Makcik Shima's Collection

KELEBIHAN GARAM.

2006-07-03T18:30:00.000-07:00

BERSIHKAN PASU HIASAN
Jika anda mempunyai pasu hiasan yg berbentuk tirus, pasti susah untuk membersihkan bahagian dlmnya. Caranya mudah saja. Ambil beberapa camca garam kasar, dicampur dgn air (anggaran satu mangkuk besar). Kacau hingga garam agak larut & masukkan ke dlm pasu tadi & goncang perlahan2. Buang air tadi & lihat hasilnya.

JARI MENCENGKAM
Kalau jari kaki atau tangan anda dicengkam, kuku akan terasa bisa. Cuba tepek garam & juga kunyit di bahagian tersebut. Kemudian balut. Esoknya buka & cuci. Ulangi hingga sembuh.

HILANGKAN GETAH BUAH2AN
Utk hilangkan tompok2 getah buah-buahan atau pokok, tumbuk sedikit garam. Kemudian campurkan dgn sedikit kapur sirih. Lumur pada bahagian pakaian yg bergetah itu. Biarkan ia selama 5 atau 10 minit. Kemudian jirus dgn air suam & cucilah spt biasa.

PUTIHKAN GIGI
Campur sedikit garam halus pada ubat gigi yg hendak anda gosokkan pada gigi setiap pagi. Gigi akan kelihatan putih berseri. Selain itu, ianya juga dpt menghindarkan dpd penyakit gusi & mulut.

TUMIT KAKI PECAH
Jika tumit kaki pecah, ambil garam halus & campurkan dgn air perahan limau kasturi/nipis. Kemudian sapukan larutan tersebut pada bhg tumit yg pecah. Amalkan selalu.

ELAK POKOK DISERANG SEMUT
Biasanya pokok bunga & pokok hiasan lain akan menjadi sasaran semut. Cuba taburkan garam di sekeliling batangnya. Dgn cara ini dpt menghindarkan dpd serangan semut tersebut.

ELAK TELUR REBUS PECAH
Sewaktu anda sedang menjerang air rebusan telur, masukkan sedikit garam ke dlmnya. Kemudian masukkan telur berhati2 agar tidak berlaga antara satu sama lain. Insya-Allah telur yg sedang direbus tidak mudah pecah.

MENGATASI JARI PECAH
Untuk mengatasi jari pecah, bancuh sedikit garam bersama santan kelapa. Apabila ia sebati, sapukan pd bahagian jari yg pecah.

MEMBERSIHKAN BUNGA TIRUAN
Masukkkan bunga tiruan ke dlm plastik. Masukkan garam secukupnya. Goncangkan dgn kuat. Anda akan dapati warna garam akan berubah & bunga tiruan nampak berseri. Setelah itu, basuh pula dgn air bersih.

MEMATIKAN IKAN KELI
Caranya mudah, masukkan garam ke dlm bekas ikan keli & biarkan selama beberapa minit. Insya-Allah ikan keli tersebut akan mati.

KUKU KAKI CANTIK
Rendam kaki dgn air suam yg bercampur garam. Biarkan kaki kering dgn sendiri dan sapu minyak zaitun.

The Rib and the Women

2006-06-15T20:21:00.000-07:00

Narrated Abu Huraira

548-Sahih Al-Bukhari hadith

Allah's Apostle said, "Treat women nicely, for a women is created from a rib, and the most curved portion of the rib is its upper portion, so, if you should try to straighten it, it will break, but if you leave it as it is, it will remain crooked. So treat women nicely."

Narrated Abu Huraira

7114- Sahih Al-Bukhari hadith

The Prophet said, "Whoever believes in Allah and the Last Day should not hurt (trouble) his neighbor. And I advise you to take care of the women, for they are created from a rib and the most crooked portion of the rib is its upper part; if you try to straighten it, it will break, and if you leave it, it will remain crooked, so I urge you to take care of the women."

Shahih Muslim 31

Narrated Abdullah ibn Umar

The Messenger of Allah observed: O women, you should give charity and ask for much forgiveness for I saw you in bulk amongst the dwellers of Hell. A wise lady among them said: Why is it, Messenger of Allah, that our folk is in bulk in Hell? Upon this the Holy Prophet observed: You curse too much and are ungrateful to your spouses. I have seen none lacking in common sense and failing in religion but (at the same time) robbing the wisdom of the wise, besides you. Upon this the woman remarked: What is wrong with our common sense and with religion? He (the Holy prophet) observed: Your lack of common sense (can be well judged from the fact) that the evidence of two women is equal to that of one man, that is a proof of the lack of common sense, and you spend some nights (and days) in which you do not offer prayer and in the month of Ramadan (during the days) you do not observe fast, that is a failing in religion. This hadith has been narrated on the authority of AbuTahir with this chain of transmitters.

Types Of Hearts

2006-06-15T20:14:00.000-07:00

compiled from the works of:

Ibn Rajab al-Hanbali, Ibn Al-Qayyim al-Jawziyya, and Abu Hamid al-Ghazali

Just as the heart may be described in terms of being alive or dead, it may also be regarded as belonging to one of three types; these are the healthy heart, the dead heart, and the sick heart.

The Healthy Heart:

On the Day of Resurrection,those who come to Allah with a healthy heart will be saved. Allah says: "The day on which neither wealth nor sons will be of any use, except for whoever brings to Allah a sound heart. (26:88-89)"

In defining the healthy heart, the following has been said: "It is a heart cleansed from any passion that challenges what Allah commands, or disputes what He forbids. It is free from any impulses which contradict His good. As a result, it is safeguarded against the worship of anything other than Him, and seeks the judgement of no other except that of His Messenger (sallalau alaiyhi wassallum). Its services are exclusively reserved for Allah, willingly and lovingly, with total reliance, relating all matters to Him, in fear, hope and sincere dedication. When it loves, its love is in the way of Allaah. If it detests, it detests in the light of what He detests. When it gives, it gives for Allaah. If it withholds, it withholds for Allaah. Subhaan Allaah Nevertheless, all this will not suffice for its salvation until it is free from following, or taking as its guide, anyone other than His Messenger (sallalau alaiyhi wassallum)."

A servant with a healthy heart must dedicate it to its journey's end and not base his actions and speech on those of any other person except Allah's Messenger (sallalau alaiyhi wassallum). He must not give precedence to any other faith or words or deeds over those of Allah and His Messenger, may Allah bless him and grant him peace. Allah says:

"Oh you who believe, do not put yourselves above Allah and His Messenger, but fear Allah, forAllah is Hearing, Knowing. (49:1)"

The Dead Heart:

This is the opposite of the healthy heart. It does not know its Lord and does not worship Him as He commands, in the way which He likes, and with which He is pleased. It clings instead to its lusts and desires, even if these are likely to incur Allah's displeasure and wrath. It worships things/people other than Allah, and its loves and its hatreds, and its giving and its withholding, arise from its whims, which are of paramount importance to it and preferred above the pleasure of Allah. Its lust is its guide. Its ignorance is its leader. Its crude impulses are its impetus. It is immersed in its concern with worldly objectives. It is drunk with its own fancies and its love for hasty, fleeting pleasures. It is called to Allah and the akhira from a distance but it does not respond to advice, and instead it follows any scheming, cunning shayton. Life angers and pleases it, and passion makes it deaf and blind (1) to anything except what is evil.

To associate and keep company with the owner of such a heart is to tempt illness: living with him is like taking poison, and befriending him means utter destruction.

The Sick Heart:

This is a heart with life in it, as well as illness. The former sustains it at one moment, the latter at another, and it follows whichever one of the two manages to dominate it. It has love for Allah, faith in Him, sincerity towards Him, and reliance upon Him, and these are what give it life. It also has a craving for lust and pleasure, and prefers them and strives to experience them. It is full of self-admiration, which can lead to its own destruction. It listens to two callers: one calling it to Allah and His Prophet (sallalau alaiyhi wassallum) and the akhira; and the other calling it to the fleeting pleasures of this world. It responds to whichever one of the two happens to have most influence over it at the time.

The first heart is alive, submitted to Allah, humble, sensitive and aware; The second is brittle and dead; The third wavers between either its safety or its ruin.

Notes:

It has been related on the authority of Abu'd-Darda' that the Messenger of Allah, sallalau alaiyhi wassallum , said, "Your love for something that makes you blind and deaf."Abu Daw'ud, al-Adab, 14/38; Ahmad, al-Musnad, 5/194. The hadith is classified as hasan.

HABITS FOR SUCCESS IN THE FAMILY

2006-06-15T20:06:00.000-07:00

Start by choosing the right spouse (Nur : 34)
Efforts must be exerted to correct any defects in a spouse once married. Develop the family spiritually. Remember Allah often. (Nur : 87)
Inculcate iman in the children. Follow the sunnah and read the Quran regularly especially sura baqara. Take care of your family's education. Teach your spouse and children. Set up both book and audio-visual libraries. Invite good people to visit your home (Nuh : 28)
Treat your family as a small social unit. Establish shura by discussing family matters with your spouse and children. Some problems amicably and within the family. Children should not be allowed to see differences or conflicts between the parents. Exchange visits with good families. (Nur : 61)
Guard jealously the privacy of your home (Nur : 23, 28, 53)
Keep family secrets within your home.
Exercise control. Monitor what the children are doing.
Make sure that the family follows fixed meal and sleep times.
All members of the family should co-operate in the household work.
Joke and have some fun and humor with the members of your family. Avoid waste and extravagance. Waste leads to poverty.
Do not live a life of hyperconsumerism. Buy only what you need. It's even advisable to buy less than what you think your needs are, because you often over-estimate those needs. Resist temptation to always 'want' things. Do not try to show off or compete.
Avoid debts. A debt is an instrument of enslavement.

WHAT ELSE YOU WANT TO KNOW?

Religion is basis for family formation (Quran 2 : 221)
Family relations besed on marriage and blood (Quran 25 : 54)
Family is a source of tranquility (Quran 25 : 74)
Husband as head of the family (Quran 4 : 34)
Wife is a leader in her home - Narrated Ibn Umar : The Prophet said, 'All of you are guardians and are responsible for your wards, The ruler is a guardian and the man is a guardian of his family; the lady is a guardian who is responsible for her husband's house and his offspring; and so all of you are guardians and are responsible for your wards' (Bukhari 7:98 hadith #128)
Duty to save family (Quran 66 : 1, 3-6)
Kindness for the young; respect for the old – 'Hazrat Amr bin Shuaib relates on the authority of his father who heard it from his father, that the Holy Prophet (may peace be upon him) said : A person who has no compassion for our children and does not honor our elders is not from us' (Abu Daud and Tirmidhi) (Riyadh 1:217, hadith #355)
Expenditure on family is sadaqa – Narrated Abu Mas'ud Al-Ansari : The Prophet said, 'When a muslim spends something on his family intending to receive Allah's reward it is regarded as sadaqa for him' (Bukhari 7:201, hadith #263)
Justice takes precedence over family (Quran 4 : 135)
Financial security – Narrated Umar : The Prophet used to sell the dates of the garden of Bani An-Nadir and store for his family so much foods as would cover their needs for a whole year' (Bukhari 7:204, hadith # 270)

The Barakah And Blessings Of Bismillah

2006-06-15T00:50:00.000-07:00

WHEN BISMILLAH WAS REVEALED ...

Sayyidina Jaabir (RA) is reported to have said that when Bismillaahir rahmaanir raheem revealed, the clouds gave way by moving to the East, the winds ceased blowing, the oceans became calm, the creatures prepared themselves to listen, the shaytaan got pelted with fire from the heavens and Allah Ta'ala, swearing an oath by His honour, declared: Anyone who says this name of mine (ie. Bismillaahir rahmaanir raheem) upon anything, I will surely impart barakah in that thing, (Durre Manthoor and Ibne Katheer)

BISMILLAH BEFORE WAHEE

In Durre Manthoor Sayyidina Ibne Umar (RA) is reported as saying that surely, whenever Jibreel (AS) used to bring wahee to Rasoolullah (Sallallaahu-alayhi-wasallam), he used to first recite Bismillaahir rahmaanir raheem .

The reason for the above is as follows: in Bismillah there are three names of Allah:

Allah which is His personal name indicating that all projects can only be initiated by the will and wish of Allah.
Rahmaan (Kind) which is His attributive name indicating that only Allah can keep that project intact and existent (guarding it against destruction).
Raheem(Most Merciful) which is also His attributive name indicating that only Allah can,through His mercy and grace, enable any person to derive benefit from that project.

This clearly proves that any project begun with Bismillaahir rahmaanir raheem will be granted barakah and blessings from the beginning till the end.

BISMILLAH BEFORE DOING ANYTHING

It is for this reason that Rasoolullah (Sallallaahu-alayhi- wasallam) used to recite Bismillaahir rahmaanir raheem before doing any work. And he (sallallaahu-alayhi-wasallam) also advised the Ummah to do the same. For example, reading it before shutting the door for the night, before putting out the light, before taking meals, before drinking water, before boarding a conveyance, and when alighting any conveyance.

REMEMBERING ALLAH THROUGH HIS THREE THOUSAND NAMES

It is mentioned in Tafseer Roohul Bayaan that Allaamah Sayyid Haqqi (RA) said that Allah Ta'ala has three thousand names. He revealed one thousand to the angels, one thousand to the ambiya(AS), three hundred are mentioned in the Toraah, three hundred in the Zaboor, three hundred in the Injeel, and ninety-nine in the Holy Qur'aan. One Name He has kept to Himself; He revealed it to no one. Also, He has condensed all His names into the three names contained in Bismillaahir rahmaanir raheem. They are Allah, Rahmaan and Raheem. Any person saying Bismillaahir rahmaanir raheem; it is as though he has remembered Allah by all His names.

BISMILLAH - A MEANS OF HIGH STATUS IN THE HEREAFTER

Rasoolullah (Sallaahu-alayhi-wasallam) is reported as saying that any du'a which is begun with is not rejected. Because of saying Bismillaahir rahmaanir raheem the scales of my Ummah will become heavy on the Day of Qiyaamah. The other people will enquire: "Why is the virtues of the Ummate Muhammadiyyah so heavy?" Their prophets will say: "In the utterances of the Ummate Muhammadiyyah there is such an honourable name of Allah that if it is placed on the one side of the scale, and the sins of the entire creation is put onto the other side then the side with the virtue will be heavier.

A HADEETHE QUDSI

Rasoolullah (Saliallaahu-alayhi-wasallam) said that Sayyidina Jibreel made mention of this Hadeeth under oath that he heard it from Sayyidina Mika'il(AS) under oath who in turn heard it from Sayyidina Israfeel (AS) under oath that Allah Ta'ala said: "By my honour, grace and grandeur, whoever reads Bismillaahir rahmaanir raheem and Soorah Faatihah jointly once, then you be witness that I shall not burn his tongue and I will save him from the Fire as well as the punishment of the grave and the day of Qiyaamah.

Note: Reading Bismillah and Sooratul Faatihah jointly means to read it as follows:
Bismillaahir rahmaanir raheem mil hamdu lillaahi rabbil aalameen.....

SAYING BISMILLAH BEFORE WUDHU

Rasoolullah (Sallailaahu-alayhi-wasallam) said: "One who does not say Bismillah before wudhu, his wudhu is incomplete." (Tirmizi). It is reported from Sayyidina Abu Hurairah (RA) that anyone who does not say Bismillah before wudhu, only the sins committed by the limbs which are washed in wudhu will be washed away; and one who says Bismillah before wudhu, the sins of the entire body will be washed away. (Mishkaat)

SAYING BISMILLAH BEFORE MEALS

Sayyidina Umar Ibne Abee Salmah (RA) reports that Rasoolullah (Sallallaahu-alayhi-wasallam) said to me: "Say Bismillah and eat with your right hand the food that is in front of you." (Bukhari, Muslim, Tirmizi)

Whoever used to eat without saying Bismillah, Rasoolullah(Sallallaahu-alayhi-wasallam) used to hold his hand and urge him to say Bismillah. (Zaadul Ma'aad,Uswah-e-Rasoole Akram).

The Ulama have said that it is preferable to say the Bismillah aloud so that it is a reminder for those who forget. Also, Ibne Habbaan is reported as saying that if Bismillah is said prior to utilising any bounty of Allah and Alhamdu- lillah is said after utilising it, the user will not be asked to the give accountability for that bounty on the Day of Qiyamah.

WHEN UNDRESSING

Sayyidina Anas (RA) reports from Rasoolullah (Sallallaa- hu-alayhi-wasallam) that when a person undresses for the purpose of either relieving himself or bathing or having relations with his spouse then the shaytaan interferes and plays with his or her private parts. But if he or she says Bismillah before taking off the clothes, then this serves as a barrier and safety against the shaytaan and jinn. (Tirmizi)

OTHER WONDERS OF BISMILLAH

Rasoolullah (Sallallaahu-alayhi-wasallam) is reported as saying that as long as people keep on saying Bismillaahir rahmaanir raheem it will be a means of safeguarding them against sicknesses; a means of granting riches to the destitute; a means of freedom against the Fire; a means of safeguard against being swallowed by the earth; a means of safety against faces becoming distorted; and a means of safety from stones raining down from the heavens. (Ghunyatut Taalibeen Page 157)

Verily my happiness is my iman &verily my iman is in my heart & verily my heart does not belong to anyone but Allah (Asma bint Abu Bakr R.A)

"The power of iman is such that once it fills the heart of a true believing Mu’min it is impossible to be removed." (Sahih Bukhari)

"Allah The God, Muhammad (s.m) The Messenger, Quran is Our Constitution, Sunnah The Right Path, Shari'ah The Best Law, Heaven is our Desire"

"We Call you to the Teaching of Islam,The Guidence of Islam,The Rules of Islam, The Way of Islam,Lead you to the way of jannah"

"When Money is lost nothing loss, Health is Lost ,something Loss But Character is Lost ,every thing loss!"

World Cup Spoiler

2006-06-15T00:46:00.000-07:00

Brazil won the world cup in 1994.

Before that, he had won this title for the last time in 1970.

If you add up: 1970 + 1994 = 3964

Argentina won the world cup for the last time in 1986.

Before that only in 1978.

And 1978 + 1986 = 3964

Germany, though, won the world cup in 1990.

Before that, Germany won in 1974.

Look: 1990 + 1974 = 3964

This could lead us to guess the winner of the World Cup in 2002, since it should be the winner of the 1962 World Cup (In fact 3964 - 2002 = 1962).

And Brazil won the world cup in 1962!

(And, in fact, Brazil won the 2002 WC)

This numerology seems to work...

And now, who would be the winner of the 2006 world cup?

Let's see, 3964 - 2006 = 1958

And who won in 1958?

Oh, Brazil did!!!

Telur Puyuh Bungkus Daging Bergedel

2006-06-14T23:12:00.000-07:00

Bahan-bahan:

600 gm daging kisar
2 tangkai daun bawang dan daun sup, dicincang halus
3 biji bawang merah (dikisar halus)
3 ulas bawang putih (dikisar halus)
2 biji ubi kentang (dibuang kulit, dibersih, didadu kecil, direbus dan dikisar halus)
2 camca besar rempah kari
70 gm serbuk roti
Garam
Serbuk lada sulah
1 biji telur (jika perlu)
20 biji telur puyuh (direbus keras)

Bahan untuk menggoreng:

1 biji telur
150 gm serbuk roti
Garam
Serbuk lada sulah
Minyak masak untuk menggoreng

Cara Menyediakannya:

Gaul semua bahan kecuali telur, telur puyuh dan bahan-bahan menggoreng di dalam mangkuk hingga ia sebati, tidak berderai dan boleh dibentuk bebola (tambah telur jika perlu untuk membentuk bebola). Bentuk doh bebola sederhana besar. Masukkan sebiji telur puyuh di dalamnya. Celup bebola di dalam telur. Kemudian golekkan ia di dalam serbuk roti. Buat hingga habis doh. Panaskan minyak masak di dalam kuali. Goreng bebola hingga ia garing dan masak.

Selamat Mencuba

Surat Untuk Kaum Hawa Tersayang

2006-06-14T23:02:00.000-07:00

Dimana saja berada
Ayang /Anja / Honey /Darling / Dinda / Intan payung / gunung berapi etc *

Seperti yang sedia maklum , abang setiap bulan terpaksa menghadapi perangai ayang yang berubah mengikut pasang surut bulan setiap bulan tanpa gagal. Abang selalu menjaga hati ayang tanpa gagal ketika kedatangan period ayang tanpa soal. Abang jaga ayang bagaikan menatang minyak yang penuh. Amat besarnya pengorbanan yang abang lakukan selama ini untuk menjaga kerukunan perhubungan kita yang telah bertapak sejak lama. Kini relakah ayang melakukan pengorbanan yang agak kecil terhadap abang?
Dr. Joseph Blatter dari Klinik FIFA telah mengesahkan yang abang akan mengalami period abang yang hanya berlaku 4 tahun sekali ini dari 9hb Jun 2006 hingga 9 Julai 2006. Kesan period ini mungkin akan berlanjutan sehingga seminggu selepas tarikh tersebut. Abang akan menghadapi masalah untuk tidur malam dan mungkin berjaga hingga ke awal pagi Untuk mengurangkan tekanan dan mood abang dalam tempoh tersebut, preskripsi dan cadangan di bawah ini telah disarankan :-
Dalam tempoh tersebut ayang dikehendaki sentiasa membaca berita sukan pada akhbar harian yang menfokus tentang Piala Dunia 2006 di Jerman. Jika ayang gagal melakukan perkara ini, ayang mungkin rasa terabai jika tidak dapat berkomunikasi dengan baik dengan abang pada masa tersebut. Oleh itu ayang janganlah komplen jika rasa diri diabaikan dalam masa period ini.
Dalam tempoh period abang ini adalah dimaklumkan bahawa ayang akan diberi kebebasan untuk menonton rancangan tv kegemaran ayang dari bermula dari 6 pagi hingga ke 9 malam. Manakala dari 9 malam ke 6 pagi, abang yang akan memegang remote control dan hak memilih chanel yang digemari. Ayang dilarang sama sekali mengerling ke arah remote control pada masa tersebut.
Jika ayang terpaksa melintasi di hadapan tv di waktu tersebut, ayang hendaklah tunggu sehingga masa rehat atau commercial break ataupun merangkak perlahan-lahan agar tidak menganggu konsentrasi abang. Jika ayang bercadang untuk berbogel di hadapan tv pada waktu tersebut, pastikan ayang memakai pakaian semula selepas itu kerana abang takut ayang akan demam kerana kesejukan. Abang takut abang tidak mempunyai masa untuk membawa ayang ke klinik dan juga melayan ayang selepas itu.
Semasa perlawanan langsung disiarkan, abang seakan buta, pekak dan juga bisu kecuali bila abang memerlukan pertolongan ayang untuk membuat air atau mengambil makanan ringan. Kasih sayang abang akan bertambah kepada ayang jika ayang sentiasa memastikan makanan ringan sentiasa tersedia untuk abang semasa perlawanan berlangsung.
Ayang adalah dialu-alukan untuk duduk dan menikmati perlawanan bersama abang tetapi ayang hanya boleh bercakap semasa half time atau commercial break. Ayang dilarang sama sekali menggoda abang pada masa ini terutama jika pasukan yang abang sokong sedang ketinggalan atau berada diambang kekalahan.
Replay untuk setiap gol yang dijaringkan adalah amat penting. Berapa kali replay disiarkan abang tetap mau melihatnya. Ayang tak perlu merungut mengata bahwa gol tu dah tengok kenapa nak tengok lagi?
Ayang perlu memberitau saudara mara atau rakan karib bahwa jemputan ke jamuan atau kenduri yang diadakan selepas 9 malam ke atas yang memerlukan kehadiran abang tidak dapat dipenuhi kerana abang tak nak pergi.
Jika kawan abang menjemput kita ke rumah mereka untuk menyaksikan perlawanan langsung bersama-sama, maka ayang perlu bersiap sedia dengan kadar segera.
Selepas period abang ini abih... ayang dilarang merungut: siib baik world cup 4 tahun sekali jer kerana abang telah immune dengan rungutan tersebut dan juga selepas period ini akan ada pula English League, Italian League, UEFA League, Piala Malaysia dan lain-lain.
Atas kerjasama dan timbang rasa ayang ini, jika pasukan yang abang sokong menang piala dunia atau player yang abang sokong menang kasut atau bola emas... pandai-pandai la ayang bodek abang untuk dapatkan hadiah. Jika sebaliknya hendaklah ayang turut berduka.

Akhir kata. Majulah sukan untuk negara!.

Abang yang sentiasa menyayangimu walaupun period ayang datang setiap bulan.
- Suami -

Kisah Benar Pemuda Arab Belajar di Amerika

2006-06-14T01:43:00.000-07:00

Ada seorang pemuda arab yang baru saja menyelesaikan bangku kuliahnya di Amerika. Pemuda ini adalah salah seorang yang diberi nikmat oleh Allah berupa pendidikan agama Islam bahkan ia mampu mendalaminya. Selain belajar, ia juga seorang juru dakwah Islam. Ketika berada di Amerika, ia berkenalan dengan salah seorang Nasrani. Hubungan mereka semakin akrab, dengan harapan semoga Allah SWT memberinya hidayah masuk Islam.

Pada suatu hari mereka berdua berjalan-jalan di sebuah perkampungan di Amerika dan melintas di dekat sebuah gereja yang terdapat di kampong tersebut. Temannya itu meminta agar ia turut masuk ke dalam gereja. Mula mula ia keberatan, namun karena desakan akhirnya pemuda itu pun memenuhi permintaannya lalu ikut masuk ke dalam gereja dan duduk di salah satu bangku dengan hening, sebagaimana kebiasaan mereka. Ketika pendeta masuk, mereka serentak berdiri untuk memberikan penghormatan lantas kembali duduk.

Di saat itu, si pendeta agak terbeliak ketika melihat kepada para hadirin dan berkata, "Di tengah kita ada seorang muslim. Aku harap ia keluar dari sini." Pemuda arab itu tidak bergerak dari tempatnya. Pendeta tersebut mengucapkan perkataan itu berkali-kali, namun ia tetap tidak bergerak dari tempatnya. Hingga akhirnya pendeta itu berkata, "Aku minta ia keluar dari sini dan aku menjamin keselamatannya. " Barulah pemuda ini beranjak keluar.

Di ambang pintu, pemuda bertanya kepada sang pendeta, "Bagaimana anda tahu bahwa saya seorang muslim." Pendeta itu menjawab, "Dari tanda yang terdapat di wajahmu." Kemudian ia beranjak hendak keluar. Namun, pendeta ingin memanfaatkan keberadaan pemuda ini dengan mengajukan beberapa pertanyaan, tujuannya untuk memalukan pemuda tersebut dan sekaligus mengukuhkan ugamanya. Pemuda muslim itupun menerima tentangan debat tersebut.

Pendeta berkata, "Aku akan mengajukan kepada anda 22 pertanyaan dan anda harus menjawabnya dengan tepat."Si pemuda tersenyum dan berkata, "Silakan! Sang pendeta pun mulai bertanya, "Sebutkan satu yang tiada duanya, dua yang tiada tiganya, tiga yang tiada empatnya, empat yang tiada limanya, lima yang tiada enamnya, enam yang tiada tujuhnya, tujuh yang tiada delapannya, delapan yang tiada sembilannya, sembilan yang tiada sepuluhnya, sesuatu yang tidak lebih dari sepuluh, sebelas yang tiada dua belasnya, dua belas yang tiada tiga belasnya, tiga belas yang tiada empat belasnya. Sebutkan sesuatu yang dapat bernafas namun tidak mempunyai ruh! Apa yang dimaksud dengan kuburan berjalan membawa isinya? Siapakah yang berdusta namun masuk ke dalam surga? Sebutkan sesuatu yang diciptakan Allah namun Dia tidak menyukainya? Sebutkan sesuatu yang diciptakan Allah dengan tanpa ayah dan ibu! Siapakah yang tercipta dari api, siapakah yang diadzab dengan api dan siapakah yang terpelihara dari api? Siapakah yang tercipta dari batu, siapakah yang diadzab dengan batu dan siapakah yang terpelihara dari batu? Sebutkan sesuatu yang diciptakan Allah dan dianggap besar! Pohon apakah yang mempunyai 12 ranting, setiap ranting mempunyai 30 daun, setiap daun mempunyai 5 buah, 3 di bawah naungan dan dua di bawah sinaran matahari?"

Mendengar pertanyaan tersebut, pemuda itu tersenyum dengan keyakinan kepada Allah. Setelah membaca bismalah ia berkata,

Satu yang tiada duanya ialah Allah SWT.
Dua yang tiada tiganya ialah Malam dan Siang. Allah SWT berfirman, "Dan Kami jadikan malam dan siang sebagai dua tanda (kebesaran kami)." (Al-Isra': 12).
Tiga yang tiada empatnya adalah kesilapan yang dilakukan Nabi Musa ketika Khidir menenggelamkan sampan, membunuh seorang anak kecil dan ketika menegakkan kembali dinding yang hampir roboh.
Empat yang tiada limanya adalah Taurat, Injil, Zabur dan al-Qur'an.
Lima yang tiada enamnya ialah Solat lima waktu.
Enam yang tiada tujuhnya ialah jumlah Hari ketika Allah SWT menciptakan makhluk.
Tujuh yang tiada delapannya ialah Langit yang tujuh lapis. Allah SWT berfirman, "Yang telah menciptakan tujuh langit berlapis-lapis. Kamu sekali-kali tidak melihat pada ciptaan Rabb Yang Maha Pemurah sesuatu yang tidak seimbang." (Al-Mulk: 3).
Delapan yang tiada sembilannya ialah Malaikat pemikul Arsy ar-Rahman. Allah SWT berfirman, "Dan malaikat-malaikat berada di penjuru-penjuru langit. Dan pada hari itu delapan orang malaikat men-junjung 'Arsy Rabbmu di atas (kepala) mereka." (Al-Haqah: 17).
Sembilan yang tiada sepuluhnya adalah mu'jizat yang diberikan kepada Nabi Musa yaitu: tongkat, tangan yang bercahaya, angin topan, musim paceklik, katak, darah, kutu dan belalang.
Sesuatu yang tidak lebih dari sepuluh ialah Kebaikan. Allah SWT berfirman, "Barang siapa
yang berbuat kebaikan maka untuknya sepuluh kali lipat." (Al-An'am: 160).
Sebelas yang tiada dua belasnya ialah jumlah Saudara-Saudara Nabi Yusuf .
Dua belas yang tiada tiga belasnya ialah Mu'jizat Nabi Musa yang terdapat dalam firman Allah, "Dan (ingatlah) ketika Musa memohon air untuk kaumnya, lalu Kami berfirman, 'Pukullah batu itu dengan tongkatmu.' Lalu memancarlah daripadanya dua belas mata air." (Al-Baqarah: 60).
Tiga belas yang tiada empat belasnya ialah jumlah Saudara Nabi Yusuf ditambah dengan ayah dan ibunya.
Adapun sesuatu yang bernafas namun tidak mempunyai ruh adalah waktu Subuh. Allah SWT ber-firman, "Dan waktu subuh apabila fajarnya mulai menyingsing." (At-Takwir: 18).
Kuburan yang membawa isinya adalah Ikan yang menelan Nabi Yunus AS.
Mereka yang berdusta namun masuk ke dalam syurga adalah saudara-saudara Nabi Yusuf, yakni ketika mereka berkata kepada ayahnya, "Wahai ayah kami, sesungguhnya kami pergi berlumba-lumba dan kami tinggalkan Yusuf di dekat barang-barang kami, lalu dia dimakan serigala." Setelah kedustaan terungkap, Yusuf berkata kepada mereka, " tak ada cercaan terhadap kamu semua." Dan ayah mereka Ya'qub berkata, "Aku akan memohonkan ampun bagimu kepada Rabbku. Sesungguhnya Dia-lah Yang Maha Pengampun lagi Maha Penyayang." (Yusuf:98)
Sesuatu yang diciptakan Allah namun tidak Dia sukai adalah suara Keledai. Allah SWT berfirman, "Sesungguhnya sejelek-jelek suara adalah suara keledai." (Luqman: 19).
Makhluk yang diciptakan Allah tanpa bapa dan ibu adalah Nabi Adam, Malaikat, Unta Nabi Shalih dan Kambing Nabi Ibrahim.
Makhluk yang diciptakan dari api adalah Iblis, yang diadzab dengan api ialah Abu Jahal dan yang terpelihara dari api adalah Nabi Ibrahim. Allah SWT berfirman, "Wahai api dinginlah dan selamatkan Ibrahim." (Al-Anbiya': 69).
Makhluk yang terbuat dari batu adalah Unta Nabi Shalih, yang diadzab dengan batu adalah tentara bergajah dan yang terpelihara dari batu adalah Ash-habul Kahfi (penghuni gua).
Sesuatu yang diciptakan Allah dan dianggap perkara besar adalah Tipu Daya wanita, sebagaimana firman Allah SWT? "Sesungguhnya tipu daya kaum wanita itu sangatlah besar." (Yusuf: 28).
Adapun pohon yang memiliki 12 ranting setiap ranting mempunyai 30 daun, setiap daun mempunyai 5 buah, 3 di bawah teduhan dan dua di bawah sinaran matahari maknanya: Pohon adalah Tahun, Ranting adalah Bulan, Daun adalah Hari dan Buahnya adalah Solat yang lima waktu, Tiga dikerjakan di malam hari dan Dua di siang hari.

Pendeta dan para hadirin merasa takjub mendengar jawapan pemuda muslim tersebut. Kemudian ia pun mula hendak pergi. Namun ia mengurungkan niatnya dan meminta kepada pendeta agar menjawab satu pertanyaan saja. Permintaan ini disetujui oleh pendeta. Pemuda ini berkata, "Apakah kunci surga itu?" mendengar pertanyaan itu lidah pendeta menjadi kelu, hatinya diselimuti keraguan dan rupa wajahnya pun berubah. Ia berusaha menyembunyikan kekuatirannya, namun tidak berhasil.Orang-orang yang hadir di gereja itu terus mendesaknya agar menjawab pertanyaan tersebut, namun ia cuba mengelak. Mereka berkata, "Anda telah melontarkan 22 pertanyaan kepadanya dan semuanya ia jawab, sementara ia hanya memberi cuma satu pertanyaan namun anda tidak mampu menjawabnya!" Pendeta tersebut berkata, "Sesungguh aku tahu jawapan nya, namun aku takut kalian marah." Mereka menjawab, "Kami akan jamin keselamatan anda. " Pendeta pun berkata, "Jawabannya ialah: Asyhadu An La Ilaha Illallah Wa Wa Aasyhadu Anna Muhammadar Rasulullah."

Lantas pendeta dan orang-orang yang hadir di gereja itu terus memeluk agama Islam. Sungguh
Allah telah menganugerahkan kebaikan dan menjaga mereka dengan Islam melalui tangan seorang pemuda muslim yang bertakwa.

Penulis tidak menyebutkan yang kesembilan (pent.)

Kisah nyata ini diambil dari Mausu'ah al-Qishash al-Waqi'ah melalui internet, http://www.gesah.net/

Wassallam

Malaysian National Excuses

2006-06-14T01:34:00.000-07:00

NATIONAL EXCUSE FOR HAIR LOSS: Maggi Mee.

NATIONAL EXCUSE FOR BEING LATE: Traffic Jam.

NATIONAL CONDOM: None. Most Malaysians still feel embarrassed buying condoms. So they rushed into a 7-11, hurriedly grab the nearest pack, any pack, pay and leave before the cashier can even blink an eye.

NATIONAL FRUIT FOR INDUCING MENSTRUATION: Pineapple

NATIONAL APHRODISIAC DRINK: Stout. Many swear by it. But after a few pints they start swearing at everything...

NATIONAL FAKE ILLNESS FOR GETTING MC (MEN): Food Poisoning.

NATIONAL FAKE ILLNESS FOR GETTING MC (WOMEN): Menstrual Pain

NATIONAL EXCUSES GIVEN BY WOMEN WHEN REFUSING SEX: Headache, kids not asleep, maid not asleep, mother-in-law around, early appointment, food not digested yet, aircond not cold enough, aircond too cold, nail polish not dry yet, forgot to take the pill, sleepy, stomach cramps, period, haven't remove make-up, haven't shower, no water supply, going to watch "Santa Barbara", depress, no mood, etc...

NATIONAL EXCUSES GIVEN BY MEN WHEN REFUSING SEX: None. Malaysian men never refuse sex.

NATIONAL CURE FOR HEADACHES: Panadol. The "cure for all". If it fails we have another secret weapon; then Tiger Balm & now "Franch Oil" ...

NATIONAL CURE FOR DIZZINESS: Minyak Angin Cap Kapak.

NATIONAL CAUSE OF DIZZINESS (FOR YUPPIES): Happy Hours.

NATIONAL INSTANT CURE FOR DIZZINESS (FOR YUPPIES): The sight of a police road block.

NATIONAL RUBBISH DUMP: Anywhere. As long as it is not your house.

NATIONAL MOST MIS-PRONOUNCED NAME: Carrefour. Sometimes even pronounced as Carry 4! On second thoughts, why bother pronouncing stupid French brands like Peugeot, Renault or Citroen correctly. I think it sounds better, when the local mechanics say "Pew Jeot". When I was in school, Milo was always 'Mee Lo', now that I'm sophisticated, I say "My Lo". So don't be embarrassed saying "Carry 4" when the Mat Sallehs shamelessly pronounce orang utan as "rangutan".

99 Secrets Girls Have To Know About Guys

2006-06-14T01:31:00.000-07:00

Guys don't actually look after good-looking girls. They prefer neat and presentable girls.
Guys hate flirts.
A guy can like you for a minute, and then forget you afterwards.
When a guy says he doesn't understand you, it simply means you're not thinking the way he is.
"Are you doing something?" or "Have you eaten already?" are the first usual questions a guy asks on the phone just to get out from stammering.
Guys may be flirting around all day but before they go to sleep, they always think about the girl they truly care about.
When a guy really likes you, he'll disregard all your badcharacteristics.
Guys go crazy over a girl's smile.
Guys will do anything just to get the girl's attention.
Guys hate it when you talk about your ex-boyfriend.
When guys want to meet your parents. Let them.
Guys want to tell you many things but they can't. And they sure have one habit to gain courage and spirit to tell you many things and it is drinking!
Guys cry!!!
Don't provoke (irritate) the guy to heat up. Believe me. He will.
Guys can never dream and hope too much.
Guys usually try hard to get the girl who has dumped them, and this makes it harder for them to accept their defeat.
When you touch a guy's heart, there's no turning back.
Giving a guy a hanging message like "You know what?!.. uh... never mind!" would make him jump to a conclusion that is far from what you are thinking.
Guys go crazy when girls touch their hands.
Guys are good flatterers when courting but they usually stammer when they talk to a girl
they really like.
When a guy makes a prolonged "umm" or makes any excuses when you're asking him to do you a favor, he's actually saying that he doesn't like you and he can't lay down the card for you.
When a girl says "no", a guy hears it as "try again tomorrow."
You have to tell a guy what you really want before he gets the message clearly.
Guys hate gays!
Guys love their moms.
A guy would sacrifice his money for lunch just to get you a couple of roses.
A guy often thinks about the girl who likes him. But this doesn't mean that the guy likes her.
You can never understand him unless you listen to him.
If a guy tells you he loves you once in a lifetime. He does.
Beware. Guys can make gossips scatter through half of the face of the earth faster than girls can.
Like Eve, girls are guys' weaknesses.
Guys are very open about themselves.
It's good to test a guy first before you believe him. But don't let him wait that long.
No guy is bad when he is courting.
Guys hate it when their clothes get dirty. Even a small dot.
Guys really admire girls that they like even if they're not that much pretty.
Your best friend, whom your boyfriend seeks help from about his problems with you may end up being admired by your boyfriend.
If a guy tells you about his problems, he just needs someone to listen to him. You don't need to give advice.
A usual act that proves that the guy likes you is when he teases you.
A guy finds ways to keep you off from linking with someone else.
Guys love girls with brains more than girls in mini skirts.
Guys try to find the stuffed toy a girl wants but would unluckily get the wrong one.
Guys virtually brag about anything.
Guys cannot keep secrets that girls tell them.
Guys think too much.
Guys' fantasies are unlimited.
Girls' height doesn't really matter to a guy but her weight does!
Guys tend to get serious with their relationship and become too possessive. So watch out girls!!!
When a girl makes the boy suffer during courtship, it would be hard for him to let go of that girl.
It's not easy for a guy to let go of his girlfriend after they broke up especially when they've been together for 3 years or more.
You have to tell a guy what you really want before getting involved with that guy.
A guy has to experience rejection, because if he's too-good-never-been-busted, never been in love and hurt, he won't be matured and grow up.
When an unlikable circumstance comes, guys blame themselves a lot more than girls do. They could even hurt themselves physically.
Guys have strong passion to change but have weak will power.
Guys are tigers in their peer groups but become tamed pussycats with their girlfriends.
When a guy pretends to be calm, check if he's sweating. You'll probably see that he is nervous.
When a guy says he is going crazy about the girl, he really is.
When a guy asks you to leave him alone, he's just actually saying, "Please come and listen to me."
Guys don't really have final decisions.
When a guy loves you, bring out the best in him.
If a guy starts to talk seriously, listen to him.
If a guy has been kept shut or silent, say something.
Guys believe that there's no such thing as love at first sight, but court the girls anyway and then realize at the end that he is wrong.
Guys like femininity not feebleness.
Guys don't like girls who punch harder than they do.
A guy may instantly know if the girl likes him but can never be sure unless the girl tells him.
A guy would waste his time over video games and basketball, the way a girl would do over her romance novels and make-ups.
Guys love girls who can cook or bake.
Guys like girls who are like their moms. No kidding!
A guy has more problems than you can see with your naked eyes.
A guy's friend knows everything about him. Use this to your advantage.
Don't be a snob. Guys may easily give up on the first sign ofrejection.
Don't be biased. Try loving a guy without prejudice and you'll be surprised.
Girls who bathe in their eau de perfumes do more repelling than attracting guys.
Guys are more talkative than girls especially when the topics are about girls.
Guys don't comprehend the statement "Get lost" too well.
Guys really think that girls are strange and have unpredictable decisions but still love them more.
When a guy gives a crooked or pretentious grin at your jokes, he finds them offending and he just tried to be polite.
Guys don't care about how shiny their shoes are unlike girls.
Guys tend to generalize about girls but once they get to know them, they'll realize they're wrong.
Any guy can handle his problems all by his own. He's just too stubborn to deal with it.
Guys find it so objectionable when a girl swears.
Guys' weakest point is at the knee.
When a problem arises, a guy usually keeps himself cool but is already thinking of a way out.
When a guy is conscious of his looks, it shows he is not good at fixing things.
When a guy looks at you, either he's amazed of you or he's criticizing you.
When you catch him cheating on you and he asks for a second chance, give it to him. But when you catch him again and he asks for another chance, ignore him.
If a guy lets you go, he really loves you.
If you have a boyfriend, and your boy best friend always glances at u and it obviously shows that he is jealous whenever you're with your boyfriend, all I can say is your boy best friend loves you more than your boyfriend does.
Guys learn from experience not from the romance books that girls read and take as their basis of experience.
You can tell if a guy is really hurt or in pain when he cries in front of you!
If a guy suddenly asks you for a date, ask him first why.
When a guy says he can't sleep if he doesn't hear your voice even just for one night, hang up. He also tells that to another girl. He only flatters you and sometimes makes fun of you.
You can truly say that a guy has good intentions if you see him praying sometimes.
Guys seek for advice not from a guy but from a girl.
Girls are allowed to touch boys' things. Not their hair!
If a guy says you're beautiful, that guy likes you.
Guys hate girls who overreact.
Guys love you more than you love them if they are serious in your relationships.

Stupid Questions With Smart Answers

2006-06-13T23:04:00.000-07:00

BOY: May I hold your hand?

GIRL: No thanks, it isn't heavy.

GIRL: Say you love me! Say you love me!

BOY: You love me...

GIRL: If we become engaged will you give me a ring??

BOY: Sure, what's your phone number??

GIRL: I think the poorest people are the happiest.

BOY: Then marry me and we'll be the happiest couple.

GIRL: Darling, I want to dance like this forever.

BOY: Don't you ever want to improve??

BOY: I love you and I could die for you!

GIRL: How soon??

BOY: I would go to the end of the world for you!

GIRL: Yes, but would you stay there??

SHARON: Have you ever had a hot passionate, burning kiss??

TRACY: I did once. He'd forgotten to take the cigarette out of his mouth.

MAN: You remind me of the sea.

WOMAN: Because I'm wild, romantic and exciting?

MAN: NO, because you make me sick.

WIFE: You tell a man something, it goes in one ear and comes out of the other.

HUSBAND: You tell a woman something, it goes in both ears and comes out of the mouth.

MARY: John says I'm pretty. Andy says I'm ugly.What do u think, Peter?

PETER : A bit of both. I think you're pretty ugly.

Girlfriend: And are you sure you love me and no one else?

Boyfriend: Dead Sure! I checked the whole list again yesterday.

Teacher: Which is more important to us, the sun or the moon?

Pupil: The moon.

Teacher: Why?

Pupil: The moon gives us light at night when we need it but the sun gives us light only
in the day time when we don't need it.

Teacher: What do you call a person who keeps on talking when people are no longer
interested?

Pupil: A teacher.

Waiter: Would you like your coffee black?

Customer: What other colors do you have?

My father is so old that when he was in school, history was called current affairs.

Teacher: Sam, you talk a lot!

Sam: It's a family tradition.

Teacher: What do you mean?

Sam: Sir, my grandpa was a street hawker, my father is a teacher.

Teacher: What about your mother?

Sam: She's a woman.

Tom: How should I convey the news to my father that I've failed?

David: You just send a telegram: Result declared, past year's performance repeated.

Teacher: Now, children, if I saw a man beating a donkey and stopped him, what virtue
would I be showing?

Student: Brotherly love.

Teacher: Now, Sam, tell me frankly do you say prayers before eating?

Sam: No sir, I don't have to, my mom is a good cook.

Patient: What are the chances of my recovering doctor?

Doctor: One hundred percent. Medical records show that nine out of ten people die of the
disease you have. Yours is the tenth case I've treated. The others all died.

Teacher: Can anybody give an example of COINCIDENCE?

Student: Sir, my Mother and Father got married on the same day and at the same time.

Teacher: George Washington not only chopped down his father's Cherry tree, but also
admitted doing it. Now do you know why his father didn't punish him?

Student: Because George still had the axe in is hand.

How 2 Check If The Man Is Still A Virgin

2006-06-13T22:57:00.000-07:00

A very 'straight and honest' girl is going to Kuala Lumpur. Before she left, her mother gave her some advice.

"Daughter, when you're in KL and if you're looking for a match there, you must take note of the following requirements Mother set for you. You must find a man that is 'faithful', not 'spendthrift' and must be a 'virgin'."

With this advise from her mother, the girl went to Town. After some months later, she came home to her kampung to get her mother's blessings to marry.

"Mother, I've met my match following your instructions. My future husband is faithful because when we went out for a holiday one day, he took care of me specifically even though there were so many prettier girls around. Isn't that being faithful?".

Her mother nodded in agreement.

"Then, since the day was getting late in the night and rain was pouring, my boyfriend decided that we stay the night at a hotel. He also suggested that in order not to spend too much, we shared one room only. Isn't he not a spendthrift guy?"

For the second time her mother nodded her head in agreement, but with a little concern.

"And finally mum, I know he is a virgin".

"How did you know he is still a virgin?" The mother asked with repidition.

"Mmm... his 'that one' is new... still wrapped up in plastic, mum!"

Sardar Jee

2006-06-13T22:53:00.000-07:00

Sardar comes back 2 his car & finds a note saying "Parking Fine" He writes a note and sticks it 2 pole "Thanks 4 d complement".
How do you recognize a Sardar in School? He is the one who erases the notes from the book when the teacher erases the board.
Once a Sardar was walking and had a glove on one hand and not on other so the man asked him why did he do so? He replied that the weather forecast announced that on one hand it would be cold and on the other hand it would be hot.
Sardarji bought a brand new Maruti and decided to drive down from Amritsar , where he lived, to Jalandar to meet his friend. He reached there in a few hours. After spending a few days there, he decided to return, and called up his mother to expect him in the evening. But he didn't reach in the evening and not the next day either. When he finally reached home on the third day, his distraught mother ran and asked him "Arre Puttar, ki hoya?" The Sardarji got out, obviously very tired from a long journey, and said, "Oy, ye Marutti wale pagal hain, agge jaane waaste chaar gear banaate hain, aur pichche jaane waaste sirf ik?"
Teacher: Can you tell me something about Raja Ram Mohan Roy? Saradji: They were 4 best friends..!
Sardar to Shopkeeper: - Mujhe India Ka Flag Dikhao, Shopkeeper ne Flag Dikhaya, Sardar: - Isme aur Colour Dikhao.
How can a Sardar Kill a Lion? Sardarji thinks N thinks hard & comes to a conclusion: I'll drink poison n let lion eat me. O' bolo ta ra ra.
Sardar: Sitting on The Top of the Mountain and Studying... When a Person asked what he was doing... He replied... Oye!! Higher Studies Yaar...!!!
Sardar with a new mobile called everyone from his Phone Book & said "My Mobile No. has changed Earlier it was Nokia 3310 Now it is 6610"
Sardar falls in Love with Nurse. He writes a Love letter to her, " I LOVE U SISTER."
What is Common between: Krishna, Ram, Gandhi ji & Jesus...? Sardar ji Replied: All are born on Government Holidays.
Santa: That Cow is a Lovely Colour, Farmer: Yes, it's a Jersey Santa: Oh, I thought it was its Skin...!!!
Sardar Son: O God! Please make New York the capital of Punjab. Sardar: Why are you praying for that? Sardar Son: That is what I have written in my exam.

2% or 98%

2006-05-30T22:51:00.000-07:00

At the end of this message, you will be asked a question. Answer it immediately. Don't stop and think about it. Just say the first thing that pops into your mind. This is a fun "test" AND kind of spooky at the same time! Give it a try, then e-mail it around (including back to me) and you'll see how many people you know fall into the same percentage as you. Be sure to put in the subject line if you are among the 98% or the 2%. You'll understand what that means after you finish taking the test". Now... just follow the instructions as quickly as possible. Do not go to the next calculation before you have finished the previous one. You do not ever need to write or remember the answers, just do it using your mind. You'll be surprised.

Start: How much is:

15 + 6

3 + 56

89 + 2

12 + 53

75 + 26

25 + 52

63 + 32

I know! Calculations are hard work, but it's nearly over. Come on, one more!

123 + 5

QUICK! THINK ABOUT A COLOR AND A TOOL!

You just thought about a red hammer, didn't you?

If this is not your answer, you are among 2% of people who have a different, if not abnormal, mind. 98% of the folks would answer a red hammer while doing this exercise. If you do not believe this, pass it around and you'll see. Be sure to put in the subject line if you are among the 98% or the 2% and send to everyone, including the person that sent it to you.

Sons Comparison

2006-05-30T22:44:00.000-07:00

Four friends, who hadn't seen each other in 30 years, are reunited at a party. After several drinks, one ofthe men had to use the rest room. Those who remained talked about their kids.

The first guy said, "My son is my pride and joy. He started working at a successful company at the bottom of the barrel. He studied Economics And Business Administration and soon began to climb the corporate ladder and now he's the president of the company. He became so rich that he gave his best friend a top of the line Mercedes for his birthday,"

The second guy said, "Darn, that's terrific! My son is also my pride and joy. He started working for a big airline, then went to flight School to become a pilot. Eventually he became a partner in the company, where he owns the majority of its assets. He's so rich that he gave his best friend a brand new jet for his birthday."

The third man said: "Well, that's terrific! My son studied in the Best universities and became an engineer. Then he started his own construction company and is now a multimillionaire. He also gave away something very nice and expensive to his best friend for his birthday: A 30,000 square foot mansion,"

The three friends congratulated each other just as the fourth returned from the rest room and asked: "What are all the congratulations for?"One of the three said: "We were talking about the pride we feel for the successes of our sons. What about your son?"

The fourth man replied: "My son is gay and makes a living dancing as a stripper at a night club."

The three friends said: "What a shame... what a disappointment."

The fourth man replied: "No, I'm not ashamed. Why should I be? He's my son and I love him very much. Besides, he hasn't done too bad either. His birthday was two weeks ago, and he received a beautiful 30,000 square foot mansion, a brand new jet and a top of the line Mercedes from his three boyfriends.

HAMAS: Pesanan Buat Umat Islam di Malaysia

2006-05-25T23:28:00.000-07:00

Ini adalah pesanan Dr Khalil al-Haya mewakili HAMAS di Palestin untuk umat Islam di Malaysia. Beliau telah berada di Malaysia pada tarikh 11 Mei-17 Mei 2006 untuk siri kempen "Bersama Menyokong Rakyat Palestin dan kerajaan HAMAS". Pesanan ini telah diterjemahkan oleh Maszlee Malik di atas permintaan Dr Khalil.

Alhamdulillah, Allah telah memilih kami yang berada di Palestin untuk berjihad. Kami telah dipilih untuk menjadi barisan hadapan kepada umat Islam. Kami telah dipilih oleh Allah SWT untuk mengorbankan jiwa, nyawa, harta, anak-anak kami untuk menentang musuh Allah dan mempertahankan Masjid al-Aqsa. Kami juga telah dipilih oleh Allah SWT untuk mewakili umat Islam di seluruh dunia untuk menjadi benteng pertahanan kepada al-Aqsa, kiblat pertama umat Islam dan juga masjid ketiga suci mereka. Kami juga telah dipilih oleh Allah untuk menjadikan mati syahid sebagai impian utama kehidupan kami berbanding kehidupan dunia. Selama lebih daripada 60 tahun, kami hidup di medan pertempuran. Selama waktu itu jugalah kami dijajah, dizalimi, diseksa, dibunuh dan juga diperangi. Mengapa?, hanya kerana kami mengucapkan La Ilaha Ila Allah, dan kerana kami mempertahankan bumi serta masjid kami.

Pelbagai bentuk kesengsaraan telah rakyat Palestin lalui. Pengusiran dari rumah, kampung halaman, dan juga tanah watan. Dibunuh, diseksa, ditembak, dibom, dibantai, disembelih dan apa-apa lagi perbuatan tidak bertamadun yang boleh diungkapkan, telah kami lalui. Generasi berganti generasi, umat Islam di Palestin tetap sabar dan komited untuk terus kekal dan mempertahankan tanah air mereka. Ianya adalah jihad, ianya adalah kemuliaan, ianya adalah bukti yang ingin kami bawa sebagai mahar ke syurga nanti. Semoga Allah menerima pengorbanan kami ini.

Ketika di waktu awal penjajahan, kami, saudara anda dari gerakan Islam telah menjadi barisan utama perjuangan. Selepas beberapa waktu, gerakan Islam telah dibantai penjajah. Pembantaian itu walau bagaimanapun tidak cukup untuk melemahkan kami. Sehinggalah di zaman Jamal Abdul Naser, sepertimana saudara-saudara kita di Mesir dibantai, kami juga turut menerima kesannya. Semenjak tarikh tersebut,gerakan Islam terpaksa kembali ke bawah tanah. Kmai telah menumpukan usaha untuk pembinaan semula struktur perjuangan. Usaha pendidikan, dakwah, tarbiyyah dan kebajikan telah menjadi agenda utama kami. Kami laluinya dengan penuh kesabaran dan ketabahan. Sehinggalah di pertengahan 80'an. Apabila arus sekular telah mula jemu dengan perjuangan. Ketika arus sekular yang asalnya memandu perjuangan rakyat Palestin telah mula lesu. Kami mula memunculkan diri sebagai peneraju perjuangan rakyat Palestin. Perjuangan kami berbeza dengan perjuangan sebelum ini. Perjuangan kami adalah berteraskan Islam dan kami membawa mesej ummah. Perjuangan kami bukan hanya sekadar ingin memerdekakan sekeping tanah, tetapi untuk memandu kebangkitan umat Islam semula dan meninggikan syiar Islam di muka bumi ini.

HAMAS, semenjak hari pertama penubuhannya telah menjadikan jihad sebagai jalan utama untuk memerdekakan bumi Palestin. HAMAS juga telah menjadikan Islam sebagai landasan perjuangannya. HAMAS juga telah memberikan nyawa ahli-ahli mereka untuk tujuan tersebut. HAMAS juga telah berjanji dengan rakyat Palestin dan juga kepada umat Islam untuk terus komited dengan perjuangan mereka. HAMAS juga berjanji untuk memerdekakan masjid al-Aqsa walaupun terpaksa berjuang dengan kuku dan gigi sahaja. Itulah janji kami.

Selepas hampir 20 tahun berjuang, Allah memberikan hasilnya kepada perjuangan HAMAS. Kami diberi kepercayaan oleh rakyat untuk memerintah mereka. Kemenangan ini, walaupun indah, namun ianya merupakan ujian yang getir bagi kami. Kemenangan tersebut merupakan era baru perjuangan HAMAS. Kami terpaksa menambahkan satu lagi ruang di dalam perjuangan kami, iaitu ruangan politik pemerintahan. Semakin bertambahnya beban, semakin tingginya perngorbanan.

Buat umat Islam di Malaysia, andalah saudara kami yang paling hampir di Malaysia. Hati-hati kita telah diikat dengan fikrah dan aqidah yang sama. Kita telah dihimpunkan di dalam ikatan kerohanian yang jitu. Kita telah ditakdirkan untuk bersama di dalam perjuangan dengan manhaj yang sama. Kami adalah wakil anda di Palestin. Kemenangan kami adalah kemenangan anda. Pemerintahan kami adalah pemerintahan anda. Kerajaan HAMAS adalah kerajaan umat Islam dan hadiah buat perjuangan pecinta Islam di seluruh dunia. Tidakkah anda sedar perkara ini?, jika anda tidak sedarkan perkara ini siapakah lagi yang akan menyedarinya???

Umat Islam di Malaysia sekelian, menjadi pemerintah bukanlah sesuatu yang mudah. Apatah lagi memerintah di dalam fasa penjajahan dan peperangan. Apatah lagi jika pemerintahn itu hanyalah memerintah sebuah negara yang tidak berdaulat dan dinafikan kedaulatannya. Apatah lagi apabila memerintah sebuah negara yang menjadi sasaran keganasan penjajah Zionis yang didokongi oleh kuasa besar dunia yang zalim. Apatah lagi pemerintahan tersebut adalah mewarisi pemerintahan sebelumnya yang meninggalkan beban hutang sebanyak USD 3 billion di dalam akaun kerajaan. Inilah realiti kerajaan yang kami terajui. Inilah juga realiti kerajaan yang diterajui oleh HAMAS di Palestin. Inilah realiti kerajaan yang mewakili anda semua di seluruh dunia.

Sehingga kini, para pegawai kerajaan, termasuk para menteri, tidak menerima gaji semenjak 3 bulan yang lalu. Tahap pengangguran telah mencaai 31% di Gaza dan Tebing Barat. Bekalan makanan dan petrol semakin berkurangan. Ubat-ubatan di hospital semakin kehabisan. Baru-baru ini, tiga orang bayi telah meninggal di hospital di Gaza kerana ketiadaan ubat-ubatan yang mencukupi. Pelajar-pelajar tidak akan dapat menduduki peperiksaan kerana kehabisan kertas di sekolah-sekolah di Gaza dan Tebing Barat. Hatta, persidangan parlimen (Majlis Legaslatif) kami di Gaza hampir-hampir dibatalkan kerana kekurangan kertas.

Mengapa ini semua?, ianya adalah kerana keberkesanan tekanan yang dikenakan ke atas rakyat Palestin oleh rejim Zionis, AS dan juga EU. Tekanan yang dikenakan hanya semata-mata rakyat Palestin telah memilih calon yang mereka inginkan di dalam pilihanraya yang lalu. Tekanan yang dikenakan kerana kami enggan menurut ugutan mereka supaya mengiktiraf penjajahan Zionis. Tekanan juga dikenakan kerana kami ingin mempertahankan diri kami daripada dibunuh oleh pihak penjajah. Sampai bilakah tekanan ini akan berakhir? Wang hasil kutipan cukai kami yang berjumlah USD 55 juta sebulan tidak pernah dipulangkan kepada rakyat Palestin.Rejim Zionis telah mengambilnya dari kami dan tidak pernah dipaksa untuk memulangkannya kepada kami. Mengapa tiada kuasa yang memaksa rejim Zionis untuk memulangkannya. Mereka juga telah menutup laluan udara, darat dan laut kepada tanah Palestin. Ekonomi kami berada di tangan rejim Zionis kerana perjanjian gila dan bodoh yang telah dipersetujui oleh kerajaan sebelum ini. Walau bagaimanapun, kami tidak mengharapkan itu semua.

Kami yakin, saudara-saudara seislam kami masih dapat membantu kami. Kami yakin saudara seaqidah kami akan dapat menampung keperluan rakyat Palestin dan mencukupinya. Kami yakin juga, saudara seaqidah kami di seluruh dunia akan dapat membuatkan kami terus hidup dan tidak bergantung kepada bantuan-bantuan daripada negara-negara bukan Islam, apatah lagi dari rejim Zionis. Persoalannya, di manakah saudara-saudara kami? Di manakah mereka di kala kami memerlukan mereka?

Wahai umat Islam di Malaysia. Kami mengharapkan agar anda mengepalai kempen untuk menyelamatkan kerajaan HAMAS di bumi Malaysia ini. Kami hanya mempunyai dua pilihan. Pertamanya, tunduk kepada tekanan AS dan EU lantas mengiktiraf Israel demi menghilangkan kesengsaraan rakyat. Pilihan yang kedua adalah teruskan berjuang dan tidak sekali-kali tunduk kepada tekanan. Kami telah memilih pilihan yang kedua. Kami akan terus berjuang ke titisan darah terakhir kami. Kami tidak akan sekali-kali mengiktiraf penjajah. Kami tidak akan sekali-kali tunduk kepada tekanan. Malangnya rakyat hanya boleh bertahan selama enam bulan. Tiap-tiap hari, rakyat mengadakan perarakan menyokong kerajaan dan menggesa agar kerajaan HAMAS tidak tunduk kepada tekanan. Kami yakin, rakyat akan terus menyokong, tetapi sampai bila?, perut mereka akan kosong. Kami tidak akan membiarkan rakyat kami kelaparan dan sakit tanpa rawatan. Kami perlukan bantuan anda untuk melakukannya. Mahukah anda melihat kerajaan HAMAS di Palestin membiarkan rakyatnya kelaparan?

Umat Islam di Malaysia sekelian,

Kami akan terus berjuang. Kami akan terus tetap dalam perjuangan sehinggalah setiap daripada kami akan gugur syahid. Kami akan terus memastikan prinsip Islam akan terus dijulang. Namun kami memerlukan sokongan dan bantuan anda. Jikalau kami gugur syahid, dan anda sekelian terus diam membisu dan hanya menyaksikan sahaja, nantikan hari pembalasan. Kami akan tuntut dari Allah di atas kelembapan anda semua. Kami tidak akan redha terhadap kelesuan dan kebisuan anda semua. KaÉi tidak akan memaafkannya.

Umat Islam di Malaysia,

Kami mengharapkan agar anda bersikap pro-aktif. Kami mengharapkan agar anda menyumbang USD 1 (RM 3.60) setahun sahaja untuk menanggung kesengsaraan rakyat Palestin.

Kami juga mengharapkan agar anda melobi kerajaan anda yang menjadi pengerusi OIC untuk melakukan sesuatu.

Kami juga berharap dari anda untuk melakukan kempen kesedaran, dan libatkan masyarakat Malaysia, termasuk pertubuhan-pertubuhan bukan Islam untuk turut membantu rakyat Palestin.

Kami juga inign melihat anda menjadi juara di peringkat antarabangsa di dalam kempen kesedaran ini.

Banjiri media anda dengan isu Palestin dan al-Aqsa. Halakan mereka untuk menyokong perjuangan rakyat Palestin.

Kepalailah usaha serantau untuk tujuan tersebut, andalah harapan kami.

Dan akhir sekali, kami mengharapkan agar anda tidak melupakan kami di dalam doa-doa anda sekelian. Berdoalah agar kami thabat di dalam perjuangan. Berdoalah agar kami tetap di dalam perjuangan kami. Berdoalah agar kami dikurniakan mati syahid. Berdoalah juga, agar kita dapat bersama-sama bersolat di dalam Masjid al-Aqsa satu hari nanti, di mana pada waktu itu, bendera Islam akan berkibar dan syariat Allah akan berdaulat sekali lagi di atas muka bumi ini...

Allah Akbar!!!

Saudaramu, Khalil Ismail al-Haya

Ketua Whip HAMAS di Majlis Legaslatif Palestin,

Kuala Lumpur, 14 Mei 2006.

Brain Teasers

2006-05-25T23:07:00.000-07:00

Brain teasers that will make you groan:

A murderer is condemned to death. He has to choose between three rooms. The first is full of raging fires, the second is full of assassins with loaded guns, and the third is full of lions that haven't eaten in 3 years. Which room is safest for him?
A woman shoots her husband. Then she holds him under water for over 5 minutes. Finally, she hangs him. But 5 minutes later they both go out together and enjoy a wonderful dinner together. How can this be?
There are two plastic jugs filled with water. How could you put all of this water into a barrel, without using the jugs or any dividers, and still tell which water came from which jug?
What is black when you buy it, red when you use it, and gray when you throw it away?
Can you name three consecutive days without using the words Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday, or Sunday?
This is an unusual paragraph. I'm curious how quickly you can find out what is so unusual about it. It looks so plain you would think nothing was wrong with it. In fact, nothing is wrong with it! It is unusual though. Study it, and think about it, but you still may not find anything odd. But if you work at it a bit, you might find out.

Answers:

The third. Lions that haven't eaten in three years are dead.
The woman was a photographer. She shot a picture of her husband, developed it, and hung it up to dry.
Freeze them first. Take them out of the jugs and put the ice in the barrel. You will be able to tell which water came from which jug.
The answer is Charcoal.
Sure you can: Yesterday, Today, and Tomorrow!
The letter "e", which is the most common letter in the English language, does not appear once in the long paragraph...

Helen's ESL Jokes

2006-05-25T20:23:00.000-07:00

A man wanted to drive to Littlemorehampton. He lost his way. He stopped and asked someone, "Which is the road to Littlemorehampton?" "Turn right until you arrive at the farm of Mr Humbert." "But which farm is Mr Humbert's?" "The one on the corner of the road that goes to Littlemorehampton."
A man and a woman wanted to buy a flat. The agent took them to a cheap flat to look. They did not like it very much. The woman said, "It is important to know - is it insulated?" "Yes" said a voice from the flat above them, "But the insulation doesn't work."
The teacher said, "Short waves cannot pass around objects. Long waves can." The class did not understand. The teacher put his hat in front of his face. "Can you see my face?" "No." "Can you hear my voice?" "Yes." "What does that prove?" "You are talking through your hat." (To talk through your hat = to talk nonsense)
A young singer went to a small town to sing in a concert. His agent was encouraging him. "The audience seems ordinary. In fact they are now rich. They grow tomatoes." "I will not sing," said the singer. "I will return to London. Tomatoes are expensive there. No one will throw tomatoes at me if I do not sing well in London."
A small child met his new teacher for the first time. "Are you good?" asked the teacher. "I am the sort of boy my mummy tells me not to play with."
Two men were talking in a bar. One said, "My problem is I do not like my mother-in-law but she lives with us. Yesterday, I tried to solve my problem. I went to the public house and I drank too much. I forgot my problems. But when I returned home - there were two mothers-in-law waiting."
A man went to a shoe-shop to buy shoes. He put many pairs on his feet. Finally, he was satisfied. "At last," he said, "I have found a pair of shoes that fit me." "I am not surprised," replied the weary salesman, "They are your own shoes."
A woman was very angry with her husband. "I understand you have been telling people that I nag you." "No. People tell me." "What do you mean?" "They tell me that you are a nag. I reply, 'Why should you need to tell me?'"
A husband complained to his friend: "I can never keep a secret from my wife. She always knows when I lie. I do not know why a scientist invented a machine to detect lies. My wife is better than any machine."
A foreign tourist watched a bullfight in Spain. Afterwards, he said to a local, "How amazing that bulls react like that when they see a red cape." "O no sir," came the reply. "Bulls don't move a muscle. It's cows that react to a red cape, sir." "Then why did the bulls react so violently today?" insisted the foreigner. "They were annoyed at the man who thought they were cows."
People from Scotland are notorious for meanness. One of them went to a ski resort. He said to the ski instructor, "I want to learn to ski. I want to ski using one leg only." "Yes sir. Why only one leg?" "Because I will only need one ski. It will be cheaper for me than to hire two."
Tarzan is a character from books and films who lives in the jungle with the animals and his wife Jane. One day Jane asked him why, when he moved through the trees, swinging from branch to branch, he shouted so loudly. He replied that a pharmaceutical company paid him to do so. The company makes pills for people who have sore throats and cannot speak loudly. Tarzan sucks the pills and the company films him and his loud shouts. They use the film for publicity to prove that their pills are effective.
At the optician's, a customer asked, "Are my new glasses ready?" "Yes sir," replied the optician who was a pretty girl. "Try them." He did and was satisfied. He said, "I can see you very well. Good-bye young man."
Scientists wanted to study a meeting between a man and a female gorilla. They found a stupid man and asked him if he would meet a female gorilla for $5,000. He said yes, but made three conditions. One, someone with a gun must stay in the cage with them to protect him. Two, the gorilla must wear lipstick to make her pretty. Three, he did not want to pay all the money at once, but in three payments.
Two friends meet in a bar. One says to the other, "I understand your wife has abandoned you. You must be very sorry. I suggest you go home and drink a lot of beer to forget your troubles." "I cannot." "Why not? Do not you have any beer?" "Yes I have beer. But I have no troubles to forget."
A lecherous king once wanted to seduce a lady of his court. He tried many methods but she resisted them all. Finally, he asked directly, "Which is the quickest way to your bedroom?" At once, she replied with a smile, "First we must go to the church (to get wed), then we can go to the bedroom."
A man went into a shop and asked for a muzzle. The shopkeeper offered him one. He rejected it. The shopkeeper was annoyed. He said,"I'm sure it will give satisfaction. I sold one to a lady half an hour ago. She was very pleased with it." "Perhaps she was. I want a muzzle for my dog."
In the night an old woman who had never married, used her telephone. She said, "Come quickly. There is a man climbing up the wall. He wants to enter my bedroom through the window." "You have made a mistake. This is the fire brigade. You need the police." "I know what I'm doing. Come at once. I insist. His ladder's too short."
One rich women said to another, "It is shameful. Everyone is dishonest." "Why do you think that?" "Today my husband dismissed his cashier." "Why?" "He stole $100 from the till." "How did your husband discover it?" "Because there was $200 missing from the till. I confessed to my husband that I had only taken $100."
The people of Scotland have a reputation for meanness. A man went into a bar in Scotland and bought a ham sandwich. He took a bite but there was no ham. So he complained. The barman told him to bite again. He did - no ham. "That is the explanation" said the barman. "You have already eaten all the ham."
The school teacher had just told the story of the wolf and the lamb. "So you see, children, the wolf ate the naughty lamb because it disobeyed." "Yes miss," pointed out a youngster. "And if the lamb had been good, we would have eaten it ourselves."
Two lecturers were talking. "How do you know when it is time to finish?" "When the students look at their watches every ten minutes, I sum up. When one starts to change the batteries in his watch, I finish."
A man and a woman are in a doctor's waiting-room. "Excuse me," said the man timidly. "Are you here, like me, for the operation to change your sex?" "Yes." "If they fit you, will you exchange your skirt for my trousers?"
Father is reading Cinderella to his son to send him to sleep. "Daddy," interrupts the wide-awake youngster, "When the pumpkin changed into a golden carriage, what did Cinderella declare on her tax return - extra income or capital growth?"
A man believed alcohol was very dangerous. He invited people to listen to his reasons. At the end he said, "Now you understand how dangerous alcohol is - let us all throw our alcohol into the sea." Silence. One man applauded loudly. "You agree with me?" asked the speaker. "Of course. I am a beach-comber. I collect everything that comes from the sea."
A teacher was giving a lesson on good manners. "Suppose, by mistake, you step on a lady's foot. What do you do?" "I say 'Pardon me'." "Very good. Now suppose the lady, to reward you, gives you a coin. What do you do?" "Step on the other foot to get a second one."
A woman visited a family. At the end of her visit, she gave a small coin to the little boy whose family she had been visiting. He put it in his pocket without thanking her. His mother, thinking perhaps he was shy, asked, "What do you reply?" "I don't know." "Yes you do. What do I say when your father gives me money?" "You say 'Is that all?'"
A doctor visited a patient who was a married woman. After the examination, he said to her husband outside the room,"I do not like your wife's appearance." "I do not like it either," replied the husband. "But she has a lot of money."
A man returned home early to find his son frightened. "Daddy, there's a monster in your bedroom. He's hidden in mummy's wardrobe." Puzzled, the man went upstairs. His wife was in bed. When the husband opened the wardrobe door he found his oldest friend inside. "You've been my friend for twenty years," complained the husband angrily. "But now you frighten my little boy."
A policeman visited a fortune-teller. "One of your clients has lodged a complaint against you. I must arrest you for fraud." "Which client?" she demanded. "But madam, surely you must know."
In class, the teacher said, "I shall write a sentence on the blackboard. Find the error." She wrote, "I did not have very happy holidays." "What is the mistake Henry?" Henry thought. "Perhaps you needed a boyfriend."
A big man was accused of beating his wife. He was taken to court. The judge said to him, "How could a big man like you beat such a small woman?" "She made me." "How?" "She repeated 'Beat me? If you do, I will find a judge stupid enough to send you to prison'." The judge thought. Then he said, "You are innocent."
(In England, when you talk to a judge in court, you call him "my lord".) A man was arrested for being drunk. He was taken to court and appeared before a judge. Still drunk, he protested that he was innocent. "I was as drunk as you are. As drunk as a Judge." The judge was annoyed. He corrected the man "The expression is 'As sober as a Judge'. We say 'As drunk as a Lord'". "Yes my Lord. Sorry my Lord. Well that is how drunk I was."
Two psychiatrists were talking. One said, "One of my patients thinks that he is a taxi." "Can you cure him?" "No. Why should I?" "Every weekday after work he carries me home."
In court, the accused man was clearly guilty. His lawyer did not know what to say to the judge. Finally, he said, "It is Christmas. A time for pity and goodwill." "I agree," said the judge. "I will make a decision next week."
A mother always gave her child a spoonful of cod liver oil for her health. The child hated the taste. So she insisted that her grandmother, not her mother, measure the spoonful. "Why?" asked her mother. "Because she trembles," replied the child.
Two old ladies were talking. "How is your grandson getting on? " asked one. "Fine, fine. You know he works in a theatre? Only a week ago, he was the back legs of a horse. Now he's been promoted to the front legs."
A stockbroker went to hospital and had an operation. When it was over, he was part asleep, part awake. The nurse measured his temperature. The patient heard her say, "98.4 doctor." "Good," said the stockbroker patient, half-asleep. "At 100, you must sell."
A man went into a travel agent. He asked for a brochure on Greece. The brochure had pictures of all the famous Greek sites. "I see only ruins," he said, "Not temples and palaces. So do you give discounts?"
Two mothers were talking. One admitted, "I am too strict with my little boy." "Why should you think so?" "Yesterday I took him to a big shop. I lost him. A store detective found him. But when he asked the boy his name, the child replied, "I'm 'John Don't-touch-that'."
A cannibal spent four years studying at Oxford university. At the end of it, he was asked, "When you return to the jungle, will you still continue to eat human flesh?" "Of course I will," he replied, "But I'll always use a knife and fork."
A ten-year-old daughter of rich parents was very spoilt and vain. Every person she met, she would tell, "I am the daughter of General X." Her mother tried to correct her. "You must not boast to everyone who your father is." "Sorry Mummy." The next day, mother and daughter were walking when they met an old friend of the family whom they had not seen for some time. "Aren't you General X's daughter?" she asked the child. "I always thought I was", replied the malicious little girl, "But mummy tells me I must be more modest and not say who my father really is."
There was a science teacher in a laboratory with his class. He said, "First, I take a fly. Now I put it under a microscope. Then I say 'Go away fly'. Now you see - it obeyed me. It has flown off. Second, I take the same fly. I remove its wings. Then I say 'Go away fly'. But you see - it stays. Conclusion - it is not listening."
In a psychiatric hospital, a doctor was examining a patient. "Why are you laughing so heartily?" "I was telling myself funny stories and I'd just told one I'd never heard before."
A television producer was invited by an impresario to audition a dog. The dog talked, sang and told stories. The producer was very pleased and gave the dog a contract to sign. But a larger dog entered the studio. It seized the performing dog and dragged it away. "What happened?" asked the producer. "That was its mother," said the impresario with regret. "She wants her son to become a doctor instead."
Two rabbits were in a wood. They talked about another rabbit, a friend of theirs called Johnny. "How is he nowadays?" "He was very successful. He ended his life in Paris. Now people think he is a mink."
A couple were watching television. The programme showed horses show-jumping. One horse jumped very badly. "Turn off the television for a while," said the wife. "Allow that tired horse to recover."
An American teacher told his class how Christopher Columbus had discovered America. "He was very brave. He took a risk. Without him, there would be no United States today." All the children looked impressed except one. "Don't you think Columbus was a hero?" "No Miss." "Why not?" "I am an Indian."
A man who worked at the docks went to the doctor. The doctor knew that the man drank a lot of alcohol and that can result in damage to the liver. So he warned, "If you continue like this, you could have a serious problem. In future, I recommend you restrict yourself to water." Some months later, the doctor met his patient on the quay and said, "I hope you took my advice." "Yes doctor," replied the man. "I changed my job. Now I am a diver and I spend all my life in the water."
A young catfish lived, like all catfish, on the bottom of the pond. But one day, for a change, it swam to the surface. It happened that a cat was looking into the water. So the tiny catfish, very impressed, swam down again quickly. It called to its mother, "Quick, quick. I have seen God."
In a violent city, a wife whose husband had been unfaithful, visited her lawyer. "I want to divorce him," she said. "That is easy, madam," replied the lawyer. "Give me 500 dollars to begin work." "Five hundred dollars?" She was amazed. "I have changed my mind. I can arrange his execution for less money."
Two men liked to read books about detectives, murder and mystery. When they were travelling together, one asked the other, "What is the subject of your book?" "The French Revolution in 1789." "Has anyone been killed yet?" "Yes. The King. Louis the Fourteenth." "Have you discovered who was the criminal responsible yet?"
Mary went to a restaurant and asked for a job as a waitress. "Do you have any references?" asked the owner. "I worked for five years in a famous restaurant." "Can you prove it?" "Easily. I can show you one of the many spoons that I stole from them."
One night at sea, there was a thick fog. The captain of a boat noticed lights approaching. He assumed it was another ship. To avoid a collision, he called through his megaphone, "You must change course ten degrees south." The answer came back, "No. You must change course ten degrees north." Annoyed, he shouted, "I'm a captain. I order you to change course ten degrees south. The answer was, "I'm a lighthouse-keeper. I order you to change course ten degrees north." (A lighthouse is a tower built on rocks near a dangerous part of the sea. It has a light to warn approaching ships. A keeper lives in the lighthouse to ensure the light is always burning.)
A husband called a plumber to mend a leak. His wife watched the plumber at work. Then she said discreetly to her husband on his return home, "I do not think that plumber is very competent." "Why not?" "As soon as he entered the kitchen, he put on a lifebelt."
A Mr and Mrs Jones went on holiday to the seaside. On their first evening, they went to a restaurant and Mr Jones ordered steak. "What are you thinking of? " asked his wife. "Here we are by the sea. We should eat fish." "You're quite right, dear," he replied. "Waiter, change that to a trout." (Trout is a river fish, not a sea fish.)
At a primary school for the smallest children. It was the time between lessons and the children were in the playground. One little boy said, "I am worried about arithmetic. Suppose our teacher tells me that I have four apples and I must share them between us five? What do I say? It's impossible." "No," said a little girl, "It's easy. You stew the apples first."
A receptionist went into her doctor's consulting room. She told the doctor, "There is one more patient for you to see. He says he has visited all the other doctors in town." "What is his complaint?" "All the other doctors in town." To complain = to say that you are not satisfied Complaint = dissatisfaction but also complaint = illness
A young man told his father that his military service, which he had just completed, had been very difficult. His father disagreed. "I obtained an easy job for you in the Air Force. You lived at home and drove to work daily." "I am complaining about the traffic jams."
Two sheep were talking. "You look really tired," one said. "I know," replied the other. "I had to count 500 shepherds last night before I could get to sleep." Note - it is traditional when you cannot sleep to imagine you are counting sheep. It is so dull and repetitive, it sends you to sleep.
A young man in love wanted to tell his girl-friend how much he loved her. "I would risk crossing fire or water for you," he declared passionately. She was not impressed. She replied, "I know. But you are a fireman."
Three men, grandfather, father and son, lived together. At the other end of the village lived a woman called Blodwen who sold her charms for money. One afternoon, the son said, "I am going to visit Blodwen." After two hours, he returned, very satisfied, and said, "That Blodwen. What passion! What passion!" Next morning, the father said, "I am going to visit Blodwen." After four hours, he returned, very satisfied, and said, "That Blodwen. What passion! What passion!" Next day, the grandfather said, "I am going to visit Blodwen." Two days later, he returned, very satisfied, and said, "That Blodwen. What patience! What patience!"
An old man's wife died. At the same time, his cow died. He was sad that his wife was dead but extremely sorry to lose the cow. The local vicar criticised him. "You seem sorrier about the cow than about your wife. But a wife is more valuable than a mere cow." "Not true," replied the old man. "I have proof. At least ten women have offered to replace my wife. But no one has offered to replace my cow."
A scientist has produced a new bird. One parent was a parrot and the other was a homing pigeon. The scientist explained his idea. "If, coming home, the pigeon loses itself, it will be able to talk like a parrot. It can ask someone to tell it the way home."
A man decided to divorce his wife. He explained to the judge in the court, "My wife would not cook proper meals for me. At first, she would open a tin of food and heat it in the oven. Then, she would simply put the unopened tin in the fridge. Finally, she would not even do that. She left a note telling me where to find a recipe."
A man and his wife went to their cottage in the country for the weekend. The wife phoned the neighbour who was a very pretty girl. "Please will you put on a bikini and have a sunbathe in your garden?" "Yes. But why do you want me to do that?" "I want my husband to cut the hedge. If I ask him to, he will refuse. If he sees you there, he will cut the hedge without asking, as an excuse to admire your figure."
Mary, a newly-wed, phoned her mother. "Do you think you could persuade Daddy to lend me his car tomorrow morning?" "Has your husband's broken down then?" "No, but he promised to teach me to drive."
A reporter often interviewed famous people. But they were very busy people and often they had told their secretaries not to interrupt them. The reporter imagined a trick which would persuade the people to answer their phone. He phoned - the secretary replied, saying "What do you want?" He would answer in a low voice "It's a personal matter. Tell him 'THIS IS THE HUSBAND'." The important person usually had a guilty conscience about some woman and would answer the phone at once, personally, to prevent his secretary finding out more.
John became hoarse. He went to the doctor's, rang the bell and a nurse opened the door. "Is the doctor in?" John whispered. The nurse looked at his face which was hidden by a scarf and thought she understood the situation. She replied, "No sir. The doctor's out. You can come in. You are safe. His wife is quite alone."
A teacher set an arithmetic problem. "You have six pounds in your pocket. You lose four. What do you have in your pocket?" Quickly came the answer - "A hole."
A boy of five years old went to a big shop with his mother. By mistake they became separated. The boy did not panic or cry. He went to the nearest shop employee and said, "Please sir. My mother is lost. Please find her. Tell her I shall wait at the toy counter. And she must not worry about me."
(In England, doctors are notorious for hand-writing that is difficult to understand.) A woman criticised her adult daughter. "You are engaged to be married to a doctor but you spend so much time every day with a chemist." "I must, Mummy. Only the chemist can read the love letters he writes me."
Two men were drinking in a pub. One said, "You look miserable. What is the problem?" "I've discovered that I talk in my sleep." "Well that's not serious." "It is when it happens in the office."
When a robber entered a woman's house at night, she surprisingly arrested him and called the police. The sergeant congratulated her. "But," he said, "You should not have hit him so hard or so many times." "Sorry officer," she replied." The fact is, my husband has not come home and I thought, at first, it was him."
A man who had drunk a lot of beer, went to the office where they register births, marriages and deaths. He entered and said, "Morning fellows, I want to register the birth of twins." "Of course," replied the official. "But why did you say fellows? I am the only person here." "Oh," the happy father hesitated. "Perhaps I'll return to the clinic and count the babies again."
The doctor used his stethoscope on the patient. Finally, he said, "I hesitate between appendicitis and brain damage. I'll come back tomorrow. Don't worry. If you're still alive, it's appendicitis."
A tax inspector went into the African jungle and found a tribe which had never paid taxes before. He explained that he wanted some of their money, but not for himself. "The money will go to the government," he said. "But they will spend it on you. They will make sure you are never hungry." "I understand," replied the native." It is the same thing as if I cut the tail off my dog to give it something to eat."
A butcher made his own meat paste and sold it in his shop. A customer asked what the contents were. "It is made of beef and quail," he answered. "But quail is an expensive, small bird and your paste is not dear. Is your paste really half and half?" "It certainly is. I put in one cow for each quail."
(In England, unlike elsewhere in Europe, the contents of sausages is always a mystery. Often it is better not to know what is inside.) A butcher in a small town always boasted that he never ate sausages. He did not eat other butchers' sausages because he did not know what was in them. He did not eat his own sausages because he knew - only too well - what was in them.
A little boy came to the garden gate but, seeing a big dog, he hesitated to enter. "Come in my dear," called out the owner. "He doesn't bite." "No?" replied the child, "but does he swallow?"
Joe bought a talking parrot. He told his friends it could recite Shakespeare. They did not believe him. In fact they bet him a pound it would not say a word. The parrot remained silent. An angry Joe had to pay a pound to each of his betting friends. When the friends had left, Joe complained to his bird, "First I paid a lot of money to buy you. Now I have had to pay when I lost my bet." "It does not matter," replied the parrot, proving again that it could speak. "Next time, you bet one hundred pounds, not just one, and I will recite a complete Shakespeare play."
A tramp begged money from a person who was passing. "Give me five pounds." "Five pounds is a lot of money. Why?" "To buy lunch. I haven't eaten yet." "I haven't eaten lunch either." "Good. Give me ten pounds and I will buy your lunch for you."
A little girl was grimacing. Her old aunt did not like to see that. She warned, "When I was your age, my mummy said if I continued to grimace, I would become ugly." The child considered a moment. then she said, "You should have listened to your mummy."
A private detective made his report to his client who was a jealous married woman. "I've followed your husband for two days now. He went into ten ladies boutiques and ten ladies hairdressers." "I knew it!" sighed the woman. "How many mistresses does he keep?" "None madam. I've made enquiries everywhere. He was looking for you."
(It is a tradition that, before someone is executed, he is offered a last request - like a cigarette or a drink.) The criminal started to climb the ladder to the scaffold to be executed. The executioner stopped him. He offered him the traditional last drink. The criminal refused. "When I drink whisky, I suffer bellyache for a week afterwards."
(Peanuts are considered small and worthless. They are food for monkeys.) Does a man who trains monkeys earn a lot of money? No. He only receives peanuts.
A man and a woman were both very shy. For years, they had spent time together, which they both enjoyed. One day, the woman decided to be brave. She suggested, "Don't you think, dear, it is time to marry?" "Yes," the man replied. "But who would marry us?"
(Figaro is the name of the hero of several operas.) A woman bought a cat and called him Figaro. Every night between ten and eleven o'clock the cat comes indoors to eat. When he is late, the woman goes out into the garden and calls "Figaro, Figaro." One day, she heard her young daughter talking to a school friend. Her daughter explained where she lived. "I know," replied the other child. "That's the house where the lady sings opera outside her front door in the middle of the night."
(It is a tradition after a marriage for the couple to have a holiday, called a honeymoon. Originally, it lasted a month [a moon] and they ate honey [to make them amorous].) An American couple went to Europe for their honeymoon. On their return, the bride visited her mother who asked, "How was the honeymoon?" "OK. John was the same as usual." "How was Europe?" "OK." "What impressed you most in Europe?" The bride thought. Then she said, "John".
A new tiger arrived in the circus. The other tigers greeted him with, "What a pity you weren't here in the days of our old trainer. He was kind, dedicated and...delicious."
Two women were talking about a third who had spent a long time in hospital. They discussed the horrible details of her illness and one said, "Her leg was amputated. They even removed the foot."
An old Russian proverb says: "No man keeps warm long by peeing in his shoe".
(This is a pun. To understand the joke you need to know: to multiply is a process in arithmetic. It also means to breed. to add is a process in arithmetic. Adder is another name for a viper.) After the flood had subsided, Noah said to the animals, "Go forth and multiply." "I can't," replied a snake. "I'm only an adder."
A driver was lost in the countryside. He did not like to admit it so only asked a local, "How far down that road is the village called Little Wallop?" The countryman did not seem very intelligent. He thought before he answered, "If I can remember and if what I learnt at school was correct, the village is about 6 thousand miles away. But if you turn and go the other way, it is three miles away."
A snobbish pair of townies were driving in the countryside when they lost their way. Seeing a local rustic, the husband asked, "Is this the road to Little Wallop, my man?" No answer. The wife said impatiently, "Forget him George - the man's a fool." "I may be a fool," said the local man slowly, "But I'm not lost."
A woman driver had an accident. The car went into a ditch. A man arrived with a horse and cart. "Don't worry," he consoled. "It doesn't take me more than an hour to pull pregnant women out of ditches." "But I'm not pregnant." "And you're not out of the ditch yet either."
Why are girls always so bad at geometry? Because boys are used to looking at curves.
A boy met a very innocent girl and went to bed with her. Afterwards, she asked, "My mummy always told me to be good. Was I?" (to be good = to behave well to be good at something = to perform something well)
Back in Victorian England, a colonel married a young girl. While they were in bed the morning after, she asked him,"Do ordinary soldiers do this with their women?" "Yes m'dear." "And sergeants with their wives? "Yes m'dear." "Well tell them to stop - it's too good for them."
"Waiter I want two pieces of toast please." "Of course, sir." "Just a minute. The first piece must be black one side and white the other. The second one must be half soggy, half brittle." "I'm not sure we can manage that." "You did yesterday morning."

Helen's ESL Jokes © Helen Baker 2003

ref:http://www.englishclub.com/esl-jokes/helens-esl-jokes-basic.htm

Diary Of A YOUNG WIFE

2006-05-25T20:15:00.000-07:00

Monday:

Now home from honeymoon and settled in our new home. It's fun to cook for Tim. Today I made an angel food cake and the recipe said, "beat 12 eggs separately." Well, I didn't have enough bowls to do that, so I had to borrow 12 bowls to beat the eggs in. The cake turned out fine though.

Tuesday:

We wanted a fruit salad for supper. The recipe said, "serve without dressing." So I didn't dress. But Tim happened to bring a friend home for supper that night. They both looked so startled when I served them, I think it was the salad.

Wednesday:

I decided to serve rice and found a recipe which said, "wash thoroughly before steaming the rice." So I heated some water and took a bath before steaming the rice. Sounded kinda silly in the middle of the day. I can't say it improved the rice anyhow.

Thursday:

Today Tim asked for salad again. I tried a new recipe. It said, "prepare ingredients, then toss on a bed of lettuce one hour before serving." I hunted all over the place for a garden and when I got one, I tossed my salad into the bed of lettuce and stood over there for over one hour so the dog would not take it. Tim came over and asked if I felt allright. I wonder why? He must be stressed at work, I'll try to be supportive.

Friday:

Today I found an easy recipe for cookies. It said, "put all ingredients in a bowl and beat it." Beat it I did, to my mum's place. There must have been something wrong with the recipe, because when I came back home again, it looked the same as when I left it.

Saturday:

Tim went shopping today and brought home a chicken. He asked me to dress it for Sunday. I'm sure I don't know how hens dress for Sunday. I never noticed back on the farm, but I found an old doll dress and its little cute shoes. I thought the hen looked really cute. When Tim saw it, he started counting to ten. Either he was really stressed because of his work, or he wanted the chicken to dance. When I asked him what was wrong he started crying and shouting out "why me? why me ?" Hmmm... It must be his job.

Award Winning Joke

2006-05-25T20:13:00.000-07:00

This particular joke won an award for the best joke in a competition organized in Britain and this joke was sent by an Indian:

One Chinese person walks into a bar in America late one night and he saw Steven Spielberg. As he was a great fan of his movies, he rushes over to him, and asks for his autograph. Instead, Spielberg gives him a slap and says, "You Chinese people bombed our Pearl Harbor, get out here."

The astonished Chinese man replied, "It was not the Chinese who bombed your Pearl Harbor, it was the Japanese".

"Chinese, Japanese, Taiwanese, you're all the same," replied Spielberg.

In return, the Chinese gives Spielberg a slap and says, "You sank the Titanic, my forefathers were on that ship."

Shocked, Spielberg replies, "It was the iceberg that sank the ship, not me."

The Chinese replies, "Iceberg, Spielberg, Carlsberg, you're all the same."

Going Bananas

2006-05-25T20:08:00.000-07:00

Dalam ceramah Datok Dr Fadillah Kamsah pada hari 16 April 2006 lepas juga menasihati agar kaum wanita memakan sebiji pisang sehari di awal pagi untuk mencegah kanser. Ubat yang paling mujarab ialah meminum air kosong sebaik sahaja bangun dari tidur.

P/S: Jangan gosok gigi dulu.

Kos perubatan yang dapat dijimatkan

Sebiji pisang (20sen) x 30hari = RM6.00 sebulan.
Kos makan pisang setahun RM6.00 x 12 bulan= RM 72.00
Kos makan pisang sepanjang hayat umur 60 tahun = RM 72.00 x 60 tahun = RM 4320.00 saja

Kos perubatan Kimoterapi yang dapat dijimatkan sekali rawatan x 8 Cycle = RM 40,000.00 kos paling murah. Ni saya tanya doctor² le. Satu cycle je RM 5000.00. Cancer menyerang semula jika kita tidak menjaga pemakanan dan kesihatan kita.

Going Bananas

Bananas... This is very interesting. After Reading THIS, you'll NEVER look at a banana in the same way again - Bananas. Containing three natural sugars - sucrose, fructose and glucose combined with fiber, a banana gives an instant, sustained and substantial boost of energy.

Research has proven that just two bananas provide enough energy for a strenuous 90-minute workout. No wonder the banana is the number one fruit with the world's leading athletes. But energy isn't the only way a banana can help us keep fit. It can also help overcome or prevent a substantial number of illnesses and conditions, making it a must to add to our daily diet.

Depression:

According to a recent survey undertaken by MIND amongst people suffering from depression, many felt much better after eating a banana. This is because bananas contain tryptophan, a type of protein that the body converts into serotonin, known to make you relax, improve your mood and generally make you feel happier.

PMS:

Forget the pills - eat a banana. The vitamin B6 it contains regulates blood glucose levels, which can affect your mood.

Anemia:
High in iron, bananas can stimulate the production of haemoglobin in the blood and so helps in cases of anemia.

Blood Pressure:
This unique tropical fruit is extremely high in potassium yet low in salt, making it the perfect to beat blood pressure. So much so, the US Food and Drug Administration has just allowed the banana industry to make official claims for the fruit's ability to reduce the risk of blood pressure and stroke.

Brain Power:
200 students at aTwickenham (Middlesex) school were helped through their exams this year by eating bananas at breakfast, break, and lunch in a bid to boost their brain power. Research has shown that the potassium-packed fruit can assist learning by making pupils more alert.

Constipation:
High in fiber, including bananas in the diet can help restore normal bowel action, helping to overcome the problem without resorting to laxatives.

Hangovers:
One of the quickest ways of curing a hangover is to make a banana milkshake, sweetened with honey. The banana calms the stomach and, with the help of the honey, builds up depleted blood sugar levels, while the milk soothes and
re-hydrates your system.

Heartburn:
Bananas have a natural antacid effect in the body, so if you suffer from heartburn, try eating a banana for soothing relief.

Morning Sickness:
Snacking on bananas between meals helps to keep blood sugar levels up and avoid morning sickness.

Mosquito bites:
Before reaching for the insect bite cream, try rubbing the affected area with the inside of a banana skin. Many people find it amazingly successful at reducing swelling and irritation.

Nerves:
Bananas are high in B vitamins that help calm the nervous system.

Overweight and at work:
Studies at the Institute of Psychology in Austria found pressure at work leads to gorging on comfort food like chocolate and crisps. Looking at 5,000 hospital patients, researchers found the most obese were more likely to be in high-pressure jobs. The report concluded that, to avoid panic-induced food cravings, we need to control our blood sugar levels by snacking on high carbohydrate foods every two hours to keep levels steady.

Ulcers:
The banana is used as the dietary food against intestinal disorders because of its soft texture and smoothness. It is the only raw fruit that can be eaten without distress in over-chronicler cases. It also neutralizes over-acidity and reduces irritation by coating the lining of the stomach.

Temperature control:
Many other cultures see bananas as a "cooling" fruit that can lower both the physical and emotional temperature of expectant mothers. In Thailand, for example, pregnant women eat bananas to ensure their baby is born with a cool temperature.

Seasonal Affective Disorder(SAD):
Bananas can help SAD sufferers because they contain the natural mood enhancer tryptophan.

Smoking:
Bananas can also help people trying to give up smoking. The B6, B12 they contain, as well as the potassium and magnesium found in them, help the body recover from the effects of nicotine withdrawal.

Stress:
Potassium is a vital mineral, which helps normalize the heartbeat, sends oxygen to the brain and regulates your body's water balance. When we are stressed, our metabolic rate rises, thereby reducing our potassium levels. These can be rebalanced with the help of a high-potassium banana snack.

Strokes:
According to research in "The New England Journal of Medicine, "eating bananas as part of a regular diet can cut the risk of death by strokes by as much as 40%!

Warts:
Those keen on natural alternatives swear that if you want to kill off a wart, take a piece of banana skin and place it on the wart, with the yellow side out. Carefully hold the skin in place with a plaster or surgical tape!

So, a banana really is a natural remedy for many ills. When you compare it to an apple, it has four times the protein, twice the carbohydrate, three times the phosphorus, five times the vitamin A and iron, and twice the other vitamins and minerals. It is also rich in potassium and is one of the best value foods around.

So maybe its time to change that well-known phrase so that we say, "A banana a day keeps the doctor away!"

P/S : Bananas must be the reason monkeys are so happy all the time!

Forgiveness: A Great Virtue in Islamic Perspective

2006-05-03T22:28:00.000-07:00

Dear Muslims:

Just as it is important to believe in the mercy and forgiveness of Allah, it is also necessary to base human relations on forgiveness. We cannot expect Allah's forgiveness unless we also forgive those who do wrong to us.

Forgiving each other, even forgiving one's enemies is one of the most important Islamic teachings.

The Qur'an says, "If you punish, then punish with the like of that where with you were afflicted. But if you endure patiently, indeed it is better for the patient. Endure you patiently. Your patience is not except through the help of Allah." (16:126-127).

Moreover, Allah (SWT) commands us to return the evil that is done to us by others not only with good, but with best.

Allah (SWT) says: "Those who patiently persevere, seeking the countenance of their Lord: establish regular prayers; spend out of (the gifts) We have bestowed for their sustenance, secretly and openly; and turn off evil with good: for such there is the final attainment of the (Eternal) Home." (13:22).

In another Surah He (SWT) says: "Repel evil with that which is best: We are Well-acquainted with the things they say."(23:96). Whether people speak evil of you, in your presence or behind your back, or they do evil to you in either of those ways, all is known to Allah Almighty. It is not for you to punish. Your best course is not to do evil in your turn, but to do what will best repel the evil. Two evils do not make a good.

You do not return good for evil, for there is no equality or comparison between the two. You repel or destroy evil with something which is far better, just is an antidote is better than poison. You foil hatred with love. You repel ignorance with knowledge, folly and wickedness with the friendly message of Revelation.

Allah (SWT) says: "The recompense for an injury is an injury equal there to (in degree): but if a person forgives and makes reconciliation, his reward is due from Allah: for (Allah) Loves not those who do wrong." (42:40).

This man who was in bondage of sin, 'you not only liberate from sin, but make him your greatest friend and helper in the cause of Allah Almighty!. The Holy Qur'an reads: "Nor can goodness and evil be equal. Repel (evil) with that is better: Then will he between whom and thee was hatred become as it were thy friend and intimate!." (41:34).

If you forgive and return the evil with good, then Allah (SWT) will love you and reward you. Allah (SWT) says: "Twice will they be given their reward, for that they have persevered, that they avert evil with good, and that they spend (in charity) out of what We have given them." (28:54).

Dear Muslims:

The Holy Qur'an makes it clear that a strong, adverse, emotional reaction such as anger does not befit the true believer, and instead cites as a mark of excellence the quality of forgiveness: "When they become angry, they areforgiving." (42:37).

If he becomes angry with his brother, the true Muslim restrains his anger and is quick to forgive him, and does not see any shame in doing so. Rather, he sees it as a good deed which will bring him closer to Allah and earn him His love which He bestows only on those who do good:"... [those] who restrain anger and pardon [all] men - for Allah loves those who do good." (Qur'an, 3:134)

The true Muslim whose soul has been saturated with this religion does not harbour grudges: if he restrains his anger, he then follows that with forgiveness, and thus he will be among those who do good. Anger is very difficult to restrain for it is a heavy burden on the heart. But when a person forgives another, this heavy burden is lifted, freeing him, soothing him and bringing peace of mind. These are the feelings of ihsaan (goodness) which the Muslim feels when he forgives his brother.

The true Muslim is forgiving towards his brother, purely for the sake of Allah. He hopes thereby to earn the honour which the Prophet (PBUH) referred to in the hadith: "... No one humbles himself for the sake of Allah, but Allah will raise his status." (Muslim).

Resentment has no place in the heart of the sensitive Muslim who truly understands his religion. He realizes the value of forgiveness and purity of heart, and their importance if he seeks Allah's forgiveness, as the Prophet (PBUH) explained: "There are three sins, whoever dies free of these sins will be forgiven for anything else if Allah wills: associating anything with Allah; practising magic or witch craft; and bearing resentment towards his brother." (al-Bukhari).

Dear Muslims:

The Prophet - peace be upon him - was the most forgiving person. He was ever ready to forgive his enemies. When he went to Ta'if to preach the message of Allah, its people mistreated him. They abused him and hit him with stones. He left the city humiliated and wounded. When he took shelter under a tree, the angel of Allah visited him and told him that Allah sent him to destroy the people of Ta'if because of their sin of mistreating their Prophet. The Prophet - peace be upon him- prayed to Allah to save the people of Taif, because what they did was out of their ignorance. He said, "O Allah, guide these people, because they did not know what they were doing." When he entered the city of Makkah after the victory, the Prophet - peace be upon him - had in front of him some of his enemies. Those who fought him for many years, persecuted his followers and killed many of them. Now he had full power to do whatever he wanted to punish them for their crimes. It is reported that the Prophet - peace be upon him - asked them, "What do you think I shall do to you now?" They pleaded for mercy. The Prophet - peace be upon him - said, "Today I shall say to you what Joseph (referring to Prophet Yusuf - peace be upon him - as mentioned in the Qur'an, Yusuf 12:92) said to his brothers, "No blame on you today. Go, you are all free." Soon they all came and accepted Islam at his hands. He forgave even Hind who had caused the murder of his uncle Hamza - (RAA). After killing him she had his body mutilated and chewed his liver. When she accepted Islam, the Prophet even forgave her.

A very striking example of forgiveness we find in the Qur'an in reference to the most unfortunate event of "Slander ofSayyidah A'isha"'. Some hypocrites of Madinah accused her. They tried to put dirt on her noble character: One of the slanderers turned out to be Mistah, the cousin of 'Aisha's father Abu Bakr. Abu Bakr (RAA) used to give financial help tothis young man. After he slandered his daughter, Abu Bakr vowed not to help him any more. But Allah reminded Abu Bakr and through him all the Believers, "Let not those among you who are endued with grace and amplitude of means resolve by oath against helping their kinsmen, those in want and those who migrated in the path of Allah. Let them forgive and overlook. Do you not wish that Allah should forgive you? Indeed Allah is oft-Forgiving, most Merciful." (24:22). Abu Bakr(RAA) came out of his home and said, "Yes, indeed, I want Allah's forgiveness. He not only continued to help him but he gave him more. Islam emphasizes justice and punishment of the wrong doers, but it equally strongly emphasizes mercy, kindness and love. Justice, law and order are necessary for the maintenance of a social order, but there is also a need for forgiveness to heal the wounds and to restore good relations between the people. We must keep in mind that as much as we need Allah's forgiveness for our own sins and mistakes, we must also practice forgiveness towards those who do wrong to us.

Dear Brothers And Sisters In Islam:

The Muslim who truly understands the teachings of his religion is gentle, friendl and likeable. He mixes with people and gets along with them. This is something which should be a characteristic of the Muslim who understands that keeping in touch with people and earning their trust is one of the most important duties of the Muslim. It is an effective means of conveying the message of truth to them, and exposing them to its moral values, because people only listen to those whom they like, trust and accept. Hence there are many hadiths that commend the type of person who is friendly and liked by others. Such a person is one of those who are beloved by the Prophet (PBUH) and will be closest to him on the Day of Resurrection: "Shall I not tell you who among you is most beloved to me and will be closest to me on the Day of Resurrection?" He repeated it two or three times, and they said, "Yes, O Messenger of Allah (PBUH)". He said: "Those of you who are the best in attitude and character." [Ahmad].

One of the attributes of the believer is that he gets along with others and others feel comfortable with him. He likes people and they like him. If he is not like this, then he will not be able to convey the message or achieve anything of significance. Whoever is like that has no goodness in him, as in the hadith: "The believer gets along with people and they feel comfortable with him. There is no goodness in the one who does not get along with people and with whom they do not feel comfortable. " [Ahmad and al-Bazar].

The Prophet (PBUH) set, the highest example of good behaviour towards people. He was skilful in softening their hearts and called them to follow him in word and deed. He demonstrated how to reach people's hearts and win their love and admiration. He was always cheerful and easy-going, never harsh. When he came to any gathering, he would sit wherever there was a free space, and he told others to do likewise. He treated everyone equally, so that no one who was present in a gathering would feel that anyone else was receiving preferential treatment. If anyone came to him and asked for something, he would give it to him, or at least respond with kind words. His good attitude extended to everyone. The companions were truly equal, distinguished only by their level of taqwa. They were humble, respecting their elders, showing compassion to young ones, giving priority to those in need and taking care of strangers.

May Allah (SWT) make us from those who are the best in attitude and character, help us to do whatever pleases Him, bless, guide and forgive us all. (Ameen).

Zam Zam Water

2006-05-03T22:16:00.000-07:00

By: Dr. Qazi Shaikh Abbas

Published in "The Weekly Mag", April 16, 2005, Pakistan, also published in The Yemen Times

It was the earnest need of the child that mother of Ismail Nabi ran in search of water in the vicinity of Makkah. Under divine instruction, Jibreel (A.S.), struck the site of the land with his heels, and perpetual source of healing Zamzam was discovered. Zamzam was considered sacred earlier to Islam amongst Jews as well as Christians too. Afterwards, due to the religious bigotry they ignored it. It has simultaneously three abilities, to quench the thirst and removes the feeling of hunger. The next ability of Zamzam, as per traditions, is its numerous and enormous medicinal benefits.

Rasulullah (S.A.W.) used to carry Zamzam in water-bags to Madinah. He used to sprinkle it over the sick and offered them to drink it with the intention of cure, (Al Silsilat al Saheeyah, 883, Qaherah).
According to the Hadith literature "Zamzam, is a Barakat, a food that satisfies and a cure for the sick". (1-Abizar, Muslim, 4/1922; 2-. Al Tayaalisi (61)).
Zamzam is considered to help students in the correct pronunciation of Arabi in non-Arab region.
It was Abizar who expressed his personal experience to his Lord, Rasulullah(S.A.W.), while he questioned about his foodstuff. He informed: I had spent forty long days with Zamzam. I do not feel any kind of weakness or hunger nor do I become slim." Rasulullah (S.A.W.) declared: "Verily, it is blessed, it is food that nourishes." (Muslim, 2473).
According to the Tradition narrated by Jabir bin Abdullah al Ansari "With whatever (legal) intention one can drink it his wish fulfills". "It is a cure for a numerous diseases by the order of Allah. So you should have the intention of what you want to gain by drinking this water".
Abbas informed: "Before the dawn of Islam, Zamzam was known as Shabaah (satisfaction). When he drank from Zamzam, he recited this Doa: "O Allah! I ask you for beneficial knowledge, plentiful provision and healing from every disease."
It is applied to the eyes to brighten the sight.
A Yemeni Shaikh was fond of reading Quraan from a small Mashaf. As he became old he found that he couldn't read easily from that Mashaf because his sight is getting weak. He heard about the Zamzam and its advantages. He came to Haj and drank from Zamzam. His vision improved and he started reading from that small Mashaf easily and without any sight problem. He achieved what he wanted because he was confident of that and had deep faith in.

Yusria Abdel Rahman al Harazi, a Yemeni lady narrated that she was affected by a crimson ulcer, in eye. She had severe headache, which cannot be cured by medicine. She was about to become blind in the affected eye. She consulted famous eye specialist there, who advised her, an injection, which will stop the headache but will dysfunction the affected eye and consequently she will loose the sight. Yusria got frightened but confident of the mercy of Allah. She intended to perform Umrah and begs to Allah to cure her. She came to Makkah and performed Tawaaf and washed her eyes with Zamzam. When she came back to the hotel, she found that her affected eyes were cured and the crimson ulcer disappeared.

Dr. Faruq Antar, tells his own story. He says: that he had a stone in his ureter and the doctor could not remove or destroy it without operation. But he postponed the operation two times. Meanwhile he performed Umrah and offered Doa to cure him without undergoing operation. He drank Zamzam water and offered two Rakaat. Then he felt a benching in his ureter and hurried up to the toilet and by the grace of Allah he saw the miracle. The stone came out and he was cured without operation. The doctors who were treating Dr. Faruq were surprised for this sacred treatment. ("Scientific Miracles in Islam & Sunnat Nabawiyah" By: Mohammed Kamil Abdel Samad, Beirut).

Layla Al Helw, a Moroccan lady says: "9 years ago, I found out that I had a cancer. I was not a religious so decided to commit suicide, but it was destined that my illness became cause of my emancipation and source of inspiration a lot of people like me. I went to Belgium for advance treatment. Several doctors recommended my husband that removal of my breast is indispensable. I requested the doctors to suggest another medication course. As per suggestion, I followed the treatment and it did not cause any serious side effects, which made me pleased. I Thought; may be the doctors were wrong and I didn't have cancer. However, after about six months, I started losing weight quickly, my color started to change and I had a continuous pain. My Moroccan doctor advised me to go back to Belgium, so I followed advice. Belgian doctors told my husband that the disease has spread all over my body and they have no hope in my case. They said, "You better take your wife back to her home so that she dies peacefully at home!" We went to France for treatment. The answer was same as the Belgian doctors. Finally, we decided to enter the hospital to remove my breasts through surgery. However, my husband thought of something that we forgot. He suddenly asked me to perform Umrah. I bought a Quraan from Paris and we left for Umrah. I was very happy because it was the first time for me to visit the Kabah. When I entered the Haram and first saw the Kabah, I cried a lot because; I regretted on all my past years I spent, without Salaat. I repented: "O Lord! The doctors were unable to cure me. You have the cure for every disease; all the doors are locked in front of me. I have nothing left to seek except your door, so please, O my Lord! Don't close your door on me." I kept on Doa while I was offering Tawaaf. I asked Allah not to disappoint me or send me back with empty hands.

I went to the scholars there and requested them to guide me to the book of Doa that can be easy to read. They guided me to read as much as I can from the Quraan. They also advised to take a lot of "Tadhalloo" from Zamzam (Tadhalloo is to drink a lot of water until the water reaches your ribs). They also advised me to do Zikar of Allah a lot and recite Salawaat. In Kabah, I felt pleasant peace and relieved. I requested my husband to allow me to stay inside the Haram, which he granted. In Kabah, there were some Misri and Turkish sisters beside me, who saw me crying a lot. They asked me about the reason. I informed them that I have cancer and while found no place for cure I came here with full conviction. They also accompanied me and we spent time in Tawaaf, Ibadat and Tilawat. Upper part of my body was swollen and filled with pus. Those sisters recommended me to pour Zamzam on affected area for cure, but due to the fear of unbearable pain, I did not follow their advice. On the fifth day, my friends insisted that I should pour Zamzam on my upper part of the body for Shifa , at the beginning I refused, but I felt something forcing me to do it. I slowly started trying to go through the parts, later I forced my hands on my upper part and went through my breasts. Something unbelievable happened. There was no swelling, no blood and no pus. I couldn't believe what I felt. I went through my upper part again, and it was true. I shivered.

I cherished that Allah has full command to do anything what so ever. I asked one of my friends to touch my body with her hand and look for the swelling, she did. And they all spontaneously shouted, Allahu Akbar, Allahu Akbar. I ran towards my husband in the hotel. I told him of what happened and he couldn't believe it. Tears rolled down from the eyes of both of us. He said, do you know that the doctors told me! That you shall die within a period of three weeks only? I said, all the fortune is within the Hands and Will of Allah. No one knows what the future is holding for us except for Him. We stayed in the Kabah for one week. I paid thanks to Him for His uncountable Graces. Then we rushed to Masjid al Nabawi and performed Ziyarat. Afterwards we flew to France and meet our doctors. They were surprised and became nearly crazy. "Are you the same person?" They asked me. I was very proud to say, with out any doubt yes and this is my husband. We have returned from the house of Allah. They admitted that mine is a very strange and unbelievable case. They examined me again, and found nothing. I read Sirat al Nabi and cried a lot. I cried regretting all what I have missed in my past life. I missed the love of Allah and His Rasul( S.A.W.A.). I cried for the time I have wasted away. I ask Allah to forgive me, my husband and all Muslims. (Translated from the Arabi: "Those Who Repented To Allah" by: Ibrahim Abdullah Al Hazemy, Morocco).

Telephone Conversation

2006-05-03T22:04:00.000-07:00

ANNIE BUDDY? ANNIE WAN? NOE WAN? SUM BUDDY?

Lee Sum Wan : Hello can i speak to Annie Wan

Mr Sori : Yes u could speak to me.

Lee Sum Wan : No, i want to speak to Annie Wan!

Mr Sori : You are talking to someone! Who is this?

Lee Sum Wan : I'm Sum Wan. And i need to talk to Annie Wan! It's urgent.

Mr Sori : I know u are someone and u want to talk to anyone! But whats this urgent matter about?

Lee Sum Wan : Well just tell my sister Annie Wan that our brother was involved in an accident. Noe Wan got injured and now Noe wan is being sent to the hospital. Right now Avery Wan is going to the hospital.

Mr Sori : Look if no one was injured and no one was sent to the hospital from the accident that isn't an urgent matter! You may find this hilarious but I don't have time for this!!!

Lee Sum Wan : You are rude. Who are you?

Mr Sori : I'm Sori.

Lee Sum Wan : You should be sorry. Now give me your name!

Mr Sori : I'm Sori!!

Lee Sum Wan : I don't like your tone of voice Mr and I don't care, give me your name!

Mr Sori : Look lady, I told you already I'm Sori! I'm Sori!! I'm SORI!!! You didn't even give me your name!

Lee Sum Wan : I told u before I'm Sum Wan! Sum Wan!!! You better be careful my father is Sum Buddy. And my uncle holds a very big position in the company. He is Noe Buddy.

Mr Sori : Oh I'm so scared (sarcastically). Look! I don't care about your uncle. He's a nobody. Everybody thinks his top dog and holding an important position in the company.

Lee Sum Wan : No, Avery Buddy just married my aunt. And Avery Buddy doesn't work there.

Mr Sori : Like I said I don't care which one of your aunt screws everybody and I also know that not everybody works here! Jeez!!!

Lee Sum Wan : Wheech Wan is my sis!

Mr. Sori : I don't know which one is your sis! Why in gods name u think I do!? Look! I got work to do and if I'm feeling mischievious I'll broadcast it on the P.A. system saying, "Attention, someone called and said that anyone's brother just got involved in an accident. But not to worry no one got injured and none was sent to the hospital. But everyone is going to the hospital anyway. The father maybe a somebody but if you're their uncle, you're a nobody." How about that!?

Toot...Toot...Toot...

Islam: Synonym of Peace

2006-05-03T21:29:00.000-07:00

Islam is a religion, the edifice of which has been raised upon the foundation stone of peace. It is like a thick shady tree, stems from peace and provides peace to the weary and pooped bands of travellers. It is also a safe and peaceful highway leading towards the house of serenity and tranquillity (Dar-us-Salam).

The word Islam is of Arabic origin, stems from Salama means peace and therefore Islam is what, based upon peace or that produces and breeds peace. It means that the flesh and blood of Islam is peace, tranquillity and harmony. So a person embracing Islam is called “Muslim” or “Momin”(faithful) ie one who comes into the fold of Islam, enjoys peace and developing himself into the source and fountainhead of peace, provides the same to those around him regardless of their colour, race and creed. One who refutes this basic and central theme has nothing to do with Islam. Following tradition of the Holy Prophet (PBUH) throws light on the same concept:

“The faithful is he, in whom people repose their confidence about their property and life.” (Tirmzi V.2, P.90) Allah Almighty has also been named in the Holy Qur’an as “Salam” (The Giver of peace and the Keeper of faith. 59:24) .

The etymology of the word Islam reveals that Islam is the synonym of peace and denies every form of terror and oppression. It enjoins upon believers to sink their aspirations into the Divine Will and enter completely and wholeheartedly into the fold of Islam (peace). (2:208). Islam stresses the propagation of peace and the Muslims all over the world, conclude their prayers, five times a day, asking Allah Almighty for peace:

“O Allah! The Giver and Keeper of peace, keep us alive in peace and admit us into the house of peace (in the life hereafter).” (Muslim V.1, P:218)

Islamic history bears the testimony to the fact that Islam is the only religion across the globe that can claim to be the most peaceful religion, which abhors the spillage of blood of innocent people. From Asia to Africa to Europe wherever the Muslims established their authority, the first priority was to maintain order and peace. There is no denying the fact that it was the very characteristic of Islam that dwelt into the hearts of the non-believers and enveloped them into its benevolent fold.

The Holy Prophet (PBUH) himself set an unsurpassed example of mercy by declaring amnesty to those who depleted all of their human and financial resources and exhausted all of their energies to annihilate the Muslims from the face of earth. A non-Muslim historian Stanley Lane Poole pays homage to the Holy Prophet (PBUH) on his above mentioned act of mercy in the following words:

“The day of Muhammad’s (PBUH) greatest triumph over his enemies was also the day of his grandest victory over himself. He forgave the Qoraish all the years of sorrow and cruel scorn in which they had afflicted him and gave an amnesty to the whole population of Makkah.” He further states: “The army followed his example, and entered quietly and peacefully; no house was robbed, no women insulted.” He concludes the account of the glorious entry of The Holy Prophet (PBUH) into the Makkah, saying:

“It was thus Mohammad (PBUH) entered again his native city, through all the annals of conquest there is no triumphant entry comparable to this one.” (The Speeches and Table Talk of the Holy Prophet Muhammad) (PBUH).

The details, cited above, portray the vivid picture of Islam, the vivacious colours of which cannot be darkened by the filthy propaganda campaign launched by the Western media backed by the Western governments in the name of guarding their so-called “National Interest”. No doubt the propaganda is not based upon their hatred against Islam as a religion. It flows out of the fears and apprehensions regarding Islamic revival as a political power, that they consider, is detrimental to their “National Interest”.

Thus to put a curb on the activities of Islamic Movements aiming at Islamic Renaissance, they go to the extent of violating even their own centuries old democratic values by supporting tyrant dictatorial regimes in Islamic countries. The campaign swelled following the soul-searching and mind-boggling mass destruction of September 11 in the American cities of Washington and New York. Going by the tradition the champions of peace pointed their fingers at Islam. But how a peaceful religion like Islam can allow its followers to fall into the abyss of ignorance by sabotaging world peace? How can the followers of such a religion seize the fundamental right of life of the innocent people? It is impossible for a Muslim to commit such horrendous acts and claim to be true believer as it is the negation of the true spirit of Islam.

In the end I would like to leave an introspective comparison of a Christian writer Mr Arthur Gilman for the champions of Western media who are breathing fire at Muslims and leave no stone unturned to distort the fair picture of Islam. Mr Gilman says: “In comparison, for example with the cruelty of the crusaders, who, in 1099, put seventy thousand Muslims, men, women and helpless children to death when Jerusalem fell into their hands; or with that of the English army, also fighting under the Cross, which in the year of grace 1874 burned an African capital, in its war on the Gold Coast, Muhammad’s (PBUH) victory was in very truth one of religion and not of politics; he rejected every token of personal homage, and declined all regal authority; and when the haughty chiefs of Qoraishites appeared before him he asked: “ What can you expect at my hands? “Mercy, O generous brother. “Be it so; you are free! He exclaimed. (The Saracens)

The reason demands that a realistic approach aimed at getting down to the core of the matter should be pursued instead of hurling the blame at any religion so that the life may be worth living in this world.

Why She Won't Wear Hijab!

2006-05-01T22:38:00.000-07:00

A Discussion by A.Q. Alidost

A conversation for Muslim sisters:

"I'm so tired."

"Tired of what?"

"Of all these people judging me."

"Who judged you?"

"Like that woman, every time I sit with her, she tells me to wear hijab."

"Oh, hijab and music! The mother of all topics!"

"Yeah! I listen to music without hijab…hahaha!"

"Maybe she was just giving you advice."

"I don't need her advice. I know my religion. Can't she mind her own business?"

"Maybe you misunderstood. She was just being nice."

"Keeping out of my business, that would be nice..."

"But it's her duty to encourage you do to good."

"Trust me. That was no encouragement. And what do you mean 'good'?"

"Well, wearing hijab, that would be a good thing to do."

"Says who?"

"It's in the Qur'an, isn't it?"

"Yes. She did quote me something."

"She said Surah Nur, and other places of the Qur'an."

"Yes, but it's not a big sin anyway. Helping people and praying is more important."

"True. But big things start with small things."

"That's a good point, but what you wear is not important. What's important is to have a good healthy heart."

"What you wear is not important?"

"That's what I said."

"Then why do you spend an hour every morning fixing up?"

"What do you mean?"

"You spend money on cosmetics, not to mention all the time you spend on fixing your hair and low-carb dieting."

"So?"

"So, your appearance IS important."

"No. I said wearing hijab is not an important thing in religion."

"If it's not an important thing in religion, why is it mentioned in the HolyQur'an?"

"You know I can't follow all that's in Qur'an."

"You mean God tells you something to do, you disobey and then it's OK?"

"Yes. God is forgiving."

"God is forgiving to those who repent and do not repeat their mistakes."

"Says who?"

"Says the same book that tells you to cover."

"But I don't like hijab, it limits my freedom."

"But the lotions, lipsticks, mascara and other cosmetics set you free?! What's your definition of freedom anyway?"

"Freedom is in doing whatever you like to do."

"No. Freedom is in doing the right thing, not in doing whatever we wish to do."

"Look! I've seen so many people who don't wear hijab and are nice people, and so many who wear hijab and are bad people."

"So what? There are people who are nice to you but are alcoholic. Should we all be alcoholics? You made a stupid point."
"I don't want to be an extremist or a fanatic. I'm OK the way I am without hijab."

"Then you are a secular fanatic. An extremist in disobeying God."

"You don't get it, if I wear hijab, who would marry me?!"

"So all these people with hijab never get married?!"

"Okay! What if I get married and my husband doesn't like it? And wants me to remove it?"

"What if your husband wants you to go out with him on a bank robbery?!"

"That's irrelevant, bank robbery is a crime."

"Disobeying your Creator is not a crime?"

"But then who would hire me?"

"A company that respects people for who they are."

"Not after 9-11"

"Yes. After 9-11. Don't you know about Hanan who just got into med school? And the other one, what was her name, the girl who always wore a white hijab… ummm…"

"Yasmeen?"

"Yes. Yasmeen. She just finished her MBA and is now interning for GE."

"Why do you reduce religion to a piece of cloth anyway?"

"Why do you reduce womanhood to high heals and lipstick colors?"

"You didn't answer my question."

"In fact, I did. Hijab is not just a piece of cloth. It is obeying God in a difficult environment. It is courage, faith in action, and true womanhood. But your short sleeves, tight pants…"

"That's called 'fashion', you live in a cave orsomething? First of all, hijab was founded by men who wanted to control women."

"Really? I did not know men could control women by hijab."

"Yes. That's what it is."

"What about the women who fight their husbands to wear hijab? And women in France who are forced to remove their hijab by men? What do you say about that?"
"Well, that's different."

"What difference? The woman who asked you to wear hijab… she was a woman, right?"

"Right, but…"

"But fashions that are designed and promoted by male-dominated corporations, set you free? Men have no control on exposing women and using them as a commodity?! Give me a break!"

"Wait, let me finish, I was saying…"

"Saying what? You think that men control women by hijab?"

"Yes."

"Specifically how?"

"By telling women how and what to wear, dummy!"

"Doesn't TV, magazines and movies tell you what to wear, and how to be 'attractive'?"

"Of course, it's fashion."

"Isn't that control? Pressuring you to wear what they want you to wear?"

[Silence]

"Not just controlling you, but also controlling the market."

"What do you mean?"

"I mean, you are told to look skinny and anorexic like that woman on the cover of the magazine, by men who design those magazines and sell those products."
"I don't get it. What does hijab have to do with products."

"t has everything to do with that. Don't you see? Hijab is a threat to consumerism, women who spend billions of dollars to look skinny and live by standards of fashion designed by men… and then here is Islam, saying trash all that nonsense and focus on your soul, not on your looks, and do not worry what men think of your looks."
"Like I don't have to buy hijab? Isn't hijab a product?"

"Yes, it is. It is a product that sets you free from male-dominated consumerism."

"Stop lecturing me! I WILL NOT WEAR HIJAB! It is awkward, outdated, and totally not suitable for this society. Moreover, I am only 20 and too young to wear hijab!"
"Fine. Say that to your Lord, when you face Him on Judgment Day."

"Fine."

"Fine."

[Silence]

"Shut up and I don't want to hear more about hijab niqab schmijab Punjab!"

[Silence]

She stared at the mirror, tired of arguing with herself all this time. Successful enough, she managed to shut the voices in her head, with her own opinions triumphant in victory on the matter, and a final modern decision accepted by the society - but rejected by the Faith:
"Yes!" - to curls on the hair - "No!" - to hijab!

"And he (/she) is indeed a failure who corrupts it [the soul]!"[Holy Quran 91:10]

Subhana'Allah!!!

"Nay! You prefer the life of this world; While the hereafter is better and more lasting."[Holy Quran: 87:16-17]

"You are the best community (Ummah) raised up for (the benefit of) humanity; enjoining what is right and forbidding what is wrong and believing in Allah."[Holy Quran: 3:110]

Bayi 70 - 80-an

2006-05-01T21:03:00.000-07:00

Rindu nyer kat zaman kecik² dulu. Happy je memanjang. Main je ngan kawan² 24 hrs. Hehehe. Untuk bacaan pada masa lapang. Enjoy... sure korang teringat balik zaman² sekolah dulu.

Tanda-tanda anda bayi tahun 70- 80-an:

Kita membesar dgn menonton G-Force, He-man, Transformers, Thundercats, Silver Hawk, Woody Woodpecker, Chipmunks and Mickey Mouse. Not to forget Ninja Turtles, Mask, Smurfs dan Voltron.
Berus gigi time waktu rehat kat skolah rendah? Hmm, mesti pegang cawan warna-warni, kan. Mencangkung kat tepi parit dgn classmates semua kat seblah. Ingat tak, misi kat skolah masuk kelas dgn list dentist appointment. Pastu bunyi gigi member kite kene gerudi kat bilik sebelah. Ada gigi yang berlubang, kena laa tampal.
Ni sure korang ingat... program minum susu di sekolah. Nak galakkan budak² time tuh minum susu. Sekotak 30 sen jek beb!
Cikgu² kalau nak denda, mesti guna pembaris panjang warna kuning tu. Pukul tapak tangan... kan?
Semangkuk mi sup ke, mihun sup ke, 30 sen jek kat kantin.
Hankyu Jaya, Yaohan - shopping complex yang popular utk meluangkan masa dgn family. Ni for those yg dok KL laa.
Time sekolah menengah, korang sure beli kasut skolah Bata BM Turbo atau Pallas Jazz. Ada yang suka kasut high-cut yang buatan China tu. Ada yang suka stoking tebal laaa.
Internet? Email? Menda alah ape tu? CD? Ape tu? Kaset tape penah laa dengar. Tiket wayang pun 5 ringgit je.
Kite pegi kedai runcit, beli Chickerdis, Mamee, Kum-Kum, UFO, O-Ya, Ding Dang chocolate balls yang ada mainan kat dlm dia, 'telur' keras warna warni, 'rokok' chewing gum, KIKI Bubble Gum tak dilupakan, 'Ti Kam'.
Bila dah abih exam, main Monopoly la, Donkey la, Happy Family laa dlm class.
Tapi bunyi loceng laa yang paling best skali. Boleh beli aiskrim ngan apek kat luar sekolah tuh. Lagi satu, loceng masa nak pegi rehat. Tinggal kan keje sekolah, jom kita pegi makan. Budak² yg dpt Rancangan Makanan Tambahan (RMT) mesti keluar awal.
Lagi satu yang seronok masa time Pendidikan Jasmani, PJ. Main bola laa, rounders laa. Permainan kegemaran: main guli, batu seremban, penutup botol, batang aiskrim, 'Pepsi Cola one-two-three', 'Police & Sentry', kejar² duduk.
Kita hilangkan dahaga dgn aiskrim 10 sen. Yang tube aiskrim, ada banyak² color tu. Kalau nak makan, kena patahkan kat tengah² dia!
Lipat kertas kecik², pastu buat lastik. Hmmm, ni pun kita main dulu ni. Baling² kapur laa.
Budak² kat university sekarang, kebanyakannya lahir tahun 1987/88. Sekarang digelar 'remaja'.
Bagi diorang, diorang mana pernah dengar lagu 'We Are the World, We Are the Children' dan lagu 'Uptown Girl' yang diorang tau, yg Westlife nyanyi, bukan Billy Joel nyanyi. Bagi diorang, ada satu je Jerman kat dunia ni, dan ade satu je Vietnam.
AIDS wujud sejak diorang lahir.
CD pun wujud time diorang lahir.
Michael Jackson dah putih dah time tu.
Diorang percaya Spiderman dgn Incredible Hulk tu filem² baru.
Diorang tak boleh bayangkan skrin hitam putih utk sebuah komputer.
Diorang tak penah tau pun 'Atari' dgn 'Game & Watch'.
Diorang tak percaya pernah ada TV hitam putih dan diorang sekarang tak reti nak switch on TV kalau xde remote control.
Diorang tak paham macam mana kita boleh survive kat universiti tanpa handphone...

So, jom kita check, kita ni dah tua ke?

Korang paham apa yang korang baca kat atas ni, dan korang sure tersenyum
Kebanyakan member² sekolah menengah kita dah kawin
Korang sure pelik bila tengok budak² kecik main komputer, selamba je
Kita geleng kepala bila tengok budak² sekolah menengah guna handphone
Kita dah tak banyak sembang² dgn member melalui telefon lagi setiap hari
Bila jumpa member lama dari semasa ke semasa, seronok bila bersembang
Pasal cerita² lama, cerita² kelakar yang kita alami masa dulu time kecik², nakal² dulu...

Dosa Ibu Bapa Mengatasi Kesalahan Anak-Anak

2006-05-01T20:01:00.000-07:00

"Wahai orang-orang yang beriman, peliharalah dirimu dan ahli keluargamu daripada api neraka, yang bahan bakarnya adalah manusia dan batu berhala. Diatasnya ada malaikat yang amat kasar lagi keras perlakuannya. Mereka tidakmengengkari Allah apabila disuruh dan mereka tentu melaksanakan apa yang diperintahkan" [al-Tahrim 66 : 6]

Kadang-kadang saya rasa tersinggung apabila permintaan saya tidak dihargai. Saya bukan meminta kelebihan. Apa yang saya pohonkan ialah pada beberapa kotak kosong di dalam diari bulanan saya, ia adalah masa saya untuk isteri dan anak-anak.

"Bolehlah ustaz, janganlah macam itu. Anak hari-hari boleh jumpa. Kami sudah tiada masa lain yang sesuai untuk menjemput ustaz. Harap ustaz dapat pertimbangkan permintaan kami", kata seorang pemanggil yang menelefon saya.

Dialog seperti ini meletakkan saya pada situasi yang menjadikan saya serba salah. Mengapakah masa seorang ustaz untuk anak-anaknya tidak dianggap penting? Bukankah itu sesi beliau menunaikan kewajipan nafkah kasih sayang, didikan dan perhatiannya kepada anak-anak. Semasa saya kecil, saya tinggal di sebuah kawasan perumahan dan seawal usia 10 tahun, saya pernah membuat kesimpulan bahawa budak-budak jahat pada masa itu, sama ada anak ustaz, tak pun anak polis!

Alangkah prejudisnya saya semasa itu. Saya tidak faham bagaimana saya boleh beranggapan sedemikian rupa. Mungkin kerana geram saya apabila basikal yang ayah belikan, dibengkokkan oleh si Samseng Kampung Dusun, anak seorang ustaz. Tetapi hari ini hati saya menjadi gundah semula. Terutamanya selepas menerima maklum balas seperti dialog di atas.

Kera di hutan disusukan, anak di rumah mati kelaparan. Itulah peribahasa Melayu yang amat menusuk perasaan saya. Ketika saya menaip artikel ini, Saiful Islam dan Naurah sedang tidur nyenyak di depan saya. Memandang mereka telah meretak hibakan hati saya.

"Maafkan Abi, wahai anak-anakku, Abi berdosa mengabaikan kalian", saya sukar menahan hati dari bersedih.

Saya masih ingat, semasa saya di Ireland, usaha saya mendidik dan membesarkan Saiful Islam, ternyata amat mudah. Malah saya setiap hari memanjatkan syukur kepada Allah kerana Saiful Islam amat mudah untuk diurus. Dengan tugas saya sebagai Imam, saya tidak keberatan untuk membawa anak sulung saya ke masjid, saya baringkan di kepala sejadah dan matanya berkelip-kelip melihat saya menyampaikan khutbah Jumaat.

Semasa itu, untuk saya menegurnya ketika dia melakukan kesalahan, caranya amat mudah. Saya tuding jari, tanpa perlu membuka bicara, Saiful Islam sudah menghamburkan air mata takutkan 'kemarahan' saya. Tidak dinafikan, ketika itu mungkin usia anak saya baru setahun dua. Memang tidak susah menjaganya. Tetapi apabila saya fikirkan, hari ini saya tetap saya yang sama. Anak bertambah, usia mereka juga bertambah, tetapi mereka tetap berayahkan ayah yang sama. Tetapi kenapa hari ini, fikiran saya selalu kusut memikirkan mereka?

Ya, suasana di Ireland amat saya rindui. Saya duduk di negara Kuffar, tetapi usaha mendidik anak memang mudah dan menggembirakan. Saya tidak menyesal menjadi 'suri rumah' selama beberapa tahun. Saya bertugas secara sambilan di beberapa masjid, menyambung pengajian Master secara distance learning dengan The Open University, UK, dan sambil itu saya menjaga soal makan minum, hal ehwal rumah tangga, dan Saiful Islam membesar di depan mata.

Itu lebih baik, daripada saya bekerja sebagai kasyer di pasar raya, kemudian semua gaji dibayar kepada nursery yang mencecah harga ratusan Euro sebulan. Masakan tidak, semua nanny memegang Ijazah Early Childhood Learning malah mahir pula dengan rawatan kecemasan Paedriatrik dan first aid.

Namun saya gembira membesarkan anak dengan tangan saya sendiri. Isteri saya sibuk bekerja di wad kecemasan hospital, shifnya tidak tentu siang malam. Maka saya mengambil alih tugas di rumah. Setiap pagi saya mandikan anak, menyalin bajunya, menggoreng kentang atau pasta kosong untuk sarapan. Saya bermain bersamanya seketika, kemudian ke dapur memasak untuk makan tengah hari. Saiful Islam tidur semula sekitar jam 11 dan saya naik ke bilik ulangkaji untuk membuat assignment. Zohor kekadang di masjid, jika cuaca baik. Tengah hari saya qailulah seketika, solat Asar dan kemudian membawa Saiful Islam ke hospital untuk mengambil isteri saya dari tempat kerjanya, pulang bersama sambil menghirup udara petang yang segar. Ketika di Naas, kadang-kadang kami melencong ke belakang hospital bersama roti keras yang saya bawa dari rumah, untuk memberi burung undan di tasik, makan petang bersama kami. Saya mencampak roti ke tasik, Saiful Islam dan Umminya turut sama.

Jika isteri saya on call, saya akan ke hospital menghantar nasi dan lauk, khususnya semasa isteri saya mengandung anak kedua kami, Naurah Sabihah. Suasana ketika itu memang nyaman, fikiran saya tenang dan prolifik, kegiatan kemasyarakatan banyak dan saya sanggup mengayuh mountain bike selama 2 jam untuk memberi kuliah Tafsir Surah Yasin kepada adik-adik yang tinggal di South Circular Road, Dublin.

Itulah suasana saya membesarkan anak ketika di Ireland. Memang hati kami sunyi tidak mendengar laungan azan dari menara masjid bertahun lamanya. Namun derita melihat laungan azan tidak diendahkan di Malaysia, lebih menghiris rasa.

Hari ini saya sudah pulang ke Malaysia. Cabaran membesarkan anak-anak semakin meruncing. Semasa di Ireland, saya pernah berbual dengan isteri sambil merenung daun-daun perang gugur di petang musim luruh. "Abang rasa, kita hanya boleh tinggal di Ireland sampai usia anak kita mencecah umur tadika. Apabila dia perlu bersekolah, kita harus pulang ke Malaysia", saya meluahkan pandangan tentang perancangan masa depan kami.

Isteri saya mengangguk tanda setuju.

Saya berfikiran begitu kerana saya khuatir dengan Aqidah anak saya. Tentu sahaja saya patut risau. Semasa bertugas sebagai Pengetua dan guru di Belfast Islamic School, saya ada banyak pengalaman yang menakutkan. Selain kisah di Belfast Zoo dan cerita evaluation test anak-anak murid kami, saya juga tidak lupa kepada suatu insiden di sebuah pasar raya di Lisburn Road, Belfast. Seorang anak muda bekerja sebagai kasyer di situ dan tag namanya tertulis "OMER". Wajahnya ada iras Irish dan ada sedikit iras Asia. Apabila ditanya sama ada beliau Muslim atau tidak, beliau termenung seketika dan berkata, "my father is a Moslem!"

Aduh, adakah krisis identiti itu yang mahu saya risikokan kepada anak-anak dengan menyekolahkan mereka di Ireland? Tentu sekali tidak.

Tetapi selepas pulang ke Malaysia, pandangan saya berubah sama sekali. Kadang-kadang saya menangis sambil merenung jauh dari tingkap rumah kami, "apakah selamat anakku membesar di Malaysia?"

Ya, semasa di Ireland, saya kira amat mudah untuk saya gariskan batas-batas Iman dan Kufur kepada anak-anak.

"Jangan ikut perangai Spencer itu, dia bukan orang Islam!", saya boleh menyebut begitu kepada Saiful Islam dan Naurah.

Apabila anak-anak pulang ke rumah, saya boleh berbicara dengan mudah bahawa yang jahat itu bukan Islam, bagi mereka agama mereka, dan bagi kita Islam yang satu. Garis hitam putih amat jelas.

Tetapi bagaimana di Malaysia? Spencer, Ah Meng, Ravin, Shahril, semuanya lebih kurang sama. Perangai dan akhlak tidak banyak berbeza. Grey area melebar luas. Nak dikatakan tidak Islam, dia Islam. Tetapi kelakuannya tidak mencerminkan agama di kad pengenalannya. Habis, mudahkah saya menerangkan semua ini kepada anak-anak? Saya tabik kepada rakan yang sanggup menyekolahkan anak-anak di SRJK(C), walau pun terpaksa berulang ke sekolah menghantar bekal makanan sendiri. Semuanya kerana mereka mahu anak-anak membesar di dalam suatu suasana yang garis hitam dan putihnya jelas. Mampukah saya begitu? Entahlah...

Lebih menyedihkan, sabar saya tidak seperti sabar saya semasa di Ireland. Hari ini apabila anak-anak buat semak, ada kalanya macam mudah benar untuk darah saya tersirap. Terutamanya apabila saya pulang ke rumah selepas dua jam meredah lautan kereta. Syukurlah saya banyak berusaha membaca dan belajar tentang topik-topik yang membina sikap proaktif. Saya cuba menapis setiap insiden, agar saya memberikan respond yang tepat dan bukannya marah berbalas marah, geram berbalas geram, degil berbalas cubit dan sebagainya.

Saya sentiasa berasa malu apabila membaca kisah keluarga Stephen Covey. Profesionnya sama seperti saya. Kami selalu out station untuk memberikan training. Jadual kami ketat. Tetapi Stephen Covey, mempunyai 9 anak dan dia tidak pernah terlepas daripada menghadiri majlis dan peristiwa yang penting berkaitan dengan anak-anaknya. Bukan suatu yang mudah untuk seorang American membesarkan 9 anak. Saya yang dua ini pun sudah pening kepala.

Sebab itu jugalah saya tidak suka memarahi anak-anak dengan tengking dan leteran. Lagi banyak kita menengking, lagi cepatlah bisanya hilang. Saya tidak percaya kepada pendekatan marah sebagai teknik default menegur kesalahan anak. Berapa ramai yang menjadi baik hasil siri marah di sepanjang usia membesarnya? Apa yang pasti, anak yang selalu dimarahi akan menjadi pemarah dan kemudiannya bakal memarahi anak-anaknya pula suatu hari nanti. Ingat, anak kita mungkin gagal mengikut kata-kata kita, tetapi mereka tidak akan gagal meniru perangai dan tingkah laku kita sebagai ibu dan bapa. Jika anak kita buruk kelakuan, jangan cari sebab yang jauh. Anak-anak adalah cermin wajah ibu dan bapa mereka.

Ya memang marah itu perlu, tetapi ia bukan pendekatan harian saya. Saya lebih suka bercakap dengan anak-anak dan cuba memahamkan mereka kenapa satu-satu perbuatan itu betul atau salah. Jika Saiful Islam naik angin, saya akan tangkap dia dan mandikan agar 'sejuk', kemudian saya bawanya ke bilik dan kami berdialog.

Biar pun soalan anak-anak bertali arus dan kekadang berpusing ke belakang, saya sentiasa setia melayan. Rasa marah atau letih, rasa mengantuk atau sengal badan, semuanya diketepikan dan saya mesti mendengar isi bualan yang ingin dikongsi oleh Saiful Islam dan kini Naurah juga. Biar pun isunya hanya soal kad Grandsazer dan Kamen Rider. Itulah wasilah saya mendengar dan menunjukkan kasih kepada anak-anak.

Namun punca sebenar yang menjadikan saya tidak tergamak untuk memarahi anak saya, ialah kerana saya rasa berdosa kepada Allah terhadap mereka. Malah kesalahan anak-anak saya yang belum mumayyiz dan tidak aqil baligh ini kepada saya dan ibu mereka, tidak terbanding dengan dosa saya dan isteri terhadap mereka.

Masakan tidak. Saya telah memilih isteri yang solehah dan sebahagian cita-cita saya, agar akhlak mahmudah isteri akan tumpah kepada anak-anak suatu hari ini. Saya percaya, ramai dari kalangan kita yang melakukan perkara yang sama. Pendidikan anak-anak bermula dengan memilih ibu yang baik untuk mereka.

Tetapi tumpahkah solehah isteri kepada anak-anak? Turunkah baik saya kepada anak-anak? Sukar untuk menjawab soalan ini kerana orang sebenar yang membesarkan anak-anak hari ini, adalah guru di tadika atau pembantu rumah Indonesia. Alhamdulillah jika yang Indonesia itu orangnya baik, bersolat dan menjaga batas-batas agama. Bagaimana dengan yang berpembantu rumah seorang penyembah berhala dari Myanmar, Thailand atau Filipina?

Kita berjumpa dengan anak-anak ketika kita sudah letih. Kita sudah hilang seri di wajah dan jiwa malah bahasa. Anak-anak juga sudah mengantuk ketika saya sampai di pintu menanggalkan kasut. Bilakah masanya kita menumpahkan akhlak mahmudah kita kepada anak-anak?

Isteri solehah, tapi yang membesarkan anak-anak adalah pembantu rumah, guru nursery, dan entah siapa lagi. Ibu dan ayah di mana? Jawapannya mudah sahaja, SIBUK BEKERJA.

Janganlah disangka kita sudah menjadi ibu dan bapa yang baik hanya kerana makan pakai anak-anak sudah cukup. Itu hanya taraf lembu membesarkan anak-anaknya. Ibu bapa manusia ada tanggungjawab yang lebih besar dari itu. Soal makan, minum, pakaian, perlindungan, pendidikan, makanan emosi dan spiritual, semuanya mesti diharmonikan bersama bekalan yang tidak putus-putus. Apa yang paling utama adalah soal jumlah masa yang kita luangkan bersama mereka. Sudah cukupkah untuk meyakinkan mereka, bahawa kita benar-benar kasihkan mereka?

Tetapi zaman ini, zaman membesarkan anak-anak diswastakan kepada pihak lain. Kita sibuk bekerja dan kerja tidak pernah habis. Anak buat perangai mungkin semata-mata atas dorongannya untuk mencuri perhatian kita.

Ingatlah, dalam suasana kita hari ini, dosa ibu dan bapa terhadap anak-anak, lebih besar berbanding kesalahan mereka kepada kita. Insaflah wahai ibu dan bapa, jangan mudah melenting, sebelum cukup kasih diberi.

Seandainya saya memohon kotak kosong itu kekal dikosongkan, janganlah heret saya ke suasana yang menjadikan saya tersepit. Saya ada tanggungjawab kepada anak-anak, anda juga sama. Anak-anak dan isteri saya, adalah mad'u pertama saya. Jika kita dalam perjalanan pulang dari KL ke Ipoh, kita singgah di Tapah untuk Solat dan makan. Kemudian kita meneruskan perjalanan ke Ipoh. Tetapi selepas 15 minit memandu, baru kita tersedar yang salah seorang anak kita tiada. Ketika itu kita kelam kabut mencari U-Turn dan mulut tidak henti-henti berdoa agar anak yang tertinggal di belakang, selamat dan tiada mudarat.

Ya, jika kita tercicir anak di perjalanan dunia, kita ada jalan untuk berpatah balik menyelamatkan keadaan. Tetapi berapa ramai ustaz, doktor, polis, jurutera, pegawai bank dan kita-kita semua yang ketika dalam perjalanan memanjat tangga kenaikan pangkat, kita tertinggal isteri dan anak-anak di belakang. Jika lebuh raya kita boleh berpatah balik. Tetapi jika mereka ditinggalkan dari Tarbiah dan didikan Islam, ketika kita tersedar yang mereka yang sudah jauh ketinggalan di belakang, apakah ada jalan pulang? Apakah ada satu lagi peluang? Jawapannya TIADA.

Jika ada lelaki atau wanita yang berjaya di dalam kerjaya, jangan lupa kepada pengorbanan anak-anak selama ini. Jangan lupa dosa kita terhadap mereka. Saya hairan semasa membaca sabda Nabi SAW betapa tanda Kiamat itu adalah pada ibu yang melahirkan tuannya. Anak durhaka jadi kebiasaan. Mengapa suasana begitu boleh terjadi?

Akhirnya saya membuat kesimpulan, anak durhaka di akhir zaman, bermula dengan dosa ibu dan bapa yang sibuk bekerja. What you give, you get back!

Maafkan Abi dan Ummi!

ABU SAIF @ www.saifulislam.com

Cheras 56000, 19 April 2006

Good Manners & Good Character

2006-05-01T19:55:00.000-07:00

Islam is a beautiful religion, full of wisdom and harmony. If this wonderful religion is followed properly then a typical Muslim would only be a great example to follow.

Narrated 'Abdullah bin 'Amr: "The Prophet never used bad language neither a 'Fahish nor a Mutafahish. He used to say 'The best amongst you are those who have the best manners and character.' (Translation of Sahih Bukhari, Virtues and Merits of the Prophet (peace be upon him) and his Companions, Volume 4, Book 56, Number 759)"

Narrated 'Abdullah bin 'Amr: "The Prophet never used bad language neither a "Fahish nor a Mutafahish. He used to say "The best amongst you are those who have the best manners and character." (Translation of Sahih Bukhari, Virtues and Merits of the Prophet (pbuh) and his Companions, Volume 4, Book 56, Number 759)"

Narrated Masruq: "Abdullah bin 'Amr mentioned Allah's Apostle saying that he was neither a Fahish nor a Mutafahish. Abdullah bin 'Amr added, Allah's Apostle said, 'The best among you are those who have the best manners and character.' (Translation of Sahih Bukhari, Good Manners and Form (Al-Adab), Volume 8, Book 73, Number 56)"

Narrated Masruq: "We were sitting with 'Abdullah bin 'Amr who was narrating to us (Hadith): He said, "Allah's Apostle was neither a Fahish nor a Mutafahhish, and he used to say, 'The best among you are the best in character (having good manners)."' (Translation of Sahih Bukhari, Good Manners and Form (Al-Adab), Volume 8, Book 73, Number 61)"

Repel evil with Good:

Allah Almighty in the Noble Quran commands us to return the evil that is done to us by others to not only with good, but with best!

The following Noble Verses and comments were sent to me by a Muslim brother; may Allah Almighty always be pleased with him:

Let us look at Noble Verse 13:22 "Those who patiently persevere, seeking the countenance of their Lord; establish regular prayers; spend out of (the gifts) We have bestowed for their sustenance, secretly and openly; and turn off evil with good: for such there is the final attainment of the (Eternal) Home."

Let us look at Noble Verse 23:96 "Repel evil with that which is best: We are Well-acquainted with the things they say."

Let us look at Noble Verse 41:34 "Nor can goodness and evil be equal. Repel (evil) with that is better: Then will he between whom and thee was hatred become as it were thy friend and intimate!"

Let us look at Noble Verse 28:54 "Twice will they be given their reward, for that they have persevered, that they avert evil with good, and that they spend (in charity) out of what We have given them."

Let us look at Noble Verse 42:40 "The recompense for an injury is an injury equal thereto (in degree): but if a person forgives and makes reconciliation, his reward is due from Allah: for (Allah) Loveth not those who do wrong."

Whether people speak evil of you, in your presence or behind your back, or they do evil to you in either of those ways, all is known to Allah Almighty. It is not for you to punish. Your best course is not to do evil in your turn, but to do what will best repel the evil. Two evils do not make a good.

You do not return good for evil, for there is no equality or comparison between the two. You repel or destroy evil with something which is far better, just as an antidote is better than poison. You foil hatred with love. You repel ignorance with knowledge, folly and wickedness with the friendly message of Revelation. The man who was in bondage of sin, you not only liberate from sin, but make him your greatest friend and helper in the cause of Allah Almighty!. Such is the alchemy of the Word of Allah Almighty!. Your credit for returning evil with good and paying for charity is double. Also if you forgive and return the evil with good, then Allah Almighty will love you and reward you.

Further good manners teachings in the Noble Quran:

"It is part of the Mercy of Allah that thou dost deal gently with them. Wert thou severe or harsh-hearted, they would have broken away from about thee: so pass over (their faults), and ask for (Allah's) forgiveness for them; and consult them in affairs (of moment). Then, when thou hast taken a decision, put thy trust in Allah. For Allah loves those who put their trust (in Him). (The Noble Quran, 3:159)""Those who spend (freely), whether in prosperity, or in adversity; who restrain anger, and pardon (all) men; for Allah loves those who do good. (The Noble Quran, 3:134)" "Hold to forgiveness; command what is right; but turn away from the ignorant. (The Noble Quran, 7:199)""Allah loveth not that evil should be noised a broad in public speech, except where injustice hath been done; for Allah is He Who heareth and knoweth all things. (The Noble Quran, 4:148)""Say to My servants that they should (only) say those things that are best: for Satan doth sow dissensions among them: for Satan is to man an avowed enemy. (The Noble Quran, 17:53)""Who avoid vain talk; (The Noble Quran, 23:3)""And when they hear vain talk, they turn away therefrom and say: 'To us our deeds, and to you yours; peace be to you: we seek not the ignorant.' (The Noble Quran, 28:55)"

No vain talking or foul language:

Muslims are commanded to stay away from vain talkers:

"When thou seest men engaged in vain discourse about Our signs, turn away from them unless they turn to a different theme. If Satan ever makes thee forget, then after recollection, sit not thou in the company of those who do wrong. (The Noble Quran, 6:68)"

"Who avoid vain talk; (The Noble Quran, 23:3)"

"And when they hear vain talk, they turn away therefrom and say: 'To us our deeds, and to you yours; peace be to you: we seek not the ignorant.' (The Noble Quran, 28:55)"

"So leave them to plunge in vain talk and play about, until they encounter that Day of theirs which they have been promised!- (The Noble Quran, 70:42)"

"(The sinners will say:) 'But we used to talk vanities with vain talkers;' (The Noble Quran, 74:45)"

According to the Noble Verses above, any vain talk or foul language are prohibited. Muslims must always stay away from vain talkers. Those who participate with them will be from among them, and will face a great punishment.

Hypocrites are those who speak foul language:

Let us look at what Prophet Muhammad peace be upon him said:

Narrated 'Abdullah bin 'Amr: "The Prophet said, "Whoever has the following four (characteristics) will be a pure hypocrite and whoever has one of the following four characteristics will have one characteristic of hypocrisy unless and until he gives it up.

Whenever he is entrusted, he betrays.
Whenever he speaks, he tells a lie.
Whenever he makes a covenant, he proves treacherous.
Whenever he quarrels, he behaves in a very imprudent, evil and insulting manner."

(Translation of Sahih Bukhari, Belief, Volume 1, Book 2, Number 33)"

Jealousy and Envy

2006-05-01T19:53:00.000-07:00

Dnot covet the thing in which God has made some of you excel others. Unto men is a fortune from that which they have earned, and unto women is a fortune from that which they have earned. [Envy not one another] but ask God of His bounty. Behold! God knows all things. (Surah Al-Nisa 4:32)

In the referred verse, God reminds us to avoid being jealous, envious, or covetous of another person's blessings and favors when they exceed our own. The life of this world serves as a test, wherein humans shall face both prosperity and adversity. Not only do our tests differ in type, but they also differ in degree. Thus, some humans experience more prosperity than others, and some humans experience more adversity than others. The appropriate response in tests of prosperity is gratitude to God and the correct response in tests of adversity is patience, steadfastness, and perseverance in the way of God. If a person is bestowed with many more favors and blessings than those around him, he must not allow his blessing to induce hubristic behavior because with the additional blessing comes the additional responsibility to use his blessing in the way of God. Similarly, if a person is bestowed with less favors and blessings than those around him, he must not allow his apparent lack of blessing to induce jealousy, covetousness, or hopelessness because he is faced with a test, an opportunity, which if completed with sincere effort and taken advantage of, shall entail its own satisfying reward with the Ever Merciful. Thus, the verse goes on to imply, rather than envying one another for a discrepancy in favors, we should remain grateful for whatever blessings we possess, irrespective of whether or not they exceed others' blessings, yet we may earnestly request divine favors at any time. The following supplication is an example of how to express this desire:

Our Lord! Grant us that which is good in [the life of] this world and [especially] that which is good in the Hereafter, and save us from the [terrible] doom of the Fire! (Surah Al-Baqarah 2:201)

Finally, we must never forget that all the material blessings we enjoy in this life are only temporary. A believer should always be far more concerned about securing blessings in the Hereafter by cleansing his/her heart, mind and soul.

Jealousy a big sin

Jealousy and covetousness are not major sins (i.e. kabaair), but it remains clear that it must be avoided, and replaced with positive emotions and attitudes. To protect yourself from jealous and covetous feelings, simply tune into another station. Maintain a positive, pious attitude and call to mind the blessings and favors that you enjoy, repeatedly express thanks to God for those favors, and ask him for strength and assistance in successfully completing the tests with which you are faced. We must also remember that we do not have any lien on God's bounties; we never did anything to deserve them. On the contrary, in His Great Mercy, God made it binding upon Himself to bestow favors and blessings upon us. This fact should automatically fill a despondent heart with gratitude and spiritual joy no matter how difficult and pressing a trial may be. God loves us much more than even our own parents' love us. Keeping a positive devoted frame of mind that is enhanced by piety is the best way to protect oneself from jealousy, envy, covetousness, and other negative emotions and attitudes.

Apologizing from the heart

I am not sure whether you mean apologizing to God or apologizing to a person whom you somehow hurt or offended by making him or her an object of envy. Since jealousy and covetousness tend to be private emotions, I infer that you mean the former and not the latter. It goes without saying that if a person is truly repentant for doing something wrong and, furthermore, sincerely tries to correct and mend his ways, then God will turn to such a person in forgiveness. One should not only apologize to God from the heart, but also strive to avoid the sin and undo the effects of wrongdoing wherever possible. Repenting and correcting one's behavior will allow a person to develop the recommended positive, pious frame of mind. Also, we may learn an important lesson from the story of Iblees. After disobeying God, Iblees refused to repent for jealous and envious behavior toward Adam (pbuh). Iblees allowed his jealousy for man to accumulate so much that he became depraved enough to vow that he would lead man astray in the path of wrongdoing until the Day of Judgment. Of course, Iblees' case is extreme, but this story should remind us to be on guard against jealousy, envy, and all other destructive emotions. It is often by continuously indulging in small sins that we unfortunately become more inclined toward bigger sins.

Evil eye hurt the person who is being envied

I am not sure what you mean by the "evil eye." If by "evil eye," you mean some kind of social signal that indicates jealousy or envy for another person, then to what extent the object of envy will be hurt and how he/she will respond to jealousy would depend on his/her inner strength, social maturity, and other factors. However, it should be clarified that to send social signals—intentionally or unintentionally—to someone for whom jealousy and envy is felt is not to "cast an evil spell" on that person. Jealousy, envy, and covetousness should be recognized as mental, psychologistic states that ought to be avoided and replaced with a grateful heart and a positive attitude.

Law Jobs

2006-04-20T20:30:00.000-07:00

These are from a book called Disorder in the American Courts, and are things people actually said in court, word for word, taken down and now published by court reporters who had the torment of staying calm while these exchanges were actually taking place.

ATTORNEY: Are you sexually active?
WITNESS: No, I just lie there.

ATTORNEY: What is your date of birth?
WITNESS: July 18th.
ATTORNEY: What year?
WITNESS: Every year.

ATTORNEY: What gear were you in at the moment of the impact?
WITNESS: Gucci sweats and Reeboks.

ATTORNEY: This myasthenia gravis, does it affect your memory at all?
WITNESS: Yes.
ATTORNEY: And in what ways does it affect your memory?
WITNESS: I forget.
ATTORNEY: You forget? Can you give us an example of something you forgot?

ATTORNEY: How old is your son, the one living with you?
WITNESS: Thirty-eight or thirty-five, I can't remember which.
ATTORNEY: How long has he lived with you?
WITNESS: Forty-five years.

ATTORNEY: What was the first thing your husband said to you that morning?
WITNESS: He said, "Where am I, Cathy?"
ATTORNEY: And why did that upset you?
WITNESS: My name is Susan.

ATTORNEY: Do you know if your daughter has ever been involved in voodoo?
WITNESS: We both do.
ATTORNEY: Voodoo?
WITNESS: We do.
ATTORNEY: You do?
WITNESS: Yes, voodoo.

ATTORNEY: Now doctor, isn't it true that when a person dies in his sleep, he doesn't know about it until the next morning?
WITNESS: Did you actually pass the bar exam?

ATTORNEY: The youngest son, the twenty-year-old, how old is he?
WITNESS: Uh, he's twenty-one..

ATTORNEY: Were you present when your picture was taken?
WITNESS: Would you repeat the question?

ATTORNEY: So the date of conception (of the baby) was August 8th?
WITNESS: Yes.
ATTORNEY: And what were you doing at that time?
WITNESS: Uh....

ATTORNEY: She had three children, right?
WITNESS: Yes.
ATTORNEY: How many were boys?
WITNESS: None.
ATTORNEY: Were there any girls?

ATTORNEY: How was your first marriage terminated?
WITNESS: By death.
ATTORNEY: And by whose death was it terminated?

ATTORNEY: Can you describe the individual?
WITNESS: He was about medium height and had a beard.
ATTORNEY: Was this a male or a female?

ATTORNEY: Is your appearance here this morning pursuant to a deposition notice which I sent to your attorney?
WITNESS: No, this is how I dress when I go to work.

ATTORNEY: Doctor, how many of your autopsies have you performed on dead people?
WITNESS: All my autopsies are performed on dead people.

ATTORNEY: ALL your responses MUST be oral, OK? What school did you go to?
WITNESS: Oral.

ATTORNEY: Do you recall the time that you examined the body?
WITNESS: The autopsy started around 8:30 p.m.
ATTORNEY: And Mr. Denton was dead at the time?
WITNESS: No, he was sitting on the table wondering why I was doing an autopsy on him!

ATTORNEY: Are you qualified to give a urine sample?
WITNESS: Huh?

AND THE WINNER GOES TO.......

ATTORNEY: Doctor, before you performed the autopsy, did you check for a pulse?
WITNESS: No.
ATTORNEY: Did you check for blood pressure?
WITNESS: No.
ATTORNEY: Did you check for breathing?
WITNESS: No.
ATTORNEY: So, then it is possible that the patient was alive when you began the autopsy?
WITNESS: No.
ATTORNEY: How can you be so sure, Doctor?
WITNESS: Because his brain was sitting on my desk in a jar.
ATTORNEY: But could the patient have still been alive, nevertheless?
WITNESS: Yes, it is possible that he could have been alive and practicing law.

Brain

2006-04-20T20:22:00.000-07:00

In the hospital the relatives gathered in the waiting room, where their family member lay gravely ill. Finally, the doctor came in looking tired and somber.

"I'm afraid I'm the bearer of bad news," he said as he surveyed the worried faces.

"The only hope left for your loved one at this time is a brain transplant. It's an experimental procedure, very risky but it is the only hope. Insurance will cover the procedure, but you will have to pay for the brain yourselves."

The family members sat silent as they absorbed the news. After a great length of time, someone asked, "Well, how much does a brain cost?"

The doctor quickly responded, "$ 5,000 for a male brain, and $200 for a female brain."

The moment turned awkward. Men in the room tried not to smile, avoiding eye contact with the women, but some actually smirked. A man unable to control his curiosity, blurted out the question everyone wanted to ask, "Why is the male brain so much more?"

The doctor smiled at the childish innocence and explained to the entire group, "It's just standard pricing procedure. We have to mark down the price of the female brains, because they've actually been used."

Tension

2006-04-19T19:41:00.000-07:00

The moment you are in TENSION
You will lose your ATTENTION
Then you are in total CONFUSION
and you'll feel IRRITATION
This may spoil your personal RELATIONS
Ultimately, you won't get COOPERATION

And get things into COMPLICATION
Then you may raise CAUTION.
And you have to take MEDICATION
Why not try understanding the SITUATION

And try to think about the SOLUTION
Many problems will be solved by DISCUSSION
Which will work out better in your PROFESSION

Don't think this is a free SUGGESTION
It is only for your PREVENTION
If you understand my INTENTION
You'll never come again into TENSION!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Let's Do'a For Human Being

2006-04-19T19:39:00.000-07:00

Please take a moment to relax your mind and humble your heart to focus on ALLAH. Allow Allah, to occupy your mind while you read this DUA. If we can take the time to read long jokes, stories, etc., we should give the same respect to this DUA. Friends that pray together, stay together. Let's pray...

OH ALLAH, I thank You for this day. I thank You for my being able to see and to hear this morning. I’m blessed because You are forgiving and understanding, Oh Allah. You have done so much for me & You keep on blessing me. Forgive me this day for everything I have done, said or thought that was not pleasing to you. I ask YOU now for Your forgiveness. Please keep me safe from all danger and harm. Help me to start this day with a new attitude and plenty of gratitude. Let me make the best of each and every day to clear my mind so that I can hear from You. Please broaden my mind that I can accept all things. Let me not whine and whimper over things I have no control over. Let me continue to see sin through YOUR eyes and acknowledge it as evil. And when I sin, let me repent and receive YOUR forgiveness. And when this world closes in on me, let me remember YOU - to slip away and find a quiet place to make DUA. It's the best response when I'm pushed beyond my limits. I know that when I can't make DUA, You listen to my heart. Continue to use me to do Your will. Continue to bless me that I may be a blessing to others. Keep me strong that I may help the weak. Keep me uplifted that I may have words of encouragement for others. I make DUA for those that are lost and can't find their way. I make DUA for those that are misjudged and misunderstood. I make DUA for those who don't know You intimately I make DUA for those that will delete this without sharing it with others. I make DUA for those that don't believe. But I thank you that I believe. I believe that Allah changes people and Allah changes things. I make DUA for all my sisters and brothers. For each and every family member in their households. I make DUA for peace, love and joy in their homes that they are out of debt and all their needs are met. I make DUA that every eye that reads this knows there is no problem, circumstance, or situation greater than Allah. Every battle is in your hands for You to fight. I make DUA that these words be received into the hearts of every eye that sees them and every mouth that confesses them willingly. This is my DUA. Aameen.

CANTIK SEORANG WANITA ITU

2006-04-19T19:35:00.000-07:00

Cantiknya seorang wanita itu, sebagai gadis
bukan kerana merah kilau lipstik pada bibir mekar senyum kosmetik

Cantik seorang wanita itu, sebagai remaja
tidak pada kulitnya mulus menggebu terdedah

Cantik seorang wanita itu, sebagai Hawa
tidak kerana bijak meruntuh iman kaum Adam

Cantik seorang wanita itu, sebagai anak
tidak menjerat diri pada kedurhakaan.

Cantik seorang wanita itu, sebagai isteri
merempuh badai di sisi suami

Cantik seorang wanita itu, sebagai menantu
menjauhi persekongkolan ipar lamai

Cantik seorang wanita itu, sebagai ibu
membuai anak, kala suami menjalin mimpi

Cantik seorang wanita itu, sebagai mentua
telus hati mengagih kasih setara pada semua

Cantik seorang wanita itu, sebagai nenek
menjaring teladan para anbia buat cucu-cicit

Cantik seorang wanita itu, sebagai warganegara
peka membela nasib dan maruah negara

Cantik seorang wanita itu, sebagai warga tua
menghitung hari dengan selembar mashaf

Cantik seorang wanita itu, sebagai intelektualis
menyala obor mewangi setanggi profesionalis

Cantik seorang wanita itu, sebagai akidah solehah
mengandam rindu kekasih pasrah di atas sejadah.

PENERBANGAN TAK DIDUGA

2006-04-19T19:33:00.000-07:00

Bila kita akan berangkat dari alam ini ianya ibarat penerbangan ke sebuah negara. Di mana maklumat tentangnya tidak terdapat dalam sebarang brosur penerbangan, tetapi melalui Al-Quran dan Al-Hadith. Di mana penerbangan bukannya melalui Air Asia atau AirJordan, tetapi Al-Jenazah.

Di mana bekalan kita bukan lagi beg seberat 23 kg, tetapi amalan yang tiada caj lebihan berat, atau tiada caj lebihan berat ianya atas kesudian Pencipta kita. Di mana bajunya bukan Pierre Cardin, atau setaraf dengannya tetapi kain putih kotton. Di mana pewanginya bukan Channel atau Paco Rebone, tetapi air mawar dan cendana.

Di mana pasport kita bukan Malaysia, British atau American, tetapi Al-Islam. Di mana visa kita bukan lagi sekadar 6 bulan, tetapi 'Lailaillah'. Di mana pelayannya bukan pramugari jelita, tetapi Izrail dan lain-lain.

Di mana layananya dalamnya bukan lagi kelas business atau ekonomi, sekadar kain yang diwangikan. Di mana destinasi mendarat bukannya KLIA, Heathrow Airport atau Jeddah International, tetapi tanah perkuburan. Di mana ruang menunggunya bukan lagi bilik air-cond dan permaidani, tetapi bilik 6 kaki dalam gelita.

Di mana pegawai imegresen adalah Munkar dan Nakir, mereka hanya memeriksa sama ada kita layak ke destinasi yang diidamkan. Di mana tidak perlu pegawai kastam dan alat pengesan. Di mana lapangan terbang transit adalah Al-Barzakh.

Di mana destinasi terakhir sama ada Syurga yang mengalir sungai di bawahnya atau Neraka Jahannam. Penerbangan ini tidak dinyatakan nilainya.. Ianya percuma, jadi simpanan (savings) anda tidak akan dihabiskan. Penerbangan ini tidak akan dirampas, oleh itu tidak perlu bimbang.

Sajian tidak akan disediakan, oleh itu tak perlu risaukan masalah alergi atau halal-haram makanan. Jangan risaukan delays, penerbangan ini sentiasa tepat waktunya, ia berangkat dan tiba tepat pada masanya.

Jangan fikirkan tentang hiburan dalam penerbangan, anda telah hilang selera bersuka-ria. Jangan bimbang tentang tempahan, ianya telah siap ditempah sejak anda disenyawakan di dalam rahim ibu.

Ya! Berita Baik!! Jangan bimbangkan siapa yang duduk di sebelah anda Anda adalah satu-satunya penumpang penerbangan ini. Oleh itu bergembiralah selagi boleh! Dan sekiranya anda boleh!

Hanya ingat!! Penerbangan ini datang tanpa 'amaran' Cuma perlu ingat! Nama anda telah ditempah untuk penerbangan ADAKAH KITA TELAH BERSEDIA UNTUK BERANGKAT???

Women and True Education

2006-04-19T19:32:00.000-07:00

A mother is the first teacher of the child. It is through women that the next generation of Muslims learn about Islam and our duties towards our Creator.

Women were inspired to study the Qur’an and the Sunnah and the Arabic language in the time of Rasulullah sallallahu alayhi wa sallam. 'A'isha radi Allahu anha said, “In the time of Rasulullah sallallahu alayhi wa sallam, whenever any verse was revealed, we used to memorize the lawful and the unlawful contained in it even if we did not memorize its exact words.” (al ’iqd al-farid vol. 1 p 276) This fact may seem small, but it has great bearing on the Muslim Ummah as well as to the rest of the world, for we become bearers of the Truth, al haq.

Living in the west, we find ourselves looking at handbooks on parenting and even motherhood. Why should anyone, let alone a mother, need a handbook for the care of an infant? Mothers are supposed to be a guide to the nature of human nature itself! One would think that manuals were only for new pieces of machinery or new cars, but certainly not for newborn infants! It’s a bizarre fact of life nowadays at the thought that one needs lessons on how to raise a healthy child. It is more so a symptom of some sickness in society, or in the ways of the world.

As Muslims, our definition of education is to increase in knowledge in Islam in order that we may strengthen our faith and understanding of our purpose in this life. Education begins at the breast. It is the only way it could begin. Allah said in the Qur’an: “And we have enjoined on man to his parents. His mother bore him in weakness and hardship upon weakness and hardship, and his weaning is in two years-- give thanks to Me and to your parents. Unto Me is the final destination.” 31:14
“The carrying of the child to his weaning is a period of thirty months.” 46:15

These verses indicate the importance of the role and function of the mother in Islam. The following may shed some light on the verses. While nursing, the infant is held close, talked to or sang to. All five senses in the infant come alive simultaneously. As the baby remains attached to his/her first teacher, the learning process affects not just the baby’s future ability to speak, but in its potential to listen in a rhythmical way as a result of the mother’s heartbeat and breathing. These are ingrained on the infant’s consciousness.

Notice that inside the home on one ever teaches language to an infant? It does not matter whether it is an Arabic speaking or a Chinese speaking home. An infant learns by listening to the articulation of sounds being in close contact with the mother’s heart. The mother’s words and sentences are embedded in the infant’s mind. Each time the mother utters something, the infant mirrors those sounds. Each time the mother responds to the infant’s plea for aide, the infant absorbs his or her mother’s response as a form of trust. How is this related to education one might ask? Hikma, or wisdom, is highly dependent on trust, for a true wisdom can only be imparted through the trustworthiness of the teacher. This is learned for the very first time between mother and child.

Historically, we notice that as the mother increasingly moved out of the home especially during the arrival of the industrial revolution, institutions gradually took over the mother’s role in the child’s life. For example, by the late 19th century a kindergarten movement was already in full effect while preschool activity took place in World War II. In both time frames, mothers left the home for the workplace, an occurrence completely alien to Islamic tradition. This paved the way for the breakdown of literacy and what it meant to be truly literate. With the mother gone from the home, a disastrous break occurred. A crucial piece connecting the child to its ultimate development in learning falls apart. How could a teacher and a bottle possibly replace the mother and the breast?

Certainly Muslims have not been exempted from this disastrous break up between mother and child. Many Muslim countries have likewise befallen to the arrival of the industrial revolution. Therefore, we as Muslim women need to bear this in mind before we speak of seeking secular education. We need to re-examine our purpose in life and put before us a goal greater than to satisfy our never ending drive for recognition as being a “successful woman”.

Women and True Education: True success is fulfilling our roles as women and living up to Allah’s expectations of us as being mothers of steadfast Muslims. Those are the deeds truly worth bringing to our graves and the only deeds worthy of showing Allah on the final day. May Allah grant us mercy. Ameen.

'A'isha radi Allahu anha used to praise women of the Ansar in the following words, “How good were the women of the Ansar that they did not shy away from learning and understanding religious matters.” (Muslim, kitab al hayd)

Malik ibn Huwayruth and a group of young men had come to live near Rasulullah sallallahu alayhi wa sallam to take knowledge from him. When they deiced to return to their homes, Rasulullah sallallahu alayhi wa sallam told them “Return home to your wives and children and stay with them. Teach them what you have learned and ask them to act upon it.” ( al Bukhari)

Rasulullah sallallahu alayhi wa sallam made it a duty for every father and mother to make sure that their daughters did not remain ignorant of Islam knowing that after marriage they would have to play important roles as housewives and as mothers of Muslim children. In case the parents had failed to give such knowledge to their daughters, it was compulsory upon husbands to teach their wives the basic principles so that they would lead their lives according to the teachings of Islam.

Ibn al hajj said, “If a woman demands her right to religious education from her husband and brings the issue to a judge, she is justified in demanding this right. It is her right that either her husband should teach her or allow her to go elsewhere to acquire education in Islam. The judge must compel the husband to fulfill her demand in the same way that he would in the matter of her worldly rights since her right in matters of religion are most essential and important.” (al mudkhal vol.2 p 277)

The women of Arabia, who until the advent of Islam had been completely unaware of learning and literature, became the protectors of learning and offered guidance to others in this respect. The following are only a handful of the many hundreds if not thousands of women scholars in Islam. They are examples of women who placed their religious obligations first before any material aspirations in this life.

Parent's Respect in Islam

2006-04-19T19:28:00.000-07:00

Service to parents result in increase in Rizq (earnings, livelihood) and in longer life.
A gaze of love and mercy cast at parents is the equivalent of an accepted Hajj.
Service to parents is superior to jihaad .
By rendering service to parents, one obtains the thawaab of a Hajj , Umrah and Jihaad .
Jannah lies under the feet of your mother.
Gazing with anger at one's parents is disobedience to parents.
Disobedience to parents is among the Kabaa'ir (major) sins.
He who is disobedient to parents will be disgraced. (The curse of disgrace is repeated thrice in the Hadeeth).
Abusing parents is among the major sins, even the utterance of a harsh word or a word of disrespect.
Allah curses the one who displeases his parents.
The one who troubles his parents will be punished here on earth (in addition to the punishment in theAakhirah).
The one who disobeys his parents and displeases them, will not enter Jannah. (He will first have to suffer his punishment before being admitted into Jannah ).
The doors of Jahannam are open for the one who disobeys his parents.
A murderer of parents will be among the worst-punished in the Aakhirah .
The pleasure of the parents is the pleasure of Allah and the displeasure of parents is the displeasure of Allah .
Service to parents is among the noblest acts by Allah .
Parents are either the Jannah or the Jahannam of their children. Cultivation of their pleasure leads to Jannah while displeasing them paves the way to Jahannam .
A mother's du'aa for her children is accepted with swiftness.
Jibraa'eel alayhis salaam cursed offspring who displease their parents in their old age.
The best door to Jannah is one's father. Either guard it or destroy it.
Whoever desires increase in earnings and long life should be kind and obedient to parents. Kindness to parents secures forgiveness for sins.
The calamity of disobeying parents will be experienced before death as well as after death.
Neither the Fardh nor the Nafl ibaadah is accepted of a person who is disobedient to his parents.
Among the major sins, the worst is to commit shirk with Allah Ta'aala . This is followed by the sin of disobedience to parents.

THE MUSLIM LADY: Her Role & Her Honor

2006-04-19T19:27:00.000-07:00

Evidence from the Holy Quran: Believers, men and women, are protectors, one of another: then enjoin what is right and forbid what is evil.(Surah at-Tawba:71) Quran: And say to the believing women that then should lower their gaze and guard their modesty, and not display their ornaments except to their husbands or their fathers, or the fathers of their husbands of their sons, or the sons of their husbands or their brothers or their brother's sons, or their sister's sons or their women or those whom their right hands possess, or the male servants not having need (of women), or the children who have not attained knowledge of what is hidden of women; and let them not strike their feet so that what they hide of their ornaments may be known... (Surah an-Noor:31)

The role of a Muslim lady is quite unique in the fact that Islam has already prescribed here role and responsibility to Almighty God, her husband, her children, other family members, her community, and society, as well as herself. Every aspect of her life from birth to death, has been outlined and placed in perfect order by Creator Himself. As Almighty God cares for and tends to the needs of all creatures, great and small, why would He not address the needs of His superior creation, which is human kind?

Outwardly, it would be extremely difficult not to recognize a Muslim lady, if she is indeed adhering to the commands of Almighty God. Her dress itself, to her submission to God and her acceptance of Al-Islam as her way of life. Her modest dress, as well as behavior, manifests her attempt at following the orders of Allah stated in Holy Quran and the traditions of the Holy Last Messenger Muhammad ibn Abdullah (s.a.s.). For when she goes forth, her attire tells all that she is Muslim, and she wears her attire as a cloak of honor and dignity, for all to see, recognize, and respect.

The relationship of the Muslim lady towards her husband and family members has also been explained in the Holy Quran. She is a loving wife, mother, responsible homemaker, devoted daughter, caring sister, reliable friend neighbor. She is an educator, nurse, facilitator, and councilor. It is her responsibility to see that her family's needs are attended to, if not by her husband, then just as capable. Towards her husband, a Muslim lady is friend, lover, advisor confidante, help-mate, and supervisor of his home. She is this way, because she her husband will obey the command from Almighty God to love, maintain, and protect her at all cost. Men are protectors and maintainers of women because Allah has given the one more strength than the other, and because they support them from their means. (Surah an-Nissaa:34). Because she has been given the assurance that she will be maintained, a Muslim lady does not have to go out to work; rather she can stay home and care for her family, which is her main responsibility. However, if she chooses to work, in the home or out, she may do so and is she chooses to aid her family financially, she may also do so, obtaining thereby Allahs blessings. Yet if she chooses not to aid financially, Allah has stated in the Holy Quran to women what they earn and to men what they earn. Since it is not the responsibility of a woman to maintain her family she does not have to do so, nor give any money to her family. And stay quietly in your houses, and make not a dazzling display of yourselves like that of the former times of ignorance. (Surah Ahzab:33). O Prophet! Tell thy wives and daughters and believing women that they should cast their outer garments over their persons (when abroad). (Surah Ahzab:59). Islam encourages that Muslim ladies stay home and tend to their families. However, it does not mean that ladies cannot go out for business, for family needs, for society needs, or just socially visiting family and friends. If Muslim ladies expected to only stay in the home, there would not have been rules and guidelines on how to dress and conduct oneself outside of the home. According to traditions of the Holy Last Messenger (s.a.s.), women receive many blessings for being home, yet she may leave her home for various reasons, and not incur Allah's displeasure.

Hadith: The Prophet said to some women, "Those of you who stay at home will gain the action (merit) of the Mujahideen (those who strive in the path of Allah)." The Holy Prophet (s.a.s.) said, "If a wife of any of you should ask permission to go to the mosque, do not stop her." Muslim ladies may work outside of the home in jobs that do not her religion. For example, if she is not required to uncover herself, remain alone with a man who is not her relative, serve or associate around alcohol, pork, or drugs, etc... Muslim ladies are doctors, lawyers, teachers, business owners, bankers. They are also politically and socially involved in communities here and abroad. They fund-raisers human rights activists, and moral consciousness raisers. They may function in these arenas with the permission of their husbands and the support of their families and communities. If there is a conflict between these activities and home life, the Muslim lady knows and undoubtedly understands that any and all activities outside the home, but never would she abandon her family. Family is her first and foremost obligation. The Holy Prophet (s.a.s.) has stated that, "A woman is the guardian of the family of her husband and of his children, and she will be asked about them (as to what extent she fulfilled their rights)."

Contrary to misconceptions and lies perpetrated against Muslims, in Islam, the Muslim lady is not an object of scorn, nor reduced to one with no moral rights or social obligations. She is not property to any man, nor subservient to anyone. Islam has not taken away any rights, rather it has increased and enhanced her rights and obligations to the Creator and herself. Almighty God answers the prayers of both men and women. She observes prayers, fasting, performing pilgrimage, religious holidays, Islamic injunctions, modest dress and behavior similar to her male counterpart. Her good deeds are rewarded by Almighty God and her bad deeds may punished or forgiven by Almighty God, just like the Muslim male. As stated in Holy Quran, women have rights similar to the rights of men. Many verses of Holy Quran speak about believing men and women, patient men and women, pious and women, men and women of virtue, righteous men and women, and their rewards with Allah (Almighty God). In the religion of Islam, the Muslim lady has found a perfect way of life. To achieve that perfection, she must live up to the guidelines prescribed by Almighty God in letter and spirit. She recognizes her obligations and strives to fulfill them according to Islam. She acknowledges that the Supremacy, Sovereignty, Final Authority, and the only Ruler is Almighty Allah. The Holy Quran is the book follows, for in it the essentials of the Islamic system are beautifully laid out for her and each and every Muslim. She has no doubt in its authenticity. She is sure of it and she is sure of herself an her role in this society. She is a Muslim lady, with much deserved honor and dignity. And she is proud and honored to be amongst the God-fearing, God loving creation of the Almighty.

The Qur'an on Terrorism

2006-04-19T19:23:00.000-07:00

What does Islam's holy book say about peace, war, and violence?

Muslims claim that their faith promotes justice, peace, and freedom. Critics of the faith (and some Muslims themselves) cite verses from the Qur'an that seem to promote violent, armed warfare. How can these different images be reconciled?

The entire Qur'an, taken as a complete text, gives a message of hope, faith, and peace to a faith community of one billion people. The overwhelming message is that peace is to be found through faith in God, and justice among fellow human beings.

At the time the Qur'an was revealed (7th century A.D.), there was no United Nations or Amnesty International to keep the peace or expose injustice. Inter-tribal violence and vengeance was commonplace. As a matter of survival, one must have been willing to defend against aggression from all sides. Nevertheless, the Qur'an repeatedly urges forgiveness and restraint, and warns believers not to "transgress" or become "oppressors." Some examples:

If anyone slays a person - unless it be for murder or for spreading mischief in the land - it would be as if he slew all people. And if anyone saves a life, it would be as if he saved the life of all people. Qur'an 5:32

Invite all to the way of your Lord with wisdom and beautiful preaching. And argue with them in ways that are best and most gracious . . . And if you punish, let your punishment be proportional to the wrong that has been done to you. But if you show patience, that is indeed the best course. Be patient, for your patience is from God. And do not grieve over them, or distress yourself because of their plots. For God is with those who restrain themselves, and those who do good. Qur'an 16:125-128

Oh you who believe! Stand out firmly for justice, as witnesses to God, even against yourselves, or your parents, or your kin, and whether it be against rich or poor, for God can best protect both. Follow not the cravings of your hearts, lest you swerve, and if you distort justice or decline to do justice, verily God is well acquainted with all that you do. Qur'an 4:135

The recompense for an injury is an injury equal thereto (in degree), but if a person forgives and makes reconciliation, his reward is due from God, for God loves not those who do wrong. But indeed, if any do help and defend themselves after a wrong done to them, against such there is no cause of blame. The blame is only against those who oppress men with wrongdoing and insolently transgress beyond bounds through the land, defying right and justice, for such there will be a penalty grievous (in the Hereafter). But indeed, if any show patience and forgive, that would truly be an affair of great resolution. Qur'an 42:40-43

Goodness and evil are not equal. Repel evil with what is better. Then that person with whom there was hatred, may become your intimate friend! And no one will be granted such goodness except those who exercise patience and self-restraint, none but people of the greatest good fortune. Qur'an 41:34-35

But what about those passages of the Qur'an that seem to promote wanton violence? One of the verses most often quoted (2:191) seems to command Muslims to "slay them wherever you find them." But who are "they?" Is it any non-Muslim or "infidel?" One merely needs to read the preceding verse to find the answer: "Fight in the cause of Allah those who fight you, but do not transgress limits; for Allah loves not the transgressors" (2:190). In subsequent verses, Muslims are called upon to stop fighting when the opposing party ceases its aggression.

2006-04-19T19:17:00.000-07:00

Development of the concept of women’s work

The movement to bring women out of the home to work started in a major way in the western world after the Industrial Revolution, which led to men’s migration to the cities, so women took their place in the countryside. When the unions emerged, owners of workplaces used women to counteract these unions. This – as researchers and historians will confirm – was the plan of Jewish elements, aimed at destroying society by destroying the family, in order to take control of society.

Women’s work role increased further as a result of the major wars which led to the conscription of young men. It was also increased by the media which propagated the idea of women working, and promised freedom and a way out from the eras of intellectual stagnation and social backwardness during which women had been obedient servants running the affairs of the household with no status of their own. The emergence of women was also used for material gains, the fulfilment of base desires, prostitution and corruption.

Dr. Saalih al-Assaaf says in his book, Al-Mar’ah al-Khaleejiyyah fi Majaal al-Tarbiyah wa’l-Ta’leem (Women of the Gulf in the field of education) that women’s entry into the work-force came about as a result of plans drawn up by the capitalists who had been spawned by the Jews, to create a global society with no religion or morals; their main tool in reaching their evil goals was woman.

It was said that the concept of women’s work and interest in this concept go back to the Industrial Revolution in Europe, when the factory workers started to strike because of their exhaustion caused by long hours of work for limited pay. Because of this, women were brought into the work-force to make up for the shortage of workers in the factories, lest work stop and financial losses occur as a result.

Women and work in the West

Women in the west did not enter the work-force until after men had ceased to meet their needs, then they were forced to work.

Dr. Yoosuf Moosa (may Allaah have mercy on him) said: “Perhaps it is worth mentioning here that during my stay in France, the family in whose house I stayed for a while had a servant girl who, from her features and demeanour, obviously came from a good background. I asked the lady of the house, ‘Why do we have this girl as a servant? Does she not have a relative who can keep her, thus saving her from having to work?’ She replied that the girl came from a good family in the city, and she had a very rich uncle, but he did not care about her. I asked, ‘Why does she not take the matter to court so that the judge can order him to spend on her?’ The lady was amazed by this, and told me that this was not permitted by law.

When I told her about the rulings of Islam on such matters, she said, ‘Who will bring this kind of legislation to us? If we had this type of legislation, we would not have girls and women having to go out to work in companies and factories.’”

The father in western countries is not obliged by the state, or by tradition, to spend on his daughter once she reaches the age of eighteen. So fathers force their daughters to find work when they reach this age, or to pay rent for the room in which they live.

Women’s work in the west has resulted in the disintegration of the family and the vagrancy of children. This is what has led western academics and thinkers to raise their voices to warn their societies against the perils of women working outside the home.

Anna Rhode said: “Finding her daughters work in the houses of others as servants and the like is better and less trouble than finding them work in factories where they are contaminated with the dirt and lose their beauty for ever. Would that our country was like the Muslim countries! It’s a shame that England has made its daughters an example of immorality and promiscuity. Why do we not strive to find our daughters work that suits their nature?”

Alexis Carrel said: “Modern society has made a huge mistake by replacing the teaching of the family completely with the teaching of the school.”

Dr. Wayne Dennis said: “The child’s intelligence and ability to speak develop and become strong when he grows up among his parents and is not left to the care of educators, servants and teachers.”

Bertrand Russell confirmed: “The family has disintegrated because of women working in public. Real life shows us that women rebel against the traditions of good morals, and refuse to stay faithful to their husbands when they become financially independent.”

Negative consequences of women’s work

Women’s emergence into the work-force has been accompanied by social changes in the family structure and in the relationships between husbands and wives, children and parents.

Some academic researchers have noted the conflict between women’s work and their role as mother and wife, which affects them emotionally and physically, so that they have to seek the help of others to raise their children.

There is scientific evidence to show that longer breastfeeding makes a child more sociable. Hence the child needs his mother to devote enough time to breastfeeding so that he will be more self-confident and grow naturally.

In addition to the above, there are other negative consequences caused by women going out of the home to work. These include:

The mother’s lengthy absence at work cuts down on the period of breastfeeding, and reduces the flow of milk. Some women have been forced to wean their children at an early age, because their work does not give them the opportunity to nourish themselves properly which is essential during the breastfeeding period.

When women go out to work, this weakens the ties of love among the members of the family, and may lead to its disintegration and collapse. The increase in the divorce rate in countries where many women go out to work is well known.

Women’s work in Islam

Islam is the religion which honours women and protects them, aiming to keep them safe and chaste, because this protects the whole society. So the woman offers comfort to the man and is his confidante and nurse, the one who breastfeeds him and nurses him. So if she is righteous, then she prepares a righteous generation for the future.

The home is the woman’s domain, her base of operations in life. The Qur’aan and Sunnah command women to stay in their houses. Allaah has given both spouses their rights, and has enjoined upon each their duties, so that the structure of the family and the society may complement one another. So the man has to work and strive to earn a living, and spend on his family, and the woman has to take care of breastfeeding, nurturing and bringing up the children. If she forsakes her domestic duties, then the whole family suffers, emotionally and physically.

At the time of the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) and the Khulafaa’ al-Raashidoon, women took part with men in numerous fields, such as the pursuit of knowledge. There were women who narrated ahaadeeth and reports, literary women and poetesses, and women who were well versed in science and handicrafts.

The wives of the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) and the wives of his Companions (may Allaah be pleased with them) used to go out on military campaigns with the men, bringing water and preparing food, taking care of the wounded, and urging the army to fight, all within the bounds of proper covering and chaste conduct.

There are essential and urgently-needed kinds of work which have to be undertaken by women, such as teaching. If we do not allow women to teach young girls, who is going to teach them? Should we leave them ignorant, or should we bring in men to teach them, with all the risks involved in that?

This also applies to the practice of medicine and nursing. If women teach girls, there is less danger involved than if we let men teach them.

Provision of social services and charitable work to women are other areas which should be undertaken by women, so that we may become self-sufficient and have a specialized female workforce.

The concept of women’s work in Islam is more comprehensive and deeper than that proclaimed by those who advocate that women should be liberated from the home only so that they may obtain paid employment. Motherhood is work; bringing up children is work; housework is work; upholding the values of society is work

Women’s work in the Muslim countries

When women in Muslim countries went out to work, it was in imitation of and in admiration of the portrayal given by cheats and deceivers of western women’s so-called freedom and false economic independence.

So Muslim women were influenced by the women of the west, and more of them went out to work. As a result, there was an increase in unveiling (removal of hijaab) and mixing with men, which in turn led to the spread of corruption and evil in the society.

Islam wants women to be their husband’s allies, to support and encourage them in their duties and work; it wants the woman to be in charge of her home, to raise the next generation, to be a loving companion to her husband and to be educated and cultured; it wants her to be strong in her religion, sincere and honest, patient and content with her life.

In the past there were Muslim women who were scholars, teachers and workers, who played a valuable role.

‘Urwah ibn al-Zubayr (may Allaah be pleased with him) said: “I never saw anyone more knowledgeable in fiqh, medicine and poetry than ‘Aa’ishah (may Allaah be pleased with her).”

The Sahaabah (may Allaah be pleased with them) acknowledged the rights of the Mothers of the Believers, learned from their advice, and asked them about religious matters concerning which they did not have knowledge.

There have always been female workers, even during the time of the Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him). The Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) did business with the wealth of Khadeejah (may Allaah be pleased with her). It was reported that a woman from among the Ansaar came to the Messenger of Allaah whilst he was sitting at al-Marwah, and said, “O Messenger of Allaah, I am a woman who buys and sells. It may be that I am about to sell a product, then someone offers me a higher price.” The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: “Do not do that (do not accept the higher price). When you want to buy something, make your offer, and then it does not matter whether your bid is accepted or not.”

In Islam, a woman is the custodian of her husband’s wealth and is responsible for her “flock” (i.e., those under her care, her children)

The women of the Sahaabah (may Allaah be pleased with them) used to undertake difficult work in their homes, as was reported from Faatimah (may Allaah be pleased with her) and Asmaa’ (may Allaah be pleased with her). They used to cook, wash (clothes), grind flour, make dough, bake bread and feed horses.

Reasons for work, and developing home-based work

Women are women, in the past and in the present, at every time and in every place. There may be women who want to earn money in order to feel personally independent, or for the satisfaction that they derive from their work.

It may be that women want to work in order to be on the safe side, in case they become widowed or divorced. Or perhaps both spouses think that it is necessary to raise the family’s standard of living.

In the past, this desire to work was fulfilled through things that women did in their homes. But it seems that modern progress has changed some things, and now there are professions that are practised outside the home.

Therefore it is preferable for society to develop fields in which women can work at home, so that they can earn money or serve their societies from their homes.

When and how can women work?

Dr. Saalih al-‘Assaaf answers this question in his book al-Mar’ah al-Khaleejiyyah, where he says:
“Women can work where there is an urgent social need which requires women to do paid work that is suited to their feminine nature and that does not conflict with Islamic values.”

With regard to how they may work, he says that women can work according to the following conditions and guarantees:

That her paid work should not go against her feminine nature.
That her paid work should not lead to her mixing with men.
That her paid work should not hinder her from playing her role in the family.
That her paid work should not cause her to make a wanton display of her beauty.

So, if these conditions are taken into consideration and there is an urgent social need, women can do paid work in a number of fields, such as:

Medicine, nursing, teaching, social services and commercial ventures serving women, such as weaving, textiles and sewing.

To what extent does women’s work have an effect on the development of the national economy?
The concept of women’s work is based on the view that women form an important human resource which should be put to use in increasing the country’s productivity. This may be achieved by using local women to replace foreign workers, so that they become producers and not merely consumers. Making use of women to help develop the national economy is a matter whose desirability is agreed upon.

But is it only women’s paid work that counts? Of course not. We should look at both women’s paid work and their unpaid work as represented by motherhood, child rearing and housework.

Ways of increasing women’s input in social and economic development

In order to enable women to do what is expected of them, and to increase their input in social and economic development, we must do the following:

Strive to ensure that all girls, in the cities and in the countryside, receive an education.

Add a curriculum of study just for girls, to teach them some kinds of work that can be done at home.

Teach girls how to bring up children and teach them (their children) how to speak, walk, keep clean and take care of their health.

Teach girls to respect themselves and not to be deceived by whims and desires and the media, or to follow the latest foreign fashions, so that the national income will not be wasted on useless things.

Focus on woman’s role as the mistress of the family and educator of children, and as an important element in the nation’s progress and development, if women take their responsibilities and duties seriously and do them well.

In this manner, women can play a practical role in achieving social and economic development, for their own happiness and for that of their families and society.

Some thoughts about the economic aspects of women’s work

In Islam, women are not obliged to cook and clean as a compulsory duty, which confirms that women’s work in the home is form of economic productivity. This highlights the difference between (the Islamic view) and the western view of women’s work in the home.

There has been a marked increase in a number of countries of work opportunities for women at all levels of qualification and responsibility. In most of the industrialized nations and developing countries, women’s entry into the work force has increased until nearly 30% of women are engaged in economic activity, and approximately one-third of the workforce is composed of women, especially in the industrialized nations.

Some have said that if women in the advanced nations need to work despite their husbands’ high incomes, then women in the developing nations need to work even more, because their husbands have lower incomes and they have more children, so their work will help to speed up the social and economic development of their societies.

And they say that women form half of society and half of the workforce, so if we do not make use of them, this will be a waste of resources and an insult to women’s honour and position.

But the fact of the matter is that there are historical reasons for women’s work in the west, reasons that have to do with the west’s social structure and moral values.

Moreover, the size of the family and a larger number of children should dictate that the woman stay at home because she has an increased burden of responsibility.

Not including women’s housework in the GDP is misleading according to the standards of measuring economic activity, because women’s housework is also a kind of productivity which should be factored into the GDP by calculating the equivalent value if others were paid to do this work.

When we look at the material gains earned through women’s income, we should also consider the alternatives, and take into account how much is lost by paying servants, drivers, babysitters and daycare providers, and how much is spent on ready-made foods. All this means that what is left does not counterbalance the negative effects of women going out to work. Some of them explain the increase in numbers of working women by referring to the rising cost of living, the desire for a higher standard of living and the emergence of modern household tools which make housework easy. They also point to the rise in women’s levels of education, and the appearance of services which help women go out to work, such as day care centres, restaurants and transportation. But in fact, up till the present day, all organizations, even international ones, have failed to achieve true equality in pay between men and women. Businessmen have refused equal pay on the grounds of economic productivity.

Women do less work and are less productive than men; they are less innovative and less ambitious. They also have the additional burden of the menstrual cycle, pregnancy and thinking of their children. The demands of their feminine nature make them unable to match men in terms of work, and hinder them from advancing in the work place. This means that women’s wages are half those of men in most countries. Moreover, women are naturally inclined towards wearing make-up and jewellery; if they go out of their homes to work, they are going to spend much of the money that they make on clothes, adornments and fixing their hair. Many countries are suffering because of millions wasted on foolish adornments, things that do not enhance society or contribute towards economic development.

A number of studies confirm that productivity is reduced because of women’s presence in the office.

However, there are kinds of work that can be done at home, which are highly feasible and suitable for women, such as spinning, weaving, textiles and home economics. These kinds of work have been well known from ancient times. ‘Aa’ishah (may Allaah be pleased with her) said: “The spindle in the hand of a woman is like a sword in the hand of the mujaahid.” The mother of Sufyaan al-Thawri used to tell him: “O my son, seek knowledge, and I will take care of you by my spinning.”

This kind of expertise can be handed down through the generations and built upon until a distinctive product is developed, as we may note in some societies such as the carpets from Iran and Kashmir which are made by hand at home.

Often such products are well-made and command high prices, and there is a high demand for them.

With regard to the number of children in the family, there are usually fewer children in families where women go out to work, and more in families where women do not work. This is not appropriate. Some societies need to increase their number of inhabitants, and some states even encourage people to increase the population by offering help for every child born to the family.
So it is essential to change the curriculum of women’s education as regards the number of years spent in school and the specialties taught. There is also a need to change the structure of women’s work by developing jobs with shorter hours, the flexibility to come and go, and part-time and short-term employment. In Japan, for example, women play their motherhood role by taking care of their children more than American women do.

Japanese women do not climb the career ladder which leads to a lifetime of work; they leave work after they get married.

Supplication & Its Manners, Times, Conditions & Mistakes

2006-04-13T20:28:00.000-07:00

By Abdulaziz Addweesh

Published and copyright by the Cooperative Office for Call and Guidance, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

Proofs Of Supplication From Qur’an & Sunnah

All mighty Allah (SWT) said : “And when My slaves ask you (O Mohammed) concerning Me then (answer them), I am indeed near (to them by my knowledge) I respond to the invocations of the supplicant when he calls on me (without any mediator or intercessor) So let them obey Me and believe in Me, so that they may be led to the right path.” (Qur'an 2:186)

Allah (SWT) also said:“And your Rabb (Cherisher and Sustainer) said: “Invoke Me (i.e. believe in My Oneness) (and ask Me for anything) I will respond to your (invocation) Verily! Those who scorn My worship (i.e. do not invoke Me, and do not believe in My Oneness ) they will surely enter hell in humiliation!” (Qur'an 40:60)

Allah (SWT) said:“Invoke Me, I will respond to you”, so from His mercy for His slaves He has promised to respond to their invocations but for those who do not invoke Him, He has promised punishment because invocation of Allah (SWT) is an act of worship and refusing to invoke Him (disbelieving in Him or having doubt in His ability to answer the invocation) is refusal to worship Him.

Narrated An-Numan bin Bashir (Ra) (Radhiallahu anhu, meaning: may Allah be pleased with him): The Prophet (SAW) said: “Verily, Supplication is worship.” (AI-Arbaa (The four) and AI-Tirmdhi, graded it Sahih (sound))

Narrated Abu Hurairah (Ra): The Prophet (SAW) said: “Nothing is more honorable (most liked ) before Allah (SWT) than Supplication .” (At-Tirmidhi, Ibn Hibban and Al-Hakim graded it Sahih)

From all the, Hadiths above we see that Supplication is a type of worship and it is honorable to Allah or liked by Allah (SWT).

Manners of Supplication

Supplication should start with, “Bismillah…In the name of Allah, Praise is to Allah, and Peace and Blessings of Allah be upon the Messenger of Allah and should end with (Peace and Blessing be upon the Messenger of Allah).”
Supplication should be performed secretly and with a present (sincere) heart. Allah (SWT) said: “Invoke your Rabb (Cherisher and Sustainer) with humility and in secret, He likes not the aggressors.” (Qur'an 7:55)
Supplicate Allah (SWT) with humility and express your need of Allah (SWT). He said: “Verily, they used to hasten on to do good deeds, and they used to call on Us with hope and fear, and used to humble themselves before us.” (Qur'an 21:90)
Insist to Allah (SWT) in your supplication by repeating it many times.
Invoke Allah (SWT) by His Names and Attributes. He said: “And (all) the Most Beautiful Names belong to Allah, so call on Him by them.” (Qur'an 7:180)
Supplicate Allah (SWT) by mentioning the righteous deeds you have done. Narrated Abdullah bin Umar (Ra), that he heard Allah’s Messenger (SAW), saying “Three men, amongst those who became before you set out until night came and they reached a cave, so they entered it. A rock slithered down from a mountain and blocked the entrance of the cave. They said: “Nothing will save you from this except that you supplicate to Allah (SWT) by mentioning the righteous deeds you have done, etc.” (Bukhari and Muslim)
Admit your sins during your supplication. Allah (SWT) said: “Dhan-Nun (Jonah), when he went off in anger, and imagined that We shall not punish him. But he cried through the darkness (saying): La ilaha illa Anta (none has the ,right to be worshiped but You) Glorified be You, Truly, I have been of the wrongdoers.” (Qur'an 21:87)
Repeat each sentence of your supplication three times. From the long Hadith narrated by Ibn Masaud (Ra), and when the Prophet (SAW) finished his Salat, he raised his voice and supplicated on them and when he supplicated, he supplicated three times.” (Muslim)
Face the Qiblah (Mecca) during your supplication. Narrated Abdullah bin Zaid (Ra): “Allah’s Messenger (SAW) went out to his praying place to offer the Salat of Istisqa (rain) He invoked Allah (SWT) for rain and then faced Al-Qiblah and turned his upper garment inside out.” (Bukhari)
Raise your hands while supplicating Allah (SWT) as in the Hadith of Abu Musa (Ra): when the Prophet (SAW) had finished from the battle of Hunain, he said “the Prophet (SAW) asked for water, performed ablution and then raised his hands saying 'O Allah forgive Ubaid Abi Amir.” (Bukhari and Muslim)
Be in the state of Purity during your supplication. (See the previous Hadith)
When making supplication for others, start with yourself first then include others. Allah (SWT) said about Noah (AS) “My Rabb (Cherisher and Sustainer) forgive me and my parents and him who enters my home as a believer, and all the believing men and women.” (Qur'an 71:28)
Do not be aggressive when you are supplicating Allah (SWT) such as asking Him to make you a prophet and you know there will not be a prophet after Mohammed (SAW) or make you live forever and you know every one will die.
Remember to include your parents in your supplication (if they are Muslims only or they died on Islam but if they are alive and they are non believers, you can not supplicate Allah (SWT) to have mercy on them or forgive their sins, you are only allowed to ask Allah (SWT) to guide them to the right path “Islam”)
Be patient. Do not expect an immediate response from Allah (SWT) although this could happen. But if it does not, then you should be patient and continue supplicating Allah (SWT) until you see the results. Narrated Abu Hurairah (Ra): Allah’s Messenger (SAW) said: “The invocation of anyone of you is responded to by Allah (SWT) if he does not show impatience by saying; 'I invoked Allah (SWT) but my request has not been granted.’” (Bukhari and Muslim)

Times of Supplication

There are certain times supplication is more likely to be accepted by Allah (SWT) as the Prophet (SAW) said. These times are:

The Last Third Of The Night:
Abu Huraira (Ra) narrated that Allah’s Messenger (SAW) said: In the last third of every night our Rabb (Cherisher and Sustainer) (Allah (SWT)) descends to the lowermost heaven and says; “Who is calling Me, so that I may answer him? Who is asking Me so that may I grant him? Who is seeking forgiveness from Me so that I may forgive him?.” (Bukhari)
Late at night, when people are sleeping and busy with worldly pleasures Allah (SWT) gives the believers an opportunity, or an answer hour if they can fight sleep and invoke Allah (SWT) for whatever they need.
Between Adhan and Iqama:
Anas (Ra) narrated that Allah’s Messenger (SAW) said: “A supplication made between the Adhan and Iqama is not rejected.” (An-Nasai and Ibn Hibban graded it sahih (sound))
An Hour On Friday:
Narrated Abu Huraira (Ra): Allah’s Messenger (SAW) talked about Friday and said: “There is an hour on Friday and if a Muslim gets it while offering Salat (prayer) and asks something from Allah (SWT), then Allah (SWT) will definitely meet his demand.” And he (the Prophet (SAW) pointed out the shortness of that time with his hands. (Bukhari)

Some said this hour is from the time the Imam (prayer’s leader) enters the mosque on Friday’s prayer until the prayer is over where others have said that it is the last hour of the day. (Note: when we say an hour here we do not mean the hour everyone knows (60 minutes) but an unspecified period of time because the time counters which we use today came after the Prophet (SAW) had died
While Drinking Zamzam Water:
Jaber (Ra) narrated that Allah’s Messenger (SAW) said: “Zamzam water is for what it is drunk for.” (Ahmed and Ibn Majah)

This means that when you drink Zamzam water you may ask Allah (SWT) for anything you like to gain or benefit from this water such as healing from illness, etc.
While Prostrating:
Abu Huraira (Ra) narrated that Allah’s Messenger (SAW), said: “The nearest a slave can be to his Rabb (Cherisher and Sustainer) is when he is prostrating, so invoke (supplicate) Allah (SWT) much.” (Muslim)

When a Muslim is in his Salat (prayer) he is facing Allah (SWT) and when he prostrates he is the nearest he can be to Allah (SWT) so it is best to invoke Allah (SWT) at this time.

On The Day Of Arafa: The Messenger of Allah (SAW) said: The best supplication is the supplication on the day of Arafa. (At-Tirmidhi and Malik)
When Waking Up at Night: Narrated Ubada Bin As-Samit that Allah’s Messenger (SAW) said: “Whomever wakes up at night and says La ilaha illallahu wahdahu la shrika lahu lahulmulku, wa lahul hamdu, wa huwa ala kulli shai'in qadir. Alhamdu lillahi, wa subhanallahi wa la ilaha illallahu, wallah akbir, wa la hawla wala quwata illa billah” (none has the right to be worshipped but Allah (SWT) He is the only one who has no partners. His is the kingdom and all the praises are for Allah (SWT) All the glories are for Allah(SWT) And none has the right to be worshipped but Allah (SWT) and Allah(SWT) is the most Great and there is neither might nor power except with Allah (SWT) and then says, Allahumma ighfir li (O Allah! Forgive me) or invokes Allah (SWT), he will be responded to and if he makes ablution and performs Salat (prayer), his Salat (prayer) will be accepted. (Bukhari)
At The End Of The Obligatory “Salat” :
Narrated Abu Omamah (Ra): that Allah’s Messenger (SAW) was asked, O Messenger of Allah, which supplication is heard (by Allah (SWT), he said the end of the night and at the end of the obligatory Salat (prayer) (At-Tirmidhi)

This time is after saying “At-tahyat” , and before making Tasleem (finishing prayer)
The Night Of “Qadr” (Decree):
This night is the greatest night of the year. This is the night which the almighty Allah (SWT) said about it, “The night of Al-Qadar (Decree) is better than a thousand month.” (Qur'an 97:3)
During The Rain:
Narrated Sahel Ibn Saad (Ra): that the Messenger of Allah (SAW) said: Two will not be rejected, Supplication after the Adhan (call of prayer) and at the time of the rain. (Al-Hakim and Abo Dawood)

The time of the rain is a time of mercy from Allah (SWT) so, one should take advantage of this time when Allah (SWT) is having mercy on His slaves.
At the Adhan: (See the previous paragraph)
The One Who Is Suffering Injustice:
The Messenger of Allah (SAW) said to Moaad Ibn Jabal (Ra), Beware of the supplication of the unjustly treated, because there is no shelter or veil between it (the supplication of the one who is suffering injustice) and Allah (SWT) (Al-Bukhari and Muslim)

The One who is suffering injustice is heard by Allah (SWT) when he invokes Allah (SWT) to retain his rights from the unjust one. Allah (SWT) has sworn to help the one who is suffering from injustice sooner or later as the Messenger of Allah (SAW) said.
The Traveler:
The Messenger of Allah (SAW) said; Three supplications will not be rejected (by Allah (SWT)), the supplication of the parent for his child, the supplication of the one who is fasting, and the supplication of the traveler. (Al-Bayhaqi and approved by Al-Albani)

During travel supplication is heard by Allah (SWT) if the trip is for a good reason, but if the trip is for a bad intention or to perform illegal things (making sins) this will not apply to it.
The Fasting: (See the previous paragraph)
The Parents Supplication for His Child: (See the previous paragraph)

Conditions for Supplication

One must know that only Allah (SWT) can answer his supplication and He is the only one Who can bring good to him. Allah (SWT) said: “Is not He Who responds to the distressed one, when he calls Him, and Who removes the evil, and makes you inheritors of the earth, generation after generation. Is there any god with Allah? Little is that you remember” (27:62)
One must invoke Allah (SWT) alone and no others. Allah (SWT) said: “And the mosques are for Allah (Alone), so invoke not anyone along with Him” (Qur'an 72:18)
One must be patient (see page 9)
One must think positively of Allah (SWT), must have faith in Him and believe that He has the ability to do anything He wants. Narrated Abu Hurairah (Ra): Allah’s Messenger (SAW) said: “Supplicate Allah with confidence He will answer you” (At-Tirmidhi)

Mistakes in Supplication

Invoking other than Allah (SWT) such as prophets, pious people, stone, idols ... etc this is Shirk (polytheism)
Wishing to die. Some people when they get sick, and they do not heal soon, or they have some personal problems they start wishing for death.
Asking Allah (SWT) to hurry or give his punishment in this life.
Asking Allah (SWT) to break the bond of kin-ship. (such as separating one from his parents)
Supplicating for sins to spread in the Islamic society.
The “Imam” (prayer’s leader) making supplication for himself without including the followers in his supplication. (during group prayer, At-taraweh in Ramadan)
Invoking Allah (SWT) to see if there is a response without a sense of genuine purpose.
Raising the voice during the supplication. It should be done secretly.
Saying Insha-Allah, (Allah willing) after the supplication. (Ex.: O' Allah forgive my sins if you will) Narrated Abu Huraira (Ra): the Messenger of Allah (SAW) said, “None of you should say: O' Allah forgive me if you wish, O' Allah be merciful to me if you wish, but he should always appeal to Allah (SWT) with determination, for nobody can force Allah (SWT) to do something against His will.” (Agreed upon)
Invoking Allah (SWT) aggressively, (asking Allah (SWT)) for impossible things such as asking Him to make you a prophet or immortality)
Asking Allah (SWT) to harm a Muslim.
Asking Allah (SWT) to have a Muslim commit a sin or die as a non believer.

Reasons for the Acceptance of Supplication

There are some reasons which cause the supplication to be accepted by Allah (SWT) They are:

Repentance to Allah (SWT): The almighty Allah (SWT) said “I said (to them): 'Ask forgiveness from your Rabb (Cherisher and Sustainer) Verily, He is Oft Forgiving; He will send rain to you in abundance; And give you increase in wealth and children, and bestow on you gardens and bestow on you rivers” (Qur'an 71:10,12)

Good income: The income must be halal (good) as the Messenger of Allah (SAW) was asked by one of His companions, How could I have my supplication responded to? The messenger of Allah (SAW) said; “Make your income good and your supplication will be responded to.”

Perform Supererogatory Deeds: Such as voluntary prayer and voluntary fasting.

Chose the preferred time for Supplication: (see above)

Reasons for the Rejection of Supplication

As there are reasons for acceptance of a supplication, there are also reasons for rejection of a supplication. Here are some reasons which will cause Allah (SWT) to reject the supplication:

Illegal Income
Committing a lot of Sins
Having doubt in Allah (SWT)
Being Aggressive When Supplicating

What Happens When Supplication is Made?

When someone invokes Allah (SWT), one of the following will happen:

Allah (SWT) will respond to the supplicant and He will give him what he asked for.
Allah (SWT) will prevent the supplicant from being harmed.
Allah (SWT) will reward the supplicant with “Hasanat” (good reward) which will be kept for him on the Day Of Judgment.

Source:

http://www.wefound.org/texts/Qur'an_and_Sunnah_files/Qur'an%20and%20SunnahSupplication.htm

"Oh my Lord! Forgive my sins and my ignorance and my exceeding the limits (boundaries of righteousness) in all my deeds and what you know better than I. O Allah! Forgive my mistakes, those done intentionally or out of my ignorance or (without) or with seriousness, and I confess that all such mistakes are done by me. Oh Allah! Forgive my sins of the past and of the future which i did openly or secretly. You are the One who makes the things go before, and You are the One who delays them, and You are the Omnipotent." (Bukhari, vol. , pp. 271, #407)

Woman's Role in Contemporary Society

2006-04-13T20:00:00.000-07:00

I would like to thank the Muslim Students Association for giving me this opportunity to speak with you on the issue of women which is close to my heart and which is, I believe, one of the biggest challenges facing us today as we move towards a better and just society.

The role of woman, her position and status in society, and her nature have been issues of debate and discussion informed by religion, tradition and culture, misogyny, feminism and - many times - downright ignorance and bigotry.

I am a Muslim and Muslims seek guidance from Allah through his book, the Qur'an, and His messenger Mohammed (pbuh). Muslims believe that the word of Allah is supreme and takes precedence over all traditions cultures.

The Muslim Youth Movement in its struggle towards realising its goals of establishing a just order based on the Divine Will and promoting the values and principles of Islam felt that the area of gender needed redressing. We therefore established the Gender Desk.

As the head of the MYM Gender Desk and on the many campaigns we undertake - like getting women to the mosques, struggling for a just Muslim Family Law system or simply insisting that the woman's voice be heard - I am often asked by people who are not Muslim why I do what I do; why struggle for the rights of women - and particularly Muslim women. What happened in my past that drove me to this?

The answer is simple: we respond to the injunction of the Qur'an to "enjoin what is right and forbid what is wrong", as we did when faced with the terrible injustices of apartheid and oppression on the basis of race and class.

In discussing the role of women in contemporary society I have divided my talk into three parts:

The perceptions of woman within contemporary Muslim societies.
The status, position and role of woman in the Qur'an and in early Islam from where we derive our aspirations.
Some of the challenges facing us in contemporary society - more specifically, in South Africa.

You might have heard at some time or the other that Islam teaches that women are "inferior" and "unequal" to men. Women are described as weak, inferior, inherently evil (it is the nature of woman to promote fitnah (mischief)), we have deficient intellectual capabilities and are spiritually lacking. Furthermore, these evaluations have been used to claim that women are unsuitable for performing certain tasks, or for functioning in some ways in society.

Thus women are barred from mosques and excluded from other Muslim institutions. The "intermingling of the sexes" is frowned upon on the basis that women create fitnah. The Muslim identity of a woman is restricted and limited to her dress code.

Specific functions and roles have been attributed to each sex; the function of woman is often confined to her reproductive ability. It is known that her primary function is to be mother and wife. And that she would be lacking in her Islamic duty if she in any way did not fulfil this role in accordance with how society defines it.

Since it is the responsibility of males to provide for females, women are liberated from all social, political and economic obligations. They are freed from all these burdens so they can enjoy the joys of housework and child-bearing and caring. And this is regarded as the special status that Islam has accorded woman, thus liberating her from oppression and suppression over 1400 years ago.

Some traditionalists are of the opinion that "according to strict Islamic injunctions, it is not obligatory for a woman to cook food for her husband or children or wash their clothes or even suckle the infants. A woman may refuse to do all these things without this being made ground for legal complaint against her. If she undertakes these duties it is out of sheer grace." Nevertheless, they stress that man and woman's roles are complementary and the most important role the women plays is in the family unit.

The same traditionalists also believe that her primary role is that of a mother and wife and that she needs not venture from the home and the darkest corners of her home are best for her. They also limit her freedom to exercise her will and choice.

It is ironical that all of them claim that Islam liberated women 1400 years ago. They claim that Islam gave women the right to equal education and civil and economic rights, but at the end of their analysis they come to the conclusion that a woman's place is in her husband's home and that she should be obedient to him and the male elite.

How on earth can she enjoy any liberty if she lacks knowledge, is confined to her home and has minimal control over her life.

We need to ask: Are these the teachings of Islam or have they been concocted by some people in order to maintain control over a sector of society so that they alone can benefit optimally. It is our duty as Muslims to refresh people's memories and look to our Glorious Qur'an and our glorious past. Let us look at the status and position and role of women in Qur'an and early Islam.
The fundamental principle of Islam is Tauhid - the unity of the human race under the sovereignty of the One and Only, Universal Divine Allah. Islam's message of peace affirms the equality of all human beings, and rejects all discrimination on the basis of race, class and gender.
Yes, Allah is the Sovereign and we succumb to Him and put aside our preferences, prejudices, and traditions and culture which are secondary to Allah's injunctions.

The Qur'an declares the absolute moral and spiritual equality of men and women.

"For Muslim men and Muslim women, for believing men and believing women, for devout men and devout women, for true men and true women, for men and women who are patient and constant, for men and women who humble themselves, for men and women who give in charity, for men and women who fast (and deny themselves), for men and women who guard their chastity, and for men and women who engage much in Allah's praise, for them has Allah prepared forgiveness and great reward." (Sura 33:35)

This passage makes a clear statement about the absolute equality of the human moral condition and identical spiritual and moral obligations placed on all individuals regardless of sex. Incidentally, this is one of the passages that addresses women directly. It is related that the women asked the Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) about why the Qur'an addressed only men when women too accepted God and His prophet. This question occasioned the revelation of the Qur'anic verses explicitly addressing women as well as men - a response that unequivocally shows Muhammad's (pbuh) and Allah's readiness to hear women. Thereafter the Qur'an explicitly addressed women a number of times.

I would like to read Sura 3:195 to you:

"And their Lord has accepted of them, and answered them: 'Never will I suffer to be lost the work of any of you, male or female. You are members, one of another: Those who have left their homes, or been driven out therefrom, or suffered harm in My Cause, or fought or been slain, verily, I will blot out from them their iniquities, and admit them into gardens with rivers flowing beneath. A reward from the presence of Allah, and from His presence is the best of rewards.'"

Allah clearly tells us here that we are members of one and the same human race, and therefore equal to one another.

We read in the Qur'an that taqwa (God-consciousness) is the only distinguishing factor between human beings.

"O humankind! We created you from a single (pair of a) male and a female, and made you into nations and tribes, that you may know each other (not that you may despise each other). Verily the most honoured of you in the sight of Allah is the most righteous (or God-conscious) of you. And Allah has full knowledge and is well acquainted (with all things)." (Sura 49:13)

And taqwa - "God consciousness" - is definitely not determined by gender!

Another interesting fact about women in the Qur'an is that Allah relates instances when woman received wahy (revelation). Oftentime the assertion is made that there has never been a female prophet. To that I say that there is no conclusive evidence that there did not exist a woman prophet. And yes, women have received wahy. Allah sent a messenger who carried Allah's message to Mary (pbuh):

"She placed a screen (to screen herself) from them; then We sent her our angel, and he appeared before her as a man in all respects. She said: 'I seek refuge in The Most Gracious from you: (come not near) if you are conscious of Allah.' He said: 'No, I am only a messenger from your Lord, (to announce) to you the gift of a holy son.'" (Sura 19:17-19)

Allah also "spoke" to the mother of Musa:

"And We revealed to Musa's mother, saying: 'Give him suck, then when you fear for him, cast him into the river and do not fear nor grieve; surely We will bring him back to you and make him one of the messengers.'" (Sura 28:7).

And, in the Qur'an we read the story of Bilqis, the Queen of Sheba. Most Muslims hold leadership as improper for women. The Qur'an uses no terms to imply that leadership is inappropriate for a woman. On the contrary, the Qur'anic story of Bilqis celebrates both her political and religious practices:

"But the Hoopoe tarried not far: he (came up and) said: 'I have compassed (territory) which you have not compassed, and I have come to you from Sheba with tidings true. I found (there) a woman ruling over them and provided with every requisite; and she has a magnificent throne..." (Sura 27:22-23).

These verses and the verses following them tell us of a wise woman; a woman who recognises the goodness in the Propeht Sulaiman (Solomon) just from his letter to her; a woman who rules her people through consultation; a woman who readily recognises and accepts the Truth when Solomon presents it to her.

What is interesting is that Allah, The Most Wise, has not specified any particular role for all men or all women. The Qur'an does not propose or support a singular role or single definition of a set of roles, exclusively, for each gender across every culture.

This thus allows individuals the freedom to decide on their functions and roles best suited to their contexts. This must, of course, be done by maintaining fairness and equality through mutual consultation, mercy, consideration and compassion between those affected by the decision.

Women do have a special and exclusive function; and that is procreation. The Qur'an elevates this special function in Sura 4 Verse 1:

"O humankind! Reverence your Guardian-Lord... reverence Allah, through whom you demand your mutual (rights), and (reverence) the wombs (that bore you)."

Another aspect that engenders the equal worth of individuals is that the Qur'an does not set value for particular deeds between men and women. Note verse 195 in Sura 3:

"Never will I suffer to be lost the work of any of you, male or female. You are members, one of another."

In contemporary society this is not so. Much more value is attached to the work that men do. Domestic work is not less of a good deed than going out of the house to work. I believe that there is space in Islam to actually attach monetary value to domestic work done by wives. Indeed, some classical scholars have stated that women should be paid even for breastfeeding their own children! And if the criteria for valuing any function is monetary value then we should insist that all these functions should also have monetary values attached to them.

History

Let us now take a step back into our history and look at the various roles our sheroes played in the societies they lived in. I admit I will be focusing on and emphasising the active and assertive roles they played. We have been taught well about what is traditionally considered to be pious about our early Muslim sisters. But what about the other roles they played?

Women were actively involved in warfare.

Umm 'Umara was known for her effectiveness with weapons. The Prophet (pbuh) commented that she was better than many men. Umm 'Umara fought in many battles and she lost her hand in one of them.

Umm Hakim single handedly disposed of seven Byzantine soldiers in the battle of Marj al- Saffar.

In one expedition against a Persian seaport the women, led by Azdah bint al-Harith turned their veils into flags, marching in martial array to the battlefield. They were mistaken for fresh reinforcements, which struck fear into the hearts of the enemy, and this contributed - at a critical moment - to the victory of the Muslims.

Religion

Women of the first Muslim community attended the mosque, took part in religious services on feast days, and listened to Muhammad's (pbuh) discourses. They were not just passive listeners and docile followers, but actively participated in discussion and questioned, confronted and challenged.

This practice continued even in 'Umar's time - when he was caliph. It is reported that when 'Umar attempted to limit the dowry in a khutbah in the mosque, a woman challenged his ruling and 'Umar conceded that "the woman is correct and 'Umar is wrong".

Talking about the mighty 'Umar, strong-headed and strong-willed... He never forbade his own wife to attend the mosque because he knew that this was a betrayal of the Prophet's teaching. In fact, he tried some dubious means to discourage her. He once hid in an alley and frightened her to illustrate the danger of women being harassed by the hypocrites while they were going to mosque. He was not successful; his wife continued on her way to the mosque!

Woman participated in political activities.

When Makkah was recaptured by the Muslims (Fath Makkah) many woman came to give their allegiance to Islam. They refused to offer their allegiance to 'Umar and insisted that they wanted to give it to the Prophet (pbuh) himself. The Prophet conceded and this was at a public assembly of men and women.

Women like Asma bint Abu Bakr were active in the workforce. She shared the responsibility of supporting her family with her husband by working away from her home.

Women were given the responsibility of running the affairs of the State. A woman - Shifa bint 'abd Allah - was appointed controller of the market of Madinah by the Prophet. She was reappointed by 'Umar when he became caliph.

The Prophet left it in the hands of his wife Umm Salamah to advise the Muslims to forgo the haj and to rather sign the treaty of Hudaibiyya.

'Aisha, the prophet's wife, was a reporter of many of the Prophet's traditions. She also addressed the congregation at the mosque and led an army in battle.

In the private domain women also exercised their rights.

They enjoyed the freedom of stipulating their demands in their marriage contract. An illustrious example is the story of Sukayna, the great-grand-daughter of the Prophet, daughter of Husayn. In her marriage contract she stipulated that she would not obey her husband and denied her husbands had the right to practise polygamy. She brought a case against one of her husbands who had violated her rule of monogamy. The judge was obliged to hear her case.

Yet when we attempt to assert ourselves as Muslim women we are accused of being influenced by the West, and attempting to cause divisions and putting Muslims and Islam to disrepute.

The renowned author Fatima Mernissi, says in Women and Islam that such a person is "one who misunderstands his own cultural heritage. The vast and inspiring records of Muslim history so brilliantly completed for us by scholars such as Ibn Hisham, Ibn Hajar, Ibn Sa'ad and Tabari speak to the contrary.

"We Muslim women can walk into the modern world with pride, knowing that the quest for dignity, democracy, and human rights, for full participation in the political and social affairs of our country , stems from no imported Western values, but is a true part of Muslim tradition.

"Women fled aristocratic tribal Mecca by the thousands to enter Medina, the Prophet's city in the 7th century, because Islam promised equality and dignity for all, for men and women, masters and servants. Every woman who came to Medina when the Prophet was the political leader of the Muslims could gain access to full citizenship, the status of sahabi, companion of the Prophet. Muslims can take pride that in their language they have the feminine of that word, sahabiyat, women who enjoyed the right to enter into the councils of the Muslim umma, to speak freely to its Prophet-leader, to dispute with men, to fight for their happiness, and to be involved in the management of military and political affairs. The evidence is there in the works of religious history, in the biographical details of sahabiyyat by the thousands who built Muslim society side by side with their male counterparts."

Lastly, let us look at some of the challenges facing us as we aspire towards the realisation of our goals of justice and a better society. (Unfortunately, this section was not completed by Shamima in the paper version we have, although she did present it at the meeting. And no recording exists to be able to complete it. Thus we simply reproduce here the points in her notes. - editor)
Addressing the misrepresentation and misemphasis in Islam (which is contrary to what we see in the Qur'an and in History).

Realising what the position and roles of men and women are.

Addressing the problems of gender relationships in Muslim communities and outside, gender imbalances.
Muslim Personal Law
Muslim women and the Muslim public domain.
Campaigns.

Source : http://www.islamfortoday.com/shamima1.htm

Sex Education: An Islamic Perspective

2006-04-05T22:21:00.000-07:00

Dr. Shahid Athar examines the issues.
"If you tell kids about sex, they'll do it. If you tell them about VD, they'll go out and get it. Incredible as may seem, most oppositions to sex education in this country are based on the assumption that knowledge is harmful. But research in this area reveals that ignorance and unresolved curiosity, not knowledge, are harmful. Our failure to tell children what they want and need to know is one reason we have the highest rates of out-of-wedlock teens pregnancy and abortion of any highly developed country in the world.

"What Kids Need to Know, Psychology Today, October 1986. Dr. Sol Gordon, Professor Emeritus, Syracuse University, and an expert on sex education

"Say: Are they equal those who know, and those who do not know?" (Quran 39:9).

"Blessed are the women of the Helpers. Their modesty did not stand in the way of their seeking knowledge about their religion" (Bukhari and Muslim).

Introduction

Although the Quran has placed so much emphasis on acquiring knowledge, and in the days of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) Muslim men and women were never too shy to ask him questions including those related to private affairs such as sexual life, for Muslim parents of today, sex is a dirty word. They feel uncomfortable in discussing sex education with their children, but do not mind the same being taught at their children's school by secular or non-Muslim teachers (of even the opposite sex), by their peers of either sex, and by the media and television. An average child is exposed to 9000 sexual scenes per year.

These parents should know that sex is not always a dirty word. It is an important aspect of our life. God Who cares for all the aspects of our life, and not just the way of worshipping Him, discusses reproduction, creation, family life, menstruation and even ejaculation in the Quran. Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), who was sent to us as an example, discussed many aspects of sexual life including sexual positions with his Companions.

The main reason Muslim parents do not or cannot discuss sex education with their children is because of the their cultural upbringing, not their religious training. They are often brought up in a state of ignorance in regard to sex issues. As a result, they may not be comfortable with their own sexuality or its _expression. They leave Islamic education to Islamic Sunday schools and sex education to American public schools and the media.

What Is Sex Education And Who Should Give It?

Is sex education about knowing the anatomy and physiology of the human body or about the act of sex or about reproduction and family life or about prevention of sexually transmitted diseases and unwanted pregnancy? Is giving sex ed equivalent to permission in engaging in sex? One sex educator at my son's school told the parents, "I am not planning to tell your children whether or not they should engage in sex or how to do it but in case they decide to do it, they should know how to prevent sexually transmitted diseases (STD), venereal diseases (VD), acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) and pregnancy."

The problem with this is that at the present time sex ed as taught in the public schools is incomplete. It does not cover morality associated with sex, sexual dysfunctions and deviations and the institution of marriage.

One of the basic questions is, "Do children need sex education?" Do you teach a baby duck how to swim or just put it in the water and let it swim? After all, for thousands of years men and women have been having sex without any formal education. In many traditional civilizations, sex education starts after marriage and with trial and error. Some couples learn it faster than others and do it better than others due to difference in sexual perception and _expression of one partner. In my opinion having a dozen children is not necessarily proof of their love. An appropriate and healthy sex education is crucial to the fulfilment of a happy marriage.

With regard to the question who should teach sex ed, I believe everyone has to play his or her role. Parents have to assume a more responsible role. A father has a duty to be able to answer his son's questions and a mother has the same duty to her daughter. We can hardly influence the sex ed taught in public schools or by the media, but we can supplement that with an ethical and moral dimension adding family love and responsibility. Apart from these players, some role can be played by Sunday school teachers, the family physician, the paediatrician and the clergy. Within a family, the older sister has a duty towards the younger one and the elder brother has a duty towards younger ones.

Sex Education In American Schools

Sex education is given in every American school, public or private, from grades 2 to 12. The projected 1990 cost to the nation was $2 billion per year. Teachers are told to give technical aspects of sex ed without telling the students about moral values or how to make the right decisions. After describing the male and female anatomy and reproduction, the main emphasis is on the prevention of venereal diseases and teenage pregnancy. With the rise of AIDS, the focus is on 'Safe Sex' which means having condoms available each time you decide to have sex with someone you don't know. With the help of our tax dollars, about 76 schools in the country have started dispensing free condoms and contraceptives to those who go to school health clinics. Very soon there will be vending machines in school hallways where 'children' can get a condom each time they feel like having sex.

The role of parents is minimized by American sex educators and sometimes ridiculed. In one of the sex ed movies I was made to watch a film called, "Am I Normal?" as a parent at my son's school. Whenever the young boy asks his father a question about sex, the father, shown as a bum and a slob, shuns him and changes the topic. Finally the boy learns it from a stranger and then is shown going into a movie theater with his girlfriend.

Sex education as promoted by some Western educators is devoid of morality is in many ways unacceptable to our value system. The examples of the teachings of one such educator are:

Nudity in homes (in shower or bedroom) is a good and healthy way to introduce sexuality to smaller (under 5) children, giving them an opportunity to ask questions. At the same time, in the same book, he also states that 75% of all child molestation and incest (500,000 per year) occur by a close relative (parent, step-parent or another family member).
A child's playing with genitals of another child is a permissible 'naive exploration' and not a reason for scolding or punishment. He is also aware that boys as young as 12 have raped girls as young as 8. We don't know when this 'naive exploration' becomes a sex act.
Children caught reading dirty magazines should not be made to feel guilty, but parents should use it as a chance to get some useful points across to him or her about sexual attitudes, values and sex exploitation, Like charity, pornography should start at home!
If your daughter or son is already sexually active, instead of telling them to stop, the parent's moral duty is to protect their health and career by providing them information and means for contraception and avoiding VD. Maybe this its true for rebellious teens and their submissive parents!

Educators like the one referred to above do not believe that giving sexual information means giving the OK for sex. I just wonder as to why some folks after being told the shape, colour, smell and taste of a new fruit, and pleasures derived from eating it, would not like to try it? These educators say that even if your child does not ask any questions about sex, parents should initiate the discussion using i.e. a neighbours pregnancy, a pet's behaviour, advertisement, popular music or a TV show. I wonder why these educators are obsessed with loading children with sexual information whether they want it or not.

The More They Know It - The More They Do It

Sex education in American schools has not helped decrease the teenager incidence of VD or teenage pregnancy. This is because it has not changed their sex habits. According to Marion Wright Elderman, President of the Children' Defense Fund, in a recent report, out of every twenty teens, ten are sexually active but only four use conceptions, two get pregnant and one gives birth. In 1982, a John Hopkins study found one out of every five 15 year olds, and one in three 16 year olds are sexually active. The incidence increased to 43% in 17 year olds. The Louis Harris poll in 1986 found that 57% of the nations 17 year olds, 46% of 16 year olds, 29% 15 year old were sexually active. Now it is estimated that about 80% of girls entering college had sexual intercourse at least once. Going to church does not help either. 1438 teenagers, mostly white, attending conservative evangelical church were sent questions about their sex life. 26% of 16 year olds, 35% of 17 year olds, and 43% of 18 year olds said they had sexual intercourse at least once. 33% that responded also said sex outside of marriage was morally acceptable.

Hazards of Early Sex

The health hazards of early sex includes sexual trauma, increase in incidence of cervical cancer, sexually transmitted disease and teenage pregnancy. We will take up each individually. A variety of injuries are possible and do happen when sex organs are not ready for sex in terms of full maturation. Some of these injuries have a long lasting effect. Cervical cancer has been thought to be related to sex at an early age and with multiple partners. Dr. Nelson and his associates in their article on epidemiology of cervical cancer call it a sexually transmitted disease.

Teenage pregnancy

About one million or more teenage girls become pregnant every year, at a rate of 3000 per day, 80% of whom are unmarried. Out of this I million, about 500,000, decide to keep their baby, and 450,000 are aborted. 100,000 decide to deliver and give the baby up for adoption. In 1950 the incidence of birth from unmarried teenagers was only 13.9%, but in 1985 it increased to 59%. It is a myth that teenage pregnancy is a problem of the black and poor. To the contrary 2/3 teens getting pregnant now are white, suburban and above the poverty income level. The pregnancy rate (without marriage) in 54,000 enlisted Navy women is 40% as compared to 17% in the general population.

What is the life of those who have teenage pregnancy? Only 50% complete high school and more than 50% of them are on welfare. They themselves become child abusers and their children, when grown up, have 82% incidence of teenage pregnancy. 8.6 billion dollars are spent every year for the financial and health care support of teenage mothers., The sexual revolution of the 60's has affected another dimension of health care. In 1985 alone, 10 million cases of chlamydia, 2 million cases of gonorrhoea, I million venereal warts, 0.5 million genital herpes and 90,000 syphilis were diagnosed. The plague of AIDS is adding a new twist to our fears. 200,000 cases have been diagnosed in the US alone, out of which 50% have already died. The disease is growing at a rate of one case every 14 minutes and so far there is no effective treatment. Father Bruce Ritter in New York, who operates shelters for runaway children, says the biggest threat to the nation's 1 million runaways is the threat of AIDS now.

Why do children get involved in sex?

There are many reasons why children get involved in sex. The most common is peer pressure. Their common response is "since everybody is doing it." One of the reasons is their desire for sexual competence with adults and a way to get ahead. Another common reason is their lack of self-esteem which they want to improve by becoming a father or mother. Sometimes it is due to a lack of other alternatives to divert their sexual energies. It could also be due to a lack of love and appreciation at home. Detachment from home can lead to attachment elsewhere. Sexual pressure on them is everywhere, at school from their peers, from the TV where about 20,000 sexual scenes are broadcasted in advertisement, soap operas, prime time shows and MTV. Music affects our sexual mood. It does so by activating melatonin, the hormone from the pineal gland in the brain which is turned on by darkness and turned off by flashing lights. It is the same gland which has been thought to trigger puberty and affects the reproductive cycle and sex mood.

What is the true role of parents?

American educators are putting the blame for their failures (i.e. teenage pregnancy) on the parents. In fact in Wisconsin and many other states the grandparents of a baby born to a teenager are responsible for the financial support of the child. Remember parents are not needed if their teenage daughter needs contraceptives or abortion. Faced with such hypocrisy, the parents job is to instill in their teenagers mind what is not taught in sex ed classes, i.e. reason not to engage in sex, reason not to get pregnant, etc. At the same time, they should divert their energies to some productive activities like community work, sports, character growth, or Sunday schools. Another role of parents is to help their children make the right decisions.

In Islam anything which leads to wrong is also considered wrong. Therefore parents should control the music children are listening to or the TV program they are watching, the magazines they are reading, and the clothes (which may provoke desire in the opposite sex) they are wearing. While group social activity should be permitted with supervision, dating should not be allowed. When American teenagers start dating, sex is on their mind.

In fact during a recent survey, 25% of college freshman boys responded by saying that if they have paid for the food and the girl does not go all the way, they have a right to force her to have sex. Many of the rapes occur at the end of the date and are not reported. Anything which breaks down sexual inhibition and loss of self-control i.e. alcohol, drugs, parking, petting or just being together for two members of the opposite sex in a secluded place should not be allowed for Muslim teenagers. Kissing and petting is preparing the body for sex. The body can be brought to a point of no return.

In summary Muslim parents should teach their children that they are different from non-Muslims in their value system and way of life. Having a feeling and love in your heart for someone of the opposite sex is different and beyond control, while _expression of the same through sex is entirely different and should be under control. Muslim children should be told that they don't drink alcohol, eat pork, take drugs, and they don't have to engage in pre-marital sex either.

Islamic Concept of Sexuality

Islam recognizes the power of sexual need, but the subject is discussed in the Quran and the saying of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) in a serious manner, in regard to marital and family life. Parents should familiarize themselves with this body of knowledge.

Sayings of prophet Mohammed:

"When one of you have sex with your wife, it is a rewarded act of charity." The companions were surprised and said, "But we do it purely out of our desire. How can it be counted as charity?" The Prophet replied, "If you had done it with a forbidden woman, it would have been counted as a sin, but if you do it in legitimacy, it is counted as charity."
"Let not one of you fall upon his wife like a beast falls. It is more appropriate to send a message before the act."
"Do not divulge the secrets of your sex life with your wife to another person nor describe her physical feature to anyone."

Concept of Adultery in Islam

God says in the Quran, "Do not go near to adultery. Surely it is a shameful deed and evil, opening roads (to other evils)" (17:32). "Say, 'Verily, my Lord has prohibited the shameful deeds, be it open or secret, sins and trespasses against the truth and reason"' (7:33). "Women impure are for men impure, and men impure are for women impure and women of purity are for men of purity, and men of purity are for women of purity" (24:26). Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), has said in many place that adultery is one of the three major sins. However the most interesting story is that of a young man who went to the Prophet and asked for permission to fornicate because he could not control himself. The Prophet dealt with him with reasoning and asked him if he would approve of someone else having illegal sex with his mother, sister, daughter or wife. Each time the man said 'no'. Then the Prophet replied that the woman with whom you plan to have sex is also somebody's mother, sister, daughter or wife. The man understood and repented. The Prophet prayed for his forgiveness.

Adultery is a crime not against one person but against the whole of society. It is a violation of marital contract. 50% of all first time marriages in this country result in divorce in two years and the main reason for divorce is the adultery of one of the partners. Adultery, which includes both pre-marital and extra marital sex, is an epidemic in this society. Nobody seems to listen to the Bible which says frequently, "Thou shall not commit adultery." The Quranic approach is, "Do not approach adultery."

What does it mean that not only is illegal sex prohibited, but anything which leads to illegal sex is also illegal? These things include dating, provocative dress, nudity, obscenity and pornography. The dress code both for men and women is to protect them from temptation and desires by on lookers who may lose self-control and fall into sin. "Say to the believing men that they should lower their gaze and guard their modesty; that will make for greater purity, and God is well acquainted with all they do. And say to the believing woman that they should lower their gaze, and guard their modesty" (24:30-3 1).

Concept of Marriage in Islam

Islam recognizes the strong sexual urge and desire for reproduction. Thus Islam encourages marriage as a legal sexual means and as a shield from immorality (sex without commitment). In Islam the marriage of a man and woman is not just a financial and legal living arrangement, not even just for reproduction, but providing a total commitment to each other, a contract witnessed by God. Love and joy of companionship is a part of the commitment. A married couple assumes a new social status and responsibility for himself, his wife and his children and for the community. The Quran says, "Among His signs is that He created consorts for you from among yourself, so that you may find tranquillity with them, and (He) set love and compassion between you. Verily in this are signs for people who reflect" (30:21).

Sayings of prophet Mohammed:

"Marriage is my tradition. He who rejects my tradition is not of me" (Bukhari, Muslim).
"Marriage is half of religion. The other half is being God-fearing" (Tabarani, Hakim).

In Islam there is no fixed rule as to the age of marriage. It is becoming fashionable for young Muslim men not to marry until they have completed their education, have a job, or reached age 26-30 or more. Similarly young Muslim girls say they want to marry after age 24. Why? When asked, they say, "I am not ready for it." Not ready for what? Don't they have normal sexual desire? If the answer is yes, then they have only one of the two choices a) marry or b) postpone sex (abstinence until they marry). The Quran says, "Let those who find not the where withal for marriage, to keep them selves chaste till God find them the means from His Grace" (24:33).

The Prophet said, "Those of you who own the means should marry, otherwise should keep fasting for it curbs desires" (Ibn Massoud). The Western reason for delaying marriage is different than ours. When I suggested this to one of my sexually active young female patients, she bluntly said, "I don't want to sleep with the same guy every night."

Role Of Muslim Parents And Muslim Organizations

I am not proposing that all Muslim youth be married at age 16. But I must say that youth should accept the biological instinct and make decisions which will help to develop a more satisfied life devoted to having a career rather than spending time in chasing (or dreaming about) the opposite sex. Parents should help their sons and daughters in selection of their mate using Islamic practice as a criteria and not race, colour or wealth. They should encourage them to know each other in a supervised setting. The community organization has several roles to play.

To provide a platform for boys and girls to see and know each other without any intimacy.
Offer premarital educational courses to boys and girls over 18 separately to prepare them for the role of father and husband and of mother and wife. The father has a special role, mentioned by Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), "One who is given by God, a child, he should give it a beautiful name, should give him or her education, and training and when he or she attains puberty, he should see to it that he or she is married. If the father does not arrange their marriage after puberty, and the boy or girl is involved in sin, the responsibility of that sin will lie with the father"

Marriage of Muslim girls in the USA

Marriage of Muslim girls in this country is becoming a problem. I was not surprised to read the letter of a Muslim father in a national magazine. He complained that in spite of his doing his best in teaching Islam to his children, his college-going daughter announced that she is going to marry a non-Muslim boy whom she met in college.

As a social scientist I am more interested in the analysis of the events. To be more specific, why would a Muslim girl prefer a non-Muslim boy over a Muslim? The following reasons come to mind:

She is opposed to and scared of arranged marriages. She should be told that not all arranged marriages are bad ones and that 50% of all love marriages end up in a divorce in this country. Arranged marriages can be successful if approved by both the boy and girl. That is, they need to be a party to the arrangement. I am myself opposed to the blind arranged marriage.
Muslim boys are not available to her to make a choice. While parents have no objection or cannot do anything about non-Muslim boys with whom she talks or socializes at school or college for forty hours a week, she is not allowed to talk to a Muslim boy in the mosque or in a social gathering. If she does, they frown at her or even accuse her of having a loss character. As a Muslim boy put it, "If I grow up knowing only non-Muslim girls, why do my parents expect me to marry a Muslim one?"
Some Muslim boys do not care for Muslim girls. On the pretext of missionary work after marriage, they get involved with non-Muslim girls because of their easy availability. Muslim parents who also live with an inferiority complex do not mind their son marrying an American girl of European background but they would object if he marries a Muslim girl of a different school of Islamic thought (Shiah/Sunni) or different tribe like Punjabi, Sunni, Pathan, Arab vs. non-Arab, Afro-American vs. immigrant, or different class, Syed vs. non-Syed. Both the parents and the body should be reminded that the criteria for choosing a spouse that was given by the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) was not wealth nor color but Islamic piety.
She may have been told that early marriage, that is, age 18 or less, is taboo and that she should wait until the age of 23 or 25. According to statistics, 80% of American girls, while waiting to get settled in life and married, engage freely in sex with multiple boyfriends. However, this option is not available to Muslim girls. Every year nearly one million teenage girls in this country who think that they are not ready for marriage, get pregnant. By the age of 24 when a Muslim girl decides that she is ready for marriage, it may be too large for her. If she reviews the matrimonial ad section in Islamic magazines, she will quickly notice that the boys of the age group of 25 to 30 are looking for girls from 18 to 20 year age group. They may wrongfully assume that an older girl may not be a virgin.

Thus, unless these issues are addressed, many Muslim girls in the US may end up marrying a non-Muslim or remain unmarried.

Curriculum For Islamic Sex Education

Islamic sex ed should be taught at home starting at an early age. Before giving education about anatomy and physiology, the belief in the Creator should be well established. As Dostoevsky put it, "Without God, everything is possible," meaning that the lack of belief or awareness of God gives an OK for wrongdoing.

A father should teach his son and a mother should teach her daughter. In the absence of a willing parent, the next best choice should be a Muslim male teacher (preferably a physician) for boys and a Muslim female teacher (preferably a physician) for a girl at the Islamic Sunday school.

The curriculum should be tailored according to age of the child and classes be held separately. Only pertinent answers to a question should be given. By this I mean that if a five year old asks how he or she got into mommie's stomach, there is no need to describe the whole act of intercourse. Similarly it is not necessary to tell a fourteen year old how to put on condoms. This might be taught in premarital class just before his or her marriage. A curriculum for sex ed should Include:

(a) Sexual growth and development

Time table for puberty
Physical changes during puberty
Need for family life

(b) Physiology of reproductive system

For girls- the organ, menstruation, premenstrual syndrome
For boys- the organ, the sex drive

(c) Conception, development of fetus and birth
(d) Sexually transmitted disease (VD/AIDS) (emphasize the Islamic aspect)
(e) Mental, emotional and social aspects of puberty
(f) Social, moral and religious ethics
(g) How to avoid peer pressure

Sex Education after Marriage

This essay is not intended to be a sex manual for married couples, although I may write such someday. I just wanted to remind the reader of a short verse in the Quran and then elaborate. The verse is, "They are your garments, and you are their garments" (2:187).

Husbands and wives are described as garments for each other. A garment is very close to our body, so they should be close to each other. A garment protects and shields our modesty, so they should do the same to each other. Garments are put on anytime we like, so should they be available to each other anytime. A garment adds to our beauty, so they should praise and beautify each other.

For husbands I should say that sex is an expression of love and one without the other is incomplete. One of your jobs is to educate your wife in matters of sex especially in your likes and dislikes and do not compare her to other women.

For wives I want to say that a man's sexual needs are different than a women's. Instead of being a passive recipient of sex, try to be an active partner. He is exposed to many temptations outside the home. Be available to please him and do not give him a reason to make a choice between you and hellfire.

Source : http://www.islamfortoday.com/athar19.htm

21st Century...

2006-04-05T22:18:00.000-07:00

Our communication - Wireless
Our dress - Topless
Our telephone - Cordless
Our cooking - Fireless
Our youth - Jobless
Our food - Fatless
Our labour - Effortless
Our conduct - Worthless
Our relation - Loveless
Our attitude - Careless
Our feelings - Heartless
Our politics - Shameless
Our education - Valueless
Our follies - Countless
Our arguments - Baseless
Our boss - Brainless
Our Job - Thankless
Our Salary - Very less

Contoh Lifestyle Yang Baik

2006-04-05T22:04:00.000-07:00

Rupa2nya tanpa kita sedo, dalam makanan yg kita makan sehari², kita tak boleh main balun aje? Sebab itulah terjadinya penyakit kencing manis, lumpuh, sakit jantung, keracunan makanan dan lain² penyakit apabila kita telah tua nanti. Apabila kawan² telah mengetahui ilmu ini, tolonglah ajarkan kepada yg lain²nya.

Ini pun adalah diet Rasullulah SAW kita juga. Ustaz Abdullah Mahmood kata, Rasullulah tak pernah sakit perut sepanjang hayatnya kerana pandai jaga pemakanannya sehari². Apa kata kita ikut diet ini. Tak payahlah susah² makan pil untuk kurus. Insya-Allah kalau kawan² ikut diet Rasullullah ini, gerenti kawan² takkan sakit perut atau pun keracunan makanan.

Jangan makan SUSU + DAGING
Jangan makan DAGING + IKAN
Jangan makan IKAN + SUSU
Jangan makan AYAM + SUSU
Jangan makan IKAN + TELUR
Jangan makan IKAN + DAUN SALAD
Jangan makan SUSU + CUKA
Jangan makan BUAH + SUSU (e.g KOKTEL)
JANGAN MAKAN BUAH SELEPAS MAKAN NASI, SEBALIKNYA MAKAN BUAH TERLEBIH DAHULU, BARU MAKAN NASI.
TIDUR 1 JAM SELEPAS MAKAN TENGAHARI.
JANGAN SESEKALI TINGGAL MAKAN MALAM. SESIAPA YG TINGGAL MAKAN MALAM DIA AKAN DIMAKAN USIA DAN KOLESTEROL DALAM BADAN AKAN BERGANDA.

Nampak memanglah pelik, tapi, kalau tak percaya, kawan² cubalah. Ianya takdelah dalam jangka masa terdekat nie. Ianya berkesan bila kita sudah tua nanti. Dalam kitab juga ada melarang kita makan makanan darat bercampur dengan makanan laut. Nabi pernah menegah kita makan ikan bersama susu. Dikhuatiri akan cepat mendapat penyakit. Ini terbukti oleh saintis yang menjumpai di mana dalam badan ayam mengandungi ion + manakala dalam ikan mengandungi ion -. Jika dalam suapan ayam bercampur dengan ikan maka terjadi tindakbalas biokimia yang terhasil yang boleh merosakkan usus kita.

Al-Quran juga ada mengajar kita menjaga kesihatan spt membuat amalan spt:

Mandi Pagi sebelum subuh @ sekurang-kurangnya sejam sebelum matahari naik. Air sejuk yang meresap ke dalam badan boleh mengurangkan lemak mengumpul. Kita boleh saksikan orang mengamal mandi pagi kebanyakan badan tak gemuk.

Rasulullah mengamalkan minum segelas air sejuk (bukan air ais) setiap pagi. Mujarabnya Insha Allah jauh dari penyakit (susah nak kena sakit).

Waktu sembahyang subuh disunatkan kita bertafakur (iaitu sujud sekurang-kurangnya seminit selepas membaca doa). Ia boleh mengelak dari sakit pening atau migraine. Ini terbukti oleh para saintis yang membuat kajian kenapa dalam sehari perlu kita sujud. Ahli-ahli sains telah menemui beberapa milimeter ruang udara dalam saluran darah di kepala yg tidak dipenuhi darah. Dengan bersujud maka darah akan mengalir ke ruang berkenaan.

Nabi juga mengajar kita makan dengan tangan dan bila habis hendaklah menjilat jari. Begitu juga ahli saintis telah menjumpa bahawa enzyme banyak terkandung di celah-celah jari, iaitu 10 kali ganda terdapat dalam air liur. (enzyme sejenis alat percerna makanan, tanpanya makanan tidak hadam)

The Heart

2006-04-05T21:59:00.000-07:00

KNOW that the most noble part of a human being is the heart. It is what knows Allah, works for Allah, strives toward Allah and comprehends Allah's message. The rest of his being is in servitude, following and obedience to the heart which uses them they way someone uses tools or workers.

Whoever knows his own heart after understanding what Allah has taught and instructed knows Allah. Too many people are ignorant of their own hearts and their own selves. Allah (as He said) can come between a man and his own heart. When this happens, he is blocked from knowing it or caring for its state. Knowledge of the heart and its nature and attributes is fundamental to this deen and essential to those who wish to stay on the straight path.

Shaitaan's Ways Into the Heart

KNOW that the heart by its very nature upon which it was created is open to guidance but, because of the desires and personal inclinations with which it is filled, often inclined away from it. The struggle between these opposing forces (the sound fitra which inclines toward guidance and the inclinations and desires which incline away from it) continues until the heart opens up to and chooses one of them when then settles in and takes possession of it. Then, the other one only gets in by stealth like a thief. As Allah said:

{Min sharri al-wiswaas al-khannaas}

{From the evil of the whisperer who quickly retreats.}

An-Naas:4

The "whisperer" (shaitaan) is the one who quickly flees when Allah is remembered but when there is forgetfulness (ghafla), he relaxes and enjoys himself. Nothing expels shaitaan from the heart but remembrance and mention of Allah Most High. He can find no avenue there nor any place for him with the presence of remembrance of Allah.

KNOW that the heart is like a fortress. Shaitaan is the enemy who wishes to invade the fortress of your heart, take possession of it and control it. There is no way to protect a fortress unless you guard its DOORS. One who does not know the doors, has no hope of guarding the fortress. Likewise, you will not be able to repel shaitaan unless his places of entry. His means of entry into your heart - his "doors" - are attributes of the person himself. They are many. We will discuss they major ones which are the large gates through which legions of shaitaan's forces can pass with ease.

Among these gaping holes in our "security" is ENVY and AVARICE. When the slave is obsessed with possessing something, this can blind and deafen him and block out the light of inner vision by which one knows the tricks of shaitaan. Likewise if one is envious of what is in the hands of others, he offers shaitaan an easy opening. Shaitaan makes fair-seeming and and all means which will bring the avaricious one what he desires, even if those means are wrong and sinful.

Anger and rage are another entryway for shaitaan. Anger negates intellect and sense. When these are weakened, shaitaan wastes no time in attacking and playing with his victim. It has been narrated that Iblis said: "When the slave is furious, we flip him over and over like a child does with a ball."

Excessive love for beautification of one's house, their clothes or their furnishings is another opening to shaitaan. One who becomes to obsessed with such things can waste an entire lifetime in their pursuit and become like the disbeliever who put the bumper sticker on their car which said "Whoever dies with the most toys - wins."

Haste (al-'ajala) and lack of deliberateness (at-tathabbut) and caution are among the weaknesses which open the heart to it's enemy. It is narrated that the Prophet (sas) said: "Deliberateness is from Allah and haste is from shaitaan." This hadith is narrated by At-Tirmidhi, but one of its narrators is weak. Deliberateness and not being hasty is also supported by Allah's Statement:

{O you who believe, when a questionable person comes to you with some news, verify it carefully lest you inflict harm on any people in ignorance and end up regretting what you have done. (6) And know that Allah's Messenger is among you. If he were to obey you in many things, you would suffer. But Allah has caused you to love faith and made it something beautiful in your hearts and made you to hate disbelief, immorality and disobedience. These are the rightly-guided ones. (7)} Al-Hujaraat.

Satiation with food (over-eating) makes desires stronger and distracts from obedience and remembrance.

Placing hopes and desires in people or one person brings about praising him with that which is not there, compromising and failing to command him what is right and to prohibit him what is wrong.

Excessive love of wealth opens a door to shaitaan. When a heart is obsessed with this it is corrupted. Shaitaan then drives one to seek wealth where it should not be sought, to miserliness, to fear of poverty and to denying the rights of others.

Among these openings: calling the common Muslims to partisanship to a particular "school" or imam - without even fulfilling its teachings.

Calling common Muslims to thinking about Allah's essence, His attributes and issues which are beyond the grasp of their minds until they end up doubting the fundamentals of Islamic teachings.

Thinking the worst of other Muslims opens a door to shaitaan. Whoever judges another Muslim with his "bad construction" in this way will hold him in low regard (yahtiqiruhu). The Prophet (sas) said: "Sufficient for one person evildoing to hold his fellow Muslim in low regard." He will oppress him with his speech and see himself as better than him. Thinking the worst of another Muslim only arises out of the uncleanness of the heart of the one who does it. A believer always persists in seeking excuses for another believer. It is the way of the munaafiq to seek the flaws nd the mistakes of others. Also, you should always be careful to avoid suspicious circumstances so that others are not drawn into thinking ill of you.

These are some of the attributes which constitute "doors" for shaitaan to let himself into the heart of a Muslim and make himself a home. Seeking a cure and a preventative for these attributes and cleansing the heart of them is the only way to close these doors. If these blameworthy traits have been expunged from the heart and ripped out by their roots, then the only thing left to shaitaan is suggestions and attempts at quick invasions - but no occupation. These are stopped by remembrance of Allah and fortifying the heart with taqwa.

Think of it as a man confronting a hungry dog. If he has no piece of meat in his hand or other food, the dog can be driven off with a mere word. If, on the other hand, he is holding a piece of meat, no amount of yelling will make the hungry dog go away. Likewise, if the heart has been cleansed of that which shaitaan desires and that which allows him "permanent residence" (the aforementioned character flaws), he can be driven off with just the remembrance of Allah and His mention.

If a heart is dominated by desires and the aforementioned flaws, remembrance of Allah is only superficial. It is not able to get to the core of the heart where shaitaan is firmly entrenched. Thus, the purging of these attributes is a necessary prerequisite and without it dhikr of Allah is mere form without substance.

To understand this, think about how shaitaan is able to put suggestions in your heart even while you are engaged in the best of all dhikr - the prayer. Al-hamdu lillahi, Allah forgives and overlooks these suggestions and even the inclination toward committing one of them as long as one does not carry it out. Whoever stays away from it out of fear of Allah will get a good deed recorded for him. As for one who stays away from it for some other reason or for fear of disease or other reasons, we HOPE for his forgiveness. Unless he was determined to do it (and was merely prevented), for determination to commit a sin is itself a sin. This is shown in the statement of the Prophet (sas):

"When to Muslims meet with drawn swords, both the killer and the killed are in the fire." It was said, "Why the killed?" He (sas) said, "He too was determined to kill the other."

How could it be said that there is not accountability for mere determination (to sin) when actions are by their intentions? Are pride (kibr), ostentation (riyaa') and conceipt (al-'ujb) anything other than internal affairs of the heart?

Keeping the Heart Firm on Good

It is narrated that the Prophet (sas) said in du'a:
"Yaa muqallib al-quloob thabbit quloobanaa 'alaa deenika. Yaa musrif al-quloob asrif quloobanaa ilaa ta'atika.""O changer of hearts, keep our hearts firm upon your deen. O director of hearts, direct our hearts to your obedience."

And in another hadith (sahih), the Prophet (sas) said:
"Mathalu al-qalbi ka mathali reeshatin bi ardhi falaatin tuqallibuhu ar-riyaah.""The similitude of the heart is like a feather in a desert blown about by the wind."

KNOW that with regard to staying firm on good or on evil or vacillating between the two, hearts are three types:

A heart which has been filled with taqwa, purified through exercise and cleansed of blameworthy character flaws. The inclination to good reigns supreme and free and the heart is in full acceptance of Allah's guidance.

A defeated heart filled with desires, infiltrated by evil and contaminated with character flaws. Shaitaan reigns therein because of all the space provided for him. The inclination to iman is weak and overcome. The heart is filled with the smoke of desires and the light is blocked out. Once it goes dark, reminders and reprimands have no effect.

A heart which is first attracted to the call of desires, calling it to evil but then the inclination to faith puts up a fight, calling it to good. The heart is torn between the two and must decide.

For example, shaitaan launches an attack through the mind in order to strengthen the call to desires and says: Don't you see so-and-so and so-and-so how they have abandoned themselves to their desires? Especially when he mentions some among the scholars, then his heart is inclined to shaitaan and his call. Then the call to faith fights back saying: Have any been destroyed but those who forgot the hereafter? Do not be led astray by the forgetfulness of others! Do you not see if they were standing in the hot summer sun while you had a cool house, would you follow them in their action or would you seek what is good for you? So, you would go a different way from them because of the heat of the sun but not because of that which leads to the head of hell-fire? This struggle continues until whichever direction is appropriate to that heart dominates. Whoever was created for good will find it the easy way and whoever was created for evil will find it the easy way. Allah said:

{Fa man yurid Allahu an yahdiyahu yashrah sadrahu lil-islaami wa man yurid an yudhillahu yaj'al sadrahu dhayyiqan harajan ka annamaa yassa'du fiy as-samaa'}

{So whoever Allah wishes to guide, he opens his breast to Islam and whoever He wishes to lead astray he makes his breast restricted and difficult as one who shoots up into the atmosphere.}

Al-An'am:125

O Allah, grant us to successfuly arrive at that which You love and You accept.

Jealousy and its Cures

2006-04-05T21:24:00.000-07:00

"Beware of jealousy, for verily it destroys good deeds, the way fire destroys wood."

Hasad (jealousy and envy) is among the most destructive emotions or feeling which a man may have towards his fellow human being. It causes him to wish evil for others and to be happy when misfortune befalls them. The Prophet (sallallahu alaihi wa-sallam) warned against envy by comparing it to fire that completely burns the wood. He (sallallahu alaihi wa-sallam) said: "Beware of jealousy, for verily it destroys good deeds the way fire destroys wood." [Abu Dawood]

Hasad is a disease of the heart and it causes impurity to the heart, when Allah's Messenger (sallallahu alaihi wa-sallam) was asked who are the best of people? He (sallallahu alaihi wa-sallam) replied: "the one with a clean heart and truthful tongue." They asked: 'We understand a truthful tongue, but what does a clean heart mean?' he answered: 'It is the heart of one that is pious, pure, and is free of sin, transgressions, hatred and Hasad." [Ibn Majah]

Hasad is such a dangerous characteristic that Allah revealed verses of the Qur'aan to be recited as a protection from the jealous, "Say: I seek refuge in the Lord of the dawn… from the evil of envious when he envies." [Soorah al-Falaq (113): 1]

At-Tirmidhee narrated from al-Zubayr Ibn al-Awam that the Prophet (sallallahu alaihi wa-sallam) said: "There has come to you the disease of the nations before you, jealousy and hatred. This is the 'shaver' (destroyer); I do not say that it shaves hair, but that it shaves (destroys) faith…" [(Hasan) Jamee at-Tirmidhee (2434)]

Hasad can cause the person to indulge in disbelief because it causes the individual to feel that Allah has not been fair with him; he forgets all the mercy and blessings which Allah has bestowed upon him. The Messenger of Allah (sallallahu alaihi wa-sallam) said: "They are enemies for Allah's bounties." They asked: "Who are they?" He said: "Those who envy people for what Allah has given them of Bounty." [at-Tabaranee]

Allah through His Absolute Wisdom has given some people more wealth, intelligence, beauty, strength, children, etc. than others. The believing Muslim should be content with what Allah has destined for him. Allah says: "Allah favored some of you over others with wealth and properties… Do they deny the favors of Allah?" [Soorah an-Nahl (16): 71] And: "Do they envy men for what Allah has given them of His Bounty?" [Soorah an-Nisa (4): 54]

"It is We Who portion out between them their livelihood in this world, and We raised some of them above others in ranks, so that some may employ others in their work. But the mercy of your Lord is better." [Soorah az-Zukhruf (43): 32] meaning mercy of Allah is better than the convenience of the world. The materials of this life do not make one superior to another in Allah's Judgment. True superiority lies in Taqwa (righteousness, fear of Allah). He said: "Surely, the most noble of you to Allah is the most God-fearing." [Soorah al-Hujurat (49): 13] "And the Hereafter with Your Lord is (only) for those who have Taqwa." [Soorah az-Zukhruf (43): 35]

What belongs to the transient world is of no significance before Allah. The Prophet (sallallahu alaihi wa-sallam) said: "If this world were worth a mosquito's wing before Allah, He would not give a disbeliever a drink of water." [At-Tirmidhee]

The favors of Allah in the world are a test; the more the favors, the more the tests. Al-Hasan al-Basri said: "Umar Ibn Khattab wrote this letter to Abu Musa al-Ash'ari, 'Be content with your provision in this world, for the Most Merciful has honored some of His servants over others in terms of provision as a test of both. The one who has been given plenty is being tested to see if he will give thanks to Allah and fulfill the duties which are his by virtue of his wealth…" [Ibn Hatim]

Allah, the Exalted, has therefore forbidden us from desiring what other have, "Do not wish for what we have favored some of you over others." [Soorah an-Nisa (4): 32]

In order to discourage envy, the Prophet (sallallahu alaihi wa-sallam) said: "Do not look to those above you. Look to those below you, as it will more likely rem! ind you of Allah's favors bestowed on you." [Saheeh al-Bukharee and Saheeh Muslim] On another occasion, he said: "If one of you looks at someone wealthier and better built than him, he should also look at someone of lower standard than himself." [Saheeh Muslim]

Islam permits Ghibtah

What Islam permits in contrast to Hasad (destructive jealousy) is Ghibtah (envy that is free from malice), which means neither loving the loss of the blessing nor hating for it to remain with the person, but desiring the same for oneself without the removal of the blessing from others.

The Messenger of Allah (sallallahu alaihi wa-sallam) said: "Envy is allowed in two cases, in case of a man whom Allah has given the Qur'aan and who recites it throughout night and day; and a man on whom Allah has bestowed wealth who gives it away throughout night and day." [Saheeh al-Bukharee and Saheeh Muslim] and he (sallallahu alaihi wa-sallam) also explained what may be said: "I wish I were given what he was given and did with it what he did."

The Messenger of Allah (sallallahu alaihi wa-sallam) said: "The similitude of the people of this Ummah is like four individual. One whom Allah has given wealth and knowledge, so he handles his wealth with the knowledge. One whom Allah has given knowledge but not wealth and he says, 'Lord, should I have wealth like so-and-so I would have handled it like him.' So they both have the same reward. Such a person loves to have wealth like others so! he can do good like others without wishing that the others lose their wealth. Another man, Allah has given him wealth but no knowledge and he spends his wealth in disobedience to Allah. And last, a man whom Allah has not given knowledge nor wealth but he says, 'Should I have wealth like so-and-so, I would spend it in the way he does.' So, both will have the same sin against them." [at-Tirmidhee and Ibn Majah]

Some Reasons that cause a person to have Jealosy

Anger and Malice: When one is hurt by someone for any reason, he is angered, and his anger produces malice and urge for revenge in the heart. The slave begins to desire harm for the other person, he enjoys when he sees him in hardships and he may further thinks that Allah has done it to him as an evil reward!

And if the person is blessed with a gift, he grieves and this is Hasad, which does not harm the envied person but it hurts and destroys the Hasid (one who has Hasad) himself.

In order to close the door to this evil Islam advises the Muslims to be forgiving in nature and control one's anger. Allah says in the Qur'aan: "Those who spend (in Allah's Cause) in prosperity and in adversity, who repress anger, and who pardon men. Verily, Allah loves the good doers." [Soorah al-Imran (3): 134]

Arrogance, Pride and Love for fame: When a person achieves a high status and position in the society or gains wealth, he hates to see someone other than him compete or go ahead of him or be praised over him. So, he envies the former person.

An example of this can be taken of the Jews and their Hasad towards Prophet Muhammad (sallallahu alaihi wa-sallam) for the Prophet-hood that Allah entrusted him with. Their envy made them reject the divine message given to him, because he was an Arab and not from the Children of Israel. It was their Hasad which caused them to make statements as such, "It is these that Allah as favored among us?" [Soorah al-Anam (6): 53] "And they say: 'Why is not this Qur'aan sent down to some great man of the two towns?" [Soorah az-Zukhruf (43): 31] and in Soorah al-Muminoon (23): 34, "If you were to obey a human being life yourselves, then verily, you indeed would be losers."

This also shows one of the grave dangers of Hasad that Hasad hinders the person from follo! wing the truth and accepting advice from others just as the Hasad of the disbelievers prevented them from accepting Islam.

Evil Nature of the person: Some people, even though they may not be harmed or threatened by other people's success, grieve when they hear about some good happening to others, and enjoy in their adversities. Neither do they seek progress for themselves nor do they wish others to progress!! Such kind of defect is difficult to cure for the reason behind their evil attitude is the evil nature of the person which does not allow him to accept other people's success.

Repentance and Getting Rid of Jealousy

Firstly, the believer should have sincerity in repenting from Hasad as Allah's Messenger (sallallahu alaihi wa-sallam) said: "Three things that every heart of a believer should not hate to have is sincerity in actions, rendering advise to leaders and holding to Jama'ah (community) of the Muslims, for their supplication surrounds everyone with them." [Ahmad and Ibn Majah]

Second requirement to get rid of Hasad is to get rid of all those means which cause one to have Hasad like anger, hatred, love for the world and discontentment.

Discontentment comes from the slave's ignorance of his Lord. If he recognizes his Lord with the attributes of Perfection, All-Knowledgeable and All-Just to his slaves, he would not be discontent and as a result would not develop Hasad.

Imam Ibn Qayyim (rahimahullah) said: "It (contentment) opens the door of peace and security for the slave." It makes his heart pure from hatred, evil and malice. The more contented the person is, the purer his heart is. However, this does not mean that the slave should not make efforts to improve his situation. A slave should work to gain success and progress but he should not envy those whom Allah has granted more wealth or possession but he should be content with the decisions of Allah.

Thirdly, the slave should turn towards the Qur'aan which is a healing for the diseases of the heart. Allah says: "O mankind! There has come to you a good advice from your Rabb and a healing for that in your chests." [Soorah Yunus (10): 57]

Supplicate to Allah to purify your heart. Allah said in the Qur'aan: "And those who came after them say: 'Our Lord! Forgive us and our brethren who have preceded us in Faith and put not in our hearts any hatred against those who have believed. Our Lord! You are indeed full of kindness, Most Merciful." [Soorah al-Hashr (59): 10]

Give Sadaqah (charity) for it purifies the heart and sanctifies the soul. It is for this reason Allah said to His Prophet: "Take Sadaqah from their wealth in order to purify them and sanctify them with it." [Soorah at-Tawbah (9): 103]

If thoughts of Hasad cross one's mind, he should seek refuge in Allah from the accursed Shaytan and busy himself with something that will dispel these insinuating whispers and thoughts.

But if the Shaytan manages to instill Hasad in the hearts, then beware lest you say or do anything which will show Hasad. A person will not be brought to account for whatever crosses ! his mind, but he will be brought to account for what he says and does.

Shaikh al-Islam Ibn Taymiyah said: "Nobody is free from Hasad, but the noble person hides it whilst the base person shows it." [Amraad al-Quloob]

If you feel that you are jealous of a specific person, then buy him a gift, shake hands with him and give him salaams for Hasad is the result of hatred and the Prophet (sallallahu alaihi wa-sallam) said: "Shake hands, for this will dispel rancour, and exchange gifts and love one another, for this will dispel hatred." [Narrated by Maalik in al-Muwatta (1413)]

Abu Hurayrah (radhi allahu anhu) narrated that the Prophet (sallallahu alaihi wa-sallam) said: "By Allah, in Whose Hand is my soul, you will never enter Paradise until you believe. And you will not believe unless you love one another. May I tell you something that if you do, you may love one another? Spread Salaam amongst yourselves." Ibn Abdul-Barr said: "This proves that Salaam can lift hatred and produce love." [Saheeh Muslim]

"A Man from the People of Paradise will enter now..."

Anas Ibn Malik (radhi allahu anhu) reported that he and other companions were sitting with the Messenger (sallal! lahu alaihi wa-sallam), who said: "A man from the people of Paradise will enter now." And a man from al-Ansar entered, with his beard dripping with water from Wudhu (ablution), and holding his sandals in his left hand.

The following day, the Prophet (sallallahu alaihi wa-sallam) said the same thing and the same man entered.

On the third day, the Prophet (sallallahu alaihi wa-sallam) again repeated his statement and the same man entered with water dripping and holding his sandals.

When the Prophet (sallallahu alaihi wa-sallam) left, Abdullah Ibn Amr Ibn al-As (radhi allahu anhu) followed the man and said: 'I quarreled with my father and I swore I would not go to him for three days and night. Would you shelter me for these days?' the man replied: 'Yes.'

Anas said: 'Abdullah said that he stayed with this man for three nights and he! did not see him praying at night, but every time he moved and changed position in bed he would remember Allah saying, 'Allahu Akbar' Until Salat-ul-Fajr."

Abdullah said: 'I didn't hear anything from him but good. When the three nights had passed… I said: 'O slave of Allah! I really didn't abandon my father nor was I angry with him. But, I heard the Messenger of Allah speaking of you on three separate occasions, the Prophet had said that a man from the people of Paradise would enter, and you were the one to enter on all the three times. So, I wanted to stay with you to see what you do so that I could follow you. But I have not seen you doing much. So what is that you do for Allah's Messenger (sallallahu alaihi wa-sallam) to say what he had said?'

The man replied: 'It is nothing more than what you saw.' When it was time to leave, he called me back and said: 'Yes, it is nothing more than what you saw, except that I have no place in myself for ill-intentions or Hasad to! wards any Muslim and what Allah has given them.' Abdullah said: 'This is what has made you deserving of the praise and this is what we cannot do." [Musnad Ahmad]

The righteous salaf were as fearful of their good deeds being squandered, or not being accepted, as the present generation is certain that their neglect would be forgiven. [Hasan Al-Basri]

Reasons Why The English Language Is Hard To Learn

2006-03-31T22:09:00.000-08:00

The bandage was wound around the wound.
The farm was used to produce produce.
The dump was so full that it had to refuse more refuse.
We must polish the Polish furniture.
He could lead if he would get the lead out.
The soldier decided to desert his dessert in the desert.
Since there is no time like the present, he thought it was time to present the present.
A bass was painted on the head of the bass drum.
When shot at, the dove dove into the bushes.
I did not object to the object.
The insurance was invalid for the invalid.
There was a row among the oarsmen about how to row.
They were too close to the door to close it.
The buck does funny things when the does are present.
A seamstress and a sewer fell down into a sewer line.
To help with planting, the farmer taught his sow to sow.
The wind was too strong to wind the sail.
After a number of injections my jaw got number.
Upon seeing the tear in the painting I shed a tear.
I had to subject the subject to a series of tests.
How can I intimate this to my most intimate friend?

3 Soalan

2006-03-31T21:09:00.000-08:00

Pemuda: Anda siapa Dan apakah bisa menjawab pertanyaan-pertanyaan saya?

Kiyai: Saya hamba Allah dan dengan izin-Nya saya akan menjawab pertanyaan anda.

Pemuda: Anda yakin? Sedangkan Profesor dan ramai orang yang pintar tidak mampu menjawab pertanyaan saya.

Kiyai: Saya akan mencuba sejauh kemampuan saya.

Pemuda: Saya ada 3 pertanyaan:-

Kalau memang Tuhan itu ada,tunjukan wujud tuhan kepada saya.
Apakah yang dinamakan takdir?
Kalau syaitan diciptakan dari api kenapa dimasukan ke neraka yang dibuat dari api, tentu tidak menyakitkan buat syaitan. Sebab mereka memiliki unsur yang sama.

Apakah Tuhan tidak pernah berfikir sejauh itu?

Tiba-tiba Kiyai tersebut menampar pipi pemuda tadi dengan keras.

Pemuda: (sambil menahan sakit) Kenapa anda marah kepada saya?

Kiyai: Saya tidak marah... Tamparan itu adalah jawapan saya atas 3 pertanyaan yang anda ajukan kepada saya.

Pemuda: Saya sungguh-sungguh tidak mengerti.

Kiyai: Bagaimana rasanya tamparan saya?

Pemuda: Tentu saja saya merasakan sakit.

Kiyai: Jadi anda percaya bahawa sakit itu ada?

Pemuda: Ya!

Kiyai: Tunjukan pada saya wujud sakit itu!

Pemuda:Saya tidak boleh.

Kiyai: Itulah jawaban pertanyaan pertama. Kita semua merasakan kewujudan Tuhan tanpa mampu melihat wujudnya.

Kiyai: Apakah tadi malam anda bermimpi akan ditampar oleh saya?

Pemuda: Tidak.

Kiyai: Apakah pernah terfikir oleh anda akan menerima tamparan dari saya hari ini?

Pemuda: Tidak.

Kiyai: Itulah yang dinamakan takdir.

Kiyai: Terbuat dari apa tangan yang saya gunakan untuk menampar anda?

Pemuda: Kulit.

Kiyai: Terbuat dari apa pipi anda?

Pemuda: Kulit.

Kiyai: Bagaimana rasanya tamparan saya?

Pemuda: Sakit.

Kiyai: Walaupun syaitan dijadikan dari api dan neraka juga terbuat dari api, jika Tuhan menghendaki, maka neraka akan menjadi tempat yang menyakitkan untuk syaitan.

30 Top Companies to Work in Malaysia

2006-03-31T20:58:00.000-08:00

A compilation of 30 top and best companies to work in Malaysia
http://www.skorcareer.com/malaysia-eng/30_top_companies.htm

1. Shell
Website: www.shell.com.my
Industry: Oil & Gas
Address: Human Resources Dept, Bangunan Shell Malaysia, Damansara Heights, Changkat Semantan, 50490 Kuala Lumpur
Tel: 03-2095 9144
An excellent company to work for, Shell provides you with a platform for trainings and knowledge, while at the same time providing you with opportunity for growth while climbing the technical and corporate ladder.

2. Intel
Website: www.intel.com, www.intel.com/jobs/Malaysia
Industry: Manufacturing
Intel is the world's largest chip maker, also a leading manufacturing of computer, networking and communications products. Intel currently has the largest plant of all manufacturing companies in Penang & Kulim industrial area.

3. DHL
Website: www.dhl.com.my
Industry: Logistics & Freight Forwarding
Add: Human Resources Department, DHL Express (M) Sdn Bhd, Levels 26, 27 & 28 Menara TM, Off Jln Pantai Baharu , 50672 Kuala Lumpur.

Phone: 1 800 88 8388
DHL's international network links more than 220 countries and territories worldwide. Around 285,000 employees are dedicated to providing fast and reliable services that exceed customers' expectations in 120,000 destinations in all continents.

4. Petronas
Website: www.petronas.com.my
Industry: Oil & Gas
Add: HR Planning & Recruitment PETRONAS, Level 63, Tower 1PETRONAS Twin Towers, Kuala Lumpur City Centre, 50088 Kuala LumpurEmail: hrm@petronas.com.my
PETRONAS is an integrated international oil and gas company with business interests in 31 countries. As at end of October 2005, the PETRONAS Group comprised 101wholly-owned subsidiaries, 19 partly-owned outfits and 57 associated companies.

5. McKinsey & Co
Website: www.mckinsey.com
Industry: Consulting
Add: McKinsey & Company, Level 57, Tower 2, Petronas Twin Towers Kuala Lumpur City Center, 50088 Kuala Lumpur Malaysia
Tel: 60 (3) 2382 5500
As one of the world's biggest consulting firms with offices all across the globe, McKinsey helps many of the world's leading organizations think about and improve their strategies, organizations and operations.

6. Maxis
Website: www.maxis.com.my
Industry: Communications
Add: Staffing & HR Planning, Maxis Communications Berhad, Aras 17, Menara Maxis, Off Jln Ampang, 50088 KL. Tel: 03-7492 2123
As one of the largest communications giants in this country, Maxis will be a preferred platform for aspiring executives to be part of in the quest to reach their career heights. There are so many opportunities available as Maxis is expected to continue growing in terms of size and profits.

7.IBM
Website: www.ibm.com/my
Industry: System/Hardware
Add: IBM Malaysia Sdn Bhd, 15th Floor, Plaza IBM, Jln Tun Mohd Fuad, Taman Tun Dr Ismail, 60000 Kuala Lumpur.

Tel (Gen): 03-7727 7788
To date, IBM has played a major role in delivering solutions to the customers to help solve business problems. IBM's key strengths are in people, skills and experience in IT and complex projects, and worldwide infrastructure of international offices and laboratories from which they can quickly assemble the best expertise required by the customers in Malaysia and worldwide.

8. Motorola
Website: www.motorola.com/my/
Industry: Manufacturing
Add: Human Resources Department, Motorola Technology Sdn Bhd, Bayan Lepas Technoplex Industrial Park, 11900 Bayan Lepas, Penang
Tel: 04-6432511 (General)
First established in Malaysia in Penang (1974), Motorola today is a total solutions provider for wireless telecommunications and energy products. It is the first Motorola Asia-Pacific Regional Integrated Manufacturing, R&D and Distribution Center. Capabilities include design & development of two-way radio products, world-class manufacturing and distribution to global customers.

9. ExxonMobil
Website: www.exxonmobil.com.my
Industry: Oil & Gas
Add: Human Resources Department, Esso Production Malaysia Inc. Level 17, Menara ExxonMobil, Kuala Lumpur City Centre, 50088 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Fax: 603-3803494
A merge between Esso and Mobil produced ExxonMobil which is now the biggest oil and gas company globally, covering upstream, downstream, technology and chemical activities.

10. Hewlett Packard
Industry: Hardware/multimedia
Website: www.hp.com.my
Add: Human Resource Department, HP Towers, Hewlett Packard (M) Sdn Bhd., 12 Jalan Genggang, Bukit Damansara, 50409 KUALA LUMPUR
HP is a technology solutions provider to consumers, businesses and institutions globally. The company's offerings span IT infrastructure, personal computing and access devices, global services and imaging and printing for consumers, enterprises and small and medium businesses.

11. CIMB
Industry: Investment
Website: www.cimb.com.my
CIMB is the largest, award winning investment bank in Southeast Asia. They offer a full range of integrated capital markets and advisory solutions tailored to a diverse client base, including large corporations, financial institutions, private individuals and institutional investors. Requires talented and hardworking people, but you'll be well compensated. Min yearly bonus average more than 6 months, depending on your performance. In 2004 claim a record bonus payout of 13 months!

12. Ernst & Young
Website: http://www.ey.com/global/content.nsf/Malaysia/Malaysia_Home_Page
Industry: Financial & tax services
Add: 4th Floor, Kompleks Antarabangsa, Jalan Sultan Ismail50250 Kuala Lumpur. Tel (6)03.2144 2333 Fax (6)03.2141 0676
In Malaysia, Ernst & Young is one of the largest professional services firms with more than 2,400 employees in 17 offices in West and East Malaysia. It was established in early 1900s and was one of the first internationally linked public accounting firms in the country.

13. Citibank
Website: www.citibank.com.my
Industry: Banking
Add: Human Resources Department, Menara Citibank, 165 Jalan Ampang, 50450 Kuala Lumpur
Tel: 03- 2380 0000
Citibank is part of Citigroup, the world's largest banking entity, with operation in more than 100 countries and having more than 200 million customers worldwide. Citibank also offers one of the most comprehensive trainings to their sales force.

14. Dell Asia Pacific
Website: www.dell.com.my
Industry: PC/Hardware
Dell is one-stop PC and notebook supplier with state of the art assembly operation in Penang, supported by a world-class standard of customer service operation. At the heart of Dell's Asia Pacific operations is the Asia Pacific Customer Center (APCC) in Penang, Malaysia. The 238,000-square-foot manufacturing facility opened in October 1995 and in February 2001, Dell's second Asia Pacific Customer Centre (APCC2) of 370,000-square-feet began operations. Desktops, workstations, notebooks, servers and storage products are manufactured to order for customers throughout Asia Pacific.

15. Accenture
Website: http://www.accenture.com/Countries/Malaysia
Industry: Consultancy
Add: Level 66 Tower 2 Petronas Twin Towers, Jalan Ampang, 50088 Kuala Lumpur.

Tel: 03 2731 4000 Fax: 03 205 72537
Accenture is a global management consulting, technology services and outsourcing company, with operation in 110 offices worldwide. Accenture collaborate with its clients to help them become high-performance businesses and governments. Accenture mobilizes excellent qualified people having the right skills and technologies to help clients improve their performance.

16. PriceWaterhouseCoopers (PWC)
Website: www.pwc.com/my
Industry: Financial & Tax services
Address: PricewaterhouseCoopers Malaysia, 11th Floor, Wisma Sime Darby, Jalan Raja Laut, 50350 Kuala Lumpur, MALAYSIA
Telephone +60 (3) 26931077

Fax: +60(3) 26930997
Email: my.careers@my.pwc.com.
PWC provides industry-focused assurance, tax and advisory services to build public trust and enhance value for its clients and their stakeholders. Their Malaysia operation is supported by a strong 1700 workforce in 9 locations.

17. Toyota
Website: www.toyota.com.my
Industry: Automotive
Add: Manager, Human Resources, UMW Toyota Malaysia, No. 2, Persiaran Raja Muda, Seksyen 15, 40200 Shah Alam, Selangor
Toyota Motor Corporation is one of the world's leading automakers, offering full range of models. As of March 2004, Toyota employs 264,000 people worldwide, and market vehicles in more than 140 countries. Their diversified operations include telecommunications, prefabricated housing and leisure boats.

18. Nokia
Website: www.nokia.com.my
Industry: Mobile communications
Add: Nokia Networks Malaysia, Suite T01 3rd Floor, Block 2320 Century Square, Jalan Usahawan, 63000 CYBERJAYA
Tel: +60 3 8313 6888

Fax: +60 3 8318 9188
A leading player in mobile communications in the Asia Pacific, Nokia first started operations in the region in the early 1980s. It has since established a leading brand presence in many local markets, and business has expanded considerably in all areas to support customer needs and the growth of the telecommunications industry in the region.

19. Bank Negara Malaysia
Website: www.bnm.gov.my
Industry: Banking
Add: Recruitment & Scholarship Section, Human Resource Management Department, 11C, Bank Negara Malaysia , Jalan Dato' Onn, 50480 Kuala Lumpur.

Tel: 03 2692 5373, 03 2690 7246, 03 2690 7242
Fax: 03 2698 7929
E-mail: recruit@bnm.gov.my
Bank Negara Malaysia is the central bank for Malaysia, established on 26 January 1959. The functions of the Bank are carried out within the context of the broader goals of promoting economic growth, a high level of employment, maintaining price stability and a reasonable balance in the country's international payments position, eradicating poverty and restructuring society.

20. Western Digital
Website: www.wdc.com
Industry: Manufacturing
Add: The Human Resource Department, Western Digital (Malaysia) Sdn Bhd, Lot 3, Jalan SS8/6, Sungei Way Free Industrial Zone, 47300 Petaling Jaya, Selangor.

Tel: 03-7870 5123
Winner of Best Employers in Asia awards, Western Digital is really an excellent organization to be in. You'll get a chance to get a closer look on the manufacturing operation of enterprise drives, desktop, external and mobile drives.

21. Air Asia
Website: www.airasia.com.my
Industry: Aviation
Air Asia has a record history of being a debt-ridden company turned into a multibillion organization within a span of merely 3 years. Headed by one of Malaysia's most successful businesspersons, Datuk Tony Fernandez, there's a limitless chance for your career to reach this sky, as of their planes, once you're part of this ever growing company.

22. LogicaCMG
Website: www.logicacmg.com/my
Industry: IT outsourcing
Add: 601, Level 6, Uptown 1, No. 1, Jalan SS21/58, Damansara Uptown, 47400 Petaling Jaya, Selangor Darul Ehsan.

Tel: +603 7725 6890

Fax: +603 7726 6346
Currently the biggest IT outsourcing provider in Europe, LogicaCMG is continuing to make impact in Asia Pacific. It provides management and IT consultancy, systems integration and outsourcing services to clients across diverse markets including telecoms, financial services, energy and utilities, industry, distribution and transport and the public sector. Formed in December 2002, through the merger of Logica and CMG, the company employs around 20,000 staff in offices across 34 countries and has nearly 40 years of experience in IT services.

23. KPMG International
Website: http://www.kpmg.com
Industry: Financial Services
Add: KPMG/Desa Megat & Co., Wisma KPMG, Jalan Dungun, Damansara Heights, 50490 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Mailing Address: P.O. Box 10047, 50702 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Tel: 011-60-3-2095-3388
Fax: 011-60-3-2095-0971
KPMG International is the global network of professional services firms providing audit, tax, and advisory services with industry focus. Its aim is to turn knowledge into value for the benefit of its clients, people, and the capital markets. With nearly 94,000 people worldwide, KPMG member firms provide audit, tax, and advisory services from 717 cities in 148 countries.

24. Oracle Corporation
Website: www.oracle.com
Industry: Software/system
Malaysia office: Oracle Corporation Malaysia Sdn Bhd, Level 38 Menara Citibank, 165 Jalan Ampang, 50450 Kuala Lumpur

Tel: 60-3-2161 8822

Fax: 60-3-2164 3755
For nearly three decades, Oracle, the world's largest enterprise software company, has provided the software and services that let organizations get the most up-to-date and accurate information from their business systems.

25. Federal Express (FedEx)
Website: www.fedex.com/my
Industry: Logistic & freight forwarding
Selangor service centre in Malaysia: Federal Express Services (M) Sdn Bhd, 17 Jalan TSB 8, Taman Industri Sungai Buloh, 47000 Kota Damansara, Selangor Darul Ehsan
Email: MALrecruit@fedex.com
Federal Express, part of transportation powerhouse FedEx Corporation, connects areas that generate 90 per cent of the world's gross domestic product in 24 to 48 hours with door-to-door, customs-cleared service and a money-back guarantee. The company's unmatched air route authorities and infrastructure make it the world's largest express transportation company, providing fast, reliable and time-definite transportation of more than 3.2 million items in 220 countries each working day. FedEx has more than 138,000 employees, 50,000 drop-off locations, 671 aircraft and 41,000 vehicles in its integrated global network.

26. Deloitte Malaysia
Website: www.deloitte.com
Industry: Financial & tax services
Add: Head Office, Level 19, SS21/58Damansara Uptown, 47400 Petaling Jaya.

P O Box 10093, 50704 Kuala Lumpur

Tel: +60(3) 7723 6500, +60(3) 7726 1833

Fax: +60(3) 7726 3986, +60(3) 7726 8986

e-mail: myaaa@deloitte.com
Deloitte Malaysia is among the nation's leading professional services firms, providing audit, tax, consulting, and financial advisory services through nearly 1,100 people in 8 offices throughout the nation. Having built a strong presence with a portfolio of clients spanning a variety of industries, Deloitte Malaysia has a proven record in providing services to some of the world's largest multi-nationals as well as local enterprises, financial institutions, government bodies, public and newly privatised organisations.

27. Ericsson
Website: www.ericsson.com/my
Industry: Mobile communications
Malaysia address: Ericsson (M) Sdn Bhd, 3420 Persiaran Sepang, 63000 Cyberjaya, Selangor.

Tel: 03-8314 6000

Fax: 03-8314 6009
Ericsson is the leading telecom supplier in the world. In the Asia Pacific region, Ericsson has over 30 percent market share in mobile communications infrastructure. Ericsson's net sales in the region for Q3 2005 accounts for 22% of Ericsson's global sales.Ericsson has a strong presence in Asia Pacific, with 16 operating entities grouped into five market units: Australia & New Zealand, China, India & Sri Lanka, North East Asia (Japan, Korea, Taiwan), and South East Asia (Bangladesh, Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Vietnam, Myanmar, Cambodia, Laos and Brunei).

28. Samsung
Website: www.samsung.com
Industry: Electronics
Malaysia contact: Suite 3B-9-3A, Level 9, Block 3B, Plaza Sentral, Jalan Stesen Sentral 5, Kuala Lumpur Sentral, 50470 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Tel: 03-2263 6600

Fax: 03-2263 6666
In this region, Malaysia plays a key role in SAMSUNG's strategy as both a manufacturing export base as well as a market for high-value technology products. They currently employ a total of 2200 employees in Malaysia. SAMSUNG Electronics offices in Malaysia consist of 1 subsidiary office and 2 manufacturing facilities. In recent years, SAMSUNG has evolved as a major consumer technology brand. We consistently clinch top 3 positions across South-East Asia for televisions, monitors/LCD monitors, side-by-side refrigerators, washing machines and DVD players.

29. Sony Malaysia
Website: www.sony.com.my
Industry: Manufacturing/electronic
Malaysia contact: The Human Resources Department, Sony (M) Sdn Bhd, No.7, Tanjung Bandar Utama, Bandar Utama, Petaling Jaya 47800, Selangor Darul Ehsan
Email: recruits@sony.com.my
Sony has helped developed discerning Malaysians who have come to expect quality, integrity and reliability in audio/visual equipment. Sony's cutting-edge technology brings sights and sounds, expectations and experiences into the home as well as the office.

30. Berjaya Corporation
Website: www.berjaya.com.my
Industry: Various
Add: BERJAYA LAND BERHAD, Group Human Resource & Administration Division, 11th Floor Menara Berjaya, K L Plaza, 179 Jalan Bukit Bintang, 55100 Kuala Lumpur
Email: hr@berjaya.com.my
Berjaya Corporation is a major Malaysian conglomerate with annual revenue in excess of RM2.93 billion. Through a series of acquisitions, organic growth and the entrepreneurial leadership of Tan Sri Dato' Seri Vincent Tan, Berjaya Corporation today has a total employee strength of over 17,000, and is engaged in the various core activities including property development, vacation & resorts, education, food & beverages, investment holdings and others.

HR = High Risk

2006-03-31T20:30:00.000-08:00

HR 4 HELP!

After 2 years of selfless service, a man realized that he has not been promoted, no transfer, no salary increase no commendation and that the Company is not doing any thing about it. So he decided to walk up to his HR Manager one morning and after exchanging greetings, he told his HR Manager his observation. The boss looked at him, laughed and asked him to sit downsaying; Myfriend, you have not worked here for even one day. The man was surprised to hear this, but the manager went on to explain.

Manager:- How many days are there in a year?

Man:- 365 days and some times 366

Manager:- How many hours make up a day?

Man:- 24 hours

Manager:- How long do you work in a day?

Man:- 8am to 4pm. i.e. 8 hours a day.

Manager:- So, what fraction of the day do you work in hours?

Man:- (He did some arithmetic and said 8/24 hours i.e. 1/3 (one third)

Manager:- That is nice of you! What is one-third of 366 days?

Man:- 122 (1/3 x 366 = 122 in days)

Manager:- Do you come to work on weekends?

Man:- No sir

Manager:- How many days are there in a year that are weekends?

Man:- 52 Saturdays and 52 Sundays equals to 104 days

Manager: - Thanks for that. If you remove 104 days from 122 days, how many days do you now have?

Man:- 18 days.

Manager:- OK! I do give you 2 weeks sick leave every year. Now remove that 14 days from the 18 days left. How many days do you have remaining?

Man:- 4 days

Manager:- Do you work on New Year day?

Man:- No sir!

Manager:- Do you come to work on workers day?

Man:- No sir!

Manager:- So how many days are left?

Man:- 2 days sir!

Manager:- Do you come to work on the (National holiday)?

Man:- No sir!

Manager:- So how many days are left?

Man:- 1 day sir!

Manager:- Do you work on Christmas day?

Man:- No sir!

Manager:- So how many days are left?

Man:- None sir!

Manager:- So, what are you claiming?

Man:- I have understood, Sir. I did not realise that I was stealing Company money all these days.

Moral - NEVER GO TO HR FOR HELP!!!

HR = HIGH RISK

Why Are Men Happier?

2006-03-31T20:19:00.000-08:00

Men Are Just Happier People.

What do you expect from such simple creatures?

Your last name stays put.
The garage is all yours.
Wedding plans take care of themselves.
Chocolate is just another snack.
You can be President.
You can never be pregnant.
You can wear a white T-shirt to a water park.
You can wear NO shirt to a water park.
Car mechanics tell you the truth.
The world is your urinal.
You never have to drive to another gas station restroom because this one is just too icky.
You don't have to stop and think of which way to turn a nut on a bolt.
Same work, more pay.
Wrinkles add character.
Wedding dress $5000. Tux rental-$100.
People never stare at your chest when you're talking to them.
The occasional well-rendered belch is practically expected.
New shoes don't cut, blister, or mangle your feet.
One mood all the time.
Phone conversations are over in 30 seconds flat.
You know stuff about tanks.
A five-day vacation requires only one suitcase.
You can open all your own jars.
You get extra credit for the slightest act of thoughtfulness.
If someone forgets to invite you, he or she can still be your friend.
Your underwear is $8.95 for a three-pack.
Three pairs of shoes are more than enough.
You almost never have strap problems in public.
You are unable to see wrinkles in your clothes.
Everything on your face stays its original color.
The same hairstyle lasts for years, maybe decades.
You only have to shave your face and neck.
You can play with toys all your life.
Your belly usually hides your big hips.
One wallet and one pair of shoes.
One color for all seasons.
You can wear shorts no matter how your legs look!
You can "do" your nails with a pocket knife.
You have freedom of choice concerning growing a mustache.
You can do Christmas shopping for 25 relatives on December 24 in 25 minutes.
You don't freakout when you go to a party and see another man wearing the same shirt, instead you become buddies.

No WONDER men are happier. (",)

What The Hell Are You Doing?

2006-03-31T20:14:00.000-08:00

Once upon a time there was a shepherd looking after his sheep at the side of adeserted road. Suddenly a brand new Porsche screeches to a halt. The driver, a man dressed in an Armani suit, Cerutti shoes, Ray-Ban sunglasses, TAG-Heuer wrist watch and a Pierre Cardin tie, gets out and asks the shepherd, "If I can tell you how many sheep you have, will you give me one of them?" The shepherd looks at theyoung man, then looks at the large flock of grazing sheep and replies, "Okay."

The young man parks the car, connects his laptop to the mobile fax, enters a NASA website, scans the ground using his GPS, opens a database and 60 Excel spreadsheets filled with algorithms and pivot tables. He then prints out a 150-page report on his high-tech mini-printer, turns to the shepherd and says, "You have exactly 1,586 sheep." The shepherd answers, "That's correct, you can have your sheep."

The young man takes an animal and puts it in the back of his Porsche. The shepherd looks at him and asks, "If I guess your profession, will you return my animal to me?" The young man answers, "Yes! Go on then."

The shepherd says, "You are an AUDITOR."

"That was quick! How did you know?" asks the young man.

"Very simple," answers the shepherd.

"Firstly, you came here without being wanted. Secondly, you charged me to tell me something I already knew, and thirdly, you dont understand anything about my business. Now can I have my dog back?"

Somebody Cares

2006-03-31T20:12:00.000-08:00

Somebody cares & always will;
The world forgets, but Allah loves u still.

You can’t go beyond His love;
No matter what u r quiting off.

Allah forgives until the end;
He’s your faithful loyal friend.

And though u try to hide your face;
There’s no shelter, any place.

That can escape His watchful eyes;
For on the earth and in the skies.

He’s ever present & always there;
To take u in His tender care.

And bind the wounds & mend the breaks;
When the world around forsakes.

Somebody cares & loves u still
And ALLAH is the SOMEONE & ALWAYS WILL .

"He is with you whosesoever you may be." (57:4)
"Truly nothing is hidden from Allah, in the earth or in the heavens." (3:5)
"Verily, your Lord is full of Grace for mankind, yet most of them do not give thanks." (Al Naml 27:73)