http://www.masjidfresno.org/information.php For Your Information en-us Thu, 08 Jul 2010 18:45:28 -0700 Thu, 08 Jul 2010 18:45:28 -0700 http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/tech/rss All rights reserved Unless Material is used for Daawa A7mad Which is the True Religion of God? Each person is born in a circumstance which is not of his own choosing. The religion of his family or the ideology of the state is thrust upon him from the very beginning of his existence in this world. By the time he reaches his teens, he is usually fully brain-washed into believing that the beliefs of his particular society are the correct beliefs that everyone should have. However, when some people mature and are exposed to other belief-systems, they begin to question the validity of their own beliefs. The seekers of truth often reach a point of confusion upon realizing that each and every religion, sect, ideology and philosophy claims to be the one and only correct way for man. Indeed they all encourage people to good. So, which one is right? They cannot all be right since each claims all others to be wrong. Then how does the seeker of truth choose the right way? ... <br clear="all"> http://www.masjidfresno.org/information.php?entry_id=1275372662 General Islamic Knowledge http://www.masjidfresno.org/information.php?entry_id=1275372662 Mon, 31 May 2010 15:16:13 -0700 Abortion Praise be to Allaah.&nbsp;&nbsp; Firstly The Council of Senior Scholars issued the following statement: 1 – It is not permissible to abort a pregnancy at any stage unless there is a legitimate reason, and within very precise limits.&nbsp; 2 – If the pregnancy is in the first stage, which is a period of forty days, and aborting it serves a legitimate purpose or will ward off harm, then it is permissible to abort it. But aborting it at this stage for fear of the difficulty of raising children or of being unable to bear the costs of maintaining and educating them, or for fear for their future or because the couple feel that they have enough children – this is not permissible. 3 – It is not permissible to abort a pregnancy when it is an ‘alaqah (clot) or mudghah (chewed lump of flesh) (which are the second and third periods of forty days each) until a trustworthy medical committee has decided that continuing the pregnancy ... <br clear="all"> http://www.masjidfresno.org/information.php?entry_id=1239854893 Women Issues http://www.masjidfresno.org/information.php?entry_id=1239854893 Wed, 15 Apr 2009 13:08:13 -0700 Normal 0 MicrosoftInternetExplorer4 st1\:*{behavior:url(#ieooui) } /* Style Definitions */ table.MsoNormalTable {mso-style-name:"Table Normal"; mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0; mso-tstyle-colband-size:0; mso-style-noshow:yes; mso-style-parent:""; mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; mso-para-margin:0in; mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:10.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman";} حكم الاتجار في البورصة في النفط والبضائع الحمد لله يجوز الاتجار في البضائع عبر البورصة ، إذا تحققت شروط البيع الصحيح ، ومنها أن يبيع الإنسان ما يملك ، والواقع أن البورصة يجري فيها كثيرا بيعُ الإنسان ما لا يملكه وما ليس عنده ، وهذا منهي عنه شرعا . فقد روى أبو داود (3503) والترمذي (1232) والنسائي (4613) عن حكيم بن حزام رضي الله عنه قال : سَأَلْتُ النَّبِيَّ صَلَّى اللَّهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ فَقُلْتُ : يَا رَسُولَ اللَّهِ ، يَأْتِينِي الرَّجُلُ فَيَسْأَلُنِي الْبَيْعَ لَيْسَ عِنْدِي أَبِيعُهُ مِنْهُ ثُمَّ أَبْتَاعُهُ لَهُ مِنْ السُّوقِ . قَالَ : ( لَا تَبِعْ مَا لَيْسَ عِنْدَكَ ) والحديث صححه الألباني في صحيح النسائي. وقد صدر قرار من مجمع الفقه الإسلامي التابع ... <br clear="all"> http://www.masjidfresno.org/information.php?entry_id=1238177703 General Islamic Knowledge http://www.masjidfresno.org/information.php?entry_id=1238177703 Fri, 27 Mar 2009 03:15:03 -0700 خلع المرأة ثيابها في غير بيت زوجها الحديث الذي رواه الإمام أحمد وابن ماجه والحاكم عن عائشة رضي الله عنها بلفظ : ( أيما امرأة وضعت ثيابها في غير بيت زوجها فقد هتكت ستر ما بينها وبين الله ) . ورواه أحمد والطبراني والحاكم والبيهقي عن أبي أمامة رضي الله عنه بلفظ : ( أيما امرأة نزعت ثيابها خرق الله عز وجل عنها ستره ) ومراده صلى الله عليه وسلم والله اعلم : منعها من التساهل في كشف ملابسها في غير بيت زوجها على وجه ترى فيه عورتها ، وتتهم فيه لقصد فعل الفاحشة ونحو ذلك ، أما خلع ثيابها في محل آمن ، كبيت أهلها ومحارمها لإبدالها بغيرها ، أو للتنفس ونحو ذلك من المقاصد المباحة البعيدة عن الفتنة – فلا حرج في ذلك . Woman taking off some or all of her clothes in a house other than her husband’s house &nbsp; The hadeeth which was narrated by Imam Ahmad, Ibn Maajah ... <br clear="all"> http://www.masjidfresno.org/information.php?entry_id=1237269129 Women Issues http://www.masjidfresno.org/information.php?entry_id=1237269129 Tue, 17 Mar 2009 16:11:50 -0700 Maulid Two imprtant points should considered here: &nbsp; 1. Bid'ah Hasnah means that a sunnah which has been neglected by the people and someone revived it such as Omar Ibn Al-Khattab when he made the people to pray Sataut-Taraeeh together in Jama'ah. He did not innovate that, he just revived the action of the Prophet (peace be upon him) which has been neglected. So we cannot innovate or just insert anything in the religion and call it Bid'ah Hasanah (Innovation of Guidance). &nbsp; 2. The birth date and day of the Prophet (peace be upon him) has not been authentically established. What has been established is the date of his death 12 Rabi'ul-Awwal, which means that we are celebrating the death of the Prophet (peace be upon him) not his birth. &nbsp; For more information about this innovation in the religion, please read the following: &nbsp; Firstly: There is no festival in Islamic sharee’ah that is called “The Prophet’s Birthday”. Neither the Sahaabah nor the Taabi’een nor the four imams nor anyone else recognized ... <br clear="all"> http://www.masjidfresno.org/information.php?entry_id=1237216893 General Islamic Knowledge http://www.masjidfresno.org/information.php?entry_id=1237216893 Mon, 16 Mar 2009 00:21:33 -0700 The Ruling on Celebrating the Birthday of the Prophet (peace be upon him) Assalamu Alaikum Firstly: There is no festival in Islamic sharee’ah that is called “The Prophet’s Birthday”. Neither the Sahaabah nor the Taabi’een nor the four imams nor anyone else recognized such a day as part of their religion. Rather this festival was introduced by some ignorant Baatini innovators, then the people began to follow this innovation but the imams have denounced it in every time and place. Secondly: Based on this, everything that the people do specially for this day is regarded as haraam, innovated actions, because they intend thereby to keep alive a festival that has been introduced into our religion, such as holding parties, offering food and so on. Shaykh al-Fawzaan said in al-Bayaan li Akhta’ ba’d al-Kuttaab (268-270): The commands in the Qur'aan and Sunnah to follow that which has been prescribed by Allah and His Messenger and the prohibition against introducing innovations into the religion are well known. Allah ... <br clear="all"> http://www.masjidfresno.org/information.php?entry_id=1237216825 General Islamic Knowledge http://www.masjidfresno.org/information.php?entry_id=1237216825 Mon, 16 Mar 2009 00:20:25 -0700 Patience of Believers* For a believer, the scope of patience is not limited to enduring difficulties and problems with calmness. In the light of the verse, [You who believe, be steadfast; be supreme in steadfastness… ] (Aal `Imran 3:200), throughout his life, he shows an undeviating commitment to meticulously fulfilling all the commands of the Qur’an, to avoiding what is unlawful, to displaying moral perfection in every situation, without becoming daunted or losing heart. In short, he resolutely shows the patience and good manners prescribed by the religion. That is because one can develop these noble character traits only if one makes a steady effort. It is the people of faith who exhibit patience when making such efforts. As the Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) informed Muslims in the following hadith, they know that patience is a gift for them from Allah: “No-one can be given a better and more abundant gift than patience” (Bukhari and Muslim). That is why patience permeates the ... <br clear="all"> http://www.masjidfresno.org/information.php?entry_id=1237216769 General Islamic Knowledge http://www.masjidfresno.org/information.php?entry_id=1237216769 Mon, 16 Mar 2009 00:19:29 -0700 The Prophet's Treatment of his Wives The Prophet's Treatment of his Wives Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) dealt justly with his wives, loved them, fondled them, and was patient and loyal with them. His actions sprang from a feeling of responsibility and because Allah the Almighty has created him righteous and equitable by nature. Lady A'isha said that the Prophet of Allah (peace be upon him) never preferred one wife more than the others and used to see them all in their homes everyday although he used to spend the night with one only. Treating his wives with equity never changed according to the change in his conditions. Whether he was traveling or present he was equitable.&nbsp; When he wanted to travel he used to pick without personal preference (through some way like drawing straws) which wife to accompany him. He used to spend one day and one night with each wife except when Lady Sauda Bint Zam'a reached old age and no longer had ... <br clear="all"> http://www.masjidfresno.org/information.php?entry_id=1237216690 Women Issues http://www.masjidfresno.org/information.php?entry_id=1237216690 Mon, 16 Mar 2009 00:18:10 -0700 كيف تحفظ القرآن الكريم؟ الحمد لله نحمده ونستعينه ونستغفره ونستهديه ونعوذ بالله من شرور أنفسنا ومن سيئات أعمالنا من يهد الله فلا مضل له ومن يضلل فلا هادي له نحمده هو أهل الحمد والثناء فله الحمد في الأولى والآخرة وله الحمد على كل حال وفي كل آن ونصلي ونسلم على خاتم الرسل والأنبياء نبينا محمد بن عبد الله وعلى آله وصحابته ومن اتبع هداه واقتفى أثره إلى يوم الدين وعنا معهم بعفوك ورحمتك يا أرحم الراحمين . أما بعد أيها الاخوة الكرام الأحبة : ليس في هذا الموضوع وصفة سحرية يمكن بتطبيقها أن تحفظ القرآن بصورة لم تكن تتخيلها أو تتوقعها، ولكن هذا الموضوع فيه خلاصة تجارب عملية، وهو في الحقيقة يركز على مضمون هذا العنوان، أي كيف تحفظ القران الكريم بصورة عامة لجميع الناس، مع التفاوت الذي قد يكون يختلف فيه بعضهم عن بعض. ونريد أن نركز الإجابة على هذا السؤال" كيف تحفظ القرآن الكريم ؟ " وذلك من خلال التعرض إلى خمسه نقاط مهمة : النقطة الأولى : الأسس العامة نقصد بالأسس العامة الأمور ... <br clear="all"> http://www.masjidfresno.org/information.php?entry_id=1232181466 Arabic Articles http://www.masjidfresno.org/information.php?entry_id=1232181466 Fri, 16 Jan 2009 17:37:46 -0700 Fasting the Day of Ashura In a hadith we are told that fasting the day of `Ashura' (the 10th of Muharram) expiates the sins of the previous year as the Prophet Mohammad (peace and blessings be upon him) said, “Fasting the day of `Ashura' (is of great merits), I hope that Allah will accept it as an expiation for (the sins committed in) the previous year” (Muslim). &nbsp; After the hijrah when the Prophet Mohammad (peace and blessings be upon him) came to Madinah, he found that the Jews of Madinah also used to observe this day (the 10th of Muharram) with fasting. The Prophet Mohammad (peace and blessings be upon him) asked them the reason of their fasting on this day. They said, “This is a blessed day. On this day Allah saved the Children of Israel from their enemy (in Egypt) and so Prophet Musa fasted on this day giving thanks to Allah.” The Prophet Mohammad (peace and blessings be upon him) said, “We ...<br clear="all"> http://www.masjidfresno.org/information.php?entry_id=1231018309 General Islamic Knowledge http://www.masjidfresno.org/information.php?entry_id=1231018309 Sat, 03 Jan 2009 06:31:49 -0700 حكم الإنجاب بطريقة ( I V F ) &nbsp; الحمد لله&nbsp; أولاً:&nbsp; لا شك أن الأولاد من نعَم هذه الدنيا وزينتها ، ومن أعظم مقاصد الزواج : الإنجاب ، والولد الصالح ذخر لوالديه في الدنيا والآخرة ، وأعماله الصالحة تكون في صحائف والديه وميزانهما ، وقد يبُتلى الرجل أو المرأة بعدم الإنجاب ، أو بتأخيره ، فالواجب عليهما الصبر والاحتساب ، والإكثار من الدعاء الاستغفار ، وليعلما أن الله تعالى لا يقضي بشيء إلا لحكمة بالغة ، ومن تيسر له طرقاً شرعية للإنجاب فلا حرج عليه من سلوك طريقها ، وليحذر المسلم من طرق الشعوذة ، والسحر ، والخرافة ، وليحذر من الأطباء الذين عُدموا التقوى ، فيكون همهم الحصول على المال من الراغب بالإنجاب ، ولذا يلجأ بعضهم إلى تبديل البويضات ، أو إلى تبديل ماء الرجل ! ومن هنا جاء المنع أو التشديد في الحكم بجواز هذه الطرق للإنجاب .&nbsp; ثانياً:&nbsp; ومن الطرق التي يسلكها الأطباء في الإنجاب : ما جاء في السؤال وهي ما يسمى ... <br clear="all"> http://www.masjidfresno.org/information.php?entry_id=1231015383 General Islamic Knowledge http://www.masjidfresno.org/information.php?entry_id=1231015383 Sat, 03 Jan 2009 06:12:31 -0700 حكم التبرع بالأعضاء &nbsp; الحمد لله &nbsp; " إنَّ مجلس مجمع الفقه الإسلامي المنعقد في دورة مؤتمره الرابع بجدة في المملكة العربية السعودية ، من 18-23 صفر 1408هـ الموافق 6-11 شباط ( فبراير ) 1988 م ، بعد اطلاعه على الأبحاث الفقهية والطبية الواردة إلى المَجمع ، بخصوص موضوع انتفاع الإنسان بأعضاء جسم إنسان آخر حياً أو ميتاً .&nbsp; وفي ضوء المناقشات التي وجهت الأنظار إلى أنَّ هذا الموضوع أمر واقع فرضه التقدم العلمي والطبي ، وظهرت نتائجه الإيجابية المفيدة ، والمشوبة في كثير من الأحيان بالأضرار النفسية والاجتماعية الناجمة عن ممارسته من دون الضوابط والقيود الشرعية التي تصان بها كرامة الإنسان ، مع إعمال مقاصد الشريعة الإسلامية الكفيلة بتحقيق كل ما هو خير ومصلحة غالبة للفرد والجماعة ، والداعية إلى التعاون والتراحم والإيثار . &nbsp; وبعد حصر هذا الموضوع في النقاط التي يتحرر فيها محل البحث وتنضبط تقسيماته وصوره وحالاته التي يختلف الحكم تبعاً لها . &nbsp; قرر ما يلي : &nbsp; من حيث التعريف والتقسيم :&nbsp; أولاً ... <br clear="all"> http://www.masjidfresno.org/information.php?entry_id=1231015233 General Islamic Knowledge http://www.masjidfresno.org/information.php?entry_id=1231015233 Sat, 03 Jan 2009 05:40:33 -0700 Normal 0 MicrosoftInternetExplorer4 st1\:*{behavior:url(#ieooui) } /* Style Definitions */ table.MsoNormalTable {mso-style-name:"Table Normal"; mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0; mso-tstyle-colband-size:0; mso-style-noshow:yes; mso-style-parent:""; mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; mso-para-margin:0in; mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:10.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman";} What to say after completing the prayer &nbsp; &nbsp; " أَسْتَغْفِرُ اللهَ (ثَلَاثاً) اللَّهُمَّ أَنْتَ السَّلَامُ وَمِنْكَ السَّلَامُ، تَبَارَكْتَ يَا ذَا الْجَلَالِ وَالْإِكْرَامِ ". &nbsp; 'Astaghfirullaaha Allaahumma 'Antas-Salaamu wa minkas-salaamu, tabaarakta yaa Thal-Jalaali wal-'Ikraam. &nbsp; I seek the forgiveness of Allah (three times) . O Allah, You are Peace and from You comes peace . Blessed are You , O Owner of majesty and honor. &nbsp; Reference: Muslim 1/414. &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; " لَا إِلهَ إِلَّا اللهُ وَحْدَهُ لَا شَرِيكَ لَهُ، لَهُ الْمُلْكُ وَلَهُ الْحَمْدُ وَهُوَ عَلَى كُلِّ شَيْءٍ قَدِيرٌ، اللَّهُمَّ لَا مَانِعَ لِمَا أَعْطَيْتَ، وَلَا مُعْطِيَ لِمَا مَنَعْتَ، وَلَا يَنْفَعُ ذَا الْجَدِّ مِنْكَ الْجَدُّ ". ...<br clear="all"> http://www.masjidfresno.org/information.php?entry_id=1231011940 General Islamic Knowledge http://www.masjidfresno.org/information.php?entry_id=1231011940 Sat, 03 Jan 2009 04:45:40 -0700 Normal 0 MicrosoftInternetExplorer4 /* Style Definitions */ table.MsoNormalTable {mso-style-name:"Table Normal"; mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0; mso-tstyle-colband-size:0; mso-style-noshow:yes; mso-style-parent:""; mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; mso-para-margin:0in; mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:10.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman";} The Sunnahs that the Muslim should observe on the day of Eid: 1 – Doing ghusl before going out to the prayer.&nbsp; It was narrated in a saheeh hadeeth in al-Muwatta’ and elsewhere that ‘Abd-Allah ibn ‘Umar used to do ghusl on the day of al-Fitr before going out to the prayer-place in the morning. Al-Muwatta’ 428.&nbsp; Al- Nawawi (may Allah have mercy on him) said that the Muslims were unanimously agreed that it is mustahabb to do ghusl for Eid prayer.&nbsp; The reason why it is mustahabb is the same reason as that for doing ghusl before Jumu’ah and other public gatherings. Rather on Eid the reason is even stronger.&nbsp; 2 – Eating before going out to pray on ... <br clear="all"> http://www.masjidfresno.org/information.php?entry_id=1231011877 General Islamic Knowledge http://www.masjidfresno.org/information.php?entry_id=1231011877 Sat, 03 Jan 2009 04:44:37 -0700 Normal 0 MicrosoftInternetExplorer4 st1\:*{behavior:url(#ieooui) } /* Style Definitions */ table.MsoNormalTable {mso-style-name:"Table Normal"; mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0; mso-tstyle-colband-size:0; mso-style-noshow:yes; mso-style-parent:""; mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; mso-para-margin:0in; mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:10.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman";} Supplications for prostrations due to recitation of the Quran &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; " سَجَدَ وَجْهِيَ لِلَّذِي خَلَقَهُ، وَشَقَّ سَمْعَهُ وَبَصَرَهُ، بِحَوْلِهِ وَقُوَّتِهِ، فَتَبَارَكَ اللهُ أَحسَنُ الْخَالِقِينَ ". &nbsp; 1. Sajada wajhiya lillathee khalaqahu, wa shaqqa sam'ahu wa basarahu bihawlihi wa quwwatihi. Fatabaarakallaahu 'ahsanul-khaaliqeen. &nbsp; I have prostrated my face to the One Who created it, and gave it hearing and sight by His might and His power. Glory is to Allah, the Best of creators. &nbsp; Reference: At-Tirmithi 2/474, Ahmad 6/30, and Al-Hakim &nbsp; " اللَّهُمَّ اكْتُبْ لِي بِهَا عِنْدَكَ أَجْراً، وَضَعْ عَنِّي بِهَا وِزْراً، وَاجْعَلْهَا لِي ذُخْراً، وَتَقَبَّلْهَا مِنِّي كَمَا تَقَبَّلْتَهَا مَنْ عَبْدِكَ دَاوُدَ ". &nbsp; ...<br clear="all"> http://www.masjidfresno.org/information.php?entry_id=1231011762 General Islamic Knowledge http://www.masjidfresno.org/information.php?entry_id=1231011762 Sat, 03 Jan 2009 04:42:42 -0700 Normal 0 MicrosoftInternetExplorer4 st1\:*{behavior:url(#ieooui) } /* Style Definitions */ table.MsoNormalTable {mso-style-name:"Table Normal"; mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0; mso-tstyle-colband-size:0; mso-style-noshow:yes; mso-style-parent:""; mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; mso-para-margin:0in; mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:10.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman";} &nbsp; Supplication at the end of Witr: Before or after the Salam " اللَّهُمَّ إِنِّي أَعُوذُ بِرِضَاكَ مَنْ سَخَطِكَ، وَبِمُعَافَاتِكَ مِنْ عُقُوبَتِكَ، وأَعُوذُ بِكَ مِنْكَ، لَا أُحْصِي ثَنَاءً عَلَيْكَ، أَنْتَ كَمَا أَثْنَيْتَ عَلَى نَفْسِكَ". 1. &nbsp; Allaahumma 'innee 'a'oo th u biridhaaka rain sakhatika, wa bimu'aafaatika min 'uqoobatika, wa 'a'oo th u bika minka, laa 'uhsee thanaa'an 'alayka, 'Anta kamaa 'athnayta 'alaa nafsika. O Allah , I seek refuge with Your Pleasure from Your anger . I seek refuge in Your forgiveness from Your punishment . I seek refuge in You from You . I cannot count Your praises , You are as You have praised Yourself. Reference: Abu Dawud, Ibn Majah, An-Nasa'i, At-Tirmithi, Ahmad. See Al-Albani, ... <br clear="all"> http://www.masjidfresno.org/information.php?entry_id=1231011646 General Islamic Knowledge http://www.masjidfresno.org/information.php?entry_id=1231011646 Sat, 03 Jan 2009 04:40:46 -0700 Normal 0 MicrosoftInternetExplorer4 /* Style Definitions */ table.MsoNormalTable {mso-style-name:"Table Normal"; mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0; mso-tstyle-colband-size:0; mso-style-noshow:yes; mso-style-parent:""; mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; mso-para-margin:0in; mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:10.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman";} &nbsp; أمية الرسول صلى الله عليه وسلم معجزة وكمال &nbsp; فلا شك أن النبي الكريم محمداً صلى الله عليه وسلم قد ولد أمياً، وظل على ذلك إلى أن بعث وهو أمي، وهذا كمال في حق النبي صلى الله عليه وسلم، ومعجزة من معجزاته الشريفة، قال الله تعالى: (هو الذي بعث في الأميين رسولاً منهم يتلو عليهم آياته ويزكيهم ويعلمهم الكتاب والحكمة وإن كانوا من قبل لفي ضلال مبين)[الجمعة:2 [ . وفي وصف الرسول الأمي بأنه يتلو على الأميين آيات الله أي وحيه، ويزكيهم، ويعلمهم الكتاب أي يلقنهم إياه، كما كانت الرسل تلقن الأمم الكتاب بالكتابة، ويعلمهم الحكمة التي علمتها الرسل السابقون أممهم، في كل هذه الأوصاف تحد بمعجزة الأمية في هذا الرسول صلى الله عليه وسلم فهو مع كونه ... <br clear="all"> http://www.masjidfresno.org/information.php?entry_id=1231011492 General Islamic Knowledge http://www.masjidfresno.org/information.php?entry_id=1231011492 Sat, 03 Jan 2009 04:39:15 -0700 Normal 0 MicrosoftInternetExplorer4 st1\:*{behavior:url(#ieooui) } /* Style Definitions */ table.MsoNormalTable {mso-style-name:"Table Normal"; mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0; mso-tstyle-colband-size:0; mso-style-noshow:yes; mso-style-parent:""; mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; mso-para-margin:0in; mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:10.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman";} H ow to serve Isla M &nbsp; 1 – You can serve Islam by having a correct resolve and sincere intention, for Allah blesses an action that is done sincerely for His sake alone, even if it is little. Sincere devotion, if it becomes a constant feature of acts of worship and obedience, even if they are small or simple in the sight of the one who does them, makes them great in the sight of Allah, so Allah will forgive him for major sins because of that, as it says in the hadeeth about the piece of paper on which is written La ilaaha ill-Allah. 2 – You can serve Islam by knowing ... <br clear="all"> http://www.masjidfresno.org/information.php?entry_id=1231009239 General Islamic Knowledge http://www.masjidfresno.org/information.php?entry_id=1231009239 Sat, 03 Jan 2009 04:00:39 -0700 Ghusl of the Dead &nbsp; 1. Have the intention of washing the dead person by name. 2. Cover the private parts using a towel or a piece of clothes. 3. Strip all clothes off the body, leaving the private parts covered. 4. Lightly press the stomach to expel any remnants of feces or urine. 5. Wash any impurities off the body with water and soap. Put cotton in the bottom hole and nostrils. 6. Give Wudu the usual way starting with the right side. 7. Wash the body with water and soap three times. 8. The hair of the female is loosened and washed, Braid the hair one on each side and the third on the front, and place them to the back. 9. Dry the body with clean towels. 10. Perfume the body with musk or camphor. 11. If urine of feces comes out after the washing, then do the washing again. 12. With a strap of cloth, tie the big toes together. 13. Wrapping of the body – for the male use three pieces of cloth, a ... <br clear="all"> http://www.masjidfresno.org/information.php?entry_id=1231009135 General Islamic Knowledge http://www.masjidfresno.org/information.php?entry_id=1231009135 Sat, 03 Jan 2009 13:19:46 -0700 Conditional divorce and divorce in a state of extreme anger Praise be to Allah, Firstly: A man should not use divorce every time there is an argument between him and his wife, because of the negative consequences that result from divorce. Many men take the matter of divorce lightly and every time there is an argument between them and their wives, they swear to divorce them, and every time they have a disagreement with their friends, they swear to divorce their wives, and so on. This is a kind of toying with the Book of Allah; because the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) regarded the one who divorced his wife three times in one go as toying with the Book of Allah. So how about one who makes divorce his habit, and every time he wants to stop his wife doing something or urge her to do something he swears that he will divorce her? Al-Nasaa’i narrated that Mahmoud ibn ...<br clear="all"> http://www.masjidfresno.org/information.php?entry_id=1230092836 General Islamic Knowledge http://www.masjidfresno.org/information.php?entry_id=1230092836 Tue, 23 Dec 2008 13:27:16 -0700 الطلاق المعلق والطلاق في حال الغضب الشديد أولا : ينبغي للرجل ألا يستعمل الطلاق كلّما حدث بينه وبين أهله نزاع ، وذلك لما يترتب على الطلاق من عواقب وخيمة . وكثير من الرجال يتهاونون بشأن الطلاق فكلما حصل نزاع بينه وبين أهله حلف بالطلاق ، وكلما اختلف مع أصحابه حلف بالطلاق . . . وهكذا . وهذا نوع تلاعب بكتاب الله ، وإذا كان النبي صَلَّى اللَّهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ اعتبر من يطلق امرأته ثلاثاً جميعاً متلاعباً بكتاب الله ، فكيف بمن اتخذ الطلاق ديدنه ، فكلما أراد منع زوجته من شيء أو حثها على فعل شيء حلف بالطلاق ؟! روى النسائي (3401) عن مَحْمُود بْن لَبِيدٍ قَالَ أُخْبِرَ رَسُولُ اللَّهِ صَلَّى اللَّهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ عَنْ رَجُلٍ طَلَّقَ امْرَأَتَهُ ثَلاثَ تَطْلِيقَاتٍ جَمِيعًا ؟ فَقَامَ غَضْبَان ثُمَّ قَالَ : أَيُلْعَبُ بِكِتَابِ اللَّهِ وَأَنَا بَيْنَ أَظْهُرِكُمْ ؟! حَتَّى قَامَ رَجُلٌ وَقَالَ : يَا رَسُولَ اللَّهِ ، أَلا أَقْتُلُهُ ؟ قال الحافظ : رجاله ثقات اهـ وصححه الألباني في غاية المرام (261). قال الشيخ ابن عثيمين رحمه الله: " هؤلاء ... <br clear="all"> http://www.masjidfresno.org/information.php?entry_id=1230092181 Arabic Articles http://www.masjidfresno.org/information.php?entry_id=1230092181 Tue, 23 Dec 2008 13:23:29 -0700 Praying Fajr reflects how much you love Allah the Almighty &nbsp; The happiness of that guy was tremendous when a well-known company accepted him to work for it. He was over the moon as he was the only accepted candidate. He signed the contract that implies that he should agree on respecting the company working hours, delivering weekly reports about his work and activities, and accepting to be punished for any delinquency. Soon later, the guy met his manager and said to him, "From tomorrow onwards, I will not come in time. And I will not deliver my weekly reports in time either; instead they will be delayed for a while. In spite of all that, I will not allow you to punish me, and you don't have the right to kick me out from work." If we imagine such a situation, we will laugh at the behavior of that guy. No-one will see him but an insane and a fool person. How come ... <br clear="all"> http://www.masjidfresno.org/information.php?entry_id=1208207765 General Islamic Knowledge http://www.masjidfresno.org/information.php?entry_id=1208207765 Mon, 14 Apr 2008 06:16:05 -0700 Prayer In Islam The importance of the prayer in Islam cannot be understated. It is the first pillar of Islam which the Prophet (peace be upon him) mentioned after mentioning the testimony of faith, by which one becomes a Muslim . It was made obligatory upon all the prophets and for all peoples. Allah has declared its obligatory status under majestic circumstances. For example, when Allah spoke directly to Prophet Moses (peace be upon him), He [Exalted and Sublime Be He] said: And I have chosen you, so listen to what is revealed [to you]. Indeed, I am All¼h. There is no deity except Me, so worship Me and establish prayer for My remembrance. ( Surat Taha , 20:13,14) Similarly, the prayers were made obligatory upon Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) during his ascension to heaven. Furthermore, when Allah praises the believers, such as in the beginning of Suratil-Mu'minun , one of the first descriptions He states is their adherence to the prayers. They who are ... <br clear="all"> http://www.masjidfresno.org/information.php?entry_id=1204693183 General Islamic Knowledge http://www.masjidfresno.org/information.php?entry_id=1204693183 Sat, 29 Nov 2008 12:21:33 -0700 Zakat ul-Fitr بسم الله الرَّحمن الرَّحيم From Sayyid Saabiq’s Fiqh us-Sunnah With commentary by Muhammad Naasir ad-Deen al-Albaanee from Tamaam ul-Minnah fit-Ta‘leeq ‘alaa Fiqh as-Sunnah [1] Introduction Zakat ul-fitr is a type of sadaqah which must be paid by every Muslim, young and old, male and female, free and slave, at the end of the month of fasting (Ramadan). Al-Bukhaaree and Muslim relate from Ibn ‘Umar that he said, “The Prophet ( صلى الله عليه وسلم ) enjoined the payment of one saa‘ [2] of dates or one saa‘ of barley as Zakat ul-fitr on every Muslim, young and old, male and female, free and slave.” The Purpose of Zakat ul-Fitr Zakat ul-fitr was made obligatory in the month of Sha‘baan during the second year after Hijrah. Its purpose is to purify one who fasts from any indecent act or speech and to help the poor and needy. This view is based upon the hadeeth reported by Abu Daawood, Ibn Maajah, and ad-Daraqutnee from Ibn ‘Abbaas; “The Messenger of Allah ( صلى الله ...<br clear="all"> http://www.masjidfresno.org/information.php?entry_id=1202841167 General Islamic Knowledge http://www.masjidfresno.org/information.php?entry_id=1202841167 Tue, 12 Feb 2008 03:32:47 -0700 The Sacred Tahleel بسم الله الرَّحمن الرَّحيم From, “Hadeeths Needed by those who Talk of Manhaj” by Abu Khaliyl ‘Imraan Bin al-Husayn said; “Naafi‘ Bin al-Azraq and his companions came saying, ‘O ‘Imran! You are ruined!' I said, ‘I am not ruined.' They said, ‘But you are.' I asked, ‘What has ruined me?' They said, ‘Allaah said; And fight them until there remains no fitnah, and all of the religion is for Allaah.[ Al-Anfaal 39]'” He said, “We fought them until we vanquished them, so that the religion was all for Allaah. If you wish, I will nararate a hadeeth that I heard from Allaah's Messenger ( صلى الله عليه وسلم ).” They said, “You heard it for Allaah's Messenger ( صلى الله عليه وسلم )?” He said, “Yes. I was with Allaah's Messenger while he sent an army of Muslims to the mushrikeen. When they met them, they fought them fiercely, and were awarded the [upper-hand]. One of my relatives with a spear found a man among the ...<br clear="all"> http://www.masjidfresno.org/information.php?entry_id=1202840653 General Islamic Knowledge http://www.masjidfresno.org/information.php?entry_id=1202840653 Tue, 12 Feb 2008 03:24:13 -0700 The Hadeeth of the Ghoul بسم الله الرَّحمن الرَّحيم Adapted by Abu Khaliyl from “Al-Ghoul” by Mashhur Hassan Salman Abu Hurayrah, may Allah be pleased with him, narrated; “Allah's Messenger ( صلى الله عليه وسلم ) assigned me to guard the Ramadhan zakah. Someone came and tried to take some of the food, so I grabbed him and said, ‘By Allah! I will bring you before Allah's Messenger ( صلى الله عليه وسلم )!'. He said, ‘I am poor, I have a family, and I am in dire need!' Then I let him go. In the morning, the Prophet ( صلى الله عليه وسلم ) said to me,O Abu Hurayrah! What did your prisoner do yesterday?I said, ‘O Messenger of Allah! He complained that he was poor, that he had a family, and that he was in dire need, so I had mercy on him and let him go.' He said,But he lied to you and he will come back. Since I Allah's Messenger ( صلى الله عليه وسلم ) ...<br clear="all"> http://www.masjidfresno.org/information.php?entry_id=1202839745 General Islamic Knowledge http://www.masjidfresno.org/information.php?entry_id=1202839745 Tue, 12 Feb 2008 03:09:05 -0700 Removing the Doubts and Conjecture Over Raising the Hands During Prayer بسم الله الرَّحمن الرَّحيم In the following article, I hope to clarify many issues related to raising the hands for the reader. This, I hope to prove by quoting the actions of the Prophet, the actions and sayings of the Companions, and the sayings of a number of Imams, as well as presenting the texts used to represent opposing views, and their criticism according to the qualified scholars.&nbsp;&nbsp; I have arranged this discussion in the following format: How, where and when the Prophet ( صلى الله عليه وسلم ) raised his hands in prayer The level to which the hands are raised. Are the hands raised before saying “Allaahu akbar”, while saying it, or after it? The positions of the prayer in which it may be done: Takbeerah al-Ihraam Before entering into the bowing position While rising from the bowing position Before entering into the prostration position Between prostrations While rising to stand after the end ...<br clear="all"> http://www.masjidfresno.org/information.php?entry_id=1202837780 General Islamic Knowledge http://www.masjidfresno.org/information.php?entry_id=1202837780 Tue, 12 Feb 2008 02:36:20 -0700 Al Wasiyyat ul- Kubra بسم الله الرَّحمن الرَّحيم Introduction All praise is due to Allah, the Lord of the Worlds, and may He mention His Last Messenger Muhammad, and grant Him peace, as well as his companions and family and all who follow him: This is a translation of Al-Wasiyatul-Kuburaa, by Shaykh al-Islam Ibn Taymiyyah, which I was commissioned to work on four or five years ago, I was asked to edit a translation of the text. During the course of my “editing” work, I had to re-translate a good amount of it. Unfortunately, the book could not be printed, so I am making the translation available to benefit the English speaking audience. Abu Khaliyl September 23, 2002 Mobile AL Notes People's names follow the above system of transliteration. I left out some necessary explanatory cross-references, and definitions of terminology (sahih, hasan, mursal, math-hab, tareeqah, etc.) due to the time frame. I used ‘Ali al-Halabi's notes in conjunction with those provided (Abu ‘Abdullah Muhammad bin Hamad Al-Hamood). Where a conflict occurred for hadeeth citation, ...<br clear="all"> http://www.masjidfresno.org/information.php?entry_id=1201424334 General Islamic Knowledge http://www.masjidfresno.org/information.php?entry_id=1201424334 Sat, 26 Jan 2008 17:58:54 -0700 THE MORAL SYSTEM OF ISLAM Islam has laid down for humanity universal fundamental rights that are to be observed and respected under all circumstances. So that these rights can be realized in one's daily and social life, Islam provides both legal safeguards and a very effective moral system In beef, whatever improves the well-being of an individual or a society is morally good, and whatever harms this well-being is morally bad. Islam attaches so much importance to one s love of God and love of fellow human beings that it discourages excessive formalism. We read in the Qur'an: It is not righteousness that you turn your faces towards East or West; but it is righteousness to believe in God and the Last Day, and the Angels, and the Book, and the Messengers, to spend of your substance, out of love for Him, for your kin, for orphans, for the needy, for the wayfarer, for those who ask, and for the ransom of slaves, to be steadfast in prayers, ... <br clear="all"> http://www.masjidfresno.org/information.php?entry_id=1201154674 General Islamic Knowledge http://www.masjidfresno.org/information.php?entry_id=1201154674 Wed, 23 Jan 2008 15:58:24 -0700 نصائح لطلبة العلم منتخبة من شرح الأربعين النووية بسم الله الرَّحمن الرَّحيم منتخبة من شرح الأربعين النووية الحمد لله والصلاة والسلام على رسول الله النبي الأمي صلى الله عليه وعلى آله وسلم تسليما كثيرا إلى يوم الدين. أما بعد: منذ بدأت بتفريغ أشرطة العلامة الشيخ صالح بن عبد العزيز آل الشيخ سواء أشرطة الشروح أو الأشرطة المتفرقة إلا وأزدت إعجابا بسعة علمه وإطلاعه على أقوال العلماء قديما وحديثا في شتى الفنون، ويلفت النظر طريقته المتميزة في نصائحه لطلبة العلم في طلبهم للعلم وكيفية التعامل مع العلم، وهذه النصائح كثير منها منثور في أشرطته، فعزمت على تجميع المتفرق منها. وأبدأ إن شاء الله بتلك التي في شرحه للأربعين النووية الذي يبلغ أحد عشرة شريطا. وإن شاء الله سوف أعمم هذا الأمر على باقي السلاسل وضمها للأشرطة التي هي محاضرات ألقاها وتعالج موضوعاتها طالب العلم وما يتعلق بذلك. ولعله في المستقبل -إذا بقي في الحياة بقية- أستخرج موضوعات أخرى. ... <br clear="all"> http://www.masjidfresno.org/information.php?entry_id=1200435541 Arabic Articles http://www.masjidfresno.org/information.php?entry_id=1200435541 Tue, 15 Jan 2008 07:28:37 -0700 Fasting the Day of Ashura In a hadith we are told that fasting the day of `Ashura' (the 10th of Muharram) expiates the sins of the previous year as the Prophet Mohammad (peace and blessings be upon him) said, “Fasting the day of `Ashura' (is of great merits), I hope that Allah will accept it as an expiation for (the sins committed in) the previous year” (Muslim). After the hijrah when the Prophet Mohammad (peace and blessings be upon him) came to Madinah, he found that the Jews of Madinah also used to observe this day (the 10th of Muharram) with fasting. The Prophet Mohammad (peace and blessings be upon him) asked them the reason of their fasting on this day. They said, “This is a blessed day. On this day Allah saved the Children of Israel from their enemy (in Egypt) and so Prophet Musa fasted on this day giving thanks to Allah.” The Prophet Mohammad (peace and ... <br clear="all"> http://www.masjidfresno.org/information.php?entry_id=1200284333 Fasting http://www.masjidfresno.org/information.php?entry_id=1200284333 Sat, 03 Jan 2009 06:33:18 -0700 Muharram: The Sacred Month written written:November 04, 2003 updated:February 09, 2005 بسم الله الرَّحمن الرَّحيم There are twelve months in the year, they are; Al-Muharram Safar Rabee‘l-Awwal Rabee‘ath-Thaani Jumaadi al-Uwlaa Jumaadi ath-Thaaniyah Rajab Sha‘baan Ramadhaan Shawaal Dhul-Qa‘dah Dhul-Hijjah «The number of months according to Allah is twelve, as ordained by Allaah the day He created the heavens and the Earth. Of them, four are sacred, that is the right religion, so do not wrong yourselves in them. And fight the idolators all together as they fight you all together. And know that Allaah is with the muttaqeen.» (At-Tawbah 9:36) Allaah Most High said (which means); «The number of months according to Allah is twelve, as ordained by Allaah the day He created the heavens and the Earth. Of them, four are sacred, that is the right religion, so do not wrong yourselves in them. And fight the idolators all together as they fight you all together. And know that Allaah is with the muttaqeen.» (At-Tawbah 9:36) Abu Bakrah, may ...<br clear="all"> http://www.masjidfresno.org/information.php?entry_id=1200110147 General Islamic Knowledge http://www.masjidfresno.org/information.php?entry_id=1200110147 Sun, 13 Jan 2008 13:05:23 -0700 بسم الله الرَّحمن الرَّحيم Avoid Asking me until I teach you Texts about Excessive Questioning Abu Hurayrah, may Allah be pleased with him, reported that Allaah's Messenger ( صلى الله عليه وسلم ) gave a speech in which he said: O people! Hajj is obligatory for you, so perform hajj. Someone asked, Every year, O Messenger of Allaah? He ( صلى الله عليه وسلم ) was silent until asked a third time. Then he said:If I say Yes, it would become obligatory (every year); but you would not be capable of it. Then he ( صلى الله عليه وسلم ) said:Avoid (asking) me as long as I leave you; surely those before you were destroyed for their numerous questions and disobedience to their prophets. When I command you with something, do as much of it as you are able; and when I forbid you from something, stay away from it.(Al- Bukhaaree and Muslim) Qataadah reported from Anas that Allaah's Messenger ( صلى الله عليه وسلم ) was being questioned excessively about various ...<br clear="all"> http://www.masjidfresno.org/information.php?entry_id=1199637770 General Islamic Knowledge http://www.masjidfresno.org/information.php?entry_id=1199637770 Sun, 13 Jan 2008 14:14:03 -0700 Un Consejo a Los Creyentes En El Nombre De Allah El Compasivo, El Misericordioso De Abu Khalyl (el americano) y de tus hermanos de Dar-al kitab wal hikmah: Que la paz de dios este con ustedes. Esta es una carta dirigida para todos aquellos que se adhieren a la Sunnah del profeta Muhammad (que la paz y la bendicin de Allaah este con El) quienes creen en el libro que Allah le revelo, y las enseanzas con las cual El&nbsp; (que la paz y la bendicin de Allaheste con El) les instruyo a sus compaeros, (que Allah este contento con ellos). Esta es una carta dirigida a todos aquellos que invitan Y se paran firme en el camino conel profeta Muhammad (que la paz y la bendicin de Allah este con El) para todo Salafi, Athari, Ahlil-Hadith para todos que luchan para defender el Islam contra los ataques detodos aquellos que desean distorsionarlo, cambiarlo, o reemplazarlo con sus ideologas. Esta es una carta dirigida ... <br clear="all"> http://www.masjidfresno.org/information.php?entry_id=1198566018 Spanish-Espanol http://www.masjidfresno.org/information.php?entry_id=1198566018 Sun, 13 Jan 2008 14:21:26 -0700 &#1576;&#1587;&#1605; &#1575;&#1604;&#1604;&#1607; &#1575;&#1604;&#1585;&#1617;&#1614;&#1581;&#1605;&#1606; &#1575;&#1604;&#1585;&#1617;&#1614;&#1581;&#1610;&#1605; Terrorism is Unacceptable in All its Shapes and Forms From A Sermon Delivered in Makkah (Taken from al-AsalahMagazine, nos 40&amp;41) Translated by Mutawakkil Thomson, edited by Abu Khaliyl The register of history, as abundant as it is, is a truthful witness never found to be absent. Likewise, the clear mirror of time is a just observer never found to disappoint. In the same way, the law of Allah, regarding His universe and His creation, is a trustworthy confident of truth that does not change nor withdraw itself. The avid reader � familiar with the accomplishments of civilization and the glories of past nations � will find that these things (such accomplishments) came to fruition through idealistic and moral foundations. The person who gives credit for such things to material means, or to tangible technological development, is therefore incorrect. We, the community of Islam, have an utmost certainty, not at all mixed with doubt or question, that the value of a real life is preserved via a belief that ...<br clear="all"> http://www.masjidfresno.org/information.php?entry_id=1198563715 General Islamic Knowledge http://www.masjidfresno.org/information.php?entry_id=1198563715 Mon, 24 Dec 2007 15:21:55 -0700 بسم الله الرَّحمن الرَّحيم Surely the Deen is easy An article by Amatullah Um Malik appearing in al- Asaalah magazine (no. 15&amp;16) Many people circulate the saying, Surely the Deen is easy, and most of the time, they do not use it to praise Islaam or unite hearts upon it. Rather they intend by this saying to make some actions of theirs permissible which otherwise contradict the shari ah. So to them, it is a truthful saying which they use to support falsehood. As soon as one tries to fix an evil which he discovers that contradicts the shari ah the proponent of such act argues saying, Surely the Deen is easy. By this they hope to legislate by instituting a rukhsah [concession] which conforms to their desires. They manage to confuse themselves into believing that they have argued effectively against one who attempted to advise them to stick to legislating by the Book and the Sunnah. It is no surprise that when they argue with this ... <br clear="all"> http://www.masjidfresno.org/information.php?entry_id=1198563231 General Islamic Knowledge http://www.masjidfresno.org/information.php?entry_id=1198563231 Sun, 13 Jan 2008 14:22:59 -0700 &#1576;&#1587;&#1605; &#1575;&#1604;&#1604;&#1607; &#1575;&#1604;&#1585;&#1617;&#1614;&#1581;&#1605;&#1606; &#1575;&#1604;&#1585;&#1617;&#1614;&#1581;&#1610;&#1605; From Imaam an-Nawawee's Sharh Saheeh Muslim Abu Hurayrah (R) reported that the Messenger of Allaah&nbsp; ( &#1589;&#1604;&#1609; &#1575;&#1604;&#1604;&#1607; &#1593;&#1604;&#1610;&#1607; &#1608;&#1587;&#1604;&#1605; ) said: You will not enter Paradise until you believe, and you will not believe until you love each other. Shall I direct you to a thing that, if you do it, you will love one another. Spread the salaam among yourselves. In his commentary on Saheeh Muslim , Imaam an- Nawawee said the following: �As for his&nbsp; ( &#1589;&#1604;&#1609; &#1575;&#1604;&#1604;&#1607; &#1593;&#1604;&#1610;&#1607; &#1608;&#1587;&#1604;&#1605; ) saying, ... You will not believe until you love each other ... , it means, �Your Eemaan will not be complete, nor will your affairs be genuine with the Eemaan , except by loving each other.' And as for his&nbsp; ( &#1589;&#1604;&#1609; &#1575;&#1604;&#1604;&#1607; &#1593;&#1604;&#1610;&#1607; &#1608;&#1587;&#1604;&#1605; ) saying, You will not enter Paradise until you believe ... , it must be taken in its apparent and general sense, so that no one will enter Paradise unless he dies a believer, even ...<br clear="all"> http://www.masjidfresno.org/information.php?entry_id=1198562962 General Islamic Knowledge http://www.masjidfresno.org/information.php?entry_id=1198562962 Mon, 24 Dec 2007 15:09:22 -0700 The Last Testament of Imaam Ash-Shaafii We were informed by ash-Shaykh az-Zaki Abu 'Ali al-Hasan bin Salaamah bin Muhammad al- Harraani who said: we were informed by Abu Ishaaq Ibraheem bin Muhammad bin Nahbaan al- Qanawi ar-Riqqi who said: we were informed by Shaykhul Isalaam Abu al-Hasan 'Ali bin Ahmad bin Yusuf al- Qurashi al- Hakkaari who said: we were informed by az-Zaahid Ahmad bin 'Aasim al- Moosili who said we were informed by Abu al-Fat-h 'Ali bin al-Qaasim al- Muqri, in Moosil that he said: I recorded from the book of ibn Haashim al- Baladi : بسم الله الرَّحمن الرَّحيم This is what Muhammad bin Idrees ash- Shaafi'i left as a final testament: (The second chain of narration is: ) Shaykhul Islaam said: and we were informed by Abu Mansoor Muhammad bin 'Ali bin Muhammad bin al-Hasan bin Sahl bin Khaleefah bin as- Sabbaah al- Baladi who said: I was informed by my grandfather Muhammad bin al-Muhsin bin Sahal bin Khaleefah who said: we were ... <br clear="all"> http://www.masjidfresno.org/information.php?entry_id=1198018442 General Islamic Knowledge http://www.masjidfresno.org/information.php?entry_id=1198018442 Sun, 13 Jan 2008 14:24:53 -0700 A Farewell Legacy The following are some of the hadeeths mentioning the khutbah that the Prophet ( صلى الله عليه وسلم ) deleivered during his farewell hajj. Some of the narrators said that they heard some statements in sermons delivered on the Day of Arafah, where others mention some of the same quotes on the Day of Nahr. بسم الله الرَّحمن الرَّحيم In the long hadeeth describing the hajj performed by Allah's Messenger ( صلى الله عليه وسلم ), Jaabir, may Allah be pleased with him, said; ...Allah's Messenger continued until he reached Arafah. There was a tent which was set up for him at Namirah were he dismounted... [And while he ( صلى الله عليه وسلم ) was standing upon Arafah, Allah revealed the following to him ( صلى الله عليه وسلم );Today I have perfected your religion for you, and completed my favor for you, and I am pleased with Islam as your religion.&nbsp; [Al-Maa'idah 5:3][2] ...When the Sun had passed the meridian he ... <br clear="all"> http://www.masjidfresno.org/information.php?entry_id=1198017996 General Islamic Knowledge http://www.masjidfresno.org/information.php?entry_id=1198017996 Sun, 13 Jan 2008 14:26:22 -0700 The Letter of Imaam Ahmad to Musaddad ibn Musarhad Qaadhi Abu Yala Muhammad ibn Muhammad ibn al-Husayn ibn Khalf al-Farraa narrates in at-Tabaqaat and Abu al-Faraj Abd ar-Rahmaan ibn Ali ibn al-Jawzi al-Hanbali in his book Manaaqib al-Imaam Ahmad and al-Qaadhi Burhan ad-Deen Ibraaheem ibn Muflih mentioned in his book Al-Maqsad al-Arshad that Abu Bakr Ahmad ibn Muhammad al-Burdai at-Tameemi said: When the affair of the Fitnah (trial or tribulation) became difficult for Musaddad ibn Musarhad&nbsp; that is, concerning the view of the creation of the Quraan and what the people fell into of difference concerning al-Qadr, ar-Rafdh, al-Itizaal, the creation of the Quraan, and al-Irjaa&nbsp; he wrote to Ahmad ibn Hanbal to write for him the Sunnah of the Messenger of Allaah, sallallaahu alayhi wa sallam. Qaadhi Abu Ya'la Muhammad ibn Muhammad ibn al-Husayn ibn Khalf al-Farraa' narrates in at-Tabaqaat [1] and Abu al-Faraj Abd ar-Rahmaan ibn Ali ibn al-Jawzi al-Hanbali in his book Manaaqib al-Imaam Ahmad [2] and al-Qaadhi Burhan ad-Deen Ibraaheem ibn ... <br clear="all"> http://www.masjidfresno.org/information.php?entry_id=1198017947 General Islamic Knowledge http://www.masjidfresno.org/information.php?entry_id=1198017947 Sun, 13 Jan 2008 14:27:40 -0700 Sermons of Wisdom By Gods Messenger Compiled by Tony Salvatore Sylvester The Muslim people consider Muhammad to be the last prophet and messenger that God sent to guide the world to the true religion. That religion centers around monotheism, or the belief in one supreme God. The name of Muhammads father was Abdullah, and his mothers name was Aminah. However, his father died while he was in his mothers womb. Muhammad was born near the end of April in the year 571 of the Christian Era, his mother died while he was very young, and later, he was raised by one of his uncles. As a young man, Muhammad had a good reputation among his people in the Arabian city of Mecca. It was after marriage, at the age of about forty, during retreats to the wilderness for contemplation of the divine truths, when Muslims believe that God revealed His first revelation of the Koran (Quran) to Muhammad. However, this revelation is not all we have from ... <br clear="all"> http://www.masjidfresno.org/information.php?entry_id=1198017884 General Islamic Knowledge http://www.masjidfresno.org/information.php?entry_id=1198017884 Sun, 13 Jan 2008 14:29:07 -0700 Shave It All or Grow It All! بسم الله الرَّحمن الرَّحيم In an authentic hadeeth recorded by Abu Daawood, an- Nasaa'ee, and others, Ibn Umar, may Allah be pleased with him, said:The Prophet ( صلى الله عليه وسلم ) saw a boy who had shaved some of his head and left some. He ( صلى الله عليه وسلم ) forbade them (the companions) from that saying:Shave it all or grow it all. Al- Bukhaaree, Muslim and others, have recorded a related hadeeth, in which Ibn Umar, may Allah be pleased with him, said: Allaah's Messenger ( صلى الله عليه وسلم ) prohibited qaza. Explanation Naafi&nbsp; was asked, What is qaza ? He said:It is when a boy shaves part of his head and leaves part.[1] In a narration recorded by al- Bukhaaree, he said,It is when a boy shaves and leaves (hair) here, here, and here.[2] Ubaydullaah bin Hafs, the narrator from Naafi, then pointed to the front area and the sides of his head. Umar bin ... <br clear="all"> http://www.masjidfresno.org/information.php?entry_id=1198017722 General Islamic Knowledge http://www.masjidfresno.org/information.php?entry_id=1198017722 Sun, 13 Jan 2008 14:30:56 -0700 This is Mohammad How It All Began: Nearly four thousand years ago, in the Sumerian town of Ur in the valley of the river Euphrates, lived a young man named Abraham. The people of Ur had once worshipped Allah but as time passed they forgot the true religion and started praying to idols, statues made of wood or clay and sometimes even of precious stones. Even as a small child Abraham could not understand how his people, and especially his father, could make these images with their own hands, call them gods, and then worship them. He had always refused to join his people when they paid respect to these statues. Instead he would leave the town and sit alone, thinking about the heavens and the world about him. He was sure his people were doing wrong and so alone he searched for the right way. One clear night as he sat staring at the sky he saw a beautiful shining star, so ... <br clear="all"> http://www.masjidfresno.org/information.php?entry_id=1198017644 General Islamic Knowledge http://www.masjidfresno.org/information.php?entry_id=1198017644 Tue, 18 Dec 2007 07:40:44 -0700 Encouraging what is Right: Lessons from Surat al 'Asr The Reason for Creation Allah created both the jinns and humans to worship Him, He sent the messengers and revealed the Books for this grand objective, He ( سبحانه وتعالى ) said (which means); I have not created jinns and humans except to worship Me (Ath-Thaariyaat 56) So this is the reason that Allah created all peoples, the jinn and human among them, the male and female among them, the Arab and non Arab among them, the rich and poor among them. All of them were created to worship Allah. They were not created out of jest or without purpose. Allah ( سبحانه وتعالى ) said (which means); Do you think We only created in jest, and that you would not return to Us? (Al-Muminoon 115) Here Allah ( سبحانه وتعالى ) rebukes all who think that. He ( سبحانه وتعالى ) also said (which means); Do people think that they will be left without purpose? (Al-Qiyaamah 36) The ... <br clear="all"> http://www.masjidfresno.org/information.php?entry_id=1198017435 General Islamic Knowledge http://www.masjidfresno.org/information.php?entry_id=1198017435 Sun, 13 Jan 2008 14:48:40 -0700 That which has been Revealed to us Say: We believe in Allaah, and in what has been revealed to us, and what was revealed to Ibraaheem, Ismaaeel, Ishaaq, Yaqoob, and the Tribes, and what was given to Moosaa, and Eesaa, and the prophets from their Lord. We do not separate between anyone of them, and we are Muslims (submitting to Him). (Aal Imraan 3:84) بسم الله الرَّحمن الرَّحيم Allaah ( سبحانه وتعالى ) said (what means): Say: We believe in Allaah, and in what has been revealed to us, and what was revealed to Ibraaheem, Ismaaeel, Ishaaq, Yaqoob, and the Tribes, and what was given to Moosaa, and Eesaa, and the prophets from their Lord. We do not separate between anyone of them, and we are Muslims (submitting to Him). (Aal Imraan 3:84) How often have we heard this aayah quoted to show that Muslims believe in all of the prophets? Let us look at it in connection with the aayah that directly follows it (what means): And whoever pursues other ...<br clear="all"> http://www.masjidfresno.org/information.php?entry_id=1198017373 General Islamic Knowledge http://www.masjidfresno.org/information.php?entry_id=1198017373 Sun, 13 Jan 2008 14:52:41 -0700 Removing the Mystery Over the Ruling on Womens Journeys بسم الله الرَّحمن الرَّحيم Islam prohibits mixing between men and women just as it prohibits a man and woman from being alone together. All of this is instituted for the sake of protecting the Muslim from open and hidden indecencies. Islam prohibits the evil infringement upon the honor of the Muslim and the Muslim family - the main cause of deviant behaviors between the sexes - by forbidding physical union between the sexes except by means of lawful marriage. Averting evil takes precedence over attaining benefit This is an important principle in Islam because it prevents evil before it occurs, and it prevents wrong before it gets out of control. After praising Allah...Islam has made a great effort to struggle for the honor of the Muslims, just as it has for their blood and their wealth. Rather, Islam counts a person who is killed defending his honor among the martyrs2 . Allah, Glorious and Most High, instituted preventive limits ...<br clear="all"> http://www.masjidfresno.org/information.php?entry_id=1198017273 Women Issues http://www.masjidfresno.org/information.php?entry_id=1198017273 Sun, 13 Jan 2008 14:54:08 -0700 The Council for Just Marriage If the marriage contains one or two of the lesser qualities of people, and injustice, disobedience and oppression remain, then divorce is an avenue to restore justice in Islam. For not every man is abusive, and not every woman is disobedient! With this understanding, then both a man and a woman can take what Allaah ( سبحانه وتعالى ) has given by the tongue and example of His Messenger ( صلى الله عليه وسلم ) and justice will reside among them. بسم الله الرَّحمن الرَّحيم O you who believe! Have taqwaa of Allaah, taqwaa that is His right, and do not die except as Muslims. (Soorat Aal Imraan 3:102) O people! Have taqwaa of your Lord who created you from one soul, and created from that its mate, spreading from them many men and women. And have taqwaa of Allaah, from whom you seek your mutual rights and [revere] the womb. Indeed Allaah is ever-watchful. (Soorat an-Nisaa 4:1) O you who believe! Have taqwaa of ...<br clear="all"> http://www.masjidfresno.org/information.php?entry_id=1197957780 General Islamic Knowledge http://www.masjidfresno.org/information.php?entry_id=1197957780 Sun, 13 Jan 2008 14:57:12 -0700 ISLAM Islam is the divine faith in Allah, and the covenant made between the prophets of Allah and their followers. During the age of each prophet, this covenant touched upon various areas of life. The more man deviated, the more Allah guided him, until finally, close to the End, Allah sent His Last envoy with the Message to His creatures, a Message embodied in the Book and the Wisdom, (i.e. the Quran and Teachings of Gods Messenger Muhammad. The foundation of faith in Islam includes believing in Allah, His angels, His Holy revelations, and His messengers, the Day of Judgment, and His Divine Decree respectively. Aside from this, Islam is built upon five pillars, which if practiced in totality, will warrant Paradise for the practitioner. Bearing witness that there is none has the right to be worshipped but Allah, and that Muhammad is His Messenger, establishing regular prayer, fasting during the month of Ramadan, paying the Zakat, and performing the Hajj (pilgrimage to Kabah of Makkah if one is affordable. Islam requires that ...<br clear="all"> http://www.masjidfresno.org/information.php?entry_id=1197957720 General Islamic Knowledge http://www.masjidfresno.org/information.php?entry_id=1197957720 Sun, 13 Jan 2008 14:59:04 -0700 LOS PILARES DE LA FE EN LA RELIGIN DEL ISLAM INDICE UNA BUENA PALABRA EL SIGNIFICADO DEL T&Eacute;RMINO ISLAM LOS PILARES DE FE LA CREENCIA EN ALLAH LA CREENCIA EN LOS NGELES LA CREENCIA EN LAS REVELACIONES DIVINAS LA CREENCIA EN LOS MENSAJEROS LA CREENCIA EN EL MS ALL EN LA OTRA VIDA LA CREENCIA EN EL DECRETO DIVINO EN EL NOMBRE DE ALLAH, EL CLEMENTE, EL MISERICORDIOSO UNA BUENA PALABRA Esta es una declaracin que quienquiera lo dice, aun cuando sean sus ltimas palabras, tendr todos sus pecados perdonados, y su premio ser la vida eterna en el Paraso. Es el verdadero testimonio de la fe pura en el Omnipotente Allah, y la declaracin de Su Soberana Suprema encima de todas las cosas, tangibles e intangibles, y el juramento que todo culto se dar solo a &Eacute;l. Es el testimonio divino al verdadero convenio de Allah el Omnipotente, que todos Sus profetas ensearon a la gente. Es el estandarte levantado por todos los h&eacute;roes quienes Allah Omnipotente envi para purificar la humanidad del pecado, quienes envi a ...<br clear="all"> http://www.masjidfresno.org/information.php?entry_id=1197957660 Spanish-Espanol http://www.masjidfresno.org/information.php?entry_id=1197957660 Sun, 13 Jan 2008 15:11:40 -0700 Thul-Hijjah: A Month of Blessings Previously we featured some quotes from Ibn Katheers Tafseer about the four sacred months refered to in the aayah (which means); The number of months according to Allaah is twelve, as ordained by Allaah the day He created the heavens and the Earth. Of them, four are sacred, that is the right religion, so do not wrong yourselves in them... (At-Tawbah 9:36) بسم الله الرَّحمن الرَّحيم Thul-Hijjah is the twelveth month of the Islaamic calendar, and in it there are thirteen special days; the first ten days, which include the Day of Arafah (the ninth); and the tenth, which is the day of Eed ul-Adhhaa (sacrifice), also known as the Day of Nahr (slaughter). The three days following the Day of Eed are known as the Days of Tashreeq (this refers to the process of drying the meat in the sun). All of these days are special days for Muslims. The following are some important points for emphisis, hoping that they will benfit those ...<br clear="all"> http://www.masjidfresno.org/information.php?entry_id=1197957600 General Islamic Knowledge http://www.masjidfresno.org/information.php?entry_id=1197957600 Sun, 13 Jan 2008 15:12:23 -0700 This is the celebration of sacrifice which comes two months and ten days after 'Eid al-Fitr. Muslims celebrate the sacrifice of the lamb in place of Ishmael (Isma'il) by his father, Abraham. On this day, after Salat al-'Eid (the prescribed 'Eid prayers), Muslims sacrifice an animal: a ram, goat, sheep, cow or camel. The meat is divided into three parts: one part is distributed among the poor and needy, one part is distributed among relatives and friends and one part is used by the family. This is also a major holiday for Muslims to visit each other and give gifts to the children. 'Eid al-Adha is celebrated on the 10th of Dhul Hijja, the 12th month of the Islamic lunar calendar, and again depends upon the crescent sighting for the first of the month. For those people who have gone to Makkah for Hajj (the pilgrimage), staying in the Plain of Arafat on the 9th of Dhul Hijja is the most important event. However, for ... <br clear="all"> http://www.masjidfresno.org/information.php?entry_id=1197439440 General Islamic Knowledge http://www.masjidfresno.org/information.php?entry_id=1197439440 Wed, 12 Dec 2007 10:46:03 -0700 The first day of the month following Ramadan is 'Eid al-Fitr. This is the celebration of fast-breaking. Muslims watch the western horizon immediately after sunset on the 29th day of Ramadan for the crescent. If the crescent is sighted, it is the first day of the new month and beginning of 'Eid day. If the crescent is not sighted within&nbsp; an hour after sunset on the 29th day of Ramadan the Muslims complete 30 days of fasting. Either way, the 1st of Shawwal, the 10th month of the Islamic lunar calendar is 'Eid al-Fitr. On 'Eid day, Muslims gather in a larger facility than the neighborhood masjid and join in Salat al-'Eid which is composed of Salat followed by an address by the Imam (leader). This is a major holiday for the Muslims. On this day, they visit many relatives and friends and give gifts to the children. 'Eid is, first, a day of thanks to Allah, and next, a gathering of families and friends. ... <br clear="all"> http://www.masjidfresno.org/information.php?entry_id=1197439380 General Islamic Knowledge http://www.masjidfresno.org/information.php?entry_id=1197439380 Sun, 13 Jan 2008 15:13:51 -0700 Significance: Udhiyah is one of the great rituals of Islam, in which we remember the Unity of Allah, His blessings upon us and the obedience of our father Ibraheem to his Lord, and in this act of Udhiyah there is much goodness and blessing. So the Muslim must pay attention to its great importance. The following is a brief look at this important ritual. Udhiyah refers to the animal (camel, cattle or sheep) that is sacrificed as an act of worship to Allah, in the country in which the person offering the sacrifice lives, during the period from after the Eid prayer on the Day of Nahr (Eid al-Adhaa) until the last of the Days of Tashreeq (the 13th day of Dhul-Hijjah), with the intention of offering sacrifice. Allah says (interpretation of the meaning): Therefore turn in prayer to your Lord and sacrifice (to Him only). [al-Kawthar 108:2] Say (O Muhammad): Verily, my prayer, my sacrifice, my living and my dying are for Allah, the Lord of the Aalameen ...<br clear="all"> http://www.masjidfresno.org/information.php?entry_id=1197439320 General Islamic Knowledge http://www.masjidfresno.org/information.php?entry_id=1197439320 Sun, 13 Jan 2008 15:14:32 -0700 1&nbsp; Doing ghusl before going out to the prayer. It was narrated in a saheeh hadeeth in al-Muwatta and elsewhere that Abd-Allah ibn Umar used to do ghusl on the day of al-Fitr before going out to the prayer-place in the morning. Al-Muwatta 428. 2&nbsp; Eating before going out to pray on Eid al-Fitr and after the prayer on Eid al-Adha: Part of the etiquette is not to go out to pray on Eid al-Fitr until one has eaten some dates, because of the hadeeth narrated by al-Bukhaari from Anas ibn Maalik, who said that the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) used not to go out on the morning of Eid al-Fitr until he had eaten some dates of which he would eat an odd number. Al-Bukhaari, 953. It is mustahabb to eat before going out to emphasize the fact that it is forbidden to fast on that day and to demonstrate that the fast has ended. Whoever does not have any ...<br clear="all"> http://www.masjidfresno.org/information.php?entry_id=1197439260 General Islamic Knowledge http://www.masjidfresno.org/information.php?entry_id=1197439260 Sun, 13 Jan 2008 15:16:47 -0700 1&nbsp; Doing ghusl before going out to the prayer. It was narrated in a saheeh hadeeth in al-Muwatta and elsewhere that Abd-Allah ibn Umar used to do ghusl on the day of al-Fitr before going out to the prayer-place in the morning. Al-Muwatta 428. Al- Nawawi (may Allah have mercy on him) said that the Muslims were unanimously agreed that it is mustahabb (preferred) to do ghusl for Eid prayer. The reason why it is mustahabb (preferred) is the same reason as that for doing ghusl before Jumuah and other public gatherings. Rather on Eid the reason is even stronger. 2&nbsp; Eating before going out to pray on Eid al-Fitr and after the prayer on Eid al-Adha: Part of the etiquette is not to go out to pray on Eid al-Fitr until one has eaten some dates, because of the hadeeth narrated by al-Bukhaari from Anas ibn Maalik, who said that the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) used not to go out on the ...<br clear="all"> http://www.masjidfresno.org/information.php?entry_id=1197439200 General Islamic Knowledge http://www.masjidfresno.org/information.php?entry_id=1197439200 Sun, 13 Jan 2008 15:17:36 -0700 What is Aqeedah? Aqeedah refers to those matters which are believed in, with certainty and conviction, in ones heart and soul. They are not tainted with any doubt or uncertainty. The Arabic word aqeedah stems from the root aqada, which conveys meanings of certainty, affirmation, confirmation, etc. In the Quraan, Allaah says (interpretation of the meaning): "Allaah will not punish you for what is unintentional in your oaths, but He will punish you for your deliberate oaths (bimaa aqqadtum al-aymaan)" [al-Maaidah 5:87] The verb paraphrased here as "deliberate oaths" is aqqada/taqeed, which refers to when one has determination in the heart. It may be said in Arabic, aqadal-habl (the rope was tied), i.e., it was pulled tight together. The word itiqaad (belief) is also derived from this root, and has the meaning of tying up and making strong. The phrase ataqadtu kadhaa (I believe such and such) means: I am convinced of it in my heart; this is a rational conviction. In Islam, aqeedah is the matter of knowledge. The ...<br clear="all"> http://www.masjidfresno.org/information.php?entry_id=1196835300 General Islamic Knowledge http://www.masjidfresno.org/information.php?entry_id=1196835300 Sun, 13 Jan 2008 15:19:02 -0700 What Is The Spirit By Mohamed Hussein Ibrahim Before talking about the end of the world, we should display the beginning in a summary form to understand how Allah has provided man with the evidences. These evidences make man believe in Allah Who has put the human beings on equal footing. The unlearned and learned understand the evidences. Allah created Adam from the earth elements. The recent scientific analysis has proved that the body of man contains 18 elements. These elements are the same as the earth elements. Consequently, we observe that science had discovered what the gracious Qur'an showed fourteen centuries ago. Allah created Adam himself. He ensouled Adam from His soul and granted life to his body, then created Eve from his rib. Man consists of spirit and body. Allah permitted man to discover the laws of the physical body throughout the ages according to his knowledge but He made the spirit unsolved mystery. All researchers tried to discover what is spirit but in vain because the ... <br clear="all"> http://www.masjidfresno.org/information.php?entry_id=1196835240 General Islamic Knowledge http://www.masjidfresno.org/information.php?entry_id=1196835240 Wed, 05 Dec 2007 05:25:59 -0700 The Virtues of Hijab 1. An act of obedience. The hijab is an act of obedience to Allah and to his prophet (pbuh), Allah says in the Qur'an: `It is not for a believer, man or woman, when Allah and His messenger have decreed a matter that they should have an option in their decision. And whoever disobeys Allah and His Messenger, has indeed strayed in a plain error.' (S33:36). Allah also said: 'And tell the believing women to lower their gaze (from looking at forbidden things) and protect their private parts (from illegal sexual acts, etc) and not to show off their adornment except what must (ordinarily) appear thereof, that they should draw their veils over their Juyubihinna.'(S24:31). Juyubihinna: The respected scholars from As-Salaf As-Saleh (righteous predecessors) differed whether the veil cover of the body must include the hands and face or not. Today, respected scholars say that the hands and face must be covered. Other respected scholars say it is preferable for women ... <br clear="all"> http://www.masjidfresno.org/information.php?entry_id=1196835180 Women Issues http://www.masjidfresno.org/information.php?entry_id=1196835180 Wed, 05 Dec 2007 05:24:06 -0700 The Pleasures of Paradise Allah has said in the Quran (translation of meaning): And give good news (O Muhammad) to those who believe and do good deeds, that they will have gardens (Paradise) in which rivers flow.... (Quran 2:25) Allah has also said (interpretation): Race one with another for forgiveness from your Lord and for Paradise, whose width is as the width of the heavens and the earth, which has been prepared for those who believe in God and His messengers.... (Quran 57:21) Allah has said in the Quran (translation of meaning): But those who believe and do good deeds, We will admit them to gardens (Paradise) in which rivers flow, lasting in them forever.... (Quran 4:57) The Prophet Muhammad, may God praise him, told us that the lowest in rank among the dwellers of Paradise will have ten times the like of this world, and he or she will have whatever he or she desires and ten times like it. Also, the Prophet Muhammad said: {A space in Paradise equivalent to ...<br clear="all"> http://www.masjidfresno.org/information.php?entry_id=1196835120 General Islamic Knowledge http://www.masjidfresno.org/information.php?entry_id=1196835120 Sun, 13 Jan 2008 15:21:00 -0700 The Character of The Prophet Muhammed (PBU) Alharamain Islamic Foundation A comprehensive and graceful account of the noble qualities, merciful disposition and distinctive traits of the 'prophet's character has been left by Hind b. Abi Hala. He says: Whatever he said, it was always explicit and in plain terms. His speech was never long-winded nor unnecessarily concise. He was kindhearted and soft-spoken, never harsh or cool in his behaviour. Neither he humiliated anyone nor himself liked to be treated with disrespect. The' Prophet set much by every provision; even if it was small in quantity he never deprecated it. As for the edibles he never disapproved nor praised ; nor he showed anger about anything of the world or what it stands for. However, whenever one failed to meet one's obligation to God, nothing could cool down his indignation until he had paid back 1n full measure. But, for the wrongs done to his own person, he would never become angry. "When he pointed out something, ...<br clear="all"> http://www.masjidfresno.org/information.php?entry_id=1196835060 General Islamic Knowledge http://www.masjidfresno.org/information.php?entry_id=1196835060 Wed, 05 Dec 2007 05:17:08 -0700 Simplicity Of The Prophet Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him) was a very simple person and spent all his life in simplicity. He was very unceremonious and informal in his habits. He ate whatever he was given, wore very thick and coarse cloth, even when he was the ruler of a state and undisputed leader of the people. He sat on the floor, bare ground or a mat without any hesitation, alone or in the company of other people. He ate bread made from coarse flour and even spent days on mere dates. He wore simple clothes and did not like display or show. He was by nature simple and liked simplicity and informality in everything. Ibn Masud said that God's Messenger slept on a reed mat and got up with the mark of it on his body. He said, "O God's Messenger! I wish you would order us to spread something out for you and make something." The Prophet replied, "What have I to do ... <br clear="all"> http://www.masjidfresno.org/information.php?entry_id=1196835000 General Islamic Knowledge http://www.masjidfresno.org/information.php?entry_id=1196835000 Wed, 05 Dec 2007 05:16:16 -0700 Preparing Ourselves for the Hereafter Sheikh Khlid Husayn Praise be to Allah who said [translation of meaning]: And for those who fears the time when they will be standing before their Lord, there shall be two gardens (in Paradise). [Srah al-Rahmn: 46] May Allah bestow His peace and blessings on His prophet who said: If you knew what I know, you would laugh little and weep much. [Sahh al-Bukhr (4621, 6486, 7295) and Sahh Muslim (2359)] And may Allah be pleased with the Companions who wept upon hearing this hadth. It is right for us to have fear of that day that we all have to face. That Day of Resurrection is a day of distress and deep regret. It is that long and ominous Day in which all humanity will stand before their Lord. On that day, fear will make the pregnant woman miscarry. People will be as if they are drunk but they shall not be drunk save that the severity of Allahs punishment will make them ...<br clear="all"> http://www.masjidfresno.org/information.php?entry_id=1196834940 General Islamic Knowledge http://www.masjidfresno.org/information.php?entry_id=1196834940 Sun, 13 Jan 2008 15:22:43 -0700 Healing the Weak Iman Shaykh Muhammad Salih al-Munajjid Thinking about and trying to understand meanings of the Glorious Quran, which Allah has sent down for His slaves to clarify all things and as a Light that He gives to whom He wills among His slaves. Indeed, the Quran contains tremendous medicine for all ills of the heart, as Allah said, what translated means, "And We sent down from the Quran that which is a healing and a mercy to those who believe (in Islamic Monotheism)." [17:82] The Quran contains Islamic Monotheism; Allahs promises, warnings and Commandments; stores of previous nations; and codes of the best conduct and behavior. These various subjects in the Quran have different effects on the heart. Some Surahs (chapters) of the Quran are more frightening than others. The Messenger of Allah said, what translated means, "Hud (chapter 11) and its sisters (chapters 56, 77, 78 and 81) have brought me white hairs before their due time." [As-Silsilah As-Sahihah]. Hud and its sisters brought white hairs ...<br clear="all"> http://www.masjidfresno.org/information.php?entry_id=1196834880 General Islamic Knowledge http://www.masjidfresno.org/information.php?entry_id=1196834880 Sun, 13 Jan 2008 15:23:49 -0700 Great Women of Islam (part one: Khadija bint Khuwaylid) Imm al-Madna al-Munawarrah 'Abdul Muhsin Ibn Muhammad al-Qsim All praise is due to Allaah, Lord of all the worlds. Peace and blessings be upon the Messenger, his household and companions. Fellow Muslims! Fear Allaah as He should be feared. Fear of Allaah is a reminder for His devoted servants and it is safety from His punishment. Dear brethren! Muslim woman attains prosperity by following the path of the best women who lived in the best generation and got nurtured in the house of Prophethood. They are women of high status and outstanding estimation. Allaah praises them in the Quraan where He says [translation of meaning].... O wives of the Prophet! You are not like any other women. If you keep your duty (to Allaah), then be not soft in speech, lest he in whose heart is a disease (of hypocrisy, or evil desire for adultery) should be moved with desire, but speak in an honourable manner. (Al-Ahzaab 33:32) They are ...<br clear="all"> http://www.masjidfresno.org/information.php?entry_id=1196834820 General Islamic Knowledge http://www.masjidfresno.org/information.php?entry_id=1196834820 Sun, 13 Jan 2008 15:24:55 -0700 Cooking while glorifying Allah Translated True story. I will not keep it a secret that I am not the one of cooking fans, as I used to consider it as a waste of time and effort. When I got engaged, I discovered that my mother in law is one of those who spend most of their life time at the kitchen, moreover she loves to give variety to new kinds of food from time to time using different kinds of Arabic and western cooking books. This matter � of course � used to make me worry because I thought that my fianc&eacute;, after marriage, would compare between my cooking and his mother�s. So when we have finished with all marriage arrangements and the marriage date was determined, my fianc&eacute; noticed that I was delaying the wedding and every time I used to invent a different excuse so finally he came and asked me �you are delaying the marriage for a reason I do not know, what ... <br clear="all"> http://www.masjidfresno.org/information.php?entry_id=1196834760 General Islamic Knowledge http://www.masjidfresno.org/information.php?entry_id=1196834760 Wed, 05 Dec 2007 05:10:48 -0700 Cleanliness In The Home The Messenger of Allah, sallallahu alayhe wa sallam said: Cleanliness is half of faith (Bukhari) Cleanliness in our homes is not just a matter of routine; it is actually part of our religion. The Prophet, sallallahu alayhe wa sallam, pointed out that it is half of our faith, quite a significant statement. Our homes are where we live, eat, sleep and offer salah. You could even say that our homes are masajid for our families. The bottom line is that our homes deserve respect. Keeping them clean is a way to demonstrate our regard for it. This fact is proved as Allah, subhanahu wa taala, clearly tells us: Make your dwellings as places for your worship [10:87]. One might ask, why should we show regard for our homes? In fact, they are only buildings. But, Allah, subhanahu wa taala, explains to us repeatedly in the Quran: Be grateful to Me (For My countless Favors on you) and never be ungrateful to Me. [2:152]. It all ...<br clear="all"> http://www.masjidfresno.org/information.php?entry_id=1196834700 General Islamic Knowledge http://www.masjidfresno.org/information.php?entry_id=1196834700 Sun, 13 Jan 2008 15:26:06 -0700 Backbiting and Gossiping Please note: All aayaat and hadeeth are translations of meanings. Fear Allah and obey Him. Be afraid of the Day when you shall be brought back to Allah. Then every person shall be paid what he earned; and they shall not be dealt with unjustly (Al-Baqarah 2: 281) Major sins are indeed the cause for all misery, evil and torment in this world and the hereafter. And the worst of all sins are those that are greatest in harm and danger. Among the destructive major sins are backbiting and slandering. These two sins were forbidden by Allah through His Prophet because they sow enmity, evils and discord among people and lead to destruction. They make their perpetrator regret when regret will be of no avail. They cause hostilities between people of the same household and between neighbours and relatives. They can decrease in good deeds and increase in evil ones and lead to dishonour and ignominy. Backbiting and slandering are shame and disgrace. Their perpetrator is detested ...<br clear="all"> http://www.masjidfresno.org/information.php?entry_id=1196834640 General Islamic Knowledge http://www.masjidfresno.org/information.php?entry_id=1196834640 Sun, 13 Jan 2008 15:27:11 -0700 A'isha Bint Abi-Bakr AL-Siddiq &nbsp; Alharamain Islamic Foundation. A'isha was the daughter of Abu Bakr Al-Siddiq and was married to the Prophet in the tenth year of prophethood when she was six years old, but the marriage was only consummated when she was nine years old. The initiative for this marriage was taken by Khaulah bint Hakim. Her father, Abu Bakr, solemnized the marriage with a dowry of four hundred dirhams. But according to A'isha, her dowry was five hundred dirhams. She also said that the amount paid to the Prophet's wives was usually five hundred dirhams. (Muslim and Ahmad). In view of the great service rendered by A'isha to Islam by spreading its teaching and the practice of the Holy Prophet long after his death. There is a difference of opinion among scholars as to when this marriage was solemnized. But what is most authentic is that A'isha was married after the death of Khadijah when she was six year old and the marriage was consummated ... <br clear="all"> http://www.masjidfresno.org/information.php?entry_id=1196834580 General Islamic Knowledge http://www.masjidfresno.org/information.php?entry_id=1196834580 Wed, 05 Dec 2007 05:06:25 -0700 By Imam Ibn ul Qayyim al Jawziyyah Allah subhanahu wa taallaa governs the affairs of the various kingdoms and He commands and forbids, creates, sustains, gives death, gives life, gives power, strips power (to and from whom He wills) and alternates the night and day. He gives varying fortunes to people and alternates governments (and states), destroying some and bringing some into existence. His Command and Power are dominant in the heavens and their zones, the earth and all that which is on and in it, in the seas and in the air. His Knowledge has encompassed everything and He counted everything. He hears all types of voices and they do not confuse Him. Rather, He hears each voice in its distinct language and need, and no voice will make Him busy from fulfilling the need of another, and no need will ever escape His Perfect Knowledge (and His Power to deliver). He does not become bored because of the many needs of those who ... <br clear="all"> http://www.masjidfresno.org/information.php?entry_id=1196834520 General Islamic Knowledge http://www.masjidfresno.org/information.php?entry_id=1196834520 Sun, 13 Jan 2008 15:30:09 -0700 Dating: Islam does not approve of intimate mixing of the sexes, and forbids premarital or extramarital sex. Islam encourages marriage as a shield to such temptations and as a means of having mutual love, mercy and peace. Abortion: Islam considers abortion as murder and does not permit it except to save the mother's life (Quran 17:23-31, 6:15 1). Homosexuality and Aids: Islam categorically opposes homosexuality and considers it a sin. However, Muslim physicians are advised to care for AIDS patients with compassion just as they would for other patients. Euthanasia and Suicide: Islam is opposed to both suicide and euthanasia. Muslims do not believe in heroic measures to prolong the misery in a terminally ill patient. Organ Transplantation: Islam stresses upon saving lives (Quran 5:32); thus, transplantation in general would be considered permissible provided a donor consent is available. The sale of the organ is not allowed. <br clear="all"> http://www.masjidfresno.org/information.php?entry_id=1196834460 General Islamic Knowledge http://www.masjidfresno.org/information.php?entry_id=1196834460 Wed, 05 Dec 2007 04:05:40 -0700 Islam recognizes the rights of the minority. To ensure their welfare and safety, Muslim rulers initiated a tax (Jazia) on them. Prophet Muhammad (P) forbade Muslim armies to destroy churches and synagogues. Caliph Umer did not even allow them to pray inside a church. Jews were welcomed and flourished in Muslim Spain even when they were persecuted in the rest of Europe. They consider that part of their history as the Golden Era. In Muslim countries, Christians live in prosperity, hold government positions and attend their church. Christian missionaries are allowed to establish and operate their schools and hospitals. However, the same religious tolerance is not always available to Muslim minorities as seen in the past during Spanish inquisition and the crusades, or as seen now by the events in Bosnia, Israel and India. Muslims do recognize that sometimes the actions of a ruler do not reflect the teachings of his religion. <br clear="all"> http://www.masjidfresno.org/information.php?entry_id=1196834400 General Islamic Knowledge http://www.masjidfresno.org/information.php?entry_id=1196834400 Wed, 05 Dec 2007 03:57:02 -0700 surah's and ayah's from The Qur'an The article and pictures have been provided by by Brother: Abdulmateen al-amreeki Insha'allah the dates that these particular surah where written are taken from the website that i got this information from and is in no way my own opinion or religious knowledge. insha'allah these can be used as proof for the non-muslims as well as the new-muslim to know with proof and evidence that the Qur'an we have today HAS NOT BEEN CHANGE for over 1400 years ALHAMDULILLAH for the HAAQ! The art work might contain one of or all the following: surah al-Isra verses from 20 to 22 and part of 23 surah al-Maida verses 60 to 61 and part of 62 surah al-Nas part of verse 3 to the end of the surah surah al-Maida (part of verse 117) to partverse 1 of surah al-Anam surah al-Kahf part of verse 17 to verse 27 and part of verse 28 surah al-Baqara part of verse 80 to part of verse 81 surah al-Mursalat ... <br clear="all"> http://www.masjidfresno.org/information.php?entry_id=1196748000 General Islamic Knowledge http://www.masjidfresno.org/information.php?entry_id=1196748000 Tue, 18 Dec 2007 08:39:52 -0700 The word "Islam" is an Arabic word that means "submitting and surrendering your will to Almighty God". The word comes from the same root as the Arabic word "salam", which means peace. Unlike the names used for other religions, such as Buddhism, Hinduism and Christianity, the name for the religion of Islam was both revealed by God and carries a deep spiritual meaning - only by submitting one's will to Almighty God can one obtain true peace both in this life and in the life hereafter. Islam teaches that all religions originally had the same essential message - which was to submit whole-heartedly to the will of God and to worship Him and Him alone. For this reason, Islam is not a new religion but is the same divinely revealed Ultimate Truth that God revealed to all prophets, including Noah, Abraham, Moses and Jesus. The word "Islam" means peace and submission. Peace means to ... <br clear="all"> http://www.masjidfresno.org/information.php?entry_id=1189487400 General Islamic Knowledge http://www.masjidfresno.org/information.php?entry_id=1189487400 Wed, 05 Dec 2007 03:04:30 -0700 No. Muslims do not worship Muhammad (Peace be upon him) or any other prophets. Muslims believe in all prophets including Adam, Noah, Abraham, David, Solomon, Moses and Jesus. Muslims believe that Muhammad (Peace be upon him) was the last of the prophets. They believe that God alone is to be worshiped, not any human being. <br clear="all"> http://www.masjidfresno.org/information.php?entry_id=1189487340 General Islamic Knowledge http://www.masjidfresno.org/information.php?entry_id=1189487340 Wed, 05 Dec 2007 03:03:02 -0700 In the Holy Qur'aan, God teaches human beings that they were created in order to worship Him, and that the basis of all true worship is God-consciousness. Since the teachings of Islamic encompass all aspects of life and ethics, God-consciousness is encouraged in all human affairs. Islam makes it clear that all human acts are acts of worship if they are done for God alone and in accordance to His Divine Law. As such, worship in Islam is not limited to religious rituals. The teachings of Islam act as a mercy and a healing for the human soul, and such qualities as humility, sincerity, patience and charity are strongly encouraged. Additionally, Islam condemns pride and self-righteousness, since Almighty God is the only judge of human righteousness. The Islamic view of the nature of man is also realistic and well-balanced. Human beings are not believed to be inherently sinful, but are seen as equally capable ... <br clear="all"> http://www.masjidfresno.org/information.php?entry_id=1189487280 General Islamic Knowledge http://www.masjidfresno.org/information.php?entry_id=1189487280 Wed, 05 Dec 2007 03:02:30 -0700 Very often one will hear the Arabic word "Allah" being used in regards to Islam. The word "Allah" is simply the Arabic word for Almighty God, and is the same word used by Arabic speaking Christians and Jews. If one were to pick up an Arabic translation of the Bible, one would see the word "Allah" being use where the word "God" is used in English. Actually, the Arabic word for Almighty God, "Allah", is quite similar to the word for God in other Semitic languages - for example, the Hebrew word for God is "Elah". For various reasons, some non-Muslims mistakenly believe that Muslims worship a different God than Jews and Christians. This is certainly not the case, since the Pure Monotheism of Islam calls all people to the worship of the God of Noah, Abraham, Moses, Jesus and all of the other prophets. However, even though Jews, Christians and Muslims worship the ... <br clear="all"> http://www.masjidfresno.org/information.php?entry_id=1189487220 General Islamic Knowledge http://www.masjidfresno.org/information.php?entry_id=1189487220 Wed, 05 Dec 2007 03:01:37 -0700 The purpose of worship in Islam is to be God conscious. Thus the worship, whether it is prayer, fasting, or charity, is a means to achieve God consciousness so that when one becomes conscious of God, in thought and in action, he is in a better position to receive His bounties both in this world and the hereafter. <br clear="all"> http://www.masjidfresno.org/information.php?entry_id=1189487100 General Islamic Knowledge http://www.masjidfresno.org/information.php?entry_id=1189487100 Wed, 05 Dec 2007 02:56:13 -0700 God is Just and manifest His justice; He established the system of accountability. Those who do good will be rewarded and those who do wrong will be punished accordingly. Thus, He created Heaven and Hell and there are admission criteria for both. Muslims believe that the present life is a temporary one. It is a test and if we pass the test, we will be given a life of permanent pleasure in the company of good people in Heaven. <br clear="all"> http://www.masjidfresno.org/information.php?entry_id=1189487040 General Islamic Knowledge http://www.masjidfresno.org/information.php?entry_id=1189487040 Wed, 05 Dec 2007 02:54:40 -0700 Islam emphasizes modesty. No person should be perceived as a sex object. There are certain guidelines both for men and women that their dress should neither be too thin nor too tight to reveal body forms. For men, they must at least cover the area from the knee to navel and for women; their dress should cover all areas except the hands and face. The veil is not essential. <br clear="all"> http://www.masjidfresno.org/information.php?entry_id=1189486980 General Islamic Knowledge http://www.masjidfresno.org/information.php?entry_id=1189486980 Wed, 05 Dec 2007 02:53:26 -0700 What are the dietary prohibitions in Islam? Muslims are told in the Quran not to eat pork or pork products, meat of the animals who died before being slaughtered or the carnivorous animals (as they eat dead animals), nor drink blood or intoxicants such as wine or use any illicit drugs. <br clear="all"> http://www.masjidfresno.org/information.php?entry_id=1189486920 General Islamic Knowledge http://www.masjidfresno.org/information.php?entry_id=1189486920 Wed, 05 Dec 2007 02:52:26 -0700 No, polygamy in Islam is permission not an injunction. Historically, all the prophets except Jesus, who was not married, had more than one wife. For Muslim men to have more than one wife is a permission which is given to them in the Quran, not to satisfy lust, but for the welfare of the widows and the orphans of the wars. In the pre-Islamic period, men used to have many wives. One person had 11 wives and when he became Muslim, he asked the Prophet Muhammad (P), "What should I do with so many wives?" and he said, "Divorce all except the four." The Quran says, "you can marry 2 or 3 and up to 4 women if you can be equally just with each of them" (4:3). Since it is very difficult to be equally just with all wives, in practice, most of the Muslim men do not have more than one wife. Prophet ... <br clear="all"> http://www.masjidfresno.org/information.php?entry_id=1189486860 General Islamic Knowledge http://www.masjidfresno.org/information.php?entry_id=1189486860 Wed, 05 Dec 2007 02:47:03 -0700 It is the final revelation of the will of Almighty God's to all of mankind, which was conveyed through the Angel Gabriel, in Arabic, to the Prophet Muhammad in its sounds, words and meanings. The Qur'aan, sometimes spelled Koran, was relayed to the Prophet's companions, which they memorized verbatim, and which has been publicly and continually recited by them and their successors until the present day. In short, the Qur'aan is the book of guidance from God par excellence. The Qur'aan is still memorized and taught by millions of people. The language of the Qur'aan, Arabic, is still a living language to millions of people, so unlike the scriptures of other religions, the Qur'aan is still read in its original language by countless millions of people. The Qur&#966;aan is a living miracle in the Arabic language; and is know to be inimitable in its style, form and spiritual impact. God's final revelation to mankind, ... <br clear="all"> http://www.masjidfresno.org/information.php?entry_id=1189486800 General Islamic Knowledge http://www.masjidfresno.org/information.php?entry_id=1189486800 Tue, 04 Dec 2007 17:47:10 -0700 The Arabic word "Muslim" literally means "someone who submits to the will of God". The message of Islam is meant for the entire world and anyone who accepts this message becomes a Muslim. Some people mistakenly believe that Islam is just a religion for Arabs, but nothing could be further from the truth, since in actuality over 80% of the world's Muslims are not Arabs! Even though most Arabs are Muslims, there are Arabs who are Christians, Jews and atheists. If one just takes a look at the various peoples who live in the Muslim World - from Nigeria to Bosnia and from Morocco to Indonesia - it is easy enough to see that Muslims come from all different races, ethnic groups and nationalities. From the very beginning, Islam had a universal message for all people. This can be seen in the fact that some of the early companions of the Prophet Muhammad were not ... <br clear="all"> http://www.masjidfresno.org/information.php?entry_id=1189401300 General Islamic Knowledge http://www.masjidfresno.org/information.php?entry_id=1189401300 Wed, 05 Dec 2007 03:03:45 -0700 Muslims think highly of Jesus (Peace be upon him) and his worthy mother, Mary. The Quran tells us that Jesus was born of a miraculous birth without a father. "Lo! The likeness of Jesus with Allah is the likeness of Adam. He created him of dust, and then He said unto him: Be and he is" (Quran 3.59). He was given many miracles as a prophet. These include speaking soon after his birth in defense of his mother's piety. God's other gifts to him included healing the blind and the sick, reviving the dead, making a bird out of clay and most importantly, the message he was carrying. These miracles were given to him by God to establish him as a prophet. According to the Quran, he was not crucified but was raised into Heaven. (Quran, Chapter Maryam) <br clear="all"> http://www.masjidfresno.org/information.php?entry_id=1189401240 General Islamic Knowledge http://www.masjidfresno.org/information.php?entry_id=1189401240 Wed, 05 Dec 2007 03:00:47 -0700 There are five major pillars of Islam which are the articles of faith. These pillars are 1) the belief (Iman) in one God and that Muhammad (Peace be upon him) is His messenger, 2) prayer (Salat) which are prescribed five times a day, 3) fasting (Siyam) which is required in the month of Ramadan, 4) charity (Zakat) which is the poor-due on the wealth of the rich and 5) hajj which is the pilgrimage to Mecca once in a lifetime if one can afford it physically and financially. All the pillars should be of equal height and strength in a building in order to give the building its due shape and proportions. It is not possible that one would do hajj without observing fasting or without practicing regular prayers. Now think of a building which has pillars only. It would not be called a building. In order to make it a building, it has ... <br clear="all"> http://www.masjidfresno.org/information.php?entry_id=1189401120 General Islamic Knowledge http://www.masjidfresno.org/information.php?entry_id=1189401120 Wed, 05 Dec 2007 02:58:16 -0700 No. The Quran clearly says that, "anyone who has an atom's worth of goodness will see it and anyone who has done an atom's worth of evil will also see it" (Quran 99:7-8). By that it is meant that those who are non- believers but have done good will be rewarded in this world for their good deed. On the other hand, those who do good if they are Muslims, they will be rewarded not only in this world but also in the world hereafter. However, the final Judgment is up to God himself. (Quran 2:62) <br clear="all"> http://www.masjidfresno.org/information.php?entry_id=1189401060 General Islamic Knowledge http://www.masjidfresno.org/information.php?entry_id=1189401060 Wed, 05 Dec 2007 02:54:04 -0700 The Islamic year started from the migration (Hijra) of Prophet Muhammad (P) from Mecca to Medina in 622 AD. It is a lunar year of 354 days. The first month is called Muharram. 1996 AD is in Islamic year 1416 AH. <br clear="all"> http://www.masjidfresno.org/information.php?entry_id=1189400940 General Islamic Knowledge http://www.masjidfresno.org/information.php?entry_id=1189400940 Wed, 05 Dec 2007 02:50:39 -0700 Sharia is the comprehensive Muslim law derived form two sources, a) the Quran b) the Sunnah or traditions of Prophet Muhammad (P). It covers every aspect of daily individual and collective living. The purpose of Islamic laws is protection of individuals' basic human rights to include right to life, property, political and religious freedom and safeguarding the rights of women and minorities. The low crime rate in Muslim societies is due to the application of the Islamic laws. <br clear="all"> http://www.masjidfresno.org/information.php?entry_id=1189400880 General Islamic Knowledge http://www.masjidfresno.org/information.php?entry_id=1189400880 Wed, 05 Dec 2007 02:49:36 -0700 According to the Quran, "There is no compulsion in religion" (2:256), thus, no one can be forced to become a Muslim. While it is true that in many places where Muslim armies went to liberate people or the land, they did carry the sword as that was the weapon used at that time. However, Islam did not spread by the sword because in many places where there are Muslims now, in the Far East like Indonesia, in China, and many parts of Africa, there are no records of any Muslim armies going there. To say that Islam was spread by the sword would be to say that Christianity was spread by guns, F-16's and atomic bombs, etc., which is not true. Christianity spread by the missionary works of Christians. Ten-percent of all Arabs are Christians. The "Sword of Islam" could not convert all the non-Muslim minorities in Muslim countries. In India, where Muslims ruled ... <br clear="all"> http://www.masjidfresno.org/information.php?entry_id=1189400820 General Islamic Knowledge http://www.masjidfresno.org/information.php?entry_id=1189400820 Wed, 05 Dec 2007 02:48:39 -0700 What is "Islamic Fundamentalism"? There is no concept of "Fundamentalism" in Islam. The western media has coined this term to brand those Muslims who wish to return to the basic fundamental principles of Islam and mould their lives accordingly. Islam is a religion of moderation and a practicing God fearing Muslim can neither be a fanatic nor an extremist. <br clear="all"> http://www.masjidfresno.org/information.php?entry_id=1189400760 General Islamic Knowledge http://www.masjidfresno.org/information.php?entry_id=1189400760 Wed, 05 Dec 2007 02:47:56 -0700 Does Islam oppress women? No. On the contrary, Islam elevated the status of women 1,400 years ago by giving them the right to divorce, the right to have financial independence and support and the right to be identified as dignified women (Hijab) when in the rest of the world, including Europe, women had no such rights. Women are equal to men in all acts of piety (Quran 33:32). Islam allows women to keep their maiden name after marriage, their earned money and spend it as they wish, and ask men to be their protector as women on the street can be molested. Prophet Muhammad (P) told Muslim men, "the best among you is the one who is best to his family." Not Islam, but some Muslim men, does oppress women today. This is because of their cultural habits or their ignorance about their religion. Female Genital Mutilations has nothing to do with Islam. It ... <br clear="all"> http://www.masjidfresno.org/information.php?entry_id=1189400700 Women Issues http://www.masjidfresno.org/information.php?entry_id=1189400700 Wed, 05 Dec 2007 02:46:08 -0700 Islam recognizes the rights of the minority. To ensure their welfare and safety, Muslim rulers initiated a tax (Jazia) on them. Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him) forbade Muslim armies to destroy churches and synagogues. Caliph Umer did not even allow them to pray inside a church. Jews were welcomed and flourished in Muslim Spain even when they were persecuted in the rest of Europe. They consider that part of their history as the Golden Era. In Muslim countries, Christians live in prosperity, hold government positions and attend their church. Christian missionaries are allowed to establish and operate their schools and hospitals. However, the same religious tolerance is not always available to Muslim minorities as seen in the past during Spanish inquisition and the crusades, or as seen now by the events in Bosnia, Israel and India. Muslims do recognize that sometimes the actions of a ruler do not reflect the teachings of his religion. <br clear="all"> http://www.masjidfresno.org/information.php?entry_id=1189400640 General Islamic Knowledge http://www.masjidfresno.org/information.php?entry_id=1189400640 Wed, 05 Dec 2007 02:45:03 -0700 Does Islam promote violence and terrorism? No. Islam is religion of peace and submission and stresses on the sanctity of human life. A verse in the Quran says, [Chapter 5, verse 32], that "anyone who saves one life, it is as if he has saved the whole of mankind and anyone who has killed another person (except in lieu of murder or mischief on earth) it is as if he has killed the whole of mankind." Islam condemns all the violence which happened in the Crusades, in Spain, in WW II, or by acts of people like the Rev. Jim Jones, David Koresh, Dr. Baruch Goldstein, or the atrocities committed in Bosniaby the Christian Serbs. Anyone who is doing violence is not practicing his religion at that time. However, sometimes violence is a human response of oppressed people as it happens in Palestine. Although this is wrong, they think of this as a way ... <br clear="all"> http://www.masjidfresno.org/information.php?entry_id=1189400580 General Islamic Knowledge http://www.masjidfresno.org/information.php?entry_id=1189400580 Tue, 04 Dec 2007 17:55:57 -0700 Idul Fitre, marks the end of fasting in the month of Ramadan and is celebrated with public prayers, feasts and exchange of gifts. Idul Adha marks the end of the Hajj or the annual pilgrimage to Mecca. After the public prayers, those who can afford, sacrifice a lamb or a goat to signify Prophet Abraham's obedience to God, shown by his readiness to sacrifice his son Ishmael. Idul Fitre, marks the end of fasting in the month of Ramadan and is celebrated with public prayers, feasts and exchange of gifts. Idul Adha marks the end of the Hajj or the annual pilgrimage to Mecca. After the public prayers, those who can afford, sacrifice a lamb or a goat to signify Prophet Abraham's obedience to God, shown by his readiness to sacrifice his son Ishmael. <br clear="all"> http://www.masjidfresno.org/information.php?entry_id=1189400520 General Islamic Knowledge http://www.masjidfresno.org/information.php?entry_id=1189400520 Tue, 04 Dec 2007 17:55:07 -0700 The last and final prophet that God sent to humanity was the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). Muhammad (peace be upon him) explained, interpreted and lived the teachings of Islam. The Prophet Muhammad is the greatest of all prophets for many reasons, but mainly because the results of his mission have brought more people into the pure belief in One God than any other prophet. Even though other religious communities claimed to believe in One God, over time they had corrupted their beliefs by taking their prophets and saints as intercessors with Almighty God. Some religions believe their prophets to be manifestations of God, "God Incarnate" or the "Son of God". All of these false ideas lead to the creature being worshipped instead of the Creator, which contributed to the idolatrous practice of believing that Almighty God can be approached through intermediaries. In order to guard against these falsehoods, the Prophet Muhammad ... <br clear="all"> http://www.masjidfresno.org/information.php?entry_id=1189400460 General Islamic Knowledge http://www.masjidfresno.org/information.php?entry_id=1189400460 Tue, 04 Dec 2007 17:54:05 -0700 The foundation of the Islamic faith is belief in the Unity of God. This means to believe that there is only one Creator and Sustainer of everything in the Universe, and that nothing is divine or worthy of being worshipped except for Him. Truly believing in the Unity of God means much more than simply believing that there is "One God" - as opposed to two, three or four. There are a number of religions that claim belief in "One God" and believe that ultimately there is only one Creator and Sustainer of the Universe. Islam, however, not only insists on this, but also rejects using such words as "Lord" and "Savior" for anyone besides Almighty God. Islam also rejects the use of all intermediaries between God and Man, and insists that people approach God directly and reserve all worship for Him alone. Muslims believe that Almighty God is Compassionate, Loving and Merciful. The ... <br clear="all"> http://www.masjidfresno.org/information.php?entry_id=1189400400 General Islamic Knowledge http://www.masjidfresno.org/information.php?entry_id=1189400400 Tue, 04 Dec 2007 17:53:00 -0700