Morocco Renovates the Oldest Library in the World

In a world where eBooks and web search replace concrete libraries, the world’s oldest library still holds a critical value. Realizing the historical weight harbored by the walls of Al-Qarawiyyin library, the Moroccan Ministry of Culture approached Aziza Chaouni, a Canadian-Moroccan architect, to renovate and renew the building. Located in Morocco, the oldest library in the world which was established by a woman in 859 and now restored by another one,  now reopens its doors after 12 centuries with a wing for the general public.

Photo Credit: Techinsider.io

Photo Credit: Faena.com

Al-Qarawiyyin library was established in Fes, Morocco by Fatima Al-Fihri, a rich Tunisian immigrant who was dedicated to know more about the world. Fatima initially supervised the construction of Al- Qarawiyyin mosque which also worked as an educational institution for many years. Later Al- Qarawiyyin complex expanded to include a university and a library. Today, the University was moved to another part of Fes, but the mosque and library remain at the ancient complex.
Photo Credit: qz.com
The library is home to over 4,000 treasured Islamic manuscripts! The collection includes the original “Muqadimma” by the famous 14th century historian, Ibn Khaldun, the original manuscript of the legal system of Islam, and most importantly, the original 9th century Quran. With its deep-rooted history and its unique collection, Al- Qarawiyyin library was recognized by UNESCO as the oldest operating educational institution in the world.
Photo Credit: techinsider.io
Built 12 centuries ago, the world’s oldest library suffered from climate changes, humidity and infrastructural deficiencies. By 2012, the history carried by the library was crumbling to dust, until Aziza Chaouni came to the rescue. Chaouni didn’t only restore the old building but also equipped it for the needs of the current users. She told TED that “[she] didn’t want the building to become an embalmed cadaver!” Instead, she found a balance between preserving the old and serving the new. Chaouni turned the library, which was only accessed by the privileged scholars who had formal permissions, into a place for the public to wander in.
Since Al- Qarawiyyin library was reopened in May, 2016, visitors from all around the world wandered between the book stacks, sat in the reading rooms, and talked about the unique manuscripts while sipping the coffee they got from the newly added small cafe.
With another historical fingerprint, Morocco must now stand at the top of your travel bucket list.

source http://www.barakabits.com/2016/09/12-centuries-morocco-dusts-off-worlds-oldest-library 
 

Zheng He - the Chinese Muslim Admiral

 source http://www.muslimheritage.com/article/zheng-he-chinese-muslim-admiral

The Beijing Olympic Games started on Friday 8 August 2008 with a dramatic opening ceremony featuring a cast of thousands performers that celebrated the arts and achievements of China's long history. Among the tremendous events narrated by the ceremony was the evokation of Zheng He, the Chinese Muslim admiral of the 15th century. Blue-robed oarsman enacted seafarers travelling between Southeast Asia and the coast of Fujian, in southern China. Their oars became sails, painted with the "treasure ships" of Zheng He who reached Africa in the Ming Dynasty. On this occasion, we republish the following short outline of Zhen He's life and achievement.

The Beijing Olympic Games started on Friday 8 August 2008 with a dramatic opening ceremony featuring a cast of thousands performers that celebrated the arts and achievements of China's long history. Among the tremendous events narrated by the ceremony was the evocation of Zheng He, the Chinese Muslim admiral of the 15th century. Blue-robed oarsman enacted seafarers travelling between Southeast Asia and the coast of Fujian, in southern China. Their oars became sails, painted with the "treasure ships" of Zheng He who reached Africa in the Ming Dynasty. On this occasion, we republish the following short outline of Zhen He's life and achievement.

Figure 1: Performers with sailing boats are pictured during the Opening Ceremony for the 2008 Beijing Summer Olympics at the National Stadium on August 8, 2008 in Beijing, China. (Photo credit: Cameron Spencer/Getty Images). (Source ).

Little did the famous Muslim geographer, Ibn Battuta know, that about 22 years after his historic visit to China, the Mongol Dynasty (called the Yuan Dynasty in China) would be overthrown. The Ming Dynasty (1368 - 1644) would begin. A Muslim boy would help a Chinese prince. That prince would become emperor and the boy would grow up to be the "Admiral of the Chinese Fleet."
His name... Zheng He. The ships that he would sail throughout the Indian Ocean would retrace some of the same routes taken by Ibn Battuta, but he would be in huge boats called "junks". He would go to East Africa, Makkah, Persian Gulf, and throughout the Indian Ocean.
Speak of the world's first navigators and the names Christopher Columbus or Vasco da Gama flash through a Western mind. Little known are the remarkable feats that a Chinese Muslim Zheng He (1371-1433) had accomplished decades before the two European adventurers.
The Foundation for Science Technology and Civilisation retraces the route of China's 15th century admiral, Zheng He, who ranks as perhaps the country's foremost adventurer. A Muslim and a warrior, Zheng He helped transform China into the region's, and perhaps the world's, superpower of his time.

Figure 2: Portrait of Admiral Zheng He. (Source.)

In 1405, Zheng was chosen to lead the biggest naval expedition in history up to that time. Over the next 28 years (1405-1433), he commanded seven fleets that visited 37 countries, through Southeast Asia to faraway Africa and Arabia. In those years, China had by far the biggest ships of the time. In 1420 the Ming navy dwarfed the combined navies of Europe.
Ma He, as he was originally known, was born in 1371 to a poor ethnic Hui (Chinese Muslims) family inYunnan Province, Southwest China. The boy's grandfather and father once made an overland pilgrimage to Makkah. Their travels contributed much to young Ma's education. He grew up speaking Arabic and Chinese, leaming much about the world to the west and its geography and customs.
Recruited as a promising servant for the Imperial household at the age of ten, Ma was assigned two years later to the retinue of the then Duke Yan, who would later usurp the throne as the emperor Yong Le. Ma accompanied the Duke on a series of successful military campaigns and played a crucial role in the capture of Nanjing, then the capital. Ma was thus awarded the supreme command of the Imperial Household Agency and was given the surname Zheng.

Figure 3: Recent Chinese portrait (2005) of Admiral Zheng He. ( Source).

Emperor Yong Le tried to boost his damaged prestige as a usurper by a display of China's might abroad, sending spectacular fleets on great voyages and by bringing foreign ambassadors to his court. He also put foreign trade under a strict Imperial monopoly by taking control from overseas Chinese merchants. Command of the fleet was given to his favorite Zheng He, an impressive figure said to be over eight feet tall.
A great fleet of big ships, with nine masts and manned by 500 men, each set sail in July 1405, half a century before Columbus's voyage to America. There were great treasure ships over 300-feet long and 150-feet wide, the biggest being 440-feet long and 186-across, capable of carrying 1,000 passengers. Most of the ships were built at the Dragon Bay shipyard near Nanjing, the remains of which can still be seen today.
Zheng He's first fleet included 27,870 men on 317 ships, including sailors, clerks, interpreters, soldiers, artisans, medical men and meteorologists. On board were large quantities of cargo including silk goods, porcelain, gold and silverware, copper utensils, iron implements and cotton goods. The fleet sailed along China's coast to Champa close to Vietnam and, after crossing the South China Sea, visited Java, Sumatra and reached Sri Lanka by passing through the Strait of Malacca. On the way back it sailed along the west coast of India and returned home in 1407. Envoys from Calicut in India and several countries in Asia and the Middle East also boarded the ships to pay visits to China. Zheng He's second and third voyages taken shortly after, followed roughly the same route.

Figure 4: A display at the Ibn Battuta Mall in Dubai purports to compare the size of ships used by Zheng He and by Christopher Columbus.(Source).

In the fall of 1413, Zheng He set out with 30,000 men to Arabia on his fourth and most ambitious voyage. From Hormuz he coasted around the Arabian boot to Aden at the mouth of the Red Sea. The arrival of the fleet caused a sensation in the region, and 19 countries sent ambassadors to board Zheng He's ships with gifts for Emperor Yong Le.
In 1417, after two years in Nanjing and touring other cities, the foreign envoys were escorted home by Zheng He. On this trip, he sailed down the east coast of Africa, stopping at Mogadishu, Matindi, Mombassa and Zanzibar and may have reached Mozambique. The sixth voyage in 1421 also went to the African coast.
Emperor Yong Le died in 1424 shortly after Zheng He's return. Yet, in 1430 the admiral was sent on a final seventh voyage. Now 60 years old, Zheng He revisited the Persian Gulf, the Red Sea and Africa and died on his way back in 1433 in India.
Zheng He's Junks
Zheng He's flag "treasure ship" was four hundred feet long - much larger than Columbus's. In this drawing, the two flagships are superimposed to give a clear idea of the relative size of these two ships. Columbus's ship St. Maria was only 85 feet long whilst Zheng He's flag ship was an astonishing 400 feet.

Figure 5: The Honil Gangni Yeokdae Gukdo Jido ("Map of Integrated Lands and Regions of Historical Countries and Capitals", short name Gangnido (Kangnido)) is a map of the world made in Korea in 1402. It is 158.5 cm by 168.0 cm, painted on silk. The Kangnido map predates Zheng's voyages and suggests that he had quite detailed geographical information on much of the Old World. (Source).

Imagine six centuries ago, a mighty armada of Zheng He's ships crossing the China Sea, then venturing west to Ceylon, Arabia, and East Africa. The fleet consisting of giant nine-masted junks, escorted by dozens of supply ships, water tankers, transports for cavalry horses, and patrol boats. The armada's crew totaling more than 27,000 sailors and soldiers.
Loaded with Chinese silk and porcelain, the junks visited ports around the Indian Ocean. Here, Arab and African merchants exchanged the spices, ivory, medicines, rare woods, and pearls so eagerly sought by the Chinese imperial court.
Seven times, from 1405 to 1433, the treasure fleets set off for the unknown. These seven great expeditions brought a vast web of trading links -- from Taiwan to the Persian Gulf -- under Zheng He's imperial control. This took place half a century before the first Europeans, rounding the tip of Africa in frail Portuguese caravels, 'discovered' the Indian Ocean.
His humble tomb
Zheng He (1371-1433), or Cheng Ho, is arguably China's most famous navigator. Starting from the beginning of the 15th Century, he traveled to the West seven times. For 28 years, he traveled more than 50,000 km and visited over 37 countries. Zheng He died in the tenth year of the reign of the Ming emperor Xuande (1433) and was buried in the southern outskirts of Bull's Head Hill (Niushou) in Nanjing.

Figure 6: Zheng He's tomb in Nanjing located near the new museum devoted to Zheng He. (2007, photo by Peter Pang, Released into the public domain by the author).

In 1983, during the 580th anniversary of Zheng He's voyage, his tomb was restored. The new tomb was built on the site of the original tomb and reconstructed according to the customs of Islamic teachings.
At the entrance to the tomb is a Ming-style structure, which houses the memorial hall. Inside are paintings of the man himself and his navigation maps. To get to the tomb, there are newly laid stone platforms and steps. The stairway consists of 28 stone steps divided into four sections with each section having seven steps. This represents Zheng He's seven journeys to the West. Inscribed on top of the tomb are the Arabic words "Allahu Akbar (God is Great)".

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How Halal Food Became a $20 Billion Hit in America

• Halal is a hit with millenials; sales up by a third since 2010
• Diners at Manhattan’s Halal Guys food truck put taste first

Sometimes, culinary trends move in sync with political ones. Sauerkraut was renamed “liberty cabbage” when the U.S. was at war with Germany, and a more recent falling-out with the French led to the invention of “freedom fries.”
But sometimes they move in mysterious ways. In an election season dominated by Donald Trump, Muslims haven’t always been made to feel welcome in America. Meanwhile sales of halal food, prepared according to Islamic law, are surging -- and not just among the fast-growing U.S. Muslim population: Adventurous millennial foodies are embracing it too.

Shahed Amanullah could only find about 200 places that served halal food in 1998, when he launched a website to help Americans find it. Today, he’s tracking 7,600, and he says halal is making inroads even among people who are wary of Muslims. “Food is a great medium for cultural sharing,” Amanullah said.

There’s a well-trodden path in America’s food culture, leading from ethnic-specialty status to the mainstream. It happened long ago with Italian cuisine, and to some extent with kosher food, which offers a closer parallel to halal. Like the Jewish equivalent, Islamic rules mandate humane treatment of animals as well as other special preparations.
At every level of the U.S. food chain, halal already occupies a small but rapidly expanding niche.
In grocery and convenience stores and similar outlets, research firm Nielsen estimates that sales reached $1.9 billion in the 12 months through August, a 15 percent increase from 2012.

Overall, from restaurants to supermarkets, halal sales are projected at $20 billion this year, up by one-third since 2010, according to the Islamic Food and Nutrition Council of America, which certifies halal food and promotes education on the topic
Whole Foods Market Inc., which has been among the pioneers, ranks halal among its fastest growing categories, with double-digit sales growth in each of the last five years. It’s been running Ramadan promotions since 2011.
For early-adopting retailers, there’s been some flak -- especially in the corners of social media where Islam comes under regular criticism. Amanullah said his “where-to-find-it” website is often used in such circles as a “who-to-boycott” guide -- though he said such efforts typically backfire and end up helping his business.
When Whole Foods ran its initial Ramadan campaign, it was criticized for failing to tout other religious holidays. Rick Findlay, global grocery coordinator for Whole Foods, says the company wasn’t deterred.
“People look to Whole Foods to be that trend setter,” he said, “We’re happy to be on that cutting edge and take some risks.”
A look at the demographics makes halal seem less of a risk. There were 3.3 million U.S. Muslims last year, but the number’s projected to grow to 8.1 million by 2050 -- and about halfway through that time, Muslims will surpass Jews as the largest non-Christian religious group in the U.S., according to Pew Research Center.
And that’s not the whole story. Adnan Durrani, chief executive officer of American Halal Co., estimates that as many as 80 percent of consumers who buy his Saffron Road brand aren’t trying to follow Islamic law -- they’re just food-lovers who want better frozen meals. Saffron Road is a star performer at Whole Foods, and is also sold at branches of Kroger Co., Safeway Inc. and Giant Food Stores, among more than 12,000 locations.
The market still hasn’t reached enough of a tipping point for some of the big names in packaged food to fully commit. Mondelez International Inc., the global snack giant, is a player in predominantly Muslim countries like Indonesia and Saudi Arabia, where halal is the standard. So far it only sells a handful of halal products in the U.S. Nestle, the world’s largest food company, has 151 halal factories, from Malaysia to Pakistan, and distributes hundreds of certified products across the world. But in America, Nestle mainly sells the food through its healthcare unit, which supplies hospitals.
Something similar applies with retailers: Wal-Mart features halal products at about 400 of its 4,600 stores, and Kroger carries them only where there’s local demand.
It’s possible that halal could be “held back by the stigma” that some Americans attach to Islam, said Krishnendu Ray, associate professor of food studies at NYU Steinhardt. “Or, it could eventually be like kosher, which is identified as fresher, more virtuous food.”
Ray is the author of the 2016 book “The Ethnic Restaurateur,” which examines a long history of immigrant influence on American cuisine. Italian food, he says, was frowned upon around the turn of the 20th century, partly because it was “too garlicky” and associated with criminal activity because people often drank alcohol alongside it.

Halal Guys preparing a combo platter in New York.

Photographer: Michael Nagle/Bloomberg

Durrani and Amanullah both recall being served kosher food when they were growing up: halal was hard to find, and for their families it was the next-best thing. Now, it’s easily available to diners-out, as well as eaters-in. Some of the credit goes to Halal Guys, which started as a street cart serving meat dishes in New York City. They proved so popular that the company plans 300 sit-down restaurants across the U.S. in the next several years.
New York is home to people from all over, of course. So is Chicago, where the second Halal Guys outlet opened. But the third was in small-town California.
“Costa Mesa is in a strip-mall plaza, which couldn’t be farther from the corner of 53rd and 6th in midtown Manhattan,” said Andrew Eck, head of marketing. Of halal, he said: “It’s not just city people that like it. It’s not suburban people that like it. It’s not Muslim people. It’s a mix of cultures and background.”
The Halal Guys have tapped into something that transcends demographics: taste. On a recent Friday at lunch hour, about 20 people, a mix of office workers and tourists, waited to order at the original Halal Guys food truck in New York. They said they’d come for lamb and chicken over rice, not because of religious dietary restrictions. Halal Guys has actually stopped serving lamb, but customers still insist on ordering it, Eck said.
“It’s a must spot to eat in New York,” said Alejandro Nova, 30, who was there with a friend visiting from Colombia. “It has nothing to do with how they treat the animals.”

source
 http://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2016-09-14/america-loves-muslim-food-so-much-for-a-clash-of-civilizations

10 ways to make your Masjid youth-friendly

Religion is an important aspect of life for a majority of Muslim youth in the United States. According to the Gallup Organization’s 2009 report Muslim Americans: A National Portrait, the percentage of young Muslims who say faith is important (77%) is roughly similar to the proportion of young Protestants (74%).

Yet, walk into most Masjids, whether that’s on a busy Friday or a weekend when classes are being held, and you’ll find Muslims under 10 or over 30. Those in between are usually absent. Especially noticeable is the lack of youth, between the ages of 11 and 19. While they may have attended weekend school classes as children, they have chosen to distance themselves from the Masjid as teens.
It’s an old crisis that requires new strategies and answers. Some Masjids have caught on and are trying to bring the youth back. Others believe it’s a lost cause. Others still, are willfully ignorant or are not willing to be a little flexible to allow greater space for teen participation in our mosques.
Prophet Muhammad, peace and blessings be upon him, was not only aware of the dynamism and strength of young Muslims. He made sure to harness them to build a better Muslim community. He gave responsible youth positions of leadership; he interacted with them in a down-to-earth manner, making a point to not only hear them out but to praise them for raising a good point in front of their elders.
The Masjid is the heart of the community, the core of who we are collectively. These houses of worship were not built exclusively for men over 30 or children 10 and under. They were built for everyone. And Muslim teens, those who we rely on to keep Islam going after the older generation is gone, cannot and will not participate unless we make a strong effort to not only organize programs for them, but really make an effort to make them feel close to the Masjid.
Below are 10 ideas that can be used as starting points.

1. Use congregational activities to create a sense of belonging

There is power in the Jama’ah (group). We know that praying together, doing Dhikr (remembrance of God) together, eating together, and more are all considered acts that are given higher reward than if done individually.
One of the most important things teens seek is a sense of belonging. This is why Masjids should capitalize on various acts of collective worship to bring teens in. Some ideas include:
-Muslim teen back to Juma program. Have a couple of young Muslims take charge of texting or tweeting their friends, encouraging them to attend Friday prayers together.
-Daily collective prayer reminder: do the same as the above, except for daily prayers, especially Fajr and Isha, when teens are not in school, as well as all five of the Salaat on weekends.

2. Hold monthly youth open houses

Open houses at Masjids have become a staple activity in the community, especially for interfaith purposes. Expand this concept to Muslim youth by hosting “Youth Night“. The point is to reacquaint teens with their mosque.
Make sure plenty of pizza, snacks, and drinks are present, along with healthier alternatives (e.g. vegetables and dip). In terms of activities, choose a topic focused on God’s Attributes and character-building and hold a discussion. Teens often complain of not being allowed to express themselves and discuss issues with their parents and other community elders. Let them do this during the course of this event, but lay some ground rules from the start so it doesn’t get out of hand.
Avoid topics that have been presented over and over again to this age group (e.g. music, Hijab, modesty, etc.). It’s not that they should not be talked about. But the purpose of this kind of an event is to start off with the basics of the faith that will instill a deeper faith and connection with Allah and the mosque as a community institution.

3. Offer good customer service

In America, many houses of worship have caught on to this concept. Some have bent over backwards to bring youth in, sometimes at the expense of their principles. But good customer service means some simple things smart businesses do that allow customers to feel welcome to buy products: smiling customer service representatives; clean surroundings; affordable products; perks like loyalty cards, or even benches and vending machines near the entrance so potential buyers can be comfortable.
At our mosques, we are not “selling” Islam. However, we do want to make sure we all represent it in the best way through, as the Quran says, “wisdom and beautiful preaching”. Do we see that at most mosques? Frankly, no.
When it comes to Muslim teens, we often tend to be even harsher. Whether it’s the constant frowning at them or in general, Khutbas of little relevance to the lives of most youth, and sometimes intolerance of someone’s way of praying or dressing.
Let’s consider the big and small ways we can “add value” to the Masjid experience by re-embracing the original concept of  “wisdom and beautiful preaching” when it comes to mosques and teens.

4. Make your Masjid text-friendly

Studies have found that Four out of five teens (17 million) in the United States carry a wireless device (a 40% increase since 2004). As well, texting is replacing talking among teens. Teens admitted spending nearly an equal amount of time talking as they do texting each month. The feature is so important to them that if texting were no longer an option 47% of teens say their social life would end or be worsened.
A number of Masjids have caught on and text their members updates of events, and allow them to text donations as well. Most, however, don’t. Making the Masjid text-friendly is critical to connecting teens to the mosque.

5. Get onto Facebook - today

At the start of 2010, 40% of Facebook users were under the age of 25. Teens are heavy Facebook and social media users. Every Masjid in America needs to have its own Facebook page which is regularly updated with events, prayer times, activities, and more.
The page should not only be a repository of information about the mosque. It should allow for carefully moderated posts and discussions of issues pertaining to the Masjid. As mentioned above, teens want to be heard. A Facebook page offers them a way to establish first contact with the mosque, which insha Allah, will develop into a desire to visit in person.

6. Hold a Khutba meeting with them

Sleeping or texting worshippers are hardly uncommon at Friday prayers. Some of this may be due to genuine fatigue or an emergency. But more often than not, they are a reflection of a boring Khutba.
Hold a meeting with a couple of the youth who attend your Masjid regularly. Seek out their advice on what kinds of topics to discuss in Friday sermons. Also post this question on your mosque’s Facebook page, and solicit feedback through texting as well.
Take it a step further and offer one Friday a month as a time when a teen will give a Khutba. Offer Khutba training for those who need it.

7. Make a special effort to include young Muslim women

Many Muslims still hold myths about women’s attendance and participation at the Masjid, ranging from “girls and women can’t go” to “women can’t have any decision-making power”.
Make a special effort to create a sister-friendly environment for women in general. Also encourage young Muslim women to be part of the board or mosque’s main committee, so they can share their concerns and issues.

8. Sell hope

Prophet Muhammad, peace and blessings be upon him, said, "Make things easy and do not make them difficult, cheer the people up by conveying glad tidings to them, and do not repulse (them)'' (Bukhari and Muslim).
We are living in difficult times for Muslims in America and around the world. The Masjid should not only be a place where these challenges are talked about it, but it should also be where Muslims can find solace.
Young Muslims, in particular, may face bullying at school because of their faith. Other than that, the pressure to do the right thing in line with Islamic values is hard, especially at this age.
Make your Masjid a repository of hope and comfort for Muslims. At least once a month, Khutbas should be about an optimistic topic, something that will infuse listeners with joy; Imams, Khateebs, and everyone who volunteers regularly at the Masjid should smile more often; positive news about good things Muslims are doing or of others standing up for Muslims should be given publicity in sermons and newsletters.

9. Provide a forum for community service

Young adults have a great amount of energy that, if directed to the right channels, can reap incredible results for not just themselves, but the entire community at large. One way to do that is to organize service projects planned by youth, in collaboration with a responsible adult. Events like Islamic Relief’s Day of Dignity are one example.
Anything that makes teens feel they are doing good and benefiting others are the kinds of things that will build self-esteem individually, as well as collectively. If done at the Masjid in a proper way, they will elicit respect from the youth, and in the long-term, a desire to become more connected and involved insha Allah.

10. Encourage Halal entertainment

Music has long been considered a controversial issue in Islam and the Muslim community, while teens grapple with the fact that most contemporary music they listen to spouts ideas and values antithetical to their faith.
However, Islam does and has allowed for artistic expression, and there are ways young Muslims, who often enjoy music and other forms of entertainment can benefit from a Masjid-focused Halal entertainment event. One is Quran recitation competitions (these can be conducted in front of men-only and women-only audiences). Another is Nasheed (Islamic song) competitions. Others could include Islamic art and poetry.
In addition, on Eid, encourage young brothers of the community to take the responsibility of reciting the Takbir-al-Eid in a beautiful, melodious manner that will uplift hearts and bring joy on this day of happiness.  

source http://www.soundvision.com/article/10-ways-to-make-your-masjid-youth-friendly

8 tips for dealing with your child's teenage years

"I never asked to be born!"
"Stop trying to control my life!"
"I hate you!"

Teenage Years: Most Difficult for the Parents

You thought you were over the hard part---changing diapers and being awakened throughout the night by your crying baby, dealing with an uncontrollable two-year old "monster," and trying to handle a mischievous child, who was always getting into trouble at school. But now comes the really hard part---coping with a rebellious, often rude and obnoxious, teenager.

Muslim Parents: Not Immune from Teenage Problems

The teenage years have historically been a difficult period for parents in America, with very few exceptions. Struggling to find their own place in the world, teenagers often rebel against the ways of their parents. They want to experiment to find out what is best for them. And, unfortunately, Muslim parents may also face many of the same problems with their teenagers that non-Muslim families face.

Muslim children can also be tempted to drink alcohol or take drugs, be physically attracted to someone of the opposite sex in their class, skip school, or get involved in the wrong crowd.

No doubt, it will be a traumatic experience for a Muslim family to find out that their son or daughter is taking drugs, secretly going out on dates with the opposite sex, or getting in trouble with the police, but it could happen. And what if they become addicts, contract AIDS by having unmarried sex, or become a mother or father before marriage. Our great dreams for our children could suddenly turn into nightmares. It has happened to other Muslim families.

This is, of course, a very frightening thought for most parents. Some will merely say that it won't happen to their Muslim child. But others will take action and look for ways to prevent these problems or to better handle them if they arise.

Although no two families have exactly the same situation, there are some general guidelines for dealing with Muslim teenagers that might be useful.

1. We should teach them from an early age about Allah, the Prophets, the Sahaba, and the great heroes of Islam.

If we develop in them a love for Islam and provide them with righteous examples for their heroes, they will be much less likely to go astray. A person wants to be like his heroes. If he admires Prophet Muhammad, Abu Bakr, and Ali, he will try to follow their example. If he admires a rock star or a gang leader, he will want to be like them. If we inspire our children with good examples, when they are tempted to do wrong, they will, InshaAllah, remember these examples and remain steadfast.

Although I was raised as a Christian and didn't embrace Islam until I was in my 20s, I was greatly influenced by the Biblical stories of Prophets like Nuh, Ibrahim, Musa, and Isa (peace be upon them all). Although the Biblical stories were not in their pure form, they still inculcated in me a love and respect for the way of the Prophets. Although I fell into many of the temptations of youth, Alhamdulillah, I always felt something within me holding me back from going too far. While many of my friends went headlong into a highly destructive way of life, I believe that my knowledge of, and affection for, the Prophets helped me to return to a better path.

2. We must be very careful about our children's friends

During the teenage years, children often care more about what their friends say than what their parents or elders say. According to a hadith, "Man is upon the path of his intimate friend; so let each look to whom he takes as a friend." If our children have good, sincere, and righteous friends, the chances are good that our children will be like them. If, on the other hand, our children hang around with children who take drugs and get into trouble, our children will likely take drugs and get into trouble.

Therefore, it is essential from an early age that we try to get our children involved with good children. One way to encourage this is by regularly taking them to the mosque or by sending them to an Islamic school where they will have the opportunity to meet Muslim children. If they become friends with non-Muslims, however, we should not worry too much as long as they do not seem to be a negative influence. Perhaps our child will influence them toward Islam. We should be worried though if our children start hanging around with bad-mannered and disrespectful children.

3. We should encourage our children to participate in wholesome religious, social, and sports activities

Bored teenagers are more likely to look for fun and excitement in the wrong place. "Idle hands are the devil's (shaytan's) workshop," someone once said. If teenagers' lives are full of good and exciting things to do, they will not have the time or the desire to get involved in bad things.

4. If we haven't done so already, now is a good time to start letting our children become a part of the family decision making process

If teenagers feel that they have the right to make some of their own decisions and even to help make some of the family's decisions, they will not feel that they have to rebel against an oppressive family that is always telling them what to do.

5. We should try to channel their teenage zeal into constructive avenues

Sometimes, teenagers begin to criticize the way of life of their parents and society, and parents are often angered by this. However, we must keep in mind that sometimes they may be right. Our lives and our society are not perfect, and teenagers may have fresh insight into how to improve them. In Living With Teenagers: A Guide for Muslim Parents, Ruqaiyyah Waris Maqsood writes:

"Teenagers are idealists---they want to change the world, and make it a better place. These are not bad ideals, and it is a great pity that adults have forgotten their own ideals in the rat-race of daily life. You, the parent, may have ended up as just a hard-working nonentity in some quiet niche in life; a teenager who is a real idealist may end up as a famous person, a reformer, a politician, an aid-worker---who knows. The future lies there before them.

It is therefore a foolish parent who tries to ridicule and trample on that young idealism. If it is consistent with Islam, it should be fervently encouraged, and not set at nought."

If a teenager is idealistic and wants to improve the world, we should encourage him and help him. If he if full of zeal but lacks the proper direction, we should help him to use that zeal constructively. If we get teenagers involved in helping those in need and in working for important causes, their zeal could make a tremendous impact.

6. We should sometimes admit that we are wrong

Parents make mistakes. If we admit to our children that we are wrong at times, they will not always feel that they have to rebel against us and prove that we are wrong.

7. We should listen to our children

Sometimes, children act out in order to get our attention. If we give them our attention freely, they will not have to seek it in destructive ways. Also, by listening to our children, there is a greater chance that they will confide in us and ask us questions, rather than seeking answers from negative sources.

8. We should do what we say

Teenagers hate hypocrisy, and many of them seem to have a built-in radar for detecting it. If we want them to listen to us and take our advice, they must trust us. If we tell them not to drink, but drink ourselves, they will not respect us. If we watch bad programs on television, how can we expect them to watch good programs and listen to good music?

The teenage years are usually difficult, and parents need to prepare for them before they arrive. If parents have built a strong, trusting, and loving relationship with their children before the teenage years, their children will be less likely to go astray. It is very difficult to see one's child going in the wrong direction and not know how to stop him from destroying himself. But if we work hard to instill in them the right values early and try to help them develop a wholesome lifestyle without being overbearing, perhaps we can prevent such a tragedy from ever occurring.

source http://www.soundvision.com/article/8-tips-for-dealing-with-your-childs-teenage-years

7 ideas to make Prophet Muhammad come alive for your teens

Here are some ways to make the Prophet come alive for teens in your family and community.

1. Text Seerah Tidbits

For teens who are bookworms, it’s easy to offer them a book to read about the life of Prophet Muhammad, peace and blessings be upon him. Reading is one of the best ways to learn more about him. But if we want to really make him a role model, his life and legacy need to be shared gradually, over time. Texting is the ideal way to do that.

Studies have found that four out of five teens (17 million) in the United States carry a wireless device (a 40% increase since 2004). As well, texting is replacing talking among teens. Teens admitted spending nearly an equal amount of time talking as they do texting each month.
Once a week, text a relevant factoid about the Prophet to your teen. It could be a Dua he said before undertaking a difficult task (ideal to send during final exam time), or it could simply be one of his habits on Fridays (e.g. cutting his nails). The point is to make his life, the big and small things, come alive and apply to your teen.

2- Eat Together Like the Prophet

The Prophet said, "Eat together and not separately, for the blessing is associated with the company" (Tirmidhi). Studies in the United States over the last decade have also noted that when families eat together, everyone’s nutrition improves, along with communication between family members.
As well, according to one study, compared to teens who ate with their families five to seven times a week, teenagers who had fewer than three family dinners a week were almost four times more likely to try tobacco, more than twice as likely to use alcohol and 2.5 times more likely to use marijuana.

While this may not be possible daily, especially between jobs, extracurricular activities, and other family commitments, make it a priority at least on the weekend.

3- Share Stories about the Prophet and the Youth Around Him

It’s common for Muslims to share stories about the Prophet’s playfulness and tenderness with young children. However, the Prophet also maintained an excellent relationship with older youth. Consider for example, how he gave Usama bin Zaid the responsibility of commanding an army at age 17. The Prophet recognized not only talent, but knew how to nurture talent in older youth by giving them positions of responsibility.

4- Feed the Hungry Like the Prophet

Feeding the hungry was one of the Prophet’s regular tasks, even as he and his Companions suffered unbearable hunger. Discuss this with teens, and get directly involved in feeding the hungry in your area. This will capitalize on their energy and dynamism for a good cause and offer youth a practical way to connect with the Prophet. If possible, organize a day when youth are fasting to volunteer to feed those in need, so they can truly experience hunger while feeding the hungry, as the Prophet did.

5- Instill the “What would Muhammad (s) do?” question in their minds

Teens are constantly in need of someone to look up to. If you don’t provide them with a healthy alternative, they will naturally gravitate to those who are popular among their peers, or who are dominating the screens and airwaves for their own proverbial 15 minutes of fame.

Apart from encouraging them to read about the Prophet, fix in your teen’s mind the question, “What Would Muhammad do?”, peace and blessings be upon him. For instance, if they express confusion or concern about an issue, encourage them to ask this question and find the answer themselves through research.
This is a practical way to build character, using the example of the best of examples for humanity.

6- Manage your Anger Like the Prophet

The Gallup Center has reported that Muslim youth aged 18 to 28 are the least happy and the most angry compared to the youth of other faith groups in America.  Twenty-six percent of young Muslims, compared with 14% of young Protestants, say they experienced anger.

It is very likely that younger Muslims are experiencing this as well, perhaps at a more intense level, given the amount of hormonal and physical upheaval experienced by teenagers.  Teach your teen through example and word, the Prophet’s advice about how to control anger. These range from sitting if standing up when overcome with anger, to saying “I seek refuge in Allah from the accursed Shaytan.”

7- Write a Heartfelt Letter to the Prophet

In his book Don't Sweat the Small Stuff...and it's all small stuff, Dr. Richard Carlson encourages readers to write a heartfelt letter to those in your life who have influenced you positively. The letter is an expression of appreciation and thanks.
Encourage your teen to write a heartfelt letter to the Prophet for all of the above and more. If they feel comfortable, encourage them to share it with family, and maybe even post it as a note on their Facebook page to spur their friends to do the same.

source http://www.soundvision.com/article/7-ideas-to-make-prophet-muhammad-come-alive-for-your-teens

11 T's of Successful Marriage ❤❤❤

Some really good advice for a successful marriage given by a teacher at a wedding. He said these are the T's of a successful marriage.

T Is for Taqwa - the foundation of a successful marriage. Fearing Allah allows both parties to live in harmony.

T is for Trust - don't allow any room for your spouse to doubt you and give them some personal space.

T is for Tongue - control your tongue when speaking to your spouse. Don't speak rudely.

T is for Talk - Communicate with your spouse regularly. Let them know your feelings.

T is for Time - make time to spend with your spouse, and realise that your life timetable has to change once you're married.

T is for Tea - make sure you eat and drink together at the same time as this creates love between 2 people.

T is for Tolerance - nobody is perfect, but look at the good qualities in your spouse and tolerate the bad with patience.

T is for Technology - technology can make or break a relationship. Don't allow it to become the third person in the relationship.

T is for Trouble makers - don't allow the rumours and comments of others spoil the harmony between you and your partner.

T is for Temper - this is one of biggest reasons behind marriages breaking. Control your anger with your spouse.

T is for Tahajjud - wake up in the night for Tahajjud and even pray together, and encourage each other to do good deeds.

"70 Major Sins In Islam"

01. Associating anything with ALLAH
02. Murder
03. Practicing magic
04. Not Praying
05. Not paying Zakat
06. Not fasting on a Day of Ramadan
without excuse
07. Not performing Hajj, while being
able to do so
08. Disrespect to parents
09. Abandoning relatives
10. Fornication and Adultery
11. Homosexuality (sodomy) 12.
Interest (Riba)
13. Wrongfully consuming the property
of an
orphan
14. Lying about Allah and His
Messenger(pbuh)
15. Running away from the battlefield
16. A leader deceiving his people and
being unjust to them
17. Pride and arrogance
18. Bearing false witness
19. Drinking Khamr (wine)
20. Gambling
21. Slandering chaste women 22.
Stealing from the spoils of war
23. Stealing
24. Highway Robbery
25. Taking false oath
26. Oppression
27. Illegal gain 28. Consuming wealth
acquired
unlawfully
29. Committing suicide
30. Frequent lying
31. Judging unjustly
32. Giving and Accepting bribes 33.
Woman imitating man and man
imitating
woman
34. Being cuckold
35. Marrying a divorced woman in
order to make
her lawful for the husband
36. Not protecting oneself from urine
37. Showing-off
38. Learning knowledge of the religion
for the
sake of this world and concealing that
knowledge
39. Betrayal of trust
40. Recounting favours 41. Denying
Allah’s Decree
42. Listening to people’s private
conversations /
eavesdropping
43. Carrying tales
44. Cursing
45. Breaking contracts 46. Believing in
fortune-tellers and astrologers
47. A woman’s bad conduct towards
her
husband
48. Making statues and pictures
49. Lamenting, wailing, tearing the
clothing, and
doing other things of this sort when an
affliction befalls
50. Treating others unjustly
51. Overbearing conduct toward the
wife, the
servant, the weak, and animals
52. Offending one’s neighbour
53. Offending and abusing Muslims 54.
Offending people and having
an arrogant attitude toward them
55. Trailing one’s garment in pride
56. Men wearing silk and gold
57. A slave running away from his
master
58. Slaughtering an animal which has
been dedicated to anyone other
than ALLAH
59. To knowingly ascribe one’s
paternity to a
father other than one’s own
60. Arguing and disputing violently
61. Withholding excess water 62. Giving
short weight or measure
63. Feeling insecure from ALLAH’s Plan
64. Offending ALLAH’s righteous friends
65. Not praying in congregation but
praying
alone without an excuse
66. Persistently missing Friday Prayers
without any excuse
67. Usurping the rights of the heir
through
bequests
68. Deceiving and plotting evil
69. Spying for the enemy of the
Muslims
70. Cursing or insulting any of the
Companions of ALLAH’s
Messenger (S.A.W)(pbuh)See More Plz
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Surely, Allah Will Grant you The Reward
For Spreading Righteousness .. (jazaak Allah
Khair)

Edul Adha Takbirr

ﺍﻟﻠّﻪُ ﺃﻛﺒﺮ ﺍﻟﻠّﻪُ ﺃﻛﺒﺮ
Allahu Akbar, Allahu Akbar
Allah is Great, Allah is Great
ﺍﻟﻠّﻪُ ﺃﻛﺒﺮ
Allahu Akbar
Allah is Great
ﻻ ﺇﻟَﻪَ ﺍﻻ ﺍﻟﻠّﻪ
La illaha il Allah
there is no God, but Allah
ﺍﻟﻠّﻪُ ﺃﻛﺒﺮ ﺍﻟﻠّﻪُ ﺍﻛﺒﺮ
Allahu Akbar, Allahu Akbar
Allah is Great, Allah is Great
ﻭ ﻟِﻠّﻪ ﺍﻟﺤﻤﺪَ
walilahil Hamd
to Him belongs all Praise
ﺍﻟﻠّﻪُ ﺃﻛﺒﺮُ ﻛَﺒﻴِﺮَﺍ
Allahu Akbaru Kabeera
Allah is the Greatest
ﻭَﺍﻟﺤَﻤﺪُ ﻟِﻠّﻪِ ﻛَﺜِﻴﺮﺍ
wal-Hamdulilahi katheera
And all Praise is due to Him
ﻭَ ﺳُﺒﺤَﺎﻥ ﺍﻟﻠّﻪِ
wa Subhan allahi
And Glory to Allah
ﺑُﻜﺮَﺓً ﻭَﺃﺻْﻴِﻼ
bukratan wa aseila
eventide and in the morning
ﻻ ﺇﻟَﻪَ ﺍﻻ ﺍﻟﻠّﻪ
La illaha il Allah
there is no God, but Allah the Unique
ﺻَﺪَﻕَ ﻭَﻋﺪَﻩ
sadaqa wa'dah
He has fulfilled His Promise
ﻭَﻧَﺼَﺮَ ﻋﺒﺪﻩ
wa nasara abda
and made Victorious His servant
ﻭﺃﻋﺰَ ﺟُﻨَﺪﻩ
wa a'azza jundahu
and made Mighty His soldiers
ﻭَﻫﺰﻡ ﺍﻷﺣْﺰَﺍﺏَ ﻭﺣْﺪَﻩ
wa hazamal-ahzaaba wahdah
and defeated the confederates
ﻻ ﺇﻟَﻪَ ﺍﻻ ﺍﻟﻠّﻪ
La illaha il Allah
there is no God, But Allah
ﻭَﻻ ﻧَﻌﺒُﺪ ﺍﻻ ﺃﻳﺎﻩ
wa laa na'budu illa iyyah
He alone we worship
ﻣُﺨﻠِﺼِّﻴﻦَ ﻟَﻪُ ﺍﻟﺪّﻳِﻦَ
mukhlessena lahud-deena
with sincere and exclusive devotion
ﻭَﻟﻮْ ﻛَﺮِﻩَ ﺍﻟﻜَﺎﻓِﺮﻭُﻥ
walaw karehal-Kafeeroon
even though the idolaters hate it
ﺍﻟﻠّﻬﻢَ ﺻَﻞِّ ﻋﻠﻰ ﺳﻴْﺪﻧَﺎ ﻣُﺤَﻤﺪ
Allahumma salli ala sayyedna Muhammad
O Allah, have Mercy on our Prophet Muhammad
ﻭَﻋَﻠﻰ ﺁﻝِ ﺳﻴْﺪﻧَﺎ ﻣُﺤَﻤﺪ
wa ala aalie sayyedna Muhammad
and on the family of our Prophet Muhammad
ﻭَﻋَﻠﻰ ﺍﺻْﺤَﺎﺏِ ﺳﻴْﺪﻧَﺎ ﻣُﺤَﻤﺪ
wa ala as-haabie sayyedna Muhammad
and on the companions of our Prophet Muhammad
ﻭَﻋَﻠﻰ ﺃﻧﺼَﺎﺭِ ﺳﻴْﺪﻧَﺎ ﻣُﺤَﻤﺪ
wa ala ansari sayyedna Muhammad
and on the helpers of our Prophet Muhammad
ﻭَﻋَﻠﻰ ﺃﺯﻭَﺍﺝِ ﺳﻴْﺪﻧَﺎ ﻣُﺤَﻤﺪ
wa ala azwajie sayyedna Muhammad
and on the wives of our Prophet Muhammad
ﻭَﻋَﻠﻰ ﺫُﺭِّﻳَﺔِ ﺳﻴْﺪﻧَﺎ ﻣُﺤَﻤﺪ
wa ala dhurreyatie sayyedna Muhammad
and on the progeny of our Prophet Muhammad
ﻭَ ﺳَﻠّﻢ ﺗَﺴْﻠِﻴﻤﺎَ ﻛَﺜّﻴﺮﺍ
wa sallim tasleeman katheera
and Bestow upon them much peace.

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Interview with Jesus

Christianity = Paulianity

Interview with Jesus, Disciples, and Paul

To Jesus: who are you ??
"I am a man who has told you the truth that I heard from God." John 8:40

To the Disciples: who is Jesus?
"Jesus of Nazareth was a man accredited by God to you by miracles, wonders and signs, which God did among you through him, as you yourselves know." Acts 2:22

To the people: who is Jesus ??
"He was a prophet who did powerful miracles, and he was a mighty teacher in the eyes of God and all the people." Luke 24:19

To Paul: who is Jesus ??
"Christ lives all the fullness of God in a human body." Colossians 2:9

To Jesus: what do yo teach ??
"'I want you to show mercy, not offer sacrifices.' For I have come to call not those who think they are righteous, but those who know they are sinners."

"I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance." Luke 5:32

To the Disciples: what did Jesus taught??
"Now repent of your sins and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped away." Acts 3:19

To Paul: what did Jesus taught??
"Christ died for our sins" 1 Corinthians 15:3

To Jesus: to whom you were sent ??
"I was sent only to the lost sheep of Israel." Matthew 15:24

To the Disciples: what Jesus instructed ??
"Do not go among the Gentiles or enter any town of the Samaritans. Go rather to the lost sheep of Israel." Matthew 10:6

To Paul: Why did you go to the Gentiles ??
"It has always been my ambition to preach the gospel where Christ was not known, so that I would not be building on someone else's foundation." Romans 15:20

to Paul: do you mean the Disciples??
"I don't consider myself inferior in any way to these "super apostles" who teach such things. I may not be a trained speaker, but I do have knowledge. We have made this perfectly clear to you in every way." 2 Corinthians 11:6

To Jesus: did you came to abolish the law ??
"Think not that I have come to abolish the law and the prophets; I have come not to abolish them but to fulfill them. For truly, I say to you, till heaven and earth pass away, not an iota, not a dot, will pass from the law until all is accomplished. "Matt. 5:17,18

To Paul: what do you say about that??
"Jesus abolished in his flesh the law with its commandments and regulations." Eph. 2:15

"Christ is the end of the law, that every one who has faith may be justified." Rom. 10:4

To the Disciples: Is man Justified by faith alone??
"man is justified by works and not by faith alone." James 2:24

To Paul: what do you say about that ??
"man is justified by faith apart from works of the Law." Romans 3:28

To Paul: so you contradict the disciples of Jesus ??
"When Peter came to Antioch, I opposed him to his face, because he was clearly in the wrong." Galatians 2:11

To Paul: so what do you say about their teachings ??
"If we or an angel from heaven preach any other Gospel to you than what we (Paul and his disciples) have preached to you let him be a curse " Gal 1:8

To Paul: why do you say that??
"all those in Asia have turned away from me" 2 Tim. 1:15

to the Disciples: did you rejected Paul??
"When he came to Jerusalem, he tried to join us, but we were all afraid of him, not believing that he really was a disciple." Acts 9:26
#Dmediamostwanted

The Conditions of a Sacrificial Offering

Shaykh Ibn Uthaymeen

There are six conditions that a sacrificial offering (udhiyah) must meet:

The First Condition:

The sacrificial offering must be an animal from among cattle, which include camels and cows, or smaller livestock such as sheep and goats.

This is based on Allaah’s statement:

“And for every nation We have appointed religious ceremonies that they may mention the Name of Allaah over the beasts of cattle that He has given them for food.”

[Surah Al-Hajj: 34]

The term “beasts of cattle” refers to camels, cows, sheep and goats.

This definition is well known amongst the Arabs as stated by Al-Hasan, Qataadah, and others.

The Second Condition:

It must have reached the required age that is in accordance with the religious standards such as six-months for sheep and one-year and up for everything else.

The Prophet peace and blessings of Allah be upon him   said:

“Do not slaughter any animal except for one that is mature in age unless that is difficult for you, in which case you may slaughter a premature one from among sheep.”

[Reported by Muslim]

[1]“Mature in age” is the age at which an animal is considered fully developed as well as any age beyond that, while “premature” is the age before that. With respect to a camel, a mature-aged one is one that has completed five years. With respect to a cow, a mature-aged one is one that has completed two years. A mature-aged sheep is that which is one-year old while a premature sheep is one that has competed half a year (up to one year).So based on this, it is invalid to slaughter a camel, cow, and goat if it is under its respective “mature” age as well as a sheep if it is under six months of age.

The Third Condition:

The animal must be free of any defect that would prevent its slaughter from being valid and acceptable.

These defects are of four types:

1. Clear defectiveness of the eye:

This is when the animal’s eye becomes sunken or it sticks out to the point that it looks like a knob or it becomes a pale white indicating clearly that it is one-eyed.

2. Clear illness:

This is when the animal exhibits signs of sickness, such as a fever that keeps it from grazing and causes a loss of appetite, or an obvious scabies infection that will spoil its meat and harm a person’s health (if he eats it), or a deep wound that threatens to affect its health and so on.

3. Clear limping:

This is when the animal is unable to step safely (without hurting itself) when walking.

4. Emaciation that causes brain loss:

This is based on what the Prophet said when he was asked about what types of animals one should avoid when sacrificing. He gestured with his hand and said:

“They are four:

The lame animal that clearly walks crookedly; the one-eyed animal that clearly has a defect in the eye; the sick animal that clearly has signs of illness; and the emaciated animal that is (usually) not picked.”

[2]This hadeeth was reported by Maalik in al-Muwatta from Al-Baraa’ bin ‘Aazib. In another version of this report narrated by Al-Baraa’ found in the Sunan collections, he said:

“The Messenger of Allaah stood up amongst us and said:

‘Four types (of animals) are not permissible to use as sacrificial offerings…’ and he went on to mention them.”

[3]So therefore if these four defects are found in an animal, they prevent its slaughter and sacrifice from being valid. This goes as well for any other defect that is similar to or worse than these, which means that it is also not valid to sacrifice the following types of animals:

1. A blind animal that cannot see with both its eyes.

2. An animal suffering from nausea until it releases its load and its harm is removed.

3. An animal that has been assisted in giving birth if natural delivery is difficult until the threat of danger is removed.

4. An animal afflicted by something fatal such as choking, falling from a high place, and so on until the threat of danger is removed.

5. A crippled animal, which is an animal that cannot walk due to a physical disability.

6. An animal with one of its front legs or back legs broken.So if these last defects are added to the four mentioned in the narrations, the types of animals that cannot be slaughtered become ten in total. There are these six types plus the animals that suffer from the four previously mentioned defects.

The Fourth Condition:

The sacrificial offering must be owned by the one slaughtering it or if not, he must have the right to slaughter it based on religious grounds or based on the approval of the animal’s owner. So if someone sacrifices an animal that does not belong to him, such as one that has been confiscated, stolen, or taken under false pretenses, such a sacrifice is not valid. This is since it is not permissible to draw near to Allaah by way of disobeying Him.It is also valid if an orphan’s guardian sacrifices an animal for him using his (i.e. the orphan’s) money if this is what the orphan is accustomed to and if his heart will be broken if one is not sacrificed.

[4] It is also permissible for a representative to perform the sacrifice using the funds of the person commissioning him with his permission.

The Fifth Condition: No other person’s right should be associated to the animal being slaughtered. So for example, it is not valid to sacrifice an animal that is being held as mortgage on a loan.

The Sixth Condition:

The animal should be slaughtered in the specific time-frame legislated in the Religion, which is from the time after the ‘Eid Prayer on the Day of Sacrifice

[5] until the sun sets on the last of the days of Tashreeq, which is the thirteenth day of Dhul-Hijjah.

So therefore, the days in which the sacrifice is permitted are four:

the day of ‘Eid, after prayer, and the three days after that (i.e. the days of Tashreeq).

So whoever performs the sacrifice before the end of the ‘Eid Prayer or after the sun sets on the thirteenth day (of Dhul-Hijjah), his sacrificial offering is not valid.

This is based on what Imaam Al-Bukhaaree reported from Al-Baraa’ bin ‘Aazib who narrated that the Prophet said: “Whoever sacrifice an animal before the (‘Eid) Prayer), it is just meat that he presents to his family and not a sacrificial offering at all.”

[6]Al-Bukhaaree also reported that Jundub bin Sufyaan Al-Bajlee narrated:

“I witnessed the Prophet say:

‘Whoever slaughters an animal before praying (the ‘Eid Prayer) should slaughter another animal (as sacrifice) in its place.’”

[7]Nubaishah Al-Hadhlee narrated that Allaah’s Messenger said: “The days of Tashreeq are days of eating, drinking and remembrance of Allaah.”

[Reported by Muslim]

[8]However, if one has a valid excuse for delaying the slaughter past the days of Tashreeq, such as if the animal runs away from him, due to negligence on his part, and he only finds it after the time-frame for slaughtering has passed.

Another example is if a person entrusts someone to slaughter the animal for him but that person forgets to do it until the time has passed. In situations such as these, there is no sin in slaughtering after the prescribed time-frame since there is a valid reason for the delay.This is also based on the analogy of it being similar to a person who sleeps passed the time of prayer or forgets to do it until its time passes, for he may pray it either when he wakes up or when he remembers.It is allowed to perform the sacrifice any time during the days of Tashreeq, whether day or night. However, slaughtering during the daytime is better, and doing it on the day of ‘Eid after the two khutbahs is better than that. Each day is better than the day that comes after it, in terms of performing the sacrifice, since that reflects one’s quickness and eagerness to carry out good deeds.

Footnotes:

[1] Saheeh Muslim: Book of Sacrificial Offerings (1963)

[2] Al-Muwatta: Book of Sacrificial Offerings (1)

[3] Sunan Abee Dawood: Book of Sacrificial Offerings (2802); Sunan at-Tirmidhee: Book of Sacrificial Offerings (1497); Sunan an-Nasaa’ee: Book of Sacrificial Offerings (4369); Sunan Ibn Maajah: Book of Sacrificial Offerings (3144); and Musnad Ahmad (4/300)

[4] Translator’s Note:

Perhaps the orphan is accustomed to the sacrifice because this was his experience with his parents before he lost them. So if this tradition that he used to partake in with his family is not kept, it will cause his heart to be broken.

[5] Translator’s Note:

The Day of Sacrifice, i.e. Yawm-un-Nahr, is the day of ‘Eid, while the days of Tashreeq are the three days that follow it.

[6] Saheeh al-Bukhaaree:

Book of Sacrificial Offerings (5545) and Saheeh Muslim: Book of Sacrificial Offerings (1961)

[7] Saheeh al-Bukhaaree: Book of Sacrificial Offerings (5562) and Saheeh Muslim: Book of Sacrificial Offerings (1960)

[8] Saheeh Muslim: Book of Fasting (1141)AUTHOR: Imaam Muhammad bin Saalih Al-‘UthaimeenSOURCE: Talkhees Ahkaam-ul-Udhiyah wadh-Dhakaat (pg. 12-16)

Ten Ways to Make the Most of the First Ten Days of Dhu'l-Hijjah by Maulana Abdur Raheem

Note - Here some stars in the post never mind that

The first ten days of Dhu'l-Hijjah are amongst the days which Allah has granted extra virtue and excellence over other days of the year, to the extent that many ulama are of the opinion that these days are more virtuous than the last ten days of Ramadan, and even the last ten nights of Ramadan, with the exception of Laylatul Qadr.

*Rasulullah ﷺ said, "There are no days in which actions are more beloved to Allah than these days, i.e., the ten days (of Dhu'l-Hijjah)."*
*The Companions asked, "O Messenger of Allah, not even jihad in the path of Allah?"*
*He ﷺ said, "Not even jihad in the path of Allah, except a person who goes out with his life and wealth, but does not return with anything."*
*(Bukhari, Tirmidhi and others)*

These are also the ten nights which Allah swore oath by in Surah al-Fajr:

"By the dawn, and ten nights" (Qur'an, 89:1-2)

These blessed days are for us to exert ourselves in the worship and remembrance of Allah, and all acts of obedience.

However, it is very easy for such days to pass by like any ordinary days if we are not focused and have not prepared a programme of action to take full benefit of these moments.

Below are ten steps we can all try to put into practice to maximise the benefit of this blessed season.

*Step One*

Abundant recitation of the Noble Quran. This can be done in three ways:

1. Recite one juz daily
2. Recite two juz daily
3. Recite three juz daily. This is the best option, as one will complete a whole Quran in these ten days.

*Step Two*

Going early to the masjid for salah and spending time in du'a, especially asking Allah for well-being ('aafiyah) in this life and the hereafter. Also, engaging in the remembrance of Allah until salah time.

*Step Three*

Be more particular about the sunan before and after the five daily salah, and other nawafil, such as ishraaq, tahajjud etc.

*Step Four*

Three times in particular should be spent in the remembrance of Allah, blessings on the Prophet, recitation of the Quran and du'a:

1. Before Fajr, especially through du'a and seeking forgiveness (istighfaar)

2. After Fajr Salah until sunrise

3. Between Asr and Maghrib Salah

*Step Five*

Remind family, friends, colleagues, neighbours, and whoever you possibly can regarding the importance of good actions in these days, and you shall also get their full reward, without any decrease in their reward.

*Step Six*

Fast on these days from 1st Dhu'l-Hijjah until the 9th Dhu'l-Hijjah, as there is extra reward for fasting on these days. And the fast of 9th Dhu'l-Hijjah, the best day of the year according to some hadiths, is a means of forgiveness of minor sins for the previous and coming year (Muslim).

*Step Seven*

Utilising one's tongue in good things only, such as the remembrance of Allah, calling towards good, forbidding evil, reconciling between people and speaking to people in a nice manner. More importantly, it is necessary to withhold the tongue from all impermissible statements, such as backbiting, lying, swearing and offending others.

Safeguarding the tongue is an obligation at all times, *but increases in importance during such blessed times.*

In particular, the Prophet ﷺ encouraged that a person abundantly read the following in these ten days:

سبحان الله والحمد لله ولا إله إلاّ الله والله أكبر

*Step Eight*

Providing iftaar for those fasting is a means of getting the reward for their fast too, as taught to us by the Prophet ﷺ. So this is a perfect opportunity to gain this reward by feeding those who are fasting.

Remember, this reward is not just achieved by providing a full meal; even giving a sip of water or a date to a fasting person is sufficient to attain this virtue.

*Step Nine*

Charity, even to the extent of giving a date to a needy person, is a great act of virtue, and spending in the path of Allah during these blessed days will bring a person even closer to Allah.

Try to spend on every day of these blessed ten days. Charity is one of the best means for forgiveness of sins and repelling the anger of Allah.

*Step Ten*

Make the most of these days by doing any good action you have the opportunity to perform, be it through worship and remembrance, visiting the sick, helping the needy or even smiling at your Muslim brother; do not consider any action to be little, especially in these blessed days.

May Allah Ta'ala give us all the ability to realise the value of these blessed days of Dhu'l-Hijjah and to utilise them to the best of our ability. Aameen.