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SunnahFollowers

Issue 1 IN THIS ISSUE...

Magazine

Reviving the Sunnah in today's corrupt society

The

Revival
Of The

CONTROLLING YOUR FINANCE IN CONSUMER SOCIETY

SUNNAH

Revival of the heart The journey to purify our dead hearts The Strangers the struggle of the believers

PLUS
DELICIOUS RECIPES FOR IFTAR

The SunnahFollowers Team


Managing Director: Laila Nasheeba

Editor In Chief: Ayan Ali Assistant Editor: Amy Huia

Islamic Consultant: Laila Nasheeba Sheikh Morsy

Contributors: Laila Nasheeba Mercy Cruz (Umm Malik) Haleemah Harris Faiza Sharif Amira.D.Rahim Amira Larhrisi Hamza Christina Martin Mukhtar Sheikh Jamel Christy Crouse

Design and Layout: Ayan Ali DryIcons Amy Huia 2

Editors Note
In the name of Allah the most Merciful, the most Gracious. Verily All Praise is due to Allah. We praise Him, seek His aid, and ask for His forgiveness. We seek refuge in Allah from the evil of ourselves and from our bad deeds. He whom Allah guides, there is none to misguide him, and he whom He leaves astray; there is none to guide him! I bear witness that none is worthy of worship but Allah alone without partners, and I bear witness that Muhammad is His slave and Messenger. For many Muslims living in todays modern society, we find that learning Islam in its truthfulness is a task that involves great hardships and tribulations . We find many Islamic institutes which claim to be teaching Islam according to the Quran and Sunnah, far from that, rather for many it is a means of making a living. Not only have those students of such institutes invested large amounts of money, sadly they also lack the understanding of this religion, making the knowledge they have gained of no benefit.
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On the other hand we see those who believe that their Islam is in their hearts and therefore do not require searching and learning the essence of this religion. Thus as an Ummah we range from the two far extremes. However here at Sunnahfollowers we as students can truly attest to the beneficial knowledge taught by renowned, dedicated scholars such as our beautiful Sister Laila Nasheeba. Indeed few are the true scholars in todays corrupt society; however we at SunnahFollowers are truly blessed to be taught by such great teachers. Many of us come from different background ranging from staunch Catholic Christians, to Hindus, and other factions of Muslim groups. While many of us have little or no similarity between us, what binds the black African American and former white racist skin-head is the character and personality set by our beautiful Prophet Muhammad (saw). Thus learning his sunnah and reviving it in this society is of great importance and need, which we greatly lack in todays society. May Allah reward our dedicated teachers, especially our Sister Laila Nasheeba whose ongoing struggle and determination has made SunnahFollowers what it is today. May Allah grant her a peaceful, serene, and high status in Jannah where she can see the fruits of her labour. May he too reward our other scholars of SunnahFollowers abundantly.
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Lastly but not least, may Allah greatly reward the students of SunnahFollowers for their contribution, and my mother for her assistant in the making of this magazine, and make for them a path towards his paradise. Ameen Now sit back, relax and enjoy our first edition of SunnahFollowers magazine!

Ayan.M.Ali
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Contents
The Revival Of the Sunnah My Hero
21 22 8 10 20

Revival Of the Fittest

Confessions of a Revert

The Strangers

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A Reminder of Death

32

Shaykh Al Islam Ibn Taymiyyah Learning Islam & the Internet

40

The Drive to Hope

46

Contents
Time
53 54

Q&A

The Revival Of the Heart

60 66

Coming back to the Sunnah Living in an Interest Society

74 78

Self Defense

Whats For Iftar

84

The Revival O
In this day and age when the sunnah of the Prophet Muhammad (saw) is lost and forgotten. We find the Muslim world in uproar and calamity, so what is the solution to prevent this calamity from striking again, what is it we can change about ourselves? Sister Laila explores how we muslims living in the west and back home can revive the sunnah, in a society where corruption prevails.
By: Sister Laila Nasheeba

A s Mu s l i m s W h e n we look at the world a r o u n d u s we f i n d o u r s e l ve s l i vi n g a m o n g s t m a n y a ff l i c t i o n s s u c h a s : wa r, f a m i n e , a n d oppression. The Prophet (sa) warned of t h e s e d a ys wh e n h e said: "There w ill come a time when the best property of a man will be his sheep which he will graze on the tops of mountains and the places where

rain falls escaping to protect his religion from afflictions." Bukhari W ha t h e m e a n t i n t h is h a d i t h i s t h a t wo r l d l y a ff l i c t i o n s wi l l b e s o m a n y t h a t o n e wi l l n o t be able to escape t h e m u n l e s s h e li t e r a l l y s h u t s h i m s e l f o ff f r o m t h e r e s t o f t h e wo r l d a n d e ve r yt h i n g i n i t . By doing this, the pers o n t h u s s a ve s h i ms e l f f r o m f a l l i n g vi c t i m t o wh a t i s a r o u n d h i m a n d
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Of the Sunnah

in that they den y (the revelation) which Allah has sent down, in insolent envy that Allah of his Grace should send it to an y of his servants He pleases: Thus have they drawn on themselves wrath upon wrath. And humiliatA ff l i c t i o n s c a n b e a i n g i s t h e p u n i s h m e n t test, but for many they of those who reject a r e t h e wr a t h o r p u n - F a i t h . Q u r a n 2 : 9 0 i s h m e n t o f A l l a h wh i c h he sends whenever p e o p l e d e vi a t e a wa y W e h a ve b e e n c o m from him. As stated in manded by Allah to t h e i n t e r p r e t a t i o n o f t h e o b e y h i m a n d h i s Me s senger and take them meaning: as the judge in all our disputes and dealings; Miserable is t h e b u t m a n y Mu s l i m s t o price for which the y day ignore this. Look have sold their souls, h o w many Muslim i n t u r n h e s a ve s h i s r e ligion. A gutsy hadith to pond e r, b u t o n e m i g h t a s k , wh a t i s t h e c a u s e o f t h e s e a ff l i c t i o n s ? W el l t h e a n s we r i s s i m p l e abandonment of the Sunnah.
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a s t h e y s h o u l d . L o o k h o w m a n y Mu s l i m m e n r e f u s e t o we a r t h e b e a r d . Ma n y d o n o t p r a y a s t h e y s h o u l d a n d t h e M o s q u e s h a ve b e e n r e p l a c e d b y t h e i n t e r n e t . W h a t m ak e s t h i s e ve n wo r s e i s t h a t t h e s e Mu s l i m s wh o r e f u s e t o o b e y A l l a h a n d h i s Me s s e n g e r wi l l e ve n g o s o f a r a s t o s a y t h a t t h e y h a ve a c h o i c e t o n o t d o t h e s e things. As stated in the interpretation of the meaning: When Allah and His messenger have decided something it is not for any man or woman of the believers to have a choice a b o u t i t . A n yo n e w h o d i s o b e ys A l l a h a n d H i s messenger is clearl y misguided. - Quran 33:36 S o t h u s , d i s o b e d i e n c e t o a n d d e vi a t i o n a wa y f r o m A l l a h a n d h i s Me s s e n g e r i s wh a t l e a d s t o a ff l i c t i o n s ; s o wh a t c a n we d o t o c a u s e t h e s e a ff l i c t i o n s t o s t o p ? Th e a n s we r i s s i m p l e - Tu r n back to the sunnah. As stated in Al Darimi: The loss of the religion starts with the abandonment of the Sunnah. Just as a rope b r e a k s f i b e r b y f i b e r, s o d o e s r e l i g i o n v a n ish w ith one by one abandoning the Sunnah."

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S o t h u s we n e e d t o c h e c k o u r s e l ve s a s Mu s l i m s a n d a s s u r e t h a t we a r e l i vi n g I s l a m a s t h e p r o p h e t ( s a w ) a n d h i s c o m p a n i o n s d i d . W he n we p r a y we m u s t a s s u r e o u r s e l ve s t h a t we p r a y a s t h e P r o p h e t ( s a w) t a u g h t u s . W h e n we e a t we s h o u l d c h e c k t o s e e i f w e f o l l o w t h e e t i q u e t t e s o f e a t i n g g i ve n t o u s b y o u r P r o p h e t . E ve n wh e n we d e a l wi t h o n e a n o t h e r we s h o u l d check to see that are dealings are as the p r o p h e t ( s a w) d e a l t w i t h o t h e r s . I n o t h e r wo r d s ; a c o m p l e t e r e vi va l o f l i vi n g I s l a m i s wh a t i s n e e d e d t o d a y t o l e s s e n t h e a ff l i c t i o n s f a c i n g t h e Mu s l i m s . A r e yo u r e a d y f o r t h a t r e vi va l ? I f s o , t h e n S un n a h f o l l o we r s i s h e r e t o help. By Sister Laila Nasheeba

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Aishah Hasan was an intelligent girl. She loved to reflect on the words of Allah, and she loved to study the life of the prophet Muhammad (May peace and blessings be upon him) and his companions. Aishah loved wearing her headscarf, in fact she wore nothing but the Islamic dress, and she could care less what fashion critics considered what was attractive, and what was not! She felt strong in her faith, and she knew the importance of making good use of her time and health. Although Aishah seemed to be the definition of an ideal muslimah, she soon found out that one particular test in life, would be one that she would never forget. One morning, Aishah decided to go out and sit on her porch so that she could gaze upon Allah's beautiful creation and reflect upon it.

By: Sister Haleemah Harris

Living in a society where Shayta ceived us into falsehood, we ture of this ummah fall into the

ety, many of us see that we ha

identity as muslims. Sister Halee

in this article how we as you

and also the older generation,

back to the origins of our iden mah.

lims and improve our situation

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aan has desee the fu-

evils of soci-

ave lost our

emah details

ung muslims,

, can return

ntity as mus-

n as an um-

As she was staring at the swaying trees and the singing birds, her concentration was abruptly broken. Her eye's caught two young women dressed in skimpy clothing, cursing, and talking loudly about trivial things (such as boyfriends). Aishah decided to go back inside and watch some television; surely she could find something beneficial on television, right? Yet again Aishah was disappointed as she saw men and women airing their dirty laundry and exposing their sex scandals to the public. Annoyed, Aishah decided to go for a walk, but was disappointed time after time, as she heard loud music blasting throughout the neighbourhood, she saw men and women openly

fornicating, she saw extreme groups handing out flyers ranting and raving, she saw people fighting everywhere. In a society as such, Aishah noticed that no one seemed to care about being righteous and doing what is right. Aishah began to feel depressed, the next day wasn't any different, neither was the day after that, and so society continued to indulge in evil. Aishah felt strange, and alone. Although she had experienced weakness before, this time her weakness was much more overwhelming.

Take a look around my muslim brothers and sisters. What do you see? Do you see what Aishah Hasan has seen?

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? A world full of sex, drugs, and music! What do you hear? Do you hear the foul language being used regularly amongst people? How about the useless gossip we are surrounded by, is that what you hear? Ask yourselves, what do people dream about? Pay attention to the people around you, and their actions, and you will find that most people dream about money, cars, materialistic things, and the opposite sex. Most people live for their desires, and with each look you take, with each word you hear, it's not hard to figure out that most people are misguided! Who are these people that Aishah saw? Some will say that it was the non-believers that she observed, but those "some" would be wrong! We as Muslims already know what to expect from the unbelievers, Aishah's weakness came from observing her Muslim brothers and sisters in Islam!

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We are living in a time where the Sunnah of the prophet (pbuh) has been forgotten by many. Many have deviated and have made up their own rules in Islam. Others know Allah's commands and they know the prophet Muhammad's (pbuh) Sunnah, but their desires have become top priority. Many muslims twist the Sunnah and become extreme or negligent, while others believe the Sunnah has no importance at all, choosing only to follow the Qur'an. These people neglect the fact that the Qur'an itself tells us to follow the prophet (pbuh)!

of the fittest, but for us Muslims this is wrong. Instead for us, it is about the revival of the fittest. The revival of the Sunnah, and Allah's way within our hearts is crucial to our success not only here on earth, but in the hereafter as well.

Although we live in a world filled with people who are driven by their evil desires, we oh Muslims must not give up to revive the Sunnah in our hearts, and keep our hearts purified, we must be patient and turn to Allah. The Qur'an says:

Seek help in patience Most people say, that and prayer; and truly it when it comes to being is hard save for the successful in this world humble minded.(2:45) it's all about the survival

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Even though you may be feeling like Aishah felt, sad, lonely, and depressed, be patient and ask Allah to give you strength. An excellent teacher and scholar of Islam, sister Laila Nasheeba often reminds her students, that the true believers are few, and that there is no easy ticket to Paradise. The prophet (pbuh) in his years of prophet hood, experienced great trials that none of us can ever bear. He experienced his uncles plotting to murder him; he looked around and saw what we see today! He saw idol worshippers, he saw the lewdness and vulgarity of the people around him, and he saw that the majority of the people wanted only to follow their own desires. The wrongdoers were very determined to silence the prophet Muhammad (pbuh) to the extent they would plot to kill, mock, or belittle the people who chose to live the way Allah had commanded. Despite the trials, the Prophet (pbuh) knew his purpose, and was determined to continue to
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fulfil his purpose no matter what! What a beautiful example we have in the prophet (pbuh), Allah tells us in the Qur'an, that Indeed we have in His Messenger a beautiful pattern of conduct (38:21).

true brotherhood and sisterhood, if we are too busy following our own desires, and how can we say we love Allah and His Messenger (pbuh), if we won't even accept all of Allah's commands, and we won't follow the example that Allah provided in the Prophet Muhammad (pbuh)? The So let us be like the Prophet (pbuh) said, prophet (pbuh), and "there is nothing that persevere putting our will take you closer to trust in Allah and reparadise but that I have membering our purpose, enjoined it upon you, which is to worship Al- and there is nothing lah Alone. that will take you closer to Hell but that I have We have to fight hard not to be like the weak warned you from it". that we see going astray on a daily basis! How When the trials, and can we read Qur'an if tribulations of the world we are too busy listenbecome too much, and ing to music? How can your heart feels weak, we guard our chastity if revive it with the Sunwe are too busy worrynah of the prophet Muing and lusting over the hammad (saw). opposite sex? ? How can we come together in
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Look at the prophet's (saw) struggle, and study how he handled his struggles. When the temptations of the world feel like they are getting stronger, seek refuge from it, knowing that Allah will never test you beyond your scope. Know that Allah has blessed us all with the example of the prophet (pbuh), a man who by Allah's leave, has taught us all how to get closer to Allah, and through Allah's Mercy and Will, has taught us how to obtain Paradise. The prophet (pbuh) says: "....you will live to see great difference, so cling to my Sunnah and the Sunnah of the rightly guided caliphs after me, even if it be with your teeth." May Allah bless you oh believers in this journey of the revival of the fittest. Ameen.

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My Hero
He is the star of all stars Special of all special ones, that no man can surpass His name is Muhammed (saas), sent as a messenger Everyone knew him, he was not a stranger He was a human being, just like you and me God chose him as a messenger, that was His decree He was a father, a teacher with pure mind God sent him as a mercy for mankind The more I read about this special man The more I realise my insight has just begun He is humble and never greedy Always thinks of the orphans and the needy He is my teacher, my perfect example, my hero Yearning to emulate him I gaze into the mirror He is the man with the best manners From him, I have learnt how to control my anger Changing my personality, referring to him as my example Always being gentle, kind and patient to all people He brought me from darkness into the light And that from a man who couldnt read nor write Loving him and following the perfect example of my teacher Is my guiding principle for the future
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Confessions of a Convert by A. Muslimah


# 1: I Love to Hijab! In an era in where the headscarf is a national voting issue, a Muslimah can find herself caught in the chaos. But for those of us who are steadfast in our observance of Allahs commands, we do not consider trading in our jilbabs for jumpers even for a second! When I step outside, I know that my hijab sets me apart from my co-workers, family, and peers. I carry a badge of honor not just on my body, but in my heart. And to make it even better, we hijabis sure look fly doing it! Subhanallah, I love my night black hijab, but the next day I may feel inspired to wear my pink jilbab and a matching scarf. And the compliments? Who needs them! But, even non-Muslims admire our style of dress, for we epitomize elegance, femininity, and inner strength. As we fulfill our obligations to Allah ta ala, we must constantly strive to purify our hearts. Our thought-process when dressing is not, What will so-and-so think when they see me? Instead, the true hijabi wonders what does Allah Al-Basir (The AllSeeing) think. Will our Rabb compliment us on the Day of Judgment? Such is the fretful consciousness that drives us to cover our bodies properly while seizing advantage of our right to express our individuality. Prints, pastels, pashminas, and polka dots are just some of the many options for a Muslimah desiring to be distinct yet true to herself and her Din. So, when some bloke asks you Are you hot in that, smile and reflect on the best shade of all: the shade of Allah.

May Allah give us strength, patience, and light. Ameen.


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The Strangers
By: Sister Laila Nasheeba

One of the most daunting say- about this hadith? To answer, ings of the prophet (sa) is the fol- one must understand the hadith lowing hadith: itself.

It is narrated on the authority of Abu Huraira that the Messenger of Allah (may peace be upon him) said: Islam initiated as something strange, and it would revert to its (old position) of being strange. so good tidings for the stranger. - Muslim

Islam occurred during an era in which the world experienced its most bleakest moment . The fall of Rome and the Renaissance marked this era The Dark Ages, and people around the world lost hope as they witnessed the collapse of their societies, culture and values.

In this setting, word began to travel of a strange new way of One might ask, what is daunting life that propagated equality
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amongst the sexes, rights to slaves, and kind treatment towards the poor and orphans. It was this strange ideology that aroused not only the curiosity of the rest of the world, but also hope and values deemed lost forever.

of Islam grow in numbers, Islamic values begin to diminish, even more so at the death of the scholar of Islam.

At the beginning of this era; within what seemed to be months apart, Islam experienced the lost of three of its best learned men; Sheikh So thus Islam began as Albani, Sheikh Uthaymeen and Sheikh Bin Bazz. This something strange year alone the Islamic world took another great loss with Fast forward to the present. the death of Dr. Saleh as Fourteen centuries after the Saleh who was a keen advoadvent of Islam, we find the cate of true Islamic values. Dark Ages replaced by an era of Digital Technology. Islam has become the second largest religion of the So thus as the learned die, world; and due to misrepre- so does Islamic knowledge sentation by deviant extrem- and values with them, leavists, all eyes are glued to the ing the people alone to their middle east in terror, unlike fears and anxieties, much as how they were glued there in it was in the past. And no the past due to hope. wonder, for Islams Prophet Muhammad said it would come to be: Once considered a way of life epitomizing peace and justice for all, Islam now for many epitomizes terror, due to the deviants who misrepresent it. As these deviants
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Narrated Abu Huraira: The Prophet said, "(Religious) knowledge will be taken away (by the death of religious scholars) ignorance (in religion) and afflictions will appear; and Harj

will increase." It was asked, "What is Harj, O Allah's Apostle?" He replied by beckoning with his hand indicating "killing." - Bukhari

Narrated Anas: I will narrate to you a narration which nobody will narrate to you after me. I heard the Prophet saying, "From among the portents of the Hour is that the religious knowledge will be taken away (by the death of religious scholars) and general ignorance (of religion) will appear; and the drinking appear; and the drinking of alcoholic drinks will be

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Ignorance, terror, afflictions, all epitomes of a dark age, yet not all is completely lost. Despite the deviants of Islam, there are some followers who remain true to its original ideology. They live their lives enjoining what is good and forbidding that which is evil. Sticking to the original teachings of Islam they uphold the rights of the sexes, poor and orphaned; while advocating justice, peace and hope.

For those followers who continue to adhere to Islam's original values; and for those followers who continue to advocate hope during these most trying times, for them are the good tidings of support from their prophet. May Allah make us all of those strangers. Ameen! By: Sister Laila Nasheeba
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Shaykh Al Islam

Ibn -Taymiyyah
- A truly great Scholar
By: Sister Laila Nasheeba

It is the fourteenth cent u r y, a n d t h e Mu s l i m wo r l d i s i n c h a o s . Th e pure essence and foundation of Islam ( Ta wh e e d ) , i s b e i n g c o r rupted by Philosophers t r yi n g t o e xp l a i n k n o wl e d g e o f t h e u n s e e n . Th e Muslim military and lands are also in great t u r m o i l . Mu s l i m s a r e a t t a c k i n g Mu s l i m s! ! ! A n d the Ummah cries out to A l l a h f o r t h e a r r i va l o f a l e a d e r wh o wi l l g u i d e them back to the true path.

Th i s wa s t h e s i t u a t i o n o f the Ummah before the a r r i va l o f I b n Ta ym i yya h , a s i t u a t i o n we a s an Ummah can relate to today in the twenty first c e n t u r y. Th e r e vi va l o f t h e S u n nah is a mission that bears a lot of responsib i l i t y, a n d i t t r u l y i s a task of great hardship, thus it is not surprising to learn that those who revived the Sunnah we r e p e o p l e o f g r e a t s t r e n g t h , k n o wl e d g e a n d

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u n d e r s t a n d i n g o f I s l am . Not any person can attain such a status and position, and thus Allah prepares certain men to f u l f i l t h i s t a s k . O n e s u ch m a n i s S h a yk h A l i s l a m i b n t a ym i y ya h . Ma n y p e o ple know this great man, we k n o w h e i s a g r e a t scholar of Islam, but wh a t i s i t t h a t h a s m a d e t h i s m a n d i s t i n c t i ve t o other knowledgeable m e n , wh y i s i t h e h a s b e e n g i ve n t h e t i t l e o f S h a yk h A l i s l a m t h e scholar of islam ?

Shaykh Al Islam Ibn Ta ym i y ya h wa s b o r n i n t o a we l l k n o wn K u r d i s h f a m i l y o f Th e o l o g i a n s , h i s f a m i l y c o n s t i t u t e d o f we l l k n o wn r e p u t a b l e m e n o f k n o wl e d g e ; i n c l u d i n g h i s father Shihabuddeen 'Abd al-Haleem ibn

Ta y m i y y a h , and his grandfather Abu alB a r k a t Ma j d a d - d e e n i b n Ta y m i y y a h al-Hanbali, wh o w a s a t e a c h e r o f t h e H a n b a l i S c h o o l o f l a w. I b n Ta ym i y ya h s f a m i l y h a d m o ve d t o D a m a s c u s d u e t o t h e Mo n g o l i n v a sion during that time, it wa s h e r e t h a t I b n Ta ym i yya h s f a t h e r b e g a n t o d e l i ve r s e r m o n s f r o m t h e p u l p i t o f t h e U m a y ya d Mo s q u e . I t i s n o t a s u r p r i s e t h a t t h e yo u n g I b n t a ym i y ya h f o l l o w e d t h e s t e p s h i s f a t h e r h a d be g a n . I b n Ta ym i y ya h h a d learned from the greatest scholars of his time, one of these being the female scholar Zaynab Bint Ma k k i , f r o m wh o m h e learned hadith.

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A s a yo u n g m a n h e d e vo t e d h i s t i m e t o l e a r n ing secular and religious sciences of his t i m e . H e e xt e n d e d h i s studies to learning Arabic literature and calligr a p h y. I n r e f e r e n c e t o learning the sciences of r e l i g i o n , I b n t a ym i y ya h became a representative of the Hanbali school of thought, as he learned jurisprudence f r o m h i s f a t h e r. E ve n though he became fully d e vo t e d t o t h e H a n b a l i school of thought, he continued his search of learning to acquiring k n o wl e d g e o f t h e Q u r a n and hadith, in addition to this he also studied t h e o l o g y, P h i l o s o p h y, a n d S u f i s m ( wh i c h h e came to refute later on in his life).

H a vi n g p u r s u e d k n o wl edge of Islam, Ibn Ta ym i y ya h wa s f a c e d wi t h t h e s t r u g g l e t o r e vi ve t h e S u n n a h i n a s o c i e t y wh e r e t h e r e we r e m a n y d e vi a n t groups. One such struggle came especially in the understanding of the names and attributes of Allah. Ibn Ta ym i y ya h g r e a t l y r e futed the recourse to k a l a a m t o wa r d s u n d e r standing the Asma Wa S i f a a t ( D i vi n e N a m e s and Attributes), bec a u s e i t wa s n o t t h e wa y i n w h i c h t h e s a l a f came to understand it. I b n Ta ym i y ya h a r g u e d t h a t i t wa s n o t c o r r e c t to use philosophical methods in order to
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understand because to it, if

the it

n a m e s wi t h o u t r e s o r t i n g t o t h e wa s t h e Ta ym i y ya h have from the we n t early as far

and attributes of Allah, Quran and Sunnah. Ibn S a l a f wo u l d h a ve a g r e e d a s s a yi n g t h a t a c c e p t i n g and to wo u l d to jurists also resorted t h i s wi t h o u t h a vi n g t o r e s o r t

method of Allah. Thus

understand to the Quran and Sunt h e J e ws wh o t o o k t h e i r

t h e n a m e s a n d a t t r i b u t e s n a h , wa s t h e s a m e a s Ta y m i y y a h s R a b b i s a s t h e i r g o d s b es t r u g g l e h a d b e g u n wi t h s i d e A l l a h . Ibn the people of authority especially j u r i s t s ; C o n s e q u e n t l y i t i s n o t of m a n y h a d b e g u n t o a c - g r e a t a s t o n i s h m e n t t h at c u s e h i m o f b e in g a n- I b n Ta ym i y ya h h a d b e e n t h r o p o m o r p h i c . N o t o n l y i m p r i s o n e d o n s e ve r a l wa s I b n Ta ym i y ya h d i s - o c c a s i o n s d u e t o h i s o u t l i k e d b e c a u s e h e d i d n ot s p o k e n n e s s , and def o l l o w t h e b e l i e f s t h a t f e n c e o f t h e u n d e r s t a n dwe r e t h e n o r m s o f s o c i - i n g o f c e r t a i n i s s u e s e t y d u r i n g h i s t i m e , s u c h a s t h e N a m e s a nd rather he disliked and Attributes of Allah acspoke the cording to the Salaf- Asscholars for blindly ac- Saleeh (the first 3 gencepting from early jurists erations of Islam).
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the

out

against

I b n Ta ym i y ya h r e vi ve d the Sunnah by dispelling t h e p r a c t i s e s o f g r e at bidahs (innovations) s u c h a s t h e p r a c t i s es of m a k i n g g r a ve s a p l a c e o f wo r s h i p a n d s u p p l i c a t i o n . I b n t a ym i y ya h s a i d t h a t wh e n a Mu s l i m s t a t e s t h e t e s t i m o n y o f f a i t h Th e r e i s n o g o d b u t A l l a h , t he Mu s l i m t e s t i f i e s t h a t A l l a h i s t h e o n l y o n e wo r t h y o f wo r s h i p , t h e r e f o r e going through any other form of intermediate is a form of shirk (associating p a r t n e r s wi t h A l l a h ) . Th i s wa s a g r e a t p r a c t i s e d u r ing the time of Ibn Ta ym i y ya h , b u t h i s g r e a t k n o wl e d g e a n d u n d e r standing of the Sunnah, h a d d r i ve n h i m t o d i s pe l t h e s e n e wl y i n ve n t e d i n n o va t i o n s , a n d e n s u r e that instead the Sunnah wa s r e vi ve d i n a l l a s p e c t s o f wo r s h i p .

Besides the field of Islamic knowledge, Ibn Ta ym i y ya h wa s a l s o i n vo l ve d i n t h e r e s i s t a n c e a g a i n s t t h e Mo n g o l i a n i n va s i o n o f D a m a s c u s . H e struggled greatly in eliminating other misg u i d i n g s e c t s s u c h a s t he K a s r a wa n S h i a i n L e b a n o n , t h e R i f a I S u ff i o r d e r a n d t h e I t t i h a d i ya h School. Th e s t o r y o f I b n Ta ym i y ya h i s o n e o f g r e a t length and detail, and we can only mention a few things accomplished by a m a n o f g r e a t s t a t u s . I bn Ta ym i y ya h wa s a m a n of u n i q u e i n t e l l e c t , a n d his p u r p o s e a n d g o a l wa s a l ready set before this man became the great p e r s o n a l h e i s n o w. A l l a h h a d s e n t t h i s m a n t o r evi ve t h e Q u r a n a n d S u n nah, in a society that c o r r u p t e d I s l a m , t h o u gh
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m a n t o r e vi ve t h e Q u r a n a n d S u n n a h , i n a s o ciety that corrupted Islam, though the chall e n g e wa s o n e t h a t t o o k m u c h s t r e n g t h f r o m h i m , I b n Ta ym i y ya h d i d n o t h e s i t a t e i n a n y wa y t o e n s u r e t h a t t h e S u n n a h wo u l d b e e n f o r c e d i n e ve r y wa y a n d m e a n s p o s s i b l e e ve n i f t h i s meant spending in most of his life behind bars. W it h t h i s I wo u l d l i k e t o e n d wi t h t h e wo r d s t h e g r e a t S c h o l a r, I b n Ta ym i y ya h l i ve d b y:

What can my enemies possibly do to me? My paradise is in my heart; wherever I go it goes with me, inseparable from me. For me, prison is a place of (religious) retreat; execution is my opportunity for martyrdom; and exile from my town is but a chance to travel
B y: S i s t e r L a i l a N a s h e e b a

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Reminder Of A Death

Every Soul shall have a taste of death . And only on the day of Judgement shall you be paid your full recompense. Only he who is saved far from the fire and admitted to the Garden will have attained the object of Life. For the life of this world is but good and chattel of deception.
By: Sister Faizah Sharif 32

Sooner or later everyone no hiding from it, for is to taste death absolutely nothing is hid-

The topic of death is one den from Allah. The signs that we should all take heed and ponder upon. The life of this world is of Allah are clear as we witness many passing away. So many wonder,

only temporary and de- what will happen to ceiving. When Allah decrees for you to die, there is no escape nor is there any turning back. Allah says in the interthem in the grave? The Prophet (sallallaahu 'alaihi wa sallam) has told us what will happen to the dying person.

pretation of the meaning In the moments of every every soul shall taste dying person agony is death [3:185]. The re- experienced Allah says in ality is that everyone will the interpretation of the die at a time and a place meaning and the agony that is only known by the most high. There is of death comes in truth, and that is what you
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wish to avoid [50:19]. The human being is a weak creature that will go through pain at the moments of death. Even our beloved Prophet, (sallallaahu 'alaihi wa sallam) experienced agony. Aishah (radhiAllaahu 'anha) related: Allaah's messenger (sallallaahu 'alaihi wa sallam) had a small vessel of water placed before him. He began to dip his hands in the water, and wiping his face with them. He said: There is none worthy of worship except

Allaah. Indeed death brings with it agonies! Then he raised his hand up and kept repeating, 'In the most exalted company' until his soul was taken and his hand fell limp [Bukhari].

The Prophet (sallallaahu 'alaihi wa sallam) has told us that at the time of death and its agonies, Shaytan will come to us. The Prophet (sallallaahu 'alaihi wa sallam) said: verily, Shaytan comes to you at all circumstance
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At these moments Shay- less body is then tan will do everything to wrapped in a shroud buried in the ground get us to denounce our alone, covered in dirt. As belief in Allah. Today, so the body of the disbemany weak Muslims give liever is being taking in to the whispers of Shaytan. How will it be for them when death approaches them? Will they easily give in to the away for burial, they will be questioned where are you taking me?where are you taking me...? and will fear to be placed in their grave and plead chance. But as for the believer, they will yearn to be placed in their grave. When the angle of death is commanded by Allah to take the soul and the soul reaches and passes the throat, life comes to an end. The heavy, lifeFor those who believe in Allah and obey His command, the trials of the grave will be eased .

whispers of Shaytan and Allah for a second take their seat in the punishment of Hell?

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But for those who disbe- Lord With hesitation lieve in Allah and disobey and an expression of sorHis commands, for them row, the hypocrite will shall they earn what they deserve, the torment of the grave. mumble I dont know. It will then be asked what is your religion? the hypocrite will say Huh? The torment of the grave for the hypocrite is severe. Alone and covered in the earth, no sound do they hear but the foot steps of those leaving the burial. The Prophet (sallallaahu 'alaihi wa sallam) told us that when the dead person is buried two angles - who are black and blue in color named Munkar and anNakeer will inquire the dead asking how is your HummI dont know. Then it will be asked what did you used to say about this man (Muhammad) ? The hypocrite will reply I heard the people saying something about this man, but I dont know about him. For every wrong answer the hypocrite is hit with an iron bare. The angels will reply we knew that you would say that. An opening is made for him
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In paradise and it will be said to him look at what Allah has refused you from. And another opening will be made in the direction of the fire and will be told this is your place, you lived upon it. So the hypo-

When the two angels Munkar and Nakeer approach the believing Muslim, they will be told to sit up and will be asked Who is your Lord With firmness the believer will reply Allah will be asked what is

upon doubt and you died is my lord. And then it crites grave will be made your religion? The benarrowed for him. It will liever will reply my rebe said to the earth, crush him. And the ligion is Islam. And then will be asked what did

hypocrite will be crushed you use to say about this over and over again. The man (Muhammad) ? and cry will be heard by eve- the believer will reply rything that comes near it except for man and jinn. The hypocrite will remain in this state of Judgment. Muhammad, the messenger of Allah come to us with clear signs from Allah Then an opening of the fire and it will be
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torment until the Day of is made in the direction

said to him look at what each day is our last. Each Allah, the exalted has saved you from. And then another opening will be made from the the believer will be told this is your place. Due the believer gives, the grave will be widened and illuminated with and every one of us needs to take the time and ask: What have I done to prepare for for my sins? Have I performed my five daily debt? Have I made amends with all those whom I hurt with my

direction of paradise and death? Have I repented

to the firm answers that prayers? Do I own any

light. Then it will be told tongue or my hands? Do to the believer, sleep, as I have any grudges tothe newly married sleeps. And the believer will remain in this state from his place of sleep. wards anyone? Have I been sincere to Allah, the one who created me? obeyed His messenger like He commanded me? In conclusion, as Muslims we should live our lives as The prophet (sallallaahu

until Allah raises him up Have I followed and

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to say the following supplication when completing the last tashahhud saying: 'O Allaah, verily I seek refuge in you from the punishment of the Hellfire and the torment of the grave; from the fitnah of life and of death; and from the evil fitnah of the false messiah.[Muslim]

We all want salvation and that is attained by obeying Allah and following the says and example of His messenger.

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Learning Islam & the Internet


By: Sister Laila Nasheeba

Seeking knowledge of Islam in the twenty-first century can be easy due to the many available Islamic resources. For example when it comes to learning the sunnah; thanks to the works of early scholars such as Imam Bukhari and Muslim, all one has to do is read the right books. And when it comes to learning Aqeedah, works from renown scholars such as Ibn Tamiyyah have been translated from Arabic into other languages. But of all the resources available, the greatest and most powerful is the internet. Through it one can log onto the digital world of cyberspace; connect and then share with Muslims worldwide. However as delightful as this may seem, there are many dangers awaiting the unsuspecting Muslim who relies on the digital world for knowledge of Islam. In this article I will list some of those dangers.
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1. Beware of the Internet 2. Beware of Internet Schools that sell Scholar Tawheed for a miserable price. The digital world allows anyone to hide behind a computer and be whatever he wants to be, including a scholar of Islam. All that is needed is a good speaking voice, the ability to manipulate words, and the title of Sheikh. If you speak Arabic that makes it even easier. Just throw a few Arabic terms around, manipulate words, and now you are a scholar of Islam! The seeker of knowledge must not be duped by the title of sheikh and he must understand that the true scholars of Islam are rare, few, and busy. While the internet scholars call to cyberspace, the true scholar's call to the Masjid; for the reward of Muslim men is found there, not on the internet. Also Sheikh means old man and many are the old men of cyberspace. Few indeed are its scholars of Islam. Allah says in the interpretation of the meaning: Therefore (O! People) fear not men but fear Me (Allah) and sell not My Signs (verses of the Quran) for a miserable price. If any do fail to judge by (the light of) what Allah hath revealed they are (no better than) unbelievers. Quran ( 5 : 44 ) Also the prophet (sa) said: "When anyone recites the Qur'an, let him ask a reward for it from Allah, for people will arise who will recite the Qur'an and ask a reward for it from men. Al-Tirmidhi Hadees No: 2216

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These are the days in which we are living. Sadly there are many Islamic schools on the internet that teach the basics of Islam; (Tawheed, Quran, Hadith), yet they charge hundreds of dollars. Many of these schools are operated by individuals who are aware of how weak and vulnerable this Ummah can be, and thus they make their living offering Islamic degrees in exchange for money; knowing that a piece of paper does not make one a scholar. In fact the title scholar is not something bought and paid for. Instead it is something earned and given to an individual by his peers. The best scholars of this nation did not possess secular degrees. The seeker of knowledge must understand that a person would do better taking his money and investing it in a technological degree so he can support his family; rather than investing in a piece of paper that lacks

scholarship and monetary gain. Also the best way to learn Islam is the way the prophet (sa) learned and taught it; and that is by sitting directly with the people of knowledge and learning from them.

3. Beware of Fatawah online websites


Imam Muslim narrates in his sahih that Abdullah b. 'Amr b. al-'As reported Allah's Messenger (may peace be upon him) as saying: Verily, Allah does not take away knowledge by snatching it from the people but He takes away knowledge by taking away the scholars, so that when He leaves no learned person, and the people turn to ignorant ones as their leaders; then they are asked to deliver religious verdicts and they deliver them without knowledge, going astray and leading others astray.
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The seeker of knowledge must beware, beware, beware of the Fatawah online websites; and there are hundreds of them. The digital age is an age wherein anyone can make a website; so thus we find many muslims living out their wannabee scholarly dreams with the help of these question and answer websites. A great number of these sites are owned by teen aged children who are not only quick to issue Islamic verdicts, but also quickly make slanderous websites attacking you, if you dare to oppose their decisions. The seeker of knowledge must understand that issuing Islamic verdicts is a serious job to undertake and not all are qualified to do this. If truly searching for an answer to an Islamic issue, I recommend the seeker of knowledge to consult with his or her local Imam. That would be better than consulting with unknown individuals from the internet.

4. The Internet Can Never Replace the Mosque In houses which Allah has ordered to be raised high in them his name is remembered. They glorify him in mornings, afternoons and evenings Quran 24: 36 The seeker of knowledge must realize that the mosque is the house of Allah and it cannot be replaced by a digital house. Muslim men must understand that they cannot pray behind an Imam online, and their rewards lie with Allah in the mosque. It is quite sad to see, Muslim men sitting on the internet when they should be spending that time in the Masjid. Even during the most holy month of the year, we find these men sitting on the internet claiming to give dawah, when they need to be at the Masjid.

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I strongly encourage the seeker of knowledge to attach himself or herself to a good Masjid and make that the center of his/her life, for a good Masjid has a good Imam and a good Imam is a counselor, advisor, and comforter for the Muslim. Cyberspace is filled with much deviance, uncertainty and doubt, which can lead one down an unending path of doom. Allah commands us to follow the straight path which is a path footed upon true guidance, certainty and light. That path is best found by sticking with a good community of Muslims in the real world, not the wanabee dreamers of the digital world. May Allah keep us all upon the straight pathAmeen

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The Drive to

By: Sister Christina Martin Mukhtar 46

The drive to Hope, Arkansas seemed much longer than usual. Maybe it was because I was excited to see my family again after such a long time. Maybe it was because I was ready for the slight break I would get from the baby, as his happy grandparents spoiled him even more rotten. Or maybe it was because I was more than happy to leave the hectic movement of Houston behind for a few days.

exist in all stages, from the Niqabi complete with black gloves; to the modern girl in jeans and long shirts with a snug, two piece Hijab; to busy lady with a simple Dupata or Shayla that seems to have been tossed around her head with little thought. I love living in Houston, just for this reason. Forget what you hear about Texas being the epitome of all things redneck. Depending on where you are in Texas, you are free to do, say, or wear whatever you want, and live But I knew these were not however you want. the reasons. The real reason was because I was nervous about a decision I had made. Many of the people I grew For the first time, I would up with, even those be wearing my Hijab in the younger than me have very small town of Hope. narrow and unbending views on religion, to the point that if one goes to a I have been Muslim for Baptist church, all other many years, but living in denominations are doomed Houston Texas, with its large to hell. and diverse Muslim community, there is little reason to fear wearing the Hijab. We
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A seven hours drive north, Hope, Arkansas is almost proud of how small and country it is. Its highest, and maybe only, achievement is being the birthplace of former President Bill Clinton, and even he moved away when he was about five years old. The people, though friendly, are all the same; born and raised there, go to church there, die there. Hope would not be easy for a Muslim, or, for that matter, anyone who did not go to one of the mainstream Protestant churches. Not only would you be totally isolated from the nearest Muslim community (two hours away in Little Rock), you would not fair well with the locals. Arkansas, along with the rest of the South, is a strong and proud believer in the slogan These Colors Dont

Run which was introduced soon after 9/11. Many people in Arkansas view the world as being US and THEM. Few of them can tell you where Iraq or Afghanistan is on a globe, but it doesnt matter because they aint US. The Klan keeps a low profile, but it is very much alive. Many of the people I grew up with, even those younger than me, have very narrow and unbending views on religion, to the point that if one goes to a Baptist church, all other denominations are doomed to hell. And thats just the other Christians! Imagine what happens to a non-Christian!! A person who is not saved is pitied by all, and so is the sinners family. Every effort and opportunity will be used to convince this person to go to church. Repent, and be born again. A person who
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walks away from the faith altogether, what shame has this person brought to his parents! Oh, how his mother must cry for his lost soul! They must not have raised that child in church; they must have failed God in some way. How can such people ever set foot in church again? These thoughts were running through my head as our trip wound down. I was getting more and more nervous as the mile markers ticked off the miles. I was worried not only for myself about wearing this foreign piece of cloth on my head, but also for my family. Would they be embarrassed to be seen with me? Would they ask or tell me to take it off before going out with me? Would people start berating them with questions once I left, how could you let Tina go off and

do such a thing? She used to sing solos in church, she went to church camp and bible school every summer, she had twelve years of perfect attendance in Sunday School.

This is what happens when you let your daughters marry a foreigner, a non-Christian. Yoking a believer to a nonbeliever, as the bible says. She leaves the faith and becomes lost just like him! All these ridiculous accusations are totally groundless, of course. My husband had nothing to do with my conversion to Islam. Yes, I had always been involved in church activities but in reality they had gotten me no where, which was why I was involved in all of them always looking for something
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else to try. I was looking for God in feel good campfire songs and car washes to raise money to go to Six Flags. Never once did God or Jesus speak to my heart. I was in church every time the door was open, but I never felt like I was there. When it came time for me to get saved (the second time, because the first time didnt work) I had just repeated the simple prayer of a visiting revival preacher who didnt know me from Eve, and suddenly, I am born again?

at Texarkana.

On this trip, however, whenever I heard that voice, I would close my eyes; take a deep breath and say, Audhubillah min ash-shaytan nir-rajim. When we passed the Flying J at Mandeville: Audhubillah min ash-shaytan nir-rajim. When we passed Fulton: Audhubillah min ashshaytan nir-rajim. When we passed the truck weigh station, just outside of Hope: Audhubillah min ash-shaytan nir-rajim. Driving through Every once in a while, on this Hope: Audhubillah min ashtrip to Hope, I would hear shaytan nir-rajim. that familiar little voice in my head, Just take it off, its I would make the same duah okay, you can do it next time, many times that week, Ya Alyoull be stronger next time. lah, I am relying on You to get The same voice I had heard so me through this week. And many times before, on this only You can help me, only same highway, going to the You can get me through this same destination. And always test. I saw it as no coincion trips before, I would finally dence that Laila Nasheeba had give into the voice at the just days before given a lecstate line, which we crossed ture during the Tawheed class
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Tawheed Class on Reliance on Allah. This lecture spoke directly to me, and I knew that Allah had put it on her heart to give it right before I went to Hope, alhumdulillah, and I am sure that it had also touched many of the other students in different ways as they try to deal with their own tests in life.

I had expected it to be hard, I had expected that I would be too scared or shy to speak or even to look anyone in the eyes. But alhumdulillah, I suddenly found that wearing hijab-MY hijab-was not difficult at all. After so many years of being afraid to wear it in my home town, I realized I had been I was no longer going to let scared for nothing! I was the potential glares and suddenly proud to wear it. rude comments of ignorant people keep me from following Allahs command. I wore my hijab the whole time I was there, and I looked everyone in the eye
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to make sure they knew I was not going to take it off for anyone. I went to Hot Springs with my mom, I went to our favourite catfish place outside of Hope, I went to the Hope Wal Mart, the ultimate test for any Muslimah. Every single person I knew in Hope could possibly be there, and even my husband didnt want me to go. But once again, I closed my eyes; I took a deep breath, Audhubillah min ash-shaytan nir-rajim. I walked in and kept my head up. Alhumdulillah, once again I felt Allahs protection and my fear gave way to determination.

And I realized something else-I had been ignorant as well! All these years I had been afraid of what people might say, I had never really given then a chance to say anything at all! All those years I could have been wearing hijab, following Allahs command, not living as a hypocrite, but I had just assumed it would be difficult. I had never prayed that duah before then, I had never asked Allah to help me to remain strong. I had never relied on Allah before. I had failed this test so many times, and now, alhumdulillah, I felt totally indestructible! No one could harm me, no one could hurt me. I was under Allahs protection. I was following His Command to cover. I was showing the world who and what I really was. I was representing my religion, proudly, and maybe I was the first Muslimah to ever wear hijab in Hope, Ar-

kansas. Who knows? Maybe, there was another 18 year old country girl, reading about Islam for the first time or maybe she is wondering if it is really possible to live as a covered Muslim woman all of the time, no matter where you are. And maybe she saw me wearing hijab, maybe she realized that wearing the hijab isnt as bad as it may seem.

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Time
The usage of time is very essential in Islam. As Muslims, we should invest our time in those things that will bring benefit to us in both this life and in the hereafter. We should allow no time to pass, regardless of how short it is. Here are some brief tips on how to spend our free time.

Remember and reflect upon Allah: His names, His attributes, ponder upon His Creation. Glorify him by saying SubhnaAllah, Alhamdulillah, Allahu Akbar. Reflect and thank Allah for the countless blessings He has bestowed upon you. Reflect upon the Hereafter. Ask yourself are you on the road to paradise or are you on the road to the Hellfire? Reflect and assess yourself. Take the time to sit down with yourself, evaluating, and inquire what are my deficiencies and how can I improve them. Am I involving myself in activities which will bring me closer to Allah or activities that will distant me for Him? Ask yourself, am I obeying Allah and His messenger? Supplicate to Allah: Sincerely repenting for your major sins Seeking knowledge from those who are qualified to teach. Learn and memorize hadith and follow it up with action. Read the Quran with understanding and take heed to the words of Allah.

These are just some tips you can do to use your time in a beneficial way. Put your priorities in order By: Sister Faiza Sharif
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Ask the Scholar ?


Dear Sheikh, My husband and I have been married for 10 years. I became Muslim to marry him but we never practiced Islam before. Alhumduliallah he has guided me to SunnahFollowers and now I am doing my best to be the best Muslim I can be, but my husband refuses to practice. What can I do to help my husband to start practising and living Islam.

Answered by, Jamel Ben Ameur

Al Hamdulillah wassalatu Wassalamu Ala Rasulillah. All praises are due to Allah and peace be upon the prophet Muhammed (SAW) In answer to a question concerning sisters guided to the path of Allah, and living with a Muslim husband, but not practicing Islam and in some cases preventing them or giving them hard time in fulfilling the commands of Allah.
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I say with the help of Allah and His Tawfeeq, O! sisters in Eman, I would like first to remind you the story of one of the greatest women in the history of human kind, Aasiyah, the wife of Pharoah : And Allah sets forth an example, to those who believe, of the wife of Pharoah when she said: My Lord! build for me a house with Thee in the garden and deliver me from Pharoan and his wrongdoing, and deliver me from the unjust people Quran The wife of Pharoah was confronted to a tremendous trial: hold onto the deen of Allah, or submit to the tyranny of Pharoah to save herself from being killed. By doing so, she could keep her status of a queen and live in the most luxurious life style. However with the blessing of Allah she chose Islam. She chose the real luxurious life. The wife of Pharoah is a role model for all the believers male and female and her story is guidance and mercy to us and especially for those sisters who are encountering difficulties within the household. In consideration of this great story of the wife of Pharoah, follow directives that InshaAllah help to face the issue mentioned in the following pages:

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Purification actions:
1-Let the starting point be the classification of your priorities in life in order to know how to act. Know that the highest priority for every believer is to submit to Allah by fulfilling His command in his lifetime. This is in fact the purpose of life of every believer. And know that Eman is a gift from Allah as Allah said : And it is not for a soul to believe except by Allah's permission. (10:100) 2- Eman is the greatest gift that has been given to you. Keep reminding yourself of this great bounty from Allah by doing a lot of remembrance of Allah. O ye who believe! Remember Allah with much remembrance. And glorify Him morning and evening. He it is Who sends His blessings on you, and (so do) His angels, that He may bring you forth out of utter darkness into the light; and He is Merciful to the believers. Their salutation on the day that they meet Him shall be, Peace, and He has prepared for them an honourable reward. 033 - 41 to 44. 3- No obedience to any one when he calls to the disobedience of Allah as the prophet (saws) instructed us. Therefore this rule constitutes the foundation for any action of the believer in his life.
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Conciliation actions: 4- First seek correction within the household by advice not insult, by kindness not dispute. 5- Show extra care and kindness and make it clear that this better behavior is the result of the practice of the deen. 6- Express the happiness you live, the sweetness you feel and the tranquility you have. Imply that this started with the coming back to Allah. And express to him that your great wish is to live together this great experience. 7- Communicate to him that real happiness goes into the eternity and that you want to share this together. 8- Specify that you are still the same person he knows, but what changed is a gift you got from Allah that you wish it will encompass the whole family. 9- Show pride and express that independence will not harm you as long as Allah is with you. But show that your eagerness for him to repent is an expression of your love to him.

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10- Make Dua for him in all the prayers and make special prayers. The best time to do that is the last third of the night. 11- If this will not work, then remember your priority which is to please Allah. In fact, living with someone that puts obstacles between you and Allah does contradict with the purpose of your life. In this case separation is required to save your deen which is your life.

Allah says:

And whosoever keeps his duty to Allah, Allah will appoint a way out for him. And give him sustenance from whence he thinks not; and whoever trusts in Allah, He is sufficient for him; surely Allah attains His purpose; Allah indeed has appointed a measure for everything. 65-3&4.

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The REVIVAL

Of the

HEART
By: Sister Mercy Cruz (Umm Malik)

All acts of disobedience are poison to the heart, which causes its sickness and destruction. As its sickness worsens and increases, it thus leads to deviation from the path of Allah. In order to protect the health of our hearts, we must get rid of the effects of such poisons and should guard ourselves against them. Falling victim to the poisons of the heart will gradually result in having a hardened heart. And if ever taken any of the poisons by

mistake, we should hasten to clean ourselves from its bad effects by immediately turning to Allah in repentance, and doing good deeds to expiate our sinful actions. Of all the acts of disobedience which are all poisons of the heart, there are four which are widespread and have the greatest effect to the heart. These four poisons are: Unnecessary talk Failure to lower the gaze Excessive eating
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Engaging in any of these four will cause serious damage to the heart, thus making the heart hard and unhealthy.

lower the gaze. There is a connection between the eyes and the heart. When we fail to protect what we see, it leads us to become attracted to the image, imprinting the When we mention unnecesimage in our heart, and consary talk we are referring to sequently causing severe backbiting, obscene and misdamage to our hearts. leading talk, showing off or debating in any form, as well as lying and mockery. Lets It has been related that the hear what the Prophet prophet (s.a.w) once said (s.a.w) had to say about the words to the effect: The heart and how unnecessary glance is a poison arrow talk is effected by it. from Shaytan. Whoever lowIt is reported in al-Musnad, ers his gaze for Allah, He will on the authority of Anas, that bestow upon him a refreshthe Prophet (s.a.w) said: ing sweetness which he will The faith of a servant is not find in his heart on the day with put right until his heart is put t h a t h e m e e t s right, and his heart is not put Him. (Tabarani) right until his tongue is put right. Shaytan enters the heart In the hadith mentioned with the glance, for he travels above, we learn that in order fast. He makes what we see to correct our faith we must appear to be more attractive first correct our tongues. than what it really is, building for us an idol for We also mentioned failure to
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the heart to worship. Then he starts to whisper false promises, lights the fire of evil desires with it, and fuels it with wood of forbidden actions, which we would have not engaged in if it was not for this distorted image. As a result, it causes the heart to be distracted and forgetful of our main concern, the remembrance of Allah. Small amounts of food guarantee us tenderness of the heart, strong intellect, humbleness, and gentle behaviour. Excessive eating results us to become in opposition to all of these praiseworthy qualities. Al-Miqdam Mad ibn Yakrib said: I heard the Messenger of Allah (s.a.w) say: The son of Adam fills no vessel more displeasing to Allh than his stomach. A few morsels should be enough for him to preserve his strength. If he

must fill it, then he should allow a third for his food, a third for his drink and leave a third empty for easy breathing. (Tirmidhi) Excessive eating makes the heart incline towards disobedience to Allah. Due to excessive eating worship and obedience become difficult to do because of the heaviness of the body. As a result of extensive eating, it deprives us from earning the love of Allah by preventing us from doing good deeds throughout our day. It becomes an easy task for Shaytan to deceive one who has filled his or her stomach with too much food and drink, which is why it is so often said: Restrict the pathways of Shaytan by fasting. (al-Ghazzallis al-Ihya, 8/1488)

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And lastly, but not the least important poison of the heart, is the keeping of bad company. Unnecessary companionship is a chronic disease that causes much harm. In keeping such company we can find the roots of loss, both in this life and in the hereafter. In an authentic Hadith, Prophet Muhammad (s.a.w) said: Man is influenced by the faith of his friends. Therefore, be careful of whom you associate with, as wrong company can cause us to deviate, and become heedless to the commands of Allah (s.w.t) and the Prophet (s.a.w). Now, the question is how can we revive our hearts and soften them? The same way all of the above mentioned poisons of the heart make us deviate away from obedience to Allah, making our hearts ill with evil desires and actions,

controlling them will only bring the pleasure and reward of Allah. Thus, acts of obedience are indispensable to the well being of the heart. It is worthwhile to mention the following acts of obedience, since they are very necessary and essential to keep a soft and healthy heart: Remembrance of Allah: Allah says (in the interpretation of the meaning): for men and women who guard their chastity and for men and women who engage much in Allahs praise for them has Allah prepared forgiveness and great reward. (33:35)

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Also, He is successful who purifies himself. And remembers the Name of his Lord, and prays. (87:14-15)

Allah also says: Those who believe, and whose hearts find comfort in the remem- Making Dua: brance of Allah, behold, in the Remembrance of Allah Verily your Lord is Generdo hearts find satisfacous and Shy. If His servant tion. (13-28) raises his hands to Him (in supplication) He becomes Recitation of the Quran: shy to return them Allah says (in the interpreta- empty. (Ahmad, Abu Dation of the meaning): And wood, Tirmidhi) We send down of the Quran that which is a healing and a mercy to those who believe (in Islamic Monotheism and act on it), and it increases the Zaalimoon (polytheists and wrongdoers) nothing but loss (17:82) Seeking forgiveness from Allah: Allah says: Implore Me, I will respond to your (invocation). Surely, those who are too arrogant to worship Me will surely enter enter Hell in humiliation!. (40:60)

Allah says (in the interpretation of the meaning): O you who believe! Turn to Allah in sincere repentance! It maybe that your Lord will remove your evil from you... (66:8)

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Sending Blessings Upon the Prophet (saw): Allah says (in the interpretation of the meaning): Lo! Allah and His angels shower blessings on the Prophet. O ye who believe! Ask blessings on him and salute him with a worthy salutation. (33:56) The Prophet (s.a.w) also said: For one who sends blessings upon me once, Allah will send ten fold blessings in return (Muslim and others). May Allah keep our hearts pure and clean from any evil. May He help us to recognize our faults and immediately turn to Him in repentance, may He keep us in the straight path always and may He send peace, blesings, and mercy upon Muhammad. Ameen.
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Coming Back to the Sunnah


In this article Sister Christy Crouse a student of SunnahFollowers shares her experience of her journey coming back to the Sunnah. Many of us declare that we follow the Sunnah to its truthfulness. But what if you found out that all along you had been following something of great deviance. Sister Zanooba details her journey to her path back to the Sunnah and the effect it has had on her.
begging him submissively to guide me, and I was determined that I would not allow arrogance to accompany me in my journey for knowledge.

A while ago I was asked, why I am no longer Shia, and what the difference is in how I practiced Islam then, and how I practice now. I will attempt to answer those questions in this article insh It wasnt until I got on the Allah. internet that I learned about the difference between Shia First let me start by saying, and Sunni. I always thought it was not up to me, it was the only difference was that Allah who guided me, I Sunnis pray with their arms poured my heart out to Allah up while Shia prays with their arms down.
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On yahoo chat I met with many different kinds of Muslims and argued about religion. I was so arrogant to think I could teach when I myself had no knowledge, I argued against Sunnis and did not even know what they believed from their own sources, all my information was from the mouths of my Shia teachers and friends. One day as I was arguing with a former shia I was made aware of my arrogance and lack of knowledge, He asked me what books I had studied from, and asked me for my proof, all I could say was that my knowledge came from what I had heard through people, he informed me that in Islam there are no opinions and we have to have proof for everything. Feeling defeated, I decided to get the proof but all I really got were peoples opinions of the historical facts. When I asked for proof I was pointed to Shia books and given emotionally motivated

stories. During the life of the Prophet Mohammed (pbuh) there were countless sahabahs that had surrounded him, just to name a few were, Abu Bakr, Omar, Uthman, Ali, Abu Sufyan and Muawiya r.a. He loved his companions and considered them the best amongst mankind, If the prophet loved his companions who was I to hate them? Narrated Abdullah: The Prophet pbuh said, "The best people are those living in my generation, and then those who will follow them, and then those who will follow the latter. We can determine by the Quran and Hadiths that we have to follow the prophet and his companions.

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Allah has told us in the Holy Quran about the duty of Prophet Mohammed pbuh in the interpretation of the meaning,

Shia have was an allegation of the prophets intentions while he was on his death bed. The prophet made it clear in regards to who should succeed him by re"And We have sent down questing that Abu Bakr lead unto you the Message; that the prayer As is evident in that you may explain the authentic Hadith : clearly to men what is sent for them, and that they Narrated 'Aisha: (The may give thought." mother of believers) Allah's Apostle during his fatal ailment said, "Order Abu Bakr Allah also says, to lead the people in "And obey Allah and the prayer." I said, "If Abu Bakr Messenger, that ye may ob- stood at your place (in prayers, the people will not tain mercy." be able to hear him because of his weeping, so orClearly the first example af- der 'Umar to lead the peoter the Quran that we ple in prayer." He again should follow is the example said, "Order Abu Bakr to of the prophet Mohammed lead the people in prayer " (pbuh) Then I said to Hafsa, "Will The basis of the Shia beliefs you say (to the Prophet), 'If is in the way the Ummah Abu Bakr stood at your was governed following the place, the people will not death of the prophet Mo- be able to hear him be hammed. The Shia believe cause of his weeping, so orAli should have been the der 'Umar to lead the peofirst caliph but there was no ple in prayer?" Hafsa did proof of this, as a matter of so. fact the proof is to the contrary. The only proof the
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Although the prophet did not make any clear statements that Abu Bakr should be the reigning Caliph, he has mentioned that people should come to Abu Bakr r.a if the prophet was not available one example of that is below: Narrated Jubair bin Mutim: A woman came to the Prophet who ordered her to return to him again. She said, "What if I came and did not find you?" as if she wanted to say, "If I found you dead?" The Prophet said, "If you should not find me, go to Abu Bakr." Furthermore every human who is living will die, and Allah the exalted said about the prophet Mohammed (pbuh):

believers)? And he who turns back on his heels, not the least harm will he do to Allh, and Allh will give reward to those who are grateful Allah also warned us against elevating the prophet Mohammed pbuh but the shia have raised the Prophet and their Imams to a level of infallibility making him perfect and following his lineage. But Allah clearly told us in the interpretation of the meaning, Muhammad is not the father of any of your men, but (he is) the Messenger of Allah, and the Seal of the Prophets: and Allah has full knowledge of all things. An alleged incident ensued after the death of the prophet Mohammed regarding his beloved daughter Fatima *May Allah give her the highest level in paradise*, the shia claim that Abu Bakr, Omar and Uthman marched over to Alis r.a
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Muhammad pbuh is no more than a Messenger, and indeed (many) Messengers have passed away before him. If he dies or is killed, will you then turn back on your heels (as dis-

house, threatened Fatima with burning down her house, then kicked in her door, causing her to have a miscarriage which eventually led to her death. If this were actually the case Ali r.a would have never stood by silently, He would have stood on the highest pulpit and announced the injustice done to the Prophets daughter, But he did not, nor did he announce to anybody that he should have been the reigning caliph and his continuous friendship with Abu Bakr was proof that this was an outrageous lie. The incident was said to have occurred because of Fatimas resistance to give up the property of fadak. Narrated 'Aisha: Fatima sent somebody to Abu Bakr asking him to give her her inheritance from the Prophet from what Allah had given to His Apostle through Fai (i.e. booty gained without fighting). She asked for the Sadaqa

(i.e. wealth assigned for charitable purposes) of the Prophet at Medina, and Fadak, and what remained of the Khumus (i.e., onefifth) of the Khaibar booty. Abu Bakr said, "Allah's Apostle said, 'We (Prophets), our property is not inherited, and whatever we leave is Sadaqa, but Muhammad's Family can eat from this property, i.e. Allah's property, but they have no right to take more than the food they need.' By Allah! I will not bring any change in dealing with the Sadaqa of the Prophet (and will keep them) as they used to be observed in his (i.e. the Prophet's) life-time, and I will dispose with it as Allah's Apostle used to do," Then 'Ali said, "I testify that None has the right to be worshipped but Allah, and that Muhammad is His Apostle," and added, "O Abu Bakr! We acknowledge your superiority." Then he (i.e. 'Ali) mentioned their own relationship to Allah's Apostle and their right.
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Abu Bakr then spoke saying, "By Allah in Whose Hands my life is. I love to do good to the relatives of Allah's Apostle rather than to my own relatives" Abu Bakr added: Look at Muhammad through his family (i.e. if you are no good to his family you are not good to him).

structed him that none shall inherit from him which meant he had to refuse inheritance to Fatima, and even Aisha , He was steadfast in his decision though as to not deviate away from the will of the prophet, and even instructed Aisha r.a to relinquish her own inheritance when he should pass away, in order to cause unity Narrated 'Aisha: Fatima in the Ummah. and Al'Abbas came to Abu Bakr, claiming their inheri- Another point of guidance tance of the Prophet's land for me was when I was prayof Fadak and his share ing in the mosque, and as a from Khaibar. Abu Bakr Shia I prostrated on a clay said, "I heard the Prophet tablet with Arabic words saying, 'Our property is written on it, at first I not inherited, and what- couldnt read those words ever we leave is to be but I took an Arabic class given in charity. But the and learned to put letters family of Muhammad can together forming words. As I take their sustenance from stood in prayer I concenthis property.' By Allah, I trated on the rock, putting would love to do good to the letters together, Alif the Kith and kin of Allah's Lam Ya , then Ha Sin Ya Nun Apostle rather than to my which spelled Ali, and Husown Kith and kin." sain . I immediately stopped praying and grabbed the Abu Bakr was put in an im- rock further investigating it possible position, on one looking for at least the word hand the Prophet pbuh in- ALLAH to appear but it
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wasnt there, it wouldnt have mattered anyway because Allah is not a clay tablet. As I stood there with tears flowing down my face begging Allah to forgive me, I recalled the story of the Arab pagans worshipping idols formed from clay. The sad thing is many Shia pray on this rock not knowing the significance or that it is associating partners with Allah.

at my side, and most importantly I adhere to Tawheed (Islamic Monotheism)

Since I started following the true Sunnah, Allah has given me many blessings. He has given me a pious husband, a healthy baby, a wonderful teacher, good friends and a large Muslim community. Alhamdoolilah, Allah is the best of planners and the one who guides. From Darkness to Light, Allah guides whom My life has changed so much he wills to his light. since accepting the Sunnah, I no longer add Alis name in the Azan, I also pray five separate times a day instead of combining the five prayers to three times i.e morning, afternoon and evening, unless of course I am traveling. I no longer wait until its almost Isha prayer time to break my fast, During the tashahud (which is the last part of the prayer while sitting on ones legs) I recite the Ta h i y a t (greetings) differently as well, I put my hands on my chest when I pray instead of

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Living in an Interest Society


By Sister Amira Larhrissi

The Muslim population is growing at a steady pace here in the United States, a country who are in times of economic hardship. We hear daily on the news We need to reduce the deficit, Businesses cant afford new investments because of high

cost of borrowing, as well as the money just cant be found. We as Muslims are living in a society of the buy now pay later while we watch this country sink deeper and deeper in debt. Allah s.w.t. tells us in the Quran about interest:
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Those who devour usury will not stand except as stands one whom the devil by his touch has driven to madness. That is because they say: Trade is like usury: but Allah has permitted trade and forbidden usury.... Allah will deprive usury of all blessing, but will give increase for deeds of charity, for He loves not any ungrateful sinner.... O you, who believe, fear Allah and give up what remains of your demand for usury, if you are indeed believers. If you do it not, take notice of war from Allah and His messenger, but if you repent you shall have your capital sums; deal not unjustly, you shall not be dealt with unjustly. And if the debtor is in difficulty, grant him time till it is easy for him to repay. But if you remit it by way of charity, that is best for you if you only knew. [Surah al Baqarah, verse 275-280 ].

The question is how as Muslims living in the United States do we avoid interest when we are surrounded by it? Think with me a moment, we wake up daily in our bed that we bought on 90 days same as cash, We shower in the home that we bought on interest paying monthly for the next 30 years, we put on our clothes that was placed on that credit card that you have your precious cats picture placed on it, and then get into your car that is yet again bought on interest driving down a road that was paved in government debt. The daily life in the western world revolves around interest. Allah s.w.t knows best when he tells us DONT DEVOUR USURY! We as Muslims need to take heed of this command and not take on the typical attitude of I live in the USA so therefore I have no choice. That is only an excuse.

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The key to getting out of debt is BUDGET. Many put money in the bank and swipe the credit card with every purchase not knowing if what they just purchased was the power bill or maybe the money needed for that emergency car repair or worse, a sick child.

ters escape from it. The key to getting out of debt is BUDGET. Many put money in the bank and swipe the credit card with every purchase not knowing if what they just purchased was the power bill or maybe the money needed for that emergency car repair or worse, a sick child. We all have the inner child inside us that say I want it now Many of us are living pay but we must learn to say check to pay check with NO! debts growing more and more. We all must learn that money is active. Learn to The first step to getting out manage money or it will of debt is preparing for the manage you. I can attest to future, that emergency WILL this because my money man- happen. Step one- Save aged me most my life until $1,000 for emergencies. This one day I found myself is a must before even trying drowning. I learned the 3 to tackle your debt. Many key points of getting out of ask How do I do that when I debt and 11 months later I cant even pay my water was $22,000 out of debt. Af- bill? You will be surprised ter reading in Sahih Bukari at how much you blow eatin the book of funerals, I ing out and spending on unread the punishments of the necessary things. You pay grave for those who lived in minimums on all debts, sell this life dealing in interests things you dont need and and it made me more deter- brothers if you need to work mined to not deal in it and more than one job then DO to help my brothers and sis- IT.
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I worked two jobs for two years on my debt free journey and it paid off. Write everything you spend money on from Star Bucks coffee to that prescription you fill. Start eliminating the unnecessary spending. Beans and rice will replace that Big Mac Super Size Meal. Step two- The written budget. This is the one thing that truly changed my life. Writing everything down you pay for and put a dollar to every category until your budget zeros out. The budget is the key to getting out of debt. Once you write out your budget and you put an amount by that category then this is what you have to spend for that pay period. These will be given their reward twice over, because they are patient, and repel evil with good, and spend out of what we have provided them. [Surah Al-Qasas verse 54]

For example if you have $250 for groceries you cannot spend more than that amount and once its gone its GONE until next pay day. Step Three is Charity. Allah s.w.t tells us in many verses of the Quran to give and he will meet our needs. For example Allah s.w.t said in Surah Al-Qasas verse 54, These will be given their reward twice over, because they are patient, and repel evil with good, and spend out of what we have provided them. Charity is the key to rewards twice over. If we Muslims would take these three things save, budget, and charity and put them in place we can learn to save for what we need and live as Allah s.w.t. commands. Learn to live below your means, save for what you need, pay cash and give to others. Allah s.w.t. gave us the perfect and complete way to live as Muslims even in a corrupt society. Take heed and live as he prescribes and we can all live in the western society without devouring usury.
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Self Defence
During the time of the prophet Muhammad (saw), the prophet encouraged his companions to gain all sorts of different skills. From archery, swimming, and wrestling, the sahabahs expanded their skills to many areas. However in this day and age, we as an ummah seem to lack in simple life skills. Of them all is the skill of self defence. The muslims is advised to be always equipped and ready to whatever circumstances they may be put in. It is of great importance that the muslim, especially the muslim sisters, know how to defend themselves if ever put in a situation where they are in danger of harm. As muslims we should accept reality, therefore we do not turn our other cheek. In this article Brother Hamza shares some skilful tactics we could use, if ever put in a situation whereby we need to defend ourselves.

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Islam is the true religion, a faith upon the middle path. We are neither extreme in violence nor do we go to extremes with peace. We have the right to defend ourselves from aggressors. As Muslims we understand protection and security comes from Allah. .But like everything else in life we do everything in our own power and we rely on Allah. We should not be weak, fearful, and inactive because we are muslims. Our deen does not require us to become cowardly. As a matter of fact our noble prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) has told us that Allah loves the strong muslim more than the weak muslim. We are living in a time period when no human being is safe from the hands of another. Rape, murder, assaults, and other violent crimes run rapid. I know statistically here in America a woman is violently attacked every 6 seconds. Since those numbers are so staggering I encourage all muslims and especially the muslim sisters to learn some form of self defence. Since many of us do not have the time or money to receive martial arts training, I'm putting together this article and insha Allah more in the future to teach you a few basic techniques to use against common street attacks. What I will be addressing in this issue is an attacker choking you with both hands around your throat. This form of attack is very common in domestic assaults and rapes so its extremely important for Muslimahs to learn how to defend against this type of attack.

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Here in photo 1 it shows my attacker applying the choke. Remember when you train with these techniques start out slow and with little resistance. Once your comfortable with the movements then you can pick up speed and your training partner can begin increasing the amount of force used when applying the choke.

In photo 2 I'm stepping back with my dominant leg and keeping weight on my front leg. This prevents the aggressor from knocking me off balance.

Next in the third picture I am raising both my arms up and in between his arms until my elbows are above his forearms. If this is done correctly his grip should already be breaking down.

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Immediately after this in photo 4 I am driving both of my elbows down and out. By now his grip should be completely broken. After breaking his grip I am driving both my thumbs into his eye sockets in the fourth picture. To some this may seem a little extreme but in reality if someone' is choking the life out of you, they are not very concerned about your personal well-being either .Trying to play nice and by the rules only cripples your techniques and puts you at a disadvantage. Remember when you train eye gouging with a partner put your thumbs on your partners eyebrows instead of their eyes so as not to injure them.

In photo 5 I am grabbing the back of his head and smashing him in the face with a head butt. Although I am utilizing my forehead in this picture its much safer to use the side of your head when hitting someone with a head butt. The reason it is safer is because if you hit your attackers teeth and cut open your forehead, blood could leak into your eyes impairing your vision while a cut on the side of ones head will not bleed into the eyes.

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Now in the sixth photo I am pulling my attackers head down and driving my knee into his face, which in turn exposes the back of his neck for my next strike.

Finally in picture 7, I am destroying the back of his neck with a forearm strike. Note how I am putting all of my body weight into this last blow.
I

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With Ramadan here, many of us have a hard time deciding what to cook for Iftar, especially for families. Well here at SunnahFollowers we have our own collection of home made food recipes to help you out in the kitchen. Enjoy your iftar!

Want to slap your mum seven up cake ?


Ingredients:

3 Sticks of butter (not margarine) 3 cups of sugar 5 eggs 3 cups of cake flour (not al purpose flour) 2 tabs of your favourite extract or flavour (e.g vanilla) 3/4 cup 7-Up

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Instructions to cook:

Cream butter and sugar together, and beat until light and fluffy. Add eggs one at a time and beat well. Add flour beat in the chosen extract or flavour, and also the 7-up, beat well. Pour batter into well greased and floured Jumbo cake pan. Bake at 325 for 1 hour and 20 minutes.

To ensure the cake is baked well, be sure to test with a tooth pick. This seven up cake by Sister Ameenah of our website is sure to make your day!

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Chicken Soup

We all know that whenever the Prophet (saw) heard a person going through a calamity, he would make them a pot of home made soup. Well, here we have our own beautiful Sister Lailas fabulous home made chicken soup, which will surely cure you of your distress. Here goes, enjoy! Ingredients:

3 skinless chicken breasts 1 cup chopped onions 3 celery stalks chopped 3 carrots chopped Salt to taste Pepper to taste Thyme to taste Saffrona little 1 can cream of mushroom soup Garlic to taste 1 cartoon of fat free chicken broth 1 stick fat free butter 1 bag fat free noodles

Fruit Smoothie

With Ramadan around t own Sister Amy has co combination of fruits and

Favourite Fruit Combina Kiwi Fruit Oranges Banana Fruit Juice Yoghurt Milk Honey

With:

A few minutes before ifta

Quick, Al-naturale, Al-ref


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Instructions to cook:

In a large pot saut the onions and carrots and celery in a little bit of olive oil for about 3 minutes Now add the chicken breasts and let them brown a bit on both sides. Then add salt, garlic, and other spices along with the chicken broth. Put a lid over and leave it to cook until the chicken is done.

the corner, many of us notice that we miss out A LOT on fruit. Our mpiled a series of different fruits into smoothies, you choose your d flavours. Here are some of our favourites!

ation:

ar blend it in a blender and serve straight away.

freshing, tasty and filling!!


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Have you enjoyed this first issue of SunnahFollowers magazine ? Are there any changes you would like to make ? Maybe comment on the magazine as a whole ? You can send us your feedback to our e-mail : sunnahfollowers@gmail.com We would love to hear from you.

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