Who do we represent?

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All I can say that Islam is not represented by the Muslims.

We've become so arrogant of who we are, and ignorant of where we should be. We've abandoned our Religion, we've abandoned who we are are, we've flung the robes of Islam, and instead swapped them with the rags of kufr and hypocrisy. Take a walk amongst the youth of our Ummah, and notice their concerns, they're either concerned with the rims of their 200SX or what they're going to do for Saturday night with their friends. Walk amongst the youth of our Ummah, and they're concerned with Harry Potter and the problem solving task they're going to attempt for homework. Walk amongst the youth of this Ummah, and they're concerned about what happened at the AFL tribunal or who got evicted from Big Brother. Are these the people of this Ummah? Are these the people who are going to bear the flag of Muhammad (saw)? Are these the people to carry the message of monotheism to the world? Are these the concerns of the Muslims who are going to unite the lands of Islam? Are these the fathers and mothers to a generation of adherence to the Qura'an?

A girl from Afghanistan said:

'It was a sunny glorious day when my mother had just told me to lay the table for lunch. The next thing I heard was the air raid siren and I hurried to the shelter. But when I came out my mother and father were lying there covered in blood, and my sister Bihn had pieces of metal in her, and so did her doll. My street had fallen down. The street had been hit by cluster bombs, which spray small darts. These had entered the young girls body and continued to move around inside her for several days, causing internal injuries from which she died an agonising death.'

Yeah, we'll get pumped up for a couple of minutes, then it'll froth off. We'll get angry and call this girl our 'sister' for a couple of minutes, and then we get on with our lives. Have you heard the story of Fatima, from Iraq? Have you heard the story of Aisha, Khadijah, Ruqqayah, Asma? Have you heard how their wombs have been polluted with the children of fornication by those sons of apes and pigs who rape them? How they spat in their faces? How they tore their bodies to bits? How they were savaged ten times a day by those filthy dogs? Does it not stir something in our hearts? Are we not men? Are we pleased with how these dogs are jumping on our sisters with their animalistic lusts? They feel the pain with their hearts, their tears flow in their veins, their cries are silent, they cannot speak what they feel. We, as hypocrites, have much to say, much to teach others, yet, we're liars, and our actions speak for themselves, and I am the biggest hypocrite amongst you. If I truly did believe these women were my sisters, I would not stop crying, If I truly believed that these women are the honour of my religion, then I would not remain seated, If I truly believed that these women were a responsibility in my neck, I would not leave them to die literally abandoned, terrified, and humiliated, at the hands of these kaafirs.

Take a look at our 'men', look what they want in life, walk in the streets of Beirut, Melbourne or Dubai, and take a look at the 'men' who are going to lead us out of our misery. These 'men' with their tight jeans, gelled hair, pink tops and dog-like chains. These 'Umars', 'Uthmans', 'Khalids', who have inherited the names of warriors, and the hearts of metro sexual pansies. The 'men' who cannot go a week without shaving every bit of their bodies, the 'man' who cannot live without his 'Angel' fragrance or his hand lotion. These are the men who defend Fatima and Aisha in Abu Ghraib prison, these are the heirs of Umar ibn al-Khattab and Abu Bakr as-Sideeq. When the qualities of manhood disappear among men, society falls into crisis, homes are ruined, nations become weak and disgraced, and moral corruption becomes widespread.

As the sun rises over our lands, it shines over the buildings that are now rubble, it shines over the girl who is now a corpse, it shines over the happiness that is now defiantly silent, it shines over an Ummah, that is now a mess. Don't blame it on the United States, don't blame it on the Jews, blame yourselves, blame the one billion cowards who call themselves Muslims, and claim to be the followers of Muhammad (saw)

We fail to utter a single word, let alone raise a finger, when we see our fellow Muslims imprisoned, tortured, and slain. We find it easy to read a novel, but difficult to read three pages of Bukhari. We listen to the words of the Dunya like they were the nourishment of our souls, we love the prestige of the world, hate the mention of death, even though we've convinced ourselves we're not like that, we are.

Where will you seek your honour? Your 'Dr' title? Your Black Mercedes E55? Your home? Your bank account?

Victory and defeat, are not decided by money, secular education, resources, numbers or skills. Rather, they are decided by the faith and Imaan, worship, and dedication we have towards Allah, our creator. The more we obey Allah, both individually and collectively, the more we are deserving of his victory. The more we disobey Allah, and fall in love with this Dunya, and its petty attractions, the more we are worthy of Allah's wrath and punishment, in this world and the next. It is very easy to blame Bush and Blair, the 'West', the 'kuffar' or simply 'them' for all our woes and worries, or just do the Arab thing, and blame Sharon for your kitchen sink being blocked.

Ask 'Muslim' students what they want to be, and they will all tell you 'I WANT TO BE A DOCTOR TO HELP THE MUSLIMS', I look for one person, JUST ONE, who wants to be the spiritual healer for this Ummah. I search for a person who wants to be the saviour of this Ummah, a person who wants to dedicate his life to the da'wah to cure our diseases, a person to teach the children Imaan, a person to teach teenagers taqwa, a person to work effortlessly with what matters, teaching the people about Allah and his messenger.

Look at our sisters, the ones who 'condemn' the true believers for fighting the enemies of Allah and Islam, the ones who believe their men should become the girls the West wants them to be, the ones who want a Villa, and not a family built on the tenets of Imaan and correct creed. Take a look what the 'women' of this Ummah have become:

Tell them Niqaab is obligatory, and they'll jump out a window
Tell them going to a Western University in a bad environment is Haraam, and they'll quote you the couple of the ahadiths they've memorized their whole lives to defend themselves. Tell them that a man is allowed to marry four women, and they'll shriek. Tell them that a woman gets half the inheritance of her brother, and she'll start about injustice

Instead of our sisters being the ones to encourage their husbands and brothers to become the true men of this religion, they're the ones who want them to fall more in love with the novelties of this world of money and prestige. Instead of being the ones to use their mercy to help the Ummah awaken its love within, hope, and sincerity, they're the ones to corrupt themselves, and society.

Where are the men and women of Islam? Where are those of Islamic Knowledge? Where are the inhabitants of Al-Firdowse? Where are the Abu Bakrs and Ai'shas of this Ummah? Where is al-Faruq? Where is az-Zahraa'? Where is Khaled bin al-Waleed?

There are many practical obstacles in the establishing Allah's rule on earth, such as the power of state, the social system and traditions and, in general, the whole human environment. Only when we awaken, get our priorities right, understand our religion, preach it to others, and work for the sake of Islam, uncompromising in the face of our enemies, sticking to our words even when the rope has been tied around our necks for hanging, we are Muslims, Imaan is our light, jihad is our way, the khilafah is our goal in this world, and Firdowse in the next, Allah is our god, Muhammad (saw) is our final messenger, and there's nothing you're going to be able to do about it.

Reform starts deep within the individual and then stretches out to the vastness surrounding him. Many people, contrary to this fact, target their surroundings without dealing with themselves first. Their feelings of historical power and glory continue to be an obstacle to their understanding, defining, and determining their priorities.

"Know that the life of this world is only play and amusement, pomp and mutual boasting among you, and rivalry in respect of wealth and children. (It is) like a rain (Ghayth), thereof the growth is pleasing to the tiller; afterwards it dries up and you see it turning yellow; then it becomes straw. But in the Hereafter (there is) a severe torment, and (there is) forgiveness from Allah and (His) pleasure. And the life of this world is only a deceiving enjoyment." [57:20]

"Beautified for men is the love of things they covet; women, children, much of gold and silver (wealth), branded beautiful horses, cattle and well-tilled land. This is the pleasure of the present world's life; but Allah has the excellent return with Him." (3:14)

"Allah does not change the condition of a people until they change it themselves"

The Pious Predecessors used to say, "Words that come from the mouth, stop at the ears. But words that come from the heart, reach the heart."

Either my words do not convey what my heart feels, or your hearts are of stone. I hope it's the former, or more preferably, neither. Am hoping that my words do give you something to think about!

The Significance of Shabe Baraat

This night is called Shabe-Baraat ( the night of freedom ) because Allah frees all His sinful servants who were destined for Jahannam.
The Quraan has called it a blessed night.
Nabi has said in a Hadith regarding this month. "Shabaan is my month and Ramadhaan is the month of Allah ."
This month is an introduction to Ramadhaan, like Shawwal hail the end of Ramadhaan.
Allah Ta'ala 's mercy decends during this night
During this night, beginning at sunset Allah Ta'ala 's special attention descends upon the first sky. He proclaims
"Is there anyone seeking forgiveness, that I may pardon him?
Is there anyone requesting sustenance that I may provide for him?
Is there anyone afflicted with difficulty (so that he may ask for assistance) that I may help him?
Is there anyone with any other need?
Allah Ta'ala showers His mercy the entire night up until Subah Saadiq (early morning - dawn).
Nabi was so mindful of Sha'baan that he did not give the sighting of the moon of any other
month such thought.
It is also a speciality of this month, that all deeds done during the year shall be presented before Allah Ta'ala in this month.
Nabi stated that the month of Sha'baan which is between Rajab and Ramadhaan, is such a month that the people are negligent of its blessedness. It is during this month that the actions of the servants are presented before Allah Ta'ala .Therefore Nabi loved that his deeds be presented while he was fasting.
During the 15th of Sha'baan Allah Ta'ala shows special attention to all His servants, he pardons those who seek forgiveness and He showers mercy on those who show mercy to others as for those who grudge and have enmity for others, Allah Ta'ala leaves them that very same condition.
It is mentioned by Nabi that the remainder of a person's life in the coming year and his sustenance and whoever shall be afforded the opportunity to perform Hajj (Pilgrimage) shall be written on this night.
During this night, the names of the souls of all those who are born and of all those who are to depart from this world. Furthermore during this night one's actions are raised and sustenance sent down.
Nabi has prohibited one from fasting after the 15th of Sha'abaan. This prohibition does not cause the fast to become Haraam. The reason for prohibiting fasting after the 15th of Sha'baan is for one to gain strength for Ramadhaan.
It has been proven, from authentic sources, that the noble Sahaba and the Taabi'een used to remain awake during the entire night and practice upon the Sunnat Aamals. Our noble predecessors also used to honor this night and prepare for well in advance.
Committing sins during this night deprives a person of its blessings.
As the reward of a virtue increases respective to the time and place, so does the degree of sin. When during a significant time any amal is more virtuous so does the the evil and sin committed in that time be more abhorred. The law of place and time falls under the same category, e.g.. one may commit the same wrong in the Musjid and the degree of that sin shall increase. In the same manner this night is so blessed that committing a sin during this night shall be more severe.
Sunnat and Mustahab actions during the 15th of Sha'baan.
One should stay awake and perform Salaah, keep oneself busy with Zikr, recitation of the Holy Quraan and other worship. Do also recite the Masnoon Du'a of this night excessively. ( Dua on item no. 7 ).
To ask Allah Ta'ala for forgiveness, health, happiness and all our needs for this world and the Hereafter.
To busy onself with Ibaadat (worship) during the entire night of Shabe Baraat.
It is Mustahab (preferable) to fast on the 15th of Sha'baan. Our predecessors did so too.
one should visit the Qabarastaan (graveyard) and make Du'a and seek forgiveness on behalf of the deceased.
It is stated in a Hadeeth that Nabi said "One who performs Esha salaat with Jamaat and Fajr Salaah with Jamaat, Allah Ta'ala will grant him the reward of staying the night." There are glad tidings for the weak and those engaged in business, that if they are not able to stay awake the entire night, they should try to remain awake as much as possible and to perform Fajr and Esha Salaat with Jamaat, so that they may not be completely deprived of the blessings of this night.
Hazrat Ayesh Sidiqah Radiallhu Anha say, " I heard Nabi reciting the following Du'a whilst prostating in Nafl Salaah:"

Translation: I seek protection in Your forgiveness from Your Wrath, and seek shelter in Your pleasure from Your displeasure, and I seek safety with You from You, I cannot praise You as You are deserving and You are worthy of praise as You have praised Yourself.
Nabi repeated this dua continuously in Sajdah. This Du'a was taught to the Ummat by our beloved Nabi .


The following sins are so severe that due to them one would be deprived of the blessings of this great night:
1. To associate any partners to Allah Ta'ala , regarding His Being and Qualities.
2. To have enmity for one's fellow brothers.
3. Not fulfilling the rights of our close relatives and treating them unkindly.
4. To allow the trousers and pants to hang below the ankles.
5. To be disobedient to the parents.
6. To drink wine.
7. To oppress and take bribes
8. To be involved in witchcraft.
9. To inform people of the unseen or to cast spells and be involved in fortune telling.
10. To read the palms in order to tell the future.
11. To play the guitar, drum or any other musical instrument.
12. To play any game that requires the use of dice.
After writing the virtues and blessings of this month, regretfully, we will have to include that due to the evil nature of our actions, we have converted all our actions to punishment and our blessings into worldly and hereafter losses. The Muslims were once those who used to draw some good from bad, some virtues from staying away from evil and benefit from troubles we encounter today. As a consequence of the evil nature of our actions, the tables have turned and we have lost out in all places of good and achieve loss in all places of benefit. May Allah Ta'ala grant all the Muslims the ability to practice good deeds and follow the Sunnah of our beloved Nabi .
And Allah Ta'ala is the only one who grants us the ability and divine assistance.
Our Saintly elders used to worship on the night of Shabe Baraat and fast the next day.
Who are we to find fault with these noble practices?

Oh ALLAH we humbly beg of You, Your Forgiveness for any of our shortcomings and we beg of You, Your Divine Help and assistance, Aameen.

The non- Muslim verdict on Muhammad (PBUH)

"If a man like Muhammad (SAW) were to assume the dictatorship of the modern world, he would succeed in solving its problem that would bring it the much needed peace and happiness."

George Bernard Shaw



"People like Pasteur and Saik are leaders in the first sense.People like Gandhi and Confucious, on one hand, and Alexander, Caesar and Hitler on the other, are leaders in the second and perhaps the third sense.Jesus and Buddha belong in the third category alone.Perhaps the greatest leader of all times was Mohammed (SAW), who combined all three functions. To a lesser degree, Moses did the same."

Prof.Jules Masserman



"Head of State as well as the Church, lie was Caesar and the Pope in one, but he was Pope without the Pope's pretensions, and Caesar without the legions of Caesar, without a standing army, without a bodyguard, without a police force, without a fixed revenue.If ever a man had the right to say that he ruled by a right divine, it was Muhammad (SAW), for he had all the powers without their supports. He cared not for the dressings of power. The simplicity of his private life was in keeping with his public life."

Rev. R . Bosworth- Smith



"Muhammad (SAW) was the soul of kindness, and his influence was felt and never forgotten by those around him."

Diwan Chand Sharma, The Prohets of the East,Calcutta 1935, p.122



"Four years after the death of Justinian, A.D. 569, was born at Mecca, in Arabia the man who, of all men exercised the greatest influence upon the human race.....Muhammad (SAW).."

John William Draper, M.D., L.L.D., A History of the Intellectual Development of Europe, London 1875, Vol. 1 , pp 329-330.



"In little more than a year he was actually the spiritual, nominal and temporal ruler of Medina, with his hands on the lever that was to shake the world."

John Austin,"Muhammmad(SAW) the Prophet of Allah," in T.P's and Cassel's Weekly for 24th September 1927.



"Philosopher, Orator,Apostle,Legislator,Warrior,Conqueror of ideas,Restore of rational beliefs, of a cult without images; the founder of twenty terrestrial empires and of one spiritual empire,that is Muhammad (SAW).As regards all standards by which human greatness may be measured, we may well ask, is there any man greater than he?"

Lamartine, Historic de la Turquie, Paris 1854, Vol. 11 pp. 276-277.



It is impossible for anyone who studies the life and character of the Great Prophet (SAW) of Arabia,who knows how he taught and how he live,to feel anything but reverence fir that mighty Prophet, one of the great messengers of the Supreme..and although in what I put to you I shall say many things which may be familiar to many, yet I myself feel whenever I re-read them, a new way of admiration, a new of reverence for that mighty Arabian teacher."

Annie Besant, The Life and Teachings of Muhammad, Madras 1932, p. 4



"Muhammad (SAW) is the most successful of all Prophet and religious personalities."

Encyclopaedia Britannica



"I have studied him- the wonderful man-and in my opinion far from being an anti-Christ he must be called the saviour of humanity."

George Bernard Shaw in "The Genuine Islam."



"By a fortune absolutely unique in history, Muhammad (SAW) is a threefold founder of a nation, of an empire, and of a religion."

Rev. R Bosworth- Smith in "Mohammed and Mohammedanism 1946."

IMPORTANCE OF ME'RAAJ

1. Allah had made His Prophet's Me'raaj as a means of the people's trial (Cf. 53 : 12, 17 : 60) and a warning to pagans (Cf. 17 : 76) that they will have no people if they expelled the Messenger of Allah. Allah had not sent punishment to the pagan's because Allah's Messenger (Blessing of Allah and Peace be on him) was among them (Cf. 8 : 33).

2. Me'raaj was a precursor of Allah's Messenger's impending exit from Makka and emigration to Madina (Cf. 17 : 80) Allah's Messenger (Blessing of Allah and Peace be on him) would achieve spiritual success and Islam would flourish and spread all over the world.

3. Me'raaj proved the power, authority and jurisdiction of Allah's Messenger. Allah is All Powerful, Dominant and Authoritative to establish the position of His Beloved Prophet Hazrat Muhammad (Blessing of Allah and Peace be on him) exclusively. 5. Three Divine gifts were presented to the Messenger of Allah on this illustrious night.

a. The last 2 verses of Sura Baqarah 2:285, 286 were revealed emphasizing the fundamental articles of faith, Allah's attributes and how to seek Allah's refuge and pardon.

b. five times daily prayers became obligatory on Muslims and Allah's Messenger declared 'Salaat-al Me'raaj-ul-Momin - Salaat (Namaaz) is the Mr'raaj of the believer i.e. union with Allah.

c. Allah and promised His Messenger that He will forgive every members of his Ummat after judging him and giving him reward of punishment accordingly and admit him to Paradise - provided he has not committed shirk.

4. Huququl Allah - duty to Allah.

5. Huququl Ibaad - duty to Muslims and to oneself.

6. To do good and avoid evil and live according to Islamic principles.

7. To worship and obey Allah, to trust and thank Him for everything i.e. to ask Him for forgiveness.

8. To recite Qur'aan and pray Qur'aaanic Aayats for prosperity, success and relief, etc.

9. This auspicious night of majesty and spiritual excellence is the night of Divine Mercy. We must pray to Allah in this night and day and also observe a fast on the 27th day to earn spiritual rewards on the 27th day to earn spiritual rewards and be secure against hardships and calamity