the angry sea. Therefore, they decided to draw a second lot. Again Jonah's name was drawn. They gave him a final chance and drew a third lot. Unfortunately for Jonah, his name came up again.

Jonah realized that Allah's hand was in all this, for he had abandoned his mission without Allah's consent. The matter was over, and it was decided that Jonah should throw himself into the water.

Jonah stood at the edge of the ship looking at the furious sea. It was night and there was no moon. The stars were hidden behind a black fog. But before he could be thrown overboard, Jonah kept mentioning Allah's name as he jumped into the raging sea and disappeared beneath the huge waves.

The Whale Swallows Jonah

The whale found Jonah floating on the waves before it. It swallowed Jonah into its furious stomach and shut its ivory teeth on him as if they were white bolts locking the door of his prison. The whale dived to the bottom of the sea, the sea that runs in the abyss of darkness.

Three layers of darkness enveloped him, one above the other; the darkness of the whale's stomach, the darkness of the bottom of the sea, the darkness of the night. Jonah imaged himself to be dead, but his senses became alert when he found he could move. He knew that he was alive and imprisoned in the midst of three layers of darkness. His heart was moved by remembering Allah. His tongue released soon after saying:

"La ilaha illa Anta (none has the right to be worshipped but You (O Allah), Glorified (and Exalted) be You (above all that evil they associate with You), Truly, I have been of the wrong doers." (Ch 21:87 Quran)

Jonah continued praying to Allah, repeating this invocation. Fishes, whales, seaweeds, and all the creatures that lived in the sea heard the voice of Jonah praying, heard the celebration of Allah's praises issuing from the whale's stomach. All these creatures gathered around the whale and began to celebrate the praises of Allah in their turn, each in its own way and in its own language.

The whale also participated in celebrating the praises of Allah and understood that it had swallowed a prophet. Therefore it felt afraid; however, it said to itself; "Why should I be afraid? Allah commanded me to swallow him."

Allah Forgives Jonah

Allah Almighty saw the sincere repentance of Jonah and heard his invocation in the whale's stomach. Allah commanded the whale to surface and eject Jonah onto an island. The whale obeyed and swam to the farthest side of the ocean. Allah commanded it to rise towards the warm, refreshing sun and the pleasant earth.

The whale ejected Jonah onto a remote island. His body was inflamed because of the acids inside the whale's stomach. He was ill, and when the sun rose, its ray burned his inflamed body so that he was on the verge of screaming for the pain. However, he endured the pain and continued to repeat his invocation to Allah.

Almighty Allah caused a vine to grow to considerable length over him for protection. Then Allah Exalted caused Jonah to recover and forgave him. Allah told Jonah that if it had not been for his praying to Him, he would have stayed in the whale's stomach till the Day of Judgment.

Summary of Jonah's Story

Almighty Allah recounted:

" And, verily, Jonah was one of the Messengers. When he ran to the laden ship, he agreed to cast lots and he was among the losers, Then a big fish swallowed him and he had done an act worthy of blame. Had he not been of them who glorify Allah, he would have indeed remained inside its belly (the fish) till the Day of Resurrection. But We cast him forth on the naked shore while he was sick and We caused a plant of gourd to grow over him. And We sent him to a hundred thousand people or even more, and they believed; so We gave them enjoyment for a while. (Ch 37:139-148 Quran).

Jonah's People - Changed

Gradually he regained his strength and found his way to his hometown, Nineveh. He was

pleasantly surprised to notice the change that had taken place there. The entire population turned out to welcome him. They informed him that they had turned to believe in Allah. Together they led a prayer of thanksgiving to their Merciful Lord.

Prophet Muhammad's Saying About Jonah (PBUT)

Ibn Abbas narrated: "The Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) said: 'One should not say I am better than Jonah Ibn Matta.'" (Sahih Bukhari)

Reference:

Stories of the Prophets [Written by Al-Imam ibn Kathir;Translated by Muhammad Mustapha Geme’ah, Al-Azhar]