Lets Chat!

Asalaam walikum wa rahmatullah wa barakatuhu everyone,

I found this to be a subject that I think a lot of us (including myself) have trouble dealing with so I hope this bit of info will help us stay or get onto the right path inshAllah. I want to help set the record straight on this issue and inshAllah lessen any confusion on the issue or remove denial about the truth of the matter. So here we go...the issue of communicating with the opposite sex. Here's an actual question submitted to a Sheik on Islam QA.

My question is about the adab or the manner between a brother and sister?
I need clarifcation, are we allowed to give salam to sister who is not your muhram or talk to her as you talk to a brother, and how much you allowed to talk?
and what about the non-muhram who are cousine, for example the uncles daughter Am I allowed to give salam and talk to her, and how is her life?please provide for me daleel(proof) and what about marriage?
what allowed talk and salam, ( what is allowed and not) all these things!
because today people mixed between culture and deen, when you tell them about that they say you are bringing new religon!, even alot brothers who relgious don't know this, you may see salafy brother talking weetlgy to sister who were nikab and not his muhram,

Praise be to Allaah.

In brief, what the fuqaha’ have said about women’s voices is that they are not ‘awrah in and of themselves, and there is nothing wrong with listening to them when there is a need to do so, so they do not forbid listening to them, but certain conditions apply, as follows:

The woman should speak without elongating the words, making her voice soft, or raising her voice. It is haraam for a man to listen with enjoyment, for fear of fitnah (temptation).

The decisive factor for knowing what is haraam in the matter of women’s speaking is what is included in the aayah (interpretation of the meaning):

“O wives of the Prophet! You are not like any other women. If you keep your duty (to Allaah), then be not soft in speech, lest he in whose heart is a disease (of hypocrisy, or evil desire for adultery, etc.) should be moved with desire, but speak in an honourable manner.” [al-Ahzaab 33:32]

What is forbidden is being too soft in speech. It is obligatory for women to speak in an honourable manner, which means, as the mufassireen explained, that they should not make their voices soft when addressing men. In conclusion, what is required of the Muslim woman when she speaks to a non-mahram man is that she should adhere to what is mentioned in this aayah. She should refrain from what is forbidden and should fulfil her duties. She should speak only when necessary, and only about matters that are permissible and honourable, not evil. Between a woman and a non-mahram man there should be no intonation, gestures, chat, joking, flirting or playful talk, so that there will be no room for provocation of desires and doubts. Women are not prevented from talking to non-mahram men when it is necessary to do so, such as dealing directly with them when buying things or conducting any other financial transaction, because in such cases it is necessary for both parties to speak. A woman may also ask a scholar about some legal Islamic matter, or a man may ask a woman such questions, as is proven in various texts of the Qur’aan and Sunnah. Within the guidelines described above, there is nothing wrong with a woman speaking to a non-mahram man. It is also permissible for men to greet women with salaam and vice versa, according to the most correct opinion, but this greeting must be free of anything that may provoke desire in the person in whose heart is a disease, so as to be safe from fitnah and pay attention to the regulations outlined above.

If there is fear of fitnah being provoked by this greeting, then the woman should refrain from either initiating or returning the greeting, because warding off fitnah by neglecting the greeting is warding off mischief, and warding off mischief takes precedence over doing something useful. (See al-Mufassal fi Ahkaam al-Mar’ah by ‘Abd al-Kareem Zaydaan, vol 3/276). And Allaah knows best.
Islam Q&A
Sheikh Muhammed Salih Al-Munajjid

I want to make clear that this ruling goes both ways; for men as well. Neither one should initiate casual conversation with the other. So please do not think that its acceptable for men to go up to females and chat with them, whether they are Muslim or not. I think this is also a big problem that our communities face with being "sexist" when condemning something. I've found men who shun the talking of women to men but themselves are always up in female's face as if they are talking to a brother. Men are not allowed to converse with men and women are not allowed to converse with men without a need. Lets define the word need. The defintion of need stated by Merriamwebster Dictionary goes as following:

• 1: necessary duty : obligation


• 2 a: a lack of something requisite, desirable, or useful b: a physiological or psychological requirement for the well-being of an organism


• 3: a condition requiring supply or relief4: lack of the means of subsistence : poverty

Now one may agree casual talking in person or on the phone is not permissible but may think that chatting online is permissible. So lets ask a scholar/ scholars about the ruling of chatting. The question and answer below are from Islamonline.net

Question: Dear scholars, As-Salamu `alaykum. I want to know if chatting online is haram (forbidden)? My chats, with the Muslim people only, are clean and there are no bad intention chats. Jazakum Allah khayran.
Answer: Wa `alaykum As-Salamu wa Rahmatullahi wa Barakatuh.

In the Name of Allah, Most Gracious, Most Merciful.

All praise and thanks are due to Allah, and peace and blessings be upon His Messenger.

Dear brother in Islam, you have raised a very important question, which reflects a common trend nowadays among our youth and others, when the majority don't even bother to learn the restrictions that are dictated by religion to preserve morality in society. Thanks to the sophisticated means of modern communication, everyone finds himself tempted to try everything new in technology.

Thus, it's very important for each Muslim to know where he stands and to always keep in mind that, as he is given full right to make use of any opportunity offered by modern technology, he is also required not to forget the duty he owes to Almighty Allah Who subjects to him all such avenues of comfort and prosperity. He must not deviate, whatsoever, from the teachings of his religion, in order to preserve his noble identity.

In response to the question in point, Sheikh Ahmad Kutty, a senior lecturer and Islamic scholar at the Islamic Institute of Toronto, Ontario, Canada, states:

Chatting with members of opposite sex, whether they are Muslims or non-Muslims, personally face to face, or on phone or chat lines all fall in the same category. The haram of it is haram, and the halal of it is halal.

Islam does not allow Muslims to be befriending members of opposite sex for the sake of companionship or for casual conversations; it has been forbidden because of its risks; it may entail isolation, lead to unlawful flirting, and engender unlawful thoughts, desires or lusts.

However, occasional, serious, business-like conversations with the members of the opposite sex are considered lawful, just as they are lawful when done face to face so long as one observes the Islamic ethics of interaction.

Islam teaches that as Muslims we must shun not only that which is clearly haram, but also everything that creates agitation or doubt or restlessness in our souls. The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said: “Sin is that which causes agitation in your heart or mind; whereas virtue is that which the heart is content and at peace about!” (Reported by Ahmad)

So engaging in unnecessary chatting may lead to unforeseen consequences. It may also engender doubts and suspicions in our minds as well in the minds of others. So we are best advised to shun them altogether in the first place in order to safeguard our religion and honor. The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said: “Halal is clear; haram is clear, but there are certain cases which are dubious or doubtful; whoever shuns them safeguards his religion and honor; whoever falls into them risks falling into haram like a shepherd who lets his herd graze around the forbidden territory, for it may thus encroach upon the forbidden territory!” (Reported by Al-Bukhari and Muslim).

Clearly any form of communication is not permissible if its is not for a need basis such as business, acquiring info and the alike for befriending the opposite sex is not even allowed. So how can one talk freely for no reason with the other if we're not suppose to have them as friends or associates (some are more clear to define people as being friends or associates). I'm not here to say that having a the opposite gender on your facebook is not permissble. I'm talking about the issue of chatting. I believe and I have some male "friends" on facebook who I do not chat with nor do they try to chat with me. There are some people who actually add others for the sake of gaining information whether its Islamic information, events, schooling or whatever without trying to really befriend them in getting to know them on a personal level. But LETS GET REAL! The majority of people who add the opposite gender, especially if you do know them from school or whatever, are not adding them just to read their notes and get updates on events. The majority of guys who add females want to talk to them, and not just on an islamic level and the same thing goes for females.

So whats the harm in chatting with the opposite sex? The harm is that one you get too involved with the person and form a relationship, this is something natural when casual talking with a person. Not all relationships are romantic relationships, but the most of the time one person of the two would like for it to lead to a romantic relationship. One may argue well we're just chatting, we can't really see each other. PLEASE DONT KID YOURSELF! If you and that person are attached to each other you will find a way to see each other or you'll get too emotionally attached that it becomes problematic for you if you not able to chat/talk with them. I know you all have a friend or have been in a situation where you become sad that you can't talk to that person and it becomes the focal point of the whole day; whining that you can't talk to them or what not. Chatting just leads (if you already have a spark of interest in the other, which is most likely the case) you to fantasize about the person and may lead you to take the step and actually go see them. Picturing them in your mind, and attaching their words to the image can really throw you for a loop. And fantasizing about the opposite sex is not good either for it can lead to other acts that are not permissible. Now I'm not saying that plutonic relationships can not exist, but in reality those type of relationships are outnumbered by people who do and/or want is to have a romantic relationship. Therefor Allah has prohibited us from conversing with the opposite gender without need. I The same reason for a lot of things that are prohibited, like the consuming of wine. Not everyone who drinks wine (alcohol) gets drunk, but people going overboard with it happens more often than seldom. In order to protect ourselves Allah just prohibits such for it has more negatives than positives both physically, mentally, and socially. So do yourself a favor and limit your chatting/talking/ texting or whatever with the opposite gender to a need basis for it can only help keep you away from falling into major sins inshAllah.

Again this is reminder for myself and for you. Peace out!

Lets get real about Fornication

*Original post by Sister Bint Halal
Living in a society in which people have accepted the un-islamic lifestyle as their way of life has brought immorality at every step. Modesty, shame and honour have no place in the western civilization. Today, Muslims too are increasingly banishing their modesty, regarding which the Holy Prophet (sallallahu aleihi wa sallam) said, “Modesty is a part of Iman.”

Amongst the most common of these evils is adultery and fornication. Commiting of adultery is from the category of major sins. The Shari’ah not only prohibits the ultimate evil of adultery, but BY ALL MEANS LEADING TO THIS EVIL ACT. Allah subhana wa ta’ala says in the Holy Qoran, “Do not come near to adultery, indeed it is a shameful deed and an evil way.” (17:32)

In the above verse all the means and ways which leads to adultery are prohibited. This verse is an eloquent expression of the prohibition of the ways and acts which are introductory to adultery.
Imam Bukhari (r.a.) has stated a Hadeeth on the authority of Sayyiduna Abu Hurairah (radi Allahu anhu) that the Holy Prophet (sallallahu aleihi wa sallam) said,

“ The adultery of the eyes is evil looks.
The adultery of the tongue is lustful talk.
The adultery of the heart is the evil desire
and in the end the sexual organs testify all this or deny it.”


In another Hadith the Holy Prophet (sallallahu aleihi wa sallam) said, “The hands also commit adultery, their adultery is touching, the feet also commit adultery, their adultery is walking towards adultery, the mouth also commits adultery, its adultery is kissing.” (Abu Dawood, Muslim)

“A person who commits adultery does not commit it in the state of Imaan. A person who drinks alcohol does not drink it in the state of Imaan.” (Bukhari, Muslim, Abu Dawood, Nasai)

“When a person commits adultery, his Imaan comes out from him and it stays like an umbrella over his head; and when he stops committing adultery, his Imaan returns to him.” (Abu Dawood, Tirmidhi, Baihaqi)

The great Mufassir Sheikh Ata Ibn Abi Rabah under the Tafseer of the verse, “It (the Hell) has seven doors,” states, “The most severe of these doors, from the point of grief, heat, punishment and bad smell, is for those people who committed adultery after having knowledge (of it being a sin and Haraam).”



Detrimental Effects of Adultery and Fornication

Adultery/Fornication has six effects; of these three are experienced in this world and the other three in the Hereafter.

In this world:
1. Noor (light) vanishes from the faces of the adulterers.
2. It brings poverty and famine.
3. The life span is reduced.

In the Hereafter:
1. Allah ta’ala subjects the adulterers to His anger.
2. They will be subjected to a strict reckoning on the Day of Judgement.
3. They will be cast into Hell.


We are living in a society where temptations dominate every individual, and the protection is Taqwa (piety), and Taqwa is is acquired through obedience to Allah subhana wa ta’ala and His beloved Prophet (sallallahu aleihi wa sallam).

“Whoever gives me the guarantee of safeguarding his tongue and his private parts, I give him the guarantee of Paradise.” (Bukhari)

A person who fights the temptations of youth and fulfils the Commands of Allah ta’ala, he will be protected under the shade of Allah’s Throne (not meant literally) on the Day of Judgement.



Remedy from this Illness

“O groups of youths, whosoever amongst you has the means of getting married, should do so because it lowers the gaze and protects the private parts; and whosoever does not have the ability, should fast, for indeed, it is a protection for him.” (Bukhari)


May Allah subhana wa ta’ala safeguard us from all evils and resurrect us on the Day of Judgement amongst the followers of the Holy Prophet (sallallahu aleihi wa sallam) under His Throne. Ameen.
(taken from the article of Sheikh Muhammad Uthman Ghani)

So my fellow Muslims, Im going to break it down even more inshAllah. You know I always have to put my two cents in!

*Warning* I will speak the truth and not sugar coat it, because sugar coating just leads to lame excuses.

This needs to be made clear- any touching (touching that you do on purpose, not bumping into someone by mistake or such) is haram, point blank. There's this little joke that I heard about touching it goes something like this..."Looking leads to talking, talking leads to hugging, hugging leads to kissing, kissing leads to fore play, fore play leads ....you know the rest". I did not receive this joke from a Muslim, so that should be something for us Muslims to really think about since we are "suppose" to be the best of all followers of religions.

So do not think your getting away with anything just because you did not have "actual" sexual intercourse. Stop kidding yourself and saying "Oh we didn't do it do it, we just messed around." ITS THE SAME THING! Sorry I had to point this out due to the fact that there's plenty of people who think that the are not sinning or its not "that bad" because they did not " put the key in the key hole". Any touching is forbidden and it is all sinful. Do not let this society's standards of what is "bad" confuse or stray you away from what Allah subhana wa ta'la was made halal and haram. I understand that sometimes it can be confusing on what is allowed if were not educated in such matters and see those actions as a common thing especially amongst your fellow Muslims. But even if you see your fellow Muslims doing an action, ask yourself if you can tell your parents or anyone that you have respect for what you are doing. Ask yourself if you could be calm confessing to what those actions on the Day of Judgment; I think we all know the answer. So if you had to hide your actions then you know its wrong. And don't follow others in wrongful doing, because they won't be able to take the rap for you when it comes to reality of your sins.

Another reminder for us (myself and all of you): We have prohibitions for a reason, and wallah they are there to protect ourselves. When we don't follow what Allah subhan wa ta'la has prescribed for us we're just harming ourselves. You may not see the injuries immediately but they are going to come sooner or later. Some of us may get off with slight scars and others may have deep wounds from their sins. You have get these scars here in this dunya or you may pay for your sins in the here after. And all of you know that is far way better to pay for your sin here in this life than the next for its way too harsh for us to really grasp. So please do yourself a favor, stay away from sinful acts. You may think that what your doing is fun, and its not harming anyone else, but indeed you are. What you do influences others, point blank, whether you want to be a role model or not you are. People will look to you for advice, will look to you for what is acceptable, and etc. And quite frankly, this is why we have so much finta because people are following those in error and think that its acceptable when its not. It will become easier to do right when we put forth the effort to show others what is right. When you become better on the deen others will follow, and then before you know it you'll be surrounded by others who will make following the deen easier. Be the one to be the role model, take the first step, be the one to make a difference and please Allah!

May Allah continue to guide us on the right path. Ameen

P.S. Following the right path isn't that hard if you really want to achieve true happiness.

Good Sisters Vs. Bad Sisters

This is a repost with my two cents in it. I had to do it. **my input

GOOD SISTERS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

1)HIJABI HOPEFULLs: These are the girls that dont yet wear hijab, jilbaab or niqaab but they are trying to cover up their body and hair but feel really bad about it because know its a big haram ,they respect and love the hijab, and one day hope to become one of us.

We have one thing to say to ya'll…Come Join Us on The Other Side…We promise Its better here

2)SUNNNI HIJABI's-: You've seen'em. The girls who wear correct Hijabi and jilbab, who understand hijab is not just a scarf covering the hair with tight or see through clothes, their hijab is very lose, not see through, not attention calling, no make up, they like Aishea rdhu, hate to be seen by other men and hate, to see other men that are haram for them, [MASHALLAH!]These are the girls love and wear hijab and jilbab and have that look that says to all men and all male strangers"'NO THANKS MATE IM SPECIAL"

"We have nothing but respect for the Fabulous Few. These Hijabis are rare …but then all great things are."

3) NIQAABI HIJABI simply the best!!!!!!!!!!!! modern day Aisha, Khadeejah and fatima's[rdhu] following the exact dress of the wive's of the prophet[pbuh] companions ,strong proud filled with mountains and mountains of self esteem because they are certain and sincere in tawheed and the hereafter


BAD SISTERS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!


4)ANTI HIJABIS: hates islam changed her named from Aisha to Asia, khadeejah to Clarie, fatima to faye, she drinks alcohol, smokes, swears, eats pork, shows cleavage,wears mini skirts, comits daily zina, celebrates, brithdays, christmas, divali, new year but not eid ,gives charity to christian aid, green peace but not zakat, hates hijab or niqaab or anything islamic

"May Allah guide us and you and us oh sister to be better"

5)CONVERTABLE HALF HIJABI's:- These lovely ladies are the ones caught in the Limbo between Hijab or No Hijab. "to be or not to be" is the question for these girls. With thier Hijab half on thier head and half off…u never know what they will do next! On the bright side though guys dont have to wonder what beauty is hiding beneath those hijabs cuz these half hijabis give everyone a sneak peak 24/7.

"We say to ya'll with nothing but frustration..MAKE UP UR MIND!"

6)CONFUSED NAKED WANNA BE MODEL HIJABI :- They cover their hair properly but show their neck, arms, feet and wear skintight jeans that clearly expose their thighs and behind with short sleeves, capris and the all famous low cut tops.

These girls give other Hijabis a bad name. You might spot one of these "Hijabis" in a group of Ahem! guy "friends". This group of too "friendly" Hijabis do everything a muslim let alone a Hijabi should NOT do.

"We hope none of u fit this description…if u do…we say to u with nothing but love…Respect the Hijab!"

7)HOLLYWOOD OR BOLLYWOOD HIJABI: wears correct clothing loads of haram lipstick, eyeliner, plucks her eyebrows, chisels her teeth, puts lots of haram perfume and wears hig heels alawys hoping to get approached by guys

"sister heres some coffe WAKE UP HIJAB IS TO TAKE ATTENTION AWAY FROM YOU ALLAHMUSTAN"

8)VERY LOUD HIJABI: wears proper hijab but is extremely loud in public and on public transport, always gossiping very loud on the phone or to the very loud hijabis with her, makes you wish you could hide in a shell when you see or hear her

non muslims look at them like "does there faith teach them to be so loud and unrespectable to others" ?

" shhhh sister turn the volume down"

So heres my take on this. I find this a little distasteful in the title of bad sisters. Who are you to call someone a bad sister just because she may not cover up properly? I know sisters who cover up properly and I know sisters who dont. I know a good handful of so called niqaabies who are pretty whorish to say the least. YESSS THEY ARE EVERYWHERE! So what advice are you going to give sisters living in Saudi or any other country where hijab and abaya is a must? Are you going to call them all good? NO! Because they have their share of "Gucci Man Freaky Girls"...the ones you do not want to take home to momma. Yes we should cover up properly (hijab- modest clothing which covers up everything except hands and face *some would exclude feet from having to be covered up). But calling a sister a "bad sister" just based on her clothing makes you in they wrong for doing so.

I will admit clothing can tell a lot about a person, but its not an accurate representation of a person by no means. I know plenty of non-hijabies who are modest than so called hijabies. Theres a lot of Muslims who do not know the correct practice of Islam due to they were never taught Islam properly, which isnt completely their fault for its natural to just follow what you see others do (like family and friends). A lot of culture does play into people's lives. Celebrating those holidays does not make a sister a bad sister for she may not know that in Islam they are not acceptable. Showing some of your hair does not make you a bad sister, in a lot of cultures showing some hair is acceptable, but not acceptable in Islam, and those sisters may not know that. The same goes for the so called "bollywood hijabies".

But I will admit sisters who dress revealing can not blame others for not prejudging them. Its how the world works. People will judge you based on how you look. Its not right but that the way it is. If your wearing tight clothes with your breast hanging out, do you really think people are going to look at you and say "ohh she looks like a respectful Muslim, mashAllah"? I highly doubt it, would you? Its not right for people to think you in in the negative way because of what you wear, but if it is not in accordance with Islam then how can you blame them? But it doesnt not give them the right to talk bad to or about you, all they have the right to do is TRY to guide you.

In number 6) the "CONFUSED NAKED WANNA BE MODEL HIJABI"...ummm...hello! You said it yourself, she's confused! How dare you call a sister a bad sister when you admit that shes confused? How can you call someone to the right path when you're just downing them because they are confused? How about helping cut down their confusion with giving dawah, PROPERLY! You can't get something positive from something that has a down right negative approach.


Being a good sister does not not solely revolve around wearing the hijab, because which many Muslims miss is that hijab is not just the way you dress but its a whole being: a way of life. So just because oh you throw on an abaya and head scarf does not make you a good sister if character is off point, not being modest; which I've seen a lot. None of us are perfect. Some may be better in practice than others, but that does not give you the right to label people. For you dont know whats going on in their lives or why they are doing what they are doing. So lets put some more emphasis on keeping up with our salaahs, how to treat others (behave), and the importance of educating ourselves(reading Quran, fiqh, hadiths, going to lectures, being at the masjid, and etc). Theres plenty of others things that we can focus on. Usually when those other things are in order the way of dressing will follow, because they usually have a better understanding of things.

If you want to give dawah, you have to give the facts and stop putting your input on calling people names. You'll get a far better reaction to it if you state what is hijab, how to wear it properly, why we should wear it, and the benefits of doing so; not naming calling and attacking people.


May Allah continue to guide us on the right path and not let a ounce of pride enter our hearts. Ameen

Half Date Drive

**Please donate anything you can, each dollar counts!**
Halfdate.com
DateDrive of Rabie A-thani 1430/April 2009
Type of DateDrive: Monetary & Awareness
Thanks to all who donated from Australia, Canada, India, Italy, UK, and US (CA, FL, IL, LA, MD, MI, OK, OR, PA, TX, VA) and thank you for all your duas from Bosnia to Indonesia
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1. Collecting $4,977 USD (rent about $750 + educational programs for $500)
2. Getting 70 support comments and dua, click here to post a pleasant word (Put, your city/state/country, so we feel the sense of one global family)
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Give generously like the Ansar in Madinah


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والذين تبوءوا الدار والإيمان من قبلهم يحبون من هاجر إليهم ولا يجدون في صدورهم حاجة مما أوتوا ويؤثرون على أنفسهم ولو كان بهم خصاصة ومن يوق شح نفسه فأولئك هم المفلحون

And those who, before them, had homes (in Al-Madinah) and had adopted the Faith, love those who emigrate to them, and have no jealousy in their breasts for that which they have been given (from the booty of Banî An-Nadîr), and give them (emigrants) preference over themselves, even though they were in need of that. And whosoever is saved from his own covetousness, such are they who will be the successful. (Al-Hashr 59:9)

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Write to these families

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Family #1 (Iraqi)
Single woman, lives on her own, doesn’t speak English. Wallahy she has been waiting all week for our visit, she hasn’t been here for long and doesn’t know that many ppl. Has no one to talk to, and thats her main problem, she wants to learn English so bad. I suggest some sisters make it a habit to visit her twice a week. Maybe get some dessert or something and just go spend some quality time with her. She will be having surgery in April so won’t be able to work this month until she gets the surgery and recovers. She also needs pocket money during this period until she starts working again. Please visit her, call her on the phone, make her know that she is not forgotten!

Family #2 (Iraqi)
Single woman living with her mom and she is the one that has to pay the bills, her mom is too old to work. She was in dire need of finding a job last week and alhamdulillah she just got one a couple of days ago. She hasn’t been working for a month though and her rent has to be paid before the end of the month!!! She also is planning to move closer to work because she takes 3 buses just to get there from where they live. So we promised to help her move, but rent still has to be paid for this month!!!

Family #3 (Iraqi)
A man in his mid 30s, can’t work because he has a lot of medical problems, needs help paying his electric bill (inshalla is in the process of being taken care of). He doesn’t speak English and therefore is isolated in this big world! We should start making it a habit to visit him every week too. He says he could use some furniture around the house so we need to go visit him and find out how can we help him more.

Family #4 (Iraqi)
The father used to work as a barber in Iraq, he had another job here but got laid off because of the economy. He said he is waiting on his papers to come from Iraq this week so that he can start working his normal job (cutting hair). He is having trouble paying the bills and rent till he starts working again.

Frequently Asked Questions:

* Can I give Zakah?
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* Can these brothers and sisters work?
Yes, they are looking for jobs and a few do have part-time jobs, but that’s only enough to pay for food, utilities, etc.
* What about government assistance?
Government rent assistance to refugee families cover only the first four months.
* I saw on TV that non-Muslims organizations (e.g. churches) are helping them?
Yes, there are other refugee service organizations. However, Al Amaanah provides unique services that Muslim families need, e.g. educational programs for their children.
* What is Al Amaanah?
Al Amaanah is refugee service organization based in Houston, Texas, USA. The word Amaanah means trust or duty, because Muslims believe that taking care of our brothers and sisters who happened to be refugees is an amaanah on everyone’s shoulders.
* What other services does Al Amaanah provide?
Other than financial support, our services include English classes, homework help for children, and physical and emotional support for many widows, injured, and disabled refugees.

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Hadith and reminder of the Day

Rasulullah (Sallallahu alaihe wasallam) said:
'When a man dies and his relatives are busy in funeral, there stands an extremely handsome man by his head. When the dead body is shrouded, that man gets in between the shroud and the chest of the deceased. When after the burial the people return home, two angels Munkar and Nakeer(names of two special Angels), come in the grave and try to separate this handsome man so that they may be able to interrogate the dead man in privacy about his faith. But the handsome man says, 'He is my companion, he is my friend. I will not leave him alone in any case. If you are appointed for interrogation, do your job. I cannot leave him until I get him admitted into Paradise '. Thereafter he turns to his dead companion and says, 'I am the Qur'an, which you used to read, sometimes in a loud voice and sometimes in a low voice. Do not worry. After the interrogation of Munkar and Naker, you will have no grief.' When the interrogation is over, the handsome man arranges for him from Al-Mala'ul A'laa (the angels in Heaven) silk bedding filled with musk.

Rasulullah (Sallallahu alaihe wasallam) said: 'On the Day of Judgement, before Allah, no other Intercessor will have a greater status than the Qur'an, neither a Prophet nor an angel.'

SAYINGS (HADITH) OF PROPHET MUHAMMAD (Sallallaahu alaihi wasallam)
The one who disdains prayers (Salat) will receive Fifteen punishments from Allah, Six punishments in this lifetime, Three while dying,Three in the grave & Three on the Day of Judgment.

THE SIX PUNISHMENTS OF LIFE :
1. Allah takes away blessings from his age (makes his life unfortunate)
2. Allah does not accept his plea (Dua's)
3. Allah erases the features of good people from his face.
4. He will be detested by all creatures on earth.
5. Allah does not reward him for his good deeds. (No thawab)
6. He will not be included in the Dua's of good people.

THE THREE PUNISHMENTS WHILE DYING :
1. He dies humiliated.
2. He dies hungry.
3. He dies thirsty. Even if he drinks the water of all seas he will still be thirsty.

THE THREE PUNISHMENTS IN THE GRAVE :
1. Allah tightens his grave until his chest ribs come over each other.
2. Allah pours on him fire with embers.
3. Allah sets on him a snake called 'the brave', 'the bold' which hits him from morning until afternoon for leaving Fajr prayer, from the afternoon until Asr for leaving Dhuhr prayer and so on. With each strike he sinks 70 yards under the ground.
1. Allah sends who would accompany him to hell pulling
him on the face.
2. Allah gives him an angry look that makes the flesh of his face fall down.
3. Allah judges him strictly and orders him to be
thrown in hell.


THOSE WHO DO NOT SAY THEIR PRAYERS OF:
FAJR : the glow of their face is taken away.
ZUHR : the blessing of their income is taken away.
ASR : the strength of their body is taken away.
MAGHRIB : they are not benefited by their children.
'ISHA : the peace of their sleep is taken away.

THE HOLY QUR'AN:
'Say Your Prayers Before Prayers For You Are
Said'.

Ready for the Next Life?

Asalamu alaikum wa rahmatullahi wa barakathuhu,

Praise be to Allah who said: “And for those who fears the time when they will be standing before their Lord, there shall be two gardens (in Paradise).” [Sûrah al-Rahmân: 46]

May Allah bestow His peace and blessings on His prophet who said: “If you knew what I know, you would laugh little and weep much". [Sahîh al-Bukhârî (4621, 6486, 7295) and Sahîh Muslim (2359)] And may Allah be pleased with the Companions who wept upon hearing this hadîth.

It is right for us to have fear of that day that we all have to face. That Day of Resurrection is a day of distress and deep regret. It is that long and ominous Day in which all humanity will stand before their Lord. On that day, fear will make the pregnant woman miscarry. People will be as if they are drunk but they shall not be drunk save that the severity of Allah’s punishment will make them that way. On that day, fear will make the hair on the heads of small children turn gray.

We should seriously start to prepare ourselves for that day, since it is the crossroads on the long journey of our existence. From there, we will head either to Paradise or to the Hellfire. Those who enter paradise will dwell there for all eternity in perpetual happiness and enjoyment, while those who go to Hell will face torture, and the denizens of Hell will find to their distress that they have eternal lives as well.

We must, however, have an optimistic outlook regarding our Lord. His mercy is truly vast for those who believe in Him and worship Him sincerely and it always takes precedence to His wrath. The Prophet (peace be upon him) has told us that Allah is more merciful to us than a devoted mother is to her newborn child. [Sahîh al-Bukhârî (5999) and Sahîh Muslim (2754)]

The fear that we have of the Day of Resurrection should motivate us to be more devoted in worship and more ready to engage in good deeds. We should pray and fast more often and renew our efforts to make pilgrimage. We should be good to our families and show kindness to our parents. There are many different ways to do good.

This same fear should help us to abstain from sinful acts and disobedience to Allah. This fear, then, will actually have a positive effect on us. It is not a negative fear that will make us inactive and despair of Allah’s mercy.



Activities to prepare us for the hereafter


The following activities are very helpful in helping a Muslim prepare for that dreadful day, “a day wherein they will be brought forth and nothing about them will be hidden from Allah.” [Sûrah Ghâfir: 16]

1. We should read the Qur’ân and contemplate its meanings. We should consider its rulings and appreciate the good that it promises us as well as the warnings that it gives us.

2. We should read about the life of the Prophet (peace be upon him). We should study how he conducted himself in obedience to Allah and how he abstained from overindulgence in worldly pleasures.

3. We should likewise read the biographies of the Companions and those who followed after them and look at how they strove to attain success in the Hereafter.

4. We should often contemplate the inevitability of death. We should be aware of the trials that follow in the grave and during the resurrection. We should visualize ourselves standing before Allah, the most scrupulous and just of judges. We should think about the bridge that we will have to cross in order to attain salvation, a bridge from which many will slip and fall to their destruction. We should think about the joy that will be experienced by the people of Paradise and the suffering and sorrow of the denizens of Hell.

We need to always keep in mind that death can come to us at any moment. How do we wish to meet our Lord? Do we wish to do so in a state of grace and obedience or would we like to do so while engaged in sin?

Ibn `Umar relates to us that the prophet (peace be upon him) once put his hand on his shoulder and said to him: “Be in the world as if you are a wayfarer or a stranger passing through.” Because of this, Ibn `Umar would often say: “When night falls, do not look forward to the dawn and when day breaks do not anticipate the night. Take full advantage of your health before you succumb to illness and of your life before death overtakes you.” [Sahîh al-Bukhârî (6416)]

5. We need to seriously study to acquire Islamic knowledge. When we acquire more knowledge of our religion, we become more aware of Allah and more God-fearing. Allah says: “The only people who fear Allah from among His servants are those who possess knowledge.”

6. We should keep company with pious people, especially those who have Islamic knowledge and those who are engaged in calling others to Islam. Likewise, we should avoid the company of sinful and unscrupulous people. Good company helps us to purify our hearts. We also find support in such people for our efforts to do what is right. Conversely, bad company hardens our heart. Immoral people encourage us to do immoral things. Also, when our hearts become hardened, we become far away from Allah and more attached to worldly things.

7. We should always keep in mind that this world is a transient place. Those who enjoy the pleasures of this world will not be able to take those pleasures with them. They have only their deeds to send before them. Allah says: “On the Day when every soul will find itself confronted with all that it has done of good and all that it has done of evil, and every soul will long that there might be a mighty space of distance between it and that evil. Allah bids you beware of Him. And Allah is full of pity for His servants.” [Sûrah Âl `Imrân: 30]

No matter how great this world may seem to us, it is in truth quite insignificant. No matter how enduring it may appear right now, it is as fleeting as a night that must end at another sunrise. Our worldly lives will come to an end at the grave.

The Prophet (peace be upon him) said: “The life of this world compared to the Hereafter is as if one of you were to put his finger in the ocean and take it out again then compare the water that remains on his finger to the water that remains in the ocean.” [Sahîh Muslim (2858)]

8. Lastly, we must spend more time in sincere supplication to our Lord. We should ask Him to make the Hereafter dearer to us and to make us less fond of the world. We should beseech Him to grant us Paradise with all of its delights and to spare us His wrath. Truly, Allah hears and answers our prayers.

Source: Islamtoday.com

Dear Sinner from Shaytan

Note: This letter is for everyone of all Religions. If you are not Muslim you can substitute the words that fit to your religion.. Thanks

Dear,
Sinner
I saw you yesterday as you began your daily chores.
You awoke without praying Fajr ( morning prayer). As a matter of fact,
you didn't say Bismillah ( In the name of God) before your meals, or pray Isha( evening prayer) before going
to bed last night. You are so unthankful. I like that about you.

I cannot tell you how glad I am that you have not changed
your way of living. Fool! You are mine. Remember, you and I
have been going steady for years, and I still don't love you yet.
As a matter of fact, I hate you, because I hate God. I am only
using you to get even with God. He kicked me out of heaven,
and I'm going to use you as long as possible to pay him back.

You see, Fool, GOD LOVES YOU and HE has great plans
in store for you. But you have yielded your life to me and I'm
going to make your life a living hell. That way we'll be together twice.
This will really hurt God. Thanks to you. I'm really showing Him who's
boss in your life. With all of the good times we've had.....
We have been watching dirty movies, cursing people out,
partying, stealing, lying, hypocriting, fornicating, overeating,
telling dirty jokes, gossiping, backstabbing people,
disrespecting adults and those in leadership position,
NO respect for the masjid ( place of worship), bad attitudes:
SURELY you don't want to give all this up.

Come on, Fool, let's burn together forever. I've got some
hot plans for us. This is just a letter of appreciation from me
to you. I'd like to say "THANKS" for letting me use you for
most of your foolish life. You are so gullible. I laugh at you.
When you are tempted to sin, you give in. HA HA HA
You make me sick.

Sin is beginning to take its toll on your life.
You look 20 years older. I need new blood. So go ahead
and teach some children how to sin. All you have to do is smoke,
drink alcoholic beverages, cheat, gamble, gossip, fornicate,
and listen to and dance to the top 10 jams. Do all of this in the
presence of children and they will do it too. Kids are like that.

Well, Fool, I have to let you go for now. I'll be back in a couple of
seconds to tempt you again. If you were smart, you would run somewhere,
confess your sins, live for Allah with what little bit of life that you have
left. It's not my nature to warn anyone, but to be your age and still
sinning, it's becoming a bit ridiculous. Don't get me wrong, I still hate you......
IT'S JUST THAT YOU'D MAKE A BETTER FOOL FOR ALLAH.

HATE,
SATAN

P.S. - And if you really love me, you won't share this letter with anyone.
Really you are stupid. :). Allow some Quran in your life. Hahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahaha