The Social System of Islam

Islam is the religion that promotes peace, love, and respect among Muslims and also with the people of other religions. The society in which Muslims live is known as an Islamic society. Islamic society is the one whose members have “Iman” (faith) in Islam, apply its laws in their life and performing religious duties and abstaining from doing what is unlawful according to Islam. The foundations of the social system of Islam depends on the belief that we are all equal and constitute one single society based on Islamic teachings.

Allah Almighty created a human couple to herald the beginning of the life of mankind on earth, and everybody living in the world today originates from this couple. Islam makes clear to all men that they have come from the same parents and are therefore brothers and equal as human beings. Islam says that if there is any real difference between man and man it cannot be one of race, color, country or language, but of ideas, beliefs and principles.

Anyone who believes in Allah Almighty and accepts the guidance of the Prophets as the law of his life can join the community or society of Islam, whether he is a resident of America or Africa, whether he belongs to any race, whether he is black or fair-skinned, whether he speaks any language. All those who join the Islamic community will have the same rights and social status. They will not be subjected to any racial, national or class distinctions. No one will be regarded as high or low.

The religion Islam made the social preference in man based on his worship to Allah and follow His Good Pleasure and Generous Recompense, through the channel of providing other fellow humans with service and help and not the fulfillment of his individual needs and interests. Living the faith is worship one can do service for Allah Almighty through service to humankind. Islam requires all its followers to be faithful and helpful and to share each other’s sorrows and happiness.

The social system of Islam enjoins the people to establish a strong relationship in which one can depend upon the other for help. A true Islamic society is where people can keep loyalty and faith among themselves. In an Islamic society, one has to respect the rights of others and conduct good duties towards each other. Mutual respect, kindness, and Justice towards each other create a close relationship and good morals in Islamic society. The foremost and fundamental institution of human society is the family unit.

The people of Islamic society should co-operate in acts of goodness and righteousness but not in acts of sin and injustice. Keeping good morals is another significant principle of the social system in Islam. Honesty, faithfulness, respecting neighbors, love, mercy, sacrifice, sympathy, keeping ties with near kin, and being kind and humble to others, are some other factors which consolidate a society and make happy its members. Being Muslim it is our duty and responsibility to form an Islamic society and keep it safe from corrupt elements by means of enjoining good and forbidding evil.

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source: quranreading.com/blog

Importance of Zakat | The Compulsory Charity in Islam

Zakat is an Arabic word which means “purification”. Allah Almighty mentioned in the Quran: “Take from their wealth so that you might purify and sanctify them” (Quran 9:103). Zakat is the third pillar of Islam and compulsory on every financially stable Muslim that is wealthy enough to afford to it. Zakat is basically the compulsory giving of a pre-set proportion of one’s wealth to charity. All eligible individuals are required to pay an annual percentage of 2.5% of the wealth and property they own as Zakat. Its significance could be realized from the fact that Allah made it a pillar and by making it a pillar, Allah makes almost everyone experience it either as a giver or as a receiver.

Zakat has so much significance that Allah (SWT) combined it with salah on many occasions in the Holy Quran. Zakat is considered as compulsory charity and an obligation for those who have received their wealth from Almighty Allah to respond to those who are less fortunate in society. The basic purpose of making Zakat a compulsory charity is to purify a Muslim’s heart from all forms of greed and selfishness. The compulsory charity Zakat must be paid on different categories of property in which we have gold, silver, money, livestock, agricultural productions, and other business commodities. Zakat is payable each year after one year’s retention.

Our beloved Prophet Muhammad (SAW) said: “The believer’s shade on the Day of Resurrection will be his charity” (Tirmidhi). From this hadith, we can conclude that Allah Almighty will shade and shelter those who give charity and care for the needy people. The Muslim’s sacrifice in this life will be their protection on the Day of Judgment which will benefit them forever. Just like prayer (salah), which is both an individual and communal responsibility, zakat also expresses a Muslim’s worship of and thanksgiving to Almighty Allah by supporting those who are in need.

Zakat reminds us that everything we have belongs to Allah (SWT). People are given their wealth as a trust from Allah Almighty, and zakat is intended to free Muslims from the love of money. Islam teaches that people should acquire wealth with the intention of spending it on their own needs and the needs of others. Allah Almighty mentioned in the Quran: “Zakat expenditures are only for the poor and for the needy and for those employed to collect (zakat) and for bringing hearts together [for Islam] and for freeing captives [or slaves] and for those in debt and for the cause of Allah and for the (stranded) traveler – an obligation (imposed) by Allah . And Allah is Knowing and Wise.” (Quran, 9:60)

Other than zakat which obviously is the compulsory charity, the Quran and Hadith also stress on giving Sadaqah, or voluntary charity, which is proposed for the needy people of the society. In the Quran Allah almighty emphasizes feeding the hungry, clothing the naked, helping those who are in need. The more one helps, the more Allah Almighty helps the person, and the more one gives, the more Allah (SWT) gives the person in return. One feels he is taking care of others and Allah is taking care of him/her.

In short, zakat develops the sense of purification from greed, develops a circulation of money for the economy. It also encourages people to develop a better society that lives in peace and harmony. May Almighty Allah give us the strength to fulfill this obligation and following the right path so that we will be considered in true followers of Islam! Ameen.

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Sharia: Understanding Islamic Law

Sharia is an Islamic law. It is the religious legal system that conducts social, political and moral duties of believers or faithful Muslims. It is also known as “Lord’s law”. Sharia is derived from the Quran, the sacred book of Islam, which Muslims consider the actual words of Allah Almighty the Sunnah of Prophet Muhammad (SAW) as reported in the Hadith. Sharia is not optional; it is prescribed for believers as mentioned in Holy Quran: “And We have revealed to you, [O Muhammad], the Book in truth, confirming that which preceded it of the Scripture and as a criterion over it. So judge between them by what Allah has revealed and do not follow their inclinations away from what has come to you of the truth. To each of you, We prescribed a law and a method. Had Allah willed, He would have made you one nation [united in religion], but [He intended] to test you in what He has given you; so the race to [all that is] good. To Allah is your return all together and He will [then] inform you concerning that over which you used to differ” (Quran, 5:48)

During the lifetime of Prophet Muhammad (SAW), He (PBUH) helped to clarify the law by interpreting provisions in the Quran and also acting as a judge in legal cases. Hence, Islamic law, the Sharia, became an important part of the Muslim’s religion, Islam. All of us being Muslims should follow the Islamic law, the sharia. In Holy Quran Allah (SWT) described in these words: “It is not for a believing man or a believing woman, when Allah and His Messenger have decided a matter, that they should [thereafter] have any choice about their affair. And whoever disobeys Allah and His Messenger has certainly strayed into clear error” (Quran, 33:36)

Islamic Law r Sharia combines stability, flexibility, and firmness. The eventual objective of every Islamic legal prohibition is to secure the welfare of humanity in this world and the hereafter by establishing a righteous society. Allah Almighty says in the Holy Quran: “We have sent our Messengers with clear signs and have sent down with them the book and the criterion so that man can establish justice. And we sent down iron of great strength and many benefits for man…” (Quran 57:25)

In another verse of Holy Quran Allah says about doing righteous deeds in these words: “God commands justice, righteousness, and spending on one’s relatives, and prohibits licentiousness, wrongdoing, and injustice…” (Quran 16:90). From the above verses of Holy Quran, we came to know about the Islamic legal prohibitions. These prohibitions are aimed at achieving human benefit; they can all be referred back to universal principles which are necessary for human ease. These universal principles include preservation of life, religion, lineage, property and other reasons.

Islam is a complete code of life, sent by Allah Almighty in the form of revelation by through Prophet Muhammad (SAW). Islam covers three essential needs of human life: physical, intellectual and spiritual. These three aspects of the faith are individually known as Islam (the divine law), Iman (belief), and Ihsan (Ethics and moral character). The first aspect, Islam, deals primarily with the physical aspects of the faith, such as its obligations, prohibitions and recommended actions. This is the part of the faith governed by Sharia the Islamic law. When the Prophet (SAW) taught Islam to his followers, He (PBUH) taught them all these three aspects at once, in a natural and holistic approach.

Mercy is the primary goal of Sharia the Islamic law. When society is informed by spiritual values, the purpose of Sharia, to bring out mercy to mankind, will be a natural demonstration of those values. Sharia makes life much easier for those who strive to live the correct life to please Allah Almighty. Sharia or Islamic law is founded on the principle that individuals rely on other individuals. An individual cannot carry out every aspect of Sharia by himself but needs other individuals that act as well, and from whose combined actions the society benefits as a whole. It is impossible for a person to reach perfection, but Islamic Sharia shows that one can reach perfection by their interactions with each other under the Sharia.

The overall objectives of Sharia are sometimes summarized under the following broad categories which are mentioned below:

• For the establishment of Justice
• Preventing oppression
• Upholding morality both in public and private
• Preventing hardships not only on an individual basis but also on a society level
• Educating an individual

In an Islamic state, Sharia or Islamic law should implement and follow for the sake of Allah Almighty. These Islamic laws are for our benefits we should follow them and implement them in our lives for living a prosperous life in this world and hereafter.

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Mandatory Conditions Of Hijab For Muslim Women

Those who truly understand Islam and have in-depth knowledge of the Quran and hadith are aware of the fact the value, rights and respect that Islam gives to women is unmatchable and there is no other culture, religion or law in the world that gives women such a status that empowers and reveres them in the way as Islam does.

Although people may somehow be convinced of all the rights that Islam gives to women and the kind of place they have in Muslim society, however, the one thing that is the hardest when it comes to convincing other is the Hijab that Muslim women wear. People think that it is a sign of subjugation and that is something that holds women back and makes them inferior. This is a wrong perception and Hijab actually is meant to give protection to women and it is a symbol of respect in Islam. This debate will be touched some other time in some other post. While this post today on BritishHajTravel Ltd deals with the conditions in which wearing Hijab is mandatory for Muslim women.

In Quran Allah Almighty says:

“O Prophet! Tell your wives, your daughters, and the woman of the believers to draw their Jilbab all over the bodies. That will be better. That they should be known so not to be annoyed. And Allah is ever oft-forgiving, most merciful.” (33:59)

Before moving on to the conditions, the need is to understand the word ‘Jilbab’ used in this ayah, as it is integral to fulfilling the condition of Hijab itself. The word ‘Jilbab’ refers to a piece of cloth in the form of a cloak that can be used to cover the whole body. Therefore, Muslim women are recommended to cover their bodies with a cloak so that they could have respect and not get exposed to any kind of maltreatment or sexual abuse from anyone.

There is another hadith related to the use or wearing of Jilbab that is to be worn as Hijab. Hazrat Um Atiya (RA) asked Prophet Muhammad (PBUH):

“O Messenger of Allah, one of us may not have a Jilbab.”

Prophet (PBUH) replied:

“Let her sister lend her one of her Jilbabs to wear.” (Muslim)

From the hadith it is obvious that there is no relaxation in wearing of Hijab, rather if Muslim women do not have it available, she should ask of it from another sister and wear it.

Conditions For Wearing Hijab:

There are different conditions in which it becomes more than imperative for Muslim women to wear a Hijab. There are conditions and people mentioned in the Quran in front of whom and which the wearing of Hijab is exempted. In the Quran Allah says:

“Say to the believing men that they should lower their gaze and guard their modesty; that will make for greater purity for them, and Allah is well acquainted with all that they do. And say to the believing women that they should lower their gaze and guard their modesty; that they should not display their beauty and ornaments except what (must ordinarily) appear thereof; that they should draw their veils over their bosoms and not display their beauty except to their husbands, their fathers, their father in law, their sons, their stepsons, their brothers or their brothers’ sons, or their sisters sons, or their women, or the slaves whom their right hands possess, or male servants free of physical needs, or small children who have no sense of the shame of sex; and they should not strike their feet in order to draw attention to their hidden ornaments. And O you Believers! Turn you all together towards Allah, that you may attain Bliss.” (24:30-31)

All the condition and people that are mentioned in this ayah are exempted from wearing of Hijab. Anyone or anything other than that, women must wear a Hijab. For the sake of understanding the conditions that can take place which make Hijab compulsory are discussed below.

1st Condition:

The first condition when Hijab becomes compulsory is when women get in front of men who are not Mehram to them and for whom the absence of Hijab might lead to the development of sexual feelings. Therefore, whenever there is a condition where Muslim women have to go in front of people who are non-Mahram.

2nd Condition:

The second condition in which wearing of Hijab becomes compulsory is when there is a chance that a woman is wearing such a dress that might reveal the private body parts of the women to other people in general and especially to Non-Mehram men.

3rd Condition:

The third condition in which it becomes mandatory for Muslim women to wear Hijab is when there is a chance of their adornments becoming exposed to the men who are not Mehram to them. The adornment differs for different scholars however a general consensus is that adornment refers to the ebbs and flows of the body. Therefore, if a dress is that revealing then women must wear a cloak over it.

Conclusion:

In a nutshell, Hijab is not a constraint for Muslim women, rather who wear it wear it as an ornament that gives them respect as well as keeps them pious and free from any disturbance that may be caused because of any unintentional sexual innuendo.

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Source: quranreading.com

Basic Rights of Wives in Islam | According to Quran and Hadith

Islam is the complete code of life. According to Islam family makes up the society. The family is formed of man and woman and it is extended by producing children. After getting married it’s the responsibility of the husband to take care of his wife in all aspects. Every Muslim must realize that one’s spouse is first and foremost on another. It’s the duty of all Muslims that they should give respect to one another. Husband and wife have been greater rights upon each other because they have to live together.

Husband and wife should strive to make one another happy and take into consideration the needs, abilities, and weaknesses of the other. Our beloved Prophet (PBUH) advised the husbands to treat their wives in the best way. This is clear in the following hadith: “The best of you is the best of you to their family and I am the best of you to my family.”

In another hadith Holy Prophet (SAW) said: “I entreat you to treat women well for they have been created from a rib and the most crooked part of a rib is the upper part. If you insist on straightening it, you will break it. If you leave it, it will remain crooked. So, I entreat you to treat women well.” (Bukhari)

In Holy Quran, Allah Almighty says: “And of His signs are that He created for you from yourselves mates that you may find tranquility in them, and He placed between you affection and mercy. Indeed in that are signs for a people who give thought” (Quran, 30:21). Below we will discuss some basic rights of wives upon her husband or you can say the duties of the husband for their wives.

• To feed her, spend upon her in a way that Allah Almighty commanded in the Holy Quran. In one of the hadith Prophet Muhammad (SAW) said: ‘Give charity.’ A man said: ‘O Messenger of Allah, I have a Dinar.’ He said: ‘Spend it on yourself.’ He said: ‘I have another.’ He said: ‘Spend it on your wife.’ He said: ‘I have another.’ He said: ‘Spend it on your son.’ He said: ‘I have another.’ He said: ‘Spend it on your servant.’ He said: ‘I have another.’ He said: ‘You know best (what to do with it).”‘ (Sunan an-Nasa’i)
• Give dowry to wife. In Holy Quran Allah (SWT) says about the right of dowry in these words: “And give women their dowries as a gift. Then, if they are pleased to give some of it to you, consume it with good health and enjoyment.”( Quran, 4:4)
• Support is one of the most important rights of the wife over her husband. Allah Almighty says in the Holy Quran: “…And upon the father is the mother’s sustenance and her clothing according to what is reasonable. No person shall have a burden on him greater than he can bear…”(Quran, 2:233)
• It’s the duty of the husband to be kind to her. Prophet (PBUH) said in one of His hadith: “The perfect man in his faith among the believers is the one whose behavior is most excellent, and the best of you are those who are the best to their wives.” (Tirmidhi)
• A husband should not expose the secrets of his wife. The Messenger of Allah (SAW) said: “The wicked among the people in the eye of Allah on the Day of Judgment is the man who goes to his wife and she comes to him, and then he divulges her secret.” (Sahih Muslim)
• The man must not curse or swear at his wife, or insult her appearance.
• A man should not hate his wife. Allah’s Messenger (SAW) said: “A believer must not hate (his wife) believing woman; if he dislikes one of her characteristics he will be pleased with another”. (Muslim)

In short, it is proven that Islam gives women enough rights as a religion, it is then up to us, as men, to further their rights and help them attain the level of equality they deserve. May Allah Almighty give us the strength to live our lives according to Islamic teachings! Ameen.

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If you are planning for Hajj or Umrah packages from the UK this year, then contact “British Haj Travel Ltd” experience team. We are the one of the leading Hajj and Umrah travel agency company in the UK. We have the huge range of packages for Hajj and Umrah at the cheap price. Call us for any query about Hajj or Umrah: *0203 9170 999*

source: quranreading.com

Three levels of Faith | Islam, Iman, and Ihsan

Our religion is composed of three parts in which we have Islam, Iman, and Ihsan. We will discuss three of them in this article.

Islam

As we discussed above that there are three levels of faith that a person can attain being a Muslim. The first level is Islam. A Muslim must be declared that there is no God but Allah and Muhammad (SAW) is the messenger of Allah (SWT). By declaring this a person accepts the message of Allah Almighty that is revealed to humanity through the last prophet Muhammad (SAW). After accepting Islam it is obligatory on Muslim to observe all other Islamic obligations like five daily prayers, Zakat, Fasting in Ramadan, make a pilgrimage (Hajj) of the house of Allah if he/she is capable of doing this physically and also financially. These are some obligatory things that a Muslim must follow after the proclamation of Islam. The rules of Islam come more easily to those who have prepared their hearts with Iman.

Iman

Iman or faith is the first thing that we have to learn in our religion because it acts as our roots. Iman is basically to believe in Allah, His Angels, His Books, His Messengers and all the scriptures which He sent down before. As Allah Almighty said in Holy Quran: “O you who have believed, believe in Allah and His Messenger, (in) the Book that He sent down upon His Messenger, and the Scripture which He sent down before. And whoever disbelieves in Allah, His angels, His books, His messengers, and the Last Day has certainly gone far astray” (Quran, 4: 136)

So, a person reaching Iman believes that not only Allah exists but He is capable of doing anything He wants to do. A Mumen believes in everything Allah Almighty told in the Holy Quran. The belief in the Last Day which is the Judgment Day is an acknowledgment of accountability and estimation. It is an incentive for people to do good in this life in order to be rewarded in Paradise and a warning against doing badly in order to avoid punishment in the Hellfire.

The Prophet (SAW) said that Iman is, “To believe in Allah, His Angels, His Books, to believe in meeting Him, to believe in His Messengers, the Resurrection and the predestination” (Al-Bukhari). We can say that Iman is about inwardly actions.

Ihsan

Ihsan is the highest status of religion Islam. Its definition that our beloved Prophet Muhammad (SAW) described is: “To worship Allah as if you see Him, and if you do not see Him, He sees you.” The concept of Ihsan in Islam is also that a Muslim is a responsible person where he does things in a good manner. We can say that Ihsan means a Muhsen is sure that Allah is seeing him/her in everything he/she says or does in his life. So, a Muhsen does his best to say and do only what pleases Allah Almighty and conforms to His commands.

In the Holy Quran, Allah Almighty says: “Indeed, Allah commands justice, good conduct (Ihsan), and giving to relatives (and He) forbids immorality, bad conduct, and oppression. He admonishes you that perhaps you will be reminded” (Quran, 16: 90).

In short, by living according to the concept of Ihsan and by applying it to all that a Muslim does, he/she will be rewarded and drench with mercy and forgiveness from Allah Almighty.

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If you are planning for Hajj or Umrah packages from the UK this year, then contact "British Haj Travel Ltd" experience team. We are the one of the leading Hajj and Umrah travel agency company in the UK. We have the huge range of packages for Hajj and Umrah at the cheap price. Call us for any query about Hajj or Umrah: ***0203 9170 999***

source: quranreading.com

Top Leadership Qualities from Quran and Sunnah

“Imam” is an Arabic word which means “Leader”. Imam is the leader of a country who runs administrative tasks of a country. Leader posses some qualities of leadership including qualities of personal character and the ability to motivate others towards the realization of specific goals are on top of the list. Leadership qualities can easily understand from Quran and Sunnah which we are going to discuss in this article.

Qualities of Leader from Quran and Sunnah

Allah Almighty and His Prophet Muhammad (SAW) has guided humanity in every aspect of life.They have also guided us in matters of selection of our leader who can lead us. Everyone has different perceptions related to the choice of leadership. But we have to consider Quran and Sunnah when we have to specify leadership qualities of our leader. In Holy Quran, Allah Almighty says: “And We made them leaders, guiding by Our command; and We inspired them to do good works, and to observe the prayer, and to give out charity. They were devoted servants to Us” (Quran, 21:73)

From the above verse of Holy Quran, we concluded that it is Allah Almighty who appoints the leader. It is not selected by anyone, nor given in a will, nor established by the committee. The role of the leader is also summarized, to guide and establish the Islamic society. The main aspects of leadership are Knowledge and Power as mentioned in Holy Quran: “Have you not considered the assembly of the Children of Israel after [the time of] Moses when they said to a prophet of theirs, “Send to us a king, and we will fight in the way of Allah “? He said, “Would you perhaps refrain from fighting if fighting was prescribed for you?” They said, “And why should we not fight in the cause of Allah when we have been driven out from our homes and from our children?” But when fighting was prescribed for them, they turned away, except for a few of them. And Allah is Knowing of the wrongdoers. And their prophet said to them, “Indeed, Allah has sent to you Saul as a king.” They said, “How can he have kingship over us while we are more worthy of kingship than him and he has not been given any measure of wealth?” He said, “Indeed, Allah has chosen him over you and has increased him abundantly in knowledge and stature. And Allah gives His sovereignty to whom He wills. And Allah is all-Encompassing [in favor] and Knowing.” (Quran, 2:246-247)

From the above verse of Holy Quran, we came to know that Knowledge guides the leader to the right path he is able to assimilate the situation wisely due to his knowledge and then after penetrating the situation he should have the power to take decision accordingly. If he does not have power than he is unable to implement his decisions that’s why he should have both power and knowledge. Power specifies the psychological decision and physical power. Besides knowledge and power justice, patience sound judgments are also important attributes which should be possessed by the leader.

Being a Muslim we all are leaders in some aspects as mentioned by Holy Prophet (SAW) in one of His hadith in these words: “All of you are shepherds, and each of you will be asked concerning his flock” (Bukhari). Leadership is about teamwork as no one can alone accomplish anything without followers and for sure Allah’s help. And the important one is that effective leaders are those who are servant leaders. Good leaders are good followers, humble, piety, truthful, simple and they realize that success only comes from Allah (SWT).

There is a system of leadership in Islam so the leaders are to be obeyed, and they call to the truth. May Allah (SWT) give us knowledge and strength to choose our leaders by keeping in view the attributes pointed out by Allah and Prophet Muhammad (SAW)! Ameen

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source: quranreading.com

Meeting between Heraclius, Byzantine Emperor, and Abu Sufyan, Chieftain from Arabia

Meeting between Heraclius, Byzantine Emperor, and Abu Sufyan, Chieftain from Arabia

History has many stories to tell and many lessons to learn from. Mistakes made in the past can be avoided by the one who studies and reflects today.

A part of history many Muslims do not know is that the powerful Byzantine Emperor, Heraclius, came so close to embracing Islam. He knew it was the truth, but his arrogance, greed for power, and fear of losing his prestigious position in the Byzantine Empire blinded him and clouded his judgment.

At the time when Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) had migrated to Madinah and many people were entering the folds of Islam, Heraclius was the Emperor of the Byzantine or Eastern Roman Empire. Heraclius heard of the Prophet from Arabia, and he wanted to collect more information about this Prophet.

At the time, Aby Sufyan, was still not Muslim. Abu Sufyan’s name was Sakhr bin Harb and he was a prominent leader of Quraish in Makkah. Abu Sufyan was powerful, influential, and wealthy. He led business caravans for trade between Makkah and the area of Syria and Palestine. On one such business trip, Heraclius invited Abu Sufyan and his companions and asked him about Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him).

The complete dialogue between Heraclius and Abu Sufyan has been recorded in the authentic book of Hadith, Sahih Bukhari, which is a collection of the sayings of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) and his companions, and the traditions of the Prophet (peace be upon him).

Abu Sufyan retold this story after he embraced Islam.

Abdullah bin Abbas narrated,

“Abu Sufyan bin Harb informed me that Heraclius had sent a messenger to him while he had been accompanying a caravan from Quraish. They were merchants doing business in Sham (Syria, Palestine, Lebanon and Jordan), at the time when Allah’s Messenger (peace be upon him) had truce with Abu Sufyan and Quraish infidels. So Abu Sufyan and his companions went to Heraclius at Ilya (Jerusalem). Heraclius called them in the court and he had all the senior Roman dignitaries around him. He called for his translator who, translating Heraclius’s question said to them, “Who amongst you is closely related to that man who claims to be a Prophet?”

Abu Sufyan replied, “I am the nearest relative to him (amongst the group).”

Heraclius said, “Bring him (Abu Sufyan) close to me and make his companions stand behind him.”

Abu Sufyan added, Heraclius told his translator to tell my companions that he wanted to put some questions to me regarding that man (The Prophet) and that if I told a lie they (my companions) should contradict me.” Abu Sufyan added, “By Allah! Had I not been afraid of my companions labeling me a liar, I would not have spoken the truth about the Prophet.”

The first question he asked me about him was:

“What is his family status amongst you?”

I replied, “He belongs to a good (noble) family amongst us.”

Heraclius further asked, “Has anybody amongst you ever claimed the same (i.e. to be a Prophet) before him?”

I replied, “No.”

He said, “Was anybody amongst his ancestors a king?”

I replied, “No.”

Heraclius asked, “Do the nobles or the poor follow him?”

I replied, “It is the poor who follow him.”

He said, “Are his followers increasing decreasing (day by day)?”

I replied, “They are increasing.”

He then asked, “Does anybody amongst those who embrace his religion become displeased and renounce the religion afterwards?”

I replied, “No.”

Heraclius said, “Have you ever accused him of telling lies before his claim (to be a Prophet)?”

I replied, “No.”

Heraclius said, “Does he break his promises?”

I replied, “No. We are at truce with him but we do not know what he will do in it.” I could not find opportunity to say anything against him except that.

Heraclius asked, “Have you ever had a war with him?”

I replied, “Yes.”

Then he said, “What was the outcome of the battles?”

I replied, “Sometimes he was victorious and sometimes we.”

Heraclius said, “What does he order you to do?”

I said, “He tells us to worship Allah and Allah alone and not to worship anything along with Him, and to renounce all that our ancestors had said. He orders us to pray, to speak the truth, to be chaste and to keep good relations with our kin.”

Heraclius asked the translator to convey to me the following, “I asked you about his family and your reply was that he belonged to a very noble family. In fact all the Apostles come from noble families amongst their respective peoples. I questioned you whether anybody else amongst you claimed such a thing, your reply was in the negative. If the answer had been in the affirmative, I would have thought that this man was following the previous man’s statement. Then I asked you whether anyone of his ancestors was a king. Your reply was in the negative, and if it had been in the affirmative, I would have thought that this man wanted to take back his ancestral kingdom.

I further asked whether he was ever accused of telling lies before he said what he said, and your reply was in the negative. So I wondered how a person who does not tell a lie about others could ever tell a lie about Allah. I then asked you whether the rich people followed him or the poor. You replied that it was the poor who followed him. And in fact, all Apostles have been followed by this very class of people. Then I asked you whether his followers were increasing or decreasing. You replied that they were increasing, and in fact this is the way of true faith, till it is complete in all respects. I further asked you whether there was anybody, who, after embracing his religion, became displeased and discarded his religion. Your reply was in the negative, and in fact this is (the sign of) true faith, when its delight enters the hearts and mixes with them completely. I asked you whether he had ever betrayed. You replied in the negative and likewise the Apostles never betray. Then I asked you what he ordered you to do. You replied that he ordered you to worship Allah and Allah alone and not to worship anything along with Him and forbade you to worship idols and ordered you to pray, to speak the truth and to be chaste. If what you have said is true, he will very soon occupy this place underneath my feet and I knew it (from the scriptures) that he was going to appear but I did not know that he would be from you, and if I could reach him definitely, I would go immediately to meet him and if I were with him, I would certainly wash his feet.’ Heraclius then asked for the letter addressed by Allah’s Apostle which was delivered by Dihya to the Governor of Busra, who forwarded it to Heraclius to read. The contents of the letter were as follows: “In the name of Allah the Beneficent, the Merciful (This letter is) from Muhammad the slave of Allah and His Apostle to Heraclius the ruler of Byzantine. Peace be upon him, who follows the right path. Furthermore I invite you to Islam, and if you become a Muslim you will be safe, and Allah will double your reward, and if you reject this invitation of Islam you will be committing a sin by misguiding your peasants. And I recite to you Allah’s Statement:

“O people of the scripture! Come to a word common to you and us that we worship none but Allah and that we associate nothing in worship with Him, and that none of us shall take others as Lords beside Allah. Then, if they turn away, say: Bear witness that we are Muslims (those who have surrendered to Allah).” (Holy Qur’an 3:64).

Abu Sufyan then added, “When Heraclius had finished his speech and had read the letter, there was a great hue and cry in the Royal Court. So we were turned out of the court. I told my companions that the question of Ibn-Abi-Kabsha) (the Prophet Muhammad) has become so prominent that even the King of Bani Al-Asfar (Byzantine) is afraid of him. Then I started to become sure that he (the Prophet) would be the conqueror in the near future till I embraced Islam (i.e. Allah guided me to it).”

The sub narrator adds, “Ibn An-Natur was the Governor of Jerusalem and Heraclius was the head of the Christians of Sham. Ibn An-Natur narrates that once while Heraclius was visiting Jerusalem, he got up in the morning with a sad mood. Some of his priests asked him why he was in that mood. Heraclius was a foreteller and an astrologer. He replied, “At night when I looked at the stars, I saw that the leader of those who practice circumcision had appeared (become the conqueror). Who are they who practice circumcision?”

The people replied, “Except the Jews nobody practices circumcision, so you should not be afraid of them (Jews). Just issue orders to kill every Jew present in the country.”

While they were discussing it, a messenger sent by the king of Ghassan to convey the news of Allah’s Messenger (peace be upon him) to Heraclius was brought in. Having heard the news, he (Heraclius) ordered the people to go and see whether the messenger of Ghassan was circumcised. The people, after seeing him, told Heraclius that he was circumcised. Heraclius then asked him about the Arabs. The messenger replied, “Arabs also practice circumcision.”

Heraclius remarked that sovereignty of the Arabs had appeared. Heraclius then wrote a letter to his friend in Rome who was as good as Heraclius in knowledge. Heraclius then left for Homs, a town in Syrian, and stayed there until he received the reply of his letter from his friend who agreed with him in his opinion about the emergence of the Prophet (peace be upon him) and the fact that he was a Prophet.

On that Heraclius invited all the heads of the Byzantines to assemble in his palace at Homs. When they assembled, he ordered that all the doors of his palace be closed. Then he came out and said, “O Byzantines! If success is your desire and if you seek right guidance and want your empire to remain then give a pledge of allegiance to this Prophet (i.e. embrace Islam).”

(On hearing the views of Heraclius) the people ran towards the gates of the palace but found the doors closed. Heraclius realized their hatred towards Islam and when he lost the hope of their embracing Islam, he ordered that they should be brought back in audience.

(When they returned) he said, “What already said was just to test the strength of your conviction and I have seen it.” The people prostrated before him and became pleased with him, and this was the end of Heraclius’s story (in connection with his faith).

(Sahih Bukhari, Book 1, Hadith 7)

Source:saudigazette.com.sa 

The Patience of Ayyub

The Patience of Ayyub

Every person is faced with trials and tribulations at one point or another in their lives. It is patience that helps the believer cope. When calamity befalls a patient believer, it does not crush him. Instead, the believer endures, persists, and has hope in the mercy of Allah and the rewards that are awaiting him on the Day of Judgment.

Patience is a virtue that you can work on to develop.

There is much to learn from the story of Prophet Ayyub, as he is the ideal example of the afflicted believer who remained patient and faithful to His Lord.

Prophet Ayyub (peace be upon him) was mentioned in the Holy Qur’an four times. He resided in the region that is now Syria. Prior to his illness, Prophet Ayyub was an extremely wealthy man. He possessed treasures of gold and silver, and he owned land, farms, fields, and cattle. He also had many children.

Scholars say that the illness overtook Prophet Ayyub when he was seventy years old. The illness was so severe; historians have written that not a single limb of Ayyub was free from disease except his tongue and his heart, which he used for the remembrance of Allah. He lost his children and his whole family except his wife who remained devoted to him.

Historians have recorded different durations and the extent of the Prophet’s illness. Some claimed his illness lasted three years, others claim seven years, and others claim eighteen years. Regardless of the exact number of years, we can certainly know that Prophet Ayyub patiently bore his illness for a very long time.

Never did Prophet Ayyub lament, grow angry, or reject the fate which Allah had decreed for him. Day and night, throughout the pain and difficult times, Prophet Ayyub would praise his Lord.

What inspired such patience? Why did he not lose it?

Prophets and pious believers know that Allah tests His servants with trials and tribulations to test their patience, raise their rank in Paradise, and erase the sins they have committed. In fact, calamities that befall a Muslim should not be perceived as a disaster that will ruin his/her life, but as a sign that Allah loves him/her. For some Muslims, it is the wake-up call they need to turn to Allah and repent, which is actually a blessing in disguise.

The companion, Sa`d ibn Abi Waqqas asked, “O Messenger of Allah, which of the people are most sorely tested?” He said, “The Prophets, then the next best and the next best. A man will be tested in accordance with his level of religious commitment. If his religious commitment is strong, he will be tested more severely, and if his religious commitment is weak, he will be tested in accordance with his religious commitment. Calamity will keep befalling a person until he walks on the earth with no sin on him.”

Both were very patient, Prophet Ayyub and his wife. She took care of her husband, served him single-handedly, and worked in the village to earn a livelihood to feed herself and her husband. One day, she asked her husband why he did not supplicate to Allah to relieve him of his illness.

Prophet Ayyub replied, “I lived for seventy years in prosperity and health why shouldn’t I be patient for the sake of Allah for seventy years.”

After realizing the physical toll his situation had taken on his wife, Prophet Ayyub raised his hands and supplicated to Allah, without complaining to anyone else. Making duaa does not contradict being patient at all. A believer is encouraged to make duaa to Allah but to be wary of complaining and grumbling to people.

“And [mention] Job, when he called to his Lord, ‘Indeed, adversity has touched me, and You are the most merciful of the merciful.’” (Qur’an 21:83)

After turning to Allah, calling fervently upon Allah, and supplicating, without becoming disgruntled or dissatisfied with the decree of Allah, Ayyub’s call was answered. Allah directed Prophet Ayyub to drink from and bathe in a cool spring. He was cured and his body healed.

“[So he was told], ‘Strike [the ground] with your foot; this is a [spring for a] cool bath and drink.’” (Qur’an 38:42)

Not only was Prophet Ayyub cured but Allah also restored his wife’s youth.

What we learn from the story of Prophet Ayyub is true patience and acceptance, while still seeking refuge in Allah and turning to Allah for help.

We will encounter hardships, but we must deal with our hardships as a test, as an opportunity to exhibit patience and firm belief in Allah.

How do we pass these tests? Only if we are patient will the calamity serve as expiation of sins and higher rewards. If we respond to the tests with discontent, rage, constant complaining to every person we meet, and vulgar behavior, we fail the test.

What do we say when we are faced with difficulty or grief or injury or illness? We should say, “Verily to Allah we belong and unto Him is our return.

The Prophet (peace be upon him) said, “Great reward comes with great trials. When Allah loves a people, He tests them, and whoever accepts it attains His pleasure, whereas whoever shows discontent with it incurs His wrath.”

The collective Muslim community is being tested in these times, may Allah grant us patience.

source: saudigazette.com.sa

Islam is not only for Muslims, says scholar

Islam is not only for Muslims, says scholar

ISLAM is not a religion for Muslims alone; it is for the entire mankind, a well-known Indian scholar and preacher has said.

“It is our duty to enlighten followers of other religions on the noble teachings of Islam. Our religion teaches us moderation, tolerance, compassion and peaceful coexistence,” Muhammad Umar Gautam, chairman of the New Delhi-based Islamic Dawah Center (IDC), said at a special function organized by Aligarh Muslim University Old Boys Association (Jeddah chapter) in Jeddah recently.

It is high time to exert great efforts to disseminate the sublime nature of Islam at a time when the image of the religion which preaches peace is tarnished by its own followers, as well as by certain deviant groups, said the preacher who reverted to Islam in 1984.

Formerly known as Shyam Pratap Singh Gautam, Muhammad Umar belongs to an affluent Rajput Thakur family from the northern Indian state of Uttar Pradesh, and is a distant relative of former Indian prime minister V.P. Singh.

He said the best propagation of Islam is strict observance of its teachings by its followers.

Since the very first day of embracing Islam, Gautam embarked on this great mission and it had an electrifying impact on the people and he has succeeded in attracting hundreds of people to the fold of Islam as well as to enlighten hundreds of thousands others to have a proper understanding of Islam and remove misgivings about the divine religion.

Another revert and an active Dawah worker, Muhammad Sufiyan (formerly Saurabh Dutt), narrated the sequence of events that led him to believe in the Oneness of God. “What fascinated me to Islam is the spirit of empathy and compassion that energizes followers of Islam to help fellow human beings. In my case, it was a childhood friend who guided me toward the true teachings of Islam,” he said.

Mufti Mohd Sagheer Qasmi, a close Gautam aide, shed light on the working of the Islamic Dawah Center. There are more than 500 reverts associated with the center. “We focus on four-pronged strategy to rehabilitate the converts. First of all, we go to local magistrate to complete legal procedures, and then Qadi to obtain religious conversion certificate, besides publishing classified advertisements in newspapers for change of name and then gazette the notification,” he said and added: “Our priority is to rehabilitate them. We have full-fledged multistory building for the center where they live and receive training so as to enable them to take up jobs and work in the society. The center is basically meant for the converts and for their education and rehabilitation. We hold full time Dawah training for scholars to equip them for their work, in addition to conducting interfaith dialogue and supporting weaker sections, especially widows and divorcees,” he added.

In this connection, he said the Islamic Dawah Center will be organizing the eighth annual reverts get-together in New Delhi in the beginning of the next month. Speakers at the event will throw light on the importance of Dawah in the light of Qur’an and Sunnah and duties of a Muslim in providing the message of Islam for the guidance of whole mankind.

Bahjat Najmi, well-known Dawah worker in Jeddah and grandson of late Moulana Hifzur Rehman Seoharvi, a famous freedom fighter, member of parliament and noted Muslim personality of India, will be the chief guest at the event, he said.

The Aligarh Muslim University Old Boys Association (Jeddah chapter) also utilized the occasion to bid farewell to senior Alig, Muhammad Mian Sahab, who is leaving Saudi Arabia after serving in various capacities for more than three and half decades in the Kingdom.

Vice president of the association, Nooruddin Khan, paid rich tributes to the outgoing Aligarian recalling his contributions toward the unity of AMU alumni. Muhammad Mian Sahab, he said, acted as returning officer in several elections of the association.

source: saudigazette.com.sa

Spread goodness

Spread goodness

There is a saying of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) that states, “Righteousness is in good character.”

The doors to spreading goodness are many, and a praiseworthy believer is the one who varies his/her acts of goodness and kindness. Each different act of kindness can help someone in your community, and at the same time it will leave a special, distinct, and sweet feeling in your heart.

It is good to train your soul with various and different acts of kindness just as it is good for your body to vary your exercise routine in order to strengthen different muscles in your body.

I have gathered from different sayings of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) a long list of simple acts we can do that will, Number 1: bring a bit of happiness to our fellow brothers and sisters. Number 2: help us gain ample rewards from Allah. Number 3: impart an unmatched sense of personal satisfaction and inner peace in our hearts.

The first and easiest act of kindness is to greet whomever we encounter in the best way possible, to wish them peace. At work, at school, in the hospital, or in the market, be the first one to say, “Asalamu Alaikum.”

Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said, “The person nearest to Allah is one who is the first to offer greeting.” (Abu Dawud)

It is the most beautiful of greetings. May the peace and blessings of Allah be upon you.

A man once asked the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him), “Which act in Islam is the best?” He (peace be upon him) replied, “To give food, and to greet everyone, whether you know or you do not.” (Al-Bukhari and Muslim)

When someone sneezes, it is not only an act of goodness, but it is even obligatory for you to say, “May Allah have mercy on you.”

You may think little of it, but Allah will reward you immensely for removing litter or something harmful from the path of the people in your neighborhood or community. If you notice something harmful lying on the road, do not wait for the sanitation workers to pick it up, you take the initiative and discard it properly so you can earn great rewards.

Our Prophet (peace be upon him) said, “A man passed by a branch of a tree leaning over a road and decided to remove it, saying to himself, ‘By Allah! I will remove it from the way of Muslims so that it would not harm them.’ On account of this, he was admitted to Paradise.”

Quench the thirst of someone who is hot, exhausted, and thirsty, and Allah will quench your thirst on the most fearful and tumultuous day, the Day of Judgment. Make this your new favorite good deed for this month, seek the janitors working on the streets during the heat of the midday, and distribute cold water bottles among them. A wonderful charity is to build a well in a village with water shortages.

Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said, “Whichever Muslim quenches the thirst of another Muslim, Allah will grant him drink from Ar-Rahiq Al-Makhtum.” (Abu Dawud)

Ar-Rahiq Al-Makhtum is a special drink in Paradise promised for the righteous believers.

Feed the hungry. Rather than prepare lavish dinner parties for your friends, cook delicious meals, package them, and deliver them to the homeless women and children roaming the streets, begging. There are plenty of worldwide campaigns to join for providing food in hunger-stricken countries.

One of my favorite Hadith, or saying, of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) summarizes some of the best acts of kindness and piety that we can do to improve our level of faith.

He (peace be upon him) said, “O people, exchange greetings of peace, feed people, strengthen the ties of kinship, and be in prayer when others are asleep, you will enter Paradise in peace.” (At- Tirmidhi)

Sometimes, what our sister or brother in Islam needs is not food or donations. Sometimes they really just need a kind word, someone to listen to them, or maybe someone to baby-sit their young kids, or they may need a ride in your car, or some other service that is not necessarily material.

Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him said, “Whoever relieves a believer’s distress of the distressful aspects of this world, Allah will rescue him from a difficulty of the difficulties of the Hereafter.”

Try to figure out what your friend in distress needs, and try to be there for her. It could be honest and gently advice, it could be help studying for an exam, or it could be going with her to a doctor’s appointment she may be nervous about. For helping someone in distress, Allah may easy your distress on the day you will need it most, the Day of Judgment.

Do not belittle any act of kindness, even if it means making room for someone to sit next to you in a crowded room or bus, and making them feel welcome.

Since it was mentioned in the Holy Qur’an in the following verse, it is important to take into consideration in our gatherings.

(O you who have believed, when you are told, “Space yourselves” in assemblies, then make space; Allah will make space for you [i.e. in Allah’s mercy or in Paradise].) (Qur’an 58:11)

A valuable act of goodness that you may be unaware of is to reconcile two people who are experiencing a rift in their relationship. You could help two arguing coworkers get along better with one another, you could bring two estranged friends together, or you could help a married couple settle some dispute. Be the one to always reconcile rather than separate and fuel anger.

This act of goodness was specifically commended by the Prophet (peace be upon him), as it was reported that he said, “The son of Adam does not act with anything better than prayer, reconciliation between people, and good character.” (Shu`ab al-Iman)

Plant a flower, a shrub, or a tree, because it will bring benefit to not only people, but also other living creatures.

Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said, “Muslims will always earn the reward of charity for planting a tree, sowing a crop and then birds, humans, and animals eat from it.” (Bukhari)

Give your neighbors a gift or bake them a cake.

The doors to spreading goodness are many. We can make an effort to vary our acts of goodness and try to use as many doors as possible. Do not be stuck in only one act or righteousness; try several. Share your stories of spreading goodness with us.

source: saudigazette.com.sa

The Muslim golden age

The Muslim golden age

There was a time in the history of the world where Islam stood in a position that was above all. The Islamic Empire was the most magnificent and powerful in the world. It produced the greatest scholars, rulers, scientists, architects, and citizens that flourished in all areas of life.

It wasn’t until much later that we strayed from our teachings and the result of that is what made us a misunderstood nation that is lagging behind.

Today we journey back to dig in the history of the Golden Era of Muslims. Modern day Muslims may not realize how many things; objects and concepts alike, were actually brought into existence by our ancestors whose heritage we are supposed to be carrying. But over the course of thousands of years, the original names were lost and benefitting from that, Europeans who were good at adapting saw the chance and gladly took it, they took the discoveries and inventions and evolved into the successful, developed nation that they are now. In the past, Muslims ruled over Spain, North Africa, the Middle East, and much of Central Asia.

Education was made compulsory on all men and women by Prophet Mohammad (peace be upon him), as he said, “Seek knowledge even if it is in China.”

In those times China was considered the farthest geographic state recorded. When the prophet said this, he tried to encourage the Muslims to try everything that was in their power to acquire knowledge. Following his teachings, centers of learning were founded in Baghdad, Damascus, Cairo, and Cordoba. These centers of learning and study later served as models for European universities.

Allah instructs His servants to contemplate, to look at the wonders in the universe and to try to understand.

“And on the Earth are signs for the certain in faith. And in yourselves. Then will you not see?” (Qur’an, chapter 51, verse 20-21)

The Muslims of that time had a thirst for knowledge and curiosity of what Allah had hidden for them on the Earth and in all of space and time. That led the Muslim scientists to establish that the world was round in the 9th century. The early expeditioners learned how to navigate by looking at the stars. The use of navigation tools and weather forecasting was the expertise of the Muslims. By studying the stars, they would make calendars and decide on the times of prayers.

Modern medicine also has its roots planted in that golden era. In fact, Muslim doctors established the world’s first hospital, which originally was adjacent to the mosques. Also, there were hospital caravans that brought medical care to the people in villages, which evolved into the units that today we call ambulances.

Al-Khwarizmi was given the title of the “father of algebra”. The word algebra came from one of his books. Al-Khwarizmi was the one who introduced the concept of “0” in mathematics and started using it for calculations.

Ibn Sina commonly known as Avicenna is still the most famous and influential scientist in medicine. The Canon of Medicine was his most celebrated book that contained the summary of all the medical knowledge of his time. His book was primarily used as a text book in medical universities for 500 years after he had originally written it. His work on optics was phenomenal and way ahead of its time. He had written a total of 450 books, unfortunately only 240 of these books survived. He was a mathematician, physicist, astronomer, and much more.

Muslims believe that only Allah can create something alive, so they turned to shapes and patterns found in nature, and recreated them using geometry. This brilliant art of geometric shapes and arabesque patterns was used decorate a wide range of objects from every day items such as plates and candle sticks to large scale places like mosques and castles.

Arabesque is a method of art that uses basic tools like rulers and compasses to create symmetric abstract art, which is then commonly used to decorate mosques, pottery and textiles.

Calligraphy is the art of writing beautifully which came into being because the Muslims thought that the word of God when written must be as beautiful as can be made. For this reason, they would only let the most professional calligraphers to write God’s name and verses from the Holy Qur’an in buildings and different places. Calligraphy is now taught in universities as a subject.

The contributions of Muslims to all the areas of the world are innumerable, we owe so much to them, that I could not possibly mention all of them here. This is just the tip of the iceberg. But it gives me pride to say that we are people of such a beautiful, rich, and intelligent heritage. We had pride, glory, and respect.

What happened to us? And what can we do to earn our name and place in this world back?

Source: saudigazette.com.sa

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source: cheapestumrah.blogspot.com/

The gift of Islam

The gift of Islam

“Warn that there is no deity except Me; so fear Me” Yes, truly that is the greatest gift in our lives.

When I find myself going through a period of lack of motivation and I’m grudgingly performing the obligations of Islam, I remind myself of those who struggled and searched to find Islam and how they wished that they had been Muslim all their lives.

Yasmeen Rolland is an American, Muslim woman who never takes her Islam for granted. She holds it dear to heart, continuously thanks Allah, and helps share her gift of knowledge with all people, both Muslim and Non-Muslim.

Yasmeen’s story is an inspiration. Her family had been very active in church life, and as a child she accompanied them to the church regularly. She had a strict upbringing. As she grew up, unlike most American young women her age, she was not allowed to date, drink, stay out late, or even wear make-up.

Yasmeen started searching for a deeper happiness in her life. Her spiritual journey started when she asked herself fundamental questions. What do I believe about God? What is the right religion? What is the right path for me?

Yasmeen felt a calling that she was supposed to teach others about God. One day when she was at her family’s regular church, she walked up to the preacher and said to him, “I want to preach. I want to serve God and call people to God. I want to travel the world and teach about God.”

The preacher told her that her desire was very noble, but women could not do that in their church. That added to her questions about religion.

One year before her senior year in university, Yasmeen signed up for study abroad, and she went to the United Arab Emirates and studied an entire semester there. It was an amazing experience for her. It was her first time to see Islam in a different light. It opened her mind to Islam. Previously all she knew about Islam and Muslims was what she saw on TV on the news, which demonizes Muslims. Yasmeen realized that everything she had seen on the TV about Islam had been negative and not even true.

In the United Arab Emirates, she had the opportunity to see what it is like to be in a Muslim country. What are Muslims like? What are Arabs like? How do they live?

Yasmeen saw female university professors and doctors. She saw families having picnics on the beach. She was impressed by the cleanliness of the streets. She was captivated by the women wearing hijab and was attracted by the beauty of the mosques. She felt the hospitality and kindness of the people. She felt safe there, and not in any danger or threat, in contradiction to the warnings of her friends and family in the US that it was dangerous for her to go to a Muslim country.

What touched her heart the most and sparked her interest in Islam was the adhan, the call to prayer.

“You could her the adhan from every single place. Hearing the adhan five times a day had a great effect on my heart,” Yasmeen said to Fahad Al-Kandari on his program, Guided by the Quran.

Not only did the melodious sound impact Yasmeen, but also the words. She learned the meanings of the words of the adhan, but she did not seriously take up studying more about Islam yet.

After completing the university semester in the UAE, it was time to return to the US, and on her way back, she stopped for a short period in London. She walked into a coffee shop to get some Arabic coffee. There was a woman and a gentleman there and she chatted with them as she drank her coffee. When she told them that she had been in the UAE, the gentleman asked her, “Did you find anything about Islam in the UAE?”

Honestly, she did not know much. The gentleman offered to tell her more about Islam and she was eager to listen. The first thing he did was he recited to her Surah Al-Ikhlas, which is really the foundation of Islam. He explained its meanings and she was entranced.

When Yasmeen returned to the US, she immediately went to the local mosque to learn more about Islam. What drew her to Islam was the concept of monotheism and that the soul after death will be resurrected and will be held accountable for all our actions in this world, either good or bad. She learned about Islam’s strong stance against racism. Those messages of Islam changed her life.

Shortly after that, she pronounced the shahadah and embraced Islam. She says that she had never felt such peace and serenity in her life.

Yasmeen was quick to learn more and more. She adhered to the teachings and prohibitions in Islam. She moved to live right next to the mosque, so she could easily walk there for the prayers. She even traveled overseas to study Arabic and to study more about Islam. Yasmeen felt a sadness overcome her every time someone would recite the Qur’an and she was unable to understand it. She learned the Arabic language to be able to pronounce and read the Qur’an with ease and to understand.

Today, Yasmeen Rolland is a renowned national and international speaker on Islam. Her initial calling that she had experienced as a child, to call people to God, came true, but in Islam. She travels regularly to conduct seminars and educate people about Islam. Yasmeen Rolland is the national representative for the Islamic Online University and she works closely with great teachers, like Dr. Bilal Philips. Her mission in life is to share with others what she has learned about Islam, and to continue to grow spiritually.

source: saudigazette.com.sa