Better light a candle than curse the darkness

ISSN 2319-4049

http://bakhabar.biharanjuman.org/

Be Aware, Always, Everywhere

Volume 6, Issue 8, August 2013

I t i s n o t a l w a y s t h e M u l l a h !
By Asma Anjum Khan 9/11 KE SIDE EFFECTS! This was how a dear friend teased me when I decided to use the Islamic veil for my outings. Of course, she was speaking only the half truth. It was a decision I made for myself as I felt happy about it. Contrary to the alleged reports of the Mullah Mafia forcing women to don a burqa , my decision to wrap the black garb around myself was a voluntary one. Sorry to disappoint my Hailing from a middle class Muslim family consisting mostly of academicians, my choice didn't go down well with my immediate audience. No one, absolutely no one, in my family, paternal, maternal or the in- laws, used an abaya or burqa. I became the trend-setter. Feedback ranged from absolute shock, discomforting looks, weird commentary or a shrug of shoulders, from friends, relations and well wishers. You will die of heat, was the common rejoinder I got tired of hearing. My swift move to cotton cools instead of the nylon ones was wiser and a dampener on their free flowing and easily available teasing spirit. Even dear hubby, initially, didn't take to it very kindly, refusing to accompany me for outings....with a snobbish remark..."I don't have the courage to be seen with a burqa clad woman. My friends would think, I forced it on you". He feared. He was right. She must have been forced to wear this burqa! Why do people have to jump to this one and only conclusion ,the moment they see a woman clad in the black, that she must have been FORCED to wear it? Yeah, there may be instances where women might have undergone this ordeal but not always. We must try to be valiant enough to look at the other side of the story as well. The arguments can be done on both the sides, but as I am not a lawyer, I can only present my side of the story , as it exists. Public in general gives mixed reactions to burqa wearing women. But mostly I find them treating us with respect and I often get the first preferential spot in the queue, if the room is overcrowded with men and of course with great respect and sounds of Sister, you go first, kind of kind things, said to me. But the so called liberal fraternity doesn't take kindly to the veil. They are generally hostile and the common perception, even among them, is that a burqa wearing woman must be a backward illiterate female with little common sense. I face it almost on a regular basis. The judge on an influential renowned university panel 's remark after my winning all the three academic competitions , hands down, was telling enough. I cant believe you have done it! She declared. The reference was to my being behind a black veil, all the while. I think its high time for those among us with the sobriquets of moderates and liberals, that its not always the Mullah! By saying so, you are insulting my intelligence and doubt my capability of comprehending things for myself and entirely on my own. There may be and there are increasing instances of women opting for Islamic veil, of their own free will, of their own accord. Its their choice, made without any sort of compulsion . The Mullahs won't be able to make any moolah here, with us the educated Muslim women of today. By saying that the Mullahs force us to do so, you are also questioning my right to use an ensemble which fits as per my religious and ethical norms. Its against their own liberal spirit. And as I cherish the concern of my well wishers for the deficiency of Vitamin D, due to the black robes drowning me into their yielding folds ,and disallowing any sun rays, let me tell them, I also have vitamin I. Intelligence. Hence in my place of dwelling I emerge out of my abaya and soak in the soft sunlight, to my heart's content. And if some liberal insists even now on my allegedly being forced to do it, I'd rather say, leave me alone. Period. The supple touch of my soft abaya soothes my soul too. My veil gives me a delight indescribable in words, it gives me a confidence, I didnt find earlier in my being , and most important of all, it defines me , it gives me my sense of a dignified identity and tells me who I am. A woman in black. Yes, its not always the Mullah! P.S.: I respect all the scholars whether they are called Mullah, Maulana ,Sant , Sadhu or Father or Priest. I have used the term Mullah here as it is this term our liberal friends use liberally to ridicule us and our practices. -Asma Anjum Khan is Assistant Professor of English in Maharashtra.

liberal and moderate friends. I arrived on the burqa scene after due deliberation and because I simply loved it. It was irresistible, this long and flying robe gives me a certain confidence to move around, perfect in satisfaction that, no one would dare throw a nasty look or a remark at me, or act smart. Can a Muslim woman not make her own choice in deciding to put on a hijab? I felt confident and free in my garb. Earlier when I didn't wear one, ( I never thought I would!) I was perennially concerned about my appearance and the way I would like to present myself before others. A Make up kit is something which I have always stayed away from. But there were other crucial questions. Are my sapphire ear studs analogous with my light azure sharara? Is my dupataa going well with my ensemble or is it a bit muted? And most importantly my crowning glory, Tangled I was! Have always had a hard time, keeping this tangled glory in place! But with the donning of the black abaya , all these questions were put to rest and I felt a rare calm in my being. The natural desire of a w o man t o l o o k / ap p ear beautiful/presentable for her immediate outside world, gave way to focusing on my inner virtues. The outward gave way to the inward progress and I felt a mysterious ecstasy, the moment the soft flowing robe engulfed my little being. It became my universe. [Not forgetting to add, I still worry about azure ear studs, but not so much!]

Collective use of Zakaat money can change the society

3

Attention

Bakhabar

Khabron ki Khabar
Hgheyas@albatool.com.sa Every Muslim is required to pay Zakat-ul-Fitr at the conclusion of the month of Ramadan as a token of thankfulness to Allah for having enabled him to observe fasts. Its purpose is to purify Muslims worship from any mistakes and inappropriateness they might have committed, and also to help poor and needy. Those who possess Zakat Nisab (a minimum amount of property) have to pay Zakat-ul-Fitr according to Imam Abu Hanifah ra, but according to many other scholars Zakat-ul-Fitr is incumbent on every free Muslim who possesses one Sa`of dates or barley which is not needed as basic food for himself or his family for the duration of one day and night. Sa is a certain measure that varies according to stuff. It may be 2,176 2,520 grams per head. It may be dates, cereals or its value (it is generally what an individual eats). If a Muslim eats high quality Basmati rice, it is unfair to give a low quality rice or its value. Its disbursement starts from Eid day after dawn (Fajr) up to before Eid prayer. In case it was not given before Eid, it could be given after Eid prayer but it loses its essence and spirit, and some say it is reprehensible. Therefore, its payment does not get nullified due to delay. It can be given 1 or 2 days earlier also (Ahmad & Malik) and can be paid in the beginning of Ramadan (Shafayi), and can be paid even before Ramadan (Abu Hanifah).

Z a k a t u l F i t r ( F i t r a )
Seraj Akram Uttarakhand me bhari tabahi ke bajaye BJP ko Ram Mandir ki fikr ise kahte hain siyasat jo na karwaye, phir bhi awa ko inki asliyat ka pata nahi chalta. Bihar me zahrila khana khane se 2 darjan bache ki maut. yah he garibi ki majbouri, na khane layeq khana bhi khao aur maut bhi pao. itna bara almiya ke baad bhi shayed hi hukumat khane ki quality aur intezam par dhyan degi. Bihar ke shushasan ka raaz khulne laga jab sachai ko chhupane aur behtar karke dikhane wale na rahe to ab to haqiqat samne aayega hi. Log bolte hain ki Muslim India me taraqqi kar rahe hain. yah kaisi taraqqi he ke har tarah ki sarkari nokri me pahle bhi 3-4 % Muslim hua karte the, aaj bhi wahi halat he. Misr me Mursi ke hukumat girane ke mukhalifat karne walon ka qatl aam Mursi ke khilaf ehtejaj karne walon par koi gali nahi chalyi gayi phir bhi muntakhab hukumat ko gira diya gaya, ab insaf ki mang karne walon par goli chali lekin sabki aankhen band hain. IPL me sattebazi ke ilzam se Kundra aur Mayappan ke khilaf koi sabut nahi mila. kya taqatwar logo ke khilaf bhi kabhi sabut mila karta he. UP me Akhilesh ki sarkar ka muslim ko thenga dikhane ka silsila jari. aakhir muslim kare bhi to kya kare. jise bhi vote dete hain wahi aankhen dikhane lagte hain.kamzori aur pasta hali ke sabab qaum ka robb hi khatm ho gaya he. Iraq me bamo ka silsila jari, aye din log be-maut mar rahe hain jab puri qaum hi be-hiss ho chuki ho to phir kisi ke taklieef ka kaun khyal rakhe. Madhya pradesh me BJP ke neta sex aur corruption me fanse lagta he pure desh me congress aur BJP me corruption ka muqabla ho raha ho.

This Ramadan.
This Ramadan Take your pick Choose carefully Whatever you choose is red indeed Scarlet Syrian fields are sizzling embers Each sparkle sending the Ummah party sour Would thou say cheers to Tayyip? Or join the Sickulars for an iftar? All this while, amid the groans of the drones The poor Afghans mumble little prayers The one who said Anaa Ibn e Firoun Came back riding within a year Mursi or Mubarak, the choice is bloodied. Whatever you choose is red indeed. The Iraqi cheeks have tears as thick as their oil We hear an eternal moaning saga on Palestinian soil The Bay of Guantanamo has special Tube iftars 55 plus days of fasting, unbroken remains their fast The Rohingyas spark but a little anger Compare it only to the sitting Somalian hunger In Pak you have Shia dates and Sunni dates Your pick will decide your fate Indies are unique, no ear to their commotion In a demo- crazy way they make the forty percent of Prison Population We kill and they kill The blood remains red still This Ramadan, Spare a thought For all the red Pause, think and reflect Whatever you choose should NOT be red indeed

Bakhabar

E d u c a t i o n o f I n d i a n M u s l i m s a n d p o l i t i c s o f t h e i r l e a d e r s
Mohammad Allam
Education is not just making people literate but it is to make people think rationally, work logically and plan farsightedly for future. For Indian Muslims education is not in the list of priority. This is in the last priority of the life if we see the 70 percent of Indian Muslims. An uneducated community could not be a match for the educated community. The Quran states How the learned people would be equal to ignorant? Like other communities Indian Muslims havent learnt the lessons from the past experience. See the development plan of the Christian and Sikh in India. One community dominates the field of education and now controlling the best managed institutions of the country. Through this strategy they are educating their own children and serving the nation and world too. Have great respect among the people of India. Second community is of Sikh; doing well in the field of trade and commerce and Army. Sikhs make up 1015% of all ranks in the Indian army and 20% of its officers, while they are only 1.87% of the Indian population. They are one the best competitive communities of the world in term of business. Move in Punjab and Haryana and find the hub of technical institutions and production centres. From educating their children in these institutions, they also attracting the large number of youth of other communities .The goods they producing based in Canada, UAE, USA and UK etc, are selling throughout the world. Now they are one of the best competitive people of the world in term of trade and commerce. They have learnt this lesson from the communal riot of 1984 and diversified their business. But what about Indian Muslims? They have not learnt any lesson from the 65 years of course of history of India. They have more than 55 countries of so called of their brethren. Majority of them are salary holder, who could not play any role in change of destiny of Indian Muslims. We have not any record of history where the servants would have changed the destiny. I n d i a n M u s l i m s should have s t r o n g connection with outside world. They s h o u l d e d u c a t e themselves and adopt business as t h e i r profession, create own space in the Middle East, Central Asia, Latin America, China, EU etc . They should settle down there to help both the community and the nation to expand their power. The love of nation is important and should be enhanced for the sake of the nation throughout the world. The Literacy ratio of Indian Muslims stand on 67.6 percent according to census 2011 .This is around 7% less than national level of 74 % .The percentage of children belonging to 06-14 years of age either dropout or never attend the school is about 25 percent. According to Gross Enrolment Ratio (GER %) in age group of 18-23 years as on 2000, the Muslims GER is 5.91 percent. On the basis of gross enrolment ration of 15 percent, the country needs 1500 universities till 2015 to impart higher education according to the Knowledge Commission Report. In the same way, Indian Muslims on the basis of gross enrolment ratio need around 90 Universities to impart Higher education to increasing n u m b e r o f s e e ke r o f H i g h e r education. But what is the preparation of Indian Muslims on this front? All those people who sensitize all the matters related to main stream with demand of reservation on the basis of population need not bother to think

about the education. It might be possible that Indian Muslims could establish 50 percent Universities out of 90 required Universities and rest of the work establishment to the universities could be done by the government. What about the resources for these fifty universities? There is no dearth of resources for establishing these Universities. The only problem is the management of the resources. According to an estimate based on the Household Income of 50 percent Indian Muslims, the amount of Zakat used to be Rs 10,000 crore per annum. And if only 1/10th of total Zakat is used to centralize for the education of Indian Muslims, it could be Rs 1,000 crore. In this one thousand crore Indian Muslims could easily manage to establish four Universities every year. The other source of the income of Indian Muslims is the Properties of Waqf, which amounted to 1.2 lakh crore on current price and generates around 173 crore per annum which is just 2.7 percent of total expected income of the Waqf properties. If Waqf

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continued from page 4

E d u c a t i o n o f I n d i a n M u s l i m s a n d p o l i t i c s o f t h e i r l e a d e r s
properties were manage well by Muslims it could generate around RS 3,000 crore. And in these three thousand crore could Indian Muslims not establish many universities, colleges and school? The problem of banking system is acute for Indian Muslims. Due to prevalece of interest system in Indian banking, a large number of Indian Muslims are cut off from the banking system. This is very important for economic power. The amount of interest which earned huge money (around 5000 crore unclaimed money with Indian banks) lies unclaimed. This type of banking system is blocking the economic development of Indian Muslims. Sachhar committee considers it as a negative factor for development but it was silent on the forceful proposal of set up Islamic Banking in India. The 2008, committee of financial sector reforms of the planning commission of India recommended interest free finance and baking in the banking sector but not implemented. The Governor of RBI D Subba Rao rejected the Islamic banking system by stating that "We got to see that Islamic Banking which does not allow charging interest or taking of interest is inconsistent with our existing laws... All that I am saying is Islamic banking is not consistent with current banking laws. On these two fronts, the plans of action of Indian leaders are lukewarm. They are busy in the works of their political masters for getting a post in the government or some concession somewhere. They could assemble in the meeting of a political party without considering maslaks but not for the upliftment of their community. Many organizations are working for the interests of Indian Muslims. But the issues of IJTEHAD on these two fronts are needed. The Ulemas have not time to act. The whole community is waiting for a way on these two fronts. Time to Act. How long the leadership of Muslims would make their community to run on issue and issues without working on those areas which are vital for the upliftment of the community? There is need of time to act on these two fronts of education and banking systems. Indian Muslims should establish All India Zakat organization and its branches in all leading towns and cities of India. It should collect just 10 percent of the Zakat or donation from each person who comes under Sahib Nisab. The vice-chancellors of A.M.U., Jamia, Jamia Hamdard, Maulana Azad University and Foundation should chalk out a plan of action for the set of Universities. Aligarh being the leading University should take initiative under 5(c).The centres that have been established by A.M.U. should be promoted to turn into independent Universities within stipulated time. There is no doubt that Aligarh has manpower for education advancement of Indian Muslims. If this centre of learning would not do then who would do for the nation and the community? This is not good that people should cry for minority and they dont get it and to save it they dont do other works. This status of neither you have God nor you have beloved should be ended for the benefit of the community and nation. On other front, there is need that Ulemas with financial experts, businessmen and economist of Islamic banking, should start own Islamic banking system on small scale in each state. Students from A.M.U., Jamia, and Hamdard should be sent on scholarship to study and work in those countries where Islamic Banking is working well like Malaysia, UAE, UK etc. Hijrat (migration) is Sunnah of Prophet Mohammad Sallallaho alaihe wasallam. Muslims do not lack in resources and jobs. The vast plain of India, Central Asia, North-Africa, China is open. According to one estimate till 2050 India would take over china in term of economy. To sustain such large economies both the countries would need extra manpower. Due to their population policies which would create problem for them in post 2040 era, Indian Muslims youth should migrate and settle in different parts of the world. Makka was dear to Prophet of Allah but Medina became his centre of rise of Islam and Prophet of Allah. On front of Waqf, there is need of proper management .For proper management of Waqf, there should be WAQF SERVICES to run the property of Waqf. This service would select the members on the basis of competitive exams. Whatever the income earned by the Waqf Department should be distributed on the development of the local people from where the properties of Waqf are located. While surplus should be incurred for educational advancement and promotion of business. Everything is available to accept the challenges but what lacking is the men and women of action. Lets see whether you are the man/woman of action or not?

Bakhabar

Har

Mirch Seraj Akram

Ramzan ibadat aur nekion ka mahina he is me kisi ko koi shak nahi. lekin kya waqayi jis tarah is Ramzan ki qadr karni chaie wah ham kar

O U R J O U R N E Y T O T H E D A Y O F R E S U R R E C T I O N
PART-XXII Gheyas Hashmi, Jeddah (hgheyas@albatool.com.sa) Continued from Previous issue Up to last issue, a Muslim journey in Aakhirah till entry to Jannah (Paradise) has been described step-by-step. Here is a concise description of Jannah. The literary meaning of Jannah is a garden where things are hidden. Jannah is gigantic beautiful garden which will be a permanent dwelling place by Allah Almighty to those who are obedient to Him and His last Prophet (S). Quran is full of description of Jannah and things therein, particularly in last part of the Quran, i.e. those Chapters / verses that descended in Makkah. Abu Hurayrah (R) reported that the Messenger of Allah (S) said,"Allah, the Exalted, has said: 'I have prepared for my righteous slaves what no eye has seen, no ear has heard, and the mind of no man has conceived.' If you wish, recite: 'No person knows what is kept hidden for them of joy as a reward for what they used to do.' [Al-Bukhari & Muslim, As-sajdah/17] Quran also names Jannah as Firdaws, Al-Salam, Al-Mawa, Al-Khuld, Al-Naim, etc. Jannah is above seven heaves, as if seven heavens are earth. As for its width Allah Almighty says: And vie one with another for forgiveness from your Lord, and for a paradise as wide as are the heavens and the earth, prepared for those who ward off (evil) (Al-Emra/133). Some interpreters have understood from Width as its volume in size, and some as its value in importance. As per authentic Hadith, there are 8 gates for Jannah and they are 1. Baabus Salaah, 2. Baabul Jihad, 3. Baabus Sadaqah, 4. Baabur Rayyaan, 5. Baabul Hajj, 6. Baabul Kaazimeenal Ghaiz Wal Aafina Anin Naas, 7. Baabul Aiman, and 8. Baabuz Zikr: Different gates are for different persons for performing particular deeds here. Those who have all qualities will have welcome at each gate. It is beyond our ken to understand the nature of these gates, and the manner in which one will enter them. Allamah Ibn Hajar has recorded the possibility that these doors are found inside paradise after entering the main gate. Good news is for ladies. Those ladies who, according to our prophet (S), perform 5-time prayers, do fasting of Ramadhan, protect their secret parts and are obedient to their husbands (not in sinful), can enter Jannah from any gate they want (Mishqat). Guard of Jannah will open the gate first for our prophet (S). Grades and ranks in Jannah are variable in nature keeping the deeds of Muslim. Only for martyrs, there are 100 grades. to be continued.

pa rahe hain. kahte hain roza rakhne se hame bhuk pyas ki shiddat ke ahsas se un garib , bekas aur majboor logon ke taklif ka ahsas hota he jinke pas khane pine ko nahi hota. to kya aise me insan ko apna kharch kam karke zakat wa khairat par dhyan zyadah dena chahie, lekin haqiqat me roza rakhne ke bawajod logo ka kharch aam dino se zyadah hota he, wah apne hi kharch ke pura karne me jitne munhamik rahte hain kya ramzan ke asal maqased ko pura karne me itna dhyan de pate hain? kya ibadat ke bajaye iftar party ke ahtemam par zyadah zor nahi diya jata, kuch logo ko dekh kar aisa lagta he ke yah ibadat ka nahi balke dawat ka mahina he. har sal arbon muslim ramzan ke 30 roza rakhte hain, yani pure mahine bhuk aur pyas ki shiddat ka ahsas karte hain lekin phir bhi unke kirdar se aisa nahi lagta ke waqayi me unko is shiddat ka ahsas he, wah un bekas ki pareshanion ko samajh pa rahe hain. kya agar waqayi itne log itni shiddat se majbur wa bekas ke bhook pyas ki shiddat ko ahsas kar pate to kya muslim me itni muflisi aur gadagiri rahti. to kya roza sirf sawab kamane ke liye hi he, is ke maqsad se samaj me fayede uthane ke liye nahi. kya iftar ke liye darjano qism ke khane ke saman maujood hone ki wajah se ham ham un bekas ki bhuk pyas ko mahsus karne se qasir hain, jinke pas na kuch us waqt khane ko maujood hota he aur na hi aage ka kuch pata hota ke kab use khane ko kuch milega bhi ke nahi.

Bakhabar

C a n w e m a k e 1 0 0 % M u s l i m s e d u c a t e d i n 1 0 y r s ?
Friends Salaam Can we make all the Muslims educated within 10 years? I believe yes. The following words speak of a strategy. It may inspire you also as it did me. I am in IPS in HP cadre where the percentage of Muslims is negligible. I basically wanted to be a social activist. Observing some of my friends from very good families at the university working among the poor and down trodden inspired me a lot for working selflessly among the illiterate, poor and the unprivileged. Once I also met one Christian lady from Kerala named Jyoti who was associated with the missionaries, got trained for mission activities in the Eastern Europe, taught children for sometime at a school in London. Later she realized her real services were not required in London. She left Europe, came to Patna, taught at a convent schools but left that job also because there only the rich and the privileged came for learning. She also becomes disgusted with the whole objective and policy of the mission. Finally she chose a tribal village of Jharkhand and started educating and creating awareness among the people. This young and smart lady sacrificed her bright career and lavish life for something which generally does not fascinate us: a selfless service of the humanity. I also wanted to become Jyoti but my family condition did not allow me to become an activist as I had a family to support and feed. I needed money and therefore a job. After entering in the Indian Police Service I thought I can never be an activist in the conventional term as my service condition was such that there is no much scope for such activities.You may think otherwise since yo u may n o t be aw ar e o f t h e government service condition. Yet in the service I kept on brooding as to how I can serve the people i.e. educate the Muslim children and adults, start a coaching like the one in the news for sending around 30 candidates to the IITs every year from backward families in Bihar, inspiring and motivating men of our community for higher achievement, getting 100s of Muslim youths enrolled in the best of the institutions..... I always felt guilty that I got so much from society and community yet I dont give it back anything. I felt so pained for the condition of my community yet I did nothing for the members of my community; I did not change the life of even one person in my life. Then something struck me. At the district in Himachal where I am posted I started gathering children of Bihari workers, Nepali workers who come in large numbers for working as manual labourers, and the local children. I first tried to make them literate at police station and at my residence. I called school children at my residence and taught them their class subjects; gave inspirational lectures and talked about their career options, arranged books for the competitive exams like NDA, NTSE, IITJEE etc. I went to the tents of manual workers where they got assembled in the evening in 50s and talked to them about human rights, civil and fundamental rights, duties of citizens, legal issues, civility in public life, health and hygiene, dieses like AIDS etc., taking care of children and educating them for better career life, family planning, communal amity etc. None of these people are Muslims yet I never felt that they are others. I feel I am serving the people and the nation. I feel satisfied. Now I delegated the work to the subordinates and make them work in my place though I still work with them and supervise them. I visit schools and colleges to deliver motivational lectures and career guidance. You should not think that I am doing all this at the cost of my public and professional duty; it is only the philosophy of giving one-to-two hours daily to society. Why did I tell you all this? To brag that I

am doing all these. No. But to tell you that as a student, IT professional, policeman, teacher, employee etc. we all are capable of giving one hour or two hours to the community and the country; we can do community service with a pure sense of service; not for name, nor for bragging and power. And if one educated person changes the course of life of even ten persons every year, you can imagine the aggregate result; if I ensure that by professional guidance, motivation and money even ten Muslim students are enrolled in Delhi University even in arts courses, we all together can change the destiny of Indian Muslims. All my batch-mates who did even Master in Arts from universities like DU, JNU are very well placed. And I believe that rather than aiming IITs or IIMs even if we send Muslim candidates in large numbers, male and female, to these central universities every year in various

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Continued from page 7

C a n m a k e 1 0 0 % M u s l i m s e d u c a t e d i n 1 0 y r s ?
courses, we would justify our existence as educated people. Vivekananda frequently used the term Daridra Narayan to convey that the poor, the powerless and the starved are the God, lets love them, uplift them; in that lies our salvation and the salvation of the country and the community. One of my teacher smsed me: Government report (Sachchar Committee Report) on minorities says Muslims are worse than the Dalits. What do we need to do about this so that we can answer Allah? I thought if we educate the fellow Muslims perhaps we will have something to answer. Recently I was in Delhi. There also I went to the slums in Okhla area. I sat with the Muslim slum dwellers, I talked to them, they were more than eager to listen. There I did not tell them that I was superintendent of police, therefore you listen what I say. I went there as an ordinary soul with the spirit of service. Because I was on a short official tour, I could not do much. But I explored the scope for work. Imagine if our students and teachers at AMU, JMI first convert these institutions into centre of excellence and educate the poor and uninformed Muslims! Imagine every Muslim help other Muslim get educated, just like the Tblighi Jamaat people preach about Islam to every other Muslim! If we all the Muslims work at our individual or at organised level, love the poor, sit and work with them I believe we can make all the Muslims literate and educated within 10 years. Till now, frankly speaking, it seemed very odd to me to invite somebody or visit somebody for education, help and guidance. It may see very odd to you also if you think of doing this. But working in this area for sometime has given me the strength and confidence enough to meet, talk and sit even with a stranger on the road. Now I can barge anywhere; sit and share adversities and dreams with any soul. Before writing this I had a discussion with around 25 drivers, they all listened patiently and felt cared. If you too start doing this, and inspire others to do this, I believe the Muslims will become the most advanced community-economically, politically, socially and educationally. ASIF JALAL IPS

Bakhabar

N e w b o o k p u b l i s h e d P r e s e n t l y t h e o n l y W o r d i n g s f a s c i s m o f G o d A l m i g h t y
by Tanwir Phool
RELIGION IS ONE AND THE SAME FROM ALWAYS We humans are the most eminent of all creatures of GOD ALMIGHTY. He always wants that we should be obedient to Him. For this purpose He guided us through a series of prophets. The teachings of all the prophets is the same i.e. obedience of GOD ALMIGHTY for success and prosperity of human beings in both the worlds. We should try to follow true teachings of all the prophets for achieving the goals of universal peace, brotherhood, equality, education and charity. Sunday, 13 April 2008 Whether We Can Read The Words of GOD ALMIGHTY or Not? By Tanwir Phool It is an interesting and important question whether we can read the Words of GOD ALMIGHTY or not? The last book of GOD is in His own words from A to Z. There may be differences in translations but the original text is one and the same in God's words. Previous books of GOD ALMIGHTY do not have their original text and at present only translations are available which may be compared/rectified with the help of the last book. There is a misunderstanding that the last book is a writing of the prophet. It is not correct as this book has verses in which the prophet has been warned/cautioned. For example, the verses at the beginning of surah Abas (surah No.80) and verses 44 to 47 of surah Al-Ha'aqqah (surah No.69) in which the prophet has been cautioned on his act of ignoring and not responding a blind person. It has been said that if the prophet says anything according to his own will in this book, for which he has not been ordered by the GOD, he will be punished by catching his hand and cutting the jugular vein. It is obvious that no author can include such matter in his own book. It is observed that where the GOD ALMIGHTY has said "qul"(Arabic word which means tell or say) to the prophet, this word has also been included in the last book which proves that there is no change/amendment in the Words of GOD ALMIGHTY. The last book certifies the previous books(Taurah, Psalm, Gospel, the book of Abraham and any other book revealed by the GOD ALMIGHTY) but clarifies that these books are not with their original text and have been changed/tampered with the passage of time as such they are not 100% correct. On the other hand they are not 100% wrong. The true teachings of all the prophets may be ascertained with the help of the last book of GOD ALMIGHTY which has only one text while the previous books have different version due to being translated/tampered by different persons and their original text is not available. Fascism Essays on Europe and India Edited by Jairus Banaji First Edition Subjects: History and archaeology, Politics and governance, Social studies Tags: Extreme-right, Sangh Parivar ISBN(s) 978-81-88789-94-8 Pub. Date March 2013 Pages pp xvi+234, includes notes and bibliography Dimensions demy octavo 8.5 x 5.5 in. INDIA ELSEWHERE Paperback978-81-88789-94-8 . 350 $12.00 The victory of fascism in Europe between the wars was an incalculable human catastrophe. This collection of essays contains the first-ever English translation of Arthur Rosenbergs fascinating analysis of the emergence of fascism in Europe, as well as a short introduction to the essay that explains its significance, and then four contributions that extend the framework to India dealing in turn with Savarkar and the politics of the Hindu Mahasabha (Srinivasan), communalism as the Indian version of fascism and its roots in the majoritarian ideologies of the nation-state (Simeon), and the fascism of the Sangh Parivar as this had emerged by the early 90s when concerted communal mobilisations unleashed a spate of violence, foreshadowing the even more horrific events of 2002 (Sumit Sarkar). Unlike most left-wing theories of fascism, Rosenbergs work made the mass base of fascism central to its political success. But what does it mean for fascism to have a mass base? And how does it construct one? The concluding chapter explores the notion of passive complicity, using ideas developed by Jean-Paul Sartre in his major work Critique of Dialectical Reason, and then turns to a characterisation of the Extreme Right in India by looking at the strategies at work in the subversion of Indian democracy. Contents Preface Part One Arthur Rosenberg on fascism 1. Jairus Banaji: Fascism as a mass-movement: Translators introduction 2. Arthur Rosenberg: Fascism as a mass-movement Part Two The growth of fascism in India 1. Kannan Srinivasan: A subaltern fascism? 2. Sumit Sarkar: The fascism of the Sangh Parivar 3. Dilip Simeon: The law of killing: A brief history of Indian fascism 4. Jairus Banaji: Trajectories of fascism: Extreme-right movements in India and elsewhere

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C o n v e r s a t i o n b y m a i l o n i m p o r t a n t i s s u e
Today I received a mail from a senior friend who is a retired Senior Civil Servant (IAS). The mail is below (No.1). He wrote in his mail: Dear Dr. Haque, I do not concur with the interpretation given by the cleric in the mail that is being forwarded, but I am forwarding it to you so that it is realised by the leaders of the community that there is considerable misunderstanding about jihad and the role of a jihadist and that there is need for the projection and profession of the correct view of Islam. My understanding of Islam is that Islam is in favour of peaceful coexistence with other religions and does not teach even looking down upon followers of other religions, let alone any violence against them. Unfortunately, the militant fundamentalists are able to dictate what the interpretation should be and the majority simply cannot resist their view which is backed with violence of the worst kind. Regards, No. 1. There was no disagreement with my statements and, without hesitation, he replied,

'Non-believers!'
I responded, 'So, let me make sure I have this straight. All followers of Allah have been commanded to kill everyone who is not of your faith so they can have a place in heaven. Is that correct?' The expression on his face changed from one of authority and command to that of a little boy who had just been caught with his hand in the cookie jar.' He sheepishly replied, Yes. I then stated, 'Well, sir, I have a real problem trying to imagine The Pope commanding all Catholics to kill those of your faith or Dr. Stanley ordering all Protestants to do the same in order to guarantee them a place in heaven!' The Muslim was speechless. I continued, 'I also have a problem with being your friend when you and your brother clerics are telling your followers to kill me! Let me ask you a question: Would you rather have your Allah, who tells you to kill me in order for you to go to heaven, or my Jesus who tells me to love you because I am going to heaven and He wants you to be there with me?' You could have heard a pin drop. Needless to say, the organizers and/or promoters of the 'Diversification' training seminar were not happy with my way of dealing with the Islamic Imam, and exposing the truth about the Muslims' beliefs. In twenty years there will be enough Muslim voters in the U.S. to elect the President. I think everyone in the U.S. should be required to read this, but with the ACLU, there is no way this will be widely publicized, unless each of us sends it on! This is your chance to make a difference. My reply is below (No. 2): No. 2: Sir, You are 200% right. Islam does not permit even simple hatred against people. How can it permit killing any one, infidel or otherwise? Even in battles Muslims were strictly prohibited by Allah and the Prophet (SAW) not to harm women, children, infirm and those who were not fighting. I think I forwarded the relevant material earlier. If you want I can send again. Regarding the person (I am not calling him a scholar deliberately) who delivered the presentation/lecture in USA I think he was

not a true scholar. Probably, he knew little but did not know that. That is why he talked what he was not supposed to and what is not at all correct. That is why Prophet (SAW) has again and again directed that silence is better than talking, especially in case you are not properly aware. The same has been said by most other wise men. But there is one more possibility. His words have been twisted/modified for obvious reasons, which is evident in the last two paragraphs of the mail. Sir, Below I am giving you a small (not so small) write up on the subject. Please read it. It will give you adequate information on the matter. I expect so. If possible pass it on to others too who received the earlier mail. With regards. M.A. Haque

Love For Humanity What You Love ForYourself

In the name of Allah, the Beneficent, the Merciful The golden rule, or the ethics of reciprocity, is an Islamic moral principle which calls upon people to treat others the way they would like to be treated. According to the Oxford Dictionary of Philosophy, the golden rule is defined as: Any form of the dictum: do unto others as you would have them do unto you. In some form this is found in almost all religions and ethical systems. Source: Blackburn, Simon. Golden Rule. This principle was stated several times by our Prophet Muhammad, so it is a principle Muslims should discuss when sharing Islam with people of other religions. Anas ibn Malik reported: The Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings be upon him, said: None of you has faith until he loves for his brother or his neighbor what he loves for himself. Source: Sahih Bukhari 13; Sahih Muslim 45, Grade: Muttafaqun Alayhi An-Nawawi comments on this tradition, saying: It is better to interpret this as brotherhood in general, such that it includes the disbeliever and the Muslim. So he should love for his brother, the disbeliever, what he loves for himself which is his entering Islam, just as he should love for his brother Muslim that he remains in Islam. For this reason, it is recommended to supplicate for the disbeliever to be guided. The meaning of

Subject: Fw: WHAT'S AN INFIDEL?

You may have seen this, but it should be sent to every Christian and to every American!!! Ron Crawford

WHAT'S AN INFIDEL?
The author, Rick Mathes, is a well-known leader in prison ministry. The man who walks with God always gets to his destination. If you have a pulse you have a purpose. The Muslim religion is the fastest growing religion per capita in the United States, especially in the minority races. Last month I attended my annual training session that's required formaintaining my state prison security clearance. During the training sessionthere was a presentation by three speakers representing the Roman Catholic, Protestant and Muslim faiths, who each explained their beliefs. I was particularly interested in what the Islamic Imam had to say. The Muslim gave a great presentation of the basics of Islam, complete with a After the presentations, time was provided for questions and answers. When it was my turn, I directed my question to the Muslim and asked: 'Please, correct me if I'm wrong, but I understand that most Imams and clerics of Islam have declared a holy jihad [Holy war] against the infidels of the world and, that by killing an infidel, (which is a command to all Muslims) they are assured of a place in heaven. If that's the case, can you give methe definition of an infidel?'

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love here is an intention for good and benefit, and this meaning is religious love, not human love. Source: Sharh Arbaeen An-Nawawi In another narration, the Prophet said: By Him in whose Hand is my soul, a servant does not believe until he loves for his brother what he loves for himself of goodness. Source: Musnad Ahmad 12734, Grade: Sahih In another narration, the Prophet said: None of you has faith until he loves for the people what he loves for himself, and until he loves a person only for the sake of Allah the Exalted. Source: Musnad Ahmad 13463, Grade: Sahih In another narration, the Prophet said: The servant does not reach the reality of faith until he loves for the people what he loves for himself of goodness. Source: Sahih Ibn Hibban 238, Grade: Sahih In another narration, the Prophet said: None of you will find the sweetness of faith until he loves a person only for the sake of Allah. Source: Sahih Bukhari 5694, Grade: Sahih Abdullah ibn Amr reported: The Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings be upon him, said: Whoever would love to be delivered from the Hellfire and entered into Paradise, then let him die with faith in Allah and the Last Day, and let him treat the people the way he would love to be treated. Source: Sahih Muslim 1844, Grade: Sahih Abu Huraira reported: The Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings be upon him, said: You will not enter Paradise until you believe and you will not believe until you love each other. Shall I show you something that, if you did, you would love each other? Spread peace between yourselves. Source: Sahih Muslim 54, Grade: Sahih In another narration, the Prophet said: By the one in whose hand is my soul, you will not enter Paradise until you submit, and you will not submit until you love one another. Greet each other with peace and you will love one another. Beware of hatred, for it is the razor. I do not say it shaves hair, but rather it shaves away the religion. Source: Al-Adab Al-Mufrad 260, Grade:

Hasan In another narration, the Prophet said: Be kind to your neighbor and you will be a believer; love for the people what you love for yourself and you will be a Muslim. Source: Sunan At-Tirmidhi 2305, Grade: Hasan In another narration, the Prophet said: Love for the people what you love for yourself and you will be a believer; behave well with your neighbors and you will be a Muslim. Source: Sunan Ibn Majah 4217, Source: Sahih In another narration, the Prophet said: Love for the Muslims, the believers, and the people of your house what you love for yourself. Hate for them and the people of your house what you hate for yourself, and then you will be a believer. Be a good neighbor to whomever will be your neighbor among the people and you will be a Muslim. Source: Shub Al-Iman 10369, Grade: Sahih Abu Muntafiq reported: He said, O Messenger of Allah, teach me what will save me from Allahs punishment and enter me into Paradise. The Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings be upon him, said: Worship Allah and do not associate anything with Him. Establish the prescribed prayers, give the obligatory charity, fast the month of Ramadan, and however you love for the people to treat you, then treat them that way, and however you hate for the people to treat you, then do not treat them that way. Source: Al-Majam Al-Kabeer 15833, Grade: Hasan Khalid ibn Abdullah Al-Qasri reported: He was giving a sermon upon the pulpit, saying that his father told him that his grandfather said: The Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings be upon him, said:

Do you love Paradise?

He said, Yes. The Prophet said: Then love for your brother what you love for yourself. Source: Musnad Ahmad 16219, Grade: Sahih li ghayri Az-Zubair ibn Awwam reported: The Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, said: There have come to you the diseases of the

nations before you: envy and hatred, and hatred is the razor. It shaves the religion and it does not shave hair. By the one in whose hand is the soul of Muhammad, you will not believe until you love one another. Shall I tell you something which, if you did, you would love each other? Spread peace between yourselves. Source: Musnad Ahmad 1415, Grade: Sahih Muadh said, How is it, O Messenger of Allah? He said: That you love for the people what you love for yourself, and you hate for the people what you hate for yourself, and that you speak goodness or remain silent. Source: Musnad Ahmad 21627, Grade: Hasan Ibn Rajab comments on these traditions, saying: Some of the righteous predecessors said: The people who love Allah look by the light of Allah, and they are compassionate with those who disobey Allah. They hate their actions but show mercy to them so that through their admonitions they might leave their actions. They are afraid that the Hellfire will consume their bodies. The believer will not truly be a believer until he is pleased for people to have what he is pleased for himself. If he sees in someone else some merit by which they excel him, then he wishes the like of it for himself. If that merit is related to the religion then it is good. Source: Jami Ulum wal-Hikam 13 Success comes from Allah, and Allah knows best. His reply to my mail on No. 2 is on No. 3 (below). No. 3. Dear Dr. Haque, Thanks. There is need to identify from within the community those who hold the view of the cleric in the USA presentation. A programme of their reorientation needs to be drawn and bombard them with the message of love of the Prophet in various ways through sources in whom they have faith. Use of the various tools of communication will be necessary. Regards, I again responded to his mail. My response is below at No.4. No. 4. Sir, You are right. People are doing that. But as you know virtue spreads slower as compared to the opposite. That was the reason I requested to you to forward the mail to others. Followers of the

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other faiths need to be informed about the true position. Otherwise hatred may start form the other side. Sir on account of your deep interest in the subject I am copying once again a small write up on the subject. It directly targets the wrong ideas. With regards. M.A. Haque The Call of Islam: Peace & Moderation, Not Intolerance and Extremism Islam is salaam (peace) and tasleem(submission to the Divine). In Islam Peace is the standard, it is the principle, and each person of faith has the moral obligation to maintain peace, without compromising on justice and truth. Islam invites to the subul as-salaam (pathway of peace) ; p eace o f mi n d, p eace o f conscience, peace in the family and society, peace with one's Creator and His creation. One of the attributes of the Divine is AsSalaam (The Source of Peace) and Muslim greeting universally, upon meeting and departing, is As-salamu 'alaykum or "peace be unto you". The final and ultimate reward for human endeavor is Paradise, referred to in the Qur'an as Dar-us-Salaam (Abode of Peace) The Believers were intended to be an ummah (community) that serves as a standard/model for others; what the Qur'an describes ."...And we have made you (ummatan wasata) a median community / a people of moderation/ a balanced medium in order that you may be a testimony or model for humanity." [Qur'an 2:143] It is the absence of the balance provided by wasatiyyah (moderation) that extremism creeps in. Wasatiyyah is an antidote to ...ghuluww (excessiveness), tanattu' (harshness), tashaddud (severity), tatarruf (extremism) ... in all its forms.

Then there are those who cheer acts of violence because they too have degenerated into a hateful people.

Zealots are a plague upon religion.

Extremists, whether reactionary or radical are a bane to religion. Reactionary extremists do not want any pluralism; they view the world in black and white, good and evil terms. They are good and anyone who opposes them is evil. From among the Muslims these are people who 'excommunicate' any Muslim who fail to share their interpretations of the Qur'an and their understanding of the faith. They use takfir (denouncing a Muslim as an unbeliever) and character assassination as a tool for marginalizing any criticism directed at them. Radical extremists differ only in that they will use violence to further their cause and that the end justifies the means. They see any act as acceptable if it will further their 'cause.' This is blatantly anti-Islamic. In Islam the means must reflect its noble ends. Any means that does not embody the core truths and ethics of Islam is not from Islam and thus denounced as aberration. Islam is not a secret society of conspirators who no one knows what they are planning. Islam declares openly its aims and objectives and these are recognized by good people everywhere as pure and congruent with their own wisdom and traditions. Islam never allows a Muslim to kill the innocent and the helpless Labeling something Islamic does not make it justifiable. Realize, that just because you are religious does not mean that you are right. Desiring to implement Islamic values is always noble, but having a meaningful and effective strategy is indeed most significant. Forcing other is never an acceptable resort and certainly not the first resort; especially since our deen/way of life commands us not to use compulsion as a tool. Just because something needs to be done does not mean that anything that is done is okay; and just because something is done in religious fervor does not in any way prove that it is Islamically correct. According to the Qur'an [5:32]; Muslims have inherited the command from that prescribed to the Children of Israel "whoever takes a single life without justification is as if he has killed the entire humanity." Furthermore we are reminded, If Allah had not repelled some people through others, monasteries, churches, synagogues, and mosques; all in which Allah's name is much celebrated, would have been destroyed. Allah will certainly help those who help His cause and surely, Allah is All-Powerful, All-Mighty' [Qur'an, 22:40] If we do not abide by these principles established in the Qur'an, then we are

undermining the very spirit of our Deen. We must heed the Qur'anic warning against extremism in religion. ... do not be extreme in your religion [Qur'an 4:171] The Prophet further warned, My intercession will not be availed two categories of my community; an oppressive/unjust ruler and a rebellious extremist [Tibrani] I warn you regarding extremism, because communities before you were destroyed due to extremism [Nisa'i]

Injustice of the self-righteous

Some deviant people/groups are committing acts in the name of Islam which are contrary to the fundamental of our faith, while not enough seem courageous enough to openly stand up to these bullies who are denigrating the name and image of Islam. Re m e m b e r t h e w o r d s o f P r o p h e t Muhammad (pbuh):"A Muslim (one who proclaims faith) is that person from whose hands and tongue other Muslims are safe; A Mu'min (one who manifests faith) is that person in whom humanity find safety and security regarding their lives, property and honor." [Baihaqi] The Prophet (pbuh) further advised ...Allah is kind and loves kindness in every matter, and kindness has been granted capacity which violence could never attain. [Sahih Muslim] May Allah protect the innocent from the injustices of the self-righteous. I know that the original mail (No. 1) is itself doubtful and also old. Please see the information below about the mail. "We contacted Rick Mathes, founder of Mission Gate Prison Ministries in Chesterfield, Missouri, and he stands by his story. There have been some published reports from critics of Mathes' article who say the confrontation did not take place the way he describes and that the Moslem who spoke at the conference was not an Imam, but a prisoner who volunteered to speak as a Moslem. Rick Mathes says that the man was introduced at the meeting as an Imam and that the story happened as he describes it." Still there is need to propagate the true position among Muslims and more so among others, especially in USA, Europe etc. otherwise persons like Rick Mathes will succeed in their mission. Please refer to the last two paragraphs of his mail on No.1. Kindly circulate the information to more and more people, especially in the above named places. M.A. Haque

Intolerance Whence?
How is it then that some Muslims are so intolerant of other faiths, involved in atrocious and heinous acts of violence and senseless killing? Are they oblivious to the historic example of how the Prophet engaged those of different Faiths? It seems that some among Muslims seem to have lost sound understanding of the teachings of our Faith and are substituting the sublime message of Islam by a discourse of anger and the rhetoric of rage. There is no command or teaching in Islam that can be referenced as the direct reason behind an extreme act, and killing. Those who are planning and orchestrating any senseless killings are the worst representatives of their religions and enemies of their communities. Those who are perpetrators acts of wanton violence in the name of Islam are doing a most grievous disservice to Islam. Others take pride in being Muslims however un-Muslim their stance may be.

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P o w e r f u l T i p s f o r t h e L a s t 1 0 N i g h t s
From Shaykh Zahir Mahmood
1. Do not let your 'performance' until now affect your last 10 days. The moment of forgiveness could be today or anytime in the coming days! It is not all lost! If you sincerely wish it could have been better - Chin up and get ready to make it your best yet! Start with a positive, sincere intention! 2. Today, take a little time to read the Tafseer of Surah al-Qadr to understand what actually happens this night! You will feel its power & greatness so much more! 3. Do not wait for the 27th Night to give it your "all". The entire last 10 days should be your target. Stay up each night! Would you want to miss Laylatul Qadr even "by chance"? 4. Do not fall into any innovations/celebrations any masjid or culture might try to promote. Follow the Sunnah! The Prophet (sallAllahu 'alaihi wa sallam) guided us simply: "Whoever stays up and prays on Laylat al-Qadr out of faith and in the hope of reward, his previous sins will be forgiven. 5. Memorize and keep asking the dua' taught by Rasulullah (sallAllahu 'alaihi wa sallam): Allaahumma innaka afuwwun tuhibb al-afwa faaffuanni (O Allaah, You are forgiving and You love forgiveness, so forgive me). 6. Prepare a short dua' list. Remember this is as awesome as it ever gets for a servant of Allah! The Night of Qadr, of Destiny! Consciously pick each and everything you crucially wish for in this dunya, in your deen, family, and in your aakhirah! Don't forget to include the brothers and sisters around the world who are suffering and in grief! 7. Take brief naps during the day, if possible. Keep your stomach light and sleep as soon as you have prayed 'isha. Do not delay! After a brief nap, refresh yourself and get ready for worship. 8. Don't neglect your family! Rasulullah made it a point to wake up his wives throughout these nights! And yes, your children are not too young to stay up some part of the night - if they can be allowed to play video games or watch TV, they can be inspired to be up at least for sometime! Prepare them, make them excited, plan some activities for them to do! 9. Look the Part: The way we dress and prepare has a big effect on our psychology. Wear your best, perfume yourself, and feel the energy! 10. Choose a spot, whether in the Masjid or in your home, where you can have peace and solitude. Keep your mushaf, praying mat, and water at hand so that you are not distracted by constantly getting up for this or that. 11. IMP: This is not the night to tweet pics or update FB statuses about how amazing the night is and how you are feeling & worshipping Allah! Let that be a secret between you & your Rabb! So switch off those phones, wifi, laptops and computers. Disconnect with the world, and connect with al-'Afuww! 12. If you find yourself feeling sleepy, vary your acts of worship. Alternate between qiyaam, heartfelt dua'a, reading the Qur'an. Do not spend the night listening to lectures or recitations. Or do it only for a short while when you feel the sleep coming on! 13. Patience is the Key: The last 10 days might be tiring. You might still have work or school. This is the time to bear all that hardship, and keep firm sabr. Think how Allah has blessed you with this tremendous opportunity that might NEVER come again in your life again. If you knew for sure that this was your last #Ramadan, if you knew certainly that Jannah was up for grabs, wouldn't you sprint for it no matter what it takes? 14. This is most important: Keep husn adh-dhann bi Allah (good expectations from Allah). When you ask, remember you are asking the Most Generous King. If you hope for the best, He will give you the best. Don't hold back. Trust in Him, pour out your heart in front of Him, and let no doubt, no barrier, no evil thoughts keep you away from arRahman, ar-Raheem!

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Eid: A Time of Celebration

The day of Eid-ul-Fitr is certainly the most beautiful day of the year for all Muslims, its sunrise lovelier than all daybreaks and its evenings livelier than any other. In fact, it is a wonderful gift of Allah (SWT) to the believers. A perfect day of peace and joy, it concludes the blessed month of Ramadan. Hazrat Anas (RA) narrates that when Prophet Muhammad (SAW) migrated from Makkah to Madinah he found that the people of Madinah held celebrations on two days each year. Rasulullah (SAW) said, Allah (SWT) has substituted these two days with another two days which are better for you one of Eid-ul-Fitr and the other of Eid-ul-Adha. It is recommended to feast and enjoy on the day of Eid-ul-Fitr within permissible limits. Performing ghusl (bath), using women and girls to attend the Eid prayers. Abdullah ibn Abbas reports that Rasulullah (SAW) used to take his wives and daughters to the two Eid prayers. Umme Atiyah(RA) relates: Rasulullah (SAW) ordered us to go out and take with us young girls and menstruating women to the two Eids (prayers). The menstruating women would keep separate from others during salah but would join in supplication. Therefore and appropriate arrangements should be made, in accordance with the rules of hijab, to enable women to attend Eid prayers. This would instill a sense of Islamic identity in women and make them aware of their duties as Muslims. It would also increase the number of believers who pray for the welfare of Ummah. Eid-ul-Fitr takes its name from Sadaqa-efitr which is also known as Zakat-ul-fitr. It is obligatory for every Muslim-free or slave, man or woman, young or old to pay Sadaqa-e-fitr at the end of Ramadan. Preferably it should be paid before Eid salah. Its purpose is to purify the one who fasts and to help the poor and needy. This enables the poor to participate in the joyous occasion of Eid with a carefree mind. This special care for the downtrodden is a unique feature of Islam. The amount of Sadaqa-e-fitr is one Saa (2.5 kilograms approx.) of date, corn, barley, rice, or similar items considered as basic foods. One can also pay their price if it is not possible to give food materials. However, it should be noted that the price of these commodities changes every year and so will the equivalent price of fitrah. Eid-ul-fitr is a day of reward for the month long patient fasting by the believers. The day of Eid and the night preceding are very valuable because Allah (SWT) showers his special blessings during this time. We must not waste the night preceding Eid in shopping as is often practiced in India. Rather it would be wise to spend a few hours in prayers and supplication to Allah (SWT) to benefit from His abundant bounty. Eid-ul-fitr is also an occasion to forget petty fights and forget mutual differences. On this blessed day

By Sadeqa Ghazal

Muslims should greet each other with open arms and open hearts. It may also be a good practice to give presents to relatives and friends on this occasion instead of doing so on their birthdays or on New Year eve. Last but not the least; we must remember to celebrate this happy occasion within permissible limits. It is often seen that people tend to make up for the restraint practiced in the month of Ramadan by indulging in too much expenditure and feasting on Eid. Exorbitant sums are spent on clothes and dcor. A lot of food also goes waste which is contrary to the tenets of Islam. Islam encourages us to follow the middle path and to abstain from lavish display of wealth. Eid-ul-fitr would be a memorable day for all of us if we would try to please Allah (SWT) by celebrating it like R a s u l u l l a h ( S AW ) a n d h i s n o b l e companions (RA).

perfume and wearing the best of garments on this occasion is preferable but not obligatory. However, the prayer of Eid-ulFitr is obligatory on all Muslims which consist of two rakah. There is no adhan before it. Delivering Khutbah after Eid prayer is Sunnah and so is listening. It is preferable to offer the prayer in some large field outside the city, provided there is no valid excuse. Takbir should be recited while going for prayer. Surely the Eid prayer presents the most splendid spectacle of the unity of Muslim Ummah. As the heads bow in ruku and sujud in unison the world observes this exhibit of submission in wonder, when men unequal in the station of life stand on equal ground. But sadly women and girls are not allowed to take part in the Eid prayers especially in the Indian subcontinent. Shariah requires

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The virtue of fasting six days of Shawwaal

What is the ruling on fasting six days of Shawwaal? Is it waajib (obligatory)? Praise be to Allaah. Fasting six days of Shawwaal after the obligatory fast of Ramadaan is Sunnah Mustahabbah, not waajib. It is recommended for the Muslim to fast six days of Shawwaal, and in this there is great virtue and an immense reward. Whoever fasts these six days will have recorded for him a reward as if he had fasted a whole year, as was reported in a saheeh hadeeth from the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him). Abu Ayyoob (may Allaah be pleased with him) reported that the Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: Whoever fasts Ramadaan and follows it with six days of Shawwaal, it will be as if he fasted for a lifetime. (Narrated by Muslim, Abu Dawood, al-Tirmidhi, al-Nisaai and Ibn Maajah).

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The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) explained this when he said: Whoever fasts for six days after (Eid) al-Fitr has completed the year: (whoever does a good deed (hasanah) will have ten hasanah like it). According to another report: Allaah has made for each hasanah ten like it, so a month is like fasting ten months, and fasting six days completes the year. (al-Nisaai and Ibn Maajah. See also Saheeh al-Targheeb walTarheeb, 1/421). It was also narrated by Ibn Khuzaymah with the wording: Fasting for the month of Ramadaan brings the reward of ten like it, and fasting for six days brings the reward of two months, and that is the fasting of the whole year. The Hanbali and Shaafai fuqaha explained that fasting six days of Shawwaal after fasting Ramadaan makes it as if one has fasted for an entire year of obligatory fasts, because the multiplication of the reward applies even to naafil fasts, because each hasanah brings the reward of ten like it. Another of the important benefits of fasting six days of Shawwaal is that is makes up for any shortfall in a person's obligatory Ramadaan fasts, because no one is free of shortcomings or sins that have a negative effect on his fasting. On the Day of Resurrection, some of his naafil deeds will be taken to make up the shortcomings in his obligatory deeds, as the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: The first thing for which people will be brought to account on the Day of Resurrection will be their salaah (prayer). Our Lord, may He be glorified and exalted, will say to His angels although He knows best Look at the salaah of My slave, whether it is complete or incomplete. If it is perfect, it will be recorded as perfect, and if something is lacking, He will say, Look and see whether My slave did any voluntary (naafil) prayers. If he did some voluntary prayers, [Allaah] will say, Complete the obligatory actions of My slave from his voluntary actions. Then all his actions will be dealt with in a similar manner. (Narrated by Abu Dawood). And Allaah knows best. Sheikh Muhammed Salih Al-Munajjid www.islamqa.info

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