mohammed saif

Mohammed Saif

mohammed saif, a photo by mohammed armaan on Flickr.

This is mohammed saif (mohammed armaan)

This photo is taken when mohammed saif was child

Beautiful Description Of Allah in Quran

Surah Noor

Allah is the Light of the heavens and the earth. The similitude of His light is as a niche wherein is a lamp. The lamp is in a glass. The glass is as it were a shining star. (This lamp is) kindled from a blessed tree, an olive neither of the East nor of the West, whose oil would almost glow forth (of itself) though no fire touched it. Light upon light. Allah guideth unto His light whom He will. And Allah speaketh to mankind in allegories, for Allah is Knower of all things.

 (This lamp is found) in houses which Allah hath allowed to be exalted and that His name shall be remembered therein. Therein do offer praise to Him at morning and evening.

20 facts about Allah

  
    1.    He is the one God, Who has no partner.
    2.    Nothing is like Him. He is the Creator, not created, nor a part of His creation.
    3.    He is All-Powerful, absolutely Just.
    4.    There is no other entity in the entire universe worthy of worship besides Him.
    5.    He is First, Last, and Everlasting; He was when nothing was, and will be when nothing else remains.
    6.    He is the All-Knowing, and All-Merciful, the Supreme, the Sovereign.
    7.    It is only He Who is capable of granting life to anything.
    8.    Allah knows what is in our hearts. He knows what we conceal and what we reveal.
    9.    Allah is very Gracious and kind to His slaves.
    10.    Allah promises who obey Him to enter Paradise in the hereafter and warned who disobey Him against the Hell.
    11.    Allah is near and he responds to the invocations of the supplicants.
    12.    Allah says in the Quran, "Why should Allah punish you if you have thanked (Him) and have believed in Him."
    13.    Allah does not forgive setting up partners (in worship) with Him.
    14.    Allah is the Oft-Forgiving, the Most-Merciful and he is also Severe in punishment.
    15.    He sent His Messengers (peace be upon them) to guide all of mankind.
    16.    He sent Muhammad (pbuh) as the last Prophet and Messenger for all mankind.
    17.    Allah has sent all of His messengers to invite people to worship Him Alone.
    18.    His book is the Holy Qur'an, the only authentic revealed book in the world that has been kept without change.
    19.    Allah not only warned us against the Satan but also his footsteps.
    20.    Allah is with those who fear Him (keep their duty unto Him) and the good-doers.

 

Why do Muslim women cover their heads?

Muslim Cover their heads

This is the main Question by every religion

 Muslim women cover their heads because God so directed in His final book, the Glorious Qur'an. The head cover is specifically mentioned in 24:31. This instruction from God is only one aspect of a wider context of purity of thought and action for men and women.

A woman modestly dressed is as a pearl in its shell

 Islam has very strict rules against adultery and fornication, and introduces many cautious measures to ensure the prevention and avoidance of such sins. One measure is the prescription that men and women should avoid intermingling as far as possible (see Qur'an 33:53). This is why men and women pray in separate areas or separate rows in the mosque. Another measure is that men and women should cover the specified areas of their bodies the sight of which arouse sexual desire in others (see Qur'an 7:26; 33:59). Yet another measure is that men and women should lower or turn their gaze away from looking at a person of the opposite sex (see Qur'an 24:31).

The idea that the head covering is a sign of subjection of women is found not in the Qur'an but in another religious book with which the Qur'an does not always agree. That other book teaches that women should have a sign of authority over their heads because man was not created from woman, but woman from man. The same book says that a man should not cover his head because he is the image and glory of God; and a woman should cover her head because she is the glory of man. The Qur'an does not identify with any of these ideas. The Qur'anic prescription of head cover does not in any way imply the subjection of women.

Hijab saves women from getting molested or rape

 People often confuse the Islamic prescriptions with ideas they are already familiar with. Therefore when they see Muslim women covering their heads they hastily conclude that it is for the same reasons mentioned in some other religious book. But to gain a better understanding of Islamic prescriptions, they have to be viewed within the framework of Islamic thought.

Another mistake made by many is as follows. When they hear that the Qur'an includes the story of Adam and Eve they conclude that the Qur'an also upholds the idea that Eve was responsible for the fall of man, and that the subjection of women is a necessary result of God's curse on them. On the contrary, the Qur'an is free of such ideas. In the Qur'an, Adam and Eve were both approached by the Devil. The Devil did not approach Adam through Eve. Adam is therefore specifically blamed in the Qur'an 20:121. In other verses they are both blamed; but in no verse is Eve alone singled out to be blamed for the fall of man. Although men are charged with the responsibility of leadership in Islam too, this is in view of the practical dynamics of human interaction as prescribed by God. It is not because of a curse on women.

It would be a mistake to take the prescriptions of Islam and associate them with ideas held outside of Islam. Within Islam, women are capable of as much good as men, and they stand before God equally honored.


                                        ----------------mohammed saif -------------------------

Namaaz is the key to paradise

Suppose, you are given a key to open a lock. What would happen if the key is damaged or half of it is missing? Would the lock open? No. What if you are trying to insert the key upside down? The lock will still remain closed.

Similarly, salat is the key to Paradise. In order to open the doors of Paradise, we must make our salat proper. If our salat is totally opposite to the ways of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), then it is as if we are trying to put the key upside down. And if we don't have concentration and devotion in salat, then it is as if we are planning to use a damaged key to open a very secured lock. Finally, if we do not complete our prayers with all the necessary actions, then it is the same as using a key which is missing parts or half broken.

Going Up the Stairs - Losing it is very easy but gaining it is very difficult

In our area, we rented a room on the 12th floor of an apartment building for performing salah with jamath. This particular building was chosen because 100s of Muslim families live here and there was no Masjid in the walking distance. One day as we came to pray salah, we discovered that all the elevators were occupied or out of service. So, me and another brother decided to take the stairs. After reaching the 8th floor, we were exhausted and could barely keep on climbing. Then, suddenly something came to the mind of the brother who was climbing with me. He said, "Going up the stairs is very difficult, but going down is very easy. Similar is our iman, losing it is very easy but gaining it is very difficult."

        -------------mohammed saif--------------
       

Obeying Traffic Laws

In this world everywhere, drivers are very attentive towards obeying the traffic signals and regulations. These traffic lights and signals are not alive, yet drivers are very punctual in following them. I myself stop at red lights and stop signs even while driving at 2 a.m. at night when all the roads are virtually empty. I know that there are no cars to hit, yet, I stop and obey the rules. What causes me to do this? It is the recognition of those behind the rules (Government) that pushes me to obey them even when they are not visible around me.

Today, because we have no recognition of Allah, we are disobeying Him day and night. Unlike the dead traffic signals, Allah is ever Living and ever Watchful. We will have to stand in front of Him on the Day of Judgment. We have learned to obey dead objects yet we have decided to disobey Allah, who is the King of all the kings.

 

      ----------mohammed saif-----------

Darkness Vs Light

Darkness vs Light

Once I had to go to a city for a few days. My plane landed there during the late night hours. A brother gave me a ride to the place where I was going to stay. This was the first time I visited this town and was curious to see what it looked like. However, it was dark at night and I wasn't able to see many things.

The next day, I went out with the brother and he happened to take the same road as the previous night. But since it was day time, I was able to see the river, hills, and many other landscapes that was not properly visible the previous night.

It came to my mind that this is similar to what we go through in our lives. Allah Ta'ala as told us through the Quran and Prophet Muhammad (saw) about the many unseen things that are awaiting us in the hereafter. While we are in this world, it's just like we are in darkness. We are not able to see all these things. But as soon as we die and close our eyes, everything will open up to us like the day time and we will see whatever was hidden.

                                           ---------mohammed saif-------------

The Hijab as Daw'ah by Dr. Aisha Hamdan

Most Muslims are familiar with the various reasons that Allah has required women to wear hijab: The hijab reflects modesty, purity and respect; it lessens temptation so that more serious sins will be avoided; it protects women from the harm and molestation of evil men; a woman who wears hijab will be evaluated for her intelligence and skills rather than her appearance.

One important aspect that is often overlooked, however, is that the hijab is a symbol of Muslim identity. A woman who covers her head is making a statement that she is a member of the Muslim community and that she follows a particular code of moral conduct.

Allah says: "O Prophet, tell your wives and daughters and the believing women to draw their outer garments around them. That is more suitable that they will be known (as Muslims and chaste believing women) and not be abused." [Qur'an, 33:59]

"...that they will be known..." In America, where Islam is the fastest growing religion (alhumdullilah), many people are coming to know what this head covering really signifies and to understand the religion that mandates it. The hijab, in effect, is an amazingly powerful tool for dawah; one that Muslims themselves are probably not even aware of. As with any tool, the key for effectiveness is appropriate and knowledgeable use.

The most obvious first step would be for Muslim women to actually wear the hijab. It is a tragic and upsetting phenomenon to see so many Muslims dressing in the manner of the disbelievers (blue jeans, T-shirts, short skirts, even shorts). The Prophet, sallalahu allahe wa salam, said; "Whoever resembles a people is one of them." (Abu Dawood). This is not only happening in America and other Western countries as people attempt to assimilate and adopt the practices of the prevailing culture, but it is also occurring in Muslim countries at an alarming rate.

A woman who refuses to wear the hijab is disobeying Allah and committing a serious sin, putting worldly pleasures above spiritual attainment, and neglecting her duty to the religion of Islam. Many scholars agree that the only reason a Muslim may live in a non-Muslim country is to conduct dawah and bring people to the true religion. How can a woman perform dawah for Islam when she is not even practicing it herself? To do this would be a form of hypocrisy and it will not be successful.

Once a woman begins to wear hijab she completes a large portion of her responsibility for dawah with very little effort. Each time that she goes to the grocery store, the library, to work, to school, or to any other public place, she is spreading the magnificent message of Islam. This is not only because of the outer hijab that she wears, but more importantly, the modesty of her behavior that accompanies it. When a woman refrains from flirting with men, limits physical contact, and is reserved and respectful, people may become curious and want to learn more about this intriguing faith. It may just sow the seeds of something wonderful.

At the University where I teach (which happens to be a private, Catholic school), women are often interested in my manner of dress and demeanor. Each semester I have at least one student who requests my involvement in a project for another class, usually comparative religions. They are surprised when they learn the rationale for this injunction and the fact that it was part of their religious heritage as well. If I chose not to wear hijab, I would miss these wonderful opportunities to share the beauty, peace and universality of my faith.

When there is the possibility for further discussion with those who are interested, knowledge and understanding of the topic are imperative. A very effective technique is to relate the concept to something that is familiar to the other person. Some examples of questions that could be posed include:

• "Did you every wonder why Mary, the mother Jesus (alayhes salam) wore clothing very similar to that of Muslims?"


• "Why do Catholic nuns dress the way they do?"


• "Did you know that in the Canon laws of the Catholic church today there is a law that requires women to cover their heads in church?"


• "Have you read in I Corinthians (Bible, 11:3-10) the verses that Paul wrote: 'Every man who prays of prophesies with his head covered dishonors his head. And evey woman who prays or prophesies with her head uncovered dishonors her head - it is just as though her head were shaved. If a woman doesn't cover her head, she should have her hair cut off; and if it is a disgrace for a woman to have her hair cut off or shaved off, she should cover her head."


• "Did you know that there are some Christian denominations, namely the Amish and the Mennonites, who still require women to wear the head covering?"


• "Were you aware that is was the custom of Jewish women to go out in public with a head covering and that some denominations still practice this today?"

These discussion points demonstrate the obvious fact that the head cover was not introduced by Islam, but rather that this requirement has been in place for thousands of years. This can also be a cogent segue to more crucial topics such as the fact that Moses, alayhes salam, Jesus, alayhes salam and Muhammad, sallalahu allahe wa salam, were all prophets of the same God and that they each carried the same basic message. Islam corrected the errors that had been introduced into previous revelations by humans and completed the process that was planned by Allah.

We should be proud to be Muslim. We should also be grateful for the gift that Allah has given to each one of us: The perfect truth of Islam that is our key to paradise. All others are being deluded by Satan and following paths to destruction. With our gift comes the responsibility to share the truth with those who are less fortunate. We are all responsible to carry the light of Islam. The hijab is an outward manifestation of this light that burns within, and it can be an effective tool for fulfillment of our obligation. We choose whether to develop this light into a bright, radiant star or let it be extinguished by foolish and selfish desires. May Allah guide each of us to the true path.

99 Names of Allah

"Allah! there is no god but He! To Him belongs the Most Beautiful Names." (Qur'an 20:8)

1. Ar-Rahman

• The One who has plenty of mercy for the believers and the blasphemers in this world and especially for the believers in the hereafter.
• The Most Merciful

2. Ar-Rahim

• The One who has plenty of mercy for the believers.
• The most Compassionate

3. Al-Malik

• The One with the complete Dominion, the One Whose Dominion is clear from imperfection.
• The King, the Monarch

4. Al-Quddus

• The One who is pure from any imperfection and clear from children and adversaries.
• The Holy one

5. As-Salam

• The One who is free from every imperfection.
• The Peace, The Tranquility

6. Al-Mu'min

• The One who witnessed for Himself that no one is God but Him. And He witnessed for His believers that they are truthful in their belief that no one is God but Him.
• The One with Faith
• The Faithful, The Trusted

7. Al-Muhaymin

• The One who witnesses the saying and deeds of His creatures.
• The Protector
• The vigilant, the controller

8. Al-'Aziz

• The Defeater who is not defeated.
• The Mighty
• The Almighty, the powerful

9. Al-Jabbar

• The One that nothing happens in His Dominion except that which He willed.
• The all Compelling

10. Al-Mutakabbir

• The One who is clear from the attributes of the creatures and from resembling them.
• The Haughty, the Majestic
• The Imperious

11. Al-Khaliq

• The One who brings everything from non-existence to existence.
• The Creator, the Maker

12.Al-Bari'

• The Creator who has the Power to turn the entities.
• The Artificer, the Creator

13.Al-Musawwir

• The One who forms His creatures in different pictures.
• The Fashioner
• The Organizer, the Designer

14.Al-Ghaffar

• The One who forgives the sins of His slaves time and time again.
• The Forgiving, the Forgiver

15.Al-Qahhar

• The Subduer who has the perfect Power and is not unable over anything.
• The Almighty, the Dominant

16.Al-Wahhab

• The One who is Generous in giving plenty without any return.
• The Donor, the Bestower

17. Ar-Razzaq

• The Provider, the Sustainer

18. Al-Fattah

• The One who opens for His slaves the closed worldly and religious matters.
• The Opener, the Revealer

19. Al-'Alim

• The Knowledgeable; The One nothing is absent from His knowledge.
• The all Knowing, the Omniscient

20. Al-Qabid

• The One who constricts the sustenance.
• The Contractor, The Restrainer, the Recipient.

21. Al-Basit

• The One who expands and widens.
• The Expander, He who expands

22. Al-Khafid

• The One who lowers whoever He willed by His Destruction.
• The Abaser, the Humbler

23. Ar-Rafi'

• The One who raises whoever He willed by His Endowment.
• The Raiser, the Exalter

24. Al-Mu'iz

• He gives esteem to whoever He willed, hence there is no one to degrade Him;
• The Honorer, the Exalter

25. Al-Muzil

• Degrades whoever he willed, hence there is no one to give him esteem.
• The Abaser, the Degrader, the Subduer

26. As-Sami'

• The One who Hears all things that are heard by His Eternal Hearing without an ear, instrument or organ.
• The Hearer, The All hearing, all knowing.

27. Al-Basir

• The One who Sees all things that are seen by His Eternal Seeing without a pupil or any other instrument.
• The Seer, The discerning, the All seeing.

28. Al-Hakam

• He is the Ruler and His judgment is His Word.
• The arbitrator, the Judge

29. Al-'Adl

• The One who is entitled to do what He does.
• The justice, the equitable. The Just.

30. Al-Latif

• The Most Gentle, the Gracious.
• The One who is kind

31. Al-Khabir

• The One who knows the truth of things.
• The Aware. The Sagacious, one is who is aware.

32. Al-Halim

• The One who delays the punishment for those who deserve it and then He might forgive them.
• The Gentle. The most patient, the Clement.

33. Al-'Azim

• The One deserving the attributes of Exaltment, Glory, Extolment, and Purity from all imperfection.
• The Great, Mighty

34. Al-Ghafoor

• The One who forgives a lot.
• The Forgiving, the Pardoner.

35. Ash-Shakur

• The One who gives a lot of reward for a little obedience.
• The Grateful, the Thankful

36. Al-'Ali

• The One who is clear from the attributes of the creatures.
• The most high, the exalted.

37. Al-Kabir

• The One who is greater than everything in status.
• The great, the big.

38. Al-Hafiz

• The One who protects whatever and whoever He willed to protect.
• The Guardian, the preserver.

39. Al-Muqit

• The One who has the Power.
• The maintainer, The Nourisher

40. Al-Hasib

• The One who gives the satisfaction.
• The noble, The Reckoner

41. Aj-Jalil

• The One who is attributed with greatness of Power and Glory of status.
• The Majestic. The honorable, the exalted.

42. Al-Karim

• The One who is clear from abjectness.
• The most generous, the Bountiful.

43. Ar-Raqib

• The One that nothing is absent from Him. Hence it's meaning is related to the attribute of Knowledge.
• The Guardian, the watchful. Watcher.

44. Al-Mujib

• The One who answers the one in need if he asks Him and rescues the yearner if he calls upon Him.
• The Responder. The respondent, one who answers.

45. Al-Wasi'

• The Englober. The enricher, the Omnipresent, the Knowledgeable.

46. Al-Hakim

• The One who is correct in His doings.
• The most Wise, the Judicious.

47. Al-Wadud

• The Affectionate, the Loving.

48. Al-Majid

• The One who is with perfect Power, High Status, Compassion, Generosity and Kindness.
• The Glorious, the exalted.

49. Al-Ba'ith

• The One who resurrects for reward and/or punishment.
• The Resurrector, the Raiser from death.

50. Ash-Shahid

• The One who nothing is absent from Him.
• The Witness

51. Al-Haqq

• The One who truly exists.
• The Truth, the Just.

52. Al-Wakil

• The One who gives the satisfaction and is relied upon.
• The Guardian, the Trustee

53. Al-Qawee

• The One with the complete Power.
• The powerful, the Almighty, The Strong

54. Al-Matin

• The One with extreme Power which is un-interrupted and He does not get tired.
• The Strong, the Firm

55. Al-Walee

• The Supporter, the Friend, the Defender the master.

56. Al-Hamid

• The praised One who deserves to be praised.
• The Praiseworthy , the Commendable

57. Al-Muhsi

• The One who the count of things are known to him.
• The Counter

58. Al-Mubdi'

• The One who started the human being. That is, He created him.
• The Beginner, the Creator, The Originator

59. Al-Mu'eed

• The One who brings back the creatures after death.
• The Restorer, the Resurrector.

60. Al-Muhyee

• The One who took out a living human from semen that does not have a soul. He gives life by giving the souls back to the worn out bodies on the resurrection day and He makes the hearts alive by the light of knowledge.
• The Bestower, the Life Giver.

61. Al-Mumeet

• The One who renders the living dead.
• The Bringer of Death. The Death Giver.

62. Al-Hayy

• The One attributed with a life that is unlike our life and is not that of a combination of soul, flesh or blood.
• The Living. The Alive, the ever living.

63. Al-Qayyum

• The One who remains and does not end.
• The Self-Subsistent, The Eternal, the Self Sustaining.

64. Al-Wajid

• The Rich who is never poor. Al-Wajd is Richness.
• The all perceiving, the Opulent, the Finder.

65. Al-Wahid

• The One without a partner.
• The One, the Unique.

66. Al-Majid

• The One who is Majid.
• The Noble, the illustrious.

67. Al-Ahad

• The only, the Unique.

68. As-Samad

• The Master who is relied upon in matters and reverted to in ones needs.
• The Perfect, the Eternal.

69. Al-Qadir

• The One attributed with Power.
• The Able, the Capable, the Omnipotent.

70. Al-Muqtadir

• The One with the perfect Power that nothing is withheld from Him.
• The Capable, The all Powerful

71. Al-Muqaddim

• He makes ahead what He wills.
• The Presenter, The Advancer, The Expediter

72. Al-Mu'akhkhir

• The One who delays what He wills.
• The Fulfiller, the keeper behind, The Deferrer

73. Al-'Awwal

• The One whose Existence is without a beginning.
• The First

74. Al-'Akhir

• The One whose Existence is without an end.
• The Last

75. Az-Zahir

• The Apparent, the Exterior, The Manifest
• The One that nothing is above Him and nothing is underneath Him, hence He exists without a place.

76. Al-Batin

• The Hidden, the Interior, the Latent

77. Al-Wali

• The One who owns things and manages them.
• The Governor, The Ruler, The Master

78. Al-Muta'ali

• The One who is clear from the attributes of the creation.
• The Exalted, The most high, one above reproach.

79. Al-Barr

• The One who is kind to His creatures, who covered them with His sustenance and specified whoever He willed among them by His support, protection, and special mercy.
• The Benefactor, The Beneficent, the Pious.

80. At-Tawwab

• The One who grants repentance to whoever He willed among His creatures and accepts his repentance.
• The Acceptor of Repentance, The Forgiver, the Relenting.

81. Al-Muntaqim

• The One who victoriously prevails over His enemies and punishes them for their sins. It may mean the One who destroys them.
• The Avenger

82. Al-'Afuww

• The One with wide forgiveness.
• The Forgiver, the effacer, the Pardoner

83. Ar-Ra'uf

• The One with extreme Mercy. The Mercy of Allah is His will to endow upon whoever He willed among His creatures.
• The merciful, the Ever Indulgent.

84. Al-Muqsit

• The One who is Just in His judgment.
• The Just, the Equitable

85. Aj-Jami'

• The One who gathers the creatures on a day that there is no doubt about, that is the Day of Judgment.
• The Collector, the comprehensive, Gatherer

86. Al-Ghanee

• The One who does not need the creation.
• The rich, the all sufficing, Self-Sufficient

87. Al-Mughnee

• The One who satisfies the necessities of the creatures.
• The Enricher, sufficer, the bestower.

88. Al-Mani'

• The Supporter who protects and gives victory to His pious believers. Al-Mu'tiy
• The Withholder
• The Preventer, the prohibiter, the defender.

89. Ad-Darr

• The One who makes harm reach to whoever He willed.
• The Distresser , The afflictor, the bringer of Adversity.

90. An-Nafi'

• The One who gives benefits to whoever He wills.
• The Beneficial Benefactor

91. An-Nur

• The One who guides.
• The Light

92. Al-Hadi

• The One whom with His Guidance His believers were guided, and with His Guidance the living beings have been guided to what is beneficial or them and protected from what is harmful to them.
• The Guide

93. Al-Badi'

• The One who created the creation and formed it without any preceding example.
• The Wonderful, the maker, Incomparable

94. Al-Baqi

• The One that the state of non-existence is impossible for Him.
• The Enduring, the Everlasting, the eternal

95. Al-Warith

• The One whose Existence remains.
• The Inheritor, The Heir

96. Ar-Rashid

• The One who guides.
• The Rightly Guided, The Conscious, the Guide

97. As-Sabur

• The One who does not quickly punish the sinners.
• The most Patient, the Enduring.

98. Malik Al-Mulk

• The One who controls the Dominion and gives dominion to whoever He willed.
• The Ruler of the Kingdom, king of the Universe

99. Zul-l-Jalal wal-Ikram

• The One who deserves to be Exalted and not denied.
• Lord of Majesty and Generosity

Today reality

Today reality

Questions & Answers about Hijaab

 What is the Hijab?
The word itself comes from the arabic word "hajaba" meaning to conceal or hide from view. Hijab is the modest covering of the head and body of muslim women.

Who has to wear it?
All muslim adults are supposed to wear the appropriate hijab for their sex.This is one Hadith related by Abu Dawood: "Ayesha(r) reported that Asmaa bint Abu Bakr(r) came to the Messenger of Allah(swt) while wearing thin clothing. He approached her and said: 'O Asmaa! When a girl reaches the menstrual age, it is not proper that anything should remain exposed except this and this.' He pointed to the face and hands."

Why do they have to wear it?
Muslims must wear the hijab because Allah(swt) ordered it. Muslims have two sources for guidance. The first and most important source is Qur'an, the revealed word of Allah(swt). They may then use Hadith which is the sayings and traditions of the Prophet Muhammad(saw) who was chosen by Allah(swt) to be a role model for mankind.

Here are two passages from the Qur'an that order the hijab.

"O Prophet, tell your wives and daughters and the believing women to draw their outer garments around them (when they go out or are among men). That is better in order that they may be known (to be Muslims) and not annoyed..." (Qur'an 33:59)

"Say to the believing men that they should lower their gaze and guard their modesty; that will make for greater purity for them; and Allah (swt) is well acquainted with all that they do. And say to the believing women that they should lower their gaze and guard their modesty; and they should not display their beauty and ornaments except what must ordinarily appear thereof; that they should draw their veils over their bosoms and not display their beauty to their husbands..." (Qur'an 24:30-31)

An Iranian school girl is quoted as saying, "We want to stop men from treating us like sex objects, as they have always done. We want them to ignore our appearance and to be attentive to our personalities. We want them to take us seriously and treat us as equals and not chase us around for our bodies and physical looks."

What do they get out of dressing like that?
By covering our beauty, we are evaluated for our intelligence and skills instead of looks and sexuality. Many women who cover are filled with dignity and self-esteem and are happy to be identified as a muslim woman. By wearing hijab the woman is concealing her sexuality but allowing her femininity to shine. Aside from that, it is pleasing to Allah and in return we earn blessings from wearing it.

What is the "dress code"?
Islam has no fixed standard as to the style of dress or type of clothing that muslims must wear. There are however, some requirements that must be met. These include:

Body must be covered

Loose Clothing-The clothing must be loose enough so as not to describe the shape of the body.
Thick Material-The garments must be thick enough to hide the shape of the body and the color of the skin.
Modesty-The dress should not be ragged or fancy. It should be clean and dignified looking.
Suitability-This is another Hadith from Bukhari "Ibn Abbas narrated:

'The Prophet(saw) cursed the men who appeared like women and the women who appeared like men.'"

Clothing is only one facet of hijab. It is also behavior, manner, and speech. Women who wear the hijab do not find it inhibiting, impractical, or interfering. We should wear the hijab to show our identity as muslims. More importantly, we should wear it to show our love and respect for Almighty Allah and his instructions.

The Elegant Hijab

The pea is a splendid plant. It proudly displays its strong green Hijab. It protects it from the hot and cold weather and guards it from insects. Allah has blessed the pea with a special Hijab, because without it, the seeds would scatter, dry up and die.

The orange keeps itself within its shiny orange Hijab to protect its delicious fruit. Otherwise it loses its taste too.

So are the banana, the coconut and the pomegranate. Each one has an elegant and unique Hijab, which protects it from disease and destruction.

The jewel of the sea, the pearl, has been given a very tough and rugged Hijab - oyster shell. It protects it from sea animals and keeps it sparkling and shining inside.

However, the most beloved of Allah in all His creation is the Muslim girl who wears the Hijab. She knows it is a gift from Allah. It protects her from harm, injury and mischief. She wears it knowing it gives her dignity, beauty and respect. So precious she can be that she hides herself beneath her Hijab.

Do you wear a Hijab? Give it a try today

"And say to the faithful women to lower their gazes, and to guard their private parts, and not to display their beauty except what is apparent of it, and to extend their headcoverings (khimars) to cover their bosoms (jaybs), and not to display their beauty except to their husbands, or their fathers, or their husband's fathers, or their sons, or their husband's sons, or their brothers, or their brothers' sons, or their sisters' sons, or their womenfolk, or what their right hands rule (slaves), or the followers from the men who do not feel sexual desire, or the small children to whom the nakedness of women is not apparent, and not to strike their feet (on the ground) so as to make known what they hide of their adornments. And turn in repentance to Allah together, O you the faithful, in order that you are successful" (Al Quran An-Nur:31)

"O Prophet! Say to your wives and your daughters and the women of the faithful to draw their outergarments (jilbabs) close around themselves; that is better that they will be recognized and not annoyed. And God is ever Forgiving, Gentle." (Al Quran Al-Ahzab:59)

Women in Islam Vs Women in the Judeo-Christian Tradition

Eve's Fault?

The Judaeo-Christian conception of the creation of Adam and Eve is narrated in detail in Genesis 2:4-3:24. God prohibited both of them from eating the fruits of the forbidden tree. The serpent seduced Eve to eat from it and Eve, in turn, seduced Adam to eat with her. When God rebuked Adam for what he did, he put all the blame on Eve.

"The woman you put here with me - she gave me some fruit from the tree and I ate it." Consequently, God said to Eve:

"I will greatly increase your pains in childbearing; with pain you will give birth to children. Your desire will be for your husband and he will rule over you."

To Adam He said:

"Because you listened to your wife and ate from the tree ... Cursed is the ground because of you; through painful toil you will eat of it all the days of your life..."

The Islamic conception of the first creation is found in several places in the Qur'an, for example:

"O Adam dwell with your wife in the Garden and enjoy as you wish but approach not this tree or you run into harm and transgression. Then Satan whispered to them in order to reveal to them their shame that was hidden from them and he said: 'Your Lord only forbade you this tree lest you become angels or such beings as live forever.' And he swore to them both that he was their sincere adviser. So by deceit he brought them to their fall: when they tasted the tree their shame became manifest to them and they began to sew together the leaves of the Garden over their bodies. And their Lord called unto them: 'Did I not forbid you that tree and tell you that Satan was your avowed enemy?' They said: 'Our Lord we have wronged our own souls and if You forgive us not and bestow not upon us Your Mercy, we shall certainly be lost' " (7:19:23).

A careful look into the two accounts of the story of the Creation reveals some essential differences. The Qur'an, contrary to the Bible, places equal blame on both Adam and Eve for their mistake. Nowhere in the Qur'an can one find even the slightest hint that Eve tempted Adam to eat from the tree or even that she had eaten before him. Eve in the Qur'an is no temptress, no seducer, and no deceiver.

Moreover, Eve is not to be blamed for the pains of childbearing. God, according to the Qur'an, punishes no one for another's faults. Both Adam and Eve committed a sin and then asked God for forgiveness and He forgave them both.

Eve's Legacy

The image of Eve as temptress in the Bible has resulted in an extremely negative impact on women throughout the Judaeo-Christian tradition. All women were believed to have inherited from their mother, the Biblical Eve, both her guilt and her guile. Consequently, they were all untrustworthy, morally inferior, and wicked.

Old Testament

"I find more bitter than death the woman who is a snare, whose heart is a trap and whose hands are chains. The man who pleases God will escape her, but the sinner she will ensnare....while I was still searching but not finding, I found one upright man among a thousand but not one upright woman among them all" (Ecclesiastes 7:26-28).

In another part of the Hebrew literature which is found in the Catholic Bible we read:

"No wickedness comes anywhere near the wickedness of a woman...Sin began with a woman and thanks to her we all must die" (Ecclesiasticus 25:19,24).

"A woman should learn in quietness and full submission. I don't permit a woman to teach or to have authority over a man; she must be silent. For Adam was formed first, then Eve. And Adam was not the one deceived; it was the woman who was deceived and became a sinner" (I Timothy 2:11-14).

If we now turn our attention to what the Qur'an has to say about women, we will soon realize that the Islamic conception of women is radically different from the Judaeo-Christian one. Let the Qur'an speak for itself:

"For Muslim men and women, for believing men and women, for devout men and women, for true men and women, for men and women who are patient, for men and women who humble themselves, for men and women who give in charity, for men and women who fast, for men and women who guard their chastity, and for men and women who engage much in Allah's praise-- For them all has Allah prepared forgiveness and great reward" (33:35).

"The believers, men and women, are protectors, one of another: they enjoin what is just, and forbid what is evil, they observe regular prayers, practice regular charity, and obey Allah and His Messenger. On them will Allah pour His Mercy: for Allah is Exalted in power, Wise" (9:71).

"And their Lord answered them: Truly I will never cause to be lost the work of any of you, Be you a male or female, you are members one of another" (3:195).

"Whoever works evil will not be requited but by the like thereof, and whoever works a righteous deed -whether man or woman- and is a believer- such will enter the Garden of bliss" (40:40).

"Whoever works righteousness, man or woman, and has faith, verily to him/her we will give a new life that is good and pure, and we will bestow on such their reward according to the best of their actions" (16:97).

It is clear that the Qur'anic view of women is no different than that of men. They, both, are God's creatures whose sublime goal on earth is to worship their Lord, do righteous deeds, and avoid evil and they, both, will be assessed accordingly. The Qur'an never mentions that the woman is the devil's gateway or that she is a deceiver by nature. The Qur'an, also, never mentions that man is God's image; all men and all women are his creatures, that is all. According to the Qur'an, a woman's role on earth is not limited only to childbirth. She is required to do as many good deeds as any other man is required to do. The Qur'an never says that no upright women have ever existed. To the contrary, the Qur'an has instructed all the believers, women as well as men, to follow the example of those ideal women such as the Virgin Mary and the Pharaoh's wife:

"And Allah sets forth, As an example to those who believe, the wife of Pharaoh: Behold she said: 'O my lord build for me, in nearness to you, a mansion in the Garden, and save me from Pharaoh and his doings and save me from those who do wrong.' And Mary the daughter of Imran who guarded her chastity and We breathed into her body of Our spirit; and she testified to the truth of the words of her Lord and of His revelations and was one of the devout" (66:11-13).

Shameful Daughters?

In fact, the difference between the Biblical and the Qur'anic attitude towards the female sex starts as soon as a female is born. For example, the Bible states that the period of the mother's ritual impurity is twice as long if a girl is born than if a boy is (Lev. 12:2-5). The Catholic Bible states explicitly that:

"The birth of a daughter is a loss" (Ecclesiasticus 22:3).

It was this very same idea of treating daughters as sources of shame that led the pagan Arabs, before the advent of Islam, to practice female infanticide. The Qur'an severely condemned this heinous practice:

"When news is brought to one of them of the birth of a female child, his face darkens and he is filled with inward grief. With shame does he hide himself from his people because of the bad news he has had! Shall he retain her on contempt or bury her in the dust? Ah! what an evil they decide on?" (16:59).

It has to be mentioned that this sinister crime would have never stopped in Arabia were it not for the power of the scathing terms the Qur'an used to condemn this practice (16:59, 43:17, 81:8-9). The Qur'an, moreover, makes no distinction between boys and girls. In contrast to the Bible, the Qur'an considers the birth of a female as a gift and a blessing from God, the same as the birth of a male. The Qur'an even mentions the gift of the female birth first:
"To Allah belongs the dominion of the heavens and the earth. He creates what He wills. He bestows female children to whomever He wills and bestows male children to whomever He wills" (42:49).

In order to wipe out all the traces of female infanticide in the nascent Muslim society, Prophet Muhammad promised those who were blessed with daughters of a great reward if they would bring them up kindly:

"He who is involved in bringing up daughters, and accords benevolent treatment towards them, they will be protection for him against Hell-Fire" (Bukhari and Muslim).

"Whoever maintains two girls till they attain maturity, he and I will come on the Resurrection Day like this; and he joined his fingers" (Muslim).

Female Education?

The attitude of St. Paul in the New Testament:
"As in all the congregations of the saints, women should remain silent in the churches. They are not allowed to speak, but must be in submission as the law says. If they want to inquire about something, they should ask their own husbands at home; for it is disgraceful for a woman to speak in the church." (I Corinthians 14:34-35)

How can a woman learn if she is not allowed to speak? How can a woman grow intellectually if she is obliged to be in a state of full submission? How can she broaden her horizons if her one and only source of information is her husband at home?

Now, to be fair, we should ask: is the Qur'anic position any different? One short story narrated in the Qur'an sums its position up concisely. Khawlah was a Muslim woman whose husband Aws pronounced this statement at a moment of anger: "You are to me as the back of my mother." This was held by pagan Arabs to be a statement of divorce which freed the husband from any conjugal responsibility but did not leave the wife free to leave the husband's home or to marry another man. Having heard these words from her husband, Khawlah was in a miserable situation. She went straight to the Prophet of Islam to plead her case. The Prophet was of the opinion that she should be patient since there seemed to be no way out. Khawla kept arguing with the Prophet in an attempt to save her suspended marriage. Shortly, the Qur'an intervened; Khawla's plea was accepted. The divine verdict abolished this iniquitous custom. One full chapter (Chapter 58) of the Qur'an whose title is "Almujadilah" or "The woman who is arguing" was named after this incident:

"Allah has heard and accepted the statement of the woman who pleads with you (the Prophet) concerning her husband and carries her complaint to Allah, and Allah hears the arguments between both of you for Allah hears and sees all things...." (58:1).

A woman in the Qur'anic conception has the right to argue even with the Prophet of Islam himself. No one has the right to instruct her to be silent. She is under no obligation to consider her husband the one and only reference in matters of law and religion.

Vows

According to the Bible, a man must fulfill any vows he might make to God. He must not break his word. On the other hand, a woman's vow is not necessarily binding on her. It has to be approved by her father, if she is living in his house, or by her husband, if she is married. If a father/husband does not endorse his daughter's/wife's vows, all pledges made by her become null and void:
"But if her father forbids her when he hears about it, none of her vows or the pledges by which she obligated herself will stand ....Her husband may confirm or nullify any vow she makes or any sworn pledge to deny herself" (Num. 30:2-15)

In Islam, the vow of every Muslim, male or female, is binding on him/her. No one has the power to repudiate the pledges of anyone else. Failure to keep a solemn oath, made by a man or a woman, has to be expiated as indicated in the Qur'an:

"He [God] will call you to account for your deliberate oaths: for expiation, feed ten indigent persons, on a scale of the average for the food of your families; Or clothe them; or give a slave his freedom. If that is beyond your means, fast for three days. That is the expiation for the oaths you have sworn. But keep your oaths" (5:89).

Companions of the Prophet Muhammad, men and women, used to present their oath of allegiance to him personally. Women, as well as men, would independently come to him and pledge their oaths:

"O Prophet, When believing women come to you to make a covenant with you that they will not associate in worship anything with God, nor steal, nor fornicate, nor kill their own children, nor slander anyone, nor disobey you in any just matter, then make a covenant with them and pray to God for the forgiveness of their sins. Indeed God is Forgiving and most Merciful" (60:12).

Mothers

In Islam, the honor, respect, and esteem attached to motherhood are unparalleled. The Qur'an places the importance of kindness to parents as second only to worshipping God Almighty:

"Your Lord has decreed that you worship none but Him, And that you be kind to parents. Whether one or both of them attain old age in your life, Say not to them a word of contempt, nor repel them, But address them in terms of honor. And out of kindness, Lower to them the wing of humility, and say: 'My Lord! bestow on them Your Mercy as they Cherished me in childhood' " (17:23-24).

The Qur'an in several other places puts special emphasis on the mother's great role in giving birth and nursing:

"And We have enjoined on man to be good to his parents: In travail upon travail did his mother bear him and in two years was his weaning. Show gratitude to Me and to your parents" (31:14).

The very special place of mothers in Islam has been eloquently described by Prophet Muhammad:

"A man asked the Prophet: 'Whom should I honor most?' The Prophet replied: 'Your mother'. 'And who comes next?' asked the man. The Prophet replied: 'Your mother'. 'And who comes next?' asked the man. The Prophet replied: 'Your mother!'. 'And who comes next?' asked the man. The Prophet replied: 'Your father'" (Bukhari and Muslim).

Among the few precepts of Islam which Muslims still faithfully observe to the present day is the considerate treatment of mothers. The honor that Muslim mothers receive from their sons and daughters is exemplary. The intensely warm relations between Muslim mothers and their children and the deep respect with which Muslim men approach their mothers usually amaze Westerners.

Epilogue

The one question all the non-Muslims, who had read an earlier version of this study, had in common was: do Muslim women in the Muslim world today receive this noble treatment described here? The answer, unfortunately, is: No. Since this question is inevitable in any discussion concerning the status of women in Islam, we have to elaborate on the answer in order to provide the reader with the complete picture.

It has to be made clear first that the vast differences among Muslim societies make most generalizations too simplistic. There is a wide spectrum of attitudes towards women in the Muslim world today. These attitudes differ from one society to another and within each individual society. Nevertheless, certain general trends are discernible. Almost all Muslim societies have, to one degree or another, deviated from the ideals of Islam with respect to the status of women. These deviations have, for the most part, been in one of two opposite directions. The first direction is more conservative, restrictive, and traditions-oriented, while the second is more liberal and Western-oriented.

The societies that have digressed in the first direction treat women according to the customs and traditions inherited from their forebears. These traditions usually deprive women of many rights granted to them by Islam. Besides, women are treated according to standards far different from those applied to men. This discrimination pervades the life of any female: she is received with less joy at birth than a boy; she is less likely to go to school; she might be deprived any share of her family's inheritance; she is under continuous surveillance in order not to behave immodestly while her brother's immodest acts are tolerated; she might even be killed for committing what her male family members usually boast of doing; she has very little say in family affairs or community interests; she might not have full control over her property and her marriage gifts; and finally as a mother she herself would prefer to produce boys so that she can attain a higher status in her community.

On the other hand, there are Muslim societies (or certain classes within some societies) that have been swept over by the Western culture and way of life. These societies often imitate unthinkingly whatever they receive from the West and usually end up adopting the worst fruits of Western civilization. In these societies, a typical "modern" woman's top priority in life is to enhance her physical beauty. Therefore, she is often obsessed with her body's shape, size, and weight. She tends to care more about her body than her mind and more about her charms than her intellect. Her ability to charm, attract, and excite is more valued in the society than her educational achievements, intellectual pursuits, and social work. One is not expected to find a copy of the Qur'an in her purse since it is full of cosmetics that accompany her wherever she goes. Her spirituality has no room in a society preoccupied with her attractiveness. Therefore, she would spend her life striving more to realize her femininity than to fulfill her humanity.

Why did Muslim societies deviate from the ideals of Islam? There is no easy answer. A penetrating explanation of the reasons why Muslims have not adhered to the Qur'anic guidance with respect to women would be beyond the scope of this study. It has to be made clear, however, that Muslim societies have deviated from the Islamic precepts concerning so many aspects of their lives for so long. There is a wide gap between what Muslims are supposed to believe in and what they actually practice. This gap is not a recent phenomenon. It has been there for centuries and has been widening day after day. This ever widening gap has had disastrous consequences on the Muslim world manifested in almost all aspects of life: political tyranny and fragmentation, economic backwardness, social injustice, scientific bankruptcy, intellectual stagnation, etc. The non-Islamic status of women in the Muslim world today is merely a symptom of a deeper malady. Any reform in the current status of Muslim women is not expected to be fruitful if not accompanied with more comprehensive reforms of the Muslim societies' whole way of life. The Muslim world is in need for a renaissance that will bring it closer to the ideals of Islam and not further from them. To sum up, the notion that the poor status of Muslim women today is because of Islam is an utter misconception. The problems of Muslims in general are not due to too much attachment to Islam, they are the culmination of a long and deep detachment from it.

Abstract from the Article

Women in Islam Vs Women in the Judeo-Christian Tradition:
The Myth & The Reality
By Dr. Sherif Abdel Azeem

The Woman as Mother

The first contact with a woman is with one's mother, who suffers in the pregnancy,delivery,nursing and rearing of her child. History does not recall a religion or a system which honours the woman as a mother and which raises her, as Islam does. Islam repeatedly commends the woman, and this comes directly after the command to worship and believe in the Oneness of Allah. Allah has made honouring one's mother a virtue, and He puts forth the mother's right over that of the father for what she endures in pregnancy, delivery,nursing and raising her children.

This has been honoured and restated in the Qur'an, in multiple chapters, to imprint this notion in the child's mind and heart as per the following verses:

"And we have enjoined on man (to be dutiful and good) to his parents. His mother bore him in weakness and hardship upon weakness and hardship, and his weaning is in two years-give thanks to Me and your parents,-unto Me is the final destination. [The Holy Qur'an, Chapter 31, Verse 14]

"And We have enjoined on man to be dutiful and kind to his parents. His mother bears him with hardship and she brings him forth with hardship, and the bearing of him, and the weaning of him is thirty (30) months. [The Holy Qur'an, Chapter 46, Verse 15]

The status of women as mother has been restated in many Ahadis ( Sayings of Muhammad (PBUH)).

A man came to the Prophet Muhammad(PBUH) asking, "Who is most deserving of my care?" He said, "Your mother." The man asked, "Then who?" He said, "Your mother." The man asked, "Then who?" He said, Your mother." The man asked (the fourth time), "Then who?" He said, "Your father. [ Transmitted by Bukhari and Muslim on the authority of Abu Huraira The Pearl and the Coral (Al-Lu'lu' wal-Marjan) (1652)]

Al-Bazzar recounts that a man was circumambulating the Ka'bah carrying his mother. The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) asked him, "Have you repaid her?" The man said, "No, not even for one of her moans (i.e. one of the moans of labour, delivery and so on) [Transmitted by Al-Bazzar (1872)]

As to be good to her, it means treating her well, respecting her, humbling oneself in front of her, obeying her without disobeying Allah, seeking her satisfaction and pleasure in all matters, even in a holy war. If it is optional, he must have her permission, for being good to her in a type of jihad. [ Jihad is the struggle (physical, mental, psychological, spiritual, etc.) to preserve the purity and practice of Islam. ]

A man came to the Prophet (blessings and peace be upon him) and said, "O Messenger of Allah, I want to fight and I want your advice." He asked him, "Have you a mother?" The man said, "Yes." He said, "Do not leave her because Paradise is under her feet. [ Transmitted by Al-Nisaai, 6/11; Ibn Majah, 1/278 and Al-Hakim. It is amended and approved by Al-Dhahaby, 4/151, on the authority of Muaaweya Ibn Jammah.]

Some religious laws before Islam neglected the mother's relations, making them insignificant. With the advent of Islam, it recommended caring for uncles and aunts, both on the father's side and the mother's. A man approached the Prophet Muhammad(PBUH) and said, "I committed an offence, could I atone for it?" He asked, "Have you got a mother?" The man said, "No." He asked, "Have you got a maternal aunt?" The man said, "Yes." The Prophet (PBUH) said, "Be good to her. [ Transmitted by Termithy in "Righteousness and Relations" (1905); Ibn Hibban Charity (EI-Ehsan) (435); and Al-Hakim who amended it on the terms of the two Sheikhs, agreed upon by Al-Dhahaby, 4/155, all on the authority of Umar.]

It is amazing that Islam commanded us to be good to a mother even though she is an unbeliever!

Asma'a bint Abu Bakr asked the Prophet (PBUH) about her relationship to her unbelieving mother who had come to her. He said, "Yes, be on good terms with your mother". [Transmitted on the authority of Asmaa (agreed upon), The Pearl and the Coral (Al-Lu'lu' wal-Marjan) (587).]

An indication that Islam cares for motherhood, for the rights of mothers and their feelings is that a divorced mother has greater rights and is worthier of looking after her children than the father.

`Abdallah ibn `Amr ibn Al-as transmitted that a woman asked, "O Messenger of Allah, this son of mine had my womb as a container, my breasts for drinking, my lap to contain him. His father has taken him from me." The Prophet (PBUH) said, "You have more right if you do not marry". [Transmitted by Ahmad in Al Musnad (6707). Sheikh Shaker said its authenticity is correct. Transmitted also by Abu Dawud.]

Imam Al-Khataby said in Landmarks of Traditions (Maalem As-Sunna): "Container" is the name of the place that contains a thing. This means that the mother is worthier as she and the father shared in the begetting of the child, then she was singled out for such things as nursing which the father had no share in. Therefore she deserves to be the first when it comes to disputes about the child.

On the authenticity of Ibn `Abbas who said, "`Umar ibn Al-Khattab divorced his wife from Al-Ansar, the mother of `Asim. He met her carrying the child in Mahser (a market- place between Quba and Medina). The child was weaned and could walk. `Umar held out his hand to take the child from her and disputed about it till the boy cried out in pain. `Umar said, "I am worthier of my son than you "They complained to Abu Bakr, whose verdict was that the mother should keep the child. He said, "Her scent, her bed, and her lap are better for him than yours until he grows up and chooses for himself ". [ Landmarks of Traditions (Maalem as-Sunna) (2181).]

The mother who is cherished that much by Islam and given all these rights has a task to perform. She has to take care of her children, raise them well, implant virtues, and make them loathe evil. She has to teach them to obey Allah, encourage them to defend what is truthful, not dissuade them from fighting for the saka of Allah (one form of jihad) because of the motherly sentiments in her heart but to favour the correct way over sentiment.

We saw a believing mother, Al-Khansaa, in the Battle of Qadesseyah eloquently urging her four sons to be brave and steadfast. Then as soon as the battle was over and the news of their four deaths came to her, she did not wail and carry on but said with certainty and contentment, "Praise be to Allah who honoured me with their martyrdom for His faith."

Immortal mothers

Out of Qur'anic guidance, we have been supplied with superb examples of good mothers who had influence and position in the history of the faith in Allah.

Moses' mother, for example, responded to Allah's inspiration and calling when she cast the apple of her eye into the river, assured of Allah's promise:

"And We inspired the mother of Moses, (saying): `suckle him (Moses), but when you fear for him, then cast him into the river and fear not, nor grieve. Verily! We shall bring him back for you, and shall make him one of (Our) Messengers." [The Holy Qur'an, Chapter 28, Verse 7]

There is also Mary's mother, who promised what she had in her womb to be devoted to Allah, to be pure of any polytheism or worship of anything other than Allah. She prayed to Allah to accept her vow:

"so accept (this), from me. Verily, You are the All-Hearer, the All-Knowing". [ The Holy Qur'an, Chapter 3, Verse 35]

When the child turned out to be a female, which she had not expected, it did not prevent her from fulfilling her vow, asking Allah to protect her from all evil:

"and I seek refuge with You (Allah) for her and for her offspring from Satan, the outcast" [The Holy Qur'an, Chapter 3, Verse 36]

Moreover, the Qur'an has made Mary (may Allah be pleased with her), daughter of `Imran and mother of the Prophet Jesus (peace be upon him), an example of purity, humility to Allah and of faith in His word.

"And Mary, the daughter of `Imran who guarded her chastity; and We breathed into (the sleeve of her shirt or her garment) through Our "Ruh" (i.e. Gabriel), and she testified to the truth of the Words of her Lord (believed in the Words of Allah "Be! and he was; that is Jesus-son of Mary;-as a Messenger of Allah), and (also believed in) His Scriptures, and she was of the Qanitun (i.e. obedient to Allah). [ The Holy Qur'an, Chapter 66, Verse 12]

Excerpted from the article "The Status of Women in Islam" by Sh. Yusuf Al-Qaradawi

The Woman as Human Being and Equal to Man

Islam was revealed at a time when a lot of people denied the humanity of the woman; some were skeptical 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. 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. This fact is established in the Noble Qur'an.

" 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." The Holy Qur'an, Chapter 4, Verse 1

As 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." The Holy Qur'an, Chapter 7,Verse 189

The Qur'an, on its part, treats this issue of equality among men and women from more than one perspective.

On the purely religious level

"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 much with their hearts and tongues (while sitting, standing, lying, etc.) Allah has prepared for them forgiveness and a great reward (i.e. Paradise)." The Holy Qur'an, Chapter 33, Verse 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." The Holy Qur'an, Chapter 9, Verse 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)." The Holy Qur'an, Chapter 2, Verse 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 there from (the Paradise), and got them out from that in which they were." The Holy Qur'an, Chapter 236

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." The Holy Qur'an, Chapter 7, Verse 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". 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?" Thus did Adam disobey his Lord, so he went astray." The Holy Qur'an, Chapter 20, Verse 115, 120 and 121

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." The Holy Qur'an, Chapter 2, Verse 134 and 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." The Holy Qur'an, Chapter 3, Verse 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)." The Holy Qur'an, Chapter 16, Verse 97

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 channeling 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.

Right to seek education

The woman's right to seek education or learning is basic and is also guaranteed by Islamic teachings. Islam actually 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.

Right to perform religious ordinances

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.

Social activity

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)." The Holy Qur�an, Chapter 9, Verse 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)]

Excerpted from the article "The Status of Women in Islam" by Sh. Yusuf Al-Qaradawi

 

Status of Women in Islam

"Why is it that so many women who have been born and brought in Europe and America are willing to reject their 'liberty' and 'independence' to embrace a religion that supposedly oppresses them and is widely assumed to be prejudicial to them?" This is a question that I found on one of the sites while surfing around, and I found it an interesting question and which I'd like to draw this article around.

Can Islam be prejudiced to women, and yet appeal to women? Can Islam lower the status of a woman and still have more women embracing it as their way of life than men? According to an article written by Lucy Berrington in the Times Magazine (London) dated 9th Nov. 1993: "It is even more ironic that most British converts should be women, given the widespread view in the west that Islam treats women poorly. In the United States, women converts outnumber men by four to one, and in Britain make up the bulk of the estimated 10, 000 to 20, 000 converts, forming part of a Muslim community of 1 to 1.5 million "

How can the case of those women be explained?! Well, I could say that there are only one of two choices that one can decide upon. Either all those women who choose Islam don't know what they are doing or that they discovered Islam is not prejudice to them as others have yet to discover. New convert to Islam since September 11, US Navy petty officer, Heather Ramaha. "Islam gives us Elevation; not Degradation"

In the Noble Quran Allah (Arabic word for God) says:
"Mankind! We have created you from a male and a female, and made you into nations and tribes, that you may know one another. Verily, the most honorable of you in the Sight of Allah is the believer who has Taqwa (i.e. piety and righteousness)and loves Allah most. Verily, Allah is All-Knowing, All-Aware." The Holy Qur'an(49:13)

"I shall not lose sight of the labor of any of you who labors in My way, be it man or woman; each of you is equal to the other. The Holy Qur'an(3:195)"

On the light of those verses, Islam declares that it has not come to disadvantage women, but in fact has been revealed to elevate women ever since 1400 years ago, when women in many parts of the world and especially in the western societies were considered objects that are owned and with little to no rights in the society they live in.

Before any other religion or system in the world Islam gave a woman the right to inherit, the right to vote and voice her opinion, the right to trade invest and improve herself financially, the right to own - buy and sell, the right to seek knowledge and have a good education, the right to work and has even gone further to oblige the males in every stage of her life, whether it was a father, brother or husband ... It's their duty before God to take care of her, to spend on her, to provide her with the food , clothing and shelter that she needs, to provide her with a good education, to protect her from anything that can harm her and to never hesitate to put their lives in stake for her if the need calls them to do so. "As a modern westerner with a career, of course I had to look into Islam's attitude to women - I couldn't be oppressed all of a sudden. But I discovered that it is pro-women and pro-men; in Islam, women had the right to vote in the year 600. Men dress modestly, women dress modestly; neither should flirt with the eyes, but rather they should lower their gaze. I think it's unhealthy to flaunt your sexuality - it attracts the wrong energy back." (MTV Presenter Kristiane Backer after being a Muslim) "Since I called myself a feminist, my early reading centered around women in Islam. I thought Islam oppressed women. In my Women's Studies courses I had read about Muslim women who were not allowed to leave their homes and were forced to cover their heads. Of course I saw hijab as an oppressive tool imposed by men rather than as an expression of self-respect and dignity. What I discovered in my readings surprised me. Islam not only does not oppress women, but actually liberates them, having given them rights in the 6th century that we have only gained in this century in this country: the right to own property and wealth and to maintain that in her name after marriage; the right to vote; and the right to divorce." (Karima Slack, an American feminist from secular humanism to Islam)

Some Muslim societies today lack those values. Some people may rightly ask then, why do we see some Muslim societies lacking those values? There is a beautiful and very true example I heard from a lecture by an American Muslim called Khaled Yaseen, who said that every person can be a father; but if a father does not turn out to be a good father then it's not fatherhood that we would blame. Similarly, Islam is a rule and order. A Muslim who does not act according to that rule and order then by all means its not Islam that should carry the blame.

Karla, a young Blonde haired Blue eyed young American from Washington DC who is a recent convert to Islam said in an interview made with her: The main question people seem to ask, is "How could you, an educated American woman convert to Islam--a religion that oppresses women?" They are quick to try and equate the rights of women in Afghanistan with the rights of Muslim women everywhere. Basically, what I tell them, is that the Qur'an gives women more rights than the Bible does--in print. That was one of the things that first drew me to Islam. Unfortunately today, Islam is no longer the leader in women's rights. I had a choice--deny what I believe (i.e. that There is only one God, and that Muhammed is a Prophet of God)...or accept what I believe, but work to change the problems that exist within the Muslim community. I chose the latter.

In the world today, one could say that the Taliban government in Afghanistan have been considered as the top example of Women Oppression in Islam. But what's ironic is that even when a woman falls captive in the hands of those supposedly most hateful men in the world, Islam does not fail to win her heart.

Yvonne Ridley is an award-winning journalist of more than 25 years standing and author of two books, In The Hands of the Taliban and Ticket to Paradise. She has spent the last 10 years working for several prestigious Fleet Street newspapers including The Sunday Times, The Observer, The Independent on Sunday and The Sunday Express. She has also expanded into television and radio producing several documentaries from Iraq and Afghanistan. Yvonne hit the headlines in September 2001 when while working for the Daily Express she crossed illegally into Afghanistan and was subsequently held captive by the Taliban for 11 days. Following her release, she read the Qur'an as she had agreed to during her captivity, and converted to Islam in the summer of 2003.

Last but not least I would like to conclude by the blessed sayings of Prophet Muhammad peace be upon him:
"It is the generous (in character) who is good to women, and it is the wicked who insults them."
"The most perfect believers are the best in conduct and best of you are those who are best to their wives."
"Treat your women well and be kind to them for they are your partners and committed helpers."

Eid - Ul - Fitr Mubarak

AssalamuAlaykum Wa Rehmat Ul Lahi Wa Barkatu Hu

Eid Mubarak to You and Your Family.

Aap meri Duwaon me shamil hai is tarah,
Phulom mein hoti hai khushbu jis tarah,
Allah apki zindagi me itni khushiyan de,
Zamin pe hoti hai barish jis tarah.
                                               (AMEEN)

                                                     - By Mohammed Saif

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