Islamic Reformism
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The Rise of Islamic Banking in a Time of Economic CrisisShopping for a business loan during a global credit crisis is tough work even if you're a fast-growing start-up like Ireland's Blue Ocean Wireless. And the scrutiny can cut both ways. Blue Ocean, which supplies wireless communications for merchant shipping, was giving a closer-than-normal look at whether possible lenders could be counted on amid the ongoing financial shakeout. When the company got a $25 million loan this fall, it came from what might seem an unusual source: the Bank of London and the Middle East, or BLME, which strictly follows Islamic sharia law rather than conventional western banking practices. Islamic banking requires transactions be structured in alternative ways since the rules ban interest and trading in debt. Blue Ocean is one of many European companies benefiting from a surge in Islamic financing that's pushing sharia-compliant banking into the mainstream and extending its appeal to non-Muslims. The sector's growth comes at a time when the western banking system is caught in a liquidity crisis ...
True Love and Valentine's DayThere are many traditions about the origin of Valentine's day, but the most authentic seems to be the one from Encyclopedia Britannica that says that this day has nothing to do with Saint Valentine, instead it is related to the Roman pagan festival of their god, Lupercalia. Now people all over cash in on this opportunity to kindle the fire in young hearts and instill in their minds the necessity of having a 'Special Someone' to love. No wonder, a newspaper carried news of a woman who sued her husband for divorce for not giving her anything on Valentine's day. According to her it was absolutely necessary to express one's love on this day and her husband did not give her anything which meant that he did not love her. Apparently Valentine's Day made her feel 'unloved' rather than 'loved'. What kind of love depends upon gifts for its survival? What kind of love is restricted to one day in the whole year? What kind of love breeds hatred, jealousy and a sense of deprivation in many? Valentine's Day also proves exceptionally painful for the not-so-popular children in school who don't get as many Valentine cards as their friends do. Have you ever thought of loving the One Who created you, the One Who gave you a heart that can feel love? Who do we love the most - our own desires or will of our Creator? If we love Allah, How can we celebrate pagan custom when our Lord abhors paganism more than anything else? ...
Issues pertaining to Halal and Haram Food ProductsThe issue of Halal Haram is of crucial importance to Muslims because it touches on their Iman or Faith. They are required to be scrupulous in avoiding prohibited things. While deciding whether food is fit for consumption, there is more to consider than just whether it is Halal or Haram. The Quran has numerous injunctions that instruct Muslims to choose and consume good and wholesome foodstuffs. When Muslims consume food in hotels and restaurants, or purchase food items from supermarkets and hypermarkets, very often, they cannot be sure whether the food conforms to Islamic dietary rules. So in choosing food and drinks, Muslims must be very cautious, for example any product from pigs would be considered Haram because the material itself is Haram. Similarly, meat from animals which are not slaughtered according to Islamic rites would be Haram. Foodstuff that is acquired through means that are incompatible with Islamic teaching would also be Haram. Food and drinks that are poisonous or intoxicating are obviously Haram because they are harmful to health. This article has some general guidelines that throws light upon the issue of determining the Halal / Haram status of foodstuffs available in the market ...
Dr. Zakir NaikDr. Zakir Naik inspired by the late Sheikh Ahmed Deedat, espouses a moderate view of Islam while aggressively defending it against its detractors. Countering Islam-bashing is the biggest challenge to him. Ahmed Deedat called him Deedat Plus and said he had achieved in four years what he himself could not achieve in 40. This is a big compliment. Dr. Zakir Naik recently launched Peace TV, a free-to-air, 24-hour channel dedicated to comparative religion. He hopes to build a bridge of understanding that many will decide to cross. Peace TV is different from other channels in that it focuses on comparative religion. More than 50 percent of the content deals with comparative religion comparing Islam with Christianity, Islam with Hinduism, Islam with Judaism, Islam with Sikhism. It deals with such topics as Islam and science, Quran and women etc. Non-Muslims wonder who is the guy wearing a coat and tie and talking about Islam. When they find a logical answer, they get hooked on the channel. More people are coming to Islam after September 11. Despite all the efforts to suppress Islam, Islam is spreading ...
Muslim Scientists and ScholarsThis article provides thumbnail sketches of the lives of some famous Muslim Scientists and Scholars. The original work, theories, discoveries and treatise of these Muslims had a significant contribution in laying down the foundations of modern science, sociology, medicine, philosophy, astronomy, mathematics, geography etc. It is ironical that when it comes to recognizing the extraordinary contributions of these Muslims Scientists, their names are either totally ignored, or at best "Latinized" so as to obscure their true identity, origin and relation to Islamic Civilization. The idea of publishing facts about these Muslim luminaries is to rekindle the light which has dimmed, hoping that some among the present generation might rise, take the torch, and march again. In order to combat the inferiority complex that plagues the Muslim Ummah, we must rediscover the contributions of Muslim Scientists and Scholars, in the fields of science such as medicine, engineering, architecture and astronomy etc. This will encourage contemporary young Muslims to strive in these fields and not think that major success is beyond their reach ...
Angel of DeathA poem about the Angel of Death, to shed some light in everyone's life. As we are all here in this world for just awhile ...
GraveI hope this poem sheds some light in everyone's life. Ask yourself these questions, If I were to die will Allah (swt) be pleased with me? What I have done in my life till now? Have I just been chasing dunya and not Allah's happiness? Have I made the world a better place with my presence? Have I done anything for Islam today and most importantly did I pray? Dear brothers and sisters, think of a list of the most important things to you ... What number is Allah (swt) on that list? Try to make amends, beg for Allah's Forgiveness. Remember Brothers and Sisters, we are all here in this world for just awhile. Make the most of everyday and do what's required if not more ... ...
Story of a Girl Who Embraced IslamWhen my family and friends discovered that I was studying more about Islam, they were enraged and rarely spoke to me. But when I embraced Islam (converted) they totally dis-owned me and even tried to have me committed to a mental hospital because they were convinced that I was crazy ...
A Former KKK Member Accepts IslamAfter some research and study of the Quran, I discovered its total infallibility, no contradictions in it. There are religions based on believing in certain sciences, multiple deities, the religion of three-gods-in-one. I was a thinking man and none of them made any logical sense to me. Here was Islam, based on the belief in one God, Who created the creation itself out of nothing, and the fact that this book I was reading (Quran) had not one vowel or language character changed in over 1,400 years was a miracle in itself. Thus, I was sold on the oneness of God and the unity of Islam ...
Why are so Many Women Converting to Islam?According to "The Almanac Book of Facts", the population increased 137% within the past decade, Christianity increased 46%, while Islam increased 235%. In a recent pole in the (US), 100,000 people per year in America alone, are converting to Islam. For every 1 male convert to Islam, 4 females convert to Islam, Why? ...
Women's Rights in IslamWhat the Holy Prophet (Sallallahu ‘alaihi wa sallam) did to alleviate the sufferings of womenfolk is not possible to describe in the space of this article. Briefly, he made it a part of his religious sermons and practical lessons to put the greatest emphasis on upgrading the position of women from that of the dumb driven cattle to that of respectable partner in life ...
Covering The HeadIt was when Allah guided me to Islam, and I put on the hijab, that I was finally able to step out of the society in which I lived and see it for what it really is. I could see how the highest paid women were those who exposed themselves to public display, like actresses, models and even strip-tease dancers. I was able to see that the relationship between men and women was unfairly stacked in the man's direction. I knew I used to dress to attract men. I tried to fool myself by saying I did it to please myself, but the painful reality was that what pleased me was when I was admired by a man I considered attractive ...
A Woman as a Wife in IslamWomen and Islam has always been a hot topic. According to some, women are not treated justly in Islam. But the truth is that this is just a propaganda which is being spread. Islam has given women rights and protection which no one else could ever offer. Lets see the status of women as wives in Islam. Following are some excerpts from The Holy Quran and Authentic Ahadith which show the status of women as wives in terms of their rights and responsibilities ...
Medical & Social Harms of Unmarried LifeUnmarried life is medically and socially harmful for human beings and is purely a non-Islamic tradition. There is no concept or trend of unmarried life or celibacy in Islam. Islam has strictly forbidden unmarried life, sexual promiscuity, sexual perversions, unnatural sex, prostitution and drug abuse ...
Hijab - A Mark of PietyA beautiful Islamic poem about Hijab by www.soundvision.com in an MP3 format. Takes about 5 minutes to download ...
Excerpts of Jumuah Khutbah from Haram (Makkah)Regrettably, many are wronging their own souls, they are those who when they speak to others speak only falsehood. They are the backbiters who spread slander amongst people, and others who mistreat people to a level which threatens to spoil the social relations among the society. Such people have surely distanced themselves from the gracious teachings of Islam ...
25 Points to PonderHere are some points that need our attention ...
Send This Letter to 13 Friends!Sometimes we receive through letters, emails or cell phone's SMS service, a story or some instructions with the advice that we should pass on what we have received or our jobs, health and wealth would be in danger and we will be punished if we do not follow the instructions. People not well versed about Islam think that there is something behind it. However these silly fairytales are nothing but fabrications which people have invented on their own. We know for a fact that disbelievers neither believe in Allah nor the Last Day, yet Allah has expanded their sustenance and given them more worldly knowledge and material civilization than others -- that is because this world’s life is a trial and not an abode of recompense. How come then, that some people claim that he who does not conform (to what they advise) will be punished within days, and he who does will be rewarded? ...
Tips for a Better Husband & Wife RelationshipAlthough many Muslims may right now be in failing marriages and on a fast track to divorce and its terrible consequences, there are many ways to put their marriage back on the right track if the husband and wife are sincere in their desire to reconcile. The following principles can be used by Muslims whose marriages are already in trouble or by Muslims who would like to avoid trouble in their marriage ...
God's Purpose Behind Your ProblemsLife is a series of problem-solving opportunities. The problems you face will either defeat you or develop you - depending on how you respond to them. Unfortunately most people fail to see how God wants to use problems for good in their lives. They react foolishly and resent their problems rather than pausing to consider what benefit they might bring. Here are five ways God wants to use the problems in your life ...
HumblenessIt is amazing that the daa`iya (a preacher) becomes jealous about the gathering of a thousand or two at a meeting of knowledge or da`wah (held by another preacher) but he will not have any kind of reaction if he heard that twenty of thirty thousand people attended a concert or a sports event. By Allah, this is sad, for even if you were not pleased with your brother about something, it should be sufficient for you that he is calling to Allah ta`ala and teaching people the Deen and is sincere in general. In fact, he may even be correct in some of the things that you criticized him about. Humbleness is to know the value of oneself, to avoid pride, or disregarding the truth and underestimating people ...
The Enmity between Satan & MankindEverything that is worshipped instead of Allah, be it statues, idols, the sun, the moon, one's desires, another human, some ideology or whatever, is actually the worship of Shaytaan. This is true whether the person is pleased with the fact or denies it, because it was Shaytaan that ordered and sought that action ...
The Honey BeeSuch a small insect makes such a pure thing, so what have we done or are proud of? There are many characteristics of a bee that man can learn from and the wise already have them embedded in them. The following is a comparison between the two and we pray that Allah (swt) also helps us to learn from them and be like them - Ameen ...
Lying in IslamLying is a great sin, but most of us ignore it. Unlike other religious matters for which we hold difference of opinion, there is none amongst us who would dispute against the fact that speaking lies is a great sin. But then why is it that majority of us speak lies? Our ignorance level is so high that we are prepared to accept an Imam who is a liar but cannot accept an Imam who prays without a cap! ...
Celebrating The Days of HajjNow a days Muslims are really fond of celebrating days like Valentine, Birthdays, New Years and Festivals etc. The only days not celebrated are the days of Allah. What a pity! Just for guidance, this article contains some information regarding celebrating the days of Hajj ...
Celebrations of The Independence DayMore than half a century has lapsed, but the law is still the law of "Taghut" (other than what Allah has revealed). From where would the blessings come from? National wealth is being spent upon the centers of devastation i.e. indecent media programmes etc. to degrade not only the decency of Muslim women but their religion too. The culture, imagination, films, etc all portray dependence. Open war against Allah and His apostle has been proclaimed by not quitting the system of "Riba" (interest on money) and by involving in various forms of gambling tactics. Corruption and misconduct is to such an extent that Pakistan is now ranked in the group of corrupt countries of the world. Even sports are not an exception. Then what are these celebrations for? ...
Vital Issues of The Muslim UmmahEven the richest petrol producing countries in the Gulf have come under debt like the rest of these countries. What’s more, the biggest nations have established military basis on the lands of the Muslims, together with huge armies that have encamped there, and the hard strict political conditions imposed on them. America pursues her policy in the world using all means and styles in order to protect her interests. She attacks, raids, besieges, and imposes boycotts on whoever she wishes. And at the same time she forces these countries not to use force against Israel which has occupied some of their territories and threatens the security and integrity of their lands ...
Unity of Muslims and KhilafahUnity is the question which preys on the minds of the Ummah - we instinctively know it will lead to our salvation. However, whilst no one disagrees as to the importance and necessity of unity some have misunderstood how that unity should be manifested ...
Following the Leaders BlindlyDeliberate twisting of Islamic text is done to pacify the Muslim Ummah. Keeping them from understanding that illegitimate ruling in the Muslim countries must be removed. More catastrophic is the fact that Muslims still follow and take these statements even above the texts of Islam. How many times did the Muslims say after being provided with a Daleel, but the Sheikh said, "or do you know more than the Sheikh or the Imam?" ...
Hardships and TrialsWe shouldn't forget the persecution and the killings of our brothers in Uzbekistan, Jordan, Egypt, and Syria. What do you know about the torture in the Syrian prisons against the sincere workers for this Deen? Their nails and their eyes are being removed! ...
Self-Defence" And prepare against them all you can of power, including steeds of war to terrorise the enemies of Allah and others besides whom you may not know, but Allah does know. And whatever you shall spend in the Cause of Allah shall be repaid unto you, and you shall not be treated unjustly " [Al-Qur'an 8:60] ...
Open Letter to Muslims About KhilafahDuring the 20th century, the Muslims and their lands have been the target of continuous aggression enacted by the "kuffar". Kuffar such as the Jews, French, British, Hindus, Italians, Americans, Serbs, Russians, Chinese and others are all guilty of this aggression enacted upon millions of Muslims. The re-establishment of the Khilafah is not just the fantasy of a few good Muslims and it is not just a matter of wishful thinking. It is a matter of Islamic duty and human necessity ...
Turkey's Membership of The European UnionWhile they are discussing Turkey’s entrance into the European Union, we find that Europe has actually already entered Turkey. Society’s culture, laws, systems, consumer goods, and large institutions which control the course of the economy, together with the NATO alliance, and the Council of European security and co-operation, in Turkey are all European ...
A Piece of Advice to Muslim RulersO Muslim Rulers! Whole of the Muslim Ummah is injured. Do you not hear the screams of sisters from Kashmir? Who will wipe the tears of the Muslims of Burma? Are you not informed that Masajid are being demolished to raise temples in India? Do you not know that Muslims are stabbed to death openly? Are you aware that Muslims of Philipines are being turned out from their land? Did anyone tell you that today thousands of mothers of Bosnia and Kosovo are finding their lost sons since they dont know that they have been shot by the Serbs ...
From The Heart of ChechnyaYour silence is a disastrous embarrassment...why then do you remain silent? What is it that you are waiting for? For the people of Chechnya to be exterminated? Or for our country to be wiped out? Or for our religion to be extinguished? ...
Let Not The Muslims Take Jews as SupportersOh Muslims: As you can see the Jews are praying for the continuation of Karimov’s policies in harming Muslims on one hand and on the other praying to achieve benefits for the Jews and developing their interests. The time has come Oh Muslims for you to turn to Allah and work for your revival, in which is your good ...
Muslims Fighting Against MuslimsA person asked Allah's Messenger (may peace and blessings be upon him) Who amongst the Muslims was better? Upon this (the Holy Prophet) remarked: One from whose hand and tongue Muslims are safe [Sahih Muslim] ...
