Holy Prophet’s Miracles – Part 13

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Holy Prophet (Sallallaho alaihe wasallam)’s Miracles – Part 13

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The character and conduct of the Holy Prophet (Sallallaho alaihe wasallam), his actions, his habits, management of affairs, his treatment with the different classes of people, him showing the straight path to them, his wonderful answers to different difficult and subtle questions, his untiring efforts for the good of people, his good guidance regarding the open laws of Shariat all these matters lead one to the conclusion that these were beyond the power of a man without help of an unseen hand. It is impossible on the part of a hypocrite or a liar. The people testified by seeing his constitution and qualifications that he was a great truthful man sent by Allah.

Allah gave him these qualities though he was illiterate and had no education and lived always with the illiterate Arabs. Being illiterate, orphan and weak, how could he acquire such good character and conduct, such knowledge about Allah without worldly knowledge? His true and correct knowledge about the earlier Holy Prophet (Sallallaho alaihe wasallam) show that he is a true messenger of Allah, because he knew these truths by revelations. How could he know what was beyond man unless he received revelation? His miracles prove that he is a true Holy Prophet (Sallallaho alaihe wasallam) of Allah.

Some of his Miracles with Help of Allah

(1) When the Quraish of Mecca told the Holy Prophet (Sallallaho alaihe wasallam) to divide the moon into two parts, the Holy Prophet (Sallallaho alaihe wasallam) invoked Allah who split the moon into two portions and it was clearly visible to the people present.

(2) At the time of the siege of Medinah by the allied armies for more than one month, the Holy Prophet (Sallallaho alaihe wasallam) supplied provision to all the people.

(3) At another time, he satisfied eighty people with food with only four muds of maize and one little goat.

(4) Once the daughter of Basher had a few dried grapes with which the Holy Prophet (Sallallaho alaihe wasallam) fed all his soldiers to their satisfaction and there remained also something in excess.

(5) Once water began to gush forth from the fingers of the Holy Prophet (Sallallaho alaihe wasallam), so much so that his soldiers drank to their hearts content and also made ablution therewith.

(6) Once there was no water in a well at Tabuk and it dried up. The Holy Prophet (Sallallaho alaihe wasallam) threw a little water from his ablution to the well and immediately it gushed forth so profuse water that thousands of soldiers drank it to their satisfaction.

(7) At another time, there was no water in a well at Hudaibiyah. The Holy Prophet (Sallallaho alaihe wasallam) threw the remaining ablution water into it which immediately gushed forth abundant water. Fifteen hundred men drank it to their satisfaction.

(8) Once the Holy Prophet (Sallallaho alaihe wasallam) threw a handful of dust towards the faces of his enemies as a result of which they instantly became blind. Soon after this verse was revealed: When you throw, you did not throw, but Allah threw it.

(9) The Holy Prophet (Sallallaho alaihe wasallam) used to deliver sermon standing on the trunk of a palm tree in the mosque, when it was replaced by another, the trunk began to emit mild sound which was heard by all his companions. When he touched it with his hand, it became calm.

(10) Once the Holy Prophet (Sallallaho alaihe wasallam) told the Jews to make Mobahala (that is whoever is a liar, he will die), but the Jews gave the news next morning that they feared to make it for fear of their lives. This is mentioned in the Quran.

(11) The Holy Prophet (Sallallaho alaihe wasallam) warned Osman (Radhiallahho Anho) of a great danger as a result of which he would enter paradise. History bears testimony that he was murdered in his very house while he was reading the Quran. The Holy Prophet (Sallallaho alaihe wasallam) told Ammer that a rebellious party would kill Osman. It is true that they murdered him.

(12) Once a man joined Jihad in the way of Allah. The Holy Prophet (Sallallaho alaihe wasallam) said about him that he would enter Hell. Then it was seen that he committed suicide.

(13) When the Holy Prophet (Sallallaho alaihe wasallam) was on his way towards Medina on migration, one Suraqa-b-Malek was following him to capture him in expectation of a reward, but the feet of his horse was sunk in dust in the act. When he sought the Holy Prophet (Sallallaho alaihe wasallam)’s help to escape from the danger, he prayed for him. This continued for three times and the Holy Prophet (Sallallaho alaihe wasallam) prayed for him each time. After being released for the third time, the Holy Prophet (Sallallaho alaihe wasallam) gave him this prophecy in his almost helpless condition, that he would soon wear the bangles of Persian King Khosroe. After the conquest of Persia by the Muslims, these bangles were procured from the kind and were given to him for wearing.

(14) Aswad Ansari was a liar and claimed prophethood during the life time of the Holy Prophet (Sallallaho alaihe wasallam). He was a resident of Sana’a in Yemen. One night he was found assassinated in that town. In that very night, the Holy Prophet (Sallallaho alaihe wasallam) gave his death news to the people and he named Feroze Daifami as his murderer.

(15) During the night of migration to Medina, one hundred Quraish surrounded the house of the Holy Prophet (Sallallaho alaihe wasallam) to kill him, but he went out of their clutches throwing dust on their heads for which they could not see him going out.

(16) Once the Holy Prophet (Sallallaho alaihe wasallam) gave the prophecy to some of his companions: The last man among you will die of arson. It after wards occurred that it came true.

(17) Once the Holy Prophet (Sallallaho alaihe wasallam) called two trees to cover him to give him the opportunity of urinating. The two trees shifted from their sites, covered him from public view and went away to their old sits after he finished his call of nature.

(18) The Holy Prophet (Sallallaho alaihe wasallam) was of middle stature, but when he walked, two long men by his sides, he was seen the longest of them.

(19) The Holy Prophet (Sallallaho alaihe wasallam) said: I will kill Abu-b-Hani in the battle of Uhud. In the battle, the Holy Prophet (Sallallaho alaihe wasallam) inflicted a minor injury on him and as a result he expired.

(20) Once the Holy Prophet (Sallallaho alaihe wasallam) was given food mixed with poison to eat. He who ate it first expired, but the Holy Prophet (Sallallaho alaihe wasallam) lived for four years even after taking that food. That food told the Holy Prophet (Sallallaho alaihe wasallam): There is poison in me.

(21) In the battle of Badr, the Holy Prophet (Sallallaho alaihe wasallam) mentioned the fate of the leaders of the Quraish. This happened exactly as he said.

(22) The Holy Prophet (Sallallaho alaihe wasallam) said to his daughter Fatema: You will meet me first after my death. She died six months after the Holy Prophet (Sallallaho alaihe wasallam).

(23) Once the Holy Prophet (Sallallaho alaihe wasallam) said to his wives: She who is longer in hand will meet me first after my death. Jainab (Radhiallahho Anha) was the most charitable among his wives and she died first after the Holy Prophet (Sallallaho alaihe wasallam).

(24) A certain camel had not milk in its udder. As soon as the Holy Prophet (Sallallaho alaihe wasallam) touched its udder, it began to give milk. Abdullah-b-Mausd embraced Islam on seeing this miracle of the Holy Prophet (Sallallaho alaihe wasallam).

(25) Once one eye of a companion went out of its socket. The Holy Prophet (Sallallaho alaihe wasallam) restored it to its site and his eye sight increased more.

(26) The greatest living miracle of the Holy Holy Prophet (Sallallaho alaihe wasallam) is the Quran which stands even today. He threw challenge to the people to produce a chapter like it. The Quran says: Say, if jinn and mankind gather together to bring a book like this Quran, they won't be able to bring like it even though they help one another. So nobody was successful to bring a book or even a sentence like it, up to this time. This alone is a sufficient and living testimony that the Holy Prophet (Sallallaho alaihe wasallam) Muhammad (peace be upon Him) is a true messenger of Allah.
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End

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Holy Prophet’s Figure and Constitution – Part 12

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Holy Prophet (Sallallaho alaihe wasallam)’s Figure and Constitution –Part 12
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The Holy Prophet (Sallallaho alaihe wasallam) was neither long stature nor short. When he walked alone, he appeared like a middle stature man. If a man of long stature walked with him, his figure looked longer. When two men of long stature walked by his two sides, he appeared longest, but when they became separate from him, the people called them long men. The Holy Prophet (Sallallaho alaihe wasallam) was of middle stature. He was pretty, neither too white, nor too brown. He was of pure reddish hue. Some one praised him saying. His limbs which confronted the sun, such as face and neck, appeared more whitish than reddish colour. The sweats of his face were like pearls and more perfumed than musk. His hair was very pretty, neither straight nor curly. When he combed them, they appeared like lines in sands. It is said that his hair was kept flowing up to his shoulders, sometimes he parted his hair into four parts and each two parts were let off through his two ears. Sometimes he kept his hair above his ears and his neck then appeared shining like pearls. Grey hairs were found in his head and beard. Their number was not more than seventeen. The Holy Prophet (Sallallaho alaihe wasallam) had a most pretty constitution. Some gave the smile of his beauty to that of the full moon. His forehead was wide and the place between his eyebrows was bright like pure silver and eye-balls were black tinged with reddish hue. The hair of his eye lashes were profuse. His nose was thin and his teeth were neither separated, nor united. When they were exposed at the time of his smile or laugh, they shone like lighting. His lip was most beautiful and the ends of his face was the most soft. His face was smooth and nose not long. His beard was thick and he did not trim it. He used to clip his moustache. His neck was the most beautiful, neither long, nor short. If the rays of the sun fell on his neck, it appeared like a cup of silver mixed with gold. His chest was board. It was even like a mirror and white like the moon light. There was a thin line of hair extending from his chest up to the navel and there was no other hair over his belly. There were three lines in his belly. His apparel covered one line. His shoulders were wide and there was hair over them. The place between his shoulders was wide and therein there was impression or seal of prophethood inclined a little towards the right shoulder. There was a spot mixed with black and yellow colours. There was hair around it which appeared like the hair of a horse. He had hands full of flesh and his fingers were like silver sticks and his palms were softer than wool and were so full of scent that it seemed that otto was applied to them. Sweet scent was attached to the hand of a person who handshake with the Holy Prophet (Sallallaho alaihe wasallam). If his pure hand touched the head of a boy, he could be recognized among boys owing to the sweet scent of his hand. His thighs were full of flesh and his constitution was proportionate and beautiful. In his latter days, he became rather fleshy but he was without grease like his first stage of life.

The Holy Prophet (Sallallaho alaihe wasallam) walked firmly and steadily. He said: concerning constitution I am similar to Adam but in character and conduct I am similar to Abraham. He said: I have got ten names near my Lord, (1) Muhammad (praised), (2) Ahmad (most praised), (3) Maui (remover of infidelity), (4) Aqeb (coming last), (5) Hasher (all appearing after me), (6) messenger of mercy, (7) messenger of repentance, (8) messenger of fights, (9) Muqfi (last of all prophets) and (10) Qasem (embodiment of all virtues).
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Holy Prophet’s Modesty and Humility – Part 11

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Holy Prophet (Sallallaho alaihe wasallam)’s Modesty and Humility – Part 11

Inspite of the lofty position of the Holy Prophet (Sallallaho alaihe wasallam), he was the most humble and modest. Ibn Amer (Radhiallahho Anho) reported: I saw the Holy Prophet (Sallallaho alaihe wasallam) throwing stones at Jamrah riding on a camel. There was no assault in it, no driving out and no saying: Go aside, go aside. He sat on a sheet of cloth on the back of a mule and took someone behind him. He used to visit the sick, follow the biers, accept invitations of servants and slaves, repair shoes and sew garments. He used to help his family members in their household duties. His companions used not to stand up in his honour as they know his dislike for it. He used to salute the children when passing by them.

One day a man was brought to the Holy Prophet (Sallallaho alaihe wasallam) and he was afraid to see him. The Holy Prophet (Sallallaho alaihe wasallam) said: Be quiet, I am not a king. I am a son of an humble Quraish woman who used to eat gourd. He used to sit with his companions like an ordinary man. Whenever any stranger came to see him, he could not at first recognize him till he was introduced to him. Ayesha (Radhiallahho Anha) said: May Allah sacrifice me to you, eat learning as it easier for you. The Holy Prophet (Sallallaho alaihe wasallam) leaned towards the ground so much that it seemed that his head would touch the ground. He used to say: I shall take meal like the eating of a slave and sit like the sitting of a slave. He used not to eat in plates while he lived.
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Holy Prophet’s Bravery and Heroism – Part 10

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Holy Prophet (Sallallaho alaihe wasallam)’s Bravery and Heroism - Part 10
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The Holy Prophet (Sallallaho alaihe wasallam) was the greatest hero and brave man. Ali (Radhiallahho Anho) said: In the battle of Badr, we all stood surrounding the Holy Prophet (Sallallaho alaihe wasallam). He braved the enemies and we found him bravest on that day. He said: When fight began and friends and foes met with one another, we feared for the Holy Prophet (Sallallaho alaihe wasallam) as he was closest to the enemies. Nobody went so near the enemies than him. When he passed order for fighting, he got pleased and prepared himself. He was seen at that time most superior in strength. Imran (Radhiallahho Anho) said: The Holy Prophet (Sallallaho alaihe wasallam) attacked the enemy who came to him first. The companions said that the Holy Prophet (Sallallaho alaihe wasallam) had then a firm hold on the enemy. In the battle of Hunain, when the Holy Prophet (Sallallaho alaihe wasallam) was surrounded by the enemies, he alighted from his mule and said: I am surely the Messenger of Allah. There is no untruth in it. I am the descendant of Abdul Muttableb. He was on that day the bravest of all.

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Holy Prophet's Generosity – Part 9

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Holy Prophet (Sallallaho alaihe wasallam)’s Generosity – Part 9
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The Holy Prophet was the greatest charitable man. His charity during Ramadan was greatest. Nothing could prevent him from it. Ali (Radhiallahho Anho) narrated the qualities of the Holy Prophet (Sallallaho alaihe wasallam) and said: His hand of charity of spread to its utmost and his tongue was the most truthful. His conduct was the most modest and he was the most honourable in lineage. Fear struck one who saw him first. Whoever mixed with him loved him. One who praised man begged something to the Holy Prophet (Sallallaho alaihe wasallam) in the name of Islam and it was given to him. He begged him something further and it was also given to him, and that was one flock of sheep which were grazing between two hillocks. He went to his people and said: Accept Islam because Muhammad gives so much that he does not fear poverty for that. He did never deprive one who begged something from him.

Once 10,000 dirhams were brought to the Holy Prophet (Sallallaho alaihe wasallam) which he distributed among his companions. After that, a man came to him and begged him something. He said: I have got now nothing, but still I am giving you something after purchasing it. It was done accordingly. Omar (Radhiallahho Anho) said: O Messenger of Allah, Allah has not imposed burden on you over which you have got no control. His words did not appear pleasing to the Holy Prophet (Sallallaho alaihe wasallam). That man said: Spend and do not fear poverty from Allah. The Holy Prophet (Sallallaho alaihe wasallam) then smiled and pleasure was visible in his face. Once when he returned from the battlefield of Hunain, the desert Arabs came to him and begged from him so much that he was compelled to take shelter to a corner of a tree. They caught his sheet and he said: Give back my sheet to me. Had I had sheep to the number of these thorny plants, I would have distributed them all to you and you would not have found me a miser or a coward.
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Holy Prophet’s Objects of Dislike - Part 8

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Holy Prophet (Sallallaho alaihe wasallam)’s Objects of Dislike - Part 8
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The skin of the Holy Prophet (Sallallaho alaihe wasallam) was thin and his interior and exterior were clean. His pleasure and wrath were exposed in his face. When he got very angry, he used to touch his head repeatedly. He used not to disclose to anybody what appeared to him bad. One day a man dyed his body with yellow colour came to the Holy Prophet (Sallallaho alaihe wasallam). He dislike it but did not say anything till he went. When he departed, he said to the people: If this man is asked to give up yellow colour, it would be better. Once a desert Arab passed water in presence of the Holy Prophet (Sallallaho alaihe wasallam) within the mosque. The companions were about to assault him when the Holy Prophet (Sallallaho alaihe wasallam) said to him: These mosque are not for passing urine and for uncleanness.

Once a desert Arab came to the Holy Prophet (Sallallaho alaihe wasallam) and begged something from him. He gave it to him and said: I have treated well with you. The desert Arab said: Never, you have not treated well with me. At this, the companions got angry but the Holy Prophet (Sallallaho alaihe wasallam) prohibited them to do any harm to him. Then he went to his room and brought something for him to eat and said: I have done you benefit. Then he said: May Allah bless your family and relatives. The Holy Prophet (Sallallaho alaihe wasallam) said to him: What you said first seemed unpleasant to my companions. If you like, say to them what you have said to me just now. What is in their mind will then vanish. He said: I shall say it to them. At another time, when the desert Arab came, the Holy Prophet (Sallallaho alaihe wasallam) said: I added what the desert Arab told me. It seemed to me that he was pleased with it. I asked him: Are you satisfied: Yes, may Allah bless your family and relatives. The Holy Prophet (Sallallaho alaihe wasallam) said: The smile of the desert Arab in relation to me is like that of a man who had a camel which went out. It went faster fearing the people who followed it. The driver of the camel hinted: You all go away and leave the camel and myself alone. I know it better and shall show kindness to it. The driver of the camel gave it some food and called it towards him. When it came, he loaded it and rode upon it. When the desert Arab used harsh words, he would have entered Hell had I not prohibited you to take revenge upon him and assault him.
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Holy Prophet’s Pardon – Part 7

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Holy Prophet (Sallallaho alaihe wasallam)’s Pardon – Part 7
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The Holy Prophet (Sallallaho alaihe wasallam) was the most patient among men and the most forgiving inspite of having power to take retaliation. If anybody presented to him any necklace of gold or silver, he used to give it to some of his companions. One day, a desert Arab stood up and said: O Muhammad , if Allah ordered you to do justice, I don't see you doing it. He said: Woe to you! Who will do better justice to you after me? When he was about to go, the Holy Prophet (Sallallaho alaihe wasallam) said: Take him to me with humility. The Holy Prophet (Sallallaho alaihe wasallam) was taking silver coins for the people in the cloth of Bilal in the battle of Khaiber. One man said to him: O Messenger of Allah, do justice. The Holy Prophet (Sallallaho alaihe wasallam) said to him: Woe to you, if I don't do justice, who will do justice after me? If I do not do justice, I shall be ruined and suffer loss. Omar (Radhiallahho Anho) then said: Should I not kill him as he is a hypocrite? He said: May Allah save him! In that case, people will say that I kill my companions.

Once the Holy Prophet (Sallallaho alaihe wasallam) was in a certain jihad. At one time, the unbelievers found the Muslim heedless. So one of them raised a sword upon the head of the Holy Prophet (Sallallaho alaihe wasallam) and asked him: Who will prevent me to kill you? He at once replied: Allah, immediately the sword fell down from his hand and the Holy Prophet (Sallallaho alaihe wasallam) took it up and said: Who will prevent me to kill you? He said: Hold it firmly. The Holy Prophet (Sallallaho alaihe wasallam) said: Say, I bear witness, that there is no deity but Allah and that I am His Messenger. He said: I have got no envy against you, I shall not kill you. I shall not go with you and I shall not join those who fight against you. Then the Holy Prophet (Sallallaho alaihe wasallam) set him free. The man went to his tribe and said: I have come to you today from the best man.

Anas (Radhiallahho Anho) reported that a Jewess mixed poison in the food of the Holy Prophet (Sallallaho alaihe wasallam) at Khaiber. When he began to eat it, he got smell of the poison and stopped eating. The woman was brought to the Holy Prophet (Sallallaho alaihe wasallam) who asked her about the poisoned food. The woman said: I intended to kill you. He said: Allah will not give you that power. The companions exclaimed: Should we not kill her? The Holy Prophet (Sallallaho alaihe wasallam) said: Don't kill her. One day a Jew enchanted the Holy Prophet (Sallallaho alaihe wasallam), Jibril gave this information to the Holy Prophet (Sallallaho alaihe wasallam). He took out the enchanted thing and came round, but took no revenge against the Jew.

Ali (Radhiallahho Anho) said: The Holy Prophet (Sallallaho alaihe wasallam) sent Jubair, Meqdad and myself to a certain place and said: Go on till you reach Raojakhak where you will find a woman with a letter which you must take from her. We then reached the place and told the woman to deliver the letter so us. The woman denied knowledge of any letter. She was then compelled to deliver the letter to us. We then came therewith to the Prophet. It was written therein, from Hateb-b-Ali Bala’a to the polytheists of Mecca, etc. This letter was written to inform them secretly the affairs of the Holy Prophet (Sallallaho alaihe wasallam). The Holy Prophet (Sallallaho alaihe wasallam) said: O Hatib, what is the matter? He said: O Messenger of Allah, don't hasten inflicting punishment on me. I have mixed with my people. the Refugees who are with you have got at Mecca their relatives who look after their families there. It was my object that though I have got no relationship with the Quraish, I would find such a man among them who will take care of my relatives there if I show kindness to them. I have not done it in a state of infidelity. I have not done it after accepting Islam being satisfied with infidelity. I have not done it being a retrograde. The Holy Prophet (Sallallaho alaihe wasallam) said: This man has spoken the truth. Omar (Radhiallahho Anho) said: Give us order to kill this hypocrite. The Holy Prophet (Sallallaho alaihe wasallam) said: He joined the battle of Badr with us. Who will inform you that the Almighty Allah addressed the warriors of Badr saying: Do whatever you like. Allah has forgiven you.

Once the Holy Prophet (Sallallaho alaihe wasallam) distributed the booties when an Ansar stood up and said: Allah is not pleased with this distribution. When it was mentioned to the Holy Prophet (Sallallaho alaihe wasallam), his face turned red and he said: May Allah show you mercy. My brother Moses was given such troubles, but he remained patient. The Holy Prophet (Sallallaho alaihe wasallam) said: Let nobody communicate any thing of my companions, as I wish that at the time when I come to you, I come with a sound mind.
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Holy Prophet’s Manners in Dress – Part 6

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Holy Prophet (Sallallaho alaihe wasallam)’s Manners in Dress – Part 6
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The Holy Prophet (Sallallaho alaihe wasallam) use to put on sheet, gown, shirt and whatever he got. Green dress used to please him but most of his dresses were white. He said: Give your living men to dress with white garments and dress your dead therewith. He used to put on gown for Jihad. His shirt was long up to his thigh. He had only one shirt dyed with saffron with which he led prayers. Sometimes he put on only one shirt up to his thigh and say: I am only a slave. I put on garment as a slave puts on. He had two special garments for Jumma prayer which he did not put on at other times. Sometimes he had only one garment with which he cohabited with his wives. He had a black garment which he gifted away.

Omme Salma said: What fault has this black garment committed? He replied: I had put it on. She said: You look more beautiful if the black garment mixes with your beautiful constitution. Sometimes, he used to go out putting on a seal tied with thread in his hand. He used to impress his letters with seal and say: It is better to put seal in letter than back-biting. He used to put on cap under his turban. If he had no turban, he used to put on cap. Sometimes, he took off his cap from his head and fixed it in front as a prayer-stake. When he had no turban and cap, he covered his head with a sheet of cloth. He had a turban named Sahhab which he presented to Ali. (Radhiallahho Anho)

Whenever he put on a garment, he began from his right side and said: All praise is due to Allah who has given this garment to cover my private parts and to express adornment. When he wished to put off his garment, he began from his left side. When he put on a new garment, he gave his old cloth in charity to a poor man and said: If a Muslim gives his wearing garment to another Muslim, nobody except Allah will dress him. He remains in the custody of Allah till that cloth remains with him, be he alive or dead. His bed was made of grape-covers and refuges. It was two yards long and one yard and one cubit board.

He had the habit of naming animals, arms and properties. The name of his standard was Iqab, he had his swords named Zulfiqer, Makhzam, Rejab, and Kazib. The middle portion of his swords was moulded with silver. He used to wear belt of leather which had three rings of silver. The name of his arrow was Katum, of his shield Kafur, of his camel Qaswah, of his donkey Duldul, another donkey Ekab and of his goat Aynah whose milk he used to drink. He had an earthen pot, which he used as an ablution pot and drink water therefrom.
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Holy Prophet’s Manners in Eating – Part 5

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The Holy Prophet (Sallallaho alaihe wasallam) eat whatever he got. To him, the best food was what all partook of. When the dining cloth was spread, he used to say: In the name of Allah, O Allah, make it a sift to express gratefulness that there might be gifts in paradise. Whenever the Holy Prophet (Sallallaho alaihe wasallam) sat to eat, he used to sit as praying man sits, not placing one leg upon another and say: I am a mere servant, I eat as a servant eats. He used not to take any hot food and said: There is no grace in it and Allah will not feed us with fire, so make this food cold. He used to eat whatever was presented to him with three fingers with the help of the fourth finger at times. Once a tiffin made of clarified butter, honey and wheat presented to him. He eat it and said: How good it is. He used to eat bread, curry, dates and salt. Of all the fresh fruits, the dearest to him was grapes, cucumber and water melon.

He used to eat gourd with bread and sugar and sometimes with dates. His ordinary meal consists of dates and water. Sometimes he mixed milk with dates. Meat was his most favourite curry. He said: Meat increase the power of hearing and is the king of foods in this world and the next. Had I prayed to my lord for eating meat everyday, He would have granted it. He used to eat cooked meat with gourd. He liked gourd and said: It is the fruit of a plant of my brother Jonah. The prophet said to me: O Ayesha (Radhiallahho Anha) when you cook meat, mix therewith much water as it makes the broken hearted strong. He used to eat the meat of hunted birds but he did not himself hunt or follow game.

He used to eat bread with butter and like goats neck and thigh. He liked gourd among curries, vinegar condiment, dried dates among dates. He prayed for three things and said: These have come from paradise and they are medicines for poison and insomnia. He liked among curries creepers of yellow newer and carrot. He disliked the meat of reservoir of urine. He did not eat several things of goat genital organ, female organ, blood, urinal meat, goitre, gall bladder, etc. He did not eat onion and garlic, nor condemned them. He used to eat what he liked and did not eat what he did not like. He did not like to eat the meat of lizard and cockroach, neither did he prohibit them to be eaten. He used to lick up his dish with his hand and said: Most blessing is in the remnants of food.

He used to lick up his fingers after meal so much so that they assumed reddish hue. He used not to cleanse his hands with towel till he licked up his fingers well and said: Nobody knows in which food there is blessing. When he finished his meal, he used to say: O Allah, for Thee is all praise. You have given me food and drink and given me satisfaction. So praise to Thee without expiation and farewell and being not free there from. He was accustomed to wipe his hand well and then wash his hands and mouth with excess water and take the name of Allah each time. He used to drink water in slow degrees and not hastily in one breath. He used not to blow breath in the cup of water at the time of drinking and supply food to one by his side.

Once he was given milk and honey mixed together but he refused to drink it saying: Two drinks at the same time and two curries at the same time! He said: I don't make them unlawful but I consider them bad for rendering accounts on the resurrection day as they are additional things in this world. I like modesty and Allah raises up one who humbles himself for Allah. He lived in his house more bashful than an unmarried girl. He used not to order for preparation of any food and eat whatever was given to him and remain silent if not given.

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Holy Prophet’s Words and Laughter – Part 4

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The Holy Prophet (Sallallaho alaihe wasallam) was the greatest of the Arabs in oratory and sweet speech. He said: I am the greatest orator among the Arabs. He used to speak little. When he talked, he did not talk much. His talks fell gradually from his lips like pearls. Ayesha (Radhiallahho Anha) said: the Messenger of Allah used to talk like you. They said: The Messenger of Allah used to talk little and everything was expressed in this short talk. In his speech, there was no defect of excess or shortness. The words come one after another like pearls. Whoever heard them remembered them. He was sweetest in talk among his companions. He said to keep silent for long and have no talk without necessity. He used not to talk evil words and what he talked was just. He did not use ornamental words. His companions did never dispute before him. He used to say: Don't beat one verse of the Quran by another as it has been revealed for many purposes. He used to smile much before his companions and teeth then were exposed to view.

It was reported: Once a desert Arab came to the Prophet whose face became changed at seeing him. Seeing anger in his face, the Arab said: By One who sent him as a true Holy Prophet (Sallallaho alaihe wasallam), I will not ask him till he smiles. Then he said: O Messenger of Allah, we heard that Dajial (Anti-Christ) will come with Sarid for the people. Then the people will remain hungry. My parents be sacrificed to you. Do you forbid me to eat it till I am destroyed? Do you order me to eat it with satisfaction? Shall I talk infidelity after faith in Allah? The Holy Prophet (Sallallaho alaihe wasallam) laughed at this, so much so that his teeth were exposed to view. Then he said: It is not that, rather Allah will make you free from the food from which he made the believers free.

At the time when the Quran was being revealed to him, he used to smile most when something happened, he entrusted it to Allah, kept himself free from his own strength and ability and said in invocation: O Allah, show me truth in a true manner or give me grace to give it up, save me from doubt so that I may not follow my passion without Thy guidance. Make my desire to obey Thee. Take pleasure from the peace of my mind. Show me the different shades of truth. Thou guidest to the straight path whomsoever Thou willeth.

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(..... continue Part 5)

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Holy Prophet’s Good Manners – Part 3

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Holy Prophet's Good Manners

If the Holy Prophet (Sallallaho alaihe wasallam) abused anybody, he used to give him compensation and show him kindness. He did never curse any woman or slave. Once when he was in the battle field, he was asked: O Messenger of Allah, it would have been better if you had cursed them. He said: Allah sent me as a mercy and not as a great curser. When he was asked once to curse a particular person or an unbeliever, he did not curse him but on the contrary prayed for his welfare. He never beat anybody with his own hand except in the way of Allah. he did not take any revenge for personal wrongs but he used to take it for preservation of the honour of Allah.

He used to select the easier of two things and kept away if there was any sin there in or anything to cut off relationship. He used to fulfill the needs of anyone who required his help, whether a slave or a freeman. Anas (Radhiallahho Anho) said: By One who sent him as a Holy Prophet (Sallallaho alaihe wasallam), he never said to me. Why have you done this or why have you not done this? His wives also did not rebuke me. If there was any bed of the Holy Prophet (Sallallaho alaihe wasallam), he used to sleep on it or else he used to sleep on the ground. Allah described the Holy Prophet (Sallallaho alaihe wasallam) in the Torah Muhammad the Holy Prophet (Sallallaho alaihe wasallam) of Allah, His chosen servant, without harshness, not roaming in the streets, not returning evil for evil. He is prone to pardon. He is forgiven. His birth is at Mecca, his migration to Ta’ba and his reign in Syria. He and his companions put on Ijar around their waists and call towards the Quran and wisdom. He makes ablution of his bodily limbs. Similar is his description in Injil (New Testament).

Another trait of his characters is that he used to salute first one whom he met with. He used to wait at a place where he was to meet a man. He used not to withdraw his hand from anybody till he first withdrew his hand. When he met with any of his companions, he used to handshake with him, hold his hand, enter his fingers unto his fingers and hold them firmly. He did not stand up or sit without remembering Allah. When anybody sat by him at the time of his prayer, he used to make it short and say to him: Have you got any need? When he fulfilled his need, he returned to his prayer.

His assembly was not different from that of his companions, as he sat where he went. He was not found sitting among his companions spreading out his legs. He used to sit mostly facing the Ka’ba and honour one who came to him. Even he used to spread his own sheet of cloth for one with whom he had no relationship. He used to give his pillow to one who came to him and everyone thought that the Prophet honoured him more . Whoever came to him could see his face.

He used to call his companions by their surnames with honour and he used to give one surname to one who had no surname. He used to call the women by the names of their issues and call others by their surnames. He used to call the boys by their surnames for which their hearts were inclined to him. He used to get angry last of all and was very affectionate and kind in dealing with the people. Nobody could speak loudly in his assembly. He used to recite: O Allah, Thou are pure, all praise is for Thee. I bear witness that there is no deity but Thee. I seek forgiveness from Thee and turn to Thee.

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(...continue Part 4)

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Holy Prophet’s Character and Conduct - Part 2

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Holy Prophet (Sallallaho alaihe wasallam)’s Character and Conduct – Part 2

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The Holy Prophet (Sallallahu alaihi wasallam) was the most patient among men, the bravest, the best judge, and one who pardoned most. His hand did not touch any strange woman. He was the greatest charitable man. He did not pass a single night hoarding any dirham or dinar. Whenever any excess money came to him and if he did not then get anyone to accept it as charity, he did not return home till he gave it to the poor and the needy. He did not store up for more than a year the provision of his family members which Allah was pleased to give him. He used to take one fifth of what easily came to him out of dates and wheat. What remained in excess, he used to give in charity. He used to give away in charity to one who begged anything of him, even out of his stored up provision.

He used to repair his shoes, join his wives in their labours and cut meat with them. He was the most shy among men and could not stare at anyone for long. He accepted invitation of slaves and free men and presentation of even a cup of milk. He did not use the properties of Zakat and used to accept the invitation of the widows and the poor. He used to speak the truth even though it was sometimes a cause of trouble to himself and his companions. He used to say: I Don't accept any invitation of any infidel. He used to bind stones in his bell for appeasing his hunger and eat whatever he got. He did not return any present and did not take precaution in any lawful food. If he got dried grapes in lieu of bread, he ate them. If he got baked meat, he ate it. He used to eat whatever he got of bread, wheat, sweets, and honey. He considered milk as sufficient if he did not get any other food. He used not to take food leaning against a pillow or upon a high table. Soles of his two feet served as his towel. He used not to eat bread consecutively for three days till he met Allah. it was a voluntary act on his part. He used to accept invitations of marriage, attend the sick and the diseased and attend the funerals. He was the most modest without pride and his tongue was most eloquent without prolongation of his speech.

His constitution was the most beautiful. No worldly duties could keep him busy. He used to put on whatever he got. His ring was made of silver and he used to put it on in the little finger of his right or left hand. He used to take his servant behind his back on any conveyance, whether it was horse, camel or ass. Sometimes he walked bare footed, sometimes he had no turban or cap on his head.

He used to go even to a distant place to see sick, love scents and hate stench or bad smell, sit with the poor and the destitute, eat with them, honour those possessing honour, advise them to do good deeds and show kindness to the relatives. He did not treat harshly with anybody and accepted excuse offered to him. He used at times to cut jokes without falsehood and not burst into laughter.

He held innocent sports and plays as lawful, played with his wives and held races with them. He used to drink milk of camels and goats along with his family members and give them equal shares in foods and dresses. He passed no time uselessly except for Allah. He used to walk in the gardens of his companions for recreation. He did not hate the poor for their poverty, not fear the kings for their mighty power. He used to call the people, high or low, towards Allah. Allah adorned him with all the qualities, and good administration although he was illiterate. His boyhood was spent along with the shepherds and he used to graze sheep and goats. He was an orphan and his parents died in his infancy.
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(...continue Part 3)

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Character and Conduct of Holy Prophet - Part 1

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Holy Prophet (Sallallaho alaihe wasallam)’s Learning Through the Quran

The Holy Prophet (Sallallaho alaihe wasallam) used to invoke and pray to the Almighty Allah to grant him good manners and good treatment with the people and to adorn him with good character and conduct. He use to say in his invocation: "O Allah, make my constitution and conduct good. He used to pray: O Allah, save me from bad character and conduct. Acceptance of his prayer is seen in the following verse. Invoke me, I will respond to you 2:186. Allah revealed the Quran on him and through it He taught him good manners. His character is the Quran. Sa’ad (Radihiallaho Anho) reported: Once I went to Ayesha (Radihiallaho Anha) and her father and asked them about the character and conduct of the Holy Prophet (Sallallaho alaihe wasallam) to which Ayesha (Radihiallaho Anho) replied: Don't you read the Quran? I said: Yes. She said: The character of the Messenger of Allah is the Quran. His conduct is expressed in the following verse:

"Take to pardon, enjoin good and turn away from the illiterate".

Allah says: Allah enjoins justice, kindness, giving charity to the relatives and prohibits indecencies, evils and rebellion -16:90.
Have patience at the disasters that befall on you. It is a difficult task. It is difficult to have patience and to forgive.
Allah says: Pardon and forgive them. Allah loves the doers of good. Allah says: Don't you like that Allah should forgive you?
Allah says: Remove evil with what is good, as a result the enmity that exists between you and him will be removed and he will become your friend.
Allah says: Those who appease their wrath, those who pardon people, Allah loves the doers of good.
Allah says: Give up conjectures in most cases, as some conjecture is sin. Don't spy and don't back-bite one another.

In the battle of Uhud, when the cover of the head of the Prophet fell down and he became separated from his companions, blood was oozing out from his face and he said wiping his blood: How will the people get salvation who dyed the face of the Holy Prophet (Sallallaho alaihe wasallam) with blood while he calls them towards their Lord? Then Allah revealed this verse:

"‘You have got no hand in the matter. This was only for teaching him good manners.

The verse concerning the teaching of good manners to the Holy Prophet (Sallallaho alaihe wasallam) are many in the Quran. It was the first object of Allah to teach the Prophet good manners and good character and conduct. For this reason, the Holy Prophet (Sallallaho alaihe wasallam) said: I have been sent to completed good conduct. Allah praised the character of the Holy Prophet (Sallallaho alaihe wasallam) by saying! You are surely on sublime character. The Holy Prophet (Sallallaho alaihe wasallam) explained it to the people: Allah loves good character, hates bad character.

Ali (Radhiallahho Anho) said: I wonder for a Muslim who does not do benefit to his brother Muslim who stands in need of it. If he hopes for rewards and fears punishment, he should hasten towards good conduct as it shows the path of salvation.

A man asked Ali (Radhiallahho Anho): Have you heard it from the Holy Prophet (Sallallaho alaihe wasallam)? He said: Yes, I have heard better advice from him. When the prisoners of the tribe of Hatem Tai were brought to him, a girl came to him out of them and said: O Muhammad, if you wish, release me, but don't dishonour me before the tribe of the Arabs. I am the daughter of the leader of my people and my father was the caretaker of my people. He used to set free the captives, feed the hungry, spread peace and did never return any beggar at the time of his need. I am the daughter of Hatem Tai. The Holy Prophet (Sallallaho alaihe wasallam) said: O girl, what you have mentioned about his qualities are the attributes of a believer. The Holy Prophet (Sallallaho alaihe wasallam) said to his companions. Let her be free as her father lewd good character and conduct.

Abu Burdah-b-Niyar stood up and said: O Messenger of Allah, does Allah love good conduct? The Holy Prophet (Sallallaho alaihe wasallam) replied: By One in whose hand there is my life, None shall enter paradise except one who has got good conduct.

The Holy Prophet (Sallallaho alaihe wasallam) said: Allah adorned Islam with good character and beautiful actions. Good company, good manners, modest talk, doing good to others, feeding, spreading peace, visiting the ill pious or sinner, following the bier of a Muslim, treating good with a neighbour believer or non-believer, showing honour to a Muslim having honour to accept invitation, to forgive, to set disputes among the people, to give charity, to greet first, to pardon the faults of the people, to give up songs, instrument of songs and jests which Islam prohibited not to backbite, to speak truth, to give up miserliness, greed, deceit, to give up bad treatment with enemy, not to cut off blood tie, to give up bad conduct, pride, glory, haughtiness, indecencies, hatred rebellion, enmity, oppression, etc., all these are the attributes of a believer.

Anas (Radhiallahho Anho) reported that the Holy Prophet (Sallallaho alaihe wasallam) did not give up good advice and enjoined us to stick to it. He used to warn us from backbiting and prohibited it. The following verse is sufficient to prove it: Allah loves justice and doing good to others. Muaz (Radihiallaho Anho) said: The Holy Prophet (Sallallaho alaihe wasallam) advised me thus: O Muaz, I advise you: fear Allah, speak the truth, fulfil promise, pay up trust, give up breach of trust, save your neighbour, show kindness to orphans, be modest in talk, spread peace, do good deeds, hope less, stick to fifth earn knowledge about the Quran, love the next world, fear rendering of accounts and lower your aim. O Muaz, I forbid you: Don't tell a truthful man lair, don't follow any sin, don't disobey any judge, don't be a leader, don't disobey a just judge, and don't create disorder in land. I give you instruction: Fear Allah while passing by each stone, tree, and heaps of earth. Make repentance anew after committing any sin. Repent secretly for secret sin and openly for open sin.
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(.... continue part 2)

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Deadlock in The Middle East & Western Responsibility

Deadlock in The Middle East and Western Responsibility
By H.E. Mourad Bencheikh

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Keeping silent over Israel's crimes: Western policy shaped by holocaust and religion
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The German Chancellor's address to the American Congress last November gives an exact measure of why the Middle East question - with the Palestinian problem at its core - is in such deadlock. Reading the speech, one is struck by the somewhat glaring omission of any similarity between the Berlin Wall and the Israeli Wall: two very similar and comparable examples of brutal population segregation. One, the Soviet inspired and controlled Berlin Wall, had divided Germany for nearly half a century. The second and most pertinent, the Israeli Wall, divides what is left of the Palestinian territory (now 60% of the size that it occupied before the 1967 war) into isolated plots of land, condemning their inhabitants to permanent house arrest. In addition, just like "the Iron Curtain", humiliating police harassment and abuse leads to painful family separation. Loved ones are forced to live and work apart, separated by the "Wall" - the latest glaring symbol of repression. This should leave no-one indifferent, especially in Germany where the terrible suffering experienced by the populace as a result of the enforced separation created by the "Wall" is still a vivid memory.
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The second point of note is that the paragraph devoted to human rights, and which advocates zero tolerance to any deliberate violation thereof, does not include any reference to the UN fact finding mission report on the Gaza conflict, released on 25 September 2009. It should have, since the report is extremely critical in every regard. The blockade of the Gaza Strip started in mid-2006 and caused extensive damage to the physical and mental health of the people of Gaza, in particular the women and children who, even now, suffer terrible ordeals as the blockade continues.
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The air, sea and land attacks lasted from 27 December 2008 to 18 January 2009. The Israeli army used white phosphorous missiles, causing severe and sometimes untreatable burns, as well as depleted and non-depleted uranium shells. Hospitals, schools, mosques and shelters of terror-stricken civilians were targeted, leaving about 1,500 dead. These needless deaths cannot be categorized as collateral damage in the pursuit of military objectives, but rather as government sponsored murder. After a comprehensive and thoroughly detailed investigation, Justice Goldstone and his two colleagues drew the conclusion that extensive and highly deliberate human rights abuses had occurred, the mass civilian death toll adding up to a crime against humanity.
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Arguably, the German Chancellor's speech is a good example of how Western countries, through their silence, give tacit approval to the Jewish State's repressive policy in the Palestinian occupied territories. As a case in point, the confinement and killings in Gaza did not give rise to the same emotional and indignant reactions as they would have if they had occurred elsewhere in the world. The reason is that Western countries are still brooding on the past, feeling guilty for not having prevented the Nazi-inspired holocaust. Thus, it follows that Western countries have based their Middle East policy on the myth that the past suffering of the Jewish people makes it quite impossible for them to resort to similar crimes. In addition, there is the US specificity, namely the existence in that country of a powerful fundamentalist trend strongly imbued with a word-for-word interpretation of the Old Testament, and thus with the firm belief in the return to the promised land of a people claiming to be chosen by God. This trend is sometimes called Christian Zionism.
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Here, then, is the reason for the mobilization of the Jewish lobby and the friends of Israel throughout the world, not least of which are the western countries, whenever the myth is contradicted by facts. After the publication of the Goldstone report, a new harsher campaign was led against the Geneva-based UN Council for Human Rights, challenging the credibility of some of its members. Richard Goldstone, who is a South African of Jewish denomination, was not spared in spite of his moral stature. Justice Goldstone risked his life during apartheid by taking a strong stance against oppression and injustice. Last but not least, the US administration pressurized President Mahmoud Abbas to accept a six-month postponement of the debate on the Goldstone report, which he eventually did.
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The Arab countries then took the initiative in submitting the matter to the UN Security Council, while fully aware that the US would use their veto against any resolution referring the case to the International Criminal Court (ICC). Moreover, the ICC can exercise jurisdiction only if the accused are nationals of a State party. Unfortunately, Israel does not qualify since it has not ratified the Rome Statute. It is abundantly clear then that the guilty, those behind and on the field alike, will escape justice and continue their brutality.

Islamophobia: another good reason for the West to feel closer to Israel

The strong prejudice in favour of Israel is also a side-effect of rampant Islamophobia in the West. In the US, the perception of Islam is moulded by Bernard Lewis. According to this British orientalist, the Muslim countries are angry and crave revenge because the West has overtaken them as the world's leading civilization.
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In all instances since 9/11, the common denominator of the many analyses dealing with Islam has been oversimplification. The third monotheist religion is generally equated with Islamism and Jihad with terrorism. Islamism, for instance, is a political line conceptualized by Mawdudi (1903-1979) in Jihad in Islam, published in Urdu in 1927. This book caused quite a stir because of its appeal for violence to protect Islam from Western and Indian threats. Two of his most famous followers, Egyptians Hassan Al Banna (1906-1949) and Seyyid Qutb (1906-1966) focused their analyses on the Arab world. They were both convinced that the nationalist governments, which came to power in the region in the aftermath of the collapse of the Ottoman Empire, were not living up to the expectations of their people. Their main goal was to topple these governments and replace them with governments that abide by Islamic rule or Sharia.
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Currently, this goal remains unchanged. The only difference is that the Islamists now try to achieve their goals by legal means, namely by entering the political arena in their respective countries. A small minority continues to act violently, and interacts with the Salafists or fundamentalists who want to revive Islam as it was at the time of the Prophet. By definition, therefore, Islamism is not Islam. It is, rather, the exploitation of religion for political ends.
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Most importantly Jihad, as put forward by Mawdudi and perceived by American public opinion, is a gross misconception. It is not, as normally defined, an Islamic holy war against unbelievers. Jihad, in reality, is a commandment compelling the faithful to defend their religion against any threat and as self-defence, known as "major Jihad", against any temptation that could jeopardize their moral integrity. Far from being an offensive weapon targeting Western countries, this precept is exclusively defensive.
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To a large extent, the Middle East policy of the Bush administration was shaped according to this prevailing oversimplification of Islam and Jihad. At its core lies preventive action, namely the negation and destruction of any potential threat. Its objectives were the imposition of democracy or a democratic value system and the "encouragement", forcibly or otherwise, of an Islamic adaptation to secular and modern standards. We all know the disaster engendered by this policy in Iraq and Afghanistan.
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The current US president should be given credit for the conciliatory speech delivered in Cairo. But President Obama's good intentions should be followed up by a concerted effort to create a less biased trend against Islam and Muslims in "the hearts and minds" of the American public. So far, it does not seem that things are moving in the right direction. The neo-conservatives still wield a great deal of influence. The teaching of the Arab language and Islamic civilization is given a low priority in the US education system. In all likelihood, the American public for the foreseeable future will continue to believe in the inevitable clash with the Islamic world. Predictably, any progress will continue to be stalled by strict adherence to the same old rhetoric.
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Islamophobia in Europe is rampant and endemic from one generation to the other. It is rising dramatically due to the presence of significant Moslem minorities. It is now claimed, justified and exploited by some political parties and famous opinion shapers. The racial ranting of Oriana Fallaci or Michel Houellebeq and the outrageous drawings of a Danish sensationalist are prime examples of how Islam is perceived. Their significance should not be minimized by their correspondence to similar sentiments expressed at a lecture given at the Ratisbonne in 2006 by the Pope.
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Benedict the XVI, the head of state, described as the "conscience of the world" by a correspondent of the Lebanese newspaper L'Orient Le Jour, declared that Islam is inseparable from violence. This presupposes that Christianity is not since it has been imbued with Greek rationality. The lecture aroused great indignation in the Muslim world and is the cause of an ongoing controversy.
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Similarly, there must be a link between an openly expressed Islamophobia and the clear-cut opposition to Turkey's entry into the European Union in the name of Judeo-Christianity. These are but two good examples of how instinctive reactions against Islam are endorsed at the highest religious and political level. The appalling consequences of Islamophobia are visible in the creation of "ghettos" in some suburbs of Europe and the open or latent discrimination against fully-fledged naturalized citizens looking for work or lodgings. In short, this type of exclusion forces those concerned to live in close proximity. This very fact is used as evidence of the lack of feasibility of a social integration policy, which leads to a vicious cycle that the few advocates of a multicultural society seem unable or unwilling to break.
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When all is said and done, Western countries' strong prejudice in favour of Israel stems from three reasons. The first and probably most fundamental is the perpetual feeling of guilt associated with the holocaust. The second reason is related to "Christian Zionism", which is specific to the US. American policy is influenced, as always, by religion when it comes to the Middle East. The last is generated by a perception from time immemorial that the Muslim world is a source of danger internationally and a cause of potential destabilization at the national level. Against this background, Israel is seen as a close partner that shares common values and common threats. In other words, the enemy of my enemy is my friend. For Muslims in general and the Arabs in particular, this old saying is fraught with danger.
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The Muslim perception: the West is not rejected for what it is but for what it does By all accounts this is indeed the opinion of the people often referred to as "the street" by some western opinionshapers who want to send the subliminal message of huge and unruly crowds. It is also the stance of all governments, including those bound to comply with realpolitik requirements. Israel's impunity is of great concern to the Muslim world because it implies a green light for further repression. Actually, the prevailing opinion is that Israel and the Western countries are equally responsible for the present stalemate. Put in a historical perspective, the West's passivity is considered an extension of a series of aggressions against Muslims since the Middle-Ages. This long list begins with the Catholic inspired massacres during the first crusade and the relentless re-conquest and eradication of Muslim territory in Spain by Isabel the Catholic and Gimenez.
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Other telling examples are the wars of colonial conquest and occupation by some European countries, or the largescale bombing in Afghanistan and its extensive collateral damage. One has also to keep in mind the terrible suppression of the independence movement in Chechnya, and the mass murder in Lebanon masterminded by a "butcher" later appointed prime minister. In addition, we have to mention the double-speak of the former occupying power and its proxy in Western Sahara. However, the most burning issue for the Muslim world is certainly the ongoing crime against humanity in Palestine, which has been occupied for more than sixty years. Obviously this continuous occupation is a part of the "greater Israel" strategy claimed or suggested by all the Israeli governments from the inception of the Jewish State. In addition, there is the insidious propaganda war waged by Israel and it's apologists to excuse and cover up Israeli excesses under the pretext of a war against terrorism.
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The "rage and frustration" allegedly branded into the Muslim psyche by the apparent loss of global influence to the advantage of Western civilization is simply not the case. Rather, this real anger is the result of the everlasting, brutal, arrogant and ruthless behaviour of the West. As farfetched as it may seem, the latter explanation has some implications. One, the West wishes to portray itself in a good light. Two, the intention of the West is to disguise its various crimes. Three, the objective of the West is to claim that it is rejected for what it is and not for what it does.
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This gross falsification is the very foundation of the "clash of civilizations" (coined, for the record, by Bernard Lewis and not by Samuel Huntington as is often believed) that Western propaganda aims to make a self-fulfilling prophecy.
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The West self-deception: the defence and promotion of universal values Muslims have nothing against the age of Enlightenment. What is at stake is the West's thirst for power, the haughty negation of its crimes during colonial times, its firm intention to expand its model on a global scale, its never-ending inclination to preach, its aggressive design to force the Moslems into democracy and religious reform and, last but not least, its alignment with Israel's colonial policy.
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Western countries need to break with such behaviour if they really want to establish long-term and mutually beneficial relations with a region of critical strategic importance for the Muslim world. One confidence-building measure would be to accept responsibility for the past. To try to gain forgiveness for one's crimes is not to belittle one. Rather to repent is to increase one's stature, help placate the victims' sorrow and pave the way for a thorough reconciliation. The second would be a noninterventionist external policy. Democracy is not a universal panacea.
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Things must follow their natural course, irrespective of any difficulty. Foreign meddling in this matter will have serious consequences. A third possible step would involve Muslim European nationals. Whatever feelings the West may have about Islam, it should, in its own best interest, interact with Muslim European nationals in an all-inclusive approach to pave the way for a much sought-after integration. On the other hand, the West should avoid any attempt to influence the adaptation of religion in the Islamic world. The overwhelming majority of Muslims observe their faith in a peaceful way. They reject extremists as well as would-be reformers. Muslims have to decide for themselves whether there is a need for reform, without external pressure. They could, if necessary, consult some of Islam's new thinkers. However, the litmus test pertains to the Palestinian question. All Muslims, especially the Arabs, cannot understand why the West is so emotional about the Jews' past suffering and so indifferent to the alarming plight of the Palestinians. The West, and particularly the US, should be committed to giving momentum to the peace process in accordance with the relevant UN Security Council resolutions.
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It seems, however, that the time is not ripe for such a dramatic change. Since the collapse of Communism in 1989, the Western countries have been more assertive than ever. They still claim that the invasion and occupation of Iraq was justified, conveniently ignoring the evidence that there were no weapons of mass destruction in that country. They are sending significant reinforcements to Afghanistan. They will make no apology for their crimes and offer no compensation for the damage. They place extreme pressure on Iran to prevent the production of nuclear warheads while turning a blind eye to Israel's stockpile of atomic bombs. In other words, ignoring the lessons of history, the West adheres to power politics.
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What is good for Israel is good for the West. The laissez faire policy
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In contrast, the Western countries are neither willing nor able to adopt a stronger policy vis-à-vis Israel. In the Middle East conflict it is self-evident that the West feels closer ties to Israel for both historical and religious reasons. This is at the expense of Arabs who have embodied, since time immemorial, a threatening otherness. In addition, much like the proverbial "sorcerer's apprentice", the State that they have created is beyond their control and there is no stopping the momentum that is, and continues, to build up.
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There is no denying that the Israelis feel free to do whatever they want. One of the activists of Peace Now gave the following opinion in 2007: "If you look at what Israel does rather than what it says, the conclusion is that Israel is not willing to accept a Palestinian State." The Jewish State's policy of fait accompli is a clear confirmation of his statement. The plain truth is that Israel occupies 40% of the Palestinian territory (as it was before 1967) including East Jerusalem. The settlement policy is ongoing. One should note that its short-lived freeze appears, with hindsight, to have been a confidence trick designed to focus attention on a so-called Israeli concession and divert global attention away from the settlement itself.
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In any case, the creeping annexation of Palestinian territory is a clear indication of how the Jewish State continues towards its goal of a "greater Israel". Alternatively, the objective appears to be the occupation of the whole of Palestine and the concomitant expulsion of all Palestinians including those with Israeli nationality. Retrospectively one realizes why Israel and the Western countries endorsed the UN Security council resolution 242 under the condition that the English version be the sole reference. The English version of the resolution "conveniently" provides for the withdrawal of territories and not of the territories. It is an excellent ploy to facilitate further expansion as long as there is no solution. It is abundantly clear that there will be no settlement while the peace process is in permanent stasis. New blood within the Palestinian Authority: a mandate from the people to make peace with Israel The Palestinians find themselves caught between Israel's constant obstruction of the peace process and the persistent Western warning against any attempt to jeopardize its resumption. The Palestinian Authority has been trying to comply with these imperatives since the election of President Mahmoud Abbas.
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The peace with Israel option was overwhelmingly endorsed in August 2009 by the Fatah 6th Congress. There is a new generation of leaders; honest, educated and born in the Gaza Strip or the West Bank. Furthermore, they are democratically elected and trusted by the people. The head of government is a graduate from Texas University and was the IMF permanent representative in Gaza and Ramallah. He is a native son. Under his leadership internal Fatah quarrels have been settled, corruption is being dealt with, the economy is improving and investments are on the rise. Last, but not least, order is being restored in cooperation with the Israeli security forces. Hamas militants are under continuous police harassment while their leaders are left alone with a view to bringing Fatah and Hamas together through negotiation.
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In other words, the Israelis can no longer argue the Palestinian Authority's lack of credibility for continually delaying the peace process. They now have a valid negotiator of stature, fully mandated by a sizeable portion of the Palestinian people, to make peace with Israel. There are none so blind as those who will not see. Israel's ulterior motives: total annexation or mini state under control - in either case, genocide in Gaza.
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Who still believes that the Palestinian plea will be taken into consideration? Firstly, the Israeli policy of slow, creeping expansion is working well. The routine violations weaken indignation, invoking less and less reaction to the establishment of each new colony. Secondly, the US and the European Union have adamantly rejected a recent Palestinian proposal to return to the UN framework. This rebuttal is a clear confirmation that even the English version of resolution 242 is deemed irrelevant, despite the fact that it has the backing of all the Arab countries. Lastly, Hamas has been blacklisted, leaving the Palestinians without the option of unifying to establish a stronger bargaining position. All the cards are on one side, and Israel will play them as it wishes as long as the West is neither willing nor able to intercede.
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The wisest approach would be for Israel to build bridges and not walls between the two communities. Both communities know what suffering means, they are gifted, well-educated, hard-working and should work hand in hand towards the stability, development and integration of the whole region.
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Unfortunately for all concerned, the heady allure of unbridled power will lead Israel to one of two alternatives. The worst scenario would be a complete annexation of the Palestinian territory. The other would leave a tiny Palestinian State with a capital other than East Jerusalem.
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Nobody has the right to decide for the Palestinians if such a cynical proposal should be discussed, least of all the members of a "brotherhood" ready to dispense good advice but never ready for action. As for Gaza, the Israeli approach is quite clear: Hamas must be wiped out; and since its popular support is obvious, then the people behind it should also be wiped out. These are the seeds for yet another crime against humanity. Once again a wall is being financed by the West at the initiative and under the control of the two nearest neighbours in the region. This wall will definitely curtail smuggling bare essentials to a population already under siege for nearly four years. The weapons of mass destruction in this instance are starvation and health care deprivation. Thousands of Gaza citizens, whose only mistake is their place of birth, will suffer and perish. Is this then the triumph of the Israelis and their Western friends? No, it is but the beginning of their woes, because from generation to generation, until the end of the time, revenge, written in all languages of the world, will be engraved in the Palestinian collective memory.
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H.E. Mourad Bencheikh is the Ambassador of Algeria to South Africa

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MAYAT TIDAK BUSUK TIDAK REPUT

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Disebutkan di dalam satu riwayat, bahawasanya apabila para makhluk dibangkitkan dari kubur, mereka semuanya berdiri tegak di kubur masing-masing selama 44 tahun UMUR AKHIRAT dalam keadaan TIDAK MAKAN dan TIDAK MINUM, TIDAK DUDUK dan TIDAK BERCAKAP.
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Bertanya orang kepada Rasulullah saw: 'Bagaimana kita dapat mengenali ORANG-ORANG MUKMIN kelak di hari qiamat?'
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Maka jawabnya Rasulullah saw 'Umatku dikenali kerana WAJAH mereka putih disebabkan oleh WUDHU'. Bila qiamat datang maka malaikat datang ke kubur orang mukmin sambil membersihkan debu di badan mereka KECUALI pada tempat sujud. Bekas SUJUD tidak dihilangkan.
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Maka memanggillah dari zat yang memanggil. Bukanlah debu 'itu dari debu kubur mereka, akan tetapi debu itu ialah debu KEIMANAN' mereka. Oleh itu tinggallah debu itu sehingga mereka melalui titian' Siratul Mustaqim dan memasuki Alam SYURGA, sehingga setiap orang melihat para mukmin itu mengetahui bahawa mereka adalah pelayan Ku dan hamba-hamba Ku.
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Disebutkan oleh hadith Rasulullah saw bahawa sepuluh orang yang mayatnya TIDAK BUSUK dan TIDAK REPUT dan akan bangkit dalam tubuh asal diwaktu mati :-

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01. Para Nabi
02. Para Ahli Jihad
03. Para Alim Ulama
04. Para Syuhada
05. Para Penghafal Al Quran
06. Imam atau Pemimpin yang Adil
07. Tukang Azan
08. Wanita yang meninggal dunia semasa melahirkan anak.
09. Orang mati dibunuh atau dianiaya
10. Orang yang mati di siang hari atau di malam Jumaat jika mereka itu dari kalangan orang yang beriman.

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LUASNYA NERAKA

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Alhamdulillah... Jumaat malam (12.02.2010) saya menerima email dari kawan mengenai keluasan neraka. Saya sempat membaca kandungannya dengan sekali imbas. Setelah selesai membaca, saya teringatkan kawan-kawan terutama mereka yang berminat membaca blog saya lalu memasukkan artikel ini di blog saya dengan niat menjalankan amanah dan tanggung-jawab menyebarkan ilmu.

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Kebetulan pula malam ini (jumaat malam sabtu), saya ada kelas mengaji di masjid negeri Sabah bermula selepas solat Isyak. Sebelum mengaji, saya sempat membacakan hadis berikut:

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Yazid Arraqqasyi dari Anas bin Malik ra. berkata: Jibrail datang kepada Nabi saw pada waktu yg ia tidak biasa datang dalam keadaan berubah mukanya, maka ditanya oleh nabi s.a.w.: 'Mengapa aku melihat kau berubah muka?'

Jawabnya: 'Ya Muhammad, aku datang kepadamu di saat Allah menyuruh supaya dikobarkan penyalaan api neraka, maka tidak layak bagi orang yg mengetahui bahawa neraka Jahannam itu benar, dan siksa kubur itu benar, dan siksa Allah itu terbesar untuk bersuka-suka sebelum ia merasa aman dari padanya.'

Lalu nabi s.a..w. bersabda: 'Ya Jibrail, jelaskan padaku sifat Jahannam.'

Jawabnya: 'Ya. Ketika Allah menjadikan Jahannam, maka dinyalakan selama seribu tahun, sehingga merah, kemudian dilanjutkan seribu tahun sehingga putih, kemudian seribu tahun sehingga hitam, maka ia hitam gelap, tidak pernah padam nyala dan baranya. Demi Allah yg mengutus engkau dengan hak, andaikan terbuka sebesar lubang jarum nescaya akan dapat membakar penduduk dunia semuanya kerana panasnya.

Demi Allah yg mengutus engkau dengan hak, andaikan satu baju ahli neraka itu digantung di antara langit dan bumi nescaya akan mati penduduk bumi kerana panas dan basinya.

Demi Allah yg mengutus engkau dengan hak, andaikan satu pergelangan dari rantai yg disebut dalam Al-Quran itu diletakkan di atas bukit, nescaya akan cair sampai ke bawah bumi yg ke tujuh.

Demi Allah yg mengutus engkau dengan hak, andaikan seorang di hujung barat tersiksa, nescaya akan terbakar orang-orang yang di hujung timur kerana sangat panasnya, Jahannam itu sangat dalam dan perhiasannya besi dan minumannya air panas campur nanah dan pakaiannya potongan-potongan api.

Api neraka itu ada tujuh pintu, tiap-tiap pintu ada bahagiannya yang tertentu dari orang laki-laki dan perempuan.'

Nabi s.a.w. bertanya: 'Apakah pintu-pintunya bagaikan pintu-pintu rumah kami?'

Jawabnya: 'Tidak, tetapi selalu terbuka, setengahnya di bawah dari lainnya, dari pintu ke pintu jarak perjalanan 70,000 tahun, tiap pintu lebih panas dari yang lain 70 kali ganda.' (nota kefahaman: iaitu yg lebih bawah lebih panas)

Tanya Rasulullah s.a.w.: 'Siapakah penduduk masing-masing pintu?'

Jawab Jibrail:

'Pintu yg terbawah untuk orang-orang munafik, dan orang-orang yg kafir setelah diturunkan hidangan mukjizat nabi Isa a.s.. serta keluarga Fir'aun sedang namanya Al-Hawiyah.

Pintu kedua tempat orang-orang musyrikin bernama Jahim,

Pintu ketiga tempat orang shobi'in bernama Saqar.

Pintu ke empat tempat Iblis dan pengikutnya dari kaum majusi bernama Ladha,

Pintu kelima orang yahudi bernama Huthomah.

Pintu ke enam tempat orang nasara bernama Sa'eir.'

Kemudian Jibrail diam segan pada Rasulullah s.a.w. sehingga ditanya: 'Mengapa tidak kau terangkan penduduk pintu ke tujuh?'

Jawabnya: 'Di dalamnya orang-orang yg berdosa besar dari ummatmu yg sampai mati belum sempat bertaubat.'

Maka nabi s.a.w. jatuh pingsan ketika mendengar keterangan itu, sehingga Jibrail meletakkan kepala nabi s.a.w. di pangkuannya sehingga sedar kembali dan sesudah sadar nabi saw bersabda: 'Ya Jibrail, sungguh besar kerisauanku dan sangat sedihku, apakah ada seorang dari ummat ku yang akan masuk ke dalam neraka?'

Jawabnya: 'Ya, iaitu orang yg berdosa besar dari ummatmu.'

Kemudian nabi s.a.w. menangis, Jibrail juga menangis, kemudian nabi s.a..w. masuk ke dalam rumahnya dan tidak keluar kecuali untuk sembahyang kemudian kembali dan tidak berbicara dengan orang dan bila sembahyang selalu menangis dan minta kepada Allah.(dipetik dari kitab 'Peringatan Bagi Yg Lalai')

Dari Hadith Qudsi: Bagaimana kamu masih boleh melakukan maksiat sedangkan kamu tak dapat bertahan dengan panasnya terik matahari Ku.

Tahukah kamu bahawa neraka jahanamKu itu:

01. Neraka Jahanam itu mempunyai 7 tingkat
02. Setiap tingkat mempunyai 70,000 daerah
03. Setiap daerah mempunyai 70,000 kampung
04. Setiap kampung mempunyai 70,000 rumah
05. Setiap rumah mempunyai 70,000 bilik
06. Setiap bilik mempunyai 70,000 kotak
07. Setiap kotak mempunyai 70,000 batang pokok zarqum
08. Di bawah setiap pokok zarqum mempunyai 70,000 ekor ular
09. Di dalam mulut setiap ular yg panjang 70 hasta mengandungi lautan racun yang hitam pekat.
10. Juga di bawah setiap pokok zarqum mempunyai 70,000 rantai
11. Setiap rantai diseret oleh 70,000 malaikat

Mudah-mudahan ini dapat menimbulkan keinsafan kepada kita semua......Wallahua'lam.

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HUKUM MENYAMBUT HARI VALENTINE

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Hukum Orang Islam menyambut Perayaan Valentine's Day

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Huraian :
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Amalan merayakan Valentine@Chr(39)@s Day tidak pernah dianjurkan oleh Islam. Roh perayaan tersebut mempunyai unsur-unsur Kristian dan amalannya yang bercampur dengan perbuatan maksiat adalah bercanggah dan dilarang oleh Islam.

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FATWA MENGENAI PENGGUNAAN ALLAH

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Lafaz Allah merupakan kalimah suci yang khusus bagi agama dan umat Islam dan ia tidak boleh digunakan atau disamakan dengan agama-agama bukan Islam lain. Oleh itu wajib bagi umat Islam menjaganya dengan cara yang terbaik dan sekiranya terdapat unsur-unsur penghinaan atau penyalahgunaan terhadap kalimah tersebut, maka ia perlu disekat mengikut peruntukan undang-undang yang telah termaktub dalam Perlembagaan Persekutuan.
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Oleh : Muzakarah Kali Ke-82
Tarikh Keputusan : 5 Mei 2008
Tarikh Muzakarah : 5 Mei 2008 hingga 7 Mei 2008

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MAAL HJRAH DI TAMBUNAN

BERDAKWAH DI MOYOG

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Moyog:-

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Beberapa bulan yang lalu saya dan dua orang mualaf (suami isteri) memasuki sebuah kampung di Moyog Penampang (pekat dgn fahaman kristian) sempena Hari Raya Aidil Adha. Kami dapat menghimpunkan lima buah keluarga dalam satu majlis tidak resmi bagi membincangkan mengenai keindahan islam. Kami membawa buku solat wanita, sajadah dan telekong wanita untuk dijadikan sebagai bahan kami berdakwah kepada keluarga non-muslim. Mungkin ada pembaca blog ini yang terkejut kenapa saya buat cara ini. Mungkin ada dikalangan pembaca tidak setuju dengan cara ini kerana mendekati non-muslim dengan cara yang tidak pernah dilakukan selama ini.

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Saya menunjukkan cara-cara muslimah solat, para ibu dan wanita tua muda mengelilingi kami dan ingin tahu cara muslimah bersolat. Kelihatan ibu-ibu begitu tertarik dengan cara muslimah solat sehinggakan tiga daripada lima buah keluarga tertarik dan ingin mengetahui lebih dalam lagi mengenai islam. Insyaa Allah lawatan susulan akan dibuat tidak lama lagi. Berjaya atau tidak kaedah ini bukan soalnya kerana sesungguhnya Allah sahaja yang menentukan, tetapi yang pastinya saya telah mencuba sesuatu kaedah berasaskan kreativiti tersendiri.

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Atas: Bergambar dengan keluarga non-muslim di Moyog setelah selesai memberi penerangan kepada mereka mengenai keindahan solat dalam Islam. Kelihatan dua orang mualaf (baju biru) dan isterinya (duduk bersila bertudung) turut serta.

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