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2010-06-03T02:34:00.000-07:00

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Arranged Marriages In India

2010-05-22T02:40:00.000-07:00

Marriages in India are supposed to be the most sacred and the auspicious occasion celebrated with a lot of pop and gaiety. It is the occasion, in which all the family members of the house, enjoy together and be a part of each others happiness. The concept, that the feeling of happiness gets doubled, when one is surrounded by his close relatives and friends, can truly be witnessed during the time of Indian marriages. The factor that true contentment is in the well being and happiness of the close ones, somewhere feels to be exactly right in case of Indian marriages. Marriages can be classified into love or arranged marriages, on the basis of the bond shared between the bride and the groom.

Traditionally marriages in India have always come under the category of arranged marriages, but with the advancement in times and people adopting the western culture, more number of love marriages can be seen happening in the country. Its not that, people did not use to fall in love in the earlier times, but what has changed is the environment, and the perception of people, in which people have started understanding the bond of love and has thereby started accepting their love relations and giving them permissions to turn that into a life ling bond called marriage.

Today, the popularity of love marriage has increased so much, that the culture of arranged marriage is somewhere fading away. Most of the youngsters have doubts in their mind, related to arrange marriages, which they take it as a risk of marrying an unknown person. According to them, the level of understanding and care should be there in the marriage, from the very starting, which helps in the smooth movement of the bride and groom in the journey of their married life. In fact the concept of arranged marriages is only prevalent in India, where the bride and groom, from different families and even different parts of the country, are made to bond with each other in the bond of marriage.

Though its true, that marriage is a long relation, therefore should be based on the credentials of love, trust and respect, but in case of arranged marriages, same three elements can be gained after the bride and groom get to know each other. One cannot call the concept of arranged marriages as a risk taking bond, because no one knows, what is going to happen next, even the loved one in case of love marriage can betray the partner or turn disloyal to him or her. Some of the advantages of arranged marriages over love marriages are:

In case of love marriage, the bride and the groom already know each other, and they are no more left with the interest or curiosity of knowing each other. Whereas in case of arranged marriages, the first few years are spent to know and understand each others likes and dislikes.

The thrill and excitement of knowing each other, always keeps the couple motivated and positive towards each other.

In case of love marriages, there are a lot of expectations from the life partner, which when left unfulfilled, leads to fights and misunderstandings. Whereas, in case of love marriages, even a small deed of care and forgiveness, leads to the strengthening of the marriage as a bond
In arranged marriages, the feeling of adjustment and compromise is more as compared to the love marriages, because in the earlier case, the bride and the groom are always in a situation to compromise and then even give the best output of all.

Though, it depends on the perception and the mindset of the individual, as in what suits him well and what are his priorities. The environment and the family culture also matters a lot, as in what type of marriage a person is going for. Also, the thrill and excitement in case of arranged marriage is much more, as compared to the love marriage, because one needs to work on knowing the person, from the very starting of the marriage, to make the marriage a comfortable journey to walk in.

Few useful links:
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The Making Successful Marriage

2010-05-22T02:38:00.000-07:00

The institution of marriage has undergone great stresses in the Western society. High divorce rate and the trend of living together has resulted in broken families and troubled children. The human society developed and refined the institution of marriage over a long period of time. Although scientific achievements have provided the World with all kinds of amenities, the human beings have not changed at a basic level. The human instincts such as joy, jealousy, love, hate, fear, pride and prejudice have not changed over the millenniums. The people still need stable family environments and friends to share life experiences. Being a first generation immigrant, I am always amazed when I read about the divorce rate in the USA. Looking within the South Asian community here, I find the divorce rate negligible. This diametrically opposite situation has prompted me to analyze the roots of a successful marriage. These statistics have led me to believe that unsuccessful marriage is a unique American phenomenon. This problem has started to manifest in the second generation of immigrants who are born and brought up in this country. Since this causes a major disruption in the lives of children who are the future custodians of this great nation, it is worthwhile to study the factors that contribute to a stable family and marriage.
The successful marriages require support systems, common values, and shared aspirations in addition to love and mutual understanding. These aspects are discussed in detail in this article.

Cultural Uniformity
General observation shows that the couples in a successful marriage belong to a similar cultural group. By cultural group in American context refers to refers to Italian, Cuban, Mexican and Irish American groups. The other groups include Chinese, West European and Hispanic American. The culture is a broad term that includes language, music and literature among other things. These divisions may not mean much to European immigrants but they are in fact considered important in India and Pakistan. A cursory look at ethnic newspapers reveals that people or parents are looking within the same group for marriage relationship.
The first generation immigrants generally marry within their cultural background and most of them have stable marriages. It is not suggested here that people should only marry within their own ethnic group. The successful marriages between people of diverse backgrounds require broad vision, maturity and freedom from all kinds of prejudices. As the marriages between diverse cultural groups have started to occur in the second generation of immigrants, so have the divorce rates started to approach American norms. In the USA, marriages are intermixed among people from European origins. There are no considerations for family or cultural background. The differences start to manifest soon after the honeymoon.
A better communication between people of similar background could be the reason for fewer instances of misunderstanding. The people of similar cultural background instinctively understand the likes and dislikes of their partners. For example, some people love dogs or other pets because they always had a dog or cat in their homes while growing up. There are other people who consider dogs and cats as a nuisance that must be avoided at all costs. Some people like to congregate in-groups while others are brought up alone in a calm and quiet home. The differences are obvious if a person goes from England or Sweden to any place close to the Mediterranean Sea.
Role of Religion
It has been observed that religious people have successful marriages. This refers to both partners. If one of partner is religious and other does not share same ideas, it becomes a difficult relationship. The immigrants are more religious than their counterparts in the native country. The people back home in India, Pakistan and Mid East believe that if a person lives in America then he or she must be modern and liberal in outlook. A lot of marriages fail because of this particular misconception. The humanity in various parts of the World developed marriage as an institution and religion sanctified the relationship. The religion provides a code of ethics and standards of behavior that need to be followed. For example, the religious edict saying, " Thou shall not commit adultery" lays the foundation of relationship in marriage for both partners. This factor alone can reduce strain in a relationship as it gives certain level of assurance of commitment to the marriage.

Recognition of mistakes
It is never easy to accept and own the mistakes and saying sorry. The ego gets hurt and people tend to think that after saying sorry the other partner will gain an upper hand. Just by simply acknowledging the error or a mistake can resolve fifty percent of the conflicts. Most of the people who have a stable and successful marriage are very up-front in their relationship and never hesitate to say sorry.
On the contrary, small misunderstandings can resultin irreconcilable differences. The common response is to find equal and similar fault in the partner and reminding that he or she is even a bigger culprit. The preeminent reason in many of such instances is that both partners are not giving up any ground and differences continue to grow. This approach if avoided can result in a harmonious relationship. Forgiving and accepting apology leads to better understanding.

Economic Conditions
Better economic conditions do not mean that only rich people can have a stable marriage. The people should spend only what they can afford. This is one of the major causes of strain in marriages at all income levels. Some people at a lower income level have much better marriages as compared to the rich and wealthy people. The key is to keep the expenses within limits for both partners. In the USA, the temptations are unlimited. Everyday, people are targeted with advertisements for new cars, better gadgets, and idyllic vacations. The message comes across as if all these things do not cost anything. There are promises of no payment for a number of months. The human beings are psyched up to buy the things that do not need and vacation that they can not afford. After few weeks of bliss, the reality dawns when the payments have to be made and there is hardly any money available for essentials needs. At this point in time the blame game starts. In Europe and Asia, people buy the merchandize whenever there is a need. In the USA, the need is created. There are countless examples. A simple one that comes to mind is the cellular phone. Some people need wireless communication for business or personal reasons. However, the marketing of wireless equipment make us believe that nobody can live in the next millennium without it. All of these small things add up. A large segment of population can not afford all of these modern inventions. The inevitable result is the strain on all relationships. The misunderstanding reaches the peak when the primary bread -winner in the family loses the job. On the other hand, the cost of food, clothing and housing is much cheaper in the USA as compared to Western Europe, Middle East and Asia. The people can live comfortably by controlling expenses and by staying married.

Support System
The availability of a support system is a great contributor to stable marriages. The support system is a network of friends and relatives that can be relied upon in case of any misunderstanding. Both partners can discuss the problem with their respective friends. By discussing the problem alone can put it in a proper perspective. In North America, there is a great emphasis on individual growth and independence. This factor alone prohibits sharing of concerns and aspirations with friends. In the Eastern society, the extended family and friends provide a network that keeps marriages on track. The lack of this support system has started to manifest in the second generation of immigrants. The Americans can at least go to a psychiatrist to identify the problems. The immigrants lose the support system that was readily available in home country. They also abhor to seek in any kind of psychological help and thus face a double jeopardy. I have personally known a number of marriages in stress in the USA, while similar relationship would have been very cordial in their own country.
The solution is to develop a new network and also keep the old network alive by communication. The revolution in communication has brought the whole World very close. Now it has become possible to reach out to anyone at anytime. In the USA, one can find all ethnic groups from all over the World. The social and cultural links can now be very easily maintained. I have seen Korean, Indian, Chinese and Pakistani communities all across America. It is now possible to develop a network of friends within one own community who can understand the background of problems.
In South Asian communities, parents, brothers and sisters play a powerful role. If the parents listen to only one side of the story, then the marriage is doomed. On the other hand if they understand and appreciate the situation of other partner, then the marriage is strengthened. I have seen parents listening only to version of their own kids. It is very difficult to accept that their own kids could be wrong because it reflects their own failure. The key for the parents is to listen to both sides before placing the blame.

American Work Environments
The working environments in the USA are very dynamic as compared to any country in the World. The non- stop restructuring, new technologies have a great impact on the society. In order to keep up with the changes, people have to move in search of jobs. The neighborhoods get transformed in a matter of years. Sometimes it seems as if all America in on the move. When the people move, they get away from friends, relatives and familiar environments. The American born people are perhaps used to this kind of life. Most of the Americans quickly get settled in new environments, make new friends and never look back. However, people from the East come from very stable family systems.
The movement from one place to another uproots people and kids never develop lasting friendships. These relationships are a stabilizing factor in marriage. Whenever, there is a disagreement between the spouses, these are the people who can patch up the differences. The big dilemma is now how to reconcile the demands of career with the needs of a stable marriage. A simple advice for people on the move is to develop new friendships and also maintain old relationships. It has become very easy with the emerging technologies of Internet and communications.
Developing new friends can be easily done. In a new place, telephone directory research to look for places of worship and familiar surnames can be very helpful. Our experience shows that even random calling can result in finding very helpful people from any Asian or Mid Eastern countries.

Conclusion
In spite of great social upheaval in social norms during the past century, I find the institution of marriage still very strong. In the USA, people can live together without marriage and have children. The people in USA do not question the private life styles of other people. However, it is a surprise to see young Hollywood stars getting married who are supposed to be in the forefront of new liberal style. A large number of people get married again after bitter divorce. This indicates that there is something in the human psyche that propels people towards making a commitment to marriage. This fact was recognized long time ago and gradually the institution of marriage evolved over centuries. The challenge for our times is to keep the marriage intact. I believe it can be done and most of the marriages can be successful. The institution of marriage is a foundation for a stable society. We owe it to our future generation to provide them a carefree childhood with pleasant memories.

10 Tips: How to be a Successful Husband

2010-02-28T07:32:00.001-08:00

10 Tips: How to be a Successful Husband
1. Dress up for your wife, look clean and smell good. When was the last time us men went shopping for designer pajamas? Just like the husband wants his wife to look nice for him, she also wants her husband to dress up for her too. Remember that Rasul Allah - sal Allahu alayhi wa sallam - would always start with Miswak when returning home and always loved the sweetest smells.

2. Use the cutest names for your wife. Rasul Allah - sal Allahu alayhi wa sallam - had nicknames for his wives, ones that they loved. Call your wife by the most beloved names to her, and avoid using names that hurt their feelings.

3. Don't treat her like a fly. We never think about a fly in our daily lives until it 'bugs' us. Similarly, a wife will do well all day - which brings no attention from the husband - until she does something to 'bug' him. Don't treat her like this; recognize all the good that she does and focus on that.

4. If you see wrong from your wife, try being silent and do not comment! This is one of the ways Rasul Allah - sal Allahu alayhi wa sallam - used when he would see something inappropriate from his wives - radi Allahu 'anhunn. It's a technique that few Muslim men have mastered.

5. Smile at your wife whenever you see her and embrace her often. Smiling is Sadaqah and your wife is not exempt from the Muslim Ummah. Imagine life with her constantly seeing you smiling. Remember also those Ahadith when Rasul Allah - sal Allahu alayhi wa sallam - would kiss his wife before leaving for Salah, even if he was fasting.

6. Thank her for all that she does for you. Then thank her again! Take for example a dinner at your house. She makes the food, cleans the home, and a dozen other tasks to prepare. And sometimes the only acknowledgement she receives is that there needed to be more salt in the soup. Don't let that be; thank her!

7. Ask her to write down the last ten things you did for her that made her happy. Then go and do them again. It may be hard to recognize what gives your wife pleasure. You don't have to play a guessing game, ask her and work on repeating those times in your life.

8. Don't be little her desires. Comfort her. Sometimes the men may look down upon the requests of their wives. Rasul Allah - sal Allahu alayhi wa sallam set the example for us in an incident when Safiyyah - radi Allahu 'anha - was crying because, as she said, he had put her on a slow camel. He wiped her tears, comforted her, and brought her the camel.

9. Be humorous and play games with your wife. Look at how Rasul Allah - sal Allahu alayhi wa sallam - would race his wife Aisha - radi Allahu 'anha - in the desert. When was the last time we did something like that?

10. Always remember the words of Allah's Messenger - sal Allahu alayhi wa sallam: "The best of you are those who treat their families the best. And I am the best amongst you to my family." Try to be the best!

In conclusion: Never forget to make Dua to Allah - azza wa jall - to make your marriage successful. And Allah ta'ala knows best !!

Muhammad AlShareef

Marriage to a Past

2009-07-29T17:58:00.000-07:00

By Ruqaiyyah Waris Maqsood
Reprinted from Islamic Horizons Magazine

Parents Should Not Reject a Proposal Without Good Reason - and Being a Revert with a Past is Not an Acceptable One

Should a Muslim marry or even consider marriage to a revert to Islam, since he or she would have a past that include premarital sex? Should a married revert divorce a spouse that does not revert?

Many parents become upset if their children wish to marry outside their culture, although Islam allows and even encourages this, as long as both parties are Muslim. For example, parents worry about differences in schools of thought, nationalities, and non-extended family members. Since Muslims tend to gravitate toward others of a similar type, one would imagine that a marriage between, say, a Sufi and a Salafi stands little chance of success.

About a "Past"

When he married, the Prophet (salla Allahu 'alayhi wa sallam) did not seek young virgins, women with no previous sexual experience, or members of his family. Since neither he nor Khadijah were Muslims at the time they married, the question of being Muslim did not arise.

(Zawaj.com Editor's Note: while the Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) before the appointment of the Prophethood was not a "Muslim" in the sense we understand it today, he was a Haneef - a follower of the pure way of Ibraheem (alayhis-salaam). He rejected idol worship, and he meditated and prayed deeply, trying to learn and know the manner in which he should worship Allah. In addition, he rejected all the corrupt practices of Arab society at the time, such as fornication, drinking, gambling, etc. So in the broader sense he was definitely a Muslim and a true seeker of truth.)

Muhammad's (pbuh) first choice was a twice-married 40-year-old lady with at least 4 children. Marrying when he was 25, he remained monogamous until her death 25 years later. He never considered taking another wife, although all his friends, uncles, and peers were polygamous.

After Khadijah's death, when he was 50, he took at least 12 more wives. Only 2 were virgins: 'A'isha and Maryam (a Coptic Christian from Egypt).

Only his sixth and seventh wives (Umm Salamah and Zaynab, respectively) were his direct cousins whom he had known since their childhood. Umm Salamah was a widow with three children and a fourth born almost immediately after their marriage, and Zaynab came as a divorcee after a failed marriage to his adopted son Zayd.

Upon Becoming Muslim

Should a person, upon accepting Islam, divorce his or her non-Muslim spouse? Many famous early male Companions adopted Islam long after their wives. For example, 'Umar's wife Zaynab was the sister of 'Uthman bin Maz'un. Both of them were Muslims. Hamzah's wife was Salmah, and 'Abbas' wife was Lubabah (Umm Fadl), daughters of Hind bint Awf by different husbands. In 'Abbas' case, Umm Fadl claimed to be the second woman to revert to Islam, the same day as her close friend Khadijah. Officially, 'Abbas accepted Islam just before the fall of Makkah 20 years later!

The Prophet did not ask them to divorce their non-Muslim husbands. In fact, they gradually entered Islam by being convinced of its truth. Incidentally, not only wives brought their husbands into Islam: Fatimah brought her brother 'Umar, Umm Habibah brought her father Abu Sufyan, and the Prophet's daughter Zaynab brought Abu al-'As. There are many similar cases.

At the Treaty of Hudaybiyyah, Umm Kulthum, daughter of the Prophet's enemy 'Uqbah bin Abu Mu'ayt, sought asylum with the Muslims when she learned that a revelation had said that women seeking the Prophet did not, like male escapees, have to be returned to their families and men. Their marriages could simply be voided.

In Qur'an 60:7-12, verse 10 is cited on the issue of divorcing non-believing spouses: "If you ascertain that they are believers, do not send them back to the unbelievers. They are not lawful for the unbelievers, not are the (unbelievers) lawful (husbands) for them."

However, the rest of the section discusses this subject with great tact and gentleness, and rather alters the perspective. Verse 7 states: "It may well be that Allah will grant love between you and those whom you (now) hold as enemies, for Allah has power over all things, and is Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful. Allah forbids you not, with regard to those who do not (actually) fight you for (your faith) nor drive you out of your homes, from dealing kindly and justly with them; for Allah loves those who are just. Allah only forbids you with regard to those who fight against you for (your) faith, and drive you out of your homes, and support (others) in driving you out, from turning to them (for friendship and love). It is such as turn to these (in these circumstances) who do wrong."

A revert is a revert, and following the teaching given to Khalid bin Walid (the legendary general who had slaughtered so many Muslims before his reversion), that on entering Islam one's entire past is obliterated. The slate is wiped clean. That day becomes Day One of the rest of your life. So there is no baggage of "the past" for a revert. This is not to say, of course, that reverts have not been affected and influenced by their past, or that they can simply forget it.

And so anxious parents worry about their children marrying such people. Many in the older age group have failed marriages and divorces behind them, with all their traumas, and widows or widowers marry with all of their memories. It is never simple to marry someone with a "past." But what's simple in life? Moreover, is that really worth cutting everything else out for? Take the challenge on the chin, but do it with your eyes open.

The Prophet said that if an honorable person, one with nothing ostensibly wrong about him, sought a girl in marriage, he should not be turned away hurtfully by her guardian. This should be taken alongside the rule that no one should be coerced into marriage. The girl's wishes are final. Parents should not reject a proposal without good reason - and being a revert with a past is not an acceptable one. Allah has already forgiven that past.

Most scholars agree that alcohol was prohibited in the same year as Hudaybiyyah (628 CE). First, Muslims were told they should not come to prayer while intoxicated (4:43). When 'Umar prayed for clearer guidance, the Prophet recieved verses 5:90-91, saying that alcohol was an abomination and Satan's handiwork.

Upon hearing that, all Muslims threw away their alcohol. But some asked: "Can alcohol really be an abomination, for some of the martyrs of Badr and Uhud consumed it?" In response came: "Those who believed and did good may not be blamed for what they consumed (in the past), inasmuch as they feared Allah, believed and did good works. Allah loves the viruous" (5:93). The analogy applies to revert suitors-they should not be blamed for "what they consumed in the past," premarital sex included.

Should a revert spouse divorce or leave the non-revert one? This issue requires great compassion. When the Prophet abandoned Makkah for Madinah, his daughter Zaynab could not bear to leave her non-Muslim husband Abu al-'As, and was not required to do so until years later under other circumstances. The Prophet did not automatically divorce them. This is an important Sunnah, since it involves his own children.

Such a spouse should be considered a potential revert, and the revert should do his or her absolute best to embody Islam's manners, effort, charity, and so on. Do not ram your theology down his or her throat, or as Prophet Jesus ('alayhi al-salaam) (is reported in the Bible - Ed.) to have said: "Don't cast your pearls before swine." The best way is to give the best example, especially of love and compassion. Then, if the non-Muslim becomes a Muslim, what a wonderful reward that will be! If it does not work out, and life with that spouse becomes increasingly difficult, then no doubt divorce would follow on the grounds that one spouse would probably consider the other's behavior unreasonable, leading to the marriage's breakdown. Certainly, give it every chance first-especially if children are involved.

Ruqaiyyah Waris Maqsood is the author of the Muslim Marriage Guide.

British public and Islamic schools use several of her textbooks.

Preparing Muslims for Marriage

2009-07-29T17:57:00.002-07:00

By Aneesah Nadire
Reprinted from Soundvision.com

Marital problems among Muslims in America are of increasing concern.

Issues like divorce and domestic violence are taking their toll on Muslim families throughout America. Imams, Muslim Social Workers, helping professionals and volunteers are concerned about the consequences of these problems on the very foundation of our community, the family.

Even though Muslims in America experience a unique set of circumstances and are diverse in their culture, and road to Islam, the Quran and the Sunnah have the methodology for preventing and resolving the problems that we face.

Rationale
Why discuss Muslim marriages, their associated problems and prevention strategies?

The short answer is that divorce and marital discord are reaching epidemic proportions both in and out the Islamic community. Ibn Umar reported that the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him) said: Of all the lawful things, divorce is the most detestable thing in the sight of Allah (Abu Dawud).

The foundation of Islamic society is crumbling. Shahina Siddiqui of the Islamic Social Services Association in a personal interview (1997) indicated that over 60 percent of new marriages end in divorce within the first year.

In the same interview she also stated that one community reported that out nineteen new marriages ten ended in divorce within the first year while another community reported that five out of nine marriages ended in divorce within the first year.

Marriages among Muslims in America are in trouble. Sister Shahina further asserts, "this is symptomatic of a much larger problem. The growing lack of value for elders and respect for their advice is a significant problem. Muslim youth are turning to their non-Muslim peers for advice and validation rather than to their Muslim elders".

Years as a professional social worker have led me to conclude that part of the problem is a lack of Islamic education and spiritual development.

Many Muslim couples enter into marriage each with their own set of baggage and often lack the personal relationship with Allah that will help them to be successful as a married couple.

On the one hand, the American Muslim community has been affected by the "Burger King Syndrome" that plagues North America as a whole: American society’s message is, "you can have it your way". Individuals entering into marriage are bent on getting what they want while neither practicing forbearance and patience, nor committing themselves to one another for the sake of Allah.

On the other hand, many have subconsciously adopted the Christian doctrines of self-sacrifice and "turn the other cheek" at the expense of the emotional and physical health of one or both spouses. This is demonstrated in marriages where all signs of marital harmony have been eliminated and a dysfunctional family unit remains, unaware that this not the Islamic way.

Muslims must find a way to stem the tide of the epidemic of divorce and marital discord in order to preserve a healthy future for the Muslim community in America. We must go beyond our current state of denial to recognize that, while Muslims are not immune to marital problems, many of the problems we face can be prevented by learning and implementing the teachings of Islam. No community can survive and fulfill the responsibility of raising healthy children when marriage after marriage totally break down.

The Healthy Muslim Marriage
The Quran says: "And among His Signs is this, that He created for you mates from among yourselves, that you may dwell in tranquillity with them, and He has put love and mercy between your (hearts)..." (30:21)

"They (your wives) are as a garment to you, and you are as a garment to them." (2:187)

"He it is Who created you from a single soul, and of the same did He make his spouse, that he might find comfort in her." (7:189).

Khurshid Ahmad writes in his book, Family Life in Islam, "the relationship between husband and wife is a spiritual relationship and sustains and generates love, kindness, mercy, compassion, mutual confidence, self-sacrifice, solace and succor."

In Islam the healthy marriage begins with a strong practice of Islamic tradition and spousal selection based on the Quran and Sunnah.

People choose a spouse for many reasons but piety is considered the best reason. Abu Huraira reported Allah’s Messenger as saying, "A woman is married for four reasons: for her property, her status, her beauty and her religion; so try to get one who is religious, ..." (Muslim).

If a spouse is chosen merely for his or her attractiveness or socioeconomic status, the likelihood is that those attributes will be the sum total of the marriage.

A healthy marriage is based on strong Iman (faith) and strong Taqwa (fear of Allah). Because the couple unites for the sake and love of Allah, they are able to make decisions and resolve problems upon based this commitment.

Fikr (reflection) and Dhikr (remembrance) of Allah are a regular part of the marriage. The couple keeps their obligations to Allah and remembers Him often, even in their most intimate affairs. They reflect on what He has given them and on ways to improve their relationship with Him and thus with each other.

The couple not only strives in the cause of Allah but are also knowledgeable of their own and each other's rights, roles and responsibilities. The spouses honor and ensure that each other’s rights are fulfilled and they work together to develop a strong Islamic personality.

Both have realistic expectations of each other and of the marriage, and they practice good communication skills, engage in mutual consultation, and are calm and even-tempered. Honesty, trustworthiness, humility and a willingness to cooperate and compromise help to build a strong relationship.

Additionally reliance on the Quran and Sunnah for decision-making are essential.

Problems Couples Experience
A comprehensive Islamic social service system that includes prevention education and support, early intervention and treatment is greatly needed by the American Muslim Community.

Given this, it is important to explore some of the problems Muslim couples are experiencing in marriage:

Religious incompatibility

Problems in this realm may occur because the husband is Muslim and the wife is not and does not support an Islamic family life.

It may also mean that the husband and wife are Muslim but one is more observant in the practice of the faith while the other may be described as Muslim but not religious.

The husband may not want the wife to wear Hijab despite her desire to do so. When a disagreement arises, one spouse wants to refer to Quran and Sunnah for the answer while the other ignores these primary sources of guidance to the preference of cultural traditions as the basis for decision-making.

It is essential that Muslims determine the importance of Islam in their lives prior to marriage. Each individual’s level of religiosity will affect decision making, problem solving, daily practices and fulfillment of religious obligations.

Financial problems

These often result when the husband is either unemployed or underemployed or the couple has poor money management and budgeting skills.

When the husband is either unemployed or underemployed the family is likely to experience significant stress. The wife may take a job or the family may obtain Zakat or governmental welfare assistance to make ends meet.

When the wife enters the workforce under these conditions the additional stress of childcare and fulfilling homemaking duties become a concern.

Also the high potential for employment discrimination experienced by Muhajabas (Muslim women who wear the traditional Islamic dress and headscarf) add to the family’s stress. The husband’s self- esteem is severely affected in such circumstances because he is unable to fulfill one of his primary Islamic obligations.

As the couple prepares for marriage the future husband’s current and potential ability to financially support a family has to be discussed.

Additional consideration must be given to the issue of whether or not the wife will work at various points in the marriage and the consequences thereof. Premarital discussions and/or money management training can provide the skills necessary to develop a fiscally responsible home.

Cultural Diversity In Marriage

The Muslim community in the United States includes Muslims from all around the world. Some are immigrants. Others are refugees. Still others are indigenous to North America and have converted to Islam.

On one end of the continuum securing a spouse of the same culture has become more of a priority than piety in a potential mate, blinding parents seeking suitable matches for their children.

On the other end of the continuum, the main goal is simply to marry an American thus losing sight of the importance of piety.

While marriage to someone of the same culture should not be the primary criteria for marriage, cross-cultural marriages seem to be at risk for marital discord. Frequently, the couple finds it very difficult to accept and adjust to each other’s cultural norms and traditions. When Islam is not the primary guide in their lives and each one operates from a cultural base unfamiliar to the other communication problems, parenting problems and emotional and/or physical abuse often arise out of the frustration.

One couple reported to the author that they required eight hours to discuss a matter that takes couples of the same culture an hour to discuss. The couple went on to say that arguments often developed because of cultural misunderstandings, lack of patience and lack of a mutual commitment to place Islam first and foremost in their affairs.

Cross-cultural marriage seems to work best when both spouses commit to make Islam according to Quran and Sunnah a priority. In issues not having to do with worship, both have to be tolerant and willing to compromise.

In the premarital stage these matters must be discussed. The couple has to agree to resolve problems based on Quran and Sunnah. Preparation for marriage should include stringent study of the Quran and the Sunnah, particularly with regard to family life, the development of an Islamically-based family personality and the building of communication skills.

In the early stage of the marriage opportunities for arbitration, mediation or counseling should be available to the couple on an as needed basis.

Unresolved legal issues

These issues, which can and have pulled couples apart, may relate to one spouse’s immigration status or prior incarceration, unsettled financial judgments or familial problems.

Unfortunately, in the zeal to come to the US or to change immigration status, inaccurate or incomplete information may have been provided.

In other cases the immigrant spouse may have become involved with illegal activities which placed him or her at risk of deportation. Although these activities may have occurred in the individual’s early days in America they may play havoc on the marriage.

In one case the entire family was uprooted because of the head of the household was deported. The stress of the ordeal placed the marriage in severe jeopardy.

Acceptance of Islam may have occurred during incarceration. Unfortunately few programs exist that are designed to assist in the transition to life outside the penal institution. Despite an individual’s sincere practice of Islam, parole and probation issues continue to loom on the horizon of life on the outside; said issues often disrupt the couple’s life and their ability to start anew.

It is important to be aware of and discuss unresolved legal issues prior to marriage. When unresolved legal matters are included in the premarital discussions potential spouses and their guardians can identify the risks and prepare for the challenges associated therewith. Each potential spouse can then determine whether or not they are suited for the impending marriage.

Domestic Violence

As difficult as is it is to acknowledge it, Muslim families experience domestic violence.

Some of the factors associated with domestic violence include: a controlling personality or other personality disorder, financial stress, misunderstanding and use of verses of the Quran to justify maltreatment, lack of knowledge of the Sunnah with regards to anger management and treatment of women, poor impulse control, immaturity, mental illness, the effects of racism and oppression against Muslims, ethnic minorities and foreigners and a history of domestic violence in the family of origin.

While there are a variety of causal factors the bottom line is that Islam does not condone the abuse and maltreatment of women. Muslim women forced to leave their home without a means of support in search of safety from an oppressive spouse are legacies the Muslim community can not afford.

In addition to this, domestic violence has been proven to produce a cycle of violence in the next generation. As Muslim children watch their fathers abuse their mothers they internalize that behavior and are likely to repeat it.

One strategy to prevent domestic abuse is to mandate a thorough discussion of the potential spouse’s temperament, problem solving and conflict resolution skills during premarital counseling. Of particular import is an exploration of his or her parents’ relationship and whether domestic violence was present in their home. At a minimum each party has to be asked whether he or she has been raised with domestic abuse at home or whether or not they have experienced domestic abuse in their life.

Differences in parenting style

Lack of parenting skills, significant differences in parenting styles, lack of knowledge of the examples of healthy, effective parenting from the Sunnah, the stress of adjusting to life with a new baby, or as a stepparent can lead to discord in the marriage.

Good marriage preparation affords the couple an opportunity to learn about their obligations as parents based on examples in the Quran and Sunnah.

Further, a discussion to examine expectations of proper care of children, how each potential spouse was reared, methods of discipline, and the general challenges that come with all phases of childhood, will produce strong parents, firmly anchored in the Islamic model of familial relationships.

Intimacy and sexual fulfillment

Problems related to an unsatisfactory or absent physical relationship tend to occur because no one has spoken with the young man or woman about these matters prior to marriage. Often, the prospective couple is unaware about the physical makeup of the human body or is unaware of the Islamic responsibility and right to intimate fulfillment by both parties. Inability to communicate seems to exacerbate the problem unless professional intervention is obtained.

Marriage preparation education will educate potential spouses of their rights and responsibilities with regard to sexual fulfillment. It would also provide an opportunity to learn some basics of the human anatomy as well as the traditions of Prophet Muhammad with regard to marital intimacy. The role of good communication skills in sexual fulfillment would also be a part of premarital education.

Illness

Marriage frequently brings together individuals who have physical and mental health problems. In most cases, these matters are not discussed prior to marriage thereby impeding the couple’s ability to weather a chronic condition like asthma, diabetes, hypertension or a catastrophic event such as injury due to accident or major illness.

Whether a spouse suffers from a physical condition or chronic mental illness, premarital conversation concerning the nature of the disorder, medications used and effective reaction to episodic flare-ups must be engaged in order to prepare the couple for inherent challenges of living with and caring for a sick spouse.

History of marriage preparation programs in mainstream America
Formal marital education was first instituted in the early 1930s when the Merrill-Palmer Institute established a premarital educational program (Rutledge, 1968).

One of the earliest premarital counseling programs, established at the Philadelphia Marriage Council (Mudd, Freeman, and Rose, 1941), was designed to provide education and information about married life to couples contemplating marriage and to help prospective spouses work out interpersonal difficulties they might be encountering.

Historically premarital counseling has been provided in churches by trained pastors and ministers, laypersons or by mental health providers. Clinebell (1984) has argued that in most cases what has been ordinarily described as premarital counseling actually is not counseling in the sense of treatment and addressing problems but rather it is more personalized training or "psycho educational counseling".

The Catholic dioceses requires premarital counseling before a couple may be married by a priest.(Lamanna and Reidmann, 1991) The Superior Court of Los Angeles County, along with courts in many other counties, mandated premarital counseling as a prerequisite for obtaining a marriage license by minors. (Wright, 1981).

The newest approaches to educating for marriage are marital enrichment programs (Stahmann and Salts, 1993). These programs emerged around the early 1960s, and many were connected to religious institutions (e.g., the Roman Catholic Marriage Encounter program, first established in Spain by Father Gabriel Calvo; the marriage enrichment retreat for Quakers led by David and Vera Mace; the United Methodist Church leadership training programs for couples, developed by Leon and Antoinette Smith; see Mace & Mace, 1986).

Several secular programs for marriage enrichment have also been developed, including Otto’s More Joy in Your Marriage (1969), The Minnesota Couples Communication Program (Miller et al., 1975), and Relationship Enhancement (Guerney, 1977).

The core philosophy of marriage enrichment is a "positive growth-oriented, and dynamic view of marriage" (Hof & Miller, 1980). The major goals of marriage enrichment are to increase self- and other awareness to explore and express thoughts and feelings with honesty and empathy and to develop and use skills important in relationships, such as communication, problem solving, and conflict resolution (Hof & Miller, 1980).

While common sense suggests that these kinds of programs prevent marital discord and increase longevity of marriage there does not seem to be enough mainstream research to provide conclusive evidence. More and more research is being conducted about the value of prevention and the role of family life skills education in prevention of family dysfunction. Family experts see these programs as important, especially for adult children of troubled, dysfunctional, or divorced families.

The Handbook of Family Life Education describes three approaches to education for marriage and includes a brief discussion of education for remarriage in consideration of those that have divorced and are widowed.

The three approaches include general marriage preparation programs, premarital counseling programs and enrichment programs. The typical goals of education for marriage are to increase couple and family stability and satisfaction, and to improve the quality of couple and family relationships.

Marriage preparation according to Islamic tradition
According to Islamic tradition, marriage should be entered into for the sake of Allah. Marriage is, therefore, Ibadah(worship).

Allah’s guidance should be sought on all matters, particularly the decision to marry and who to marry. Likewise, when we experience problems we must call on Allah to help us through the trying times.

Allah says in Sura Ghafir, "And your Lord said: Invoke Me (believe in Me alone and ask Me anything) I will respond to your (invocation). Verily, those who scorn My worship (i.e., they do not believe in My Oneness or ask Me), they will surely enter hell in humiliation" (Quran 40:60).

Intrinsic Islamic traditions that facilitate marriage preparation and education and consequently positive marital outcomes include prayer, Dhikr, the requirement of a Wali (guardian) for women who have not been married, the obligation to study the religious practices, the use of arbitration and importance of Nasiha or advice giving.

Marriage preparation, according to Islamic tradition, includes the study of the religious practices and traditions so that the believer has knowledge of Islam in its various facets including marital life.

According to Habib Ahmad (1996) the methodology used by the Sahaba in their acquisition of knowledge included the prioritization of educational objectives.

Al’Ilm al-Shar’i , that is, the knowledge pertaining to Islamic faith, acts of worship, and necessary transactions and daily dealings of a Muslim, must be our first priority in our educational pursuit.

Study of Allah, the articles of faith, prayer and other matters of Fiqh (Islamic jurisprudence) are primary. Then other obligatory acts of worship and guidelines for business transactions, family life, community affairs, Dawa (inviting to Islam) with Muslims and non-Muslims and Arabic language should be next.

The Key to the Garden (Al Haddad, 1990) outlines the areas of Islam that Muslims must be taught first. This outline lists conditions of marriage among the first things a Muslim should know after the five pillars and behaviors that lead to major sin.

In an interview in 1997 Sheik Shamudeen, a well known religious leader formerly in the metropolitan Phoenix area, indicated that, as part of his study in Madinah (in Saudi Arabia), he and other young male students attended a class called Haqa Souja (the rights of the wife).

This class covered general as well as intimate issues in marriage. The inclusion of such a class as part of the training of future Imams suggests the importance of marital issues in Islamic study. Training of Dawa workers and community leaders must also include discussion of family and marital issues.

Istikhara
The prayer of Istikhara (decision making), a tradition of Prophet Muhammad, should also be undertaken in the selection of a mate, asking Allah’s guidance in the choice of the mate best to assist one in preserving his or her Iman (faith) in order to prepare for the Ahkirah (Life after death). If Istikhara is performed sincerely asking Allah’s guidance in the choice of a mate the marriage will be established at the outset on the best foundation.

The Holy Quran and Sunnah of the Prophet are rich with wisdom and the best examples of appropriate Islamic behavior in family life. It is important that those seeking marriage study the examples put forth by Allah and His Messenger in choosing a mate as well as resolving marital problems.

The Wali
The requirement of a Wali or Wakkil (guardian or agent) for women who have not been married and the tradition of family involvement in arranging the marriage are also important aspects of preparation for marriage so that those with good sense and wisdom about the potential spouse’s personality, strengths and weaknesses will assist them in making the best selection of a mate and will adequately inspect the references of the future mate.

The habit that has been developing of choosing a mate without the involvement of family or community elders and without a Wali seems to be contributing to many of the marital problems in our community.

Marriage as a contract
Although marriage is an institution Divinely-ordained by Allah, each marriage is a contract between the spouses. Marriage is a social contract, a noble contract and a sacred contract (Khurshid Ahmad, 1974).

The physical document usually developed as part of the marriage process serves as a tool in preparing the couple for marriage. This provides an opportunity to give consideration to issues or concerns that may need discussion and agreement prior to marriage. As marriage in Islam is largely a contract between the couple before Allah this phase provides an opportunity to discuss the terms of the contract and to remind the parties of the obligation they have before Allah to maintain their contract and its terms.

Arbitration
Arbitration is another method at our disposal. If used as an intervention strategy it provides an opportunity to give the couple guidance as well as facilitate problem-solving and a reconciliation between them.

The Holy Quran says: "And if you fear a breach between them twain (i.e. husband and wife), appoint an arbiter from his folk and an arbiter from her folk. If they desire amendment Allah will make them of one mind. Lo! Allah is ever knower, Aware" (4:35).

Allah says, "Call to the way of your Lord with wisdom and good admonition, and have disputations with them in the best manner; surely your Lord best knows who goes astray from His path, and He knows best those who follow the right way" (Quran 16:125).

The Islamic responsibility to offer Nasiha, that is, giving advice for commanding the right and forbidding the wrong, indicates the importance of providing good Islamic guidance to those who are straying from the teaching.

In this tradition of Nasiha is opportunity for individuals before marriage and couples after marriage to obtain good advice from family, community elders, Imams or Muslim counselors and social workers regarding ways to prevent and intervene early in potential marital problems.

It is clear that inherent in the teachings and traditions of Islam are many opportunities to prevent and address marital problems.

Summary
Just as prevention has taken some time to become valued and recognized as an essential part of the service continuum, so too will marriage preparation education as prevention strategy take its time.

Most couples spend more time preparing for the wedding than they do preparing for the marriage. Premarital programs focus on preparation for the marriage and for a long and harmonious family life in service to Allah.

The naiveté and innocence of most young couples make it difficult for them to even imagine that they may experience challenges in their marriage. The reality is that marriage comes with some difficulties and some trials, so it is important that the young couple, their families and the community recognize the importance of comprehensive marriage preparation.

Allah knows when the time will be right and marriage preparation will catch on. As for now it seems to be a little bit ahead of its time and perhaps part of the wave of the future. Time will tell.

However, the primary goal of developing and implementing a marriage preparation program that results in stronger Muslim families who will, in turn, strengthen and renew the foundation of Islamic society through the 21st century should be of paramount concern.

Pleasant Companionship

2009-07-29T17:57:00.001-07:00

By Shaikh Ali Hasan al Halabee

Good companionship, choosing and having good companions is extremely important for many reasons and from many aspects.

Mankind cannot live alone; every individual must live and interact with others.
Those people who you sit with and make your friends are inevitably going to fall into one of two categories. Either they are going to be good individuals - who guide and encourage you towards what is good, and help you to accomplish that which Allah has ordered, or they are going to be bad - encouraging you to do what is pleasing to Shaytaan, that which misleads you and leads you to the Hell-Fire.
When the Prophet (sallallahu alaihi wa sallam) was sent with the Da'wah to establish the Deen of al-Islaam, he did not do it on his own. Rather, Allah chose for him companions who accompanied him and who carried the Message until it was complete.
These three aspects show the importance of having good companions, companions who are Saalih (righteous). Such a companion will help you to do what is good and remind you of Allah, he will enjoin what is good and forbid what is evil. They also show the importance of avoiding keeping bad companions. Such companions who have a bad effect upon you, they help you to do those deeds which are displeasing to Allah and which lead to the Hell-Fire - and we seek Allah's refuge from that.

The Prophet (sallallahu alaihi wa sallam) explained the matter of good companionship, so that no room is left for doubt or confusion, when he (sallallahu alaihi wa sallam) said,

"A person is upon the Deen of his khaleel (close friend), so look to whom you befriend." [Abu Dawud & Tirmidhee]

This means that a person is upon the same minhajj (methodology) as his friend, the same tareeq (path) as his friend, the same nature, manner and behaviour as his friend. So we must be careful about whom we befriend.

There is an Arabic expression - 'Your companion is what pulls you to something'. So if your companion is good, he will pull to towards that which is good. But if your companion is bad, he will only pull you towards that which is evil. We must choose our friends and companions carefully so that we take friends who are sincere, and who will order us with what is good and forbid us from what is evil. If he observes us committing sins he would warn us, if he becomes aware of our shortcomings he would advise us, and if he finds a fault in us he would cover it. About this the Prophet (sallallahu alaihi wa sallam) said, "A Muslim is the brother of another Muslim. He neither betrays him nor tells him a lie, nor humiliates him." [At-Tirmidhee] So should you see a fault in your brother, you should wish to remove that fault from him and not expose it to the people. This is what is required by brotherhood and again stresses the importance of choosing friends who are upon the correct way, who are loyal, and who hide your faults whilst ordering you with good and forbidding you from evil, who stand beside you and support you, and co-operate with you upon all that is good.

The Prophet (sallallahu alaihi wa sallam) also explained this great principle further in another narration, wherein he (sallallahu alaihi wa sallam) stated,

"Do not keep company except with a believer, and do not feed except a person who has taqwaa (fear of Allah)." [Abu Dawud, Tirmidhee]

This principle is important from the standpoint of how the Deen is to be established, and from the standpoint of what brotherhood is and what it does. Indeed, the reason that one takes a companion is to help him establish his Islaam, and to help him worship Allah. We find a good example in the Prophet (sallallahu alaihi wa sallam)- the one who Allah chose and who He spoke to - Musa (as). When Allah sent him to Fir'awn, he said, "And appoint for me a helper from my family, Haaroon - my brother; increase my strength with him, and let him share my task (of conveying Allah's Message and Prophet hood), that we may glorify You much and remember You much." [20:29-34]

Musa wanted his brother to support him and help him, protect him and accompany him. And this is what the believers do for one another. For the thing that binds the believers together and makes them brothers is eemaan (Islamic belief). The Prophet (sallallahu alaihi wa sallam) said,

"There are three characteristics; whoever has them will find the sweetness of eemaan: That Allah and His Messenger are more beloved to him than all else, that he loves a person and does not love him except for Allah, and that he would hat to revert to unbelief just as he would hate to be thrown into the Fire." [Bukhari & Muslim]

Thus the connection between the believers is based upon eemaan and sincere brotherhood.

Be warned against taking any companion if such companionship is based upon other than this, for if you were to do that you would then bite your hands in grief. Just as the unjust ones will bite their hands in grief on the Last Day. Saying, "Oh! Would that I had taken a path with the Messenger. Ah! Woe to me! Would that I had never taken so-and-so as a friend! He indeed led me astray from the Reminder (the Qur'aan) after it had come to me." [25:27]

Allah says, "And whosoever turns away from the remembrance of the Most Beneficent (Allah), We appoint for him Shaytaan to be a Qareen (intimate companion) to him." [43:36]

So all of the physical togetherness that you see around you, which is based upon other than eemaan, will be wiped away on that Day, and will be a source of misery and torture for them. Allah says that those who love one another for other than the sake of Allah will be "...foes one to another..." on the Last Day. [43:67]

It is only the brotherhood which is based upon eemaan and taqwaa that is the true and lasting brotherhood. All of those who come together for materialistic reasons; because of complexion, because of nationality, or for whatever other reason, will be enemies one to another "...except al-Muttaqoon." Those who have taqwaa, and love a brother only because he is upon the Path of Allah and has the same eemaan that they have; he has taken the path of the Messenger (sallallahu alaihi wa sallam) and the Salafus-Saalih (righteous predecessors). So be careful, before you slip and find yourself exposed to a fitnah, which you never imagined, all because you were not careful about whom you took as a companion.

The Prophet (sallallahu alaihi wa sallam) said, "The case of the good companion and the bad companion is like that of the seller of musk and the blower of the bellows (iron-smith). As for the seller of musk, he will either give you some of the musk, or you will purchase some from him, or at least you will come away having experienced its good smell. Whereas the blower of the bellows will either burn your clothing, or at least you will come away having experienced its repugnant smell." [Bukhari & Muslim]

The good companion has been given this similitude because he is righteous and will help you to remember Allah. If he sees you make a mistake he will advise you and support you, whereas the bad companion would forsake you; leaving you at the time when you are most in need of him. "And remember the Day when the Zaalim (wrong-doer, oppressor, polytheist etc.) will bite at his hands, he will say, 'Oh! Would that I had taken a path with the Messenger. Ah! Woe to me! Would that I had never taken so-and-so as a friend! He indeed led me astray from the Reminder (this Qur'aan) after it had come to me. And Shaytaan is ever a deserter to man in the hour of need'." [25:27-29]

The bad companion is the Shaytaan from amongst mankind, and the Shayaateen are both men and jinns. Sometimes the harm, which comes from the Shayaateen amongst men, is greater than the harm, which comes from the Shayaateen of the jinn. As a matter of fact the Shayaateen amongst mankind could probably teach the Shayaateen from the jinn a few things they didn't know!

So in this hadeeth, where the Prophet (sallallahu alaihi wa sallam) said that the good companion is like the seller of musk - which is a particular type of perfume, one of the best - it is said that either you will take some from him or you will get some of its fragrance on you. It can be seen that from the good companion you will either pick up good actions and statements from his example - obeying Allah because he does so and because he supports you in that, ordering what is good and forbidding what is evil, acquiring good characteristics and qualities and beneficial knowledge - or if he sees you becoming weak in your eemaan he will advise you and help you.

A good example of this can be found in the Prophet (sallallahu alaihi wa sallam), who was ma'soom (free from making sins). When he was making the hijrah (migration) from Makkah to Madinah he would not leave until he had chosen a companion to accompany him on his way. Abu Bakr offered to go with him and make the hijrah also, but the Prophet (sallallahu alaihi wa sallam) ordered him to wait until Allah allowed him to do so. This implies that the fact that Abu Bakr was to be the Prophet's companion on this hijrah was a choice from Allah, and so great a choice and such a blessing that Allah mentioned it in the Qur'aan:

"Allah did indeed help him (Muhammad [sallallahu alaihi wa sallam]) when the disbelievers drove him out. The second of the two, when they (Muhammad [sallallahu alaihi wa sallam] and Abu Bakr) were in the cave, and he (s) said to his companion, 'Be not sad (or afraid), surely Allah is with us'." [9:40]

He (sallallahu alaihi wa sallam) said, 'surely Allah is with us', not 'with me', since Abu Bakr had supported the Prophet (sallallahu alaihi wa sallam) in the establishing of the Deen of Allah, he had thus earned the right to be supported by Allah also.

Abu Bakr - a good friend and companion, one who was willing to sacrifice everything for the sake of Allah and to the service of His Messenger (sallallahu alaihi wa sallam); his blood, his wealth, his sweat, his tears and everything that he owned he gave for Allah's sake. Abu Bakr As-Siddeeq, radhi Allahu anhu, the first Khalifah after the Prophet (sallallahu alaihi wa sallam) and his great companion, the best of this Ummah after the Prophet (sallallahu alaihi wa sallam), sets for us this great example of the good companion who is like the perfume merchant

Questions to Ask a Prospective Marriage Partner

2009-07-29T17:56:00.001-07:00

derived from Bent Rib: A Journey through Women’s issues in Islam by Huda al-Khattab

compiled by Chloe Chaudhry

The following questions are offered in the interest of helping Muslims to think through issues important to marriage. You may wish to ask these questions when you’re considering someone for marriage, either of them or just of yourself. You may also wish to ask them of an intermediary, who may be able to provide you an unbiased perspective. Some of the questions may seem "unIslamic", but they deal with the reality of today's social situation, and NOT asking a question may ultimately prove to be a bigger mistake than asking it.

GENERAL QUESTIONS:
Why are you interested in marrying at this time?
How would you describe yourself?
What do you consider your greatest achievement to date?
Describe three experiences you’ve had that you’ve benefited/learned from.
What has been the hardest obstacle you’ve faced thus far in life? How has it affected you?
If there was one thing you would like to change about yourself, what would it be?
What are your goals for this life? What would you like to accomplish before you die?
What are you looking for in a spouse?

DECIDING WHETHER TO MARRY:
What role do you think parents should play in helping to select your spouse?
What process do you want to use to determine whether you have found the right spouse? Phone? E-mail? Chaperoned or unchaperoned in person? How much time do you want to decide?

DEEN (ISLAMIC LIFESTYLE):
What do you do to feel close to Allah (swt)?
How to you hope to get closer to Allah (swt) through marriage?
What do you want to improve about yourself Islamically?
How many times per day do you pray? What about while at work?
How much Qur’an have you memorized?
To what extent are you involved in the Islamic community?
Do you fast during Ramadan?
How do you determine how to distribute Zakat? How do you give in Sadaqa?
Have you been on Hajj or Umrah? When would you like to go?
Are you affiliated with a particular masjid or Islamic group?
How important do you think it is to only eat Halal meat?
How important do you think it is for women to wear hijab? What about men?
How do you like to celebrate religious holidays?
Do you go for jummah prayers?

LIVING AS A MUSLIM MINORITY:
Do you have non-Muslim friends?
What do you think Muslims should do on American holidays?

EXTENDED FAMILY:
What do you think parents/extended family’s role should be in making important decisions: wedding planning, child rearing, vacations, where you will live?
What do you do if there is a conflict between your spouse and your family?
Are you comfortable living with extended family, particularly as they age? Are other accomodations possible?
How much time do you anticipate spending with your extended family, in person or by phone?
Would you describe the character of your family members?
What have you learned from observing your family that you do or do not want to incorporate into your marriage?

PROFESSION:
What career path do you plan on taking?
Will both husband and wife work outside the home?
Under what conditions would you be willing to move to further your or your spouse’s professional growth?
How much time do you spend at work?
How do you plan to balance time at work and time with the family?
What kind of business functions will you ask each other to host/attend?
Would you encourage/support the idea of me going back to school for advanced degrees?
How would we support ourselves if we both had to be in school?

INTERESTS/ACTIVITIES:
How do you like to spend your free time?
How much time do you spend watching TV?
What interests would you like to share with your spouse?
How much time alone would you like to have?
How do you feel about separate vacations? Business trips? Conferences?

SOCIAL LIFE:
How much time do you want to spend with friends? By yourself? As a couple?
How would you feel about your spouse having friends of the opposite gender?

WHERE TO LIVE:
Where do you want to live? Why?
Will you want to live near your extended family?
Do you prefer city? Suburb? Countryside?
Do you want to live in the U.S. or abroad?
How important is it to live in a large Muslim community?

CHILDREN:
How many children do you want to have?
When do you think you’ll be ready to have children?
How will you distribute responsibility for child rearing? Diapering?
What do you think it is important to teach children?
What is your view on raising children? Do you spank?
To what extent would you be willing to utilize family members, friends, baby sitters or day are to watch your children?
How will you ensure your children have a good Islamic education?
What would you do if you could not have children?
Do you want your children to grow up bilingual? In what languages?

MONEY:
How many personal savings/checking accounts would you want?
Who should be responsible for paying bills?
What about prior assets?
How will you determine how much should be spent on the household? On personal items? On charity?
How much should either person be able to spend by themselves without consulting the other?
How much should be paid out in maher (dowry)? Up front versus deferred?
If we were on an uncomfortably tight budget, and your brother asked you for a generous loan for a third attempt at a start-up when the first two had failed, would you give it to him?
What would be your top five criteria for developing a financial plan?

LAST NAMES:
Should the wife change her last name?
What last name should the children carry?

HOUSE:
How do you feel about cleanliness, neatness and housework?
How do you feel about knickknacks and artwork?
Who is responsible for work around the house?
What are the household chores you are used to doing?
Have you ever lived alone? Have you ever had a roommate? Have you always lived with your parents?
How do you feel about pets?
What are your preferences in terms of food? Mostly from your own ethnic group, or a more diverse palate? Only home-made, or also convenience or from restaurants? Meat or vegetarian?
If we were both working and we both got home about the same time, would you expect the wife to always be the cook?
How do you feel about smoking?

DIFFERENCES:
What are your pet peeves?
How should disagreements be resolved?
How do you act when you get upset?
How would you go about making you spouse happy when s/he was feeling down?
What would you want your spouse to do if you disagreed about something?
What if the disagreement is over an interpretation of Islam?
Who would be your choice of arbiters, or how do you feel about arbitration?
How do you feel about marriage counseling?

MONOGAMY/FIDELITY/HONESTY:
What are your views?
What is your experience with families with a second wife?
Will infidelity automatically end the marriage?

CULTURE:
What role does culture play in your life?

2009-01-12T07:54:00.001-08:00

THE PROPHET’S (SAAS) PATIENCE

2008-11-29T11:51:00.000-08:00

Throughout the period of his mission, the Prophet Muhammad (saas) experienced all manner of difficulty. Deniers and polytheists, from among his own people, insulted him most terribly, even calling him a magician or a madman. Others wanted to kill him and even schemed to do so. Despite all that, the Prophet (saas) tried to teach people of all backgrounds and cultures about the Qur'an, and therefore about proper morality and good behavior.

As Allah revealed in the verses of the Qur'an, some people had not the slightest idea of the basics of good manners, for which reason it never entered their minds that they might appall someone who possessed superior morality. The Prophet (saas) displayed the greatest patience in this circumstances, turning to Allah and asking for His help in all situations and encouraging believers to patience and submission.

In many verses in the Qur'an, Allah advises the Prophet (saas) to be patient despite the words of unbelievers:

So be patient in the face of what they say and glorify your Lord with praise before the rising of the sun and before it sets. (Surah Qaf: 39)

Do not be grieved by what they say. All might belongs to Allah. He is the All-Hearing, the All-Knowing. (Surah Yunus: 65)

We know that your breast is constricted by what they say. (Surat al-Hijr: 97)

Perhaps you are leaving aside part of what has been revealed to you and your breast is constricted by this because they say, "Why has treasure not been sent down to him or an angel not accompanied him?" You are only a warner and Allah is Guardian over all things. (Surah Hud: 12)

Believers must remember the kind of things Allah's Messenger (saas) was patient for, and take him as a model when dealing with their own difficulties. Those who despair at the slightest problem, who are unable to bear the smallest objection, who stop preaching the religion of Allah, or who lose hope when their business dealings go wrong, must be aware that such behavior is incompatible with Allah's holy book and the sayings and deeds of the Prophet (saas). Believers must always be patient, take Allah as their helper and give thanks to Him, adopt the superior morality of the Prophet (saas), and hope for the mercy, compassion and Paradise of our Lord.

There were people with varying characters and ideas that surrounded the Prophet (saas). Throughout his life, however, he showed an interest in each and every one, warned them about their mistakes and failings, and tried to educate them in all matters, from cleanliness to matters of faith. That compassionate, tolerant, understanding and patient attitude of his was the means by which many peoples' hearts warmed to Islam and developed a genuine love for the Prophet (saas). Allah describes this pleasing attitude adopted by the Prophet (saas) towards those around him in the Qur'an:

It is a mercy from Allah that you were gentle with them. If you had been rough or hard of heart, they would have scattered from around you. So pardon them and ask forgiveness for them… (Surah Al ‘Imran: 159)

In another verse, Allah told the Prophet (saas) how he should behave towards those around him:

We know best what they say. You are not a dictator over them. So remind, with the Qur'an, whoever fears My Threat. (Surah Qaf: 45)

The Prophet (saas) never pressured those around him to accept the religion, nor imposed conditions on them. Instead he always used the pleasantest ways to tell them about it.

He always supported the community of the faithful with his strong conscience, and was a benefactor to them at all times. On account of these traits, the Prophet (saas) is described in many verses as "your companion." (Surah Saba': 46: Surat an-Najm: 2, Surat at-Takwir: 22).

Those believers who were able to comprehend the conscientiousness of the Prophet (saas) regarded him as closer to them than all others, and humbled themselves towards him. In one verse, Allah states:

The Prophet has closer ties to the believers than their own selves, and his wives are their mothers… (Surat al-Ahzab: 6) Imam Ghazali, the great Islamic scholar, summed up the Prophet (saas)'s treatment of those around him in light of the information found in the hadiths:

"... Everyone thought that the Prophet honoured him more. Whoever came to him could see his face.
... He used to call his companions by their surnames with honour and he used to give one surname who had no surname.
... He was very affectionate and kind in dealing with the people.
... Nobody could speak loudly in his assembly." 1

The Prophet (saas)'s human love, kind thought and compassion, which turned those around him to true religion and warmed their hearts to faith, is that superior morality which all Muslims should seek to reproduce. (For further reading about the attributes of the Prophet (saas), see “The Prophet Muhammad (saas)” by Harun Yahya)

1. Imam Ghazzali's Ihya Ulum-Id-Din, The Book of Religious Learnings, Islamic Book Service, New Delhi, 2001, Volume II, p.240

The Quranic Concept of Hijaab

2008-11-28T15:32:00.000-08:00

By: Shehzad Saleem

Islam has based its social structure on the institution of family. For the development of such a society in which the basic unit is the family, it is essential to regard chastity and modesty as fundamental values. It is to safeguard and protect these values that the Shariah has laid down a whole code of social etiquette and communal conduct. These directives have been discussed in the Quran very minutely. Since, their interpretation, in recent times, has often touched the two extremes, it is, once again, necessary to contemplate on the Quran in quest for the ariston metron - the golden mean.

A deep deliberation on the Quran reveals that these directives, which have been dealt with in detail in Surah Ahzaab and Surah Noor, are basically of three categories. Following is a brief analysis of these directives.

The first category of directives pertains to safe and secure places. According to the Quran, such secure places may either be residential ones (bait-i-maskoona) like houses and apartments or non-residential ones (bait-i-ghair maskoona) like offices and schools. It says that if some friends, relatives or acquaintances visit one another, they should follow a certain decorum. If the visited place is residential in nature, the visitor should first of all properly introduce himself by paying salutations to the residents of a house. In this regard, the Prophet (sws) has instructed the visitor to knock three times at the door and if he hears no reply, he should turn back and not start an incessant session of pounding the door. Furthermore, if the residents are not in a position to welcome him and they ask him to return, he should withdraw without any ill-will towards them. However, in case the visited place is non-residential, no formal permission is required. Once a person has entered his destination, the men and women who are present, should observe two regulations: they should guard their gazes from taking undue liberty and take care that the dress they are wearing properly covers them. Women should observe one additional regulation as well: they should not display their finery except those which is evident, that is their clothes or any adornments worn on the face and hands. For this purpose, the Quran says they should cover their chests by their head-coverings and should not strike their feet in a manner which draws attention to any ornaments they may be wearing. Furthermore, the Quran says that it is not necessary to observe this third regulation with mahram relatives, but as far as the first two regulations are concerned they must be observed without exception to anyone whosoever. It is evident, therefore, that men and women while observing these regulations can eat and converse together. The Quran says:

"O ye who believe! Enter not the houses other than your own until you have introduced yourselves and wished peace to those in them. That is best for you that you may be heedful. If you find no one in the house, enter not until permission is given to you. If you are asked to go back, go back, for it is purer for you. Allah has knowledge of all which you do. It is no sin for you to enter non-residential places in which there is benefit for you. And Allah has knowledge of what you reveal and what you conceal. [O Prophet!] tell believing men to restrain their eyes and guard their private parts. That is purer for them. And Allah is well aware of what you do. And tell the believing women to restrain their eyes and to guard their private parts and to display of their finery only that which is apparent by drawing their coverings over their bosoms. They should not reveal their finery to anyone save their husbands or their fathers or their husbands' fathers or their sons or their husbands' sons or their brothers or their brothers' sons or their sisters' sons or other women of acquaintance or their slaves or male servants lacking in physical needs or children who have no awareness of the hidden aspects of women. [In order not to reveal their finery except which is apparent], they should [also] not stamp their feet in order to draw attention to their hidden ornaments. Believers turn to Allah in repentance that you may prosper." [24:27-31]

The second category of directives pertains to places which are not secure and unprotected from people of lewd character. Markets, road sides, shops and parks are examples of places where such people might create nuisance for women. The Quran tells Muslim women to wear large cloaks when they go out so that a part of the cloaks covers their faces as well, for this is the way dignified women dress up when they go out. This dress will identify them as decent women and they will not be teased. The Quran says:

"O Prophet! tell your wives and daughters and the wives of the believers to draw a part of their cloaks on their faces [when they go abroad]. That is more proper so that they may be recognized and are not harmed. Allah is Forgiving and Merciful." [33:59]

The third category of these directives relates to the leading women of a society, who set an example for others. Owing to the special position of the Prophet (sws), his wives occupied this place in his times. Consequently, these directives have been addressed to them. It is clear that the leading women of a society play a very essential role. The values which they adopt become the values of the society, and the trends they set become the trends of the society. If they falter, the whole society falters and if they remain on the right path, the whole society remains on the right path. It is due to the special position of such women that some additional directives have been given to prevent any scandal mongers from spreading mischief.

Firstly, womenfolk of such stature must refrain from openly exhibiting their embellishments. The Quran strictly forbids them to adorn themselves and go about displaying themselves. It says:

"Wives of the Prophet! stay in your homes and do not display your adornments as women used to do in the days of ignorance." [33:33]

Secondly, they should take care that whenever, they have to say something to people in whose hearts there is the ailment of lewdness, they should speak without showing any softness to them:

"O Wives of the Prophet! you are not like other women. If you fear Allah do not be too complaisant of speech lest one in whose heart is a disease should be moved with desire." [33:32]

These are the Quranic directives of Hijaab. The social etiquette they depict is poised magnificently between the extremes human civilizations have often witnessed. Like all other directives of Islam their object is to purify the soul and to purge it from evil, which is essential if man has to become worthy of the eternal life Heaven --- the eternal life for which the Almighty actually created him.

America the Global Leader in Science and Technology

2008-11-09T11:41:00.002-08:00

Science is not a divine revelation but it provides a means for the welfare of man and to better understanding the creation of Allah (SWT), the natural phenomena and their purpose. In simplest terms science means knowledge and Islam exhorts its followers to relentlessly pursue knowledge.

One-third of the Qur'an exhorts its readers to think and reflect upon the natural phenomena. One of the most inspiring Ayath (verses) in the Qur'an is the following:

" And He has subjected to you, as from Him, all that is in the heavens and on earth: behold, in that are signs indeed for those who reflect." (45: 13)

The more one investigates the more one knows about Allah (SWT) and His design of the universe. Allah (SWT) has given us the faculties and the intellectual genius for this purpose.

The Role of Science

20th century has made incredible advances by producing, the transistor, the laser, and the microchip. These advances are dependent on our understanding of the basic sciences of the material world, and much of this understanding is based on publicly funded scientific research. Technological innovations have contributed more than any other single factor in America’s economic history to long-term growth. Revolutionary advances in physics have led to diverse applications in weapons, energy, materials, and medicine, with extraordinary impacts on the quality of life and on economic and political relationships among countries. As we enter the 21st century, the powers of the physical and engineering sciences have been joined by equally revolutionary advances in the life sciences and by new frontiers for the environmental sciences. Greenhouse gases, the AIDS virus, agricultural biotechnology, advanced energy systems, new pharmaceuticals, information technologies, and a host of other scientific and technological trends shape global competition and cooperation. The research base itself, supported by each nation, also needs cooperation if it is to grow and prosper.

America's status as the world leader of technological innovation is seriously threatened, unless an innovative partnership is created the primary movers and shakers of R&D (Research and Development) in this country (industry, government and academia).

A research university plays an important national role in educating America's scientists, discovering new knowledge and developing technological innovation. In order to maintain the technological leadership Government must continue to stimulate civilian research, foster research partnerships, create a business climate more conducive to private sector R&D, refocus federal research to today's missions and budget environment, and maintain its support of American universities.

Academia should give priority to developing the nation's human capital in science and technology in emphasizing universities' teaching mission, and promote R&D partnerships. Graduate study should be restructured to open a broader spectrum of career opportunities to Ph.D. students and to develop a credible practice-oriented master's degree. Education that is limited to a single sub-field does not equip students adequately for either the academic world or the corporate world. Universities should work with industry to explore different emphases in graduate programs. Creating master's degree programs geared to the needs of the workplace would be particularly valuable.

Everything possible should be done to attract and keep students interested in science and engineering. More industrial internships should be created to bring additional real world and teamwork experiences into the classroom. Universities must pay more attention to the nature and quality of introductory science and engineering courses. Federal research grants should be used in a way that enhances the quality of undergraduate and graduate education at the same time Universities must alter policies, particularly those of tenure and promotion for the Faculty members. Programs should be developed with companies that encourage both graduate students and faculty to gain experience in industrial laboratories, universities. Universities and industries should work together toward intellectual property rights, and to promote partnerships.

Government agencies such as the National Science Foundation, the National Aeronautic and Space Administration, and the Department of Energy should strengthen science, engineering and long-term growth by extensively promoting basic research as basic research is critical to fostering technological progress in research-intensive industries. Although private companies have increased their total R&D spending in recent years, only a small portion of their spending goes to basic research. The return on research investment to the economy and society is remarkable. Prominent economists unanimously agree that over the last 50 years, advances in science and technology have produced more than half of America’s economic growth. No other federal investment generates a greater long-term return to the economy and society than does basic research.

Technological innovations have contributed more than any other single factor in America’s economic history to long-term growth. A great many of these technological innovations have grown out of publicly funded research, much of which has been undertaken at America’s universities. In the last twenty years, legislative and fiscal conditions in the United States have enhanced the ability of universities to interface directly with the market, thus increasing substantially the opportunities for private capital to benefit from public investments in scientific research. Private companies, both established industrial giants and emerging entrepreneurial ventures, have built on America’s foundation of publicly funded scientific research, investing capital and capturing the innovations that drive American economy forward. These investments have created multiple new industries, thousands of firms, and hundreds of thousands of new jobs. Scientific and technological change accounts for over 50 percent of long-term economic growth.

Technology and Economy

Federal Reserve Chairman Alan Greenspan has said that "the phenomenal performance of the U.S. economy, with its strong growth, low inflation, low unemployment, and high business profits is due in large part to technological innovations that have caused productivity growth to accelerate." Federal research also helps educate and train the next generation of scientists and engineers, which is especially critical today to help meet the growing demand for skilled workers in the new economy. In October 2002, United States Federal Reserve Chairman Alan Greenspan argued that we live and work in a global environment “in which prospects for economic growth now depend importantly on a country's capacity to develop and apply new technologies.” “If we are to remain preeminent in transforming knowledge into economic value,” says Greenspan, “the U.S. system of higher education must remain the world's leader in generating scientific and technological breakthroughs and in preparing workers to meet the evolving demands for skilled labor.” “Prospects for economic growth now depend importantly on a country's capacity to develop and apply new technologies.” –Alan Greenspan.

For America to remain the world leader in science and innovative technology, instruction in the Universities must keep up with a profoundly complex and changing world. This could be achieved by highlighting the importance of mathematics and science education and encourage more students to pursue these studies. More students need to study advanced scientific and technical subjects. Parents need to encourage and prepare their children for success in a world that requires the ability to understand and apply knowledge of mathematics and science. There is an urgent need to increase the number of science and mathematics teachers in America's schools who are trained well in the subjects they are teaching. Unfortunately today in America, more than half of the middle school mathematics teachers and nearly half of the science teachers did not major or minor in the subjects they are teaching.

To help schools attract the best and the brightest mathematics and science teachers to our nation's classrooms, President Bush's 2004 budget calls on Congress to provide a few billion dollars, and gives monetary incentives to teachers in mathematics and sciences. It also gives mathematics and science teachers better tools to teach, particularly to understand what helps children learn these critical skills.

Technology and Economic Growth

President George W. Bush has requested the largest federal R&D budget in history, $112 billion for FY03 alone. Major public investment in the National Institutes of Health (NIH), which has seen its budget double in the last 5 years to nearly $27 billion for FY02 alone, has enabled the United States to both create a science and technology base in biotechnology and leverage substantial private investment in product and process applications. American universities have spun off more than 2,200 companies to commercialize innovations that were produced out of research. Created 260,000 jobs in the process. Now contribute $40 billion annually to the American economy.

When knowledge is produced, the benefits not only accrue to the producer, they “spill over” to the local economy. Technological innovations drive much of our economic growth at the national level, but it is local economic environments that enable this growth to occur. States can draw private capital to invest in the building of regional Centers in science and innovation and act as catalysts for regional and national economic growth.

Muslim Countries

Muslim countries can thrive in science and technology by introducing Interdisciplinary studies, by providing with job opportunities to skilled students who have strong university education. Other steps are rewarding meritocracy, upholding Democracy, Human rights, and free markets. Governments should support science and technology with mutual exchange of international students and scholars, publications of research articles, journals, books, holding conferences and transfer of ideas. The Federal government should put aside at least 10 percent of its National budget to Support education, research and development.

REFERENCES:

1. Frank H.T. Rhodes. US Research and Development Efforts. Cornell University Science News. April 16, 1996.

2. http://www.nvca.org/letter_nussle.html

3. Bruce M. Alberts. Meeting the Education Challenge. Feb. 1998. www.nap.edu/

4. National Council for Science and Environment March 6, 2001. www.cnie.org/updates/90htm

5. Alan Greenspan. Summit on the 21st Century work force. June 20, 2001, MCI Center, Washington, D.C. (www.dol.gov/21cw/greenspan_speech)

HEALTH ATTITUDES OF PEOPLE IN BELLARY SOUTH INDIA

2008-11-09T11:41:00.001-08:00

Taking away the life should be the domain of the One who gives life. True, there is Pain and suffering at the terminal end of an illness, but we believe there is reward from God for those who patiently persevere in suffering (Qur'an 39:10 and 31:17).

“While Muslim Physicians are not encouraged to artificially prolong the misery in a vegetative state, they are ordained to help alleviate suffering."

Qur'an says, "Anyone who has saved a life, it is as if he has saved the life of whole mankind" (5:32). Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) emphasized this by saying, " O Muslims, seek cure, since God has not created any illness without creating a cure." Allah's Messenger said: There is a remedy for every malady, and when the remedy is applied to the disease it is cured with the permission of Allah, the Exalted and Glorious. The Prophet said: Every disease has a medication: If the medication for a particular disease is found, it will be cured with Allah's (swt) permission.

BELLARY

Be11ary is a city in Karnataka State, South India, with a population of nearly 200,000 in 1975. Bellary is a district headquarters, 306 kms to the northwest of Bangalore. It has spread round two rocky hills, and one of them called Balahari Betta has a temple. The fort was built round the hill in Vijayanagara times. It passed into the hands of Bijapur, Marathas, the Nizam and Haider. After the fall of Tipu, the Nizam ceded the town to the British. The Durgamma temple here has the deity represented by the heap of earth. The place has two large mosques. A Government Medical College was founded here in 1961.

Be11ary is situated about 200 miles south of Hyderabad, 300 miles west of Madras, 186 miles north of Banga1ore and 700 miles south-east of Bombay. It is connected by Air (there is an aerodrome which is claimed to be India's first, but without regular commercial air service), Rail, and Road. Once a British cantonment, the town is near the border with Andhra Pradesh and the population is bilingual: most people speak both Kannada and Telugu. There is an unmistakable presence of Andhra culture. The town is easily accessible by road and rail from Bangalore and Hyderabad. At one time, it was a center for arts, culture, music and drama. It is the gateway to the Iron ore and Manganese mines near Sandur, the huge Tungabhadra Dam, as well as to the ruins of the Vijayanagar Empire at Hampi, and a new university nearby.

A huge fort built on solid rock dominates the view of the town. Even though the fort is abandoned, it is worth a visit for the inquisitive traveler for an excellent view of the town. The old walled city with buildings of colonial architecture lies at the foot of the fort.

About 35% of the population is Muslims, 2 to 3% are Christians, and the rest are Hindus--with all the castes and sub-castes represented.

Be11ary has been a district headquarters since 1920. It is the home of the Deputy Commissioner (Collector), Superintendent of Police, District Educational Officer and other district officials. It has a well-organized municipal corporation, operating free drug pharmacies in each community.

A steel mill is being constructed 20 miles west of Bel1ary. There are three government hospita1s--one general hospital, one hospital for women, and children. and the Medical College Hospital. There are also numerous hospitals, such as missionary hospital. TB hospital and several nursing homes for all ages. All these hospitals offer treatment to patients on the lines of western medicine or allopathic medicine.

In 1975 Bellary had a four-year college where students can get a Bachelor's Degree. It has a medical college, which enrolls 150 to 200 students each year. The students get the Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery Degrees at the end of four years. It also has other professional schools such as a teacher's college law college school of nursing. School of midwifery, Institute of Indian Medicine (which trains doctors in the Indian

Medicine or Ayurveda} and a polytechnic school. Bellary also has eight high schools-one exclusively for girls.

In 1945 the situation was slightly different in Bellary from what it is now. There were only two free government general hospitals, one for both the sexes and the other for women and children. There was no medical college, but there was an undergraduate college for arts and science.

During this time there was an epidemic of meningitis. An eighteen-month-old boy in a Muslim family was afflicted with this disease. The father of the child, being a police sergeant, was always busy and away from the home; so the responsibility of getting the sick child well, fell on the shoulders of the mother who had two sons and one daughter.

The child first developed fever. The child's mother summoned her own mother to help her in the treatment of the child. The old lady came and saw, the child and said: "Oh, it is nothing--don't worry. The child is a victim of an evil eye (Nazr)." To counteract the evil eye the old lady performed what is call the "Bhadada'. in the following manner. She placed pieces of hot charcoal in a wide mouthed earthen pot at mid-afternoon (12 o'clock). Then she swung the pot in all four directions, east, west, north, land south around the affected child, while reciting the names of those who might be responsible for the evil eye. Then the old lady spat three times without allowing the saliva to come out of the mouth. and circled the hot pot over the head of the child three times. Immediately she overturned the earthen pot over a large plate (pan) containing yellow water to which turmeric had been added. If the earthen pot sucks all the water, then it shows the sick person is profoundly affected by the evil eye.

Also, after some time the water oozes out of the earthen pot into the flat pan. From yellow it turns red. The greater the metachromatia the greater is the degree of evil eye affliction. The fever of the child did not subside in spite of the child's mother performing the "Bhadada" three times a day. The grandmother of the patient again came and performed the "Bhadada" on a larger scale. As the child became restless with typical symptoms of meningitis, he was taken to a Hakim who specializes in the Unani system of medicine. He gave some powder to be given orally three times a day after being mixed in honey or milk. The condition of the child did not improve. The neighbors told the mother that the child appeared to be a victim of black magic and witchcraft and advised her to see a "Pujari" or Hindu priest who was also a Vaidya (a practitioner of Ayurvedic system of medicine}

The Pujari came and saw the child. After learning the child's Birthday date and time, he drew the horoscope of the child, studied the stars and other Heavenly bodies influencing the child and prescribed "Sadaqah"(charity) or offerings to a Devi (goddess) who was responsible for the child1s disease (Fuchs, 1960). There were two types of Sadaqahs (charities); one was to be performed at mid-day, and the other at mid-night. During the mid-day, a circular trench was made in front of the home. The place was nicely washed with cow-dung and decorated with lime water, ghayeru (red clay paint) and Kum-Kum (color powder). Agarbatti (Incense sticks) were lighted. The trench was covered with a plank and the child was given a bath by making him sit on the plank. All the water, after washing the child's body, was drained into the trench. The child and plank were removed. A variety of flowers and eleven eggs were buried in the trench; three coconuts were split into halves and also buried. A black cock was sacrificed and also buried in the trench.

At mid-night of a new moon night (Amavasya) in complete darkness the grandma of the child, wearing a white sari, left the house with an Earthen plate filled with fruits, flowers, incense, and coconut. She was warned not to speak to anyone till she returned home after performing the Sadaqah. The old lady went outside of the city till she found the spot where three paths crossed. At that spot she struck the coconut against the ground with all her strength so that the coconut burst into pieces. She left the earthen plate at that spot after lighting a camphor candle and returned without ever turning back to see what was happening and with her mouth shut. If she talked then, the effect of the Sadaqah would be lost.

Within a couple of days the child died. The community never advised the illiterate mother to seek the help of a western educated doctor (allopathic doctor) or to go to the government hospital, which renders free treatment to all. This family was later criticized by orthodox Muslims for having ,followed faithfully the instructions of a Pujari and for showing faith in the existence of a Devi (Hindu goddess) and black magic and witch craft which are all against the teachings of Islam. But alas, the family lost the Child!

Family Medicine in Bellary

When any child falls sick, the usual medical treatment is to put fresh Lemon juice, one drop, in each eye. Later every child in that family will also receive the same treatment as a preventive measure. Another type of treatment for a sick child is to burn certain parts of the body with a hot piece of glass bangle. A piece of glass bangle is heated in the flame of a lamp and five places on the body are burnt with it. The five places on the body are (1) on the "whirl" in the scalp, (2) immediately above the eye-brow (3) back of the neck, (4) above the left nipple, and (5) on the upper side of the left toe.

Bellary looks like a modern city. But in spite of western education and facilities of modern civilization, people at the time of a health crisis behave in the same way as described by Hsu in his remarkable article, 'A cholera epidemic in a Chinese town" (Hsu, 1955). The writer stayed in Bellary for 16 years from 1944 to 1960. From his personal experience the writer is surprised at the unmistakable similarities between the health attitudes of people in Bellary, South India, and of the community of Hsi-cheng in south- western China, in spite of the divergent cultures of these two communities. As recently as 1966 a rumor spread throughout Bellary that a Devi(goddess) who is responsible for causing one of the infectious diseases was angry with the people of Bellary and would come to any door at mid-night, knock on the door, and if anyone opened the door or responded, then that person would vomit blood and die immediately. The remedy for this was to paint the outline of a hand and write "COME TOMORROW" on the doors. It was supposed that the Devi, after reading the words, would go away and would come the next day and again go away after reading the sign. In effect, it was meant to fool the Devi. This sign could be found on the door of every house in the city. It was surprising that educated people could not resist this, and they were also a victim to this.

Discussion

This case of the Muslim family clearly drives home the fact that although man takes any advice and will do anything, even against his own religion, in order to save the life of a near or dear one. Yet this family never sought help of western or modern medicine even though the existence and availability of western/modern medicine in Bellary was well known to this family. A similar case, in which people of a Mexican village refused to seek western medicine, was clearly described by Lewis (Lewis, 1955).

The health attitudes of people in northern India, particularly their strong belief in magic and faith in the healing powers of the Vaidyas and Hakims were nicely illustrated by Carstairs (Carstairs, 1955) and Marriot (Marriot, 1955). These, and other authors, have discussed at length why it is not possible to change the health attitudes of people and also why one fails when one attempts to change their attitudes. It takes a long time for people of Bellary to accept western/modern medicine and enjoy its fruits. However, group discussion techniques may help (Rosenstock, 1966). The majority of the people are illiterate and are in the strong grip of religion, ritualism, culture and tradition. They need to be educated and enlightened, taking into consideration their socio-economic level and culture so that they develop the capacity to appreciate western medicine. If one person in a family, kin-ship group, or even in a community, studies western or modern medicine then that doctor has the unique opportunity of exerting profound influence in the community or caste to which he/she belongs so that he/she can give them health education and make them accept western medicine and scientific thinking

REFERENCES

1. Carstairs, G.M. Medicine and Faith in Rural Rajasthan. Health, Culture and Community (ed) Paul B.D., pp. 107-135, Russel Sage Foundation, New York, 1955.

2. Fuchs, S.: The Magic World. The Gond and Bhumia of Eastern Mand1a pp. 503-514, Asia Publishing House, New York, 1960.

3. Hsu, FLK.: A Cholera Epidemic in a Chinese Town. Health, Culture and Community (ed) Paul, B.D., pp. 135-154, Russel Sage Foundation, New York, 1955.

4. Lewis, O.: Medicine and Politics in a Mexican Vil1age. Health Culture and Community (ed) Paul, B.D., pp. 135-154, Russel Sage Foundation, New York, 1955.

5. Rosenstock, I.M.: Why People Use Health Services. Mi1bank Memorial Fund Quarterly, Vol. XLIV, No.3, part 2, pp. 94-127, July 1966.

Muslims in Louisville

2008-11-09T11:40:00.000-08:00

Muslim is one who submits to the will of Allah (The One God-Creator of the Universe). The Muslim practices the religion of Islam (submission to the will of Allah).

Muslims have been coming to the United States, Central and South America since the time Columbus and much before. Many were brought to the United States as slaves from West African countries. The present Melungeons in the state of Kentucky are of Muslim ancestry. Abraham Lincoln's mother and wife belonged to the Melungeons.

Muslims along with Christians came to Louisville from Lebanon at the beginning of this century. Many of the Muslims could not practice their faith. The children of Muslim Lebanese played and grew up in the company of the children of the Lebanese Christians and got married to them. As a result they converted to Christianity. Also there are sporadic examples of Muslims from Turkey leaving Islam and embracing the religion of their spouses. The followers of Elijah Muhammad belonged to the Nation of Islam. Such as Muhammad Ali, the world-renowned three time boxing Champion. (Today Muhammad Ali is the finest example of a Sunni Muslim). One time they were called the Black Muslims. Some notable examples who became Sunni Muslims are Malcolm X, Kareem Abdul Jabbar, etc. After the death of Elijah Muhammad, his son, Imam Warith Din Mohammed moved away from the Nation of Islam and followed the traditional Islam or mainstream Islam. His organization is presently known as the American Muslim Society, headquartered in Hazel Crest, Illinois, with branches spread all over the United States. They run the chain of Clara Muhammad Schools throughout the United States. There are quite a few followers of the Nation of Islam in Louisville and they have a Mosque on Broadway. Their national leader is Minister Louis Farrakhan. Jerald Muhammad is the Nation of Islam leader in Louisville. These are the indigenous Muslims. In the early 1960s immigrant Muslims started to arrive in Louisville from India, Pakistan, Iran, Turkey, Bangladesh, etc. In the early 1980s Muslims arrived in Louisville from Afghanistan.

In the 1990s Muslims came to Louisville from Iraq, Somalia, Bosnia, etc. Now Muslims are coming from Kosovo.

Today Louisville boasts of a Muslim population of 5,000 to 10,000 with several Islamic organizations. Among them is the Islamic Cultural Association of Louisville, which is the oldest Islamic organization in Louisville (founded in 1975). It is located at 1911 Buechel Bank Road, Louisville, KY 40217(Phone: 499-0334). The other Islamic Centers are the Islamic Center of Louisville (Fourth Street Mosque), 1715 S. 4th Street, Louisville, KY 40208(Phone: 426-9171); Masjid Muhammad, 1917 W. Magazine Street, Louisville, KY 40203 (Phone: 776-4868); Faisal Mosque, Inc. (River Road Mosque), 4007 Upper River Road, Louisville, KY 40207(Phone: 893-9466) and the Al-Zaharah Islamic Education Center, 5438 New Cut Road, Louisville, KY (Phone: 367-7878). There are two Islamic Schools. One is called Nur Islamic School of Louisville, 1911 Beuchel Bank Road, Louisville, KY (Phone: 459-9447) and the other is the Islamic School of Louisville, 8215 Old Westport Road, Louisville, KY (Phone: 412-7825). There are other active Islamic organizations some are world-renowned. Among them are the Islamic Research Foundation International, Inc., 7102 W. Shefford Lane, Louisville, KY (Phone: 423-1988); Fons Vitae which is a branch of the Islamic Text Society (based in Cambridge, England), 49 Mockingbird Valley Drive, Louisville, KY (Phone: 897-3641). There are a few Muslim Owned Businesses such as Pita Delights, AM/PM Minimart, Babylon Restaurant, Asian Pearl, Days Inn and Motel 8, etc., Muslim Students Association, Muslim Youth of Louisville, International Consultants for Action Oriented Research and Programs for Muslim Women, Inc., Islamic Information Center, Bosnian Muslims organization, Somalian Muslims organization, etc. One recent and noteworthy organization is the AMERICAN MUSLIM ASSOCIATION OF LOUISVILLE (AMAL).

Muslim Unity Through Science and Technology in the 21st Century

2008-11-09T11:39:00.000-08:00

As we enter the 21st century, Muslims are so looked down upon, and they are treated with disrespect and they are suspect for terrorism. Muslims are also the most oppressed people anywhere in the world. Everywhere Muslims are bullied, detained, bombed and massacred with impunity. The Muslim countries are weak and are unable to do anything to defend themselves, their people and their fellow Muslims anywhere in the world.

Common sense dictates a Muslim country needs guns and rockets, warships and warplanes, armored cars, etc to defend its sovereignty. A Muslim country cannot depend on imported military equipment, particularly from countries that are opposed to us. Muslims should invent, design, produce and test their own weapons of defense.(1)

This goal cannot be achieved unless one has scientific and technological knowledge and skills. Acquiring knowledge and skills is mandatory in Islam. Those who learn science, mathematics and acquire technological skills are therefore obeying and fulfilling the injunctions of Islam.

There was time when Muslim countries were strong militarily and economically, and were advanced in the sciences and technology. During those glorious years of the Muslim civilization, Muslims were not oppressed. Muslims were respected and feared. Europeans had to learn from Muslims new knowledge as well as those of the Greeks and others, which the Muslims had studied, translated into Arabic and enhanced. The Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) brought only one Deen from Allah (SWT) that is al- Islam. But today there are many Islamic sects. They are the results of differing interpretations about Islam by different scholars through the centuries.(1)

Some of these interpretations and teachings are so different from each other that their followers actually accuse each other of not being Muslims. Indeed, they regard many who profess to be Muslims as infidels.

Because of the thousands of different interpretations of Islam and very many different sects, each claiming to be the true followers of Islam, the Muslims are thoroughly confused and disunited. Disunited, confused about Islam, fighting each other for power, lacking in essential knowledge and skills, misapplying their God-given wealth, the Muslims of today have reached the lowest point in their development.

The injunctions of the Qur'an are ignored completely, although these injunctions stress making judgment with justice. And because we ignore this stress on justice enjoined by Islam, we create an image of Islam that is uncaring and unjust.(1)

Islam has been misinterpreted and deliberately ignoring the teachings of Islam. It is because of this that Muslims of today are backward, lacking in knowledge, unable to defend themselves and their religion, and some Muslims are forced to resort to terror in order to seek revenge.(1)

The Qur'an clearly states that Allah (SWT) will not change our fate unless we strive to change it ourselves. And so we will come to be oppressed, to be attacked, bombed and killed, while our religion, Islam, is condemned as false by the Christian elite in the West (1).

Dangers of globalization (2)

Dr Mahathir said non-Muslims were busy exploiting new technologies to the full, while Muslim countries were being left behind. He warned that Muslim countries that were technologically backward and economically poor risked being bullied and recolonised by the non-Muslim world.

To achieve the unity of Muslim in Britain (3), it is recommended that all Muslims should become true Muslims themselves. (This doesn’t seem to be happening either, perhaps it might happen in future). Some people want to establish an Islamic Khilafat (a single Muslim government in all the Islamic countries) by changing the minds of the Muslims. However in the present era it appears to be impossible to achieve unity.

Qur'an and Muslim Unity (4)

Muslims are required to work together towards a common goal set by the Noble Qur'an and shown by the Prophet (PBUH) through his Sunnah. They are brothers and sisters because they are bonded by the common ideology of the unity of God and the unity of mankind.

These are the foundational principles of Islam. The Qur'an and the Sunnah of the Prophet (PBUH) require Muslims to work for the unity of the Ummah. Muslims are required to be merciful towards each other (The Qur'an (48:29)) and be like the body where if any part hurts the whole body should feel the pain (Hadith). But, are Muslims practicing this injunction of the Qur'an and the Sunnah of the Prophet (PBUH)? Muslims and various Islamic organizations are working hard but it is frustratingly obvious that the above goals are ever so illusive. Instead of Muslims being united in mercy towards each other, they are, on the whole, far from it. Instead of feeling the pain and misery of other Muslims (Chechens, Palestinians, Kashmiris, for example), most of us are happily enjoying our material comforts of life. Is Muslim unity only a dream that cannot be fulfilled? Some may argue that all this talk of Muslim unity is out of date. There was a time when Islam united Muslims but present reality makes it impossible. Talk of Muslim unity is nice, and makes Muslims feel good but it is an unrealistic goal that cannot be achieved. In fact, this is what is happening to Muslim Ummah today. Probably, there are no people in the world today who have been as divided as Muslims. They are divided along religious, political, ethnic, cultural, racial, linguistic, and sectarian lines. These divisions extend further into subdivisions. Status, wealth, fame, and fortune have also created social differences among Muslims. Dr. Mansoor Alam says, "Muslims are divided at the root into Sunnis and Shias. Sunnis are further divided into Hanafi, Maliki, Sha'fi, and Hanbali. Shias too are divided into Kesania, Zaidia, Imamia or Ithna ‘Ashari, Ismailia, etc. Sunnis are also divided into Ahle-hadith and Ahle-fiqha. In the Indian subcontinent (at least) Ahle-fiqha are further divided into Deobandis and Barelwis. Similar differences exist in other places as well. Are all these divisions and differences schools of thought as many Muslims claim? Whether or not we admit it, these differences and divisions do create physical, emotional, and psychological barriers amongst us. Iqbal says that these differences create prejudice in human beings." (4).

RECOMMENDATIONS (5)
Any recommendation for the unity of Muslim Ummah should be realistic and its effective application demands utmost sincerity, conviction, commitment and caution from every relevant person or authority. Although there has been gross political deviation within Islam, this can be rectified easily - because, Alhamdulillah, the Islamic framework is still alive and Al-Qur'an, the eternal constitution of the world, is ever present in the Muslim hearts. Repentance for the past negligence and pledge for the present, these two things being acceptable to Allah (SWT), are the pre-requisites for any success. Following broad recommendations are mentioned here - some for the inter-governmental bodies of the Muslim world and others for the Islamic Movements.

Lack of Consensus and Islamic Spirit
OIC (Organization of Islamic Conference) and other governmental agencies, global or regional, should initiate to strengthen the cause of Muslim unity by increasing their commitment to their own declared objectives and charters. OIC has, in fact, devised some commendable schemes to promote mutual assistance and cooperation among Muslim countries in various fields. But the lethargy of the member states and incompetence of the OIC administration have made these programs ineffectual. Lack of consensus as well as Islamic spirit are the main reasons behind these apathetic situation. Methods and ways need to be found so that the relevant Muslim states can work positively on matters of common interest and avoid those that create dissensions. The following areas of cooperation and mutual help by the governmental organizations are now more demanding than ever.

Economic Cooperation
These include Food, Agriculture, Energy, Trade, Basic Industry, Transport, Communication, etc. Economy is the backbone for the self-reliance and prosperity of any country, but unfortunately no Muslim country has any economic infrastructure of its own. As Muslim countries are plagued either by affluence or extreme poverty, sharing of wealth, skill and expertise can improve their collective economic predicament.

Science and Technology Exchange
As Science and Technology are fundamentally important for a nation to keep pace in the race of development, Muslim countries should promote cooperation and interaction in these areas. Muslim countries should put their joint efforts in order to develop their technological know-how in the productive areas of their economy and initiate some basic research if possible. This will help reducing the brain drain of the talented scientists from their countries.

Information and Cultural Cooperation
These include cooperation in the promotion of the features and history of Islamic Civilization, Academic and Research link in various areas of mutual interest as well as Information-related and Humanitarian activities. Cooperation in defending Muslim rights and Islamic values in Muslim-minority countries can lead to a better understanding among the Muslim countries. Serious and practical steps should be taken to promote Arabic, the language of the Qur'an and of eternal paradise, throughout the Muslim world with a view to making it the common language of the Ummah. This will definitely increase the psychological and spiritual bondage between the Muslim people.

COMSTECH (6)

COMSTECH is the Standing Committee on Scientific and Technological Cooperation of the Organization of Islamic Conference (OIC). OIC member countries should promote science and technology to bring the Muslim nation at par with advanced nations. OIC countries should endeavor to promote rapid industrialization, strengthen the agricultural sector, and provide adequate health care for all, including the rural population.

The development of adequate basic infrastructure such as energy, communication and transportation, a substantial increase in export of both manufactured goods and services, and attainment of leadership in key areas of science and technology such as genetic engineering, biotechnology, engineering science, micro electronics, information technology, defense technology, are the need of the hour. These efforts have to be deployed in a mission-oriented and time-targeted mode for achieving a substantial increase in the Gross Domestic Product within a reasonable time frame. The OIC countries can play a vital role in science and technology in Emergency Preparedness, disaster preparedness, during, earth quake, tornadoes, volcanic eruptions, bomb explosions, etc., asking the Muslim world to invest all efforts to advance in these fields for all-round progress. Islamic countries should take efficient measures to control the devastating damage caused by pollution emanating from toxic waste, which brings about climatic changes along with the degradation of biological and socio- economic conditions. The Islamic Development Bank should continue its cooperation with member countries to meet the challenges of new millennium for fostering scientific and technological development.

ISESCO (7)

The position Islamic countries hold toward the challenges faced by science and scientists are similar to those from developing countries. Environmental issues need to be on the forefront of priorities set in the agenda of the next millennium.

Dr. Abdulaziz Othman Altwaijri, director general of the Islamic Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ISESCO), reiterated that one of the imbalances characterizing modern society is that assistance programs, regional and international alike, have fallen short of upgrading scientific performance in the developing countries. He adds that these countries still suffer from the weakness of public institutions, which are no longer capable of ensuring the required measure of stability. Furthermore, their educational and training facilities are not apt for the creation of qualified manpower, let alone a nucleus of scientific staff of international caliber. "The situation is further compounded by the inadequate scientific research capacities, which does not augur well for the harnessing of endogenous natural resources, the production of new technologies and the fulfilment of the needs of an ever-increasing population", explains Altwaijri. "As a result, economic and social conditions will go on exacerbating, leading to thorny problems and crises." (7).

To alleviate the suffering of developing countries, the required assistance should be rendered to them so that they can achieve the greatest measure of scientific and technological progress. This is to be accomplished through knitting close ties of technical and financial cooperation between developing and developed countries as well as the competent international agencies. "These ties have to focus on the transfer of scientific knowledge and expertise, the opening of sustainable development avenues before them, the extension of further financial resources, in addition to ensuring optimal planning of their projects through updating the scientific and technological development efforts as a matter of top priority, then setting forth the objectives, and allocating sufficient financial resources on the basis of national commitments to proceed in this direction," explains Altwaijri.(7)

In a move to demonstrate this commitment science and education ministers of the Organization of Islamic Countries (OIC) endorsed a draft strategy for developing science and technology in the Muslim world. The strategy's main recommendation is that governments should allocate a minimum of one per cent of their gross domestic product for scientific and technological development. Despite agreeing to do this, many of the ministers admitted that a goal of one per cent was unrealistic. Many delegates commented that such a target would be too difficult for most OIC member countries to achieve. All developing countries have no option but to increase their investment on science if they want to lift themselves above the pile of underdeveloped nations. A particularly pressing priority is human resource development, and secondly regional cooperation-both need funding.

COMSTECH-IFC (8)

The Organization of Islamic Conference Standing Committee on Scientific and Technological Cooperation (COMSTECH) in collaboration with the International Foundation for Sciences (IFS) is providing support in the form of research grants to young scientists of merit in OIC member countries.

According to COMSTECH sources, an amount of more than Rs 36 million would be spent over a period of five years on the project. The grants are awarded in six different research areas within the general framework of "Management, use and conservation of Biological Resources", viz Aquatic resources, animal production (including veterinary medicine), crop science, forestry/agro-forestry, food science and natural products.

The research grants are awarded up to a maximum value of $12,000 for a period of one to three years and may be renewed twice. They were intended for the purchase of equipment, supplies for experiments and laboratory analysis, for buying scientific journals and other literature etc.

One of the problems, facing the scientists in the OIC member states, is the lack of scientific equipment, scientific libraries and consumables, required for carrying out research. As a result, the scientists, who return to their countries after obtaining PhD degrees from reputable foreign universities, often find that they could not productively contribute to the development of their own country because of the lack of proper facilities.

This had been responsible for growing frustration among the scientific community and many of them go abroad, causing brain drain and further aggravating the status of science in their own country. The COMSTECH has initiated this program for supporting scientific research projects of young scientists in key areas of science and technology. The research grants are meant for applicants who are citizens of, and carry out the research in, an OIC member state.

Cooperation between Muslim countries (9)

The first verse of the Quran that was revealed and inspired Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) was "Iqra" or to acquire knowledge and emphasized the importance of learning in human life.

"Read in the name of thy Lord who creates." The Noble Qur'an also says "Rabbi Zidni Ilmaa" that is to pray to Allah for increase in knowledge. According to the Qur'an only men of knowledge really fear Allah most.

There are many Ahadith, which emphasize the spiritual value of learning and of the need for all Muslims to expand their knowledge in all ways. The Noble Prophet (peace be upon him) has said, the learned men are his heirs. Also with learning Allah (SWT) raised a people and makes them pioneers in whose path others will follow and whose examples others will take. Prophet of Islam also said, seek knowledge though it be in China. It was in such a spirit and encouraged by such words that the Arabs re-lit the torch of learning in Europe and bore it triumphantly aloft to illumine what would otherwise have remained for the West, the Dark Ages. Islamic Education brought light wherever there had been darkness before. From the very beginning Muslims were encouraged to do all they could to further the cause of education.

Joseph Hell in his well-known book, Arab Civilization (Joseph Hell, "The Arab Civilization." Tr. Khuda Baksh, Lahore 1943), explains why education was bound to flourish wherever Islam spread, in these words: Islam encouraged a noble ambition for learning, a craving for learning, a spirit of tolerance, a restless ambition to extend wider and yet wider the frontier of knowledge which so distinguishes the Muslims' mentality and stimulated lofty purpose. Joseph Hell continues in the Arab Civilization: "In the domain of trigonometry, the theory of Sine, Cosine and tangent is an heirloom of the Arabs. The brilliant epochs of Peurbach, of Regiomontanus, of Copernicus, cannot be recalled without reminding us of the fundamental and preparatory labor of the Arab Mathematician (Al-Battani, 858-929A.D.)."

"The adoption of the sign of 'Zero' (Arabic Sifr or Cipher) was a step of the highest importance, leading up to the so called arithmetic of positions. With the help of the Arab system of numbers, elementary methods of calculations were perfected; the doctrines of the properties of, and relations between, the equal and the unequal and prime numbers, squares and cubes, were elaborated; Algebra was enriched by the solution of the third degree and fourth degrees, with the help of geometry, and so on. About the year 820 CE the mathematician Al-Khwarizmi, wrote a text book of Algebra in examples, and his elementary treatise - translated into Latin - was used by Western scholars down to the sixteenth century."

Pakistan's educational system was introduced by the British in order to alienate the Muslims. The British educational system completely scrapped the Islamic way of education. Persian and Arabic, the pride of the Muslim ruling elite, where replaced with the English language. The curriculum was designed to serve the purposes of the colonial empire and not to promote the intellectual growth of the students. The British rule in India, gave a fatal blow to the system of education that distinguished the Muslims from the rest of the communities of the Subcontinent. With the passage of time the Muslims were alienated and their system of education suffered heavily.

At the time of independence, 14th August 1947, Pakistan had only two universities. In the first educational conference in Pakistan that was held on l7th November 1947, Quaid-i-Azam outlined an educational philosophy, which incorporated Islamic education and modern science and technology. The conference made a number of recommendations meant to make the educational system stronger and relevant to country's needs.
In Pakistan today there are 26 universities (General: 14, Engineering: 8, Agriculture: 4) that are giving higher education to the students with 9 universities in the private sector. Literacy rate in Pakistan (1996 Estimates) is 37.9 per cent. (9)

After the Second World War many Muslim countries became independent. Most of these countries are situated in Asia and Africa. Many Muslim countries in Central Asia got independence after the breakup of the Soviet Union. After gaining independence these countries gave due importance to education which was previously dominated by their colonial rulers-Great Britain, France, Italy, Portugal, Spain and also Soviet Union, institutions of higher learning were established and students were sent abroad for education in science and technology.

At present there are 56 independent Muslim States, members of the OIC, total number of Universities and Institutions of Higher Education and Research in the Muslim Ummah is above 1000. The average literacy rate in the Muslim world is 35 per cent.

Taking the economic development index as a parameter for development, one can see the disparity between the Muslim world and the developed world.

According to statistics, only six Islamic countries fall in the high human development index (HDI), 22 in the medium and as many as 23 in low HDI category, according to the UN. The highest-ranking Islamic country is 36th while the lowest 173rd, in the HDI list of 178 countries. The total GNP of the 56 OIC member countries is only $1.1 trillion, which is less than that of France with $1.5 trillion and only one fifth that of Japan which has a GNP of $ 5.1 trillion, with no natural resources but has 1000 universities including 120 of them in Tokyo alone. The total number of universities in OIC countries is 328 while Tokyo alone has 120.The OIC region, as a whole needs at least 12000 universities. The entire Muslim world constituting one-fifth of humanity, contributes barely 1000 research articles out of 100,000 science books and 2,000,000 research articles published annually. While the West has an average of 3000 science PhDs per million populations, our number is so dismally small that even the statistic was not available. (9)

Pakistani nuclear scientist Dr. Abdul Qadeer Khan can says "Universities should give emphasis on technology and research in scientific education and only by paying full attention to the scientific education, we can compete with the developed countries of the world."(9)

Scholars agree that the true wealth of a nation lies in the quality of education with which its people are blessed and its ability to use its educated masses for economic development. It is a fact that the contribution of science and technology to economic growth is now widely recognized. After gaining independence, the Muslim countries' emphasis on science and technology is very poor. Because of this, most of the Muslim countries are defined as poor and under-developed. There are only 8 countries, which can be described as developing. .
As stated above there are more than 1000 Universities and institutions of higher learning and research in the Muslim world. It is amazing to note that most of the Muslim countries do not have educational links/contacts between them. Though some positive steps have been taken in this direction yet more efforts are required to develop linkage/contacts between educational and research institutions of the Muslim world. The Muslim Ummah must realize the demands of the 21st century and give due importance to education. The Muslim world must lay the groundwork of constructive, dynamic and meaningful revolution among the minds of our youth through education. For this, expansion in educational links/contacts between Muslim countries be so planned that these countries could benefit from each others' experiences and expertise. (9)
Linkage be established between prestigious Universities and Institutes of Higher Learning of the Muslim world for inviting well-known scholars to visit and deliver external lectures. During this visit scholar can meet colleagues and advanced students, advise on academic programs, and explore the possibilities for collaborative research. Under such a scheme a prominent scholar from an Arab University might visit a number of universities of an Asian Muslim country or a distinguished researcher from Central Asian Muslim country work in some Muslim country in Africa, of course, these are just examples. (9)

Similarly teachers/students could be sent to be exchanged between Muslim countries for further training and gaining more practical experience. This will also create an atmosphere of mutual understanding and friendship. Literacy rate in some of the Muslim countries is as high as 97.5 per cent (Central Asian Republics) whereas in Niger (Africa) the literacy rate is only 19 per cent. In Afghanistan it is 10 percent or less after the unending Civil War. Coordination can be worked out for exchange of experience to raise literacy rate in Muslim African countries with the assistance of Central Asian Republics.
Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) can be signed between Research Institutes of Muslim countries to gain experience and share results of research in the same field. For example a MoU can be worked out between Cholistan Institute of Desert Studies (CHIDS) attached to the Islamia University in Bahawalpur, Pakistan with Arab Center for the Study of Arid Zones and Dry Lands (ACSAD), Damascus, Syria. Both these institutes are working on problems of desertification, process of conservation and development. Likewise Memorandum of Understanding could be signed between Pakistan Atomic Energy Commission, Islamabad, Pakistan with Ankara Nuclear Research and Training Center, Ankara, Turkey. This will help two brother Muslim countries to share their research and experience in the peaceful uses of atomic energy in the field of power generation, industry, agriculture and medicine. These are just some of the examples for links/contacts between the Muslim countries. (9)

This is the age of information technology. Muslim countries can link their Universities and Institutes of Higher Learning through Internets and e-mail to share their experiences in the different fields of research and to achieve positive results. Expansion in Educational Linkage/Contacts programs between the Muslim countries could be established through the assistance of Paris-based UNESCO, Rabat-based Islamic Education, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ISESCO), Tunis-based Arab League Education, Cultural and Scientific Organization (ALESCO), Nairobi-based African Network of Scientific and Technological Institutions (ANSTI) and such other International and Regional institutions. (9)

Muslims have entered 21st Century. It will be commendable if Pakistan takes lead to establish Education Linkage/Contacts programs between the Muslim countries. It is a fact that education is corner stone of development. It has been proved that education make a significant and positive impact on employment, earning, productivity, health and the control over population growth. Developed nations like Japan, Korea, Hong Kong, Singapore and Taiwan had all made considerable investment in education with the result that they achieved rapid economic growth. If the Muslim world wishes to join the ranks of the developed countries they will have to coordinate in the fields of education and research by expanding educational link/contacts programs, as education plays a vital role in development. (9)

We all know that Ummah is going through very crucial stage. At this juncture of time unity within our ranks is most important than ever.
FUTURE (10)

There is nothing in the teachings of Islam that contends against learning, against science, and against technology. The pursuit of knowledge and scientific research is the birthright of every Muslim woman and every Muslim man.

The rediscovery of Islamic science and technology in the 21st century is an intellectually formidable task requiring a sustained effort over several decades. The first step to be taken for scientific rebirth is ijtihad, to exert the utmost effort, to struggle; to do one's best to know something. Ijtihad, after the Qur'an and Prophetic traditions, is the third source of Islamic law.

Muslim countries should unitedly aim at applying science and technology in the building of a new Islamic civilization. This will prevent the imbalance, disharmony and disintegration in almost every field of human endeavor such as social, economic, cultural, political or any other. This goal can be achieved by simultaneously implementing the following:

The Islamization of Muslim scientists and technologists who are trained by western science and technology. The training of young Muslims in Islamic science and technology.

Currently the problem in the Muslim countries is that the Ulema do not have any knowledge of modern science and technology and the Muslim scientists and technologists do not have mastery of Islamic sources of knowledge. As we know the Ulema exert the greatest influence on the Muslim masses. It appears that it is easier and practical to train Muslim scientists and technologists trained in western education in Islamic sources of knowledge instead of training our Ulema in science and technology.

To train our younger generation into Islamic science and technology there is a need to develop a new curricula incorporating Islamic values in science and technology and also writing of textbooks in science and technology at all levels of education: primary, secondary, and higher education.

Muslim countries have established organizations to meet their religious, political, economic and social needs such as the OIC (Organization of Islamic Conference), Arab League, Muslim World Bank, Muslim World League, World Assembly of Muslim Youth (WAMY), etc. Organizations like COMSTECH, ISESCO should be vested with more powers and strengthened with huge funding. Therefore there is an urgent need to establish the following:

Islamic Academy of Sciences.

Think-Tank institutions to solve scientific and technological problems of the Muslim countries

Islamic Foundations to award grants.

Recognition of Muslim scientists.

Establishment of Alternatives to Nobel Prizes, such as King Faizal Awards.

Prizes for work done or accomplishments of Muslim scientists and technologists.

Islamic Atomic Energy Agency where Muslim scientists and engineers from Muslim countries can be trained in the peaceful uses of nuclear energy and transfer of technology.

Exchange of Muslim scholars in the sciences and engineering at Post-graduate level, faculty level and senior faculty level.

Holding of Annual Meetings at the national and international level.

Fortunately, Allah (SWT) has given a bounty to many Islamic countries, an income over 100 billion dollars per year. Hence, Islamic countries have the opportunity and resources to make Islamic sciences and technology NUMBER ONE in the world, once again. Let us ignite the spark of our great achievements to be materialized in the near future. Let the Muslim scientists and engineers in the western world contribute to the health, welfare and prosperity of our less fortunate brothers and sisters in the Islamic countries by contributing our brilliance.

REFERENCES:
1. Muslim Unity in the Face of Challenges and Threats, a speech given by Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad at Cairo's Al Azhar University. The Australian newspaper, Feb. 10, 2003

JUNETEENTH

2008-11-09T11:37:00.000-08:00

It was brought to my attention that a few Immigrant Muslims look down upon Afro-American Muslims. I am saddened and hurt to hear this. Islam is colorblind.

Racism and discrimination is anti-thesis of Islam. This dramatically weakens Ummati Muhammadi.

Islam is gaining most of its U.S. converts in prisons and on university campuses. The majority of American converts to Islam-85 to 90 percent- are Afro-Americans. There are 40 million Afro-Americans in USA, that is 13 to 14 per cent of the American Population. Of the estimated 6 million Muslims in the U.S., 2.6 million are Afro-Americans. Hence Afro-American Muslims constitute 45 percent of the Muslim Ummah in America. They are the largest group, followed by South Asian Muslims. "One out of every 15 Afro-Americans identifies himself or herself as Muslim," Anglo women make up an another demographic with a surprisingly high conversion rate in the U.S.

If all the Afro-American brothers and sisters become Muslims, we can change the political landscape of America. I can guarantee the Foreign Policy of this country will be pro-Islamic and Muslim-Friendly. In the US Government there is not a single Congressman or Congresswoman who is a Muslim. There is not a single Senator who is a Muslim. It is the same story in the State Governments. No Muslim Legislators.

There are many African-American brothers at various correctional Institutions like, Luther-Luckett, KSR (Kentucky State Reformatory), Roderer, Black Burn, North Point, Marion County, Bettysville, Eddyville, Central City, West Liberty, Jefferson county Jail, and many other correctional facilities in the State of Kentucky, where the Muslim inmates need Taleem, Tarbiyat, Jumuah Khutbahs, For Muslims it is an excellent opportunity for doing Da'wah and Tableegh. Alhamdulillah, Louisville has a group of dedicated Muslims who do Tableegh regularly. They go for Tableegh for 3 days or 30 days or 4 months. To do Da'wah work in the correctional institutions, you need to spend just one hour per week. For sisters who want to do Da'wah work you can visit KENTUCKY CORRECTIONAL INSTITUTION FOR WOMEN located at 2401 Ash Avenue in Pee Wee Valley. Phone: 241-8454. To visit these places the Security staff need your Social Security number and Date of Birth ahead of your visit.

I appeal to the Tableeghi Jamaat brothers and sisters and challenge them to visit the correctional institutions. Charity begins at home. LIGHT A CANDLE IN YOUR HOUSE, BEFORE YOU LIGHT A CANDLE IN THE MASJID. One has to do the Da'wah and Tableegh work for the pleasure of Allah or "Fee Sabil Allah". The reward you get is the Ajar you get from Allah (SWT). The reward one gets from Allah (SWT) is intangible (indefinable, insubstantial). For doing Da'wah work one has to be self-less and humble. For doing Tableeghi work or Da'wah work you will not appear in the TV News, Your story will not appear in the Courier Journal and your photograph will not be published in the Courier-Journal. On the other hand if you participate in the INTER-FAITH DIALOG, INTER-FAITH DINNER, your face will be broadcast in the TV News and your photograph will appear in the Courier-Journal. There will be a write up about you and what you said in the Courier-Journal. What is your priority?

We have excuses. We all feel we are very busy. We calculate if we Invest our time and effort what do we get materially. People argue TIME IS MONEY. And someone will also say " I CANNOT GIVE MY TIME FREE." If there is a worldly gain, then we have no excuses, we find the time.

In every community you will find someone fond of talking about "AAKHIRA". But that very person, relentlessly pursues, by every possible ways and means for material gains and enrichment. Owning three or more houses, several cars, shopping centers, huge bank balances, but leading a miserly life. If this is not hypocrisy then what? Whenever someone mentions the word "AAKHIRA" we need to examine that person's background. Empty vessels make a lot of noise. SILENT WATERS RUN DEEP. My experience shows that people who do Da'wah work are doing it for the pleasure of Allah (SWT) and they do not do it for the glitter of this mundane world. They are self-less workers who do not expect any NAME and FAME. They have IKHLAAS or SINCERITY in their hearts. They want to reach out and touch someone. Why not we lift the spirits of those incarcerated Muslims in our neighborhood Correctional Institutions.

Islam gives dignity and lifts the morale, and we Muslims should not disappoint our Afro-American Muslim brothers and sisters.

Better to light one small candle than to curse the darkness.

- Chinese Proverb

If we cannot reach out locally, how can we reach out globally to our brothers and sisters in Palestine, Chechnya, Kashmir and Philippines.

Allah (SWT) says in the Qur'an:

O mankind! Lo! We have created you male and female, and have made

You nations and tribes that you may know one another. Lo! The noblest

Of you, in the sight of Allah, is the best in conduct.

Lo! Allah is knower, Aware.

Al-Hujuraat, 49: 13

JUNETEENTH

As Muslims we need to share in the joys and the misfortunes of fellow Muslims-particularly the Afro-American Muslims.

The Prophet (peace be upon him) intermixed his fingers while saying this.

And [they indoctrinate themselves with] the saying of [the Prophet] (peace be upon him): "The example of the believers in their affection and compassion and benevolence is like the body; If one part of it becomes ill the whole body comes to its aid with fever and sleeplessness." (Reported by al-Bukhari and Muslim)

WHAT IS JUNETEENTH?

In six days, next Thursday, June 19th, Insha'Allah, our Afro-American brothers and sisters will celebrate Juneteenth. It is not June tenth, but June Nineteenth.

Juneteenth or June 19, 1865, is considered the date when the last slaves in America were freed. Although the rumors of freedom were widespread prior to this, actual emancipation did not come until General Gordon Granger rode into Galveston, Texas and issued General Order No. 3, on June 19, almost two and a half years after President Abraham Lincoln signed the Emancipation Proclamation.

BUT DIDN'T THE EMANCIPATION PROCLAMATION FREE THE ENSLAVED?

President Lincoln issued the Emancipation Proclamation on September 22, 1862, notifying the states in rebellion against the Union that if they did not cease their rebellion and return to the Union by January 1, 1863, he would declare their slaves forever free. Needless to say, the proclamation was ignored by those states that seceded from the Union. Furthermore, the proclamation did not apply to those slave-holding states that did not rebel against the Union. As a result about 8,000,000 slaves were unaffected by the provisions of the proclamation. It would take a civil war to enforce the Emancipation Proclamation and the 13th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution to formally outlaw slavery in the United States.

WHEN IS JUNETEENTH CELEBRATED?

Annually, on June 19, in more than 200 cities in the United States. Texas (and Oklahoma) is the only state that has made Juneteenth a legal holiday. Some cities sponsor week-long celebrations, culminating on June 19, while others hold shorter celebrations.

The Meaning of Juneteenth-Freedom

Freedom meant more than the right to travel freely. It meant the right to name one's self and many freedmen gave themselves new names. County courthouses were overcrowded as blacks applied for licenses to legalize their marriages. Emancipation allowed ex-slaves the right to assemble and openly worship as they saw fit. Muslims started to pray Salat and changed their names to Muslim names.

Freedom implied that for the first time, United States laws protected the rights of blacks. There was a run on educational primers as freed men and woman sought the education that had for so long been denied them. The Bureau of Refuges, Freedmen and Abandoned Lands, commonly known as the Freedmen's Bureau, was founded by Congress in March 1865 to provide relief services for former slaves. The promise of emancipation gave freedmen optimism for the future; few realized slavery's bitter legacy was just beginning to unfold and that equality was to remain an elusive dream.

At the beginning of Reconstruction, the period immediately following the end of the Civil War, rumors were rampant that every freedman would be given forty acres and a mule. The optimism was short-lived, however, and soon replaced by a betrayal so soul shattering, blacks questioned whether the United States was serious about granting them their freedom. Ex-slaves found for the most part, that despite the Freedman's Bureau, they were left to fend for themselves. The abject poverty and the racism that maintained it, prohibited any hope for assimilation into American society.

Ex-slaves entered freedom under the worst possible conditions. Most were turned loose penniless and homeless, with only the clothes on their back. Ex-slaves were, as Frederick Douglas said, "free, without roofs to cover them, or bread to eat, or land to cultivate, and as a consequence died in such numbers as to awaken the hope of their enemies that they would soon disappear."

The other side of emancipation was high expectations gave way to heart-crushing disillusionment. Slavery weakened America's moral authority.

It's amazing that despite living under the most inhumane conditions known to humankind, Afro-Americans contributed everything from agricultural inventions, to medical breakthroughs, to music. Enslaved artisans crafted incredible sculptures, designed beautiful buildings and helped build a nation. Afro-Americans preserved a culture and succeeded in passing down a legacy of music, language, food, religion and a lesson in survival. We'll never know how many scientists, engineers, doctors and artists were lost on the trip over on the slave ships or after they arrived.

While the painful side of slavery makes it difficult for many Afro-Americans to celebrate Juneteenth, it is the positive legacy of perseverance and cooperation that makes it impossible for others to ignore.

There is no leader for Muslims in North America, particularly in the Afro-American Muslim Community. There is a vacuum since the departure of Al-Hajj Malik Al-Shabazz, popularly known as Malcolm X.

Bilal Ibn Rabah ----Sahaba and Muezzin

Bilal, an African (from Abysynnia- present day Ethiopia and Eritrea) slave owned by Umayyah ibn Khalaf, a leader of a powerful Meccan tribe. The misfortune of Hadrat Bilal (RA) is that both of his parents(mother and father) were slaves. Hadrat Bilal (RA) recognized the purity and truth of the Prophet Muhammad’s (SAS) message. He became one of the Prophet’s (SAS) closest and most trusted companions, the first man to give adhan to the Muslims in Medina.

Hadrat Bilal (RA) was one of the first believers, and he accepted the message of Islam. He embraced the belief that man is only a slave to God and not to other men and that men and women are all equal in the eyes of God. Most importantly he rejected the polytheistic practices of the Quraysh (the most powerful tribe of Mecca). Bilal’s conversion sparked anger and hatred in his owner. Umayyah used torture to try to change Bilal’s stance on the Oneness of God. This torture included chaining and starvation. Hadrat Bilal (RA) continually repeated Ahad, Ahad (the oneness of God). This angered Umayyah all the more and eventually Umayyah set out to kill Bilal. Bilal was chained and placed out in the hot desert sun with no cover and when he refused to bend he was tortured by a boulder being placed over his body, smashing him. Hadrat Abu Bakr (RA) heard about the cruel torture and approached Umayyah to protest such cruel behavior.

Umayyah refused to relieve Bilal of his torture; therefore Abu Bakr offered to buy Bilal. The asking price was an exorbitant amount of five ounces of gold (about $2,000 dollars in today's price). Abu Bakr agreed and Bilal was freed.

In Medina Hadrat Bilal remained a close companion to the Prophet Muhammad (SAS). The Muslims appreciated Bilal’s beautiful voice, which was one of the wonderful attributes given to him by God. Hadrat Bilal became the first Muezzin, a person who calls people to prayer, and gave the adhan, call to prayer, to the Muslims in Medina. Bilal was a soft spoken and patient man who was so reliable and devoted that he became Prophet Muhammad’s (SAS) treasurer. Bilal was responsible for providing for all the poor Muslim travelers who arrived in Medina. He was highly respected and considered an important aspect to the community. When Prophet Muhammad (SAS) returned to Mecca as a conqueror, Hadrat Bilal was one of his most valued companions as well as one of his most important warriors. The Prophet ordered Bilal(RA) to make the adhan on the rooftop of the Ka'bah. History attests that Hadrat Bilal (RA) occupied a distinguished position among the Prophet's companions.

The story of Bilal, one of the companions of the Prophet Muhammad (SAS), shows the equality of all men and women under Islam. Bilal was the African slave of a rich Arab

man, yet he was accepted as one of the most knowledgeable and respected of Muslim men.

Slavery and Prophet Muhammad

Prophet Muhammad freed Zayd and treated him like a son. When Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) received the Divine Revelations of Islam, slavery among the Pagan Arabs, Jews and Christians was quite common. When he came with Allah Almighty's True Religion of Islam, he gradually eliminated slavery. He couldn't enforce it all at once, because it would've caused Islam to be an unsuccessful religion toward freeing slaves, and would certainly have broken Islam's system for ending slavery.

By gradually freeing slaves and making it to be acceptable to the society of many different pagan cultures and traditions, the idea of eliminating slavery became powerful enough that after Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) died, the freed slaves remained free and none of them was ever enslaved again.

Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said:

Narrated Abu Musa Al-Ash'ari: "The Prophet said, "Give food to the hungry, pay a visit to the sick and release (set free) the one in captivity (by paying his ransom)."

(Translation of Sahih Bukhari, Food, Meals, Volume 7, Book 65, Number 286)"

Always remember!

It was not Islam that started slavery, but it was Islam that ultimately ended it.

Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), 570 - 632 AD, said "He will not enter paradise who behaveth ill to his slaves. The companions said, "O Apostle of God! Have you not told us, that there will be a great many slaves and orphans amongst your disciples?" He said," Yes, then be kind to them as your own children, and give them to eat of what you eat yourselves. The slaves that say their prayers are your brothers." and "yield obedience to my successor, although he may be an Abyssinian slave."

The first call to prayer at the Quba mosque built by Prophet Muhammad was given in 622 CE by Hadrat Bilal (RA) - a black slave freed by Hadrat Abu Bakr (RA). On the contrary, The Supreme Court of the United States declared in 1857 that the slave Dred Scott could not sue for his freedom because he was not a person, but property.

Khutbah- Part II

In the ancient Sacred Texts, one can read in Sanskrit "Manava Seva Madhava Seva" Which means "SERVICE TO MANKIND IS SERVICE TO GOD." This is most beautifully illustrated in Haidth Qudsi No. 18.

Hadith Qudsi 18

Allah (SWT) says, "O son of Adam, I fell ill and you visited Me not. He (a human being) will say: O Lord, and how should I visit You when You are the Lord of the worlds? He (Allah (SWT)) will say: Did you not know that My servant So-and-so had fallen ill and you visited him not? Did you not know that had you visited him you would have found Me with him? O son of Adam, I asked you for food and you fed Me not. He (man) will say: O Lord, and how should I feed You when You are the Lord of the worlds? He (Allah (SWT) will say: Did you not know that My servant So-and-so asked you for food and you fed him not? Did you not know that had you fed him you would surely have found that (the reward for doing so) with Me? O son of Adam, I asked you to give Me to drink and you gave Me not to drink. He (man) will say: O Lord, how should I give You to drink when You are the Lord of the worlds? He (Allah (SWT) will say: My servant So-and-so asked you to give him to drink and you gave him not to drink. Alas, if you had given him to drink, you would have surely found that (i.e. reward) with Me.

Being of service to others is a way of life that leads to happiness and salvation.

Allah forgave a prostitute of her sins because she gave water to a dying dog.

Rasool-Allah (SAS) said, "A prostitute was forgiven by Allah, because, passing by a panting dog near a well and seeing that the dog was about to die of thirst, she took off her shoe, and tying it with her head-cover she drew out some water for it. So, Allah forgave her because of that.", Narrated Abu Hurayrah. Vol.4, Book 54, Number 538 Sahih Bukhari

So what will be the case for the one who feeds other humans, giving them comfort and removing from them hardships!

Hatim at-Taai who was known far and wide for his chivalry and fabulous generosity. ...

Hatim said in some of his beautiful couplets, commanding his servant to search for guests: "Burn the coals, for truly, the night is chilly. If you bring me a guest, then I set you free." And he said to his wife:
"Whenever you make food, then search for the one who is hungry, as I do not eat alone."

His son Adiyy ibn Hatim at-Taai who was a Christian became a Muslim in the ninth year of the Hijrah. He was also an Arab King.

Abdullah ibn Mubarak was a great scholar, mujahid, Sufi, and jurist. Ibn Mubarak's neighbour was a Jew. He would always feed him before his own children and would provide clothing for him first and then for his children. Some people said to the Jew, 'Sell us your house.' He answered, 'My house is for two thousand dinars. One thousand is for the price of the house and one thousand is for having Ibn Mubarak as a neighbour!' Ibn Mubarak heard of this and he exclaimed, 'O' Allah! Guide him to Islam.' Then, by the leave of Allah, he accepted Islam.

Among his many virtues is that Ibn Mubarak was fond of performing Hajj regularly and even paid the expenses of all the members of his Hajj group. During one such trip he saw that at a stopover, the people of another caravan threw a dead chicken in the trash. Moments later a little girl emerged from a nearby house, and rushed home with that dead bird. Curious, Abdullah ibn Mubarak followed her. He found that the girl lived with her widowed mother and they had no source of income. They had been starving for days. Seeing this he gave all the money he had for the Hajj trip to the poor family and returned home. The Hajj being voluntary was a personal passion. It meant a lot and he had already undertaken a big part of the difficult journey. But when faced with the need of a destitute family, he immediately knew what he had to do. His commitment was not to the Hajj trip, it was to serving Allah.

Later, he saw someone in a dream saying, 'Your pilgrimage has been accepted, as have your rites, and your sins have been forgiven." (Details Taken From - "Don't Be Sad" by Shaykh Aaidh Al-Qarni.)

IN SUMMARY, Muslims are those who, when denied, give thanks to their Lord, and when bestowed with plenty give preference and pass it on to others in need. He should always be willing to loose in order that others may gain from him. In other words, he is not a selfish person. A Muslim always thinks more about giving help and providing relief to others, than of receiving help. He seeks good of others regardless of the cost to himself. He shares with other human beings both their sorrows and joys. He is readily available with help during times of adversity. A Muslim anticipates wants of others without intruding or imposing. He constantly looks for ways to help the insecure among people both wanted and needed and finds out about ways and means to enrich the lives of the needy.

Integrate Modern and Islamic Education

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The prominence of education in Islam is well known to all of us. The very first verse of the Qur’an revealed to the Prophet of Al-Islam (SAS) on the night of power (Laylathul Qadr) in the month of Ramadan in 611 CE reads:

Read: In the name of thy Lord who created

Created man from a leech like clot

Read: And thy Lord is the Most bounteous

Who taught by the Pen Taught man that which he knew not.

Surah: A1-’Alaq (The Clot), 96:1-5

As we see the very first word of the Qur’anic revelation starts with ‘IQRA’ (read) or recite. Some scholars rightly think “Iqra” should be the sixth pillar of Islam. In Surah al-Zamar the Qur’an asks its readers “Can they be equal-those who know and those who do not know? and the famous Ahadith that “The ink of the scholar’s pen is more sacred than the blood of the martyr” and “The best form of worship is the pursuit of knowledge” are known to all. The Glorious Qur’an categorically states that those who are educated and enlightened can truly understand the Glory and Majesty of the Creator. How can an illiterate Muslim understand and appreciate the Signs of Allah (SWT) as commanded in the Qur’an. (2:118,164,219-220; 3:190; 10:5-6; 30:20-27; 45:3-6, etc.)

The followers of Islam should be educated believers and Islam is the religion of the educated masses, otherwise they cannot read, understand and implement the teachings and guidance of Qur’an Majid.

With such a magnificent background one would have expected the Muslim community to be the world leaders in education leading various nations from darkness into light. Yes, they did for almost one thousand years, starting from the eighth century of the Common Era. Unfortunately the picture today is very different and the average literacy rate is about 38% among the Muslims of the world.

In India, the national male literacy rate is 54%, but the Muslim male literacy rate is 18%. The national female literacy rate is 38%, whereas the Muslim female literacy rate is less than 5%. The average literacy rate for Muslims of the world is around 38 percent and in rural areas in Muslim countries, the illiteracy rate among Muslim women is 93 to 97 per cent. In spite of comparable levels of development the mean rate for literacy for the Muslims is 35 per cent lower than that for the Third World, and 40 percent below the world’s average. The data suggests that almost two-thirds of the Muslims worldwide are illiterate. This low level of literacy, evidently, is responsible for the grinding poverty, the backwardness, and the deplorable conditions under which the vast majority of the Muslims live at present. Pakistan is the most scientifically and technologically advanced Muslim country, however, the literacy rate for Pakistan, home to the world’s second—largest Muslim Ummah, is even lower than the average for the Muslin nations. What is most shocking is that India, the second most populous nation in the world, has a significantly higher rate of literacy than Pakistan and Bangladesh. Why this deplorable state? What can be done to change this gloomy picture? There are hundreds, or even thousands of Madrasahs both in Pakistan and India where the children receive instructions only to become Alim/Fazil. Madrasahs are falsely accused of as breeding grounds for extremism. The world conditions demand that the education for Muslims should consist of an integration of modern and Islamic education. Pakistan President General Pervez Musharraf recently said, "People send their children to madrasahs because of the absence of educational institutions. We are working to bring the madrasahs into the mainstream. Now when students come out of them, they are only qualified to become religious scholars, which leads to the proliferation of mosques. We are trying to get them to include a more modern syllabus, with science and computer education. That way, madrasa graduates will qualify to get jobs in other fields. "

Computer literacy should start right from the primary school level. The aim of Islamic education is to initiate total change in a person-beliefs, actions, potential, faculties, thoughts, expressions, aspirations, energies and everything relating to that person; in other words the balanced development of the whole personality of a human being-the vice-regent of Allah on earth. It seeks to motivate every member of society to promote and encourage everything good (right) and discourage and forbid evil (wrong). Islamic education should facilitate the acquisition of knowledge, skills and virtues to achieve success and happiness not only in this life but also in the Aakhirah, by the Mercy and blessings of Allah (SWT).The Islamic Research Foundation International has been established to uplift the Muslim Ummah in general and particularly in the advancement of knowledge through spiritual and intellectual growth. The foundations of both the spiritual and intellectual growth are rooted in education. Hence the aims and objectives of the Islamic Research Foundation International are to award scholarships to Muslim students to advance their higher education in advanced countries, based on merit and open competition and to establish centers of higher learning. The most negligent area, which is vital for the intellectual growth of the Muslim Ummah, is research and development. Hence the e Islamic Research Foundation International has taken up this onerous responsibility to award grants to research workers based on merit and open competition. It is soliciting generous donations for an endowment fund to fulfill its aims and objectives.

I pray to Allah (SWT) for His Blessings and Mercy for all of guidance and us to follow His right path. Ameen!

Organ Donation Problems

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Organ donation is the charitable act or gift of an organ to help someone who needs a transplant. Americans are not donating their organs to be used after they die, and hence there are over 78,000 men, women, and children waiting for organ transplants in America, and 14 of these people die every day while waiting to receive an organ transplant. There are more than five people waiting for every organ made available by donation. An estimated two in three Americans have not indicated their wishes about donation. The United Network for Organ Sharing found slow growth in the number of organs from deceased donors. Kidneys from living donors are more likely to survive than those from deceased donors. In 1999, there were a total of 21,715 transplants performed in the United States, up 44 percent from 1990.

Some people have religious or cultural objections to donate organs. Living donors--those who volunteer a kidney or parts of their liver or lungs--are understandably reluctant: they must undergo potentially life-threatening surgery and put their own future health at risk.

More and more people with HIV and/or hepatitis B and/or hepatitis C are going to need organ transplants, particularly liver transplants. Europe and Singapore have what is called a Presumed Consent organ collection system. That means that when an accident occurs to a person who has not opted out, and brain death is declared, his or her organs can be taken immediately without the time.

First transplants

Thousands of people have their sight restored by donated corneas. A cornea was first transplanted in 1905. In 1918 Blood transfusion became established and the first successful kidney transplant took place in 1954. Christian Barnard in Cape Town, South Africa performed the first heart transplant in 1967.

Deaths on Waiting List

The number of deaths on the waiting list has also more than tripled—from 1,958 in 1990 to 6,125 in 1999. In 2001 more than 6,000 people in the U.S. died while waiting for an organ transplant. The dire shortfall of organs compared with patient demand is growing as the population ages and more people experience organ failure. New

Immunosuppressive drugs have helped bridge the gap by allowing surgeons to transplant an organ that is a less than perfect match; even then, there just aren't enough organs available.

There were 5,849 cadaveric, or dead, donors in 1999 an increase of 30 percent from 1990. Each donor can give 3 to 4 organs. Among cadaveric donors, 85 percent died due to head trauma or stroke. There were 4,712 living donors in 1999, more than twice the number in 1990. Of living donors, 35 percent were siblings, 18 percent were parents and 20 percent came from people who were not related.

Survival Rates

89 percent of kidneys taken from a cadaver and 95 percent of the patients who received them survived at least one year after transplant. Among those who got kidneys from living donors, 95 percent of kidneys and 98 percent of patients were alive a year later. 81 percent of livers and 88 percent of liver transplant patients survived at least a year. 85 percent of hearts and 86 percent of heart transplant patients survived at least a year.

What organs are transplanted?

Kidneys, heart, liver, lungs, pancreas, small bowel, corneas, heart valves and bone can all be transplanted. Skin can be used to treat patients with severe burns. Techniques are improving all the time and it may soon be practical to transplant other parts of the body. An individual can donate heart, lungs, kidneys, pancreas, liver and small bowel.

Tissue that can be donated includes corneas, skin, bone and heart valves. Corneas can be transplanted to restore the sight of a person who has a severe eye disease or injury. Bone and tendons are used for reconstruction after an injury or during joint replacement surgery. A bone transplant can prevent limb amputation in patients suffering from bone cancer.

Heart valves are used to help children born with heart defects and adults with diseased or damaged valves. Skin grafts are used as protective dressings to help save the lives of people with severe burns.

Most people can donate tissue. Unlike organs, tissue can be donated up to 24 hours after a person has died and can be stored for longer periods.

Reproductive organs and tissue are not taken from dead donors.

Who can be a donor?

A person under sixteen can donate an organ provided the parents or guardian agree to donation. Older people can donate in the case of cornea and some other tissue, age does not matter. For other organs it is the person's physical condition, not age, which is the deciding factor. Doctors decide in each case which organs/tissue are suitable. Organs from people in their seventies and eighties are transplanted successfully.

Color of the Skin

Color of the skin of the donor does not matter. However, organs are matched by blood group and tissue type and the better the match, the greater the chance of a successful result. Patients from the same ethnic group are more likely to be a close match. It is important that people from all ethnic backgrounds to donate organs. Successful transplants are carried out between people from different ethnic groups wherever the matching criteria are met.

The organ shortage has led various policymakers to propose radical steps. U.S. policy makers are proposing to provide financial incentives to living donors or to the families of deceased donors. One approach, which has been instituted in Pennsylvania and is supported by the American Society of Transplant Surgeons, offers families who donate a loved one's organs $300 in food and lodging expenses. Medical journals are advocating the program assert that the amount of money is intentionally small to "express appreciation" for the donation but not to serve as a payment. It is similar to the token coffee mug or umbrella one receives after donating to public radio or television. More important, some are agonized that these programs would mark the first step in encouraging an inhumane and delicately coercive market for spare body parts. In Islam, buying and selling of human organs for transplantation is prohibited. It should be done only as Sadaqah.

Although the outright purchase of organs is illegal in nearly every country in the world, a number have black markets for living-donor organs, and the results have been frightening. A study of 305 living kidney donors in Madras (Chennai), India, found that 96 percent sold a kidney to pay off debts, receiving Rs.50, 000 or US $1,070 a piece. But 75 percent of the respondents soon faced debt and destitution once again, and 79 percent would not recommend organ selling to others. Permitting trade in organs has already led to the exploitation of the poor.

A multitude of bills now in Congress would create a "medal of honor" for donors, offer medical leave for living donors. Living donors will have life and disability insurance in case they experienced unconstructive side effects. There is a need for an expanded public education campaign that would explain the need for organ donation and throw light on the process. Physicians and hospital personnel also require more training in encouraging organ donation

It was shown that more than 95 percent of families would consent to organ donation if they knew it was the wish of their loved one. The unusual tactic of appealing to people's better natures may not be the only way to raise the number of organs available for transplantation, but it is the best method to start.

Islam for Non-Muslims

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The word Islam means submission to the Will of God (Allah). Muslims worship the same one God that Jesus and Moses worshipped. Muslims believe in all the prophets that Christians and Jews believe in. According to the Muslim belief, Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him & his progeny) was the last prophet in the long line of prophets which started with Adam and included Abraham, Isaac, Ishmael, David, Solomon, Moses, and Jesus (peace be upon them all) to name a few. Muslims regard Prophet Muhammad as a human being with a divine mission. Muslims do not worship Muhammad.

Thus, Islam is not a new religion. According to the Quran, it was the religion of all the prophets, peace be upon them all. They all submitted to God and they were all Muslims. They all brought the same central message; worship God alone, do not join any other deity with God, and to do good deeds.

A Brief life history of Prophet Muhammad Peace be upon him & his progeny

Muhammad was born in Mecca, Arabian Peninsula, in the year 570 AD. At the age of 40 Angel Gabriel brought God's first revelation to Muhammad and thus bestowed the Prophethood on him.

At that time, Arabia was pagan. Idolatry, sin and immorality were rampant. Women were ill-treated, sold, and traded freely. Muhammad for the first three years of his ministry preached about one God secretly and thereafter by divine inspiration preached openly. Upon teaching the new faith, he was initially mocked and later on abused, persecuted, and tortured. The first converts were told to emigrate to Abyssinia under the protection of the Christian ruler in order to save their lives and properties.

In 622 AD, at the age of 52 years, Muhammad left Mecca for Medina, to save his life, because the pagans of Mecca had plotted to kill him. This migration is called Hijra, and this year constitutes the first year of the Muslim calendar. In Medina, Muhammad was welcomed with open arms by its people and amongst them he found many friends and supporters. In subsequent years Muhammad successfully fought off many attacks by the pagans of Mecca who wanted to root out the new religion and kill him. Muhammad defended himself with a small and ill-equipped band of his supporters against overwhelming odds.

The Meccans had repeatedly violated the peace treaty, so Muhammad and his followers marched towards Mecca, his homeland, and took control without struggle. The people of Mecca offered no resistance. The inhabitants of Mecca feared revenge by Muhammad for the atrocities committed against Muhammad and his followers, but Muhammad declared general amnesty. He gave orders that no one should loot or plunder. Soldiers were forbidden to enter any house that was inhabited. No one was to be attacked unless he refused to lay down arms. The Meccans were moved by Muhammad's generosity and compassion and hastened in throngs to swear allegiance to him. Kaba, the house of God was cleared of Idols.

Deputations from all parts of Arabia came to Medina to swear allegiance to the prophet and to hear the Holy Scripture, Quran. The prophet sent emissaries to neighboring countries to convey the message of Islam.

The prophet, in fact, had become "the ruler of Arabia". His life style, however, remained as simple as ever. In the tenth year of Hijra, after performing the last pilgrimage, called Hajj, Muhammad addressed his followers who had gathered in the thousands his forthcoming death, and declared that the religion of God was complete. On that occasion, he received the final revelation from God brought by the angel Gabriel. In the same year he died after a brief illness, at the age of 62 years.

Thus, in a brief span of 22 years Muhammad had abolished idolatry in Arabia and had established God's religion, Islam. He brought civilization, law, order, and decency to a land and a people known for lawlessness, idolatry and sin.

Beliefs and Observances

A Muslim believes in: One supreme deity, (Allah or God), the prophets of God, the angels, and the life after death, the Day of Judgment, the concept of heaven and hell (reward and punishment for our deeds.)

The Fundamentals of the Beliefs are:

· Absolute oneness of God. God has no partners, no associates, no helpers, no consorts, and no sons. When He intends a thing He only says “Be” and it is.

· Justice of God. God is just in His dealings with His creation.

· Belief in all the prophets of God, including the last prophet, Muhammad, peace be upon them all. Also recognize the Imams (spiritual guides) from among the descendents of the prophet.

· Day of Judgment. Every soul shall experience death. There will be resurrection and accounting on the Day of Judgment. God will reward, punish or forgive as He sees fit.

The Obligatory acts of Worship include:

· Obligatory Prayers (Salat) Five prayers a day; morning, mid-day, afternoon, evening, and night.

· Fasting (Siyam) in the month of Ramadan.

· Charity (Zakat, Khums.)

· Pilgrimage (Hajj) to Kaba (symbolic House of God in Mecca) at least once in life time.

Dietary restrictions in Islam:

Certain food items are prohibited to Muslims. These include pork and all pork products, blood from animal source. Similar to Jewish law, only designated animals scarified in the prescribed manner are permitted to be used for food. All forms of intoxicants are prohibited.

The Holy Quran

It is called "Koran" (not a preferred term) in English. This is the Holy Scripture, the word of God. The angel Gabriel brought the divine messages to Muhammad. He repeated them to his followers who memorized them and also wrote them down. The divine messages came over a period of 22 years. To date, the Qur’an has remained intact in its original language, Arabic, unaltered by man or time. The Quran contains laws and commandments governing all aspects of the life of a Muslim. It also contains stories about the other prophets. Quran and the traditions or sayings of the prophet constitute the guiding light for the Muslim in his/her day-to-day life.

The two most often recited collections of verses of the Holy Quran are: (1). The Opening Chapter (Fatihah).

(2.) The Unity (Ikhlas). Both are listed below.

Fatihah (Opening Chapter)

In the name of God, most Gracious, most Merciful.

Praise be to God, the Cherisher and Sustainer of the worlds;

Most Gracious, most Merciful;

Master of the Day of Judgment.

Thee alone we worship and Thee alone we ask for help.

Show us the straight way.

The way of those whom thou has favored.

The way of those who did not earn Thy anger, and of those who did not go astray.

Ikhlas (Unity)

In the name of God, most Gracious, most Merciful.

Say: He is God, the One and the only.

God, the Eternal, the Absolute.

He begetteth not, nor was He begotten;

And there is none equal unto Him.

Some of the proofs that the Quran was divinely revealed:

 Muhammad was untutored and unlettered. He could neither read nor write.

 The wisdom, knowledge, and literary eloquence contained in the Quran are beyond the scope of a human being. .

 Statements made in Quran about sciences, such astronomy, physics, biology, etc., reveal knowledge which did not exist with man at the time of Muhammad. Those statements have been verified fourteen hundred years later.

Many Jewish and Christian scholars at the time of Prophet Muhammad recognized the holy scripture as the word of God and embraced Islam. Since the time of Muhammad, the ranks of Muslims have swelled and the trend continues in all parts of the world. Today, Islam is the faith of one-fifth of the population of the world. Islam offers to mankind dignity, equality, justice.

God guarantees direct access to Him. Says God in the Quran "I answer the prayer of the supplicant when he calls Me." (II: 186)

The authenticity of the Quran is undisputed. The Quran holds a unique place among the scriptures because only one version exists from the very beginning. Many faithful continue the tradition of memorizing the whole scripture, thus guarding it against any change. Even a single letter of the original Arabic text has not been changed.

The Quran is free from any discrepancies or contradictions. This is particularly amazing, considering the fact that the messages were revealed over a period of twenty two years!

Western scholars’ reviews on the Qur’an.

"A work, which calls forth so powerful and seemingly incompatible emotions even in the distant reader -- distant as to time, and still more so as mental development. A work which not only conquers the repugnance which he may feel as he begins its perusal, but changes this adverse feeling into astonishment and admiration. Such a work must be a wonderful production of the 'human mind' indeed and a problem of the highest interest to every thoughtful observer of the destinies of mankind"

- Dr. Steingass, in T.P. Hughes’s Dictionary of Islam, p.526.

"The hypothesis advanced by those who see Muhammad as the author of the Quran is untenable. How a man from being “illiterate” (untutored) could, become the most important author, in terms of literary merit in the whole of Arabia? How could he then pronounce truths of a scientific nature that no other human being could possibly have developed at that time, and all this without once making the slightest error in his pronouncement on the subject?" - Maurice Bucaille, in The Bible, the Quran and Science, p.125.

Some of the verses in the Quran, which came in response to criticism by the unbelievers and the skeptics, are as follows:

"And if ye are in doubt concerning that we reveal unto our servant (Muhammad) then produce a Chapter of the like thereof..." (II: 23)

"And before this, was the book of Moses, as a guide and a mercy. And this Book confirms (it) in Arabic, to admonish the unjust, and as glad tidings for the righteous." (XLVI: 12)

The Quran confirms that the earlier prophets, including Moses and Jesus were true messengers of God. The previous scriptures, the Torah and the Bible, in their original form were true messages from God. The true purpose of the Quran is to correct and to restore the message of God in its totality.

Commandments. This term is not specifically used in the Quran. However, after reading the Quran one learns the injunctions contained therein. A partial list is given below:

1. Believe in one God.

2. Honor and respect parents.

3. Respect the rights of others.

4. Be generous but do not squander.

5. Do not kill except for justifiable cause.

6. Do not commit adultery or fornication.

7. Safeguard the possessions of orphans.

8. Deal with others with justice.

9. Be pure in heart and mind.

10. Be humble and unpretentious.

11. Do not backbite.

12. Do not be a scandalmonger.

13. Do good deeds for the love of God.

14. God loves those who forgive.

Jesus (peace be upon him) in the Quran:

"And when Jesus, son of Mary, said, 'O Children of Israel, lo! I am the messenger of Allah unto you, confirming that which was revealed before me and in the Torah, and bringing good tidings of a messenger who cometh after me, whose name is "Praised One".' Yet, when he has come unto them with clear proof, they say 'This is mere magic!'" (LXI: 6)

"And they say, 'God had taken unto Himself a son.' Be He glorified! Nay, but whatsoever is in the Heavens and whatsoever is in the earth is his. All are subservient to Him." (II: 116)

"She [Mary] said (to the angel), 'My lord! How can I have a son when no mortal has touched me?' He said, 'So it will be. God createth what He wills. If he decreeth a thing, He only says unto it, "Be," and it is.'" (III: 47)

"Lo! The likeness of Jesus with God is as the likeness of Adam. He created him out of dust, then He said unto him, "Be!", and he was." (III: 59)

"When God says, "O Jesus, son of Mary, remember My favor unto thee and unto thy mother. How I strengthened thee with Holy spirit, so thou speakest unto mankind into the cradle as in maturity and how I taught thee the scripture and wisdom and the Torah and the Gospel." (V: 110)

The fundamental difference between Islam and Christianity is that Muslims believe Jesus to be a man, a chosen prophet of God, whereas Christians regard Jesus as "son of God."

In Qur’an, God strongly rebukes the notion of Trinity.

What Qur’an says about other prophets:

"Say: we believe in God and that which is revealed unto us, and that which was revealed unto Abraham and Ishmael and Isaac and Jacob and the tribes, and that which Moses and Jesus received, and which the prophets received from their Lord. We make no distinction between any of them, and unto Him we have surrendered." (II: 136)

What Qur’an says about other religions

God says in the Quran: "Lo! those who believe and those who are Jews and Christians and Sabeans. Whoever believes in God, the last day, and does right, surely their reward is with their Lord, and there shall no fear come unto them. Neither shall they grieve." (II: 62)

The Quran and Science

In the following paragraphs some of the verses from Quran dealing with various scientific facts are presented. For the sake of convenience these are, here, grouped under various headings. For a more detailed study, the reader is referred to the book “The Bible, The Quran and Science” by Dr. Maurice Bucaille.

About the creation of the heavens and the earth

"Do not the unbelievers see that the heavens and the earth were joined together, then we clove them asunder and We got every living thing out of the water? Will they not then believe?" (XXI: 30)

The above verse refers to the "Big Bang theory" of the origin of the universe.

"Moreover (God) turned to the heaven when it was smoke and said to it and to the earth: Come willing or unwilling; they said: We come in willing obedience."

(XLI: 11)

The word "smoke" here refers to the gaseous material with particles suspended in it. This corresponds to the concept of the "Primary Nebula" put forward by modern science, which consisted of hydrogen and helium.

"Your Lord is God who created the Heavens and the Earth in six days (periods)...In a day whereof the measure is as a thousand years of your reckoning." (XXXII: 5)

The creation of the Heavens and the Earth should not be taken in a literal sense. As explained in the Quran, what we call a day by our earthly yardstick is not the same as a day by the heavenly yardstick. This is consistent with modern scientific knowledge, which estimates the age of the Earth and sun in millions of years.

"Did you see how God created seven Heavens one above another and made the moon a light therein and made the sun a lamp". (LXXI: 15-16)

The number seven is not to be taken literally. It refers to plurality. It is well known to modern science that in the universe there are many galaxies and many suns larger than are ours.

Astronomy in the Quran

"God is the one who created the night, the day, the sun, and the moon. Each one is traveling in an orbit with its own motion." (XXI: 33)

Modern scientific knowledge has shown that our galaxy revolves on its own axis. The sun is located eccentrically and thus revolves in an orbit around the center of the galaxy. This was not known to man 1400 years ago.

"Has thou not seen how God merges the night into the day and merges the day into the night." (XXI: 29)

"He coils the day upon the night and coils the night upon the day." (XXXIX: 5)

Astronauts have described the appearance of the Earth from space. The sun lights up half of the earth facing it and the other half is dark. As the earth rotates on its axis, the darker areas come to light, and the light areas merge into darkness. This is easy to understand at the present time. However 1400 years ago this knowledge did not exist. In those days the earth was mistakenly thought to be flat and at the center of the universe. Modern scientific data are in full agreement with the Qur’anic description.

"God subjected the sun and the moon, each one runs its course to an appointed term." (XXXIII: 2)

Modern science has estimated the age of the sun and has also estimated when it will run out of hydrogen and will cool off. Modern astronomy has discovered that the solar system is moving towards a point in the constellation of Hercules, named the Solar Apex.

About the expansion of the universe

"The heaven, we have built it with power. Verily, we are expanding it." (LI: 47)

The gradual expansion of the universe is one of the most important discoveries of modern times.

About the conquest of space

"O Assembly of Jinn (spirits) and men, if you can penetrate regions of the heavens and the earth, then penetrate them! You will not penetrate them save with a power." (LV: 33)

This refers to man's entry into space and the exploration of the depths of the Earth.

About the water cycle

"We sent down water from the sky in measure, and lodged it in the ground. And we certainly are able to withdraw it. Therewith for you, we gave rise to gardens of palm trees and vineyards." (XXIII: 18-19)

"Has thou not seen that God sent water down from the sky and let it through sources into the ground? Then He caused sown fields of different colors to grow." (XXXIX: 21)

The water cycle as we know today was described 500 years ago. Before that, many people believed that water from the ocean was thrust into soil which formed springs and underground reservoirs. It was also thought that moisture in soil condensed to form water. The Quran gave the correct view in an authoritative way 1400 years go.

About the mountains

"We have placed in the ground (mountains) standing firm, so that it does not shake with them."

(XXI: 31)

"Have We not made the earth an expanse and the mountains stakes?"

(LXXVIII: 6-7)

According to modern theories, mountains played a key role in the formation of landmass. They also contribute to the stability of the earth’s crust, which is relatively very thin. Beneath the crust are molten rocks at very high temperatures. Qur’anic description and modern scientific discoveries are in agreement.

About the effects of high altitude

"Those who God wills to guide, He opens their breasts to Islam. Those who He wills lose their way, He makes their breasts narrow and constricted, as if they were climbing the sky." (VI: 125)

This refers to breathlessness or "air hunger", due to decreased concentration of oxygen in the air at high altitudes, particularly when climbing rapidly over mountains.

About the origin of life on earth

"God created every animal from water." (XXIV: 45)

"And We got every living thing out of water. Will they then not believe?" (XXI: 30)

Modern scientific data indicate that life is of aquatic origin and water is the major component of the living cell. Man did not know this in Muhammad's time.

About the Vegetable kingdom

Balance in the vegetable kingdom...

"The earth...We caused all kinds of things to grow therein in due balance." (XV: 19)

Reproduction in the vegetable kingdom...

"God is the One who sent water down from the sky and thereby, We brought forth pairs of plants each separate from the other." (XX: 53)

"Glory be to Him who created components of couples of every kind: of what the ground caused to grow, of themselves (human beings) and of what you do not know". (XXVI: 36)

The last two verses above clearly indicate the two sexes, not only in the vegetable kingdom but in other creatures not known to man at the time of Muhammad, but discovered later on.

About the Animal kingdom

"God fashioned the two of a pair, the male and a female, from a small quantity of liquid, when it is poured out." (LIII: 45-46)

In the above verses the reproduction of the animal kingdom is stated in a general but precise way. The word used in Arabic signifies sperm.

Animal Communities

"There is no animal on earth, no bird, which flies on wings that (does not belong to) communities like you. We have not neglected anything in the Book (of decrees.) Then to their Lord they shall be gathered." (VI: 38)

Existence of true communities amongst animals, insects, etc., has been established only in the last few decades.

About formation of milk

"Verily in your cattle, there is a lesson for you! We give you a pure milk to drink, excellent for its drinkers; (it comes) from what, inside their bodies, is between digested food and blood." (XVI: 66)

The above verse describes in general but accurate terms the formation of milk from the product of digested food, which mixes with blood and is carried to the mammary glands which secrete it. Man did not know this at the time of prophet Muhammad. In fact, the discovery of the circulation of blood was made some ten centuries after the verse was revealed.

About human reproduction

Quran has made many references to various facts about human reproduction in precise and accurate terms. Professor Keith Moore, who has written a well known book on embryology (study in human reproduction), has verified the accuracy of the Qur’anic statements. Scientific knowledge about human reproduction was incomplete until recent time. Use of the microscope was indispensable for the study of development of a baby in the mother's womb. The sperm and the ovum (egg) are so small; they are invisible to the naked eye. The microscope was invented in the 17th century AD

"He makes you in the womb of your mother in stages, one after another, in three veils of darkness." (XXXIX: 8)

The three veils of darkness or layers have been identified by biologists as (1) Abdominal wall, (2) Uterine wall, and (3) Amniochorionic membrane (a sac filled with fluid in which the fetus floats).

"Man We did create from a quintessence of clay, and then We placed as a drop of sperm, in a place of rest, firmly fixed. Then We made the sperm into a clot of congealed blood; then of that clot We made a leech-like lump. Then we made out of that lump bones and clothed the bones with flesh; then We developed out of it another creature. So blessed be God, the best to create." (XL: 13-14)

"Then out of a morsel (chewed up) of flesh, partly formed and partly unformed." (XXII: 5)

According to Professor Keith Moore, the above is a surprisingly accurate description of human development in the uterus. The word "chewed up flesh" and "leech-like clot," precisely describe the appearance and characteristics of the developing embryo and of conception.

"And He made his progeny from a quintessence of the nature of a fluid despised." (XXXII: 8)

"Verily We created man from a drop of mingled sperm in order to try him, So, We give him (the gifts) of hearing and sight." (LXXVI: 2)

The word 'despised' refers to the fact that semen comes out through the same route as does the urine. "Mingled" fluid refers to the various secretions that semen is made up of. Also, semen mixes with fluids in the female genital tract.

"That He did create in pairs, male and female, from a seed when lodged in its place." (LIII: 45)

The above verse refers to the fact that sex is determined at the time of fertilization. This discovery was made only sixty years ago, when sex chromosomes were discovered.

Thus it is clear that the information in the Quran about human reproduction is of divine origin, and was beyond the knowledge of a human being at the time it was revealed.

The translation of Qur’anic verses given above is by Doctor Maurice Bucaille

Schisms in Islam

Several schools evolved among Muslims. The majority of Muslims belong to the school called Ahlul Sunnah Wal Jamaat. Shiites Muslims constitute the largest minority.

The former follow the teachings of Prophet Muhammad as interpreted by the four Imams: Imam Abu Hanifa, Imam Ahmed bin Hambal, Imam Malik and Imam Shafi. The latter follow the interpretation of the teachings of Prophet Muhammad, interpreted by Imam Ali and Imams from his family.

The differences among Muslims occurred after the death of prophet Muhammad, in regard to his succession, and were of a political nature. The Sunni Muslims believe that the succession to Muhammad was left up to the people to decide, whereas the Shiites Muslims believe that Prophet Muhammad had designated his cousin and son-in-law Ali as his successor. Since then kings, rulers, religious leaders have exploited these differences in order to achieve their selfish and material objectives.

It must be emphasized that he fundamentals of the faith are common to all Muslims. All Muslims believe in One God. All Muslims follow one book, the Qur’an. All Muslims believe in Prophet Muhammad and strive to emulate him. All Muslims agree upon the basic tenets of Islam.

Islam, a misunderstood religion

Islam has been largely misunderstood in the west. The reasons can be traced back to the era of the Crusades. Ignorance, fear, suspicion etc. prevented the followers of other major faiths from an objective and impartial study of the religion. The result was that numerous misconceptions, false stories, and biased accounts about Islam came to be accepted as true, even by Christian scholars and historians.

Some of the misconceptions are given below:

Misconception #1 - "Allah is God of the Muslims"

Many Christians believe that Allah is different from the God of Jesus, or Yahweh, described in the Bible. The fact is that Allah (proper name of God), and Yahweh refer to the same one God, the omnipotent and the omnipresent Deity, the creator, sustainer and cherisher of the universe.

Misconception #2 - "Muslims worship Muhammad"

It is a common misunderstanding that Muhammad was 'divine', and Muslims worship him, like Christians worship Jesus. The truth is that to Muslims Muhammad (peace is upon him) is no more than a messenger of God. He died like any other mortal. Muslims do not believe that Jesus was divine, either. They regard him as a chosen prophet of God.

Misconception #3 - "Women are given an inferior status in Islam"

Nothing can be farther from the truth. The status of women in Islam is the most misunderstood aspect of the religion. According to the holy scripture Quran as well as the sayings of the prophet Muhammad, women enjoy an honorable status.

In the Quran, God says this about Mary, mother of Jesus, “‘Behold! the angel said, 'God hath chosen Thee above the women of all nations.' “(III: 42)

Islam gives women separate legal rights as individuals. Fourteen hundred years ago at the very inception of the Islamic faith, by divine decree women were given the right to divorce, the right to own property in their own name, separate from the husband, the right of inheritance, the right to make a will and many other rights. These rights were not available to women in the western societies until the 19th century.

Quran says: "Men shall have the benefit of what they achieve and acquire, and women shall have the benefit of that which they similarly achieve and acquire." (IV: 32)

A saying of the holy prophet Muhammad is recorded as follows: "If a daughter is born to a person and he brings her up, giving her good education and training in various arts of life, I shall myself stand between him and hellfire."

According to another saying of prophet Muhammad: "Paradise lies under the feet of the mother."

God says in the Quran about women: "They (women) have rights similar to those against them,…”

Misconception #4 - "Polygamy is conducive to loose moral behavior"

Islam permits a man to have more than one wife under certain circumstances, but it does not encourage this practice. In fact polygamy is discouraged.

The Quran says this about polygamy: "And if you cannot act equitably towards orphans, then marry such women as seem good to you, two, three, and four, but if you may not do justice to them, then marry only one." (IV: 3)

Islam permits polygamy as an alternative to situations, which may force a husband to immoral acts. A husband may be forced to seek a second wife in the following situations:

A. Inability of the wife to bear children and the couple choose not to seek divorce.

B. Prolonged debilitating illness of the wife, where she is unable to provide sexual satisfaction to her husband, or carry on her responsibilities in relation to the family.

C. Prolonged physical separation due to war, travel, etc.

Polygamy was practiced by all the prophets of the old and their followers. In the early days of Islam, as a result of successive wars against pagans, there was a great shortage of men and an over supply of women. Polygamy was the only honorable way to provide the women, particularly the widows and orphans, with food, shelter, and protection. Thus, many moral and social ills were avoided.

Misconception #5 - "Islam was spread with the sword"

In the past Muslim kings, or more appropriately, kings who happened to be Muslims, conquered many lands; but a distinction has to be made between lands conquered by these kings and imposition of Islam on its people. Islam does not believe in force, coercion, or lure of material benefits to spreads the faith. Muslims believe that God alone can put faith into the heart of a person.

God says in the Quran: "If it had been thy Lord's will, they would all have believed, all who are on earth! Wilt thou then compel mankind against their will to believe?" (X: 99)

"No soul can believe, except by the will of God..." (X: 100)

There are several examples of Muslims’ toleration towards other religions. Muslims ruled over Spain for many hundreds of years. The Christians and the Jews there were free to practice their own religion in their places of worship. In fact Christians and Jews are regarded as privileged people and are mentioned with respect in the Quran as "People of the Book".

Indonesia ranks as number one in the world for its Muslim population. However, it was never invaded or conquered by any Muslim king or ruler. Other countries like Malaysia have a Muslim majority. There, Islam was spread when the local population came in contact with Muslim traders and merchants from overseas.

Today Islam is the fastest growing religion in America and elsewhere despite adverse publicity and negative stereotyping. The rich and the poor, intellectuals and the learned continue to enter into the fold of Islam. They encounter rejection, resistance, hostility from their families, friends, and the employers, but it does not deter them in pursuing their faith.

Misconception #6. “Islam condones terrorism”

Islam prohibits terrorism, unlawful acquisition of property of others, and causing harm to innocent human beings. Islam rejects all forms of violence.

The terrorist attack on the world trade center in New York on September 11, 2001 was rejected by Muslims around the world.

The Quran says: “Any one who has saved one life, has saved the whole mankind, and any one who has killed a human being, except in case of murderer or mischief (maker) on earth, it is as if he has killed the whole mankind.” (V: 32)

Misconception #7. “Islam rewards suicide with paradise.”

This misconception is held, unfortunately by a very small Muslim minority. Fortunately the overwhelming majority of Muslims reject this distorted and extreme view. Taking ones own life is no different than taking some one else’s life. It is a major sin which invokes extreme displeasure and wrath of God.

Misconception #8. “Hijab (the head scarf and the outer covering) is degrading to women.”

In fact it is a sign of dignity and respect for women. It signifies that the worth and value of a woman is not in her looks and the form. It prevents the woman from being reduced to “sex object.” Islam prohibits women to participate in beauty contests, or to become professional fashion models, or to appear on the cover of magazines for monetary reward.

Islam requires even men to practice “Hijab” which means to practice modesty in behavior, to cover and protect their private parts, and not gaze at women with lust.

In conclusion, Islam upholds the moral and ethical teachings of the Abrahamic faiths of Christianity and Judaism. In fact the teachings of the Quran as practiced by Prophet Muhammad require a higher code of moral and ethical conduct. If the Muslims fall short, they are to be blamed, not the religion.

.

Suggested Reading

1. Islam, by Caesar Farrah.

Barron's Educational Series, Inc.

113 Crossways Park

Woodbury, NY 11797

2. The Meaning of the Glorious Koran, by Mohammad M. Pickthall.

New American Library, Inc.

PO Box 999

Bergenfield, NJ 07621

3. The Bible, the Quran and Science, by Dr. Maurice Bucaille.

American Trust Publications

7216 S. Madison Ave.

Indianapolis, IN 46227

4. Jesus, A Prophet of Islam, by Mohammed Ata-ur-Rahim.

MWH London Publishers

283 Seven Sisters Road

London, UK N42DA

5. The Gospel of Barnabas.

Translated by Lonsdale and Laura Ragg

Published in Pakistan

6. What the Bible Says about Mohammed, by Ahmed Deedat.

7. The Spirit of Islam, by Syed Ameer Ali.

8. The Status of Women in Islam, by Dr. Jamal Badawi.

The Muslim Students Association of the United States and Canada

9. God is One, the Way of Islam

by R. Marston Speight

ISBN: 0-377-00196-1

Friendship Press, PO Box37844, Cincinnati, OH 45222-0844

10 Islam: the 25 most frequently asked questions. Library of Congress # Tx3651-273

By Shahid Athar, M.D.

Dawa Information group, 8424 Naab Rd, suite 2D

Indianapolis, IN 46260.

Tel: 317-872-5159, Fax: 317-872-5150, E-mail: sathar3624@aol.com

11. Reflections of an American Muslim

By Shahid Athar, M.D. ISBN: 0-934905-26-6

Distributed by Kazi publications, Inc. (address listed below)

12. Islamic web site: “ http://www.islam-usa.com”

Nanotechnology

2008-11-09T11:33:00.000-08:00

Islam encourages the use of science and the scientific method. Acquisition of knowledge is obligatory on every Muslim, male and female. In Islam, science and technology should be used for moral ends and serve all legitimate needs of mankind. Moreover, both are viewed as yet another means to understand and see the power and glory of God.

"He it is Who created for you all that is in the earth." [Qur'an 2:29]

"It is your Lord, the Most Bounteous, Who taught by the pen, taught man that which he knew not..." [Qur'an 96:2-5]

"We shell show them our Signs on the horizons and within themselves until it will be manifest unto them that it is the Truth..." [Qur'an 41:53]

Michael Crichton, the author of Jurassic Park, Timeline, 'The Andromeda Strain', 'Invasion of the body snatchers' and other novels has lately authored a terrific novel titled PREY. This is the most compelling novel that tells the story of a mechanical plague and the desperate efforts of a handful of scientists to stop it. In PREY Michael Crichton utilizes the latest scientific facts and takes us into the emerging realms of nanotechnology and artificial distributed intelligence -- in a story of breathtaking suspense. In this novel, he takes three emerging technologies - genetics, distributed intelligence and nanotechnology and brews up a terrifying tale of science gone well skewed.

The main character in the novel is Jack Forman who is in charge of PREDPREY, a program that makes cameras the size of atoms swarm together and act like they are hunting something. The story starts off with software expert, Jack living the life of a house-husband after being fired from a shady Silicon Valley firm (Xymos Corporation). He suspects that his wife Julia (a high-powered computer executive) is having an affair. She is spending more and more time at her firm's (Xymos Corporation) experimental fabrication plant in the barren desert of Nevada. Xymos is having a few problems with its prototype nano-device and so Jack is hired to investigate. It turns out that since he's been gone, people have made changes to the codes, and they haven't been good changes. To make matters worse, Forman has learned that they've allowed a swarm to get outside. They can't get it back to the lab, since it won't respond to their communications. A cloud of nanoparticles -- micro-robots -- has escaped from the laboratory. Jack discovers his wife's firm has created self-replicating nanotechnology--a literal swarm of microscopic machines. Originally meant to serve as a military eye in the sky (spy cameras), the swarm has now escaped into the environment and is seemingly intent on killing the scientists trapped in the facility. This cloud is self-sustaining and self-reproducing. It is intelligent and learns from experience. Jack discovers even worse news when he finds that the rapidly evolving swarms are carnivorous and reproducing because they were created using organic materials. For all practical purposes, it is alive. It has been programmed as a predator. It is evolving swiftly, becoming more deadly with each passing hour. Every attempt to destroy it has failed. So the people in the lab have become the Prey. The fact that they can kill now makes a risky situation even worse, and then to top it off, they are adaptable, learning and evolving at a rate that far surpasses anything in human technology. Forman also learns that his wife isn't what she seems. Crichton then pits man against the swarm of nano-particles in a time-constrained thriller.

The film version of Prey is now in development at Twentieth Century Fox. No details yet. The shooting of the movie film was finished on July 21, ahead of schedule. Director Dick Donner's film for Paramount is now in post-production, with a release date planned for 2003

Human beings have advanced their lives with technology. Man has built huge dams, bridges and jet aircraft as well as microscopically small things, like the computer chips, which are affecting nearly every aspect of our lives, and the genetically modified bacteria that create new drugs for us.

In the 21st century, we are plunging forward into a new era of technological power, one that offers enormous promise for the future and enormous dangers as well.

Scientists are planning to create tiny computers, smaller than specks of dust, programmed to travel in a cloud over a country like Iraq and send back pictures. Unlike robot aircraft, this camera can’t be shot down; bullets will pass right through it.

Such tiny computers will weaken in time, however they can be programmed to be self-reproducing, to replenish themselves. The risk is these tiny computers begin to evolve, and the aggregate cloud becomes a death-dealing swarm that threatens mankind – in effect, a mechanical plague.

What is Nanotechnology ?

In its most basic form, nanotechnology refers to the manipulation of materials at the atomic or molecular level. The name derives from the nanometer, a scientific measurement unit representing a billionth of a meter, or three to four toms wide. Scientists are learning how to connect atoms and molecules together to create nano-scale mechanisms that create switches or transistors, or even small machines that can perform complex tasks.
To use an oft-quoted comparison, a human hair is between 100,000 and 200,000 nanometers thick, while a typical virus can be just 100 nanometers wide. Atoms themselves are typically between one-tenth and half of a nanometer wide. Because of the difficulties involved in working at this scale, activities involving manipulation of items as “large” as 100 nanometers are generally included in the concept of nanotechnology.

Nanotechnology gives scientists the ability to create new materials, atom by atom. With increasingly more powerful microscopes, scientists can see molecules mere nanometers -
or billionths of a meter - in size (a pinhead is one million nanometers across). The field intertwines nearly all fields of science.

Most discussions about nanotechnology deal with the futuristic concept of nanomachines or nanobots: microscopic devices that can themselves carry out tasks at the atomic or sub-atomic level. Nanotechnology, also called molecular manufacturing, is "a branch of engineering that deals with the design and manufacture of extremely small electronic circuits and mechanical devices built at the molecular level of matter." The goal of nanotechnology is to be able to manipulate materials at the atomic level to build the smallest possible electromechanical devices, given the physical limitations of matter. Much of the mechanical systems we know how to build will be transferred to the molecular level as some atomic analogy.

The 21st century gives a typical vision: “Nanotechnologists will be building our cars one molecule at a time, invading our bloodstream to declog our arteries, and replicating themselves thousands of times over.”

Nanorobot1

Nanorobot is a computer-controlled robotic device constructed of nanometer-scale components to molecular precision, usually microscopic in size (often abbreviated as "nanobot"). This reminds one of the 1966 film Fantastic Voyage, in which a team of scientists (including Raquel Welch) are miniaturized, placed in a tiny submarine and injected into a sick man’s bloodstream. Nanotechnology invariably involves work on a much smaller scale than the average blood cell.

If you can construct objects at the molecular level, you can theoretically build anything, since all objects are made up of molecules.

Translating from concept to practice is trickier. While many plans have been drawn up for simple nanomachines such as gears and motors, actually building them is still fiendishly difficult and rather expensive. The most famous “working” nanomachine is probably the nanoguitar constructed by Cornell University researchers in 1997. Just 10,000 nanometers wide, the nanoguitar has six strings, each just 50 nanometers wide. Of course, without a nano-ear to listen to its 10MHz output, the guitar is fairly useless, but it demonstrates that simple machines can be constructed on a nanometric scale.

Producing nanomachines on a commercial basis will undoubtedly prove more challenging, since atomic manipulation, while not theoretically contrary to the laws of physics, is still extremely slow and costly.

The most widely discussed long-term solution is to make the nanomachines self-replicating. Control mechanisms for such systems (how does a machine know how to build a copy of itself, and how does it know when to stop doing so?) are still in their very early stages, and once again theory is a fair way ahead of practical reality.

Charles Vest, the president of MIT, observed recently. “The gathering nanotechnology revolution will eventually make possible a huge leap in computing power, vastly stronger yet much lighter materials, advances in medical technologies, as well as devices and processes with much lower energy and environmental costs.

Nanotechnology may well rival the development of the transistor or telecommunications in its ultimate impact.”

Many of the more recent practical applications of nanotechnology has been in the area of materials research, but scientists believe that transistors could also eventually be built in this way, paving the way for computational technologies which don’t depend on silicon and which can pack even more circuitry into microscopic spaces.

Nanoshells 2

Nanoshells are tiny particles that can manipulate light, and can be used to transform medical procedures ranging from cancer therapy to medical testing and drug delivery.

Nanoshells are ideal for biotechnology applications because they are biocompatible, can be altered and modified and absorb light strongly in the near-infrared region, where human tissue is most transparent.

Nanoshells can be tagged and delivered specifically to tumor cells but leave healthy cells undamaged. Nanoshells can reduce the amount of time it takes to conduct medical tests from several days into a matter of seconds and nanoshells incorporated into temperature-sensitive polymers can be triggered to release a chemical using infrared light, providing a patient with the ability to control the release of medicine that requires periodic dispensing.

A new bandage 3

A new bandage that imitates nature's own healing is used for minor cuts to gunshot wounds. The bandage, a flannel-like material, stops bleeding immediately and can be left in place to be absorbed by the body. This new material is developed by spinning a compound naturally found in blood into a bandage that can minimize blood loss and be absorbed by the body, according to an article in the Feb. 12 issue of Nano Letters, a journal of the American Chemical Society.

"We've taken an old technique - electrospinning – and applied it to natural fibers," said Gary Bowlin, associate professor of biomedical engineering at Virginia Commonwealth University.

When a person bleeds from a cut or wound, a blood clot forms and netting made of a substance called fibrin develops over the clot. Fibrinogen, the compound in blood
that comprises the "natural" bandage, is a fibrin precursor, researchers added, and can come from human, bovine or genetically engineered bacterial sources.

The goal is to pack the bandage like gauze so it can be used to handle trauma patients, Bowlin said.

Science fiction into reality 4
Imagine a world in which cars can be assembled molecule-by-molecule, garbage can be disassembled and turned into beef steaks, and people can be operated on and healed by cell-sized robots. Sound like science fiction? Well, with current semiconductor chip manufacturing encroaching upon the nanometer scale and the ability to move individual atoms at the IBM Almaden laboratory, we are fast approaching the technological ability to fabricate productive machines and devices that can manipulate things at the atomic level. From this ability we will be able to develop molecular-sized computers and robots, which would give us unprecedented control over matter and the ability to shape the physical world as we see fit.

Nanofabrication techniques with applications in fiber optics, biotechnology, microelectromechanical systems (MEMS), "tiny mechanical devices such as sensors, valves, gears, mirrors, and actuators embedded in semiconductor chips", are particularly interesting because they are but a mere step away from the molecular machines envisioned by nanotechnology. MEMS are already being used in automobile airbag systems as accelerometers to detect collisions and will become an increasing part of our everyday technology. In 1986, a researcher from MIT named K. Eric Drexler already foresaw the advent of molecular machines and published a book, Engines of Creation, in which he outlined the possibilities and consequences of this emerging field, which he called nanotechnology. Drexler has written numerous other books on the subject, such as Unbounding the Future, and has founded the Foresight Institute, which is a nonprofit organization dedicated to the responsible development of nanotechnology. It hosts conferences and competitions to raise the awareness of nanotechnology and the ethical issues involved in its development.

Today, nanotechnology research and development is quite wide spread in numerous universities. The U.S. government has created an organization, the National Nanotechnology Initiative (NNI), to monitor and guide research and development in this field.

As envisioned by Drexler, as well as many others, this would lead to nanocomputers, no bigger than bacteria and nanomachines, also known as nanites (from Star Trek: The Next Generation), which could be used as a molecular assemblers and disassemblers to build, repair, or tear down any physical or biological objects.

In essence, the purpose of developing nanotechnology is to have tools to work on the molecular level analogous to the tools we have at the macroworld level. Like the robots we use to build cars and the construction equipment we use to build skyscrapers, nanomachines will enable us to create a plethora of goods and increase our engineering abilities to the limits of the physical world.

Potential Benefits
It would not take much of a leap, then, to imagine disassemblers dismantling garbage to be recycled at the molecular level, and then given to assemblers for them to build atomically perfect engines. Stretching this vision a bit, you can imagine a Star Trek type replicator, which could reassemble matter in the form of a juicy steak, given the correct blueprints and organization of these nanomachines.

A laboratory-scale "in vivo nanoscope" capable of providing atomic resolution, real time movies of happenings inside living cells in intact living animals. This nanoscope is a hybrid of conventional technology and early (pre-assembler) nanotechnology, yet provides an enormous leap in the ability of biologists to understand the workings of cells and develop medical therapies.

Just given the basic premises of nanotechnology, you can imagine the vast potential of this technology. Some of it's more prominent benefits would be: Precision Manufacturing, Material Reuse, Miniaturization.

The medical applications are: Pharmaceutical Creation, Disease Treatment, and Nanomachine-assisted Surgery.

Environmental applications are in Toxin Cleanup, Recycling and Resource Consumption Reduction.

Nanomedicine

Nanomedicine deals with (1) the comprehensive monitoring, control, construction, repair, defense, and improvement of all human biological systems, working from the molecular level, using engineered nanodevices and nanostructures; (2) the science and technology of diagnosing, treating, and preventing disease and traumatic injury, of relieving pain, and of preserving and improving human health, using molecular tools and molecular knowledge of the human body; (3) the employment of molecular machine systems to address medical problems, using molecular knowledge to maintain and improve human health at the molecular scale. Cosmetic nanosurgery done with simple nanomachines (no on-board computers, for example) could change hair color, cause hair to grow or not to grow in specific locations, keep teeth clean and skin smooth, etc., all far more effectively than with current day treatments. Looking somewhat further in the future at more radical modifications of the human body through nanotechnology, Edward Reifman describes dentistry with assembler-fabricated teeth, and even with teeth and jaws made of diamond.

“In the long term, we hope to be able to build small nanorobots which can search out and destroy cancerous tumors when they comprise just one or two cells “Or small drilling machines which dissolve clots.”

Viruses, which are natural nanomachines, could better be fought, as the body’s own immune system has some handicaps: it tends to forget the shape of it’s enemies, it sometimes has problems identifying malignant cells and it suffers from a certain delay until the immune reaction is fully developed, therefore nanomachines could serve as support to the immune system. Nanomachines could route bacteria, they could excise tumors and reconstruct damaged tissue, and furthermore they could make a huge contribution to the treatment of ageing.

Along with all the obvious manufacturing benefits, there are also many potential medical and environmental benefits. With nanomachines, we could better design and synthesize pharmaceuticals; we could directly treat diseased cells like cancer; we could better monitor the life signs of a patient; or we could use nanomachines to make microscopic repairs in hard-to-operate-on areas of the body. With regard to the environment, we could use nanomachines to clean up toxins or oil spills, recycle all garbage, and eliminate landfills, thus reducing our natural resource consumption.

Potential Dangers
The downside to these benefits is the possibility of assemblers and disassemblers being used to create weapons, be used as weapons themselves, or for them to run wild and wreak havoc. Other, less invasive, but equally perilous uses of nanotechnology would be in electronic surveillance.
Weapons are an obvious negative use of nanotechnology. Simply extending today's weapon capabilities by miniaturizing guns, explosives, and electronic components of missiles would be deadly enough. However, with nanotechnology, armies could also develop disassemblers to attack physical structures or even biological organism at the molecular level. A similar hazard would be if general-purpose disassemblers got loose in the environment and started disassembling every molecule they encountered. This is known as "The Gray Goo Scenario." Furthermore, if nanomachines were created to be self-replicating and there were a problem with their limiting mechanism, they would multiply endlessly like viruses. Even without considering the extreme disaster scenarios of nanotechnology, we can find plenty of potentially harmful uses for it. It could be used to erode our freedom and privacy; people could use molecular sized microphones, cameras, and homing beacons to monitor and track others.

Ethical Issues & Analysis
With such awesome potential dangers inherent in nanotechnology, we must seriously examine its potential consequences. Granted, nanotechnology may never become as powerful and prolific as envisioned by its evangelists, but as with any potential, near-horizon technology, we should go through the exercise of formulating solutions to potential ethical issues before the technology is irreversibly adopted by society. We must examine the ethics of developing nanotechnology and create policies that will aid in its development so as to eliminate or at least minimize its damaging effects on society.

Nanosensors 5
Nanosensor -- a chemical or physical sensor constructed using nanoscale components, usually microscopic or submicroscopic in size.
Nano brings science fiction into everyday life 6

The more immediate future of nanotechnology lies in its application in sensors, such as electronic ‘noses’ with the ability to detect the presence of individual protein molecules in a blood sample, for example. This involves a chip the size of your little fingernail with thousands of sensors, each set to detect a specific substance. It may even be possible to make them so small that they fit on a needle. Then there would be no need for a blood test – a prick in the finger would be sufficient to allow a full blood analysis.

Nanosensors will also be of great value in the production of new medicines since they can effectively find active substances. So far it has been possible to build this type of sensor one by one, but the difficulty lies in integrating perhaps 100, 000 on one chip.

Nanotechnology will have great significance in the materials field. There are already self-washing windows that repel dirt thanks to their nanostructured surface.

Aging process can be delayed by repairing human cells one by one. Unlimited computer power obtained from improved microchip performance. Global warming can be reduced by cleaning greenhouse gases out of the atmosphere with nanoparticles; and pesticides that kill insects without harmful byproducts. Creation of artificial muscles and sensors, as well as a nanocoating for metal that could increase the efficiency of power plants and potentially save millions of dollars a year for electricity generators.

Such molecules could be used in computers thousands of times smaller than current semiconductors with immense memory capability or light-activated medicines. One of the universities is trying to improve upon imaging with the atomic force microscope, one of the tools used to observe life at the nanoscale.

Nanofluids 7
On the medical front, researchers at Virginia Polytechnic Institute are developing magnetic nanofluids. Magnetic particles attached to medicines, like those used in
chemotherapy, can be concentrated to one part of the body by using external magnets on patients, they speculate

Always clean clothing 8, 9
Imagine textiles that you can neither stain nor wrinkle, but maintain the look and feel of fabrics made from natural fibers. Imagine materials that are 100 times stronger than
steel, but weigh only one sixth as much. Nanofibers could be used in astronauts' suits, moving with them as they work to give them greater flexibility in space, or to allow the disabled greater mobility by acting as extra muscles, Kim speculates.

Imagine batteries that take up less than one cubic millimeter, but that can supply a medical implant with power for years. Imagine sensors, smaller than a pinpoint, that can detect anything in extremely low concentrations, from specific antibodies to toxic chemicals.

Nanotechnology encompasses life sciences, chemistry, physics, and engineering. Through nanotechnology, nano-developers manipulate single atoms and molecules to create new structures to achieve previously unheard of results.

When a big splash of coffee would have left an unmistakable stain on ordinary trousers, can simply be brushed off without leaving a trace on a pair of trousers made of nanotextile. A titanium frying pan and the laser in a fairly modern CD player are both based on nanotechnology. Nanoparticles can be added to wall paint, which then automatically sterilizes an operating theatre, or that filters based on nanotechnology used in water purifiers can automatically kill undesirable bacteria, hence nano-technology is and will increasingly become part of our everyday lives, sometimes without us even noticing.

Roofing tiles that convert solar light to household electricity, to reinforced, self-repairing houses immune to all natural disasters "short of a large incoming meteor.10

Michael Crichton 11

Dr Michael Crichton says "These organisms (self-reproducing tiny computers) will be created by nanotechnology, perhaps the most radical technology in human history: the quest to build man-made machines of extremely small size, on the order of 100 nanometers, or 100/billionths of a meter. Such machines would be 1000 times smaller than the diameter of a human hair. Experts predict that these tiny machines will provide everything from miniaturized computer components to new medical treatments to new military weapons. In the 21st. century, they will change our world totally."

"The potential benefits are spectacular: Tiny robots may crawl through your arteries, cutting away atherosclerotic plaque; powerful drugs will be delivered to individual cancer cells, leaving other cells undamaged; teeth will be self-repairing. Cosmetically, you will change your hair color with an injection of nanomachines that circulate through the body, moving melanocytes in hair follicles. Other nanomachines will lighten or darken skin color at will, removing blemishes, birthmarks and liver spots in the process; still others could cleanse the mouth and eliminate bad breath. Nonsurgical nanoprocesses could even perform liposuction and body reshaping. They also will repair knees and spines."

"Living spaces will be transformed, with self-cleaning dishes and carpets and permanently clean bathrooms. Windows will lighten or darken at will; programmable paint will change color. You can walk through the walls of your house, since they are composed of particle clouds. Your personal computer and your watch will be painted on your arm. Temperature-sensitive clothing will loosen when it gets hot, insulate when it gets cold."

In the future, roving nanomachines will convert trash dumps to energy; solar nanomachines will be coated on the houses to generate electricity; flexible nanomachines will provide earthquake protection. It may be possible to move a house on the backs of millions of nanomachines, across the lawn.

In 1959 in a speech titled “There’s Plenty of Room at the Bottom” delivered at the Annual Meeting of the American Physical Society by Caltech physicist Richard Feynman predicted the advent of nanomachines. In 2003, nanotechnology is still very much in its infancy, however major corporations such as IBM, Fujitsu and Intel are funding nanotechnology research. U.S. Government investment in nanotechnology has gone from virtually nothing only a few years ago to well over $600,000,000 per year by 2003.

At the present, nonotechniques already are being used to make sunscreens, stain resistant fabrics and composite materials in cars. Soon they will be used to make computers and storage devices of extremely small size. One company is now making self-cleaning window glass; another is making nanocrystal wound dressing with antibiotic and anti-inflammatory properties. Currently, nanotechnology is principally a materials technology.

Most experts predict that self-reproducing machines are only a decade away. There are man-made, self-reproducing entities released in the environment. The first of these, of course, were computer viruses. The first viruses were created as a game – “core wars,” a 1960’s battle between mainframe programmers, each releasing a program into the other’s mainframe computer. The game was limited to specialists, but hackers began to experiment as well. The growth of computer networking made rapid worldwide transmission possible. Computers viruses, worms on the Internet have become an international threat to information and global business.

Scientists are witnessing some of the problems of self-replicating biotechnology agents.

For example a recent report indicates that modified maize genes are now appearing in native maize in Mexico – despite laws against it and efforts to prevent it. It is only the start of what we may expect to be a long journey to control this new technology. Laws have been passed to put hackers in jail. Delinquent biotechnologists will soon join them.

It is important to have international controls to deal with self-reproducing technologies. At the moment, there are essentially no laws dealing with this subject.

REFERENCES:

1.http://www.zdnet.com.au/newstech/enterprise/story/0,2000048640,20267134-2,00.htm

2.http://www.rice.edu/projects/reno/Newsrel/2001/20010402_nanotechnology.shtml

3.http://www.smalltimes.com/document_display.cfm?document_id=5481 Richmond, Va., Feb 11, 2003

4.http://cseserv.engr.scu.edu/StudentWebPages/AChen/ResearchPaper.htm.

5.www.nansosensors.com

6. Nano into everyday life by Nino Simic (a Swedish journalist living in Lund). http://www.oresundit.com/composite(1610).htm

7. Ryan Randazzo, RENO GAZETTE-JOURNAL, 6/15/2002

8. http://www.agg.com/Practice/Nanotechnology_main.html

9.http://www.oresundit.com/composite(1610).htm

10.www.foresight.org

11. Michael Crichton, " Could Tiny Machines Rule the World?", Parade Magazine, November 24, 2002, pages 6-8.

Some nanotechnology links:

www.about.com/nanotechnology
A search engine that compiles various sources and articles.

Professor Jim Tour's research home page. www.jmtour.com

Professor Naomi Halas' research home page. www-ece.rice.edu/~halas

The National Science and Technology Council's site for nanoscale technology, including information on federal initiatives. www.nano.gov

Freedom and Islam

2008-11-06T11:17:00.000-08:00

Recently, I read an article, “Women in Islam” describing the liberation of women by Islam and Prophet (s). In reality women cannot travel alone to Hujj or visit Mecca (the safest place for any one), and women cannot drive a car in Saudi Arabia. It is not a secret that Muslims in general and Muslim women in particular in the world are the least free and least educated. So, I wonder: Oh Islam! You are a great theory but no practical value, unless you live in the West.

After all, only one thing matters in Islam. Faith is a matter of exclusively personal and private experience. We embrace faith individually just as we confront our death individually. An Iranian Muslim philosopher, Souroush, correctly said it that we have communal actions and but not communal faiths. We can express faith in public but the core of the faith is mysteriously private. The preeminence of Islamic faith is for the hereafter where people are judged individually: "Everyone of them will come before Him all alone on the Day of Resurrection. Surely A-Rahman will show love for those who believe and do right." [19:95-96]. There is no Original Sin that transcends over the goodness of whole mankind in Islam. Therefore, the only things that matter on the Day of Judgment are actions at the individual level. Community actions are useless.

Similarly, the Qur’an states: “Say (Muhammad it is) truth from the Lord of you all. Whosoever will, let him believe and whosoever will, let him disbelieve" (Koran 18: 29) “And so, [O Prophet,] exhort them; thy task is only to exhort: thou cannot compel them to believe.” (Koran: 21-22). “O Prophet.!…Thy duty is not more than to deliver the message; and the reckoning is Ours.” (Koran 13:40). These verses teach that a roof made out safety and liberty is an absolute necessity to develop faith in the hearts. These verses demand Muslims to guarantee freedom and safety for all. Therefore, if governments, Imams, enforced Fatwas demand any public or outward obedience and submission, such outward appearance is not faith. When law, power, force, and tyranny enforce religion, they are taking control of the body not the soul. Unfortunately, many Muslims want to make reign over body the most important tent of Islam even though the Qur’an rejects their craving for power over body: “It is not your meat or blood that reach Allah: It is fealty of your heart that reaches Him” (22:37).

In Muslim majority nations, people are forced to confessed Islamic faith and behave in one voice in religion; but they forget that the rulers cannot fill the heart with genuine faith. I believe that faith chosen freely at the individual level without coercion and without forced conformity is the genuine faith. In a world where the hearts with freely chosen faith, not by forced compliance, pervade, the true religious spirit come alive to establish an ideal society by free choice of the people. This is proven by Muslim history in the first 6 centuries. Muslims helped Jews to create their Golden Age and liberate Christians from tyranny of Roman church. Muslims philosophy and science promoted the Enlightenment and Renaissance of the Europe. We also created the experimental science. In those days, we educated anyone who came our way without force-feeding our faith. Now we have governments that have taken control of our body claiming to send our “meat and blood” to God while Muslims have to beg from non-Muslim societies for their daily bread to keep their body alive.

Prophet (pubh) struggled to establish a free society. Similarly, Muslims must struggle hard peacefully to establish a free society where no totalitarian government, no Imams, no predominant group control us or decide for us. Everyone is equal. If any one wants to be a believer, let him/her be. If anyone wants to be an apostate let him/her be safe to live the life of an apostate. So-called Islamic government is myth created by power hungry people to control Muslim mind and body. There was no such thing as Islamic government. Government is only a means to execute the will of people. The individual members of the government can have Islamic values and faith. Prophet (s) ruled as democratically elected ruler following the invitation by the people of Medina. Prophet (s) never forced a decision upon his community even when he believed that majority decision on a particular secular matter was a mistake as happened in the case of the disaster of Uhud war. A minority including him wanted to fortify the Medina and fight the Meccan forces. But he agreed to go along with the wishes of the majority to fight Koraisch in the open field instead of from fortified Medina even though the strategy of the majority was wrong in his opinion. So, Islam demands Democracy, not tyranny by Ullamahs, King, self-appointed presidents, and military generals.

The concept of so-called Islamic government is oxymoron unless it means a government with Islamic values that community has accepted, not by the opinion or fatawa of an Imam but by totally free discussion in a free press, without coercion and intimidation. Some of the so-called Islamic values that exist in the contemporary Muslim society are the values of some Imams that had never grinded through and experienced a free press. The self-righteous terrorists, and oppressive governments among Muslims want to control the “meat and blood” with the aid of the values of Imams that were not debated in the free society with a free press. However, they neglect the soul that sustains the body. Let the democracy rule our bodies with a free press and let the free choice build our faith. Let us get rid of from our thoughts the enforced forms of outward Islam that demand the conformity and control from our “meat and blood”

The verse 33:5 states: “There is no sin upon you for what mistakes you commit unintentionally, but there is sin what your hearts have intended.” Unintentional mistakes happen much less if mind is exposed to free press, public opinion, and dialogue with reason as guiding principle. Hadith states "Allah has not created any thing better than reason." So, any Muslim opposes a free press and reasoning are committing a sin knowingly because he/she refuses to listen to the merit or demerit of opposing points of view. Koreishs of Mecca rejected Prophet (s) because they refused to listen to reasoning. Muslims must reject Jahilliah paradigm that pervades in our community and in our mind.

Let Imams and scholars issue Fatwas freely without power to enforce over the community. Reject any conformity by force. Reject totalitarianism and kingdoms that want to rule our body. Let the heart and mind fly free to see what is out there. The democracy draws inspiration from the Qur’anic axiom that human being are free. America constitution reflects it as it states: “Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or the press.” This is candidly stated in verse: “We sent down the Torah which contains guidance and light…Later, in the train of Prophets We send Jesus, son of Mary, confirming the Torah which has been send down before him, and gave him the Gospel containing guidance and light. …Unto to you [O Muhammad] this writ (Koran) and a way and a pattern of life, confirming what were revealed before…Unto everyone of you have We appointed a different law and way of life. And if God had so willed He could surely have you all made one single community professing one faith. But He wished to try you and test you. So try to excel in good deeds” (Koran: 5:44-48). The existence of different kinds of faith and religion competing each other doing good work is the will of God. So, freedom without the enforcement of conformity in religious matters is Islamic. The so-called Islamic governments of the self-righteous violate Qur’anic principles and tyrannize people of all faith including Muslims. Islam will always remain a dream and an excellent theory with no practical value until faith rules the hearts and liberal democracy with a free press rules the bodies. Finally, I thank God for creating America where I do not fear about government taking control of my body and at same time my heart can fly freely to choose my faith.

Chance: Not Anti-God, but Road to God

2008-11-06T11:16:00.000-08:00

Muslims believe that assigning a role for chance in the creation of the universe and its subunits--animate and inanimate--is anti-Islamic and a denial of God’s absolute control of the universe. Many Muslims, particularly Adnan Oktar, known as Harun Yahya, with the help of Christian creationists lavishly promote this belief through Muslim newspapers and magazines and create skepticism, especially among young Muslims living in the West. These young men and women studying in Western universities get little guidance from Imams at their mosques. Many Imams (in the West and the East) have little knowledge of science and its workings. When asked about the human evolution, they say it is a theory but they cannot render a scientific definition of the word. Imams, in general, are incapable of giving believable answers to our budding anatomists, embryologists, paleontologists, molecular biologists, physicists or chemists in our prestigious universities.

Many Muslim parents living in the West have scientific training, which they use in their daily lives. Unfortunately, they too are poor guides for inquisitive young Muslim minds. They tell their children that scientific theories could be proved wrong at a later time. They ask these intelligent young men and women to listen to their Imams and believe what they say. On the other hand they, not only encourage but also sometimes pressure their children to major in scientific fields. What an amazing contradiction! Encouraging the study of science but rejecting its discoveries!! People like Harun Yahya, using out-of-context quotes from scientific journals mislead Muslims, who are scientifically unschooled, into believing the fundamentalist Christian doctrine of the so-called “scientific” creationism. Furthermore, these Muslim cohorts of fundamentalist Christians lead young Muslims, studying science in American universities, into disbelief because they discover the flaws and half-truths in an imported “scientific” creationism.

Yahya and other anti-evolutionist Muslims reject chance events happening in nature. For them, the universe, with its animate and inanimate matter, is a clock and God is the clockmaker. The clockmaker set the clock in motion and it continues to tick away towards the Day of Judgment. This miraculous clock never slows down, never run fast and never stops. A perfect clock!! If the universe does run like a clock, then future events should be precisely predictable. Our whole lives and futures are predetermined and we have no freedom to actualize any possibility or affect any change in the universe. The universe is a mechanical clock whose function is predetermined in the past and all God does is watch it tick away. What we have is an unemployed god!!

What do we mean by chance? Simple meaning of the word is something that happens unpredictably with out discernible human intention or direction and in dissociation from any observable pattern, causal relation, or natural necessity. The events become unpredictable in two ways. They become unpredictable because we are limited by the lack of detailed and accurate knowledge at the micro-level. In such cases chance means that we are unable to determine all the micro-factors of the initial conditions that determine the macro-events. In another scenario, the observed event is the result of the crossing of two or more independent causal chains and we have no accurate information about the chains themselves or the beginning small events or about their point of intersection. Chance also means possibilities that are not visibly actualized. A universe without chance or possibilities exists only if creatures do not have the potential and freedom to steal or not to steal, believe or not believe in God, etc. In a deterministic chance-absent universe, humans cannot choose freely what they want but are forced to submit to destiny. In a deterministic universe, we can say Wahshi had no choice in killing Hamzah (ra) in the Uhud war because it was meant to be. Hind d. Utba, who paid Washsi to kill Hamzah (ra) and, who then cannibalized him, also had no choice in the matter because it was destined to happen. Muslim world is predestined to be ruled by oppressive regimes and their government sanctioned form of Islam. Chance, for the ordinary Americans including to see or not to see the true face of Islam, is irrelevant to their perception of Muslims at large as terrorists!!! Their perception about Muslims as terrorists is destiny too! In the first case, God becomes the ultimate puppeteer who pulls the strings on puppets such as Wahshi, Hind d. Utba to kill and mutilate one of the great companions of Prophet (pbuh)! In the second case, God is responsible for hiding the true face of Islam from ordinary Americans so that they see us as terrorists!!! [May Allah forgive me for depicting Him as what He is not] In a deterministic chance-absent universe, human choices and actions are useless because, not chance but destiny, transforms them into believers or non-believers! Therefore, those who reject the role of chance also reject free will. Humans, like robots, accept or reject God, not through their free will but, because they are pre-programmed to do so! No! Allah is not a puppeteer. He is the All Compassionate, Merciful and Just God, who presents to us with possibilities that allow us the freedom to choose right from wrong. We choose either kill or not to kill, to know or not to know the true face of Islam etc.

God, the Knower of all being (Al-Alim), knows that free will exists only where authentic choices exist. So, he offers us an open future with chance events and a multitude of possibilities that allow us to exercise our free will; otherwise, why should mankind and other creatures be held accountable for their actions, if they have no control over them?

Those who reject the existence of elements of chance in real life are transforming Allah, the Merciful and the Compassionate, into the tyrant that He is not. In Islamic history we observe Imam al-Hasan al-Basri (b.624) rejecting a deterministic universe. In response to a letter from Caliph Abd al-Malik ibn Marwan regarding the doctrine of a predestined universe, he replied: “Commander of the faithful; do not alter it or interpret it falsely. God would not openly prohibit people from something and destine them to do it secretly [emphasis added] as the ignorant and the heedless say. If that were so, He would not have said in the Qur’an, 41:40: Do what you wish. He would have said: Do what I have destined you to do. Nor would He have said in Qur’an, 18:28: Whomever wills shall believe and whoever wills shall disbelieve. He would have said: Whoever I will shall believe and whoever I will shall disbelieve.”

According to Qur’an, the current universe is our testing ground where our choices and actions generate data for presentation on the Day of Judgment. . Allah determines reward or retribution based on the data created by our choices during our life on our current universe. The Qur’an states: [Allah] Who created death and life in order to try you to see who of you are best in deed (Qur’an 67:2)” and “ Or do ye think that you shall enter the Garden (of Bliss) without such (trials) as came to those who passed away before you?…(Qur’an 2:214)”. It also reads: “On no soul does God place a burden greater than it can bear. It will receive every good it earned and suffer every ill it earned… (Qur’an 2:286).” Therefore, in the Islamic universe, human beings are free agents, given equal chances and the free will to do moral or immoral acts--equal chances to get to heaven or hell. What humans do matters on the Day of Judgment when God’s absolute justice wills prevails.

The fundamental purpose of the Qur’an and the Prophet’s (pbuh) authentic tradition is to make us aware of heaven and hell and of the moral or immoral decisions that we could take by the use of our free will in an unpredictable world. These sources are also decision- making guides to what actions God allows, prohibits, or considers neutral. He does not, however, determine or preordain individual choices and actions. We are free to choose from contrasting possibilities that are packed as information in each moment of the arriving future. We are free to actualize our choices into visible physical monuments of God’s creation. God holds us accountable if our choices violate the guidance that he revealed to us in the Qur’an. We are not responsible for conditions such as pain and suffering, fairness or unfairness, etc., that are inherent specific properties of each possibilities in the coming future. An analogy will better explain the point: A decides to throw acid on B, an innocent person. A is not accountable for the corrosive properties of the acid but for his decision to throw it to hurt human being. The creation of those characteristic properties of all possibilities including that of acid is in Allah’s domain.

In the predestined universe of anti-evolutionists, our thoughts and resulting deeds are preordained. If so, genuine tests or trials (on earth or Judgment Day) are impossible. An individual whose life is predestined will be arbitrarily rewarded or punished for his choices in the Hereafter Universe (al-Akhirah)! The Day of Judgment becomes a tyrant’s phony court hearing where pre-programmed machines, called humans, who have no control over their actions or decisions, are capriciously judged.

A predetermined universe conflicts with the truth in the Qur’an, the authentic traditions, and Islam in totality. A sound interpretation of Qur’anic truth will show that the acceptance of chance and unpredictability is a first step on the road to God because true believers accept responsibility for their choices in actualizing chances and possibilities that God sends their way. Without such freedom, humans cannot, through their effort and free will, find the Generous (Al-Karim), Merciful (Ar-Rahman) God. Instead, like robots, they are faced with a tyrannical force, which prompts their every move and punish them for what the tyrant programmed them to do.

Anti-evolutionist Muslims acknowledge the truth that Allah used the elements of chance and unpredictability in the historical processes that produced our contemporary nations and ways of life in which happy or horrifying unpredictable events are daily occurrences. If chance exits in the daily affairs of human beings and shapes their histories, how can we reject the role of chance in shaping our biological evolution? The theory of evolution is the history of life. Allah wants us to understand the physical and chemical laws of the universe so we can make rational choices and decisions. However, when He intervenes in our lives, He does not change existing physical laws as that may cause confusion among humans.

How did God design this miraculous universe? What are its mechanics? How does God interfere and answers prayers without violating natural laws? How does He maintain the continuity and directionality in evolution of the universe and life in the presence chance? Inshah, Allah, I hope to explore these questions in my book that is yet to be published.

Healthier Living through Fasting

2008-11-05T17:54:00.001-08:00

During the month of Ramadan, a Muslim does not eat or drink from daybreak, when a thread of light may be seen on the horizon, until sun has set. During the fasting period one should abstain from sensual pleasures. The principle of fasting is related to that of limitation or restraint. Without limitation, true knowledge is impossible, because it is when we come to the end or limit of a thing that its true nature becomes evident. Ramadan's marking the end to indulgence, or imposing a clear limit to it day after day for a month or for approximately 360 hours, offers an unmistakable spiritual lesson. It also constitutes for a purification and a kind of sacrifice, which, like the pruning the trees, leads to renewal and fresh strength. On the moral plane it brings a direct understanding of the suffering of the hungry. This limitation increases and strengthens one's will power and self-control, so that once can give up bad habits.

Fasting in Other Religions

Fasting is prescribed in almost all religions. The Jews and Christians also fast. Jewish law order a yearly fast on Yom Kippur, the Day of Atonement. Many Orthodox Jews require the bride and groom to fast on the day before their wedding. Many Christians fast during Lent, the period of 40 days that Jesus (Isa - Alayhis Salam) spent fasting in the wilderness.

The Buddhists and Hindus also fast. Some religious thinkers, such as Zoroastrian religious leaders are against fasting from food, claiming that abstaining from food has no moral value, when compared with "fasting from evil" with eyes, hands, tongue, or feet. In some religions, people fast during times of mourning. Sometimes, personal or political goals are sought through fasting. M.K. Gandhi of India used fasting both as a penance and as a means of political protest.

Why Should Muslims Fast?

An ascetic element in human life is necessity. No religion is possible without an element of self-denial and asceticism. In order to be able to enjoy the harvest of sensual Perception, one must retreat once in a whilefrom the abundant life of the senses. Thus a certain degree of restraint from the material makes the life of senses balanced and opens in the human soul for the spiritual life. One such restraint is fasting, obligatory upon Muslims during the month of Ramadan and at other times. During the fast, the abstention is directed toward the carnal soul, what the Quran calls "al-nafs al-ammarah." In fasting, the unruly trends of the carnal soul are steadily restrained and soothed through a planned compliance of these trends to the Divine Will. During the fast, the cravings of the carnal sould go unanswered, as the Muslim is reminded that his fast if for the pleasure of Allah

(Subhanahu wa Taala). It is, therefore, important for a Muslim to abstain, not only from food and drink, but also from every form of sensual cravings. During the duration of fasting, food and drink that were taken for granted for the rest of the year become ni'mah or gifts from heaven. The fasting becomes a shield of purity against the passions of the world. In fasting a Muslim chooses the side of Allah over this world of materialism. That is why Prophet Muhammad (Salla Allahu Alayhi wa Sallam) loved fasting so frequently and he said al-faqr fakhri (spiritual poverty is my glory).

The Death of Passion Purifies the Human Soul

It is for this reason that the arrival of the blessed month of Ramadan is greeted with happiness. For in this month the doors of heaven are opened to the faithful and Divine Compassion plunges upon those who seek it. Those who complete the fast of Ramadan feel rejuvenated and are prepared to face another year with firmness to live and act according to the Divine Will.

Science Favors Fasting

What are the benefits of fasting? Scientists have studied the effects of fasting on the body and found that the intake of food increases the body’s metabolism. After fasting, metabolism can become as much as 22 percent lower than the normal rate. Research has also shown that after long periods of fasting, the body tends to adjust itself by lowering the rate of metabolism itself. After fasting, a person should gradually resume eating.

In some studies performed on fasting Muslims, it was observed that there was a slight loss of weight both in males and females. Their blood glucose levels increased significantly. Other parameters such as blood levels of cortisol, testosterone, sodium, potassium, urea, total cholesterol, HDL (high density lipoprotein), TG (triglycerides), and serum osmolatity did not show notable variations.

Another study performed about a decade ago in Iran showed that sporadic restraint from food and drink for about 17 hours a day for 30 days does not alter male reproductive hormones, HPTA (hypothalamic-pituitary-thyroid-axis) or peripheral metabolism of thyroid hormones. Any changes noticed return to normal four weeks after fasting.

Dr. Jalila El Ati and her associates ("Increased fat oxidation during Ramadan fasting in healthy women: an adaptive mechanism for body-weight maintanence." Am. J. Clin. Nutri. August 1995), who investigated the possible effects of Ramadan fasting of anthropometric and metabolic variables in healthy Tunisian Muslim women, found that the total daily energy intake remained unchanged whereas the qualitative components of nutrients were markedly affected. Ramadan fasting influenced neither body weight or body composition. Results also indicate respiratory and energy expenditure during Ramadan. Fat oxidation was increased and carbohydrate oxidation was decreased during the light span of nycthemeron.

In non-Muslim countries such as the U.S. the physicians, particularly the family physicians and internists should be aware of changes of glucose and bilirubin during the month of Ramadan.

Fasting may enhance mucosa derived B lymphocyte cell responsiveness while having no effect on B cell responsiveness in both rheumatoid arthritis patients and healthy volunteers. In a study, after a three-day, water-only fast, 7 rheumatoid arthritis patients and 17 healthy volunteers received influenza virus vaccine either orally or by injection. When the blood samples were analyzed for B lymphocyte response a week later, it was found that Blymphocyte response was enhanced in the group receiving the vaccine orally in both arthritis patients and volunteers. The response to injected vaccine was unchanged in both groups.

Fasting helps Longevity

Studies on laboratory animals have shown that restriction of caloric intake increases longevity, slows the rate of functional decline, and reduces incidence of age-related disease in a variety of species. The mechanism of action of caloric restriction remains unknown; however, data suggest that cellular functions are altered in such a way that destructive by-products of metabolism are reduced, and defense or repair systems are enhanced by this nutritional manipulation. Animal and human studies suggest potential benefits of dietary modification, exercise, antioxidants, hormones, and deprenyl.

Fasting and Lactating Mothers

The effects of fasting and increased blood insulin and glucose on milk volume and composition were studies with glucose clamp methodology in exclusively and partially breast-feeding women (producing no more than 200 ml milk per day). There was no effect of milk volume, milk glucose concentration, and total fat content or lactose secretion rate. It is concluded that human milk production is isolated from the homeostatic mechanisms that regulate glucose metabolism in the rest of the body, in part because the lactose synthetase system has a Km for glucose lower than the concentration available in the Golgi compartment.

In a study which investigated the effects of a short-term fast (72 hours) on female reproductive hormone secretion and menstrual function, it was concluded that in spite of profound metabolic changes, a 72-hour fast during the follicular phase does not affect the menstrual cycle of normal cycling women.

Fasting and Healing

Studies are being conducted to treat serious illnesses like osteo rheumatoid arthritis or asthma utilizing fasting for a short duration of few days to medically supervised water only fasts of 30 days to help the body heal itself. It has been known that both children and animals refuse to eat when sick as a natural response. The severely sick have no appetite, but they take the food only at the urging of the family members. The severely sick feel no

hunger because food in severe sickness intervenes with natural response. The body is always trying to heal itself. When the patient is resting and consuming water only, the body heals itself and fasting acts as a facilitating process. One can get rid of coffee, cigarettes, salty or sugary foods, which are addictive, through fasting, as fasting can help clear the taste buds and healthful foods start to taste better again. However, insulin-dependent diabetics should not fast because of ketosis in patients with insulin-dependent diabetics, who cannot break down the ketones and use them as fuel. Healthy people use the ketones (byproducts of fat metabolism) to maintain energy. (To conserve the glycogen stores, glucose becomes restricted to the central nervous system, mainly the brain. Instead of taking the glucose from the brain, the body begins breaking down the fatty acids in adipose (fatty) tissue). People with non-insulin-dependent diabetes (the majority of people who have diabetes) can improve their health through fasting.

Fasting helps cardiovascular disease, arthritis, asthma, non-insulin-dependent diabetes, ulcers, and digestive disorders, lupus, skin problems (including cysts, tumors, and kidney stones). Even quitting smoking and obesity respond favorably to fasting.

Fasting during the month of Ramadan does not cause any adverse medical effects, on the other hand, it may have some beneficial effects on weight and lipid metabolism.

The Woman as Human Being

2008-11-05T11:33:00.000-08:00

Islam was revealed at a time when a lot of people denied the humanity of the woman; some were sceptical about it; and still others admitted it, yet considered the woman a thing created for the humble service of the man.

With the advent of Islam, circumstances improved for the woman. The woman's dignity and humanity were restored. Islam confirmed her capacity to carry out Allah's commands, her responsibilities and observation of the commands that lead to heaven. Islam considered the woman as a worthy human being, with a share in humanity equal to that of the man. Both are two branches of a single tree and two children from the same father, Adam, and mother, Eve. Their single origin, their general human traits, their responsibility for the observation of religious duties with the consequent reward or punishment, and the unity of their destiny all bear witness to their equality from the Islamic point of view.

Establishing this fact, the Noble Qur'an says: " O mankind! Be dutiful to your Lord, Who created you from a single person (Adam) and from him (Adam) He created his wife (Eve), and from them both He created many men and women and fear Allah through Whom you demand your mutual (rights), and (do not cut the relations of) the wombs (kinship). Surely, Allah is Ever an All-Watcher over you. " [ Surah 4:1] That people all people men and women, were created by their Lord from a single person or self, that this self is a nucleus from which Allah created an integral counterpart that completes this original self and is completed by it, is stated in another verse: " It is He Who has created you from a single person (Adam), and (then) He has created from him his wife (Eve), in order that he might enjoy the pleasure of living with her." [ Surah 7:189] Eventually Allah, out of this nuclear pair, scattered the multitudes of men and women, all worshippers of a single God and children of the same parents implying they are united in a fraternity, embracing men and women alike. Because of this fact, the verse commands people to fear Allah as their Lord and be heedful of the duties that the wombs, as symbolic of this bond, impose.

The man on this account is a brother to the woman and the woman is the other half of the pair. The Messenger (blessings and peace be upon him) says, "Women are the sisters of men." [ Transmitted on the authority of Aisha by Ahmad (6/256); Abu Dawud (236); Al-Termithy (113); Al-Doram(1/195) and others.]The Qur'an, on its part, treats this issue of fraternal equality from more than one perspective. On the purely religious level for instance, the Qur'an says: "Verily, the Muslims (those who submit to Allah in Islam) men and women, the believers men and women (who believe in Islamic Monotheism), the men and the women who are obedient (to Allah), the men and women who are truthful (in their speech and deeds), the men and the women who are patient (in performing all the duties which Allah has ordered and in abstaining from all that Allah has forbidden), the men and the women who are humble (before their Lord -Allah), the men and the women who give Sadaqat, (i.e. Zakat, and alms, etc.), the men and the women who fast (the obligatory fasting during the month of Ramadan and the optional Nawafil fasting), the men and women who guard their chastity (from illegal sexual acts) and the men and women who remember Allah muchwith their hearts and tongues (while sitting, standing, lying, etc. for more than 300 times extra over the remembrance of Allak during the five compulsory congregational prayers or praying extra additional Nawafil prayers of night in the last part of night etc.) Allah has prepared for them forgiveness and a great reward (i.e. Paradise). [ Surah 33:35]

On the basic social and religious responsibilities, the Qur'an establishes equality by maintaining: "The believers, men and women, are "Awliy," (helpers, supporters, friends, protectors) of one another, they enjoin (on the people) Al-Ma`ruf (i.e. Islamic Monotheism and all that Islam orders one to do);and forbid (people) from Al-Munkar (i.e. polytheism and disbelief of all kinds, and all that Islam has forbidden); they offer their prayers perfectly (lqamat-as-Salat), and give the Zakat and obey Allah and His Messenger. Allah will have mercy on them. [ Surah 9:71]

In Adam's story, Divine Orders were made to him and his wife, both and equally: "O Adam! Dwell you and your wife in the Paradise and eat both of you freely with pleasure and delight of things therein as wherever you will, but come not near this tree or you both will be of the Zalim'n (wrongdoers). [ Surah 2:35] What is new, however, about this story as given by the Qur'an is that the temptation is blamed not on Eve but on Satan: "Then the Satan made them slip therefrom (the Paradise), and got them out from that in which they were. [ Surah 2:36] - the reverse of The Old Testament versions. Thus Eve was neither the sole eater from the tree, nor the one who initiated the act. Rather, the mistake was theirs both, and both of them repented and asked for forgiveness: "They said, "Our Lord! We have wronged ourselves. If You forgive us not, and bestow not upon us Your Mercy, we shall be losers". [ Surah 7:23]

Further still, some verses ascribe the trespass to Adam: "And indeed We made a covenant with Adam before, but he forgot, and We found on his part no firm will-power." [ Surah 20:115] And "Then Satan whispered to him saying, "O Adam! Shall I lead you to the Tree of Eternity and to a kingdom that will never waste away?" [ Surah 20:120] and till "Thus did Adam disobey his Lord, so he went astray." [ Surah 20:121]

This implies that Adam was the one who trespassed first and was followed by his woman. Whatever the case may be, even accepting that Eve did commit a trespass, she, alone, would be responsible without any transmission of accountability to her daughters.

On the question of equality of punishment and reward and eligibility for Paradise, The Almighty says: "That was a nation who has passed away. They shall receive the reward of what they earned and you of what you earn. And you will not be asked of what they used to do. [ Surah 2:134 and 2:141] Concerning the equality of men and women in receiving rewards and the entry of paradise, God says: " So their Lord accepted of them (their supplication and answered them), "Never will I allow to be lost the work of any of you, be he male or female." [ Surah 3:195] and Whoever works righteousness, whether male or female, while he (or she) is a true believer (of Islamic Monotheism) verily, to him We will give a good life (in this world with respect, contentment and lawful provision), and We shall pay them certainly a reward in proportion to the best of what they used to do (i.e. Paradise in the Hereafter). [ Surah 16:97]

When it comes to financial matters, the rule of Islam abolished the conventions prevalent among many nations which deprived the woman of the right of ownership, inheritance, and those which created obstacles against her exercise of free and full control of her holdings. As a rule, Islam acknowledges the woman's rights to all kinds of ownership, spending and channelling of her money. It gives her the rights of inheritance, selling, buying, renting, donating, lending, allocating property for religious and charitable purposes, giving alms, legal transfer and mortgage, as well as many other forms of contracts and actions.

The woman's right to seek education or learning is basic and is also guaranteed by Islamic teachings. Islam actualIy makes it incumbent on the woman to seek knowledge; the Prophet (blessings and peace be upon him) says, `seeking knowledge is incumbent on every Muslim," where "every Muslim" obviously involves men and women on an equal footing as a rule formalised by all authorities of jurisprudence .

The woman is also required to perform religious ordinances and forms of worship the way the man is. Praying, fasting, Zakat (the alms sanctifying tax), pilgrimage and all the other fundamental practices in Islam are required of Muslims in their capacity, both men and women, as responsible humans. Again the woman's actions are recompensed by Allah the way the man's actions are.

The woman is not excluded from the area of social activity; Allah says: " The believers, men and women, are "Awliy," (helpers, supporters, friends, protectors) of one another, they enjoin (on the people) Al-Ma`ruf (i.e. Islamic Monotheism and all that Islam orders one to do);and forbid (people) from Al-Munkar (i.e. polytheism and disbelief of all kinds, and all that Islam has forbidden). [ Surah 9:71] For instance, she can give refuge for those who seek it. If she hosts a refugee, her action is to be respected and observed. This rule relates back to Um Hanibint Abi Talib's giving relief to a father in-law on the day of the Conquest of Mecca by Muslims. When her brother wanted to kill him because he was an infidel, she complained to Allah's Messenger (blessings and peace be upon him) saying, "Allah's Messenger, my mother's son insists on killing my refugee, Ibn Hubayra."The Prophet (blessings and peace be upon him) replied, "We confer asylum on him that you give refuge to, Um Hani". [ Mutafaq aley (agreed upon) on the authority of Um Hani, The Pearl and the Coral (Al-Lu'lu' wal-Marjan) (193)]

One Sister's Journey to Wear Hijab

2008-11-04T14:08:00.001-08:00

One Sister's Journey to Wear Hijab
by anonymous sister in Indiana

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Asalaamualaikum wa Rahmatullahi wa Barakatuhu

MashaAllah, the first annual CZ-camp this weekend was no doubt a blast. I have never before been surrounded by such a group of wonderful and sincere people with so much knowledge to share in so many ways. All for the sake of Allah (swt).

Growing up in ‘hickville,’ IA (not Iowa City), Islam was not very prevalent and nearly unheard of by all the Caucasian, narrow-minded residents when my family moved there. There was no Mosque in the city; in fact the nearest one was almost 200 miles away.

In later years, I was what the ‘non-practicing’ Muslims referred to as a ‘good’ Muslim, even though that decision is left only to Allah (swt). Until now, I have displayed modesty to what I believed to be the fullest: long pants and such. I believed the hijaab to be every Muslim woman’s personal journey. My personal decision had been to not wear it until some undetermined time; sometime later in life. I made, for lack of a better word, justifications for why I didn’t cover myself with a hijaab. The pious Muslim women of my family in Pakistan had never worn them, so my relatives would not accept it or would become offended or intimidated by it. Not knowing Arabic well enough to read the Quran on my own, I thought the head covering was part of culture or something some scholars had made up to represent modesty. I was still representing modesty, displayed through my clothes and actions. I feared that others would stereotype my personality because of a cloth on my head. I didn’t want it to define me as a person. Allah (swt) knows best.

I had in some ways been turned away from it by people (mainly some brothers who thought they had the right to judge sisters without hijaab), telling me to my face that this everyday-sin would by far outweigh the good things I was doing for Allah (swt). They were forcing it upon me, which made me reject it even more.

When my sister started observing hijaab, one woman came up me when we were on campus and said “InshaAllah, next week I will see you wearing it as well.” She assumed I would start wearing it as a conduct of competition or jealousy. I didn’t want to wear it for such silly and entirely false reasons. Alhamdolillah, I knew that one day I would understand the hijaab, so much more than a piece of cloth to represent modesty.

In this camp’s comfortable environment, I had the opportunity to take on ‘hijaab-in-training.’ When we arrived at camp, I put on my hijaab as I would in any Islamic setting, such as I had done many times at the Mosque. SubhaanAllah, I learned so much more than I had ever expected. Wearing a hijaab was not difficult at all at the camp. It gave privacy and hid the beauty from any looking eyes. It hid the “crown of a queen (or princess),” as one Sheikh at the camp stated. I prayed to Allah (swt) to give me strength to take what I learned and apply it outside this comfort zone.

Just a few minutes before taking a final dip in the pool with the sisters, saying last Salaams and taking on the five-hour trek back home, I was given the opportunity. SubhaanAllah. Not just in an ordinary location, but a town (actually village) at a level of hickishness incomparable to even the hickville of Iowa where I spent seven years. In this village, where 911 ceased to exist and the Harley bikers were the diversity, I not only wore hijaab, but I experienced it.

I now realize the importance of the hijaab, especially in areas where Muslims are underrepresented. It is not so much a symbol of modesty, as I had thought before. Modesty comes from within and even a woman observing hijaab can have a lack of it. However, Islam is outward and the hijaab can be part of that outward Islam. In some ways, it will make my life easier. InshaAllah I will never have to provide an explanation of why I don’t want to take part in some event or activity that is considered un-Islamic. No longer will I have to endure the nasty glares that violate my privacy. Also, the opportunities for dawah will be endless, InshaAllah. Above all, I will be pleasing Allah (swt).

As I know from Muslim sisters who already wear hijaab, it will be difficult also. The stares will come, classmates may think differently of me, and I will be a minority on the Iowa campus in this respect. Further education could be more difficult, since engineering, which is still predominately full of males, for some reason has not many outward Muslims. It is Jihaad, internal and external. May Allah (swt) give me strength to endure these challenges, and others that I may not be aware of at this time.

I am writing these scribbled notes on the way back to home. I know I must get this down on paper now. Alhamdolillah, just as I finish this, the fever I had all day has just passed and we are only nine miles from home.

Jazaakum Allahu Khair to each and every one of you at the camp for not only taking part in the wonderful camp, but also for being a part of such an “awesome” change in my life.

May Allah (swt) forgive me for any faults, they are entirely my own. All praises are for Him alone.