Cheating and Deception

Cheating and deception are despicable characteristics that are beneath a decent person. Intentionally distorting the truth in order to mislead others contradicts the values of honesty, which requires an attitude of sincerity, straightforwardness, and fairness that leaves no room for cheating, lying, trickery, or deceit. There are many texts from the Quran and the Sunnah conveying the meaning that cheating, whether the target be Muslims or non-Muslims, is forbidden.

Accepting the guidance of Islam leads a person to truthfulness, which means a person completely avoids cheating, cheating, and back-stabbing. The Prophet of Islam said:

“Whoever bears arms against us is not one of us, and whoever cheats us is not one of us.” (Saheeh Muslim)

According to another report, the Prophet passed by a pile of food in the market. He put his hand inside it and felt dampness, although the surface was dry. He said:

“O owner of the food, what is this?’

The man said, ‘It was damaged by rain, O Messenger of God.’

He said, ‘Why did you not put the rain-damaged food on top so that people could see it! Whoever cheats us is not one of us.” (Saheeh Muslim)

Muslim society is based on purity of feeling, love, sincerity towards every Muslim, and fulfillment of promises to every member of society. Its members are endowed with piety, truthfulness, and faithfulness. Cheating and deception are alien characters in contrast to the noble character of a true Muslim. There is no room in it for swindlers, double crossers, tricksters, or traitors.

Islam views cheating and deception as heinous sins, a source of shame to the one guilty of committing them, both in this world and the next. The Prophet, may the mercy and blessings of God be upon him, did not merely denounce them by excluding them from the Muslim community in this world, he also announced that on the Day of Judgment every traitor would be raised carrying the flag of his betrayal. A caller will cry out from the vast arena of judgment, pointing to him, drawing attention to him:

Salvation from Hellfire

God has said in the Quran:

“Those who have disbelieved and died in disbelief, the earth full of gold would not be accepted from any of them if one offered it as a ransom. They will have a painful punishment, and they will have no helpers.” (Quran 3:91)

So, this life is our only chance to win Paradise and to escape from Hellfire, because if someone dies in disbelief, he will not have another chance to come back to this world to believe. As God has said in the Quran about what is going to happen for the unbelievers on the Day of Judgment:

“If you could but see when they are set before the Fire (Hell) and say, “Would that we might return (to the world)! Then we would not reject the verses of our Lord, but we would be of the believers!” (Quran 6:27)

But no one will have this second opportunity.

The Prophet Muhammad, may the mercy and blessings of God be upon him, said: “The happiest man in the world of those doomed to the Fire (Hell) on the Day of Judgment will be dipped in the Fire once. Then he will be asked, ‘Son of Adam, did you ever see any good? Did you ever experience any blessing?’ So he will say, ‘No, by God, O Lord!’”[1]

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Collected From:http://www.islamreligion.com/articles/243/

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The Pleasures of Paradise

The reality of Paradise is something which people will never be able to understand until they actually enter it, but God has shown us glimpses of it in the Quran. He has described it as a place essentially different to the life of this world, both in the very nature and purpose of life, as well as the types of delights which people will enjoy therein. 

 The Quran tells people about Paradise, which God offers to them, describes its great blessings, and proclaims its beauties to everyone. It informs people that Paradise is one of two ways of life prepared for them in the afterworld, and that every good thing will be theirs in Paradise to a degree that surpasses our present ability to imagine. 

 It also shows that Paradise is a place where all blessings have been created perfectly and where people will be offered everything their souls and hearts will desire, and that people will be far removed from want and need, anxiety or sadness, sorrow and regret. Every kind of beauty and blessing exists in Paradise and will be revealed with a perfection never seen or known before. God has prepared such blessings there as a gift, and these will be offered only to people with whom He is pleased.

But what is the nature of these delights in Paradise, and how will it be different from the delights of this world? We will try to highlight a few of these differences.

Pure delight without pain and suffering

The Pleasures of Paradise 2

The Eternalness of the Hereafter

The Pleasures of this world are transient whilst the joys of the hereafter are lasting and eternal. In this life when a person enjoys something, it is only a short while before they get bored with it and proceed to search for something they feel is better, or they may not feel a need for it altogether. As for the delights of Paradise, a person will never feel bored with anything, but rather, its goodness will increase each time they indulge in it.

Also, the life of this world is very short. Humans only live on this earth for a short while, and very few people reach the age of seventy.

“…Say: Short is the enjoyment of this world. The Hereafter is (far) better for him who fears God...” (Quran 4:77)

As for Paradise, people will live forever. God says:

“...its provision is eternal and so is its shade…” (Quran 13:35)

“What is with you must vanish, and what is with God will endure …” (Quran 16:96)

“(It will be said to them): This is Our Provision, which will never finish” (Quran 38:54)

Superior Delights

The delights of the people of Paradise, such as their clothing, food, drink, jewelry and palaces, will be far superior to their counterparts in this world. There is in fact no room for comparison, as even the smallest space in Paradise is better than this world and all that is in it. The Prophet Muhammad, may the mercy and blessings of God be upon him, said:

There Is No Place For Valentine's Day In Islam

On 14th February Every year many people celebrates Valentine's Day which is also called day of Love. It was a Roman Festival if we see its history. On this day Boys purpose Girls and gives flowers and gifts to them. Valentine's Day is part of Western Culture but unfortunately from last few years many people has started promoting it in our culture as well.

There is no place for events like Valentine's Day in Islam. Firstly its a festival of Non Muslims. Secondly celebrating such days spreads many problems in the society. Many boys uses this day as a chance to attack respect of girls. This day also becomes cause of wrong relationships between girls and boys outside the marriage. Islam has clearly set guidelines for us that only relationship of husband and wife is Halal.

Many people tries to justify this day by saying that its a day of Love and peace. My answer to such people is that why you restrict love and peace to one day?? we should love and spread peace others 365 days of the year.

Famous Scholar Ibtisam Elahi Zaheer said about this day that "the sensual form of love is only allowed between Husband and wife in Islam. Valentine day does not promote love between husband and wife .It basically promotes extramarital relations which are not allowed in Islam .We as Muslims need to discourage these kinds of events to save our society from free mixing .If these kinds of events will be tolerated we will be victims of immodesty and ultimately will not be able to protect our society from adultery and fornication."

So we should keep ourselves away from such events and tries to follow Sunnah in every matter of life.

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Control Your Tongue To Protect Yourself From Sins

A Human uses different parts of his body for doing different types of sins. For Example a human uses his eyes to see Haram things, he uses his hands for doing different haram works, a human uses his legs to go towards a sin. One of the major part of human body which he uses for doing sins is his tongue.

Just think From this tongue how many times we uses bad words everyday which keeps on increasing our sins. We use this tongue to abuse others, to speak against others, to speak lie, to show anger on others and to spread hatred between people.

Now think if we start controlling our tongue from speaking all these bad things we will be able to save ourselves from how many sins?? A Hadith of Prophet Muhammad SAW says a person who guarantees me to guard his tongue i guarantee him about paradise. Another Hadith says remaining silent is better than speaking bad.

We should also remember that a person is known from how he speaks??? a person who speaks good from his language will also be liked and respected by others. on other hand a person who lies, abuses and speaks bad from his tongue is not liked by anyone. There is a famous quotation "first think then speak".

The Summary of this article is that if we will control our tongue from speaking bad we will not only get success and respect by the society in this world but we will also get success in hereafter. May Allah SWT help us all to use our tongues for right purposes.

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Wedding Expenses and Islam

Allah SWT says in the Quran “Those who, when they spend, are not extravagant and not niggardly, but hold a just (balance) between those (extremes);” From among the standards of islam for livelihood, one is to restrain from spending extra and also to restrain oneself from being a miser.

The verse mentions that the correct way to spend is to be balanced while spending. This golden rule is so affective that if all people start following it, the bad economic conditions will transform dramatically, but unfortunately, people do not consider them worth noting.

We see many examples of extravagance in our society in many forms. One of them is spending lavishly on weddings. No matter who, poor or rich, people spend money on weddings as if they are in some competition and they have to win it.

The lavish display of dowry and other wedding items have made it just like some exhibition. Wedding expenses are not only limited to the people who are going to be wed or their family members, but one wedding affects every person who wants to attend it. Females want new cloths jewelry and shoes for them, for their kids and for their husbands.

Thus one wedding becomes so expensive for a good number of people.

While arguing on this issue, some people say, this all is due to our cultural mix with Hinduism. Others say that people just want to have an upper hand over their relatives and wedding gives them a fair chance to do so. whatsoever the reasons brought forth, we being muslims should not forget that whatever we do is recorded instantly and will be shown to us when we will be raised again.

Our beloved prophet s.a.w.w could marry his daughters in the best way by spending as much as he could and people would help him any possible way, but the way he s.a.w.w married his daughters and himself got married should be taken as best examples for every person in muslim society.

Muhammad s.a.w.w never spent any extra money to show off. He found for his daughters best husbands, and he found for himself wives not because they were beautiful or rich. He s.a.w.w set for us a decent criteria of how to arrange marriages and how to look for a spouse on what basis.

All the righteous muslims followed this example until people started diverting from the right path. Islam does not asks believers whether they have given their daughters or sisters trucks of dowry or whether they served 10s of dishes on walimah.

The concept of barat is also not there in islam, simple nikah and walimah to validate nikah are two main events of marriage. Mehndi, obten and all other related events are not Islamic and they should not be celebrated because they are plain wastage of money.

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How to Prepare for the Day of Judgment

Everyone in this world is well aware of the fact that this life is mortal. All of us are sent in to this world for some specific time after that we have to dwell in eternal life which starts after the end of this life. Humans pass through different phases after the death i.e. separation of soul from body, life, in grave and the most important event that will happen on the Day of Judgment is when we will be held accountable for our deeds and when we will be questioned by our Lord Allah (S.W.T.) as He says in Qur’an:

“Then surely, We shall question those (people) to whom it (the book) was sent and verily, We shall question the Messengers.” ( Al-A’raf, 6 and 7)

Two Methods of Accountability

On the Day of Judgment, every human being who is sent into this world in any era will be stood together at a place where they will be held accountable in front of God as He says in Qur’an:

“The Day is approaching when every soul shall find itself confronted with whatever good it has done and whatever evil it has wrought. It will then wish there is a wide space between it and the Day! Allah warns you to beware of Him; He is most tender towards His servants.” (Surat Al-Imran, 30)

There will be two methods of accountability,

Those who have successfully spent their lives according to the teachings of Allah and His Prophet (PBUH) will be directly sent to the paradise to live an eternal life with all the blessing they have been promised for and will be considered as the most successful people.

They will say: “Praise be to Allah Who has fulfilled His promise to us and made us the inheritors of this land, letting us settle in Paradise wherever we want. How excellent is the wage of those who work.” (Surat az-Zumar, 74)

Those who used to commit evil things in the worldly life will be questioned about their bad acts and surely they will have no answer for it except shame on their own deeds and begging pardon for their wrongdoings but the time of forgiveness will be over. Those people will be sent to hell fire where they will be tortured for their sins until they complete their punishments.

On the Day when those who were unbelievers are exposed to the Fire, [it will be said to them]: “You dissipated the good things you had in your worldly life, and enjoyed yourself in it. So today you are being repaid with the punishment of humiliation for being arrogant in the earth without any right, and for being deviators.” (Surat al-Ahqaf, 20)

First Question for the Mankind

Prayer is the very first question that will be asked from the people on the Day of Judgment. If a person performs prayers with the extreme quality, then the person will be saved. If the prayers were done incompletely or half-heartedly, then his voluntary prayers will suffice for the shortcomings.

Prophet (PBUH) said:

The Messenger (S.A.W.) told us in an authentic hadith , “The first thing the people will be accountable for on the Day of Judgment is prayer, Allah will say to His angels (even though he already knows) : “Look at my servants prayers. Were they complete or not?” If they were complete it will be written as complete. If they were not fully complete Allah will say: “See if my servant has voluntary prayers, if he has them Allah will say: Complete his obligatory prayers shortage with his voluntary prayers.” Then the rest of his deeds will be dealt with in the same manner.” (Reported by Imams Ahmad, Abu Dawood, An-Nisa’i, and Al-Hakim)

Five Things that will be Asked

The prophet Muhammad (PBUH) told us about five major questions that will be asked, and no one can bypass these prosecutions.

How he lived his life?

How he utilized his youth?

What means did he earn his wealth?

How did he spend his wealth?

What did he do with his knowledge?

There are lots of other question that will be asked from us e.g. all of our covenants and promises that have made in our lives, hearing, our vision, and our hearts.

“And fulfill (every) covenant. Verily! The covenant will be questioned about.” ( Surat Al-Israa, Verse 34)

“Verily! The hearing, and the sight, and the heart, of each of those, you will be questioned (by Allah)” ( Surat Al-Israa, Verse 36)

Conclusion

Muslims should consider themselves very lucky by having told about the day of judgment in such clear words and have Qur’an, Hadith and Sunnah to learn and live the life according to them so that at the Day of Judgment we stand amongst the believers and successful people. The good believer is the one who prepares himself for those difficult events by getting closer to Allah (S.W.T), by doing good deeds, and by staying away from what Allah has forbidden, so that he will be among those who receive their book of deeds on the Day of Judgment in their right hand and Allah will enter them into paradise.

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Last Sermon of Our Beloved Prophet (SAWS)

(In the Name of Allah, the Most Magnificent, the Most Merciful)

The sermon was collected by different narrations and the following are certain parts of it and the authentication needs to be checked, the last sermon was delivered by our Beloved Prophet (SAWS) to the mankind on the ninth day of Dhul Hijah, 10 A.H (632 A.D) in the valley known as Mount Arafat.

“O People, lend me an attentive ear, for I know not whether, after this year, I shall ever be amongst you again. Therefore, listen to what I am saying to you very carefully and take these words to those who could not be present today.

No Interest on Investment:

O People, just as you regard this month, this day, this city as sacred, so regard the life and property of every Muslim as a sacred trust. Return the goods entrusted to you to their rightful owners. Hurt no one so that no one may hurt you. Remember that you will indeed meet your Lord, and that He will indeed reckon your deeds. Allah has forbidden you to take interest, therefore, all interest obligations shall henceforth be waived. Your capital, however, is yours to keep. You will neither inflict nor suffer inequity. Allah has judged that there shall be no interest and that all interest due to Abbas bin Abdul-Muttalib (the prophet’s uncle) shall henceforth be waived.

Beware of Satan:

Every right arising out of homicide in pre-Islamic days is henceforth waived and the first such right I waive is that arising from the murder of Rabiyah bin Al-Harith (relative of the prophet). O Men, the unbelievers indulge in tampering with the calendar in order to make permissible that which Allah forbade, and to forbid that which Allah had made permissible. With Allah the months are twelve; four of them are holy; three of these are successive and one occurs singly between the months of Jumadah and Shaaban. Beware of Satan, for the safety of your religion. He has lost all hope that he will ever be able to lead you astray in big things, so beware of following him in small things.

Rights of Women:

O People, it is true that you have certain right with regard to your women, but they also have rights over you. If they abide by your right then to them belongs the right to be fed and clothed in kindness. Do treat your women well and be kind to them for they are your partners and committed helpers. And it is your right that they do not make friends with any one of whom you do not approve, as well as never commit adultery.

O People, listen to me in earnest, worship Allah, say your five daily prayers, fast during the month of Ramadhan, and give your wealth in zakat. Perform Hajj if you can afford to. All mankind is from Adam and Eve, an Arab has no superiority over a non-Arab, nor a non-Arab has any superiority over an Arab; also a white has no superiority over a black, nor a black has any superiority over white except by piety and good action. Learn that every Muslim is the brother of another Muslim, and that Muslims constitute one brotherhood. Nothing shall be legitimate to a Muslim which belongs to a fellow Muslim unless it was given freely and willingly. Do not, therefore, do injustice to your selves.

The Day of Judgment:

Remember, one day you will appear before Allah and answer for your deeds. So beware, do not stray from the path of righteousness after I am gone.

O People, no prophet or apostle will come after me and no new faith will be born. Reason well, therefore, O People, and understand my words which I convey to you. I leave behind me two things, the Quran and my example, the Sunnah, and if you follow these you will never go astray.

All those who listen to me shall pass on my words to others, and those to others again; and may the last ones understand my words better that those who listen to me directly. Be my witness O Allah, that I have conveyed Your message to Your people.”

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Importance of Salah (Prayer) According to the Holy Quran

“Pray to me and I will hear your prayer” Quran (40:60).

Namaz, Salah or Prayer is obligatory on every Muslim man and woman after reaching adolescence. Among all the wonderful benefits of praying, here is why Prayer is so important a deed in Islam:

Allah Is With Those Who Pray

“Oh ye who believe! Seek help with perseverance and prayer: for God is with those who patiently persevere (11:153)

Prayer Leads to Taqwa

“This is the Book in which there is no doubt, a guidance for those who have taqwa; who believe in the unseen, and who establish Salah, and spend out of what we have provided for them” (2: 2-3)

Prayer Is a Believer’s Deed

“The believers, men and women, are protecting friends of one another; they enjoin good and forbid evil, and they establish Salah, and give Zakah, and obey Allah and His Messenger. Allah will have His Mercy on them, and surely, Allah is All-Mighty, All-Wise.” (9: 71)

Prayer Results in Allah’s Blessings

“So whatever you have been given is but (a passing) enjoyment for this worldly life, but that which is with Allah is better and more lasting for those who believe and put their trust in their Lord. And those who avoid the great sins and lewdness, and when they are angry, they forgive. And those who answer the Call of their Lord, and perform the Salah, and who conduct their affairs by mutual consultation, and who spend of what We have bestowed on them.” (42:36-38)

Prayer Reward in Akhirat

“Truly, those who believe and do righteous deeds, and perform Salah, and give Zakah, they will have their reward with their Lord. On them shall be no fear, nor shall they grieve.” (2:277)

Prayers Keep You In Connection With the Almighty

“When have finished performing the Salah, remember Allah standing, sitting, and reclining, but when you are free from danger, perform the Salah. Surely, Salah is enjoined on the believers at

fixed times.” (4:103)

Command of Allah to Observe Prayers

“Guard strictly the Salah, especially the middle Salah. And stand before Allah with obedience.” (2:238)

Prayers Are A Way To Seek Allah’s Help

“Oh you who believe! Seek help through patience and Salah. Truly, Allah is with those who are patient.” (2:153)

Importance of Friday Prayer

“Oh you who believe! When the call is made for the Salah on Friday, come to the remembrance of Allah, and leave off business. That is better for you, if you only knew! And when the Salah has ended, you may disperse through the land, and seek the Bounty of Allah, and remember Allah much so that you may be successful.” (62:09-10)

Prayer Prevents From Satan

“Shaytaan desires only to excite enmity and hatred between you with intoxicants and gambling, and hinder you from the remembrance of Allah, and from Salah. So will you then not abstain

(from these evils)?” (5:91)

Prayer Saves from Troubles

“Recite that which has been revealed to you of the Book, and perform Salah. Verily, Salah prevents from lewdness and evils. And indeed, the remembrance of Allah (by you) is greatest. And Allah knows what you do.” (29:45)

Only Those Who Pray Can Be Your Good Friends

“Indeed, your protecting friend (Wali) is none other than Allah, His Messenger, and the Believers who establish Salah, and give Zakat, and bow down (in prayer). (5: 55)

Prayer and Women

“And stay in your houses, and do not display yourselves like that of the times of ignorance, and perform Salah, and give Zakah, and obey Allah and His Messenger. Allah wishes only to remove uncleanness from you, Oh people of the House, and to purify you with a thorough purification.” (33:33)

Not Observing Prayer Is a Hypocrite’s Act

“Verily, the hypocrites seek to deceive Allah, but it is He who deceives them; When they stand up for Salah, they stand with laziness, only to be seen by men; and they do not remember Allah but a little.” (4:142)

Leaving Prayer Causes Kufr

“(And remain always) turning to Him (only), and be fearful and dutiful towards Him, and perform Salah and be not of those who commit Shirk.” (30: 31)

Leaving Prayers Destroys A Nation!

“Then, there came after them a generation who gave up Salah and followed lusts; so they will be thrown in Hell.” (19: 59)

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Can women lead Jumah prayer in Islam?

Position of men and women in Islam

The Quran and the Prophet’s (PBUH) demonstration display that women and men are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable privileges, and that woman is not inferior to man. For certain positions when the Shari’ah constrains to men or women, it does not signify discrimination. This should be appreciated inside the border of the general objectives of the Shari’ah, which are set by a Devine Law that is not subject to political correctness. These directives are granted by the Almighty God who understands our disposition better then us and has granted us guidelines to alignment the inhabits of men and women in a way that best matches our natures. On the topic of women-led Friday plea, men and women alike have disputed the validity of the activity and the sanctity of the motives of the organizers.

Islam about women in Jumah prayer and contradiction

The swamping most of Muslim women who interrogated the rationale behind such an activity and denied to be part of gender government enforced by some is commendable. They claimed quotations from the Quran and the sayings of the Prophet (PBUH) and they pursued the activities of the mothers of the believers (wives of the Prophet PBUH) who denied leading the Friday prayers to blended gatherings even when they were in a place to enforce their authority in prayers over the Ummah.

Ironically, those who support women-led Friday prayers failed to give any sound contention on the cornerstone of the Quran and Sunnah in support of their action.

Sunnah of Rasool Allah

Prophet (PBUH) used to visit Umm Waraqa in her own home; he appointed a Mu’adhin (one who calls the adhan for Prayer) for her, and ordered her to lead the members of her household (in Prayer).” Umm Waraqah-as stated in the sources-was an esteemed woman of Al-Ansar who had memorized the Quran. ‘Abdul-Rahman Ibn Khalid, the narrator of the Hadith, further states: “I happened to see her Mu’adhin, who was a person advanced in age.”

What is the role Muslim scholar of the present time?

Based on the overhead clues, some scholars have resolved that a woman is permitted to lead her own family constituents in Prayer particularly in the situations where she is trained over other ones who may not be so well versed in the directions of Prayer and information of the Quran.

What do we need to do?

Muslims leaders go against this view and they have utilized the masses to encourage their egos. They have deceived the Muslims in to assisting their own slender agendas and in numerous situations have garbled the divine note to make us more reliant on them. But our Creator and His messenger with his phrases of wisdom are there to direct us and lead us to the right path. Let us connect hands men and women simultaneously for a better world.

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Effects of Reading Quran on Heart Rate, Blood Pressure and Perceived Stress Levels

Studies show that there are positive effects of reading Quran on heart rate, Psychology and blood pressure.

There has been very little research on the effects of holy Qur’an on human body. According to research by, Vander Hoven from Netherlands stated that “Muslims who can read Arabic and who read the Holy Qur’an regularly can protect themselves from psychological diseases”.

Yucel Salih (2007) “there are statistical changes in body temperature and respiratory rate, but they are not significant enough to support the positive effects of prayer on physical well-being”. He also stated that “the current study found statistically significant changes of physiological conditions, and the study supports the hypothesis that prayer does have positive effects on physiology”.

There was such a research also carried out at University of Sal ford. Heart rate, blood pressure and perceived stress levels were measured before and after reading Surah Alam Nashrah and Surah Al Rahman from the Holy Qur’an.

The participants heart rate, blood pressure and perceived stress levels decreased after reading Surah Alam Nashrah, Surah Al Rahman from the Holy Qur’an.10 Muslim psychology undergraduates were interviewed.

Another research carried out on ten Muslim students. It educates and guides the reader to living a good life. It increases the faith and relaxes them. That has an effect on the psychology of Muslim students.

There are psychological and physiological effects on a person reading Quran. It lower downs the perceived stress levels, heart rate and blood pressure of the person reading Quran.

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Benefits of Using Miswak the Natural Toothpaste

Miswak is a twig that has been used since ages for oral hygiene. Studies show that miswak works better then a tooth paste. Muslims use it now as well as it is believed that the last Prophet used it.

A few important benefits of Miswak

Miswak is used as an effective anti-bacterial for teeth, by kill gum diseases that cause bacteria formation. Thus keeps teeth healthy and safe. It kills a bacterium that causes periodontal disease.

Another reason miswak is an effective oral hygienic element as it fights plaque with is natural comment.

It effectively Fights against caries.

While your teeth are healthy your mouth doesn’t smell bad. It has its natural fragrance that keeps your mouth sell good.

It acts like a brush to. Brushes between the teeth as well and keeps them clean. It has parallel bristles to its stick. Therefore it not only acts a tooth brush or a tooth paste it also acts like floss.

Miswak also Increases salivation and hence restrains dry mouth (Xerostomia).

It is 20 times more effective than ordinary mint. Studies show that ordinary mint only kills3.6% of bacteria while mint laced with miswak killed up to 60 % of bacteria.

It prevents gingivitis provided it is used correctly.

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The Importance of Fajr Prayer

It is easy to understand how the idea of Muslims praying five mandatory prayers a day is misunderstood to mean that they pray only those five observances and no more. The key word here is mandatory.

Muslims should know the great status of fajr in the sight of Allah. Allah (SWT) says (interpretation of the meaning) “Establish regular prayers at the sun’s decline till the darkness of the night, and the recital of the Qur’an in the fajr prayer, for the recital of the fajr is witnessed” (Al-Israa 17:78)

In addition, the Prophet (PBUH) said: “Whoever prays the fajr prayer in congregation, it is as if he (or she) had prayed the whole night long.” [Muslim & Tirmidhi]. Now, to show the seriousness of missing this prayer, we present the Hades of the Prophet (PBUH) “The most burdensome prayers for the hypocrites are ishaa and fajr, but if they only knew what they contain, they would come even if they had to crawl.” [Ahmad]

The Fajr (dawn) prayer is amongst the most important acts of worship, being one of the five obligatory prayers. Unfortunately many of us have become so used to missing it at its prescribed time – which ends at sunrise – that we have forgotten its position in our religion, and barely feel anything is wrong when we wake up in the morning for work or school without having performed the fajr prayer. On the other hand, if one of us was to miss a job interview or a flight, we all know how disappointed he or she would feel.

Do not let Satan benefit from his actions. Do not put off a good that you intended to do as you never know how much reward you might receive from the hardships you encounter while trying to achieve that good.

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What Is Islam And Who Are The Muslims

Islam, the second biggest religion of the world after Christianity has around 1.2 billion followers who call themselves Muslims. Day by day, the circle if Islam is widening at quite a commendable rate, i.e. 2.9% increase in its followership per year, which is amazingly higher than the number of births which is increasing at a rate of only 2.3% yearly.

This increasing popularity of the religion has made many people probe deeper into what actually Islam is and who are the real Muslims? Where media of the west is constantly seeding the young minds with a negative concept of Islam, it still remains one of the biggest religions of the world with a tremendous number of supporters.

This is what “YOU” think about Islam and Muslims:

When the questions like “What is Islam?” or “Who are the Muslims?” are raised, the only answers you’ll get are “Islam is the religion of war and Muslims are the terrorists”. But there is more to Islam than such false accusations, and people round the Globe are advised to explore it themselves and then judge the true character of Islam and Muslims – you’ll be shocked by how different your answers will be when compared to what the western media portrays!

The Holy Quran and the religion Islam say something else – Whereas the west is busy propagating its own established fake story regarding this sacred religion. It wouldn’t be wise for you to judge something unless you don’t know about it, and it’s your responsibility as an individual to find out why so many Muslims are following Islam with all their hearts and mind, and to find out the force uniting these Muslims despite the bogus claims made against their religion. If nothing else, this finding will at least let you know 22% of the world’s population much better!

This is what Islam and Muslims really are:

Personal Character

Generally speaking and particularly within Islam there is nothing better and more encouraged than perfecting one’s character. The life of the Prophet Muhammed ,peace and blessing be upon him, was wholly focused on the importance of knowing and living life as the perfect example of good character and it is his character we strive to exemplify as far as it is possible.

For those who accept Islam as their new found faith is encouraged to direct attention towards being more aware of and therefore shedding any bad personal traits in favour of good and virtuous ones.

Trust, humility, truth, mercy, tenderness, forgiveness, patience, modesty and generosity are but a few recommended values which should prevail when dealing with humanity and indeed all of God’s creation.

Tempering negative characteristics is recommended in order to develop meaningful, lasting and fruitful relationships that will enhance personal well being and that of society at large.

Making mischief, singling out individuals to become the focus of ridicule, laughing at or jeering others, racial or intolerant attitudes towards individuals is not the behaviour expected and therefore should not be accepted of a Muslim.

On the Tip of a Muslim Tongue

1. assalaamu alaykum (Peace be upon you) - by way of greetings

2. wa alaykumus salaam (peace be upon you) - in reply to the greetings

3. bismillah (in the name of Allah) - before making a beginning

4. jazakAllah (may Allah reward you) - for expression of thanks

5. fi amanullah (may Allah protect you) - by way of saying good-bye

6. subhanAllah (glory be to Allah) - for praising something

7. insha’Allah (if Allah wishes) - for expressing a desire to do something

8. astaghfirullah (I beg Allah for forgiveness) - repenting for sins before Allah

9. ma sha’Allah (as Allah has willed) - for expressing appreciation of something good

10. alhamdulillah (praise be to Allah) - for showing gratitude to Allah after success or even after completing anything

11. ya Allah (Oh Allah) - when in pain or distress, calling upon Allah and none else

12. ameen (may it be so) - the end of a Dua or prayer

13. inna lillahi wa inna ilayhi raji'oon (to Allah we belong and to Him is our return) - this is uttered as an expression of sympathy of the news of some loss or some one's death.

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Ten Things We Waste

1. Our Knowledge

Wasted by not taking action with it.

2. Our Actions

Wasted by committing them without sincerity.

3. Our Wealth

Wasted by using on things that will not bring us ajr (reward from Allah). We waste our money, our status, our authority, on things which have no benefit in this life or in the akhirah (hereafter).

4. Our Hearts

Wasted because they are empty from the love of Allah (swt) and his Messenger (sallallahu 'alahi wasallam), and a feeling of peace and contentment. In it's place, our hearts are filled with something or someone else.

5. Our Bodies

Wasted because we don't use them in ibadah (worship) and service of Allah.

6. Our Love

Our emotional love is misdirected, not towards Allah, but towards something/someone else.

7. Our Time

Wasted, not used properly, to compensate for that which has passed, by doing what is righteous to make up for past deeds.

8. Our Intellect

Wasted on things that are not beneficial, that are detremental to society and the individual, not in contemplation or reflection.

9. Our Service

Wasted in service of someone who will not bring us closer to Allah, moreover something that will benefit us in dunya.

10. Our Dhikr (Remembrence of Allah)

Wasted, because it does not effect us or our hearts.

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Remembering Allah is Success

Our Creator, Allah has given us the precious gift of life and with it comes the freedom to live it as we desire. We are able to make our own decisions and choices in life and this freedom in itself is a gift from Allah. Our Creator knows us very well and is aware of our weaknesses and so has given us guidance on how to spend our lives so that we can be successful.

We accept that Allah is the Greatest and we hear these words every so often. However, our hearts and minds do not truly appreciate the significance of this statement. Surely, if we believe that Allah is the Greatest, we must regard the path that he has prescribed for us as the Greatest path. Therefore, the way we choose to live our lives should be based around the guidance that Allah Has given us because He is the Greatest and those who follow His divine guidance will be truly successful.

Despite knowledge and awareness of the above, we are drawn into alternative ways of life which conflict with that which Islam has recommended for us. A lifestyle which distances us from the beauty of Islam and the guidance of Allah, unfortunately becomes attractive and desirable. 

Benefits of Reciting Ayat Al-Kursi