| Bin Laden worked for the CIA | for everyone |
| Tuesday 17 May 2011 21:34 |
Bin Laden worked for the CIA
Islam Times - The writer, researcher and debater Lars Adelskogh is a well known critic of Zionism in Sweden. He has translated Israel Shahak and Kevin MacDonald into Swedish...
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Islam Times: Is bin Laden dead?
LA: He has been dead for a long time. I find it very difficult to believe that a man with a severe kidney disease, which requires dialyses, could hide from the worlds most advanced intelligence agencies for so many years. If the US government really believed bin Laden was guilty of the 911 attacks, they should have captured him alive and brought him to justice. It would have been the trial of the century! Now they pretend to have killed him and they can’t even show us a body. Everything seems very fishy.
November 2 in 2007 the former Prime Minister of Pakistan, Benazir Bhutto, was interviewd by Al-Jazeera. She was speaking about the political condition in Pakistan. Suddenly she stated that Pakistani intelligence, “had contacts with the man that killed Usama bin Laden”.
Islam Times: Why now?
LA: I think they are fed up with the war in Afghanustan. It costs a lot but dosen’t give anything in return, on the contrary it destabilizes Pakistan. The US probably wants to pull out of Afghanistan and concentrate its forces to the Middle East. You can’t be everywhere.
Perhaps there will be discharge in the Middle East soon. Sooner or later they would want to attack Iran, which the Zionists perceive as the major enemy in the region. Improved relations between Egypt and Iran worries them. The uprising in Bahrain must be but down at any cost in order to curb Iranian influence and keep the US ally Saudi Arabia strong.
The American system of alliance in the region was a stool with three legs: Egypt, Saudi Arabia and Pakistan. With Egypt gone only two legs remain. Did you ever try to sit on a three-legged stool which has only two legs left? There system of alliances is disintegrating.
Bin Ladens death coulden’t have been more timely.
Islam Times: Did Al-Qaida perpetrate the attacks of 911?
LA: No, there is no reason to believe that. That is not to say that Al-Qaida or likeminded people didn’t want to do it. Everything indicates an attack from within though. Israel of course played a key role. The most bizarre conspiracy theory I every came across is the one promoted by the US government. The one about 19 hijackers taking the entire US defense and intelligence establishment with their pants down.
Islam Times: What is Al-Qaida?
LA: It’s an organization created by the CIA. July 3 1979 president Carter, after being advised by Zbigniew Brzezinskis, decided to support the mujahedeen in Afghanistan against the pro-communist regime.
MO: Who is behind the “Qaidistic” terror attacks that occur now and then?
LA: Some of the terror attacks are in fact false flag operations, like the 911-attacks. CIA has, as we know, a big black budget. Others are perpetrated by mentally ill or fanatic people who have been inspired by the notion of Al-Qaida. They get a picture of Al-Qaida and bin Laden through the media and they feel they want to do as violent and spectacular things.
Mohamed Omar is a Swedish poet, publisher and freelance writer. His most recent book is Islamisten (The Islamist).
© Islam Times
| DUNIYA KI SAB SE TAQATWAR ........... | for everyone |
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| INDIA HAS BANNED PRESS TV IN KASHMIR | for everyone |
India has banned local cable operators in Indian-administered Kashmir from airing Iran's English-language Press TV in the disputed Himalayan region.
State Chief Secretary SS Kapur made the announcement in Kashmir's summer capital of Srinagar on Monday.
"We have decided to impose a ban on the airing of Press TV broadcasts by local cable operators," Kapur told reporters.
The ban comes as Press TV has become popular across the Muslim-majority region due to its enhanced coverage of the regional events over the past three months.
Media organizations have strongly condemned the move and demanded that the government put the channel back on air.
However, reports say more and more people in Kashmir continue to get their news from Press TV via internet services or direct broadcast satellites.
In a separate development, hundreds of Kashmiris have come out to the streets to voice their anger over the desecration of Islam's holy book in the US.
Protests were held in the Indian-administered region's main city of Srinagar, and its neighboring districts despite strict curfews in place.
The protesters, who were shouting anti-US slogans, described the act as despicable, calling for the punishment of those behind the desecration of the Quran.
The protests erupted after pages from the Muslim holy book were torn up and burned in Washington, as well as in other US cities.
The move has outraged Muslims all over the world.
Meanwhile, at least twelve people were killed in Indian-controlled Kashmir as soldiers opened fire on pro-independence rallies on Monday.
Unrest in Kashmir has claimed at least 83 lives over the past three months.
Kashmir has been rocked by a wave of protests over the death of a teenager back in June.
He was killed when Indian police fired teargas shells during demonstrations against India's rule over the mainly Muslim-populated Kashmir.
JR/AKM/MB
| ARE YOU READY TO START WEARING HIJAB AND DEMAND FOR THE HIGHEST STATUS OF SELF-RESPECT? | for everyone |
It's finally time to start following the examples of Lady Fatima and Lady Zainab (peace be upon them). It's time to get serious about wearing the Hijab!
We always hear about the importance of Hijab and how the purpose of Hijab is similar to that of a shell covering a pearl. The Hijab is a source of protection, it's the ultimate preserver of dignity, and it literally forces people to judge us by our personality, character, and talent. Yet we see many Muslim families and individuals continually failing to realize, appreciate, and implement the proper practice of the Hijab.
The Holy Qur'an tells us: "And say to the believing women that they should lower their gaze and guard their modesty; that they should not display their beauty and ornaments except what must ordinarily appear thereof; that they should draw their veils over their bosoms and not display their beauty." (24:31) So then, what's the reason behind the high Hijab failure rate in our Muslim communities worldwide?
Many Muslim sisters who wish to start observing Hijab just need a bit of willpower and self-confidence to give themselves a jumpstart into the Hijabi life. As women, practicing Hijab and maintaining our dignity has such a great magnitude that the effects of practicing Hijab, or the lack thereof, ripple in generations to come, and our efforts alone can make all the difference when it comes to producing pious and God-conscious members of society.
So the big question is: are YOU ready to start wearing the Hijab and demand for the highest status of self-respect a woman could possibly ask for while serving as a role model for future generations to come, irrespective of society's un-Islamic pressures?
Regardless of your age, any and every point in life is the perfect time to start observing Hijab and covering up what's not for the world to see. Some of the easier times to start wearing the Hijab include returning from a Hajj, Umrah, or Ziyarat trip, when going to a new school, university or workplace, or when moving to a new city, suburb, or community. Perhaps the new school year will provide the perfect opportunity for you to kick-start your next year in a more Islamic way.
Give yourself the gift of Hijab on your next birthday, and reap the rewards until the Hereafter.
And if all else fails, you could always just start wearing the Hijab today when you walk out your front door, knowing that it may be a struggle during the initial stages, yet nothing more excruciating than the struggle faced by the holy women of the Prophet's Family (peace be upon them) as they were paraded around unveiled from Karbala to the cities of Kufa and Shaam, with the gazes of countless unrelated men falling upon their sacred beauty as they struggled to uphold the message and teachings of Islam.
| HIJAB ELEVATES YOU SPIRITUALLY........ | for everyone |
When in the presence of mahram individuals only, the requirements for Islamic modest dress are different. Except between spouses, who are permitted to see all of each other's bodies, the extent of covering required between mahram individuals is such that all private areas are covered. Looseness and thickness of clothing should also ensure coverage of the private areas. Adornment such as make-up and jewelry are generally permitted, but if the purpose is to attract, it should be reserved to be shared between married couples only.As for style, the requirements about showing off and about wearing clothes of the opposite gender or of another religion hold at all times.
Hijab requirements do not block women and men from doing business or from attending meetings in the same room as long as they are observing Hijab. However, the lowering of the gaze means when in the presence of non-mahrams, one should avoid looking at them in such a way as to be attracted to their bodies, or listening to them in such a way as to be attracted to their voices, etc. And in turn, the guarding of modesty means that one should behave so as not to be trying to attract the opposite sex, or showing off, or discoursing with them in a familiar way or about private topics.
Observing Hijab begins and ends with its two over-riding principles – lowering your gaze and guarding your modesty.
These two acts are greatly beneficial to you in both this world and the Hereafter – they protect you from hardship, sin, and confusion and they elevate you spiritually – and this is why many people who observe Hijab describe it as being very freeing and something they truly love. Examine your interactions and your wardrobe with these two principles in mind, change anything that is out of line, and you will soon be enjoying the benefits in your own life.
| SO, VERILY, WITH EVERY DIFFICULTY, THERE IS RELIEF............... | for everyone |
" Verily, with every difficulty there is relief." (Qur'an 94:5-6)
We hear it all the time: this life is a test, and we have to get through it. The hardships of poverty, sickness, death, disability, unemployment, war, natural disasters, and family problems are all tests of the strength of our faith in the Almighty. It is in these trying times that we are reminded of Allah's Magnificence, and we turn to Him for help.
When confronted with tests, it is how we react to them that is important – will we commit a major sin by losing hope in Allah, or will we be grateful to Him for choosing us to test and thereby strengthen our faith?
We cannot hope for our lives to pass by without hardship, because the only time we will live in peace will be after the arrival of our Awaited Imam (may Allah hasten his reappearance). When we do du'a, we call upon him to reappear and deliver justice, but are we truly ready? It is essential to realize that these are the difficulties which strengthen us for his reappearance, because in reality it is he who is waiting for us to reach a strong point in our faith.
While history has shown that certain events occurred as punishments (the punishments sent down upon the people of Prophet Nuh, Prophet Lut, Firaoun, etc.), that does not mean that all tests are punishments sent by Allah. It is not for us to judge the hardship of another – Allah tests those whom He wills. Allah has told us that He will test us throughout our lives anyway, not that anytime something unpleasant befalls us, we should think it is a punishment!
As the time of our Imam's arrival nears, the state of things will only worsen; it will be at the lower-most level of conditions that Allah will send him – meanwhile, we are being tested to see if we will remain firm in times of instability.
To be patient in the face of hardship does not mean to be helpless; it means realizing that what happens is the will of Allah and to be content with what He decrees. It is an honor that He chooses whom He wills to test, and if He has presented us with an obstacle, then He will also give us the strength to endure it.
When faced with a problem, we should look towards our infallible role models (peace be upon them all) for guidance. Prophet Lut was surrounded by people who had sunk deeply into Shaitan's trenches, yet he remained firm in his faith. Prophet Ibrahim had a child after so many years, yet he did not waver when Allah first told him to leave his wife and infant in the desert, and later told him to sacrifice his son. Prophet Muhammad was patient despite the many hardships he faced from the people amongst whom he grew up. Imam Ali remained strong in his faith when faced by his opponents after he lost the support of the Prophet and Lady Fatima. Imam Hussain was patient in the face of his enemies when they did not even allow Imam Hasan's funeral to take place peacefully. Imam Zainul Abideen did not lose faith in Allah despite everything that took place before his eyes. All these examples are but a drop from the ocean of noble traditions for us to gain inspiration from!
Du'a Kumayl, Du'a Yastasheer, and the many supplications in Sahifa Sajjadiyya are all examples of prayers which can be recited particularly in times of troubles and worries.
As Allah says in Surah Baqara: "And seek assistance through patience and prayer, and most surely it is a hard thing except for the humble ones," (2:45) and later "O you who believe! Seek assistance through patience and prayer; surely Allah is with the patient." (2:153)
This life has to be filled with events of varying difficulty so that we may learn from our experiences and thereby strengthen our faith in the mercy of Allah – and that, insha'Allah, will lead us closer to our Creator.
| AND DESPAIR NOT OF ALLAH'S MERCY..................... | for everyone |
They lead people to believe that if they do everything right, they will always be successful at whatever they try. So we are surprised when we fail, when we are turned down, or when we meet with loss, and one of our first instincts is to assign blame, either to ourselves or others. But blame does nothing to assuage the pain, is often misplaced, and entirely ignores the probability that there is simply no blame to assign. You can "do everything right" and still meet with tragedy. One of the true facts of life is that even the best people experience disappointment and failure.
"Do people think they will be left alone saying: 'We believe', and not be tried? And certainly we tried those before them so Allah will certainly know who are true and He will certainly know the liars." (29:2-3)
Maybe you will face a debilitating injury, or you will divorce, or you will have to drop out of your dream college to support your family, or you will fail in running your own business. But none of these will bar you from contentment or a bright future. The only thing that robs you of either of these is hopelessness.
"...and despair not of Allah's Mercy; surely none despairs of Allah's Mercy except the unbelievers." (12:87)
Failing to get that promotion may make you more compassionate to others facing similar problems. A disappointment or failure is an opportunity for you to learn something about yourself and to make yourself into a better you. And ultimately, that is far better than getting everything you think you need or want. With the pain of loss, disappointment or failure comes greater potential for gain than from anything that comes to you easily.
If you've lived long enough, you can think of an example when something did not go your way but the outcome ended up being far better than what you originally envisioned for yourself. Looking back, you can see that the disappointment had really just been a test of your patience. Chances are, your situation turned around only after you had processed your disappointments and trusted Allah to bring you the best outcome even if it wasn't what you envisioned for yourself.
When you open yourself to the mercy of Allah and entrust your affairs with Him instead of shrouding yourself in increasing hopelessness, then you are more likely to find what your best hopes – mercy, and an outcome better than you could have envisioned through your own limited imagination. Hopelessness is in essence denying the possibility of that mercy and limiting your life to the limits of your own imagination. Through disappointments, the mystery of the interplay between free will and destiny reveals itself in our lives. We plan, but Allah is the best of planners. Your disappointment may just be the segue into the next great chapter in your life.
As you face disappointment, it is natural to hurt. But don't let that pain deprive you of the hope for a better tomorrow – whether one according to your own vision, or one gifted to you through the limitless vision of your Creator. As long as you retain hope, you can find peace and contentment in the face of any hardship.
| Britain steps up pressure on PressTV | for everyone |
Britain steps up pressure on Press TV
Thu May 19, 2011 1:28PM
The British government has unleashed a new wave of pressure on Press TV in the latest example of infringement on freedom of speech.
The British government is apparently seeking to use Ofcom regulations as a pretext to impose penalties on Press TV news network and the independent London-based Press TV limited company.
It is speculated that in a politically motivated move, the British Office of Communications better known as Ofcom is pursuing a case against Press TV for broadcasting an interview with a Newsweek journalist. The telecommunications regulator is drawing on Newsweek journalist Maziar Bahari's complaint that includes claims of unfair treatment and unwarranted infringement of privacy in the making and broadcasting of a Press TV program.
While PressTV is preparing to publicize the case and its arguments against Ofcom, many analysts say Ofcom's move adds another piece to the puzzle of the British government in its bid to further limit Press TV's activities.
It appears that Press TV's policy of breaking the western monopoly on media and its critical examination of certain red lines for the western media has been the main reason behind Britain's efforts to pressure the Iranian news channel, with cases like that of Bahari serving as a means to Britain's ends.
Press TV has given full coverage to student protests in Britain, shed light on the dark undemocratic aspects of the British political structure specially the hereditary rule of the royals and laid bare London's double approach to the Middle East developments and their links with Britain's historical presence in the region.
Such subjects along with the crimes of the Israeli regime in Palestine and Lebanon are definitely among the strict red lines British media policy makers will not easily pass, a fact supported by a host of indications.
The US State Department cables published by WikiLeaks show that the British Foreign Office told the US embassy in London back in February 2010 that it was "exploring ways to limit the operations of… Press TV".
The WikiLeaks documents revealed that the authorities reconsidered their decision in the face of legal difficulties at the time, but were still looking at other ways to address the issue, including using possible new anti-Iranian sanctions to justify their measures.
With an eye to the fact that the British government has failed to find any legitimate problem with the quality or content of the programs produced by Press TV, the Wikileaks disclosures clearly show London no other way but to seriously disrupt Press TV activities in Britain.
This comes as having failed to find any legitimate problem with the quality or content of the programs produced by Press TV, the Wikileaks report clearly shows that the British government has got no other way but to seriously disrupt press TV activities in Britain.
Last month, the National Westminster Bank, Commercial Banking office froze Press TV Ltd's business account without any prior notice saying the accounts would be permanently closed in February 2011.
Meanwhile in an article published on January 16, 2011, British journalist and broadcaster Lauren Booth charted UK's efforts to help the US halt the company that sells documentaries and series to the Iranian channel of the same name.
Booth who is former British Premier Tony Blair's sister-in-law said the Israeli-backed pressure began when the company started its activities four years ago, as part of an effort to "use Ofcom as some kind of offshoot Hasbara body."
Booth said letters of complaint written by people linked to the Israeli Embassy in London and its supporters were sent to the broadcasting regulator whenever Press TV aired news items which shed light on the thuggery, blackmail and racism inherent in Israeli government policy.
She added as the complaint letter campaign has not been much successful, hacking of emails, Facebook accounts and mobile phones were used to cause tensions between colleagues.
The staff at Press TV Ltd have been intimidated and threatened by the members of the MKO terrorist grouping in London yet the British government has turned a blind eye to such incidents and may have even facilitated them as the MKO are continuing their threats.
Press TV will shortly present its audience with new evidence of Britain's illegal pressure on the news channel to limit or end its activities in the country.
PressTV website will soon publish detailed information about the recent case by Ofcom.
AMR/SAB/HE
| Bahraini troops raid Nuwaidrat village | for everyone |
Bahraini troops raid Nuwaidrat village
Bahraini forces (file photo)
The Saudi-backed Bahraini soldiers have conducted several raids in the village of Nuwaidrat as a deadly crackdown continues against peaceful protesters.
Activists say gunshots have been heard in the area on Wednesday and several checkpoints have been set up.
According to witnesses, thugs attacked residents as they did the previous night in other areas. "No-one could sleep and we were up all night until the sun came up," they said.
Central Municipal Council chairman Abdulrazzak Ali Hattab admitted there had been minor clashes in the area Tuesday night, “but not as widespread as those in Isa Town and Sanad.”
Meanwhile, three of the four top editors of the opposition newspaper, Al-Wasat, have pleaded not guilty to charges filed against them at a military court that was set up since the Manama government declared martial law in March.
They were charged with publishing unethical coverage of the ongoing popular revolution, Xinhua quoted state-run BNA news agency as saying. The Bahraini authorities had suspended the paper in early April after charges were filed against the editors.
The court said that Mansour al-Jamri, editor-in-chief, Waleed Nuwaihedh, managing editor, Aqeel Mirza, local news editor, and Ali al-Shareefi, senior editor, published fabricated information when the country was rocked by nationwide protests.
The trio were present at the pre-trial session, while al-Shareefi is being tried in absentia, the agency said.
The defendants' lawyers have requested copies of the prosecutors' documents.
The court has adjourned until June 15.
This is not the first time the Bahraini regime has tried civilians in military courts. Earlier this month it tried dozens of activists accusing them of trying to overthrow the regime.
Human Rights Watch and other rights organizations have several times criticized the ruling Al Khalifa family for trying civilians in military courts, saying it goes against international law.
FTP/MGH
| CONVEY MY SALUTATION TO SALMAN............. | for everyone |
Faith has ten ranks and Salman Farsi was on its tenth rank. He possessed knowledge of the unseen, the ability to interpret dreams and misfortunes, was well versed in genealogy and had even been favoured with gifts of Paradise, in this world. The Holy Prophet (s.a.w.) said: “Whenever Jibraeel would descend, he would, on behalf of God, say: Convey my salutation to Salman!”
Here is an example of the high degree of Salman’s faith. Once, Abu Dharr paid Salman a visit. Salman had placed a utensil over the fire to heat its contents. The two men sat together for some time, talking to each other, when suddenly the vessel toppled over, but to Abu Dharr’s amazement, its contents did not spill. Salman, picking the utensil up, placed it back upon the fire. A little later, the vessel fell over again, but once again its contents did not spill. Again Salman picked it up and placed the vessel upright.
Amazed, Abu Dharr hurried out of Salman’s house and was lost in contemplation over what he had witnessed. He happened to come across Amirul Mu'mineen (a.s.) on the way and narrated the incident to him.
Having heard Abu Dharr’s narration, the Imam (a.s.) said:
“If Salman were to inform you of all that he possesses knowledge of, you would surely say: ‘May God have mercy upon the murderer of Salman.’ O’ Abu Dharr! Salman is the ‘door’ of God upon the earth. One, who recognises his status, is a Mu'min while one, who rejects him, is an infidel. Salman is (one) of us, Ahlul Bayt.”
| WHOEVER BELIEVES IN GOD AND OBSERVE PIETY IS A YOUTH | for everyone |
Imam Sadiq (a.s.) once asked the students and companions who had gathered around him:
“Who is a ‘youth?”
A person answered, “Someone who is young in age.”
The Imam (a.s.) said, “Despite the old age of the People of the Cave, on account of the faith which they possessed, God has referred to them as ‘youths’. In verse 10 of the chapter al-Kahf, He says: When the youths sought refuge in the cave.
He then continued “Whoever believes in God and observes piety is a youth.”
| THE DHIKAR OF THE BIRD | for everyone |
Prophet Musa (a.s.) once requested to God:
“O’ Lord! It is my wish to see that creature of Yours who has purified himself for your worship and who is unpolluted in his obedience towards You.”
He was addressed, “O’ Musa! Go near the shores of such-and-such sea in order that I may showyou what you desire to see.”
Prophet Musa proceeded till he reached near the sea. Looking around, he observed that on a branch of a tree that drooped over the water, sat a bird, engrossed in the dhikr of Allah. When Musa questioned the bird about itself, the bird said:
“From the time Allah has created me, I have been on this branch, engaged in His worship and dhikr. From every dhikr of mine, there branch out a thousand other dhikr, and the pleasure which I derive from the dhikr of Allah, provides me with nourishment.”
“Do you crave anything from this world?” asked Musa (a.s.).
“Yes. I yearn to taste one drop of water from this sea,” replied the bird.
Musa (a.s.) exclaimed, “But there does not exist a great distance between your beak and the water! Why don’t you dip your beak into it and drink it?”
The bird answered, “Out of fear lest the enjoyment derived from the water should make me heedless of the pleasure of the dhikr of my Lord.”
Hearing this, Prophet Musa (a.s.) clasped his head in intense astonishment.
| THE PIOUS SLAVE | for everyone |
“One year, there was a severe famine and so the people gathered together to pray for the rains. I looked around and my eyes fell upon a black slave, who had separated himself from the crowd and emerged on top of a small hill. I advanced in his direction and when I came near him, I noticed that his lips were moving in prayer. Hardly had he completed his prayers, when a cloud appeared in the sky.
Seeing the cloud, the black slave praised Allah and moved away. Very soon, rains lashed us so heavily that we thought we might perish.
I ran after the slave and observed that he entered the house of Imam Sajjad (a.s.). I arrived before the Imam (a.s.) and said:
“O’ My Master! In your house there is a black slave; oblige me by selling him to me.”
He (a.s.) replied, “O’ Sa’eed! Why should I not gift him to you, instead,”and ordered the head of his slaves to bring all the servants before me. When they had assembled, I noticed that the black slave was not amongst them.
I said, “The one whom I desire, is not amongst them.”
The Imam (a.s.) said, “There remains no other slave except one.”
He then ordered him to be brought forth. When the slave was brought before me, I saw that he was the very person whom I had sought and so I said, “He is the one I need.”
“O’ Slave! Henceforth, Sa’eed is your master so go with him,” instructed the Imam (a.s.).
The slave turned to me and asked, “What prompted you to separate me from my master?”
I replied, “When I witnessed your prayers for the rains being accepted, I wished that I could ownyou.”
When he heard this, the slave stretched out his hands in supplication and, turning his face towards the skies, beseeched:
“O’ My Lord! This was a secret between You and me. Now that You have divulged it, grant me death and take me towards Yourself.”
The Imam (a.s.) and all those present, wept over the position of the slave, while I, shedding tears, came out of the house. No sooner had I reached my own house, than the Imam’s (a.s.) messenger arrived and said, “Come along if you wish to takepart in the funeral procession of your companion.”
I returned to the Imam’s (a.s.) house along with the messenger only to find that the slave had passed away.
| HOW IBLEES (SHAITAN) WORKS).......... | for everyone |
In the tribe of Bani Israel, there once lived a pious worshipper. One day, the people informed him that at a certain location, there existed a tree that was being worshipped by a tribe. When he heard this, the man flew into a rage, picked up his axe and set out to cut down the tree.
Iblees, appearing before him in the form of an old man, asked, “Where are you headed for?” He replied, “I intend to cut down the tree, which is being worshipped so that the people worship Allah instead.”
“Hold yourself till you hear what I have to say,” said Iblees to him.
The worshipper urged him to carry on.
Iblees continued, “God has His own Prophets and if it had been essential to cutdown the tree, He would have sent them to perform the task.”
However, the worshipper did not agree with Iblees and continued on his way.
“There is no way I shall let you do it,” said Iblees angrily, and he began to wrestle with the man. In the ensuing contest, the pious worshipper hurled Iblees onto the ground.
“Wait! I have something else to say to you”, pleaded Iblees. “Listen! You are a poor man. If you could possess some wealth by means of which you could give alms to the other worshippers it would be much better than cutting the tree. If you refrain from cutting the tree, I shall place two dinars beneath your pillow everyday.”
The pious person said thoughtfully, “If you speak the truth, I shall give one dinar in charity while the other dinar I shall put to my use. This is better than cutting down the tree; in any case, I have neither been ordered to perform this task nor am I a Prophet to burden myself with unnecessarygrief and anxiety.”
Thus, he acceded to the request of Shaitan who left him alone.
For two days, he received the two dinars and utilized them, but on the third day, there was no sign of the money. Upset and distressed, he picked up his axe and set out to cut down the tree.
On the way, he encountered Shaitan, who asked him: “Where are you headed for?”
“I am going to cut that tree.”
“There is no way you are going to do it,” said Shaitan.
Once again they began to contest, but this time Iblees overcame him and hurling him to the ground, ordered, “Turn back or I shall sever your head from your body.”
The pious man said, “Leave me alone and I shall return, but tell me, how was it that I hadmanaged to overcome you on the previous occasion?”
Iblees answered, “On that occasion, you had set out only for Allah and you were sincere in your intention as a result of which, Allah subjugated me for you, but this time you were angry for your own self and for your dinars and so I could overpower you.”
| THE STRIKE OF THE SWORD OF ALI (A.S.) ON THE BATTLE OF KHANDAQ...... | for everyone |
A'mr Ibn A’bd Wudd was a warrior who, in battle, was a match for a thousand soldiers. In the battle of Ahzaab, he challenged the Muslim soldiers to fight him but none possessed the courage to stand up before him till Imam A'li (a.s.) presented himself before the Holy Prophet (sa.w) and sought permission to fight him.
The Holy Prophet (s.a.w.) said to Ali, “Do realize that this is A'mr Ibn A’bd Wudd.”
Imam A'li (a.s.) humbly stated, “(And) I am A'li Ibn Abi Talib,”and then proceeded towards the battle-field and stood before A'mr.
After a fierce encounter, Imam A'li (a.s.) eventually knocked him down and sat on his chest.
Witnessing this, the entire Muslim army importuned the Holy Prophet (s.a.w.): “O’ Messenger of Allah, order A'li (a.s.) to kill A'mr immediately.”
“Leave him alone for he is more aware of his deeds than anyone else,” replied the Holy Prophet (s.a.w.)
When A'li (a.s.) had severed the head of A'mr, he brought it to the Holy Prophet (s.a.w.), who questioned him (peace be upon him), “O’ A'li! What caused you to hesitate before killing A'mr?”
He said, “O’ Messenger of Allah! When I had floored him, he abused me, as a result of which I was overcome by rage. I feared that if I were to kill him in that state of anger, it would be for consoling myself and pacifying my soul. So I stepped away from him till my fury subsided when I returned to sever his head from his body only for the happiness of Allah and in obedience to Him.”
It was because of this sincerity and invaluable combat on the part of Imam Ali that the Holy Prophet (s.a.w.) said:
“The strike of the sword of A'li on the day of the battle of Khandaq is superior to the worship of all men and jinn.”
| HIJAB OF MEN TOWARDS NON-MEHRAM | for everyone |
In fact, many of us would be surprised to note that Allah states in the Holy Qur'an:"Tell the believing men to cast down their looks and guard their private parts; that is purer for them; surely Allah is Aware of what they do. And tell the believing women that they cast down their looks and guard their private parts and do not display their ornaments except what appears thereof...." (24:30-31)
Indeed, before addressing women and telling them to conceal their bodies, Allah first addresses the believing men and tells us to lower our gaze!
When discussing the issue of Hijab for men, it is essential to keep in mind the Golden Rule: do unto others as you would have them do unto you. A man once came to the Holy Prophet (peace be upon him and his progeny) and told him he wished to commit fornication. As the companions got up to strike him, the Prophet restrained them and then said to the man, "My son, how would you feel if someone wished to do the same thing with your mother or sister or wife or daughter?" The man replied that naturally he would want to kill the person. The Prophet then said, "If you do not wish for someone to do such an act with your mother or sister or wife or daughter, then why entertain such a thought about someone else's mother or sister or wife or daughter?!"
Islamic teachings on Hijab for males can be divided into three categories:
The Holy Prophet is reported to have said, "One who believes in Allah and the Day of Judgment does not remain in a place where even the sound of breathing of non-Mahram women is perceived." (Wasail al-Shia)
However confident we may be in our ability to avoid Haram, let us not forget that Shaitan even tried to misguide Prophet Ibrahim and Prophet Ismail (peace be upon them). So what special spiritual powers do we possess that make us think we can completely avoid his evil whispers?
Hijab of the Eye
Imam Muhammad al-Baqir (peace be upon him) has said, "The evil glance is fornication of the eyes, the kiss is fornication of the lips, and touching a non-Mahram woman is fornication of the hands." (Wasail al-Shia)
Yet one minor glance can have a spiritually disastrous effect on the human being. Prophet Isa (peace be upon him) once said to his disciples: "Beware of looking at forbidden things, for that is the seed of desire and leads to deviant behavior." (Lantern of the Path)
Many of us might believe in "lowering the gaze", but this is an aspect of our Hijab that most of us still need to perfect. In addition to not looking at non-Mahrams, prudence dictates that we should avoid looking at pictures, billboards, magazines, as well as television programs and movies with images of non-Mahram women.
Even a few inappropriate glances at non-Mahrams can over time cause one to abandon his modesty and openly start "checking out" girls. From a psychological point of view, the things we perceive with our eyes during the course of the day are stored in our memory. These images then subconsciously "accumulate" and slowly lead a person to physically manifest them. Hence the alarming rate of Muslim youth today who have become addicted to pornography and cannot help but satisfy their desires through unlawful means. The despicable act of masturbation, so widespread among Muslim youth today, can only be avoided by stopping such images and thoughts from accumulating in our minds in the first place – and that can only be achieved by lowering the gaze at any and all times.
In addition to preventing us from committing vulgar and sinful behavior, the spiritual benefits one attains from observing proper Hijab of the eye are innumerable. In short, our beloved Prophet has said, "Lower your gaze, and you will see wonders!"
Prophet Yousuf – the Perfect Example
On a final note, it is said that when Zulaikha, the wife of the Aziz of Egpyt, tried to seduce Prophet Yusuf (peace be upon him), she covered the face of the idol placed nearby. When Prophet Yusuf inquired, she said she did not wish for it to witness her commit a sin. Prophet's Yusuf's reply to Zulaikha encompasses the true essence of the Hijab for men and can serve as the perfect benchmark for us to judge the appropriateness of our actions at all times. He said: "If you exhibit shyness and modesty before a stone that does not see, it is more befitting for me to exhibit shame and modesty before the One Who sees and Who is aware of everything that is manifest about me and everything that is concealed within me."
| SUPPLICATION IN SEEKING REFUGE FROM HATEFUL THINGS................ | for everyone |
Imam Zaindul Abdedin (a.s.)Supplication in Seeking Refuge from Hateful Things , Bad Moral Qualities , and Blameworthy Acts
O God, I seek refuge in Thee from the agitation of craving , the violence of wrath , the domination of envy , the frailty of patience , the lack of contentment , surliness of character , urgency of passion , the disposition to vehemence , following caprice , opposing guidance , the sleep of heedlessness , undertaking the toilsome , preferring falsehood over truth , persisting in sin , making little of disobedience , making much of obedience , vying with the
wealthy , disparaging the poor , guarding badly over those in our hands , failing to thank those have done good to us , aiding a wrongdoer , abandoning someone troubled , wanting what is not rightfully ours , and speaking about knowledge without knowing . We seek refuge in Thee from harboring dishonesty toward anyone , being pleased with our works , and stretching out our expectations . We seek refuge in Thee from ill-mindedness , looking down on the small , Satan's gaining mastery over us , time's afflicting us , and the sovereign's oppressing us . We seek refuge in Thee from acting with prodigality and not having sufficiency . We seek refuge in Thee from the gloating of enemies, indigent need for equals , living in hardship , and dying without readiness . We seek refuge in Thee from the most dreadful remorse , the greatest affliction , the most wretched wretchedness , the evil end to the journey , the deprivation of reward , and the advent of punishment .
O God , bless Muhammad and his Household and through Thy mercy , give to me refuge from all of that , and to all the faithful , both men and women ! O Most Merciful of the merciful !
| SEEKING GUIDANCE FROM ALLAH IN ALL AFFAIRS................ | for everyone |
Seeking guidance from Allah in all affairs of life is the ultimate route to leading a steady and stable life with a healthy spirit of faith. Seeking guidance to the ways of safety and ending with the triumphant ones is the desire of all righteous believers.
In the "Prayer for Covering and Protection," we ask:
"…rank me among the companions of the right hand,
direct me to the ways of safety,
place me in the throng of the triumphant…" (al-Sahifa as-Sajjadiya)
direct me to the ways of safety,
place me in the throng of the triumphant…" (al-Sahifa as-Sajjadiya)
If we lack the correct guidance and result in (God forbid) being among the losing ones, it will truly be a great defeat – it will be the greatest calamity of life, and we will experience a heart-wrenching remorse:
"We seek refuge in Thee from
the most dreadful remorse,
the greatest affliction,
the most wretched wretchedness,
the evil end to the journey,
the deprivation of reward,
and the advent of punishment." (Ibid.)
the most dreadful remorse,
the greatest affliction,
the most wretched wretchedness,
the evil end to the journey,
the deprivation of reward,
and the advent of punishment." (Ibid.)
Guidance and deviation are both dependent upon a servant's will and action. The acceptance of guidance is related with the purity of soul and light of knowledge, while deviation results from corruption and blindness of ignorance. The desire to go nearer to Allah and struggle in His way results in yet more guidance:
"And (as for) those who strive hard for Us, We will most certainly guide them unto Our ways; and Allah is most surely with the doers of good." (Holy Qur'an 29:69)
Both guidance and deviation are increased or decreased, based on the initiatives of servants:
"We relate to you their story with the truth; surely they were youths who believed in their Lord and We increased them in guidance."(18:13)
The fellows of the cave took a great initiative in risking their lives and everything they had. The result of that was increased guidance and mercy from Allah.
"And when a communication comes to them they say: We will not believe till we are given the like of what Allah's messengers are given. Allah best knows where He places His message. There shall befall those who are guilty humiliation from Allah and severe chastisement because of what they planned.
Therefore (for) whomsoever Allah intends that He would guide him aright, He expands his breast for Islam, and (for) whomsoever He intends that He should cause him to err, He makes his breast strait and narrow as though he were ascending upwards; thus does Allah lay uncleanness on those who do not believe." (6:124-125)
The above verses show that the uncleanness and deviation will be the destiny of those who have rejected the Truth in first place. The lack of guidance in this respect is because of aversion to the Truth. Some people argue that if deviation is caused by Allah then what is the fault of man?
The answer is that Allah does not misguide or mislead any of His servants; rather, the lack of guidance is because of their preferring the falsehood over the truth. A good reply in this regard has been given in the following lengthy quote:
"When we pay attention to the verses of the Noble Book, we find that there are two kinds of Divine guidance: one that is related to the law and the second that is related to existence. Man has both kinds of guidance. This is in contrast to misguidance, which is only existential and does not exist with relation to the Law. This is because Allah is essentially the Guide, since it is impossible that He be essentially the Lord, the Worshipped, and the Refuge, but not be the Essential Guide. If this were not the case then the evildoers would bring forth an excuse, saying to Allah, 'We wanted your guidance but you lead us astray.'
It is impossible for Allah to lead someone astray initially since this goes against His wisdom and since nothing comes from Allah except goodness and mercy, He does not lead anyone on an incorrect path from the outset. Rather, His misguidance is a type of punishment. In other words the bad people have gone astray and have been afflicted with misguidance by there [sic] own choice. Therefore in reality, initial misguidance is ascribed to the creatures, and the misguidance that is a punishment pertains to the Creator.
In conclusion we can say that Allah's misguidance means that He cuts off His mercy and blessings from a person and leaves him to fend for himself; and it is this that results in man becoming lost on the Path. If someone does not accept the guidance of the Law, Allah will exclude him from His existential guidance. In other words, it is the actions of a disbeliever or an oppressor which cause him not to have Divine guidance. This is in line with the order of creation, which is based on cause and effect. Consequently Allah has said that He will not guide the unbeliever, oppressor,or the sinner."
The other aspect of guidance which we seek to discuss here is the difference between "ways of Allah" and the "Straight Path". Guidance can come through various ways, and all of these ways can lead to Allah; however, the Straight Path is the highest of all of those, and it is the path of those whose servanthood has not been corrupted with injustice or polytheism. Allama Tabatabai discusses in Al-Mizan:
"First: There are various ways to Allah each differing with others in perfection, easiness and smoothness. It all depends on its nearness or remoteness from the basic reality, from the straight path, like the way of submission, of faith, of worship, of purity of intention or of humility before Allah. Some of the ways leading to the opposite direction are disbelief, polytheism, infidelity, exceeding the bounds, committing sins etc. Allah has said: And for all are grades according to what they did, and so that He may pay them back fully their deeds and they shall not be dealt with unjustly (46:19).
"Second: The straight path controls all the ways. Likewise, the people of the straight path (who have been firmly established in it by Allah) do enjoy complete authority to guide the other servants of Allah. Allah says: ...and excellent are these as companions (4:69); Verily, your only Master is Allah and His Apostle and those who believe, those who keep up prayer and pay zakat while they are bowing down (5:55). The last mentioned verse was revealed about Ali, the Leader of the faithful, as al-mutawatir traditions say; and he (peace be on him) was the first to open this door in Islam…"
| Night Prayer (Salat al-Layl) | for everyone |
Salat al-Layl (the Night Prayer) is one of the hidden treasures of Islam and is generally considered an act of worship that goes above and beyond the call of duty. In the Holy Qur'an, Allah describes those who have Taqwa as having the following characteristics:
"They used to sleep but little in the night. And in the morning they asked forgiveness." (51:17-18) There are numerous merits to performing Salat al-Layl listed in the Qur'an and the narrations of the Prophet and Ahlul Bayt (peace be upon them all).
Many of us strive to perform Salat al-Layl whenever we can at the optimum time. According to our religious authorities, the time to perform Salat al-Layl is from midnight until the Adhan forFajr prayers, with the best time being right before Fajr prayers in order to perform the two prayers consecutively.
Now looking at this in reality will give a glimpse of why Salat al-Layl was made Wajib for the Prophets of Allah (peace be upon them) and not for us. In the summer, Fajr time can begin at as early as around 4 am. In order to pray Salat al-Layl at the best time, it would be necessary to wake up at around 3:30 in the morning in order to prepare for the prayer and perform it rather quickly. It is recommended to stay awake after Fajr prayers, but even if we go to sleep, this will still most likely lead us to feeling tired in the morning for work or school. So unless we plan on sleeping before 9pm, which I can guess many of us do not do, performing Salat al-Layl on a regular basis at the optimum time will surely lead to a tiring day. Luckily, Islam provides a way to perform the Salat at our own pace.
In the Holy Qur'an it is said that, "Allah does not impose upon any soul a duty but to the extent of its ability." (2:286) Though there are many Mujthab Acts we can perform, it is nearly impossible to perform them all and this verse shows that Allah just wants us to do whatever worship we can to the extent of our abilities. Accordingly, there is some leniency in the Shari'ah for performing Salat al-Layl, perhaps so that we can all partake in this great act and reap the benefits. While the best time to perform Salat al-Layl is right before Fajr, it can also be performed starting at midnight – which is when some of us go to sleep anyway. If we are not able to do this, we can perform the prayers right after our Isha prayers. And if this is too much and we are not able to perform the prayer at all those times, we can still do the Qadha prayer anytime of the day.
It is said that Imam Ja'far as-Sadiq (peace be upon him) has related from the Holy Prophet (peace be upon him and his progeny) who said that when a person performs the Qadha of Salat al-Layl, Almighty Allah expresses pride before the Angels and says, "O Angels! See he is performing the Qadha of that which I have not made obligatory on him. Be witness that I have given him salvation." There are a number of traditions about the benefits of performing the Qadha of Salat al-Layl, which show the unique and great aspect that this prayer has.
Performing Salat al-Layl whenever we can is a great act of worship to be sure, but what effects does performing such a Salat have on us? There are numerous benefits of this Salat listed in narrations, and it seems that the positive effects this Salat brings can solve any and all of life's problems.
In Bihar al-Anwar it is stated: "Salat al-Layl makes one's face beautiful; beautifies one's etiquette; gives a pleasant smell to one's body and increases one's daily sustenance. It also removes sorrow and grief and gives strength to the eyes." While this hadith seems to cover what most of us pray for, another narration goes on to say, "That house in which Salat al-Layl is recited beams with light for those who are in the heavens just as the stars beam with light for those who are on Earth." To top it all off, another hadith says, "Salat al-Layl is a Kaffara for the sins committed in the day." These traditions are sufficient to show the monumental effects this prayer can have in both this life and the next life.
Finally, the words of Imam Ali (peace be upon him) give us the reason why some of us may not be able to perform Salat al-Layl. It is said a man came to our Imam and said, "I have been denied the chance to recite Salat al-Layl." The Imam simply replied, "Your sins have prevented you." Let us hope that we never get to this stage and that if we are at it, to get out of it as soon as possible.
We should always strive to do the best we can, and given the leniency available in performing Salat al-Layl, this is a worship that many of us should not miss. "And during a part of the night, prayTahajjud beyond what is incumbent on you; maybe your Lord will raise you to a position of great glory." (17:79)
| HADEES | for everyone |
Imam Ja'far al-Sadiq (peace be upon him) said:
"Better than truthfulness is the one who practices is, and better than goodness is the one who performs it."
(Amali al-Tusi)
posted by ABBAS ALAM @ 03:51
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