Islam is Against Racism

“O Mankind! Most certainly, it is We( Allah) who have created you all from a single (pair)of a male and a female, and it is We who  have made you into nations and tribes, that ye may recognize each other(not that ye may despise each other). Verily, the noblest of you in the sight of Allah is (he who is) the most righteous of you.” Holy Qur’an 49:13

Islam is a religion that condemns racism in all its forms and kinds. Many glaring examples from history are an evident proof that Islam is neither racist nor it preaches so. When the Jews were being persecuted in the rest of Europe, they found liberty and sanctity in Muslim Spain. The concept of equality in Islamic School of thought is what made the untouchables of the subcontinent embrace Islam. In any Muslim country, you are permitted to follow your religion openly unlike many non-Muslim countries.

The Hajj pilgrimage to Mecca is the best place to witness the practical implementation of the concept of brotherhood and equality as presented by Islam. After observing the event of Hajj and the divine message of common platform for all, many leading personalities of the world like Muhammad Ali and Malcolm X accepted Islam.

The only way we can get rid of this “me superior, you inferior” difference is by understanding the lesson of Islam through Quran Recitation and acknowledging other people and respecting their beliefs. We should ask Allah to let us see beyond the national, ethnic, class or color differences and constantly ask for His forgiveness. Only then can we become a better Muslim in this world and hereafter.

The Presence of Jinn in the Universe

The word Jinn is used many times in the Holy Qur’an. It it stated in Quran that humans are made of soil and water which is scientifically correct. With regard to the Jinns, the Qur’an also says that they are made from a flame of fire. The Qur’an says:

And the jinn race, we had created before, from the fire of a Scorching wind. Surah XV: 27

In note 1967, Yusuf Ali says, “Hidden or Invisible forces are aptly typified as arising ‘from the fire of scorching winds’.

he scientific definition of the Jinns is given in the Qur’an as:

And He created Jinns from fire free of smoke. Surah LV: 15

No religion in the world accepts the presence of jinn but Islamic School of thought signifies the concept of Jinn. On Earth all life is made of Carbon and water. Living beings on Earth need energy for their survival. Some of these activities are chemical reactions, which need a supply of energy.

We through Quran Recitation that fire is described in the Quran. At the center of the sun is the core where the temperature reaches ten million degrees and the density is five times greater than that of solid gold. That is the density of the core, which is greater than any material found on Earth. In the core the nuclear fusion reactions occur resulting in the fusion of hydrogen nuclei into Helium nuclei plus liberation of energy which we receive as the sunlight.

Why Pictures and Animations are Prohibited in Islam

Creation of pictures is strongly prohibited in Islam. Imam Bukhari and Imam Muslim relate that a man came to Ibn Abbas (Allah be well pleased with him and his father) and said, “My livelihood comes solely from my hands, and I make these pictures. Can you give me a legal opinion about them” Ibn Abbas told him, “Come closer” and the man did. “Closer,” he said, and the man did, until he put his hand on the man’s head and said: “Shall I tell you what I heard from the Messenger of Allah, Prophet Muhammed (Allah bless him and give him peace) I heard the Messenger of Allah say, “Every maker of pictures will go to the fire, where a being will be set upon him to torment him in hell for each picture he made. So if you must, draw tress and things without animate life in them.”

However it is not forbidden to express creativity in arts. In Islamic Schools creative and arts related subjects are being taught. Ancient Islamic artists were famous in calligraphy, printed shawls and carpets, and construction.

Other than visual arts, Muslims are also enriched with the art of Quran Recitation in different, beautiful and heart trembling styles. Due to the effects of Quran recitation many people converted to Islam. So Muslims are required to learn these arts rather than pictorial and prohibited paintings.

And Bukhari, Tirmidhi, and Imam Nasa’i relate the hadith form Ibn Abbas, “Whoever makes a picture, Allah shall torture him with it on the Day of Judgment until he can breathe life into it, and he will never be able to.”

The reason for the unlawfulness of visual representation is that it simulates the creative act of Allah. Imam Bukhari and Imam Muslim relate that A’isha (Allah be well pleased with her) said, “The Prophet (Allah bless him and give him peace) returned from a trip, and I had draped a cloth with picture on it over a small closet. When he saw it, he ripped it down, his face colored, and he said, “A’isha, the people most severely tortured by Allah on the Day of Judgment will be those who try to imitate what Allah has created,”

Facts about Suicide Attacks

A suicide attack or homicide attack means killing others and causing maximum damage while the attacker dies in the process too. It is the most dangerous and effective way of threatening and killing the enemies.

History of Suicide Attacks

The concept of suicide attacks started in World War 2 when Japanese Kamikaze bombers started attacking allied forces with hitting their fighter planes carrying explosives to the military targets resulting in huge damage to the enemies.

Terrorism through Suicide Attacks

The intensity of suicide terrorism has become alarming for the world and increased drastically in this decade. After the attacks on world trade centre in America, fight against terrorism started giving birth to the destructive suicide attackers.

Modern Suicide Attacks

Suicide bombing has become very often in the modern world. Every day, we witness innocent people victimized by the witless people brainwashed by their leaders and exploited to acquire their personal interests in the name of religion.

One of the main reasons of suicide bombing is the so called war against terrorism. Post 9/11 situation gave rise to the increase in militancy when people from backward places of Afghanistan, Iraq and Pakistan were brutally targeted after being accused of terrorism.

This lead the suicide bomber adopt this sinful act of killing their enemies as there was no other way because they lack in strength and power. In modern suicide terrorism, suicide attackers equipped with explosive material are brought to the crowd or to sensitive military places and massive explosion is carried out, causing huge number of casualties and collateral damage.

Myth of Religious Motivation

Through various debates conducted in different countries, it is concluded that the culprits are extremists and motivated by their religion. But the fact is that terrorists are stateless actors and do not belong to any religion because no religion allows killing innocent people and strictly forbids the act of suicide.

Islamic Views about Suicide Attacks

It is very clear that Islam strictly prohibits killing innocent people. Harming innocent bystanders, even in times of war, was forbidden by the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH).  This includes women, children, noncombatant bystanders, and even trees and crops.  Nothing is to be harmed unless the person or thing is actively engaged in an assault against Muslims.

It is stated in Qur’an

“O ye who believe!… [do not] kill yourselves, for truly Allah has been to you Most Merciful.  If any do that in rancour and injustice, soon shall We cast him into the Fire…” (Qur’an 4:29-30).

In the fight against terrorism of all forms, it is important to understand who or what is our enemy. The taking of life is allowed only by way of justice (i.e. the death penalty for murder), but even then, forgiveness is better.  “Nor take life – which Allah has made sacred – except for just cause…” (17:33).

Through Quran Recitation we fine that Qur’an is forgiveness and peace.  Allah (God) is Merciful and Forgiving, and seeks that in His followers.  Indeed, most people who spend time on a personal level with ordinary Muslims have found them to be peaceful, honest, hard-working, civic-minded people.

The dangerous escalation of violence in the world is disturbing to all people of conscience, from September 11 to the Middle East battles, and other random acts of violence perpetrated at innocent civilians. It is very important to figure out the actual culprits of terrorism in the prevailing circumstances but unluckily it is rarely done.

Verses to be Recited After Prayers

Taqibaat are the actions done after the completion of compulsory prayers which carry much reward. Among these numerous actions, Quran Recitation especially few prescribed verses of Qur’an is the most virtuous act.

Following are few verses have huge reward if recited after compulsory prayers.

• Ayah ash-Shahada (Surah Ale Imran : 18-19)

In the commentary of Majma’ul Bayaan, it is narrated from the Holy Prophet that those who recite this ayah make a covenant with Allah (s.w.t.) and Allah always fulfils His covenants. If this ayah is recited after every prayer, then Jannah is guaranteed to the reciter.

• Ayah al-Mulk (Surah Ale Imran : 26-27)

It is narrated that the Holy Prophet (s.a.w.) once advised one of his companions, who was in debt, to recite this ayah after every prayer and then supplicate to Allah (s.w.t.) for the repayment of his debts saying that even if the debts are equal to the entire land on Earth, they will be repaid.

• Ayah al-Kursi (Surah al-Baqarah : 255-257)

It is narrated from the Holy Prophet (s.a.w.) that there is no barrier between the person who recites this ayah after every prayer and Jannah except for death ie. he will be taste the pleasures of Jannah immediately after his death, and only that person will be able to recite it who is pious and righteous.

• Ayah al-Madhkurah (Surah ar-Rum : 17-22)

Whoever recites this after every compulsory prayer will get a reward equal to drops of rain and grains of sand. The Holy Prophet (s.a.w.) has highly recommended the recitation of this ayah especially during the early morning and evening times.

• Ayah as-Sakhrah (Surah A’araaf : 54)

This should also be recited after every prayer. The benefit of reciting this ayah is that it acts as a protection from Shaitan. It is said that the one who recites this ayah is protected against the plots of Shaitan even if he is alone in the desert.

In Islamic Schools the habit of reciting these verses after prayers is developed.  There are some other verses like whoever recites surah at-Tawheed after prayers will wed a Hur-ul-Ein in Jannah. It is recommended that surah at-Tawheed be recited ten times after every prayer and this leads to being forgiven be Allah (s.w.t.) and being blessed with the good of this world and the hereafter.

Hospitality in Muslims

Hospitality is one of the greatest traditions inherited by Muhammad (PBUH). Our great Prophet (PBUH) teaches us to be generous and how to entertain guests.

Significance of hospitality in Islam School of thought is great. The essence of hospitality is that when guests arrive there should be no sense of frustration, rather whatever best one can arrange should be offered to the guests, without lavishness. The true Islamic civility as regards hospitality is to serve the guests with cheerfulness.

The Holy Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be on him) said that hospitality was a symptom of faith. This notion was not limited to one’s near and dear ones, rather each guest, regardless of religion, was served well and taken care of. Sometimes misunderstanding may lead the guests to be unfair.

The Messenger of Allah [s] further guides us by saying:

“Whoever believes in Allah and the Last Day should be hospitable with his or her guests.”

The Qur’an especially draws attention to the moral excellence shown to guests. Before all else, believers offer respect, love, peace, and cordiality to each guest. A welcome merely based on catering, without showing any love, respect, and peace, would not be pleasing. In the verse given below, Through Quran Recitation we find that He favors spiritual beauty over anything else:

“When you are greeted with a greeting, return the greeting or improve upon it. Allah takes account of everything.” (Surat an-Nisa’: 86)

Our great Prophet [s] teaches us to be generous and how to entertain guests. He wants a Muslim to show gratitude and be kind and happy when receiving guests. One should respect and welcome his guests, in particular when they are strangers, or have no family or friends in that country.

Surely, our glorious Prophet [s] guides us towards respecting guests and being generous towards them. In this respect, he says: “Indeed whoever believes that Allah is All-Generous, Who provides for His creation and rewards those who are hospitable towards their guests, should look after his guest.”

Aims of Islamic Schools

The purpose of Islamic education cannot be defined better than this,

“The purpose of Islamic education is not to cram the pupil’s head with facts but to prepare them for a life of purity and sincerity. This total commitment to character-building based on the ideals of Islamic ethics is the highest goal of Islamic education.” (Al-Attas, 1979, p. 104)

The ultimate aim of Muslim education lies in the realization of complete submission to Allah on the level of the individual, the community and humanity at large. Islamic Schools should aim at the balanced growth of the total personality of man through the training of man’s spirit, intellect, his rational self, feelings and bodily senses.

Education should cater therefore for the growth of man in all its aspects: spiritual, intellectual, imaginative, physical, scientific, linguistic, both individually and collectively and motivate all aspects towards goodness and the attainment of perfection. Proper education of Quran Recitation should be provided to make the children understand the teachings of Islam. The ultimate aim of Muslim education lies in the realization of complete submission to Allah on the level of the individual, the community and humanity at large.

It would follow then that the aim of an Islamic school is to provide an environment which allows the student to realize these ideals and gain an education that enhances his spiritual, intellectual, imaginative, physical, scientific and linguistic growth. Using the above definition as an informative guide, one would expect an Islamic school then, to have facilities and a programme of learning that allows a pupil to develop his/her  sense of spirituality and build a positive relationship with God which becomes manifest in doing righteous deeds.

Benefits of Reciting Surah Ad-dukhan

This is a ‘makki’ surah and it has 59 ayaat. There are lots of benefits of reciting this surah like the other benefits of Quran Recitation.

Forgiveness of Sins

It is narrated from the Holy Prophet (s.a.w.) that if this surah is recited at night, then seventy thousand angels pray to Allah (s.w.t.) to forgive the sins of the reciter. If recited on Thursday nights, all sins are forgiven and houses are built for the reciter in Jannah. The reward for reciting each letter of this surah is equal to that of freeing a thousand slaves for seeking the pleasure of Allah (s.w.t.).

Protection on the Day of Judgment

Imam Muhammad al-Baqir (a.s.) said that whoever recites surah ad-Dukhan in his faraa’idh (compulsory prayers) will be protected from the torment of the Day of Judgement and will easily be able to give his accounts. His book of deeds will also be given to him in his right hand.

Other Benefits

• If kept in one’s possession, this surah acts as a protection from the plots of Shaitan.
• If kept under one’s pillow before sleeping at night, there will be no suffering from nightmares and one will always get good dreams.
• Keeping this surah in a place of business makes the trade prosper.
• Imam Ja’far as-Sadiq (a.s.) has said that keeping this surah as a talisman ensures protection from the authorities and makes people fond of the wearer.
• Drinking water in which this surah has been dissolved is a cure for all ailments related to the stomach.

Quran is the Best Source of Guidance

The importance of Quran Recitation and contemplating on the verses of the Holy Qur’an cannot be stressed enough. Indeed this Holy Scripture has many depths and mysteries that have yet to be discovered. Those who frequently read the Holy Qur’an can attest to the fact that it is an unending source of information and a bottomless well of fresh knowledge and guidance.

How unfortunate is the person who forsakes the words of his Creator? And what excuse would be acceptable for doing so? If the true value of the Holy Qur’an was understood, the Muslims of the world would not be where they are today. Lifetimes can be spent in research about the meanings of what is contained in this divine book and yet nothing would be exhausted from it.

Yet this great living miracle lies abandoned in our libraries, bookshelves, or even in a beautifully created casing; gathering dust from lack of use. This is why when we will be brought to account for our deeds and misdeeds on the Day of Judgment; we will have no reason to say that we were not adequately guided, because we are the ones who did not take the readily available guidance.

At this point it should be mentioned that one cannot interpret the verses of the Holy Qur’an using their own logical deductions or reasoning. If we were to do this then we would easily stray from the correct path and would begin to justify our fallacies with our own interpretations of this divine text. Many traditions have been narrated about this and grave punishments have been promised to those who misuse the Holy Qur’an for personal gain.

The tafseer or interpretation of the Holy Qur’an is actually done very carefully by very learned religious scholars from Islamic Schools, who refer to vast amounts of historical texts and traditions of the Holy Prophet (s.a.w) and the Aimmah (a.s). Fortunately, many tafaseer are readily available today and one can easily find the interpretations of any particular verse of the Holy Qur’an.

We pray to Allah (s.w.t.) to enlist us from those who always recite the Holy Qur’an when He raises us on the Day of Judgement – Ameen.

Quranic Surah for Increase in Sustenance

Quran Recitation has numerous benefits. We can take guidance in every matter of life as well as reciting certain surah helps us in increasing wealth. Some surah to increase sustenance are stated here.

Increase in Sustenance

1. It is narrated that writing surah al-Mu’min at night and then keeping it in one’s place of business increases sustenance.
2. Keeping surah al-Hijr in one’s pocket or tied to the arm is also a means of increase in livelihood.
3. Surah al-Qaari’ah should be worn around the neck.
4. surah al-Waaqi’ah should be recited every night to stay independent in terms of earning an income.
5. Reciting surah adh-Dhariyaat every day also increases sustenance.
6. Writing [al-Fatir : 29-30] and keeping it at the place of trade also acts as a means of increase in income.
7. Keeping [al-Jumu’ah : 4] together with your goods for sale brings blessing and keeps the goods safe from damage.
8. Drinking water in which surah Yusuf has been dissolved (after writing) also increases sustenance.

Verses that help to quickly repay debts

According to Islamic School of thought, the Holy Qur’an has some surah which help the recite in repaying debt quickly.

1. ayah al-Mulk [Ale Imran : 26-27] should be recited for those who wish to repay their debts. One should recite this ayah and then supplicate to Allah (s.w.t.) that he wishes to repay his debts and seeks help for doing so.
2. last two verses of surah al-Baqarah should also be recited after every ‘Isha prayer.
3. The recitation of ayah al-Kursi after every prayer.
4. reciting surah al-Waaqi’ah 41 times are other means of getting divine assistance in the repaying of debts.