Saturday, October 9, 2010

Stories of the Prophets



TITLE : Stories of the Prophets

AUTHOR : Hafiz Ibn Kathir

2.5 MB | PDF | 228 Pages

In this book, the stories of the prophets have been compiled from ‘Al-Bidayah wan-Nihayah’ (The Beginning and the End) which is a great work of the famous Muslim exegete and historian Ibn Kathir and has a prominent place in the Islamic literature. The stories of the prophets and all the events in their lives have been supported by the Qur’anic Verses and the Sunnah (traditions) of the Prophet (S). Wherever it was necessary, other sources have also been reported for the sake of historical accounts, but on such places a comparative study has been made to prove the authenticity of the sources. Ibn Kathir has reproduced the views and interpretations of all the great exegetes of the Qur’an of his time. The systemic narratives of the Stories of the Prophets have been written in chronological order which renders a historical style to the book.

Allah the Most Exalted says in the Qur’an:
* “We are relating unto you the most beautiful of stories in that what We have revealed to you from the Qur’an, though before it you were from among those who were not aware of them.” (12:3)
* “We have indeed sent aforetime Messengers before you, of them there are some whose stories We have related to you, and whose stories We have not related to you…” (40:78 )
* “We relate to you the important news of their story in truth…” (18:13)
* “And all that We relate to you of these stories of the Messengers, We strengthen with them your heart. Through them there come to you the truth as well as admonition and reminder to all those who believe.” (11:120)
* “There is, indeed, in their stories lessons for people endowed with understanding. It is not any invented tale, but a confirmation of what went before it, and a detailed exposition of all things, and a guide and a mercy to the people who believe.” (12:111)
* “…so relate the stories, perhaps they may reflect.” (7:176)


The Choice Islam And Christianity – Volume ( One & Two )


Ahmed Deedat | Language: English | Format: PDF| Pages: 498 | Size: 17 MB
The Choice – Islam and Christianity: Two Volumes, By Ahmed Deedat, An excellent book discussing Islam and Christianity in the light of the Holy Quran and the Sunnah.




The Explanation Of The Beautiful And Perfect Names Of Allah



Abdur-Rahman Bin Nasir as-Sadi | Language: English | Format: PDF | Pages: 35 | Size: 2 MB

The Explanation Of The Beautiful And Perfect Names Of Allah: A brief explanation of some of the Names of Allah.

Sample Pages:


Friday, October 8, 2010

Allah Exalted Be He And Why Man Was Created



Author: Sayed Mahmoud Hamed | Language: English | Size: 1MB | Pages: 32 | Format: PDF

Praise be to Allah, Lord of Alamin (mankind, jinn and all that exists), and peace and blessings be upon Prophet Muhammad the noblest of all messengers, his relatives, all his friends and whoever calls for his message to the Day of Recompense …Conveying Islamic Message Society has received from some Muslims in the European countries questions asked by the so- called Christian missionaries.

Those questions are:
1. Who is Allah?
2. How to reach Allah and how to be faithful to Him?
3. What is the way to paradise?
4. Have you done all the deeds necessary to enter paradise?
5. How then do we enter paradise by His grace and mercy only?
6. How can Allah be merciful and just at the same time?

These questions were concluded by the statement “Jesus is God’s Sacrifice”

Click on Icon for Download PDF

Definition of Islam



The word ISLAM has a two-fold meaning: peace, and submission to God. This submission requires a fully conscious and willing effort to submit to the one Almighty God. One must consciously and conscientiously give oneself to the service of Allah. This means to act on what Allah enjoins all of us to do (in the Qur'an) and what His beloved Prophet, Muhammad (Peace be upon him) encouraged us to do in his Sunnah (his lifestyle and sayings personifying the Qur'an). Once we humble ourselves, rid ourselves of our egoism and submit totally to Allah, and to Him exclusively, in faith and in action, we will surely feel peace in our hearts. Establishing peace in our hearts will bring about peace in our external conduct as well.

Islam is careful to remind us that it not a religion to be paid mere lip service; rather it is an all-encompassing way of life that must be practiced continuously for it to be Islam. The Muslim must practice the five pillars of the religion: the declaration of faith in the oneness of Allah and the prophet hood of Muhammad (Peace be upon him), prayer, fasting the month of Ramadan, alms-tax, and the pilgrimage to Makkah; and believe in the six articles of faith: belief in God, the Holy Books, the prophets, the angels, the Day of Judgment and God's decree, whether for good or ill.

There are other injunctions and commandments which concern virtually all facets of one's personal, family and civic life. These include such matters as diet, clothing, personal hygiene, interpersonal relations, business ethics, responsibilities towards parents, spouse and children, marriage, divorce and inheritance, civil and criminal law, fighting in defense of Islam, relations with non-Muslims, and so much more.
 

Wednesday, October 6, 2010

Belief in Allah (God)


The core of Islamic deen (way of life) is to believe in Allah (God). It is to say that there is none worthy of worship except Allah (Subhanahu Wa Ta'ala) and He (SWT) is the only Creator and Sustainer of everything. Allah (SWT) is Omniscient, Merciful and Forgiving. Allah (SWT) is unique in His Names and Attributes. Allah (SWT) is not comparable to anything and nor is He (SWT) within His creation. Allah (SWT) does not beget nor was He (SWT) ever begotten. Allah (SWT) is the only One, Who gives life and causes death. Allah (SWT) says in the Qur'an (interpretation of the meaning):

"There is no true god worthy of worship but He, the Most Merciful, the Most Compassionate. [2:163]

Not an apostle did We send before thee without this inspiration sent by Us to him: that there is no god but I; therefore worship and serve Me."[21:25]

"Say: He is Allah, the One! Allah, the eternally Besought of all! He begetteth not nor was begotten. And there is none comparable unto Him."[112:1-4]

"The Creator of the heavens and the earth. He hath made for you pairs of yourselves, and of the cattle also pairs, whereby He multiplieth you. Naught is as His likeness; and He is the Hearer, the Seer."[42:11]

"Thou causest the night to pass into the day, and Thou causest the day to pass into the night. And Thou bringest forth the living from the dead, and Thou bringest forth the dead from the living. And Thou givest sustenance to whom Thou choosest, without stint."[3:27]


Muslims testify and practice this belief by clinging to the phrase, "La illaha illa Allah (there is no God (worthy of worship) except Allah)". Tawhid is an Arabic word, which is used to describe belief in Allah (SWT) and it is unique in its kind. In addition, bearing witness to this pharse is one of the two steps by which a person embraces the beautiful deen of Allah (SWT), Islam. Islam is not about lips' services; therefore, clinging to this phrase or belief is the next step and core of Islamic life.

The subjects, finding God and His existence, are part of later discussion and insha'Allah (by the will of Allah (SWT)) will be explained in more details. However, for the benefits of the readers, we should make a note of few things. Believing in higher Being has been norm of the society and throughout the history of mankind the majority has always believed in God. This is not a logical approach to prove the existence of God; nonetheless, it does give some indication about the reality and our sole purpose of existence. Our sole purpose of life cannot be simply living and having fun or continuously reproducing ourselves to bring changes in our future species. First, evolution does not explain everything and it is a dependent process; therefore, it does not rule out God. Second, evolutionists have no answer to the question: what we will evolve to. Third, let's take us an example of students studying in an institution. Can students do whatever please them? Why do they have to follow an organized system and guidelines? Why can't they simply play around and enjoy themselves? Again, this is just a brief introduction to detailed topics, which will be covered later on, insha'Allah. Allah (SWT) says in the Qur'an (interpretation of the meaning):

"We created not the heavens, the earth, and all between them, merely in (idle) sport: We created them not except for just ends: but most of them do not understand." [44:38-39]

"Say those without knowledge: 'Why speaketh not Allah unto us? or why cometh not unto us a Sign?' So said the people before them words of similar import. Their hearts are alike. We have indeed made clear the Signs unto any people who hold firmly to Faith (in their hearts)."[2:118]

"Were they created of nothing, or were they themselves the creators? Or did they create the heavens and the earth? Nay, they have no firm belief." [52:35-36]

"I created the jinn and humankind only that they might worship Me." [51-56]


wallahu a'lam (and Allah knows best).

Friday, October 1, 2010

Salem al-Amry: - 7 Obstacles in the Way of Paradise


Seven Obstacles in the Way of Paradise, dealing with the traps of Satan, delivered by 
Sheikh Salem al-Amry at Peace Conference, India.




Dr.Abdullah Hakim Quick: - Islam & Different Spheres of Life



Islam is not an attack, it is life giving.

We need to come close to Allah. When you feel the heat of evil around you, turn to Allah. Increase your ibadah, increase your sadaqa, increase your remembrance of Allah, come closer in the Sunnah, put Islam into your life, come closer to Allah because Allah has power over all things.

"You will surely be tested in your possessions and in yourselves. And you will surely hear from those who were given the Scripture before you and from those who associate others with Allah much abuse. But if you are patient and fear Allah - indeed, that is of the matters [worthy] of determination."
(Interpretation of the meaning of the Qur'an 3:186)

  

Dr.Bilal Philips - The True Message of Jesus



Jesus Christ represents the common link between the two religions having the most followers on the earth today, Christianity and Islam. The following study of Jesus’ message and his person is based on this link. It is hoped that through this study, both Muslims and Christians will better understand the significance of Jesus and the importance of his message.

However, for us to accurately identify the true message of Jesus Christ, an objective point of view must be maintained throughout the course of our research. We should not allow our emotions to cloud our vision and thereby blind us from the truth. We must look at all of the issues rationally and separate the truth from falsehood—with the help of the Almighty.

When we look at the variety of false religions and deviant beliefs around the world and the zeal with which their followers uphold these beliefs, it becomes quite evident that these people are not able to find the truth because of their blind commitment to their beliefs. Their tenacious adherence is usually not based on an intellectual understanding of the teachings, but on powerful cultural and emotional influences. Because they were brought up in a particular family or society, they firmly cling to the beliefs of that society, believing that they are upholding the truth.

The only way that we may find the truth about anything is to approach it systematically and logically. First, we weigh the evidence and then we judge it by the intelligence which God has given us. In the material world, it is fundamentally intelligence that distinguishes humans from animals, which act purely on instinct. After determining what the objective truth is, we must then commit ourselves to it emotionally. Yes, there is a place for emotional commitment, but emotional commitment must come after a reasoned comprehension of the issues. Emotional commitment is essential, because it is evidence of a true understanding. When one fully and properly understands the reality of the issue, one is then mentally and spiritually prepared to vigorously uphold that reality.


Dr. Abu Ameenah Bilal Philips





CENTER OF TRUTH MESSAGE

Importance of Juma’ah


 
The Friday prayer (Juma’ah Salat) is very important for each Muslim, male and female,
because it is their weekly Salat and it is a blessing that Allah bestowed on the people of
Muhammad (SAW).

 
The chosen one (SAW) has said, “Whoever makes an ablution, and makes it well, then
comes to the Masjid on Friday for Juma’ah, and listens to the Khutbah attentively and
keeps silent, his minor sins between that Friday and the following Friday will be forgiven,
with the addition of three more days. But, he who touches pebbles (during the Salat or
Khutbah) has caused an interruption.” It is clear from this that one should listen
attentively to the Imam during the Khutbah, and not play with anything, such as a watch,
prayer beads, or anything else, or you will lose your reward.
 
The Prophet (SAW) said, “The five daily prayers, and praying one Friday prayer and the
next, and the fasting of Ramadan, result in the expiation of the sins committed between
them, so long as major sins are avoided.” This does not, however, mean that the Muslims
should come to the Masjid only on Fridays, neglecting it at other times. This does not
mean either that Muslims should indulge in sins at will, thinking that they will be
forgiven anyhow.

 
“If a man takes a bath on Friday, or purifies himself as much as he can with ablution, oils
his hair, applies whatever perfume (or oil) available in his house, sets forth to the Masjid,
and does not separate two people (to make space for himself), offers Salat that is
prescribed for him, remains silent when the Imam speaks, his minor sins between that
Friday and the following will be forgiven,” the Prophet (SAW) has said. It is Sunnah to oil
the head and beard, put on perfume, and pay attention during the Khutbah.
 
The Prophet (saw) also said, “The best day on which the sun has ever risen is Friday; on
that day, Adam was created, he was admitted to Paradise, and he was expelled from
there.” He has also said, “Among the best of your days is Friday. On that day, invoke
blessings on me frequently, for your blessings are presented to me.” Rasul-Allah (SAW)
said, “The Sun does not rise nor set on a day that is better than Friday, and there is no
creature that is not scared of Friday except for humans and jinns.” They are afraid
because Judgment Day will be on a Friday.

 
Narrated Abu Hurairah: The Prophet (SAW) said, “There is a time on Friday at which a
Muslim, while he is offering Salat and is supplicating, will be granted whatever he is
asking for.” He indicated with his hands that this period of time is very short, the
duration kept unknown to induce Muslims to worship throughout Friday.
 
In a Hadith, it is said that “On Fridays, angels will be sent to the doors of the Masjid to
write down the names of the people who enter the Masjid. When the Imam goes to the
pulpit, they close their books, put down their pens, and start asking each other: ‘what has
kept so and so from coming to Juma’ah?’ They then pray: ‘Oh Allah, if so and so is
misguided, please guide him, and if he is sick, please cure him, and if he is needy, please
enrich him.’” This should encourage us to go early to the Masjid on Friday for salat.

 
All of us go early to the marketplace to trade. Why then do we not do the same with
Friday prayers, which benefit our salvation and help us to attain paradise? Abu Talib Al-
Macci said, “The first innovation (bida’ah) in Islam was not going early to the Masjid on
Fridays.” Ghazali adds, “Why do Muslims not feel ashamed that the Jews and Christians
go early for worship on Saturdays and Sundays?”
 
Narrated Abu Said Al-Khudri: Allah's Apostle (p.b.u.h) said, "The taking of a bath on Friday is compulsory for every male (Muslim) who has attained the age of puberty." Bukhari. 

The Prophet (SAW) said, “If you go to Juma’ah salat and try to sit close to the Imam, then
you would be of the people of paradise. If you come late for Juma’ah, then you will be
delayed from entering paradise, although you are from its dwellers.” He forbade people
from going over worshippers’ shoulders when trying to reach the front rows; and forbade
us from interrupting prayers in any form. He also asked us to sit in the front-most rows
to show the intention of sincerity, the need for knowledge, and show humility for Allah
who forbade us from sitting in the back, because its usually meant for boys and women.

 
Rasul-Allah (SAW) forbade Muslims from talking to each other during the Khutbah. If
your neighbor is talking, you are not even allowed to him ask to keep quiet. Bukhari
narrates: “If you ask your friend to ‘listen’ to the Khutbah, you will lose your reward.”
Not taking part in Juma’ah salat without a legitimate excuse is a sign of hypocrisy. Allah
will harden the person’s heart and will close it from all goodness, and then it will not have
any mercy and will not accept any guidance. Allah’s Messenger (SAW) said, “I wanted to
leave a man in my place to lead Juma’ah salat, so I can go and burn down the houses of
those who did not come for salat, because this would be easier on them than hellfire.”
It is very rewarding to read Surat Al-Kahf on Fridays before the salat. The Prophet (SAW)
said, “Whoever reads Surat Al-Kahf on Fridays, there will be a bright light to shine for
him between the two Fridays.”
And ALLAH knows best.

~CENTER OF TRUTH MESSAGE