Eid al-Adha – Kurban Bayramı
Eid al-Adha in 2010 starts in some countries tomorrow on Tuesday, the 16th of Novermber.
What is Eid al-Adha?
Eid al-Adha or the "Festival of Sacrifice" or "Greater Eid" is a holiday celebrated by Muslims worldwide to commemorate one of Abraham's (May Allah be pleased with Him) main trials. It was the command of Allah to kill his oldest son. Upon hearing this command, he prepared to submit to Allah's will. When he was all prepared to do it, Allah revealed to him that his "sacrifice" had already been fulfilled. He had shown that his love for his Lord superseded all others, which he would lay down his own life or the lives of those dear to him in order to submit to God.
Qur’an Surah 37. Those Who Set The Ranks, Drawn Up In Ranks
100. "O my Lord! Grant me a righteous (son)!"
101. So We gave him the good news of a boy ready to suffer and forbear.
102. Then, when (the son) reached (the age of) (serious) work with him, he said: "O my son! I see in vision that I offer thee in sacrifice: Now see what is thy view!" (The son) said: "O my father! Do as thou art commanded: thou will find me, if Allah so wills one practising Patience and Constancy!"
103. So when they had both submitted their wills (to Allah., and he had laid him prostrate on his forehead (for sacrifice),
104. We called out to him "O Abraham!
105. "Thou hast already fulfilled the vision!" - thus indeed do We reward those who do right.
106. For this was obviously a trial-
107. And We ransomed him with a momentous sacrifice:
108. And We left (this blessing) for him among generations (to come) in later times:
109. "Peace and salutation to Abraham!"
110. Thus indeed do We reward those who do right.
111. For he was one of our believing Servants.
During the celebration of the festival, Muslims sacrifice an animal such as sheep, goat, camel whilst doing so they recite the name of Allah (Bismillah) . The meat from the sacrifice performed on the day of Eid al-Adha is part for the family and part is given away to others less fortunate than ourselves. One-third is eaten by immediate family and relatives, one-third is given away to friends, and one-third is donated to the poor, but this is not a general rule, as we can give what we can as we can too.
The act symbolizes our willingness to give up things that are of benefit to us or close to our hearts, in order to follow Allah's commands. It also symbolizes our willingness to give up some of our own bounties, in order to strengthen ties of kinship and help those who are in need. We recognize that all blessings come from Allah, and we should open our hearts and share with others.
We wish you all a blessed Eid al-Adha.
عيد أضحى مبارك للجميع عسى أن يعود بالخير على الأمة الإسلامية جمعاء
و إن شاء الله السنة القادمة نجتمع على جبل عرفات
Türkçe
Quest of Knowledge in Islam
The holy Quran is a fascinating book. It is the only revelation asking us to acquire knowledge, research and only then to believe. “Iqra” which is translated as “recite”, “rehearse aloud” or to “read” is the first divine command to announce Islam and is addressed to humanity via the Prophethood of Mohammad (peace be upon him), marking our direct relationship to God. ‘Iqra’ is a request to understand the signs of the Creator which have been placed in this creation so we can conceive evidence of His Mercy, Wisdom, and Power. It is advisable for all of mankind to learn, through experience, intelligence, and understanding, the meaning of His creation. The Quran delivers to all of mankind God’s eternal promise of Mercy, Compassion and Salvation, and proves God’s purity by being pure in word and unchallenged by any other means. It is solid with perfection and revered as being so. The better we learn to read the Holy Quran, the better we understand that this world is a creation which has beauty and harmony reflected in the words of the Glorious Quran.
Our Creator is the first teacher and the absolute guide of mankind and it was Allah who taught the first prophet Adam (pbuh) 'all the Names' of everything within Allah’s creation. [Quran 2:31-33] So it is no surprise that various Quranic verses emphasizes the importance of knowledge, there are also hundreds of examples left to us by various prophets including Mohammad (PBUH) that encourage Muslims to acquire knowledge on all things in the world and beyond.
A book on Hadiths (Habits, examples and teachings of the prophet Mohammad) called
Dawud says in Book 25 : Hadith 3634
“The superiority of the learned man over the devout is like that of the moon, on the night when it is full, over the rest of the stars. The learned are the heirs of the Prophets, and the Prophets leave neither dinar nor dirham, leaving only knowledge, and he who takes it takes an abundant portion.”
This and many other books on hadith including narrative texts on the Quran imply that knowledge is obligatory upon all Muslims regardless. Knowledge does and can cover all kinds of subjects and sciences. There is no conflict or restrictions as long as the attainable knowledge is within the realms of what is considered permissible science and is beneficial to the practice and betterment of Islam and Muslims alike.
The early Muslim thinkers were quite clear about their mission, for the Quran required all Muslims to study the skies and the earth to find proof of their faith. The Prophet (PBUH) himself urged his disciples to seek knowledge ‘from the cradle to the grave', no matter how far that search took them, even if this knowledge referred to other theological studies. In its early years, Islam made no distinction between religious and non-religious scholarly pursuits. We have also to keep in mind that not all the scientific work was carried out by Muslims. Significant contributions were also made by Christian and Jewish scholars, particularly in the early days of the Abbasid era, at a time when the main body of translation from Greek texts was carried out, usually to Arabic, Latin or Cyrillic. This was possible because of the political and social climate in Baghdad at the time and patronage by the Caliphate, which led to a spirit of tolerance of other faiths, peoples and a natural coexistence with other cultures, in which scientific enquiry was encouraged. By free application many sciences prospered during this “Golden Age” between the 9th and 12th centuries, and even continued for several hundred years later, whilst most of Europe labored through the so called post Roman “Dark Ages”.
There are many complex reasons for the stagnation and then decline of this peak of an Islamic Golden Age: weak leaders; fragmentation of the Empire; a growing anti-scientific attitude in many Muslim countries and post crusades the eventual but destructive colonialism from successive European countries.
Parallel to this downward spiral of the Islamic Golden Age, Europeans experienced a rejuvenation of civilization and a renewal of power. This can be seen at the beginning of the Renaissance period and the so called “Age of Enlightenment, (a period of vast scientific and intellectual growth, which culminated in the Industrial Revolution). This age describes the phase that led to the Industrial Revolution in Europe and America thus creating a new philosophy that the new cultural life chose to centre upon Reason and was advocated as the primary source and basis of all authority and research. This is a very interesting aspect, because centuries earlier, yet after the revelation of the Quran we could read exactly the same things in Immanuel Kant’s assumptions in the Age of Enlightenment what we knew years before from the Glorious Quran: “sapere aude” or in English “DARE TO KNOW”, thus “the quest of ‘ilm’ knowledge”.
The Quranic idea of enlightenment or the divine light (called Allah’s Nur) combines the enlightenment of mind and that of the heart through belief in Allah and in science. This concept is not mutually exclusive. Far from it, the quest for knowledge liberates mankind by using free will, notion and reason. Accordingly belief and science, religion and reason complement each other by the want and will to discover the truth.
Our Creator disapproves of those who do not use reason because ignorance is darkness. Only an enlightened person recognizes the connections between science and religion and is able to promote tolerance, love, cooperation, solidarity and charity within Islamic societies. Mastering science and technology is the core of Islamic enlightenment because it sets the mind to work and uses the skills that Allah has bestowed on mankind. With these skills we are able to achieve progress, can truly change the world for the better, and firmly set our way for what is truth.
[Quran 2:269] He bestows wisdom upon whomever He chooses, and whoever attains wisdom, has attained a great bounty. Only those who possess intelligence will take heed.
At least by now, it must be clear that Islam is a religion that invites its followers to exercise their intellect and make use of their knowledge to attain the ultimate truth or ‘haqq’.
[55:0] In the name of God, Most Gracious, Most Merciful
[55:1] The Most Gracious.
[55:2] Teacher of the Quran.
[55:3] Creator of the human beings.
[55:4] He taught them how to distinguish.
Hence: “DARE TO KNOW” dear Brothers and Sisters and Allah will open your minds and guide you all because Allah helps those who help themselves.
May God bless you all.
İslam’ın Bilim Çabasi
What does Islam say about terrorism?
Unfortunately more and more often, Islam has been associated with terrorism and violence due to the actions of a few extreme individuals who’ve taken it upon themselves to do the most heinous crimes in the name of Islam.
Tragic events such as the attack on the twin towers in New York, the bombings of Bali, Madrid and London are assumed to be justified by Islam in the minds of some people. This idea has been fueled further by many media channels which defame Islam by portraying these bombers as ‘Islamists’ or ‘Jihadists’, as though they were sanctioned by Islam, or had any legitimate spokemenship on behalf of Muslims. The actions of a few fanatical individuals who happen to have Muslim names or ascribe themselves to the Muslim faith should not be a yardstick by which Islam is judged. For the same reason, that one would not do justice to Christianity if it where perceived as sanctioning the genocide of the Native Americans, the atrocities of world war II or the bombings of the IRA.
To understand Islam’s stance on terrorism, one must refer to its original sources, the Quran and the teachings of Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him,which are explicit in their prohibition of any form of injustice including that of wanton violence which seeks to instill fear, injury or death to civilians.
The Quran turns our attention to the high value of human life, whether it is Muslim or Non-Muslim and makes it absolutely forbidden to take an innocent life unjustly. The gravity of such a crime is equated, in the Quran, with the killing of all humanity.
“On that account: We ordained for the Children of Israel that if any one slew a person - unless it be for murder or for spreading mischief in the land - it would be as if he slew the whole people: and if any one saved a life, it would be as if he saved the life of the whole people. Then although there came to them Our apostles with clear signs, yet, even after that, many of them continued to commit excesses in the land.” ( 5:32 )
Not only is human life sacred in Islam but the property, wealth, family and dignity of all individuals in society are to be respected and protected. Those who transgress these rights and sow fasad (corruption) as the Quran describes it, incur the wrath of Allah.
"…and seek not corruption in the earth; lo! Allah loveth not corrupters " (28:77)
Likewise in another verse
“The blame is only against those who oppress men and wrong-doing and insolently transgress beyond bounds through the land, defying right and justice: for such there will be a penalty grievous” (42:42)
Islam goes further than just prohibiting oppression and safeguarding rights, it commands its faithful to deal kindly and compassionately to all those who seek to live in peace and harmony
"Allah forbids you not, with regard to those who fight you not for your faith, nor drive you out of your homes, from dealing kindly and justly with them: For Allah loves those who are just" (60:8)
In times of war and conflict, where enmity can obstruct an individual’s judgement to act morally, Islam commands that justice be upheld even towards one’s enemies.
"O ye who believe! stand out firmly for Allah, as witnesses to fair dealing, and let not the hatred of others to you make you swerve to wrong and depart from justice. Be just: that is next to piety: and fear Allah. For Allah is well-acquainted with all that ye do" (5:8)
Centuries before the Geneva Convention was drawn up, Muslims were bound by a code of conduct which the Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him, set. He forbade the killing of women, children and elderly in war. In an authentic narration the Prophet (pbuh) warned that he who kills anyone who has a covenant of peace with the Muslims will not smell the scent of Paradise. In fact, he taught that justice is not only to humans but must be shown to animals and all living things. In a narration the Prophet (pbuh) informed us about how a lady was sent to hell because of a cat she had locked up until it starved and died. If such is the sanctity which Islam places on the soul of an animal, how much more grave is the killing of hundreds of innocent humans?!
Abu Bakr the first Calipha of the Muslims reflected these prophetic teachings when he advised his general Yazid, who was confronting Roman armies,
"I advise you ten things, Do not kill women or children or an aged, infirm person. Do not cut down fruit-bearing trees. Do not destroy an inhabited place. Do not slaughter sheep or camels except for food. Do not burn bees and do not scatter them. Do not steal from the booty, and do not be cowardly."
The message of the Quran is clear as we have seen, that the sanctity of any human life is to be respected and any violation in that regard is paramount to the worst crime. Mercy is at the heart of the Islamic call, “We sent thee (O Muhammad) not save as a mercy for the peoples” (21:107); a totally different message to what the terrorists are sadly imparting to humanity.
discover.islamway.com/articles…
Tragic events such as the attack on the twin towers in New York, the bombings of Bali, Madrid and London are assumed to be justified by Islam in the minds of some people. This idea has been fueled further by many media channels which defame Islam by portraying these bombers as ‘Islamists’ or ‘Jihadists’, as though they were sanctioned by Islam, or had any legitimate spokemenship on behalf of Muslims. The actions of a few fanatical individuals who happen to have Muslim names or ascribe themselves to the Muslim faith should not be a yardstick by which Islam is judged. For the same reason, that one would not do justice to Christianity if it where perceived as sanctioning the genocide of the Native Americans, the atrocities of world war II or the bombings of the IRA.
To understand Islam’s stance on terrorism, one must refer to its original sources, the Quran and the teachings of Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him,which are explicit in their prohibition of any form of injustice including that of wanton violence which seeks to instill fear, injury or death to civilians.
The Quran turns our attention to the high value of human life, whether it is Muslim or Non-Muslim and makes it absolutely forbidden to take an innocent life unjustly. The gravity of such a crime is equated, in the Quran, with the killing of all humanity.
“On that account: We ordained for the Children of Israel that if any one slew a person - unless it be for murder or for spreading mischief in the land - it would be as if he slew the whole people: and if any one saved a life, it would be as if he saved the life of the whole people. Then although there came to them Our apostles with clear signs, yet, even after that, many of them continued to commit excesses in the land.” ( 5:32 )
Not only is human life sacred in Islam but the property, wealth, family and dignity of all individuals in society are to be respected and protected. Those who transgress these rights and sow fasad (corruption) as the Quran describes it, incur the wrath of Allah.
"…and seek not corruption in the earth; lo! Allah loveth not corrupters " (28:77)
Likewise in another verse
“The blame is only against those who oppress men and wrong-doing and insolently transgress beyond bounds through the land, defying right and justice: for such there will be a penalty grievous” (42:42)
Islam goes further than just prohibiting oppression and safeguarding rights, it commands its faithful to deal kindly and compassionately to all those who seek to live in peace and harmony
"Allah forbids you not, with regard to those who fight you not for your faith, nor drive you out of your homes, from dealing kindly and justly with them: For Allah loves those who are just" (60:8)
In times of war and conflict, where enmity can obstruct an individual’s judgement to act morally, Islam commands that justice be upheld even towards one’s enemies.
"O ye who believe! stand out firmly for Allah, as witnesses to fair dealing, and let not the hatred of others to you make you swerve to wrong and depart from justice. Be just: that is next to piety: and fear Allah. For Allah is well-acquainted with all that ye do" (5:8)
Centuries before the Geneva Convention was drawn up, Muslims were bound by a code of conduct which the Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him, set. He forbade the killing of women, children and elderly in war. In an authentic narration the Prophet (pbuh) warned that he who kills anyone who has a covenant of peace with the Muslims will not smell the scent of Paradise. In fact, he taught that justice is not only to humans but must be shown to animals and all living things. In a narration the Prophet (pbuh) informed us about how a lady was sent to hell because of a cat she had locked up until it starved and died. If such is the sanctity which Islam places on the soul of an animal, how much more grave is the killing of hundreds of innocent humans?!
Abu Bakr the first Calipha of the Muslims reflected these prophetic teachings when he advised his general Yazid, who was confronting Roman armies,
"I advise you ten things, Do not kill women or children or an aged, infirm person. Do not cut down fruit-bearing trees. Do not destroy an inhabited place. Do not slaughter sheep or camels except for food. Do not burn bees and do not scatter them. Do not steal from the booty, and do not be cowardly."
The message of the Quran is clear as we have seen, that the sanctity of any human life is to be respected and any violation in that regard is paramount to the worst crime. Mercy is at the heart of the Islamic call, “We sent thee (O Muhammad) not save as a mercy for the peoples” (21:107); a totally different message to what the terrorists are sadly imparting to humanity.
discover.islamway.com/articles…
Additional Information and Links from our Sister Maha 
Dear brothers and sisters,
Instead of wailing and cursing, I thought it would be quite a useful form of solidarity by showing and unraveling some substantial facts, documents, visual or audible reliable recourses that SHOULD shed a significant light on the ROOTS OF THE CONFLICT. Here I donate some humble effort providing you with hyper links to those resources. WE NEED TO SPREAD the word in a sensible fashion!
.
For subscribers:
1. U r welcome to use my any of my pix displayed in my scraps and of course place credits properly.
Scrapsl
2. I suggest that if it is in your financial capability to donate a 1 or 3 months subscription for basic members whom u c as active, excellent, reliable and most importantly sensible and smart! As perhaps they need it badly to contribute to showing solidarity in this critical time! But if this is to be done, I advise especially the unwisely enthusiastic deviant youngsters, that we should guide and tip them of how to perform in the best manners particularly in times of crisis!
The greatest enemy of knowledge is not ignorance …it’s the illusion of knowledge!
See Those Videos
Occupation 101 US Aid to Israel
Historical Myths in Israel/Palestine
Occupation 101 - the root of the conflict
www.Occupation 101
Link to the home page of this site
Jerusalemites
Quotation from the web site ( With hindsight, it does not need a lot of effort to realize that Palestine’s present predicament is a case of struggle between the land’s owners and foreign invaders …….read more here Introduction
Quotation (There is a historic evidence of Arab tribes living in Belad El Sham (Syria, including Palestine) in the first millennia B.C. until the Islamic liberation of Palestine from the roman invaders…. Many Arab tribes had lived in Palestine; most prominent of them were Lekhem, Juzam, Kendeh, Qais, Kenanah and the subdivisions of other tribes descended from the Qahtani……read more here
Jerusalem in Arab and Muslim History by S. Rami
My Note: those Arab tribes who originated the ethnicity of Palestine inhabitants; immigrated from Arabia centuries before Prophet “Abraham” fled to this region away from his people’s intolerance!
Palestine - its Unknown Ancient History
The Canaanites
THE EGYPTIANS
THE PHILISTINES
The Israelites
THE CANAANITE PHOENICIANS
THE ASSYRIANS
The Babylonians
The Persians
The Macedonian Greeks
The Romans
The Arabs
The Crusaders
The Ayubid Arabs
The Mamluks
The Ottoman Turks
Zionism
The British (1917 – 1948)
Jureselum Ancient schools Available only in Arabic language.
Interesting Articles
Egyptians revolt
Jerusalem and Napoleon Bonaparte by S. Rami
Regards,
Maha
Instead of wailing and cursing, I thought it would be quite a useful form of solidarity by showing and unraveling some substantial facts, documents, visual or audible reliable recourses that SHOULD shed a significant light on the ROOTS OF THE CONFLICT. Here I donate some humble effort providing you with hyper links to those resources. WE NEED TO SPREAD the word in a sensible fashion!
.For subscribers:
1. U r welcome to use my any of my pix displayed in my scraps and of course place credits properly.
Scrapsl
2. I suggest that if it is in your financial capability to donate a 1 or 3 months subscription for basic members whom u c as active, excellent, reliable and most importantly sensible and smart! As perhaps they need it badly to contribute to showing solidarity in this critical time! But if this is to be done, I advise especially the unwisely enthusiastic deviant youngsters, that we should guide and tip them of how to perform in the best manners particularly in times of crisis!
The greatest enemy of knowledge is not ignorance …it’s the illusion of knowledge!
See Those Videos Occupation 101 US Aid to Israel
Historical Myths in Israel/Palestine
Occupation 101 - the root of the conflict
www.Occupation 101
Link to the home page of this site
Jerusalemites
Quotation from the web site ( With hindsight, it does not need a lot of effort to realize that Palestine’s present predicament is a case of struggle between the land’s owners and foreign invaders …….read more here Introduction Quotation (There is a historic evidence of Arab tribes living in Belad El Sham (Syria, including Palestine) in the first millennia B.C. until the Islamic liberation of Palestine from the roman invaders…. Many Arab tribes had lived in Palestine; most prominent of them were Lekhem, Juzam, Kendeh, Qais, Kenanah and the subdivisions of other tribes descended from the Qahtani……read more here Jerusalem in Arab and Muslim History by S. Rami
My Note: those Arab tribes who originated the ethnicity of Palestine inhabitants; immigrated from Arabia centuries before Prophet “Abraham” fled to this region away from his people’s intolerance! Palestine - its Unknown Ancient History The Canaanites
THE EGYPTIANS
THE PHILISTINES
The Israelites
THE CANAANITE PHOENICIANS
THE ASSYRIANS
The Babylonians
The Persians
The Macedonian Greeks
The Romans
The Arabs
The Crusaders
The Ayubid Arabs
The Mamluks
The Ottoman Turks
Zionism
The British (1917 – 1948)
Jureselum Ancient schools Available only in Arabic language.
Interesting Articles Egyptians revolt
Jerusalem and Napoleon Bonaparte by S. Rami
Regards,
Maha
News
As'salamu Aleikum dear brothers 'n sisters
Islam is compassion and charity. It is mutual assistance and justice. It is humanity and brotherhood. Islam is benevolence. And the best part of Islam, that most of the people unfortunetly forget, is TOLERANCE.
Verse No. 256 of Sura 2 tells us an elementary thing:
“There is NO COMPULSION in RELIGION.”
Therefor we invite you all to join our club and help us to overcome prejudices and support us to clarify the issue regarding misconceptions about Islam.
Have a nice time and kind regards!!!
Islam is compassion and charity. It is mutual assistance and justice. It is humanity and brotherhood. Islam is benevolence. And the best part of Islam, that most of the people unfortunetly forget, is TOLERANCE.
Verse No. 256 of Sura 2 tells us an elementary thing:
“There is NO COMPULSION in RELIGION.”
Therefor we invite you all to join our club and help us to overcome prejudices and support us to clarify the issue regarding misconceptions about Islam.
Have a nice time and kind regards!!!
How to Become a Member
If you just wish to be a supporter of islamicconsciousness, simply send us a note titled "JOIN". ; add us to your watch list and add the club icon to your journals. We'll add you, too.
We will note you when we have processed your request and add you to the club.
We will note you when we have processed your request and add you to the club.
How to Submit a Deviation
Just send a note to the club titled 'SUBMISSION'. It has to include only the link to your deviation. Submissions must be Islam-centered to be accepted.
LIMIT: 2 per week. Please send them in separate notes.
In order to submit your work, you MUST have our icon in your journal.
LIMIT: 2 per week. Please send them in separate notes.
In order to submit your work, you MUST have our icon in your journal.
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