Dervish Lodge

Prophet Yusuf (as)

2006-09-09T13:44:00.000+01:00

Surah Al-Fatihah

2006-08-31T11:55:00.000+01:00

We ask Allah's guidance in every rakah of every prayer.

Surah Al-Fatihah
In the Name of Allah, The Most Gracious, Most Merciful

1. In the Name of Allâh, the Most Beneficent, the Most Merciful.
2. All the praises and thanks be to Allâh, the Lord of the 'Alamîn (mankind, jinns and all that exists).
3. The Most Beneficent, the Most Merciful.
4. The Only Owner (and the Only Ruling Judge) of the Day of Recompense (i.e. the Day of Resurrection)
5. You (Alone) we worship, and You (Alone) we ask for help (for each and everything).
6. Guide us to the Straight Way
7. The Way of those on whom You have bestowed Your Grace, not (the way) of those who earned Your Anger (such as the Jews), nor of those who went astray (such as the Christians).

This surah we read in every rakah of every prayer. We are asking Allah to Guide us to the Straight Way.

Scientists’ Comments on the Scientific Miracles in the Holy Quran

2006-07-02T19:32:00.000+01:00

Scientists’ Comments on the Scientific Miracles in the Holy Quran:

The following are some comments of scientists(1) on the scientific miracles in the Holy Quran. All of these comments have been taken from the videotape entitled This is the Truth. In this videotape, you can see and hear the scientists while they are giving the following comments. (To view the RealPlayer video of a comment, click on the link at the end of that comment. For a copy of this videotape, please visit this page.)

1) Dr. T. V. N. Persaud is Professor of Anatomy, Professor of Pediatrics and Child Health, and Professor of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences at the University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada. There, he was the Chairman of the Department of Anatomy for 16 years. He is well-known in his field. He is the author or editor of 22 textbooks and has published over 181 scientific papers. In 1991, he received the most distinguished award presented in the field of anatomy in Canada, the J.C.B. Grant Award from the Canadian Association of Anatomists. When he was asked about the scientific miracles in the Quran which he has researched, he stated the following:

“The way it was explained to me is that Muhammad was a very ordinary man. He could not read, didn’t know [how] to write. In fact, he was an illiterate. And we’re talking about twelve [actually about fourteen] hundred years ago. You have someone illiterate making profound pronouncements and statements and that are amazingly accurate about scientific nature. And I personally can’t see how this could be a mere chance. There are too many accuracies and, like Dr. Moore, I have no difficulty in my mind that this is a divine inspiration or revelation which led him to these statements.” (View the RealPlayer video of this comment Video Clip)

Professor Persaud has included some Quranic verses and sayings of the Prophet Muhammad in some of his books. He has also presented these verses and sayings of the Prophet Muhammad at several conferences.

2) Dr. Joe Leigh Simpson is the Chairman of the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Professor of Obstetrics and Gynecology, and Professor of Molecular and Human Genetics at the Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA. Formerly, he was Professor of Ob-Gyn and the Chairman of the Department of Ob-Gyn at the University of Tennessee, Memphis, Tennessee, USA. He was also the President of the American Fertility Society. He has received many awards, including the Association of Professors of Obstetrics and Gynecology Public Recognition Award in 1992. Professor Simpson studied the following two sayings of the Prophet Muhammad :

{In every one of you, all components of your creation are collected together in your mother’s womb by forty days...}2

{If forty-two nights have passed over the embryo, God sends an angel to it, who shapes it and creates its hearing, vision, skin, flesh, and bones....}3

He studied these two sayings of the Prophet Muhammad extensively, noting that the first forty days constitute a clearly distinguishable stage of embryo-genesis. He was particularly impressed by the absolute precision and accuracy of those sayings of the Prophet Muhammad . Then, during one conference, he gave the following opinion:

“So that the two hadeeths (the sayings of the Prophet Muhammad ) that have been noted provide us with a specific time table for the main embryological development before forty days. Again, the point has been made, I think, repeatedly by other speakers this morning: these hadeeths could not have been obtained on the basis of the scientific knowledge that was available [at] the time of their writing . . . . It follows, I think, that not only there is no conflict between genetics and religion but, in fact, religion can guide science by adding revelation to some of the traditional scientific approaches, that there exist statements in the Quran shown centuries later to be valid, which support knowledge in the Quran having been derived from God.” (View the RealPlayer video of this comment Video Clip)

3) Dr. E. Marshall Johnson is Professor Emeritus of Anatomy and Developmental Biology at Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA. There, for 22 years he was Professor of Anatomy, the Chairman of the Department of Anatomy, and the Director of the Daniel Baugh Institute. He was also the President of the Teratology Society. He has authored more than 200 publications. In 1981, during the Seventh Medical Conference in Dammam, Saudi Arabia, Professor Johnson said in the presentation of his research paper:

“Summary: The Quran describes not only the development of external form, but emphasizes also the internal stages, the stages inside the embryo, of its creation and development, emphasizing major events recognized by contemporary science.” (View the RealPlayer video of this comment Video Clip)

Also he said: “As a scientist, I can only deal with things which I can specifically see. I can understand embryology and developmental biology. I can understand the words that are translated to me from the Quran. As I gave the example before, if I were to transpose myself into that era, knowing what I knew today and describing things, I could not describe the things which were described. I see no evidence for the fact to refute the concept that this individual, Muhammad, had to be developing this information from some place. So I see nothing here in conflict with the concept that divine intervention was involved in what he was able to write.”(4 ) (View the RealPlayer video of this comment Video Clip)

4) Dr. William W. Hay is a well-known marine scientist. He is Professor of Geological Sciences at the University of Colorado, Boulder, Colorado, USA. He was formerly the Dean of the Rosenstiel School of Marine and Atmospheric Science at the University of Miami, Miami, Florida, USA. After a discussion with Professor Hay about the Quran’s mention of recently discovered facts on seas, he said:

“I find it very interesting that this sort of information is in the ancient scriptures of the Holy Quran, and I have no way of knowing where they would come from, but I think it is extremely interesting that they are there and that this work is going on to discover it, the meaning of some of the passages.” And when he was asked about the source of the Quran, he replied: “Well, I would think it must be the divine being.” (View the RealPlayer video of this comment
Video Clip)

5) Dr. Gerald C. Goeringer is Course Director and Associate Professor of Medical Embryology at the Department of Cell Biology, School of Medicine, Georgetown University, Washington, DC, USA. During the Eighth Saudi Medical Conference in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, Professor Goeringer stated the following in the presentation of his research paper:

“In a relatively few aayahs (Quranic verses) is contained a rather comprehensive description of human development from the time of commingling of the gametes through organogenesis. No such distinct and complete record of human development, such as classification, terminology, and description, existed previously. In most, if not all, instances, this description antedates by many centuries the recording of the various stages of human embryonic and fetal development recorded in the traditional scientific literature.” (View the RealPlayer video of this comment Video Clip)

6) Dr. Yoshihide Kozai is Professor Emeritus at Tokyo University, Hongo, Tokyo, Japan, and was the Director of the National Astronomical Observatory, Mitaka, Tokyo, Japan. He said:

“I am very much impressed by finding true astronomical facts in [the] Quran, and for us the modern astronomers have been studying very small pieces of the universe. We’ve concentrated our efforts for understanding of [a] very small part. Because by using telescopes, we can see only very few parts [of] the sky without thinking [about the] whole universe. So, by reading [the] Quran and by answering to the questions, I think I can find my future way for investigation of the universe.” (View the RealPlayer video of this comment Video Clip)

7) Professor Tejatat Tejasen is the Chairman of the Department of Anatomy at Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, Thailand. Previously, he was the Dean of the Faculty of Medicine at the same university. During the Eighth Saudi Medical Conference in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, Professor Tejasen stood up and said:

“During the last three years, I became interested in the Quran . . . . From my study and what I have learned from this conference, I believe that everything that has been recorded in the Quran fourteen hundred years ago must be the truth, that can be proved by the scientific means. Since the Prophet Muhammad could neither read nor write, Muhammad must be a messenger who relayed this truth, which was revealed to him as an enlightenment by the one who is eligible [as the] creator. This creator must be God. Therefore, I think this is the time to say La ilaha illa Allah, there is no god to worship except Allah (God), Muhammadur rasoolu Allah, Muhammad is Messenger (Prophet) of Allah (God). Lastly, I must congratulate for the excellent and highly successful arrangement for this conference . . . . I have gained not only from the scientific point of view and religious point of view but also the great chance of meeting many well-known scientists and making many new friends among the participants. The most precious thing of all that I have gained by coming to this place is La ilaha illa Allah, Muhammadur rasoolu Allah, and to have become a Muslim.” (View the RealPlayer video of this comment Video Clip)

After all these examples we have seen about the scientific miracles in the Holy Quran and all these scientists’ comments on this, let us ask ourselves these questions:

n Could it be a coincidence that all this recently discovered scientific information from different fields was mentioned in the Quran, which was revealed fourteen centuries ago?

n Could this Quran have been authored by Muhammad or by any other human being?

The only possible answer is that this Quran must be the literal word of God, revealed by Him.

Next: The Great Challenge to Produce One Chapter Like the Chapters of the Holy Quran

_____________________________

Footnotes:

(1) Note: The occupations of all the scientists mentioned in this web site were last updated in 1997. Back from footnote (1)

(2) Narrated in Saheeh Muslim, #2643, and Saheeh Al-Bukhari, #3208.
Note: What is between these special brackets {...} in this guide is a translation of what the Prophet Muhammad said. Also note that this symbol # used in the footnotes, indicates the number of the hadeeth. A hadeeth is a reliably transmitted report by the Prophet Muhammad’s companions of what he said, did, or approved of. Back from footnote (2)

(3) Narrated in Saheeh Muslim, #2645. Back from footnote (3)

(4) The Prophet Muhammad was illiterate. He could not read nor write, but he dictated the Quran to his Companions and commanded some of them to write it down. Back from footnote (4)

Source: Islam-guide.com

French Coach Troussier Reverts to Islam

2006-06-26T22:02:00.000+01:00

French Coach Troussier Reverts to Islam

"I want to keep my feelings for myself," said Troussier.

RABAT, March 24, 2006 (IslamOnline.net & News Agencies)

Famed French soccer coach Philippe Troussier and his wife Dominique have reverted to Islam in the Moroccan capital where they live, sources close to the couple confirmed Thursday, March 23.

"Troussier is no longer Philippe, he has taken the name Omar and his wife is no longer Dominique but Amina," the French-Moroccan daily L'Opinion reported Thursday.

A source close to the couple confirmed the reversion to Agence France-Presse (AFP), adding that the ceremony took place last Friday.

The widely-travelled Troussier, 51, is former coach of the Moroccan national team and French club Marseille.

He also had spells in charge of South Africa, Nigeria, Ivory Coast, Burkina Faso, Qatar and Japan, whom he guided to the second round of the 2002 World Cup.

"Wonderful Surprise"

L'Opinion hailed the reversion as "a magnificent and wonderful surprise."

"Welcome Omar and Amina to the Kingdom of the All Powerful, the Kingdom of the Truth," it wrote.

"As Muslims we are happy to see such a strong and well recognized personality as Philippe Troussier become part of this religion of peace and tolerance."

The newspaper added that when contacted Troussier said he "did not want to elaborate too much on the subject."

"I want to keep my feelings for myself," Troussier was quoted as saying, adding: "as you see things evolve ..."

The Moroccan Evening newspaper reported that the couple have adopted two local girls Selma and Mariam.

Thousands of French revert to Islam every year in France, but not all of them declare their new faith outright, fearing discrimination at home or work and a stereotypical view that reverts tilt towards extremism, according to recent studies and surveys.

Anelka, who played for Paris Saint-Germain, Arsenal, Real Madrid, Liverpool and Manchester City, eventually had to leave for the Turkish league after increasing harassment.

Some imams in France have ruled that it was permissible for new reverts to conceal their faith if they feared rejection from family members and colleagues or security harassment.

Many Arabs and Muslims were even forced to change their names and hide their roots to spare themselves police and employers' discrimination.

A Sorbonne research released earlier in the year by the French Observatory Against Racism found that Arab names and dark complexion represent an obstacle to jobseekers.

France is home to some six to seven million Muslims, the largest Muslim minority in Europe.

Muslim women preachers

2006-06-08T15:37:00.000+01:00

Magda Amer preaches in one of Cairo’s leading mosques. She is part of an emerging trend of female Muslim preachers in Egypt.

Two years of study are required to obtain the necessary licence, though there is no financial backing from the government for her work.

At the time I was wearing mini skirts and had long hair. Veiling was the most difficult decision of my life.

For the rest of the story and the pictures Please Click

Dervishes Lodge

De schoonheid van Azrail

2006-05-27T07:51:00.000+01:00

Dr.Haluk Nurbaki

De schoonheid van Azrail

Een waar gebeurd verhaal van

Dr. Haluk Nurbaki een dokter die 40 jaar gespecialiseerd is in Kanker onderzoek heeft opmerkelijke
dingen meegemaakt in zijn carrière als doctor verteld hij een van de opmerkelijke gebeurtenis wat
heel bijzonder vond dan alle andere gevallen.
Een van de opmerkelijke dingen die ik meegemaakt heb in het jaar 1976 wil ik graag met jullie
delen.
Toen ik leidinggevende dokter was van een in Kanker gespecialiseerde ziekenhuis had ik een patiënt
die Serap heette. Bij deze patiënt was kanker ontdekt in de borst. Zij wilde voor onderzoek naar
het buitenland maar door aantal redenen was het helaas niet mogelijk om dit te kunnen doen.
Serap had ik met veel belang persoonlijk ondertoezicht voor behandelingen. In korte tijd hadden we
positieve resultaten behaald van de behandelingen die we hadden verricht. Zoals alle andere kanker
gevallen moest zij de eerste 5 jaar van haar ziekte goed en oplettend doorbrengen. Serap was een
zakenvrouw, na 4 jaar wou ze om zaken te doen naar Izmir gaan. Omdat het winter periode was heb ik
haar toegelaten als ze met vliegtuig naar haar bestemming ging.

Vanwege de aanhoudende kou kon ze geen ticket vinden om naar Izmir te reizen. Daarom besloot ze om
met de bus naar Izmir te reizen. Tijdens de reis met de bus naar Izmir krijgt ze een
verkeersongeluk waar ze 6 uur lang klem heeft gezeten in de verongelukte bus. Kort na dat ze terug
kwam voor controle bleek dat de kanker cellen zich hadden verspreid naar haar botten en longen.
Vanwege kanker in haar been botten kon ze niet meer lopen en de aangetaste longen moest er zuurstof
toegediend worden om normaal te kunnen ademen. Na elke zin wat ze sprak moest ze meteen de zuurstof
masker pakken omdat ze anders bezweek.

Toen ik naar haar huis ging, probeerde ze met moeite met mij te praten:

“Dokter”, zei ze. “Ik ben…boos op u” “Waarom ben je boos op me?” vroeg ik
“U bent…een gelovige man. Waarom vertelt u mij niets over Allah, de dood en het leven na de dood?”

Omdat ik wist dat haar religieuze kennis weinig was stond ik erg verbaasd toen ze dit tegen me zei.
Zonder haar te kwetsen zei ik:

“Behandeld worden door een Dokter is makkelijk” zei ik. “Als je genoeg geld hebt kan je behandeld
worden door elke dokter die je maar wilt. Maar voor een geloof behandeling moet je vanuit je hart
behoefte hebben.”
Omdat ze moeite had met praten schudde ze haar hoofd op en neer om aan te geven dat ze die behoefte
had. Naast het geen resultaat opleverende behandelingen waren we begonnen met het recept Imaan
(geloof) voor eeuwige leven in versnelde vorm.
Door mij vertelde waarheden over Islam begreep ze heel goed en zag dat ze uit hart ook het voelde
en tussen door stelde ze mij ook vragen daarover.

1 week voor haar overlijden vroeg ze mij:

“Dokter” zei ze. “Wat moet ik zeggen als ik doodga?”

“Jouw geval is heel bijzonder” zei ik. “Sahada (Lailahe Illallah, Muhamedurrasullah) zal te lang
zijn voor jou. Als je die moment bereikt da is “Muhammed (vzmh) is genoeg voor je om te zeggen”
Opdat moment schudde zij haar hoofd rustig om aan te geven dat ze het begrepen had. Omdat ze
behoorlijk last had van haar ziekte diende we regelmatig morfine om haar in slaap te krijgen.
Vanwege een zaken bezoek kon ik een tijdje niet bij haar zijn. Toen ik terug kwam belde haar moeder
mij op en zei:

“Serap wil al een week lang geen morfine meer. Tot vroeg in de ochtend uren slaap ze niet en heeft
behoorlijk pijn.”
Ik ben meteen naar haar huis gereden om te vragen waarom ze geen morfine toegediend wilt hebben.
Het antwoord wat ik van haar kreeg kan ik nog steeds niet vergeten en als ik eraan denk krijg ik
nog steeds kippenvel van.
“Wat als ik in slaap komt te overlijden omdat ik elke keer morfine krijgt en daardoor nooit de kans
om Muhammed (vzmh) te zeggen als mijn moment aangekomen is.” zei ze.
Zo een vrouw was Serap. Ze vroeg of ik voor haar istihare-gebed kon verrichten en vroeg als ze
eventueel nog paar dagen te leven had dat ze de laatste dag zodanig morfine toegediend kon krijgen
dat ze toch nog wakker was.

Istihare-gebed was niet iets wat ik regelmatig deed maar donderdag avond heb ik voor Serap’s belang
het istihare-gebed gedaan en gaan slapen en kreeg een gevoel dat ze t/m dinsdag nog zou leven.

* Istihare is een gebed wat je voor het slapen verricht om over bepaalde zaken een teken of een
oordeel van Allah krijgt in je dromen

De volgende dag:

“Niet bang zijn! Je kan gerust morfine toegediend krijgen” zei ik.
Met een blik als afscheid overkwam stelde zij haar laatste vraag. En zei:

“Dokter…Hoe gaat Azrail zich tonen aan mij?”

Ik zei:
“Lieverd, je weet dat hij een engel is.” “Maak je niet druk, naar jou zal hij als een knappe prins
toekomen.”
Dinsdag hoorde ik dat het slecht ging met Serap. Ik ben meteen naar haar toegegaan maar vergeefs
was ik niet op tijd, ze was overleden. Haar familie was kapot van verdriet. Een van de familie
leden een goed gelovige vrouw keek lang naar Serap en kwam naar me toe.
“Dokter, weet u dat er net een wonder is gebeurd in dit kamer?” en vertelde verder.
“Serap heeft 1 uur voor haar overlijden de zuurstofmasker weggedaan. Terwijl het onmogelijk was
voor haar dat ze op kon staan, stond ze op en deed wassing, ze heeft 2 rakaat gebeden. Wij waren
verbaasd en keken toe alsof we bevroren waren en vervolgens heeft ze de sahada (Lailahe Illallah,
MuhamedrrasulluAllah) gelezen en kort voor ze overleed zei ze “Vertel aan de dokter dat Azrail
mooier is dan hij gezegd had.”

DimaDimaNet

Islam and Terrorism

2006-05-19T01:54:00.000+01:00

Prophet Muhammad (peace be on him) sent a message to the monks of Saint Catherine in Mount Sinai:

"This is a message written by Muhammad ibn Abdullah, as a covenant to those who adopt Christianity, far and near, we are behind them.

Verily, I defend them by myself, the servants, the helpers, and my followers, because Christians are my citizens; and by Allah! I hold out against anything that displeases them. No compulsion is to be on them. Neither are their judges to be changed from their jobs, nor their monks from their monasteries. No one is to destroy a house of their religion, to damage it, or to carry anything from it to the Muslims' houses.

Should anyone take any of these, he would spoil God's covenant and disobey His Prophet. Verily, they (Christians) are my allies and have my secure charter against all that they hate. No one is to force them to travel or to oblige them to fight. The Muslims are to fight for them.

If a female Christian is married to a Muslim, this is not to take place without her own wish. She is not to be prevented from going to her church to pray. Their churches are to be respected. They are neither to be prevented from repairing them nor the sacredness of their covenants. No one of the nation is to disobey this covenant till the Day of Judgment and the end of the world."

(Reference: Muslims and Non-Muslims Face to Face by Dr Ahmad H Sakr, isbn: 0911119-31-9)

Ibn Arabî

2006-05-19T00:01:00.000+01:00

Ibn Arabî, al-Shaykh al-Akbar (Great Master) is one of the greatest spiritual teacher of Islam.

His full name is Muhyiddin Ebu Abdullah Muhammedi Ibn Ali Ibn Muhammed Ibn Ahmed Ibn Ali Ibn Arabî el Hatemî et-Taî el Endulusî.

Known as also; Muhyiddin (the Revivifier of Religion) ibn Arabî.

He was born in 1165 in Murcia, Spain and died in Damascus in 1240.

He wrote more than 350 works.

To know him better, we need to know his works.
Some links as a beginning;

Ibn Arabi in Wikipedia
Ibn Arabi Society
Ibn Arabi
Some books by Ibn Arabi
Muhyiddin Ibn Arabi
Ibn Arabi and Physics
Ibn Arabi and the Mystical Journey
Selections from al-Futuhat al-Makkiyya

It is reported that the Messenger of God said: "God is beautiful and He loves beauty".

It is God who made the world and brought it into existence. The entire universe is therefore supremely beautiful. There is nothing ugly in it. On the contrary, in it God has brought together all perfection and all beauty.

Futuhat al-Makkiyya

Carly Fiorina and "enlightened leadership"

2006-05-09T19:22:00.000+01:00

Carly Fiorina (Carleton S. Fiorina) was the president and CEO of HP (Hewlett-Packard) Company between 1999-2005.

She made a speech in Minnesota about leadership, only 15 days after 9/11 .
The speech's title is "Technology, Business and Our Way of Life: What's Next"

You can find the speech here.

Please read the last part of speech which starts with;

"I'll end by telling a story.

There was once a civilization that was the greatest in the world."

...

Asma al-Husna

2006-05-02T20:36:00.000+01:00

The Most Beautiful Names of Allah

Allah The Greatest Name

Ar-Rahman 1 The All-Compassionate
Ar-Rahim 2 The All-Merciful
Al-Malik 3 The Absolute Ruler
Al-Quddus 4 The Pure One
As-Salam 5 The Source of Peace
Al-Mu'min 6 The Inspirer of Faith
Al-Muhaymin 7 The Guardian
Al-'Aziz 8 The Victorious
Al-Jabbar 9 The Compeller
Al-Mutakabbir 10 The Greatest
Al-Khaliq 11 The Creator
Al-Bari' 12 The Maker of Order
Al-Musawwir 13 The Shaper of Beauty
Al-Ghaffar 14 The Forgiving
Al-Qahhar 15 The Subduer
Al-Wahhab 16 The Giver of All
Ar-Razzaq 17 The Sustainer
Al-Fattah 18 The Opener
Al-'Alim 19 The Knower of All
Al-Qabid 20 The Constrictor
Al-Basit 21 The Reliever
Al-Khafid 22 The Abaser
Ar-Rafi' 23 The Exalter
Al-Mu'izz 24 The Bestower of Honors
Al-Mudhill 25 The Humiliator
As-Sami 26 The Hearer of All
Al-Basir 27 The Seer of All
Al-Hakam 28 The Judge
Al-'Adl 29 The Just
Al-Latif 30 The Subtle One
Al-Khabir 31 The All-Aware
Al-Halim 32 The Forebearing
Al-'Azim 33 The Magnificent
Al-Ghafur 34 The Forgiver and Hider of Faults
Ash-Shakur 35 The Rewarder of Thankfulness
Al-'Ali 36 The Highest
Al-Kabir 37 The Greatest
Al-Hafiz 38 The Preserver
Al-Muqit 39 The Nourisher
Al-Hasib 40 The Accounter
Al-Jalil 41 The Mighty
Al-Karim 42 The Generous
Ar-Raqib 43 The Watchful One
Al-Mujib 44 The Responder to Prayer
Al-Wasi' 45 The All-Comprehending
Al-Hakim 46 The Perfectly Wise
Al-Wadud 47 The Loving One
Al-Majíd 48 The Majestic One
Al-Ba'ith 49 The Resurrector
Ash-Shahid 50 The Witness
Al-h Haqq 51 The Truth
Al-Wakil 52 The Trustee
Al-Qawi 53 The Possessor of All Strength
Al-Matin 54 The Forceful One
Al-Wáli 55 The Governor
Al-Hamid 56 The Praised One
Al-Muhsi 57 The Appraiser
Al-Mubdi 58 The Originator
Al-Mu'id 59 The Restorer
Al-Muhyi 60 The Giver of Life
Al-Mumit 61 The Taker of Life
Al-Hayy 62 The Ever Living One
Al-Qayyum 63 The Self-Existing One
Al-Wajid 64 The Finder
Al-Májid 65 The Glorious
Al-Wahid 66 The Only One
Al-Ahad 67 The One
As-Samad 68 The Satisfier of All Needs
Al-Qadir 69 The All Powerful
Al-Muqtadir 70 The Creator of All Power
Al-Muqaddim 71 The Expediter
Al-Mu'akhkhir 72 The Delayer
Al-Awwal 73 The First
Al-Akhir 74 The Last
Az-Zahir 75 The Manifest One
Al-Batin 76 The Hidden One
Al-Walí 77 The Protecting Friend
Al-Muta'ali 78 The Supreme One
Al-Barr 79 The Doer of Good
At-Tawwib 80 The Guide to Repentance
Al-Muntaqim 81 The Avenger
Al-Afu 82 The Forgiver
Ar-Ra'uf 83 The Clement
Malik al-Mulk 84 The Owner of All
Dhul-Jalali
Wal-Ikram 85 The Lord of Majesty and Bounty
Al-Muqsit 86 The Equitable One
Al-Jami 87 The Gatherer
Al-Ghani 88 The Rich One
Al-Mughni 89 The Enricher
Al-Mani' 90 The Preventer of Harm
Ad-Darr 91 The Creator of The Harmful
An-Nafi 92 The Creator of Good
An-Nur 93 The Light
Al-Hadi 94 The Guide
Al-Badi 95 The Originator
Al-Baqi 96 The Everlasting One
Al-Warith 97 The Inheritor of All
Ar-Rashid 98 The Righteous Teacher
As-Sabur 99 The Patient One

50,000 French Accepted Islam In 50 Years: Intelligence

2006-04-30T20:00:00.000+01:00

The report said two to three people visit the Islamic council in Evry, L'Essonne, on a weekly basis to embrace Islam

By Hadi Yahmid, IOL Correspondent

PARIS, October 8 2003 (IslamOnline.net)

Some 50,000 French have accepted Islam since the 1950s, a French intelligence report revealed, saying that most of the converters were heathens "who embraced Islam to fill their spiritual vacuum."

The report, parts of which published by the daily Le Figaro Tuesday, October 8, said converting to Islam "has become a phenomenon (in France) that needs to be followed up closely."

The "top-secret" report, as described by the daily, warned that Salafi groups might be behind the rising number of Muslim converters in France.

It said that L'Essonne, 17 miles (27km) southeast of Paris, has the largest number of those who accepted Islam, with 1000 to 2000 out of a total of 50,000 converters in 53 years' time.

The intelligence report said from two to three people are visiting the Islamic council in Evry, a department of L'Essonne, on a weekly basis to embrace Islam.

Though it said most of the converters were originally non-believers, some of them came from Christian backgrounds, "which did not live up to their aspirations."

Competition

The classified report further said the Pakistani Al-Da'wah and Tabligh group (inviting people to Islam and spreading the religion) plays a pivotal role in encouraging French youths to embrace Islam.

It said the group is heavily represented in L'Essonne with 400 members and devotees, adding it promoted a "spiritual discourse competing with the dominant worldly pleasures."

The report argued that the group and Salafi groups are competing, noting that the Salafis have gained more ground over the past two years.

It warned of the ideologies adopted by Salafi groups, recalling that one of the Casablanca bombings convicts was a French Muslim, who was sentenced to life imprisonment.

At least 41 people were killed and scores more wounded in a string of bomb blasts that rocked Morocco's largest city Casablanca on May 16.

In an interview with Le Figaro, a French, who converted to Islam ten years ago, said his reading of the Qur'an has changed previous stereotypes that Islam was "an intolerant religion that provided no room for dialogue."

Ezzudin, whose name was Oleve, told the paper that there was no contradiction whatsoever between Islam and science, contrary to Christianity.

He said that he succeeded in convincing his Christian parents to change their views on Islam, asserting that it was not a religion of war but peace.

On the future of Islam in France, Ezzudin said that despite the problems facing Muslims in France, they are integrating with the French society, adding that the hijab issue was only "an incidental problem."

The issue of hijab has recently sparked much controversy in France, especially after repeated calls for a new law banning it in schools.

French Premier Jean-Pierre Raffarin did not rule out passing a law banning hijab to allow secularism restore its strength in the European country.

President Chirac set up a secularity commission in July to rule on whether new legislation was needed to handle a growing debate over religion in schools, particularly Muslim schoolgirls wearing hijab.

It is expected to submit its report to Chirac by the end of this year after questioning ministers and representatives of French non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and various syndicates.

Source: Click Please

The "Yoga" of Islamic Prayer..

2006-04-27T21:01:00.000+01:00

The "Yoga" of Islamic Prayer By Karima Burns, MH, ND

Called "one of the oldest systems of personal development encompassing body, mind and spirit" by the Journal of the Royal Society of Medicine, yoga has become one of the fastest growing health trends today. It has been renowned for centuries for its curative powers of movement. Yoga consists of a number of "asnas," or body positions, which one retains for a desired length of time while either reciting "mantras" or breathing in a rhythmic manner. Its benefits have been researched by many doctors who now recommend it to their patients, by many medical schools such as Harvard, and by many foundations such as the Menninger Foundation.

In fact, yoga has become so popular that secretaries have developed a simplified sitting version that they can do at their desks. The elderly, pregnant women and athletes also have their own versions. Interestingly, for the millions of people enrolled in yoga classes, the Islamic form of prayer has provided Muslims for fourteen centuries with some of yoga's same (and even superior) benefits. This simple form of "yoga" offers physical, mental, and spiritual benefits five times a day as Muslims assume certain positions while reciting Qur'an and athkar (remembrances).

Of course, not all the yoga positions are found in the Islamic prayer. However, hospital researchers have concluded that patients benefit from even a simplified version of yoga, and most hospital yoga programs, such as those at the Spaulding Rehabilitation Center in Massachusetts, consist of only five to seven positions.

The Muslim prayer has five positions, and they all (as well as the recitations we make while performing the prayer) have a corresponding relationship with our spiritual and mental well being, according to modern scientific research. The benefits of performing specific movements and recitations each day come from the correct rendition of the position or action itself, the length of time the position is held, and from careful and correct recitation techniques.

Each of the five prayer positions has a corresponding yoga position, and the positions together "activate" all seven "chakras" (energy fields) in the body. The idea of activating a chakra may sound linguistically strange, but it is easier to understand once one translates that word into more familiar language.

Eastern healers believe that each of the chakras correlate to major nerve ganglia that branch forth from the spinal column. Thus, the concept of activating these nerve centers is akin to getting a chiropractic adjustment or installing a medical stimulating device on the spine to correct corresponding bodily malfunctions.

In layman's terms, the idea of chakras can be understood by thinking about how the sense of "feeling" functions. One notices, when touching any part of the body, that that part responds by being more "awake" and aware. Another part of the body that was not touched, but is along the same nerve pathway, may also respond.

When a person is sitting, for instance, they may not be thinking about their legs, which are momentarily at rest; however, if someone touches them, they will again be "aware" of them. Chakras work in much the same way.
Studies have found that varying areas of the body, when activated by touch, movement or thought, evoke specific emotional and physical responses in much the same way that a smile can evoke the feeling of happiness, and actually increase circulation – even if one was feeling sluggish and unhappy before smiling. This is one of the reasons that it is so important to perfectly perform all of the movements of the Islamic prayer, rather than haphazardly rushing through them.

The Takbir and Al Qiyyam together are very similar to the Mountain Pose in yoga, which has been found to improve posture, balance, and self-awareness. This position also normalizes blood pressure and breathing, thus providing many benefits to asthma and heart patients.
The placement of the hands on the chest during the Qiyyam position are said to activate the solar plexus "chakra," or nerve pathway, which directs our awareness of self in the world and controls the health of the muscular system, skin, intestines, liver, pancreas, gallbladder and eyes. When the hands are held open for du'a, they activate the heart "chakra," said to be the center of the feelings of love, harmony, and peace, and to control love and compassion. It also governs the health of the heart, lungs, thymus, immune system, and circulatory system.

Muslim researchers have shown that when Muslims recite the Qur'an, old thoughts, feelings, fears and guilt are released or healed, and blood pressure and stress levels are reduced. Virtually all of the sounds of the Arabic language are uttered while reciting Qur'an, creating a balance in all affected areas of the body.

Some specific sounds, in fact, correspond to major organs in the body. In his research and creation of eurhythmy, Rudolph Steiner (founder of the Waldorf Schools), , found that vibrations made when pronouncing the long vowels, 'A', 'E' and 'U,' stimulated the heart, lungs, and the thyroid, pineal, pituitary, and adrenal glands during laboratory tests.
The position of Ruku is very similar to the Forward Bend Position in yoga. Ruku stretches the muscles of the lower back, thighs, legs and calves, and allows blood to be pumped down into the upper torso. It tones the muscles of the stomach, abdomen, and kidneys. Forming a right angle allows the stomach muscles to develop, and prevents flabbiness in the mid-section.
This position also promotes a greater flow of blood into the upper regions of body – particularly to the head, eyes, ears, nose, brain, and lungs – allowing mental toxins to be released. Over time, this improves brain function and ones personality, and is an excellent stance to maintain the proper position of the fetus in pregnant women.

The Sujud is said to activate the "crown chakra," which is related to a person's spiritual connection with the universe around them and their enthusiasm for spiritual pursuits. This nerve pathway is also correlated to the health of the brain, nervous system, and pineal gland. Its healthy function balances ones interior and exterior energies.

In Sujud, we also bend; thus activating the "base chakra," which controls basic human survival instincts and provides essential grounding. This helps to develop levelheaded and positive thinking along with a highly motivated view of life, and maintains the health of the lymph and skeletal systems, the prostate, bladder, and the adrenal glands. We also bend the "sacral chakra" during Sujud, thus benefiting and toning the reproductive organs.

The position of Al Qaadah, (or Julus) is similar to the Thunderbolt Pose in yoga, which firms the toes, knees, thighs, and legs. It is said to be good for those prone to excessive sleep, and those who like to keep long hours. Furthermore, this position assists in speedy digestion, aids the detoxification of the liver, and stimulates peristaltic action in the large intestine.
Last, but not least, the "throat chakra" is activated by turning the head towards first the right and then the left shoulder in the closing of the prayer. This nerve path is linked to the throat, neck, arms, hands, bronchials, and hearing – effecting individual creativity and communication.

It is believed that a person who activates all seven nerve pathways at least once a day can remain well balanced emotionally, physically and spiritually. Since this is the goal of all sincere Muslims, we all should strive to attain the perfection of stance, recitation, and breathing recommended in the Hadith while performing our prayers – the very same techniques of perfection taught in popular yoga, Tai Chi, and many other exercise classes.

Lessons from the Prophet Aleyhisselam (pbuh)

2006-04-25T14:56:00.000+01:00

Sh. Faraz Rabbani: Alive in our hearts: Lessons from the Prophet (peace be upon him)

In light of the recent passing of Shaykh Yaqoubi’s wife, Umm Ibrahim, as well as other occurrences in the days surrounding the birth of the beloved of Allah (Allah bless him and give him abundant peace) who was sent as a Mercy to the Worlds, a surge of introspection has come about. The other night my teacher, Shaykh Faraz Rabbani who has been a source of much guidance for me over the last few years, gave a talk at the University of Toronto, entitled: “Alive in our hearts: Lessons from the Prophet (peace be upon him)”, and I’ve decided to record some of the notes I took, so that some benefit may be gained by those who were unable to attend, insha’Allah.

We find ourselves in life, in desperate need of guidance of what to do in this finite life. The scholars often mention the example of someone who suddenly awakes to find himself on a moving train. What will you do? Besides having fear, panic, and being mesmerized, upon waking, your immediate questions will be:

How did I get here?

Where am I going?

What must I do while I’m here?

All of creation has this intrinsic yearning to know where to go in life, with every heartbeat there is this need for guidance, finding the Creator, and doing the right thing. This fundamental need is found in the Fatiha, “Guide us to the straight path”, for we are essentially lost and bewildered: what are we to do and how are we to do it? And in reality, the entire Qur’an is an answer to that request, to help us, to save us from crashing so that we arrive at our destination in the best of states. It provides the way of living this life in the best way, and being granted the best of the next life.

Guidance involves turning to the Creator in our worship and in our human relations: our dealings and conduct (our transactions and how we comport ourselves). What are the sources of guidance? -- The Qur’an and the Sunnah, both of which are preserved.

What is the key to the Sunnah? – Turning to Allah in all of one’s affairs.

A man of the Quraysh mocked one of the companions (sahaba) about being taught everything by the Prophet (Allah bless him and give him peace), even mannerisms related to the using the toilet. The companion replied without any hesitance or shame, that this was indeed the case because the Rasul (Allah bless him and give him peace) was sent to show us the best way to live in every aspect of our life, and to perfect the most noblest of character.

In our race for success in the world, we often forget the hereafter. The Sunnah shows us how to re-connect with Allah and our ultimate purpose – khalwa, reflecting privately on one’s life, conduct, and dealings. After writing an exam one studied hard for, for instance, rather than wasting time twiddling one’s thumbs or talking to others and speculating, one should instead turn to Allah and supplicate, asking for His assistance. In the first moments of marriage when husband and wife are alone, praying two rakats before setting out on their path of married life.

In short, remembering Allah, and following the example of the Messenger of Allah (Allah bless him and give him peace), can make the mundane the sublime. For every action, do the “what/why analysis”: “What am I doing? Why am I doing it?” For instance, when putting on one’s shoes, starting in the name of Allah, putting the right shoe on first, and intending gratitude towards Allah for the mercy and blessing of being able to walk and wanting to walk to that which is pleasing to Allah. Visiting friends for the sake of Allah, to deepen love.

These were just a few of the things that Shaykh Faraz touched on. Insha’Allah, they’ll remind us all to bring the Prophet (Allah bless him and give him peace) to life in our hearts and lives by implementing his Sunnah, his noble character, and his beautiful presence in our daily lives.
And Allah knows best.

May Allah grant us all good in this life and the next.

Amin.

The World Snooker Championship and a Convert Story

2006-04-23T23:06:00.000+01:00

The World Snooker Championship currently held at the Crucible Theatre in Sheffield.
One of the today's matches was between Ronnie O'Sullivan (The Rocket) and Ryan Dya.

While I was watching the competition, I remembered a newspaper article which I'd read 2,5 years ago about a British World Snooker Champion's conversion into Islam. I didn't remember the brother's name. After a short surfing on the net, I found what I was looking.

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tahin

بِسْــــــــــــــــــــــمِ اﷲِارَّحْمَنِ ارَّحِي

2006-04-23T19:58:00.000+01:00

بِسْــــــــــــــــــــــمِ اﷲِارَّحْمَنِ ارَّحِيم

In the name of God, the Almighty, the Most Merciful.

Au Nom d’Allah Clément et Miséricordieux.

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