Shia-Islam : Messages : 1-30 of 9561

These are on the subject of being a true follower of the Ahlul Bayt, or a true mo'min.

"Our Shia are those who submit to our orders, carry out our directives, and dissent from our enemies. He who does not enjoy such characteristics is not one of us." (Bihar ul Anwar; 68:167 H.24, al Wassa'il al-Shi`ah; 18:83 H.25) [what does 16:167 and 18:83 mean? anyone have the Arabic for this? whose saying is it? what is the publication information of a book that carries this hadith?]

"He who claims being one of our Shia while he is clinging to the handle of somebody else is surely telling a lie." Me`aani al Akhbar; 399 H.57 (with another chain of narrators), Bihar ul Anwar; 2:98 H.49

"As for anyone who builds relations with somebody who disregards us, disregards somebody who builds good relations with us, praises somebody who reviles at us, or honors somebody who dissents from us, he is surely not one us and we are surely not from him." (Bihar ul Anwar; 75:391 H.11, al-Wassa'il al-Shi`ah; 11:507 H.19)

"He who follows the enemies of Allah will certainly antagonize the disciples of Allah, and whoever antagonizes the disciples of Allah will antagonize Allah Who will incumbently put him in the fire of Hell." Bihar ul Anwar; 75:391 H.11, al Wassa'i al-Shi`ahl; 11:441 H.11

Al 'Imam Muhammad al Baqir once said to one of his companions: "O Jabir, it is not enough that a person says, 'I am a Shi'ah and I love the Prophet () and the Prophet's family and the Imams.' By Allah, a Shiah is the one who is perfectly pious and obedient to Allah's commands. Anyone else is not a Shiah no matter how much they say they love `Ali and no matter what they call themselves. O Jabir, Our Shi'ahs are known by these signs:

(a) They are truthful, trustworthy and loyal;

(b.) They always remember Allah;

(c.) They offer their prayers, observe fasts, and recite the Qur'an,

(d) They act nicely towards their parents:

(e) They help their neighbors, take care of orphans, and say nothing but good of people;

(f) They are worthy of people's trust and confidence"

Jabir was listening attentively. When the Imam finished, he said: O son of the Prophet () among the Muslims there are very few who possess these qualities. The Imam replied: "Allah forbid you imagine that just to claim to love us is enough to be a Shiah. No, not at all. A person who says, 'I love Ali ' but doesn't follow `Ali in his actions is not the Shi'ah of `Ali . Similarly. if a person says, 'I love the Prophet ()' but doesn't follow the actions of the Prophet (), his claim will be of no use to him!" O Jabir Our real friends and Shi'ahs are obedient to the commands of Allah, and everyone who is

disobedient to Allah is our enemy. O Jabir Always be pious and chaste, and perform good deeds so as to enjoy the blessings of the Paradise. Know that the best and most honorable before Allah are the pious and the chaste". (source unknown)

Imam Muhammad Baqir told Jabir: " Is it enough for a person to embellish (himself) as a Shi`ah by professing love of us, Ahlul-Bayt? Nay! By Allah, a person is not our follower except the one who fears Allah and obeys Him. O Jabir! Our followers are not recognized save by humility; submission; honesty; praising Allah abundantly; fasting and prayers; filial devotion; attending to the poor, needy, debtors, and orphans who live near him; saying the truth; reciting the Qur'an; withholding the tongue from people except for benediction; and being trustworthy for relatives in any affairs..." (Al Kafi, vol. 2, p. 74)

Sulayman ibn Mahran said that he visited Imam Sadiq while

some of the followers were attending him and he heard

that the Imam , addressing them, said: "(Behave) to be as ornaments for us and not to be against us as shame. Tell people of goodness, and protect your tongues and hold it from excessive talk and offensive speech." (Al Amali, by Saduq, p. 142)

Imam Ali ibn Abi Talib

*The believer is one with whom people's life, wealth, and dignity are secure.

*He has strong religious convictions.

*He is very eager to understand the religious teachings.

*In pursuing his aims, he achieves perseverance by combining endurance and wisdom.

*When rich, he does not forget moderation; when poor, he forbears without sacrificing his dignity.

*When powerful, he forgives easily. He is generous in appropriate ways. *In all inquiries, he aspires to increase his knowledge and understanding. He behaviour is gentle. His actions and walk reflect modesty.

*He faces calamities with patience and never becomes panic-stricken.

*People enjoy his affection and calmness. He is ready to bear pain in order to comfort others.

*In friendship, he is sincere. He honors his promises.

*Although occasionally criticized, he never criticizes anyone.

*In his judgements, he is not oppressive nor unfair.

*He helps the oppressed and is concerned about the deprived. He does not abandon those in distress; he tries to relieve their burdens.

*He is anxious to legitimize and purify his earnings.

*When infuriated, he behaves justly.

*In his treaties, he is firm and consistent. In his friendships, he is faithful and avoids meddling.

*He respects the rights of those who are absent. He accepts the apologies of those at fault.

*He is generous without being extravagant or wasteful.

*He is kind and compassionate to the poor and weak. Anyone may expect his assistance during difficulties.

*He does not forget those who are good to him; he is grateful.

*He guides those who seek his advice.

*He assists those who have assisted him.

*He does not divulge people's secrets. He does not inquire into secret affairs which do not concern him. He is honest and trustworthy.

*He avoids coercion, ignorance, and lies. He keeps away from evil.

*He raises questions in order to increase his knowledge and keeps silent in order to avoid mistakes.

*He combines conscience and patience in his behaviour. He communicates with others so his knowledge may be increased.

*His good deeds are not performed for the sake of being boastful. He is not hypocritical in his actions.

*He does not abandon a benefaction at the pretext of embarrassment.

*He is not boisterous. He does not take credit for the good deeds of others.

*He is not proud or selfish.

*He speaks only the truth. He is moderate and wise.

*There is no flaw, laxity or partiality in his judgement.

*He is not disgraced by love of food. He is not governed by his whims and sexual desires; he controls them.

*He is not envious. He is not hasty.

*His livelihood is earned in an honourable way.

*He treats people kindly and affectionately. He is conscious and affable.

*He tries not to hurt anyone; people are safe with him. He deals fairly with all.

*In his actions toward others, he respects justice. He does unto others as he likes done unto him.

*To those near him, he is a friend and helper. To the orphans, he is like a father.

*He is not crude or rude toward his inferiors. He is not idle.

*He follows the examples of good leadership demonstrated by his predecessors.

*He sets a good example for those who succeed him.

*He does not lose countenance in the face of violence and calamity.

*He does not interfere in a matter which does not concern him.

*If he keeps away from someone, it is not due to arrogance. If he associates with someone, it is not in order to be deceptive or spy.

*He is not slack nor dishonorable.

*He does not degrade anyone nor backbite.

*He does not pounce on nor insult others.

*He does not fall into the same difficulty twice.

*When affluent, he does not become proud.

(Taliyah al Mahdi)

Sudayr al-Sayraf� says: I entered the presence of Ab� `Abdill�h (Imam al-Sadiq?) and said to him: ;By All�h, you may not refrain from taking up arms; He asked: ;Why not?; I answered: ;Because you have so many partisans, supporters (Sh�`ah) and helpers. By All�h, if Am�r al Mu;min�n (Sayyidun� `Al�) had as many Sh�`ah, helpers, and partisans as you have, Taym (the tribe of Ab� Bakr) and `Ad� (the tribe of `Umar) would never have had designs upon him; He asked: ;And how many would they be, Sudayr?; I said: ;A hundred thousand; He asked: ;A hundred thousand? ; I replied: ;Yes, and two hundred thousand; He asked again: ;Two hundred thousand?; I replied: ;Yes, and half the world; He remained silent. Then he said: ;Would you accompany us to Yanbu`?; I replied in the affirmative. He ordered a mule and a donkey to be saddled. I quickly mounted the donkey, but he said: ;Sudayr, will you rather let me ride the donkey?; I said: ;The mule is more decorous and more noble as well; But he said: ;The donkey is more comfortable for me; I dismounted. He mounted the donkey, I got on the mule, and we started riding. The time of sal�h arrived and he said: ;Dismount, Sudayr. Let us perform sal�h; Then he remarked: ;The ground here is overgrown with moss. It is not permissible to make sal�h here; So we carried on riding until we came to a place where the earth was red. He looked at a young boy herding sheep, and remarked: ;Sudayr, by All�h, if I had as many Sh�`ah as there are sheep here, it would not have been acceptable for me to refrain from taking up arms; We then dismounted and performed sal�h. When we were finished I turned back to count the sheep. There were seventeen of them.7 (oooops) It seems from this narration that the tragedy of Karbal� taught Im�m Ja`far as-S�diq something about those who claimed to be his followers which the Sh�`ah of today are still refusing to come to terms with: that in the trials and misfortunes of the Family of Ras�lull�h sallall�hu `alayhi wa-�lih� wasallam the role of the Sh�`ah was as great, if not greater, than that of their physical enemies.

Abu Ismaeel narrated that he told Imam al Baqir that numbers of the Shia were great. The Imam said: "Do the rich ones among them act with kindness toward the poor, the good-doers overlook the evildoers, and they help each other?" I answered: "No, they do not." The Imam commented: "They are not Shia. The true Shia are only those who do these acts." 523 Quoted from Bihar ul Anwar; Kitab ul Ashara 56 as quoted from al Kafi.

#29

From: "Ali al-Mahdi" <ali@...>
Date: Wed Aug 6, 2003 7:42 pm
Subject: Fw: Walking on Rocks

ansaralhusayn

Offline

Walking On Rocks

Source: http://www.almujtaba.com/article/html

Once, a group of people were traveling on rocks at night. A voice came

from the sky that whosoever picks up the rocks will regret and whosoever

doesn't pick up the rocks will regret. Now, the people were confused.

How can this be?

Whether you pick up the rocks or not, you will regret! Anyway,

some people picked up the rocks and some didn't. In the morning

when they reached their homes, they saw that the rocks turned into

diamonds. Now, those people who didn't pick up the rocks started

regretting saying "If only we had picked up some rocks."

Those people who did pick some rocks also started regretting

saying "Why didn't we pick up more rocks?" Both sides ended up

regretting.

Dear Muslims, this same incident will take place with us on the

Day of Judgment. Those people who spent their time in useless

things will start regretting by looking at those who achieved a

great position in Paradise by spending their time in the way of

Allah. Now, those who did achieve a position in Paradise will

start regretting by looking at those who did more than them and

are higher in status."Alas! If we had only done more to please

Allah."

If this information is beneficial to you, then please do forward it to

your friends, relatives, and anybody you know.

The Prophet of Allah Muhammed (Salla Allahu Alayhi Wa Aalihi Wa Sallam)

said; "Whoever guides or directs to good, then he gets the same amount of

blessing (reward) as the one who does it"

Note: Salla Allahu Alayhi Wa Aalihi Wa Sallam Means Peace be Upon Him And

His Family

----------------------------------------------------------------

http://www.almujtaba.com

#28

From: "Ali al-Mahdi" <ali@...>
Date: Wed Aug 6, 2003 7:42 pm
Subject: What does Islam mean?

ansaralhusayn

Offline

What does Islam mean?

The word "Islam" bears, within its meaning, the following two definitions:

1. Linguistic Meaning: This is the general meaning in Arabic usage, implying absolute submission, surrender and obedience that is obeying

the injunctions of the ruler without objection. Before Islam came as a formal religion . The word was used to denote the above meaning,

without attaching to it any ideological or conventional context.

2. Idiomatic Meaning: The Holy Qur'an defines Islam as the Message of Prophet Mohammad (saw). Although Islam was the theme of all preceding divine messages, the word was chosen as a particular title denoting the Almighty's final revelation to mankind. In fact the Qur'an

transformed the word "Islam" from its linguistic meaning to the idiomatic meaning. Still there remains the common implication in both

usages- the linguistic and the idiomatic - that is submission and obedience, since Islam is the religion of voluntary submission to

Allah's Will, the obeying of His commands and surrendering to His Will without the least objection .

Thus, the religion which Mohammad (saw) brought to humanity was called "Islam". It has since been used as a proper title for the

Message preached by the Seal of Messengers and the word acquired has particular religious, legislative and devotional implications.

Formerly the world did not enjoy these dimensions being void of any religious context except that denoting mere submission, obedience and

surrender in the hitherto obscure language, spoken by an insignificant desert people.

WHO IS A MUSLIM ?

Whoever utters the two testimonies Shahadatayn that is to say: "Ashhadu an la ilaha il-lallah wa ashhadu an-an Muhammadan

Rasulullah" which means "I bear witness that there is no god save Allah, and I bear witness that Mohammad is the Messenger of Allah",

is Muslim.

Those who are born to Muslim parents are regarded Muslims by birth, disregarding whether or not he/she is a faithful believer, is Muslim.

Starting from this general definition of the Muslim, we may divide the belief of a Muslim with respect to one's connection with Islam,

as follows :

A - The Faith : This is the belief which is based on complete rational and intuitive understanding and conviction, embodied in

adherence to, and application of, the decisions and the teaching of the religion in daily life. This degree of belief and adherence is

called "faith", and the Muslim who attains to this high degree of connection with Allah and of adherence to His laws is called "faithful" .

Thus, faith is a degree higher than mere "submission", because it is true belief accompanied by complete adherence to, and application of,

all the decisions of Islam, including devotions, rites, laws, systems, morals, concepts, commandments, teachings, etc.

The Qur'an distinguishes between these two different degrees of belief - that of being a Muslim and that of being a called Mu'min the

faithful. It denounces those who pretend by proclamation to be Muslims, claiming to be of the believers.

Allah the exalted says :

"The Bedouin Arabs said: We believe. Say ( unto them, O Mohammad ) you believe not, but rather say : `We submit', for the faith has not

yet entered your hearts. Yet, if you obey Allah and His Messenger, He will not withhold from you aught (of the reward) your deeds. Surely

Allah is All-forgiving All-merciful. The (true) believers are those who believe in Allah and His messenger and afterward doubt not, and

who strive with their wealth and their selves for the cause of Allah. These are the truthful ones.

Holy Qur'an (49:14-15 )

Ultimately, one's Islam, will not be true unless it reaches the stage of faith and complete responsiveness to the Will of Allah , the stage

which has been pointed out by the verse describing Abraham's Islam towards Allah, the Exalted :

"When his Lord said to him: 'submit'! he said: I have submitted to the Lord of the worlds'. And Abraham enjoined on faith to his sons,

and (so did ) Jacob, (saying) : My children, Allah has chosen for you the faith : so die not unless you are Muslims'".

Holy Qur'an ( 2: 131-132 )

This is the true Islam as described by the Glorious Qur'an. It represents the highest degree of faith and commitment, detailing the

believer's intellectual and psychological maturity, and describing the response of his conduct and will. This is the Islam which brings

about for humanity the good of both this world and the hereafter, and personifies the aims of the message of the Messenger, who said : "...

I have brought you the good of the world and the hereafter".

B - The Ostensible : This is weak and formal submission which has no firm basis in the human soul. It does not have any effect on daily

conduct, is not integrated with practical life and does not govern man's social relations and activities. It is a purely superficial attachment to Islam, rebellious undertaking which has no roots.

This false pretence is dangerous to the society and to the Islamic religion. It is a danger sign foretelling destruction and deviation,

because it is the first step on the road to a relapse into the abyss of ignorance.

Pretended submission does not make its adherent fit for, or worthy of, being a true follower of faith. It does not enable him to attain

to the true degree of Islam, called for by the religion of the Master of Messengers, Mohammad (saw) which formulates the real nature of man

and his goals in life, according to the laws of Allah and the path of the right religion.

If a man does not attain to this stage of Islam, there arises a gap between his ideology and practical conduct, and subsequently a great

divide rises between him and Islam as a belief and religion, and as a cultural way of life. Such a man remains far from being Muslim,

except in outward appearance. He is, however, regarded as subject to the Islamic rules, and is treated as Muslim .

In studying this group of Muslims, we must distinguish between two sorts which, though they come under one general heading of "Muslim",

yet they cannot be described as "believers".

These are :

1. The Hypocrites : is the outwardly manifests Islam, which inwardly he is a disbeliever. A hypocrite is professing Muslim on whom the

rules of Islam are applicable, and who is treated as a Muslim, disregarding the belief which he cherishes in himself.

2. The Corrupt : This is the one who believes in Islam in his heart, but does not apply it to his life and does not observe its obligations.

The difference between the two is vast. As regarding the hypocrite, the difference is ideological, which is in fact, is equal to plain

disbelief, as the Qur'an says : "Have you not seen those who are hypocrites (who) say to their brothers who disbelieve among the

followers of the Scripture : If you are driven out, we surely will go out with you, and we will never obey anyone against you, and if you

are attacked we surely will help you. And Allah bears witness that they verily are liars." Holy Qur'an (59:11)

As to the corrupt, the Qur'an does not treat him in this way, as the difference, in this case, is that which concerns conduct. This corruption does not stand on an equal footing with hypocrisy in its quality and effect, if we take into consideration the inward and the heartfelt conviction.

C - The Scheme of the Study : Islam, in its entirety, is a complete unity of thought, legislation and guidance. By understanding it you

gain a general intellectual clarity, and by comprehending it you are encouraged to make real advances in the area of human culture.

#27

From: "Ali al-Mahdi" <ali@...>
Date: Wed Aug 6, 2003 7:41 pm
Subject: Why Islam? A Palestinian View

ansaralhusayn

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Why Islam? A Palestinian View
Author Unknown*

Most of us Muslims are unhappy with the current attacks against Islam which are coming from the west, and I am sure that since the cold war is over with the disintegration of Russia, the west and in particular the United States started looking for a new enemy, and they found it, it is Islam or as they like to call it Islamic Fundamentalism or Terrorism.

The recent history proves that the west is uncomfortable with the rise of Islam and the awakening of its people from a deep sleep, which they them selves thought it will last forever, after the humiliation Muslims received on the hands of colonial powers. They thought by controlling the way we are educated, by appointing worthless leaders to govern, by making us cling into materialistic aspects, and by making our economy dependent on their product, they thought, Muslims are damaged beyond repair.

The recent events in Algeria, the situation in Sudan, and most recent the attack on the Islamic Resistance Movement (HAMAS), shows clearly that the west is feeling threatened by Islam and the Muslims.

But the question which should be answered, why Islam? Is it because the West is afraid that an Islamic system if implemented will be better than the democracy they are preaching? Or is it because Islam encourages Muslims to liberate all people from vice, corruption, and oppression? From my point of view, it is both. Otherwise how we can justify there silence when Muslims in Algeria was crushed and prevented from governing after a fair election based on western preached democracy, and at the same time the labeling of the Government of Sudan to be mistreating its people.

How can the west justify calling HAMAS a terrorist organization, when they are in-fact fighting unjust occupation, targeting soldiers who kill tens of children every day? Who is the terrorist? A person who defend his right to live on his land, or that who came from Europe with a gun to kill innocent civilians.

Also how can the west justify the quick and loud judgement of labeling any act committed by any Muslim as Islamic terrorism, as if all Muslims are terrorists? Why we never hear the term "Christian terrorists" when describing the mass killings of Muslims in Bosnia. Or Jewish terrorism when settlers go on a rampage killing children in Palestine.

The WTC explosion is a live witness on the way media and governments in the west handling such incidents. They immediately and loudly blamed Islamic terrorism. Statements that is hateful to all Muslims was immediately aired, one so-called expert was asked "Are the American people aware of the hate of Muslims towards them?".

I am sure of that this incident was a creation of a group, which will benefit the most from the coming crack down on Muslim Organizations, and especially those who support the Palestinian Intifadah. Such organizations that send food aid, money, and support to the Palestinians under occupation.

We Muslims should be aware of the current situation, and should be ready to protest any measure taken against any organization which is working legally to help our people in Palestine. We should also be ready to use any political avenue to pressure the governments of the west not to take such measures, and to allow us to work freely within the law.

The West should understand that, by furthering such actions, by playing deaf to the persecution of Muslims, and by supporting regimes who do not adhere to the basic human rights, they are posing as partners to tyranny and tyrants. It is about time that the west work on bridging the gab between them and Muslims, by suspending the double standard policy they use towards the concerns of Muslims.

#26

From: "Ali al-Mahdi" <ali@...>
Date: Wed Aug 6, 2003 7:40 pm
Subject: Ziyarat of Zaynab (AS)

ansaralhusayn

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Peace be upon you, Oh daughter of the Chief of prophets.

Peace be upon you, Oh daughter of the Master of the sanctuary and the banner.

Peace be upon you, Oh daughter of him who was made to ascend to (highest) heaven and reached the station of two bows' length (to Allah) or even closer.

Peace be upon you, Oh daughter of the Leader of the pious.

Peace be upon you, Oh daughter of the support of the sincere friends (of Allah)

Peace be upon you. Oh daughter of the Leader of the Deen.

Peace be upon you. Oh daughter of the Commander of the faithful.

Peace be upon you, Oh daughter of him who struck with the sword of two blades.

Peace be upon you, Oh daughter of him who prayed towards the two qiblahs [Jerusalem, then Mecca].

Peace be upon you, Oh daughter of Muhammad, the chosen.

Peace be upon you, Oh daughter of Ali, the content (with the decree of Allah).

Peace be upon you, Oh daughter of Fatima, the radiant.

Peace be upon you, Oh daughter of Khadija, the elder.

Peace be upon you. Oh righteous one, pleasing (to Allah).

Peace be upon you, Oh learned, rightly guided one.

Peace be upon you, Oh generous, noble one.

Peace be upon you, Oh pious, pure one.

Peace be upon you, Oh you who were thoroughly tested by sufferance like Husayn, the oppressed.

Peace be upon you, Oh you who were kept far from your home.

Peace be upon you, Oh you who were held captive in cities.

#25

From: "Ali al-Mahdi" <ali@...>
Date: Wed Aug 6, 2003 12:00 am
Subject: Glossary

ansaralhusayn

Offline

Glossary

From: http://www.bbc.co.uk/religion/religions/is..._glossary.shtml

"After the Hijrah". The letters are placed after the number of a year in the Islamic calendar.

Akhirah

Belief in life after death.

Allah

"Allah" is the Arabic word for "God"; it's not God's name.

Allahu Akbar

"God is the greatest."

Azan

The Muslim call to prayer.

Bismillah

"In the name of God." It's used by Muslims to ask for God's blessing on any action, and is found at the start of almost every surah of the Holy Qur'an.

Din (Deen)

The religion and way of life of Islam.

Du'a

A personal prayer to Allah, in contrast to the 5 ritual daily prayer rituals. It's not the same as a wholly spontaneous personal prayer, since particular texts are laid down for various du'as.

Fard

An obligation, something which must be done.

Five Pillars of Islam

The duties carried out by a Muslim as part of their faith.

Hadith

A saying, action or story of the Prophet Mohammad

Hafiz

A person who has learned the Qur'an by heart.

Hajj

The pilgrimage to Mecca that is one of the 5 pillars of Islam.

Halaal

Something a Muslim is permitted to do or eat.

Haraam

Something a Muslim must not do or eat.

Hijrah

The migration of Mohammad (PBUH) and his followers from Mecca to Yathrib (now Medina)

Hijab

Islamic clothing worn by women to protect their modesty. How much hijab covers is often a matter for local customs.

Iftar

Breakfast.

Ihram

The state of ritual purity required for undertaking the Hajj or Umra. The special garments worn in this state are also called Ihram.

Imam

A teacher, or leader of the Muslim prayer. The term has another meaning in the Shi'a community.

Islam

The faith of Muslims. It actually means "surrender or submission to Allah".

Kaabah

The cubic building at the centre of the Mosque at Mecca around which pilgrims process. It is the focal point of Muslim prayer.

Kitab

Book.

Madrasah

Islamic school.

Makkah

Alternative spelling of Mecca.

Masjid

Another word for Mosque.

Mawlid an-Nabi

The birthday of the Prophet (PBUH)

Minaret

The tower of a Mosque from which the call to prayer is made.

Minbar

The pulpit in a Mosque

Mihrab

A niche in a Mosque showing the direction of Mecca.

Mosque

A building (or place) where Muslims worship together.

Muezzin

The official who calls people to prayer.

Muslim

A follower of the Islamic faith.

Niyyah

The declaration of one's sincere intention to worship. This is usually made silently in one's mind.

PBUH

"Peace be upon him". Used after the name of the Prophet Mohammad (PBUH) to indicate one's respect. Also used after the names of other prophets.

PBUT

"Peace be upon them". Plural of "PBUH".

Qiblah

The direction of Mecca.

Qur'an

The Holy Book of Islam.

Rakat (Rakah)

A unit of set movements in the ritual prayer or salat.

Ramadan

The month of fasting.

Ruku

The bow made in salat.

Sadaqah

Voluntary giving to charity, as opposed to the Zakat charity required in Islam.

Salat (Salah)

The obligatory ritual prayer carried out five times a day.

Salat aj-Jumah

Friday prayer at a mosque.

Sawm

Fasting during daylight.

Shahadah

The Muslim declaration of faith. "There is no god but God; Mohammad is the Messenger of God."

Sharia

Islamic law.

Shi'a

The second largest group (10%) within Islam.

Sujud (Sajdah)

The prostration position in prayer, with forehead, nose, hands, knees, and toes all touching the ground.

Sufism

The mystical movement in Islam. A follower of it is called a "Sufi".

Sunni

The largest group (90%) within Islam.

Surah

A chapter of the Holy Qur'an.

Takbir

The process of concentrating on prayer to the exclusion of everything else.

Tawaf

Going round the Kaabah seven times on Hajj or Umra.

Wudu

Ritual washing before the daily prayers.

Zakat (Zakah)

Compulsory donation of a set proportion of one's savings

Allah

Arabic word for God

Alhamdulillah

"Praise be to Allah"

Recited when praising Allah, said upon any occasion of joy, acceptance of an occurrence good or bad. It's also a response to 'How are you?'. Its meaning is very broad and it denotes giving thanks to Allah as well as reaffirming that He Alone is to be praised for all that occurs.

Bismillah ar-Rahman ar-Rahim

"In the name of Allah, the Most Beneficent, the Most Merciful."

Recite before any activity

A'uzu Billahi Mina shaitan ar-Rajim

"I seek refuge from Allah from the accursed devil."

Recite before doing anything [extended version of above]

Allahu Akbar

"Allah is the Greatest"

To praise Allah in every aspect of life

La Ilaha Illallah

"There is no God except Allah."

Part of the first pillar of Islam, also one of the best forms of dhikr [remembrance]

As-salaam wa Alaikum

"Peace be upon you"

Universal greeting for the Muslims

Wa 'Alaikum as-Salam

"And upon you is the peace"

Response to previous greeting

As-salamu Alaykum wa Rahmatullahi wa Barakatuh

"Peace and the Mercy and Blessings of God be upon you"

Extended form of assalamu alaikum

Was-salaam

"And peace"

used when leaving/departing from someone

Allahu Alam

"Allah Knows (best)"

Subhanahu Wa Ta'ala (S.W.T)

Allah is free of any defects or shortcomings and is to be glorified and praised. The second word is actually a verb that signifies that Allah is high above His creation in every aspect. used when the name of

Allah is written or pronounced [used only in reference to Allah]

La Hawla Wa La Quwwata Illa Billah

"There is no power and no strength save in Allah."

Putting all trust in Allah, even when the

greatest distress has come onto you

P.B.U.H 'Alayhis Salam

"peace be upon him"

An invocation of security and sanctity said on behalf of the Prophets and Messengers of Allah and the Angels that is said when hearing their names mentioned.

Sallallahu 'alaihi wa sallam (SAWS)

This is a supplication to Allah that He exalt the mention of Mohammad to the high angels and that the angels in turn praise Mohammad before Allah. This is an invocation that should be said upon mentioning or hearing the name of the Prophet Mohammad.

Insha' Allah

"If Allah wills"

When planning or pledging for the future,

you are doing so with the permission of Allah

Bi'idhnillah

"With Allah's Permission"

similar to previous

Masha' Allah

"What Allah has willed!"

(Usually used to express admiration of Allah's creation)

Subhanallah

"Glory be to Allah"

Allah is free of any type of defect, imperfection, or shortcoming.

Barakallahu feek

"May the blessings of Allah (be upon you)."

Thanking one another

Astaghfirullah

"I seek forgiveness from Allah"

say when repenting

Fi-sabil-Allah

"In the way of Allah"

Frequently used expression in the Qur'an, which

emphasizes that good acts should be done exclusively

to please Allah

Fi-Amaan-Allah

"May you be in the protection of Allah"

When parting from someone

Jazak Allahu Khairan

"May Allah reward you with good"

One says this as a prayer to Allah when showing thanks to another Muslim after he performs a righteous or good deed. (often used instead of "Thank you")

Wa iyyakum

"And you too"

response to 'jazak Allahu khairan'

Radiallahu 'anhu

"Allah be pleased with him"

Usually said in deference to the companions of the Prophet Mohammad sallallahu 'alaihi wa sallam upon hearing their names mentioned in recognition of the favor that Allah has bestowed upon them as the fore bearers of the Islamic message. Sometimes rendered or (raa) pl. 'anhum , fem. 'anhaa , du. 'anhumaa

Rahimahullah

"Allah have mercy upon him"

Said when remembering a deceased Muslim.

fem. rahimahallah also Allahu yarhamuhu or yarhamuhaa

Ameen

"May Allah Accept"

When participating in prayer,

when someone supplicates

Ya-Allah

"Oh, Allah"

calling upon Allah

Na-uzu-billah

I seek refuge with Allah

When unpleasantness occurs

Tawak-kalto-al-Allah

"Have trust in Allah"

When a problem appears

Yar-hamok-Allah

"Allah have mercy on you"

Say this when someone else sneezes, after

you hear them say "Alhamdulillah"

Lihubullah

"For the love of Allah"

When having love for someone

Inna Lillahi Wa Inna Ilahi Raji'un

"We are from Allah and to whom we are returning."

When struck by distress or news of a death

Jihad

Striving/Struggle for Islam, (NOT holy war!)

#24

From: "Ali al-Mahdi" <ali@...>
Date: Tue Aug 5, 2003 11:59 pm
Subject: Fear Allah

ansaralhusayn

Offline

In the Name of Allah, Most Gracious, Most Merciful

As-salaam wa Alaykum wa Rahmatullah wa Barakatu

Enes Ibn Malik reports that a Bedouin came to the Messenger of Allah and greeted him in the mosque. The Messenger of Allah asked him where he came from. The Bedouin said:" I came from far seeking answers to some questions". Our master told him to ask his questions":

I wish to be an intelligent man, what should I do?
Holy Prophet Replied, "Fear Allah".
I wish to be a loyal servant to Allah and do what He wants me to do?
Holy Prophet Replied, "Read the Qur'an."
I wish to be enlightened and have peace of heart?
Holy Prophet Replied, "Remember Death".
I wish to be protected against enemies?
Holy Prophet Replied, "Trust in Allah".
I wish to follow the Straight Path?
Holy Prophet Replied, "Do good to others for Allah's sake".
What should I do so that Allah does not abase me?
Holy Prophet Replied, " Do not respond to the desires of your flesh".
I wish to have a long life?
Holy Prophet Replied, "Praise and thank Allah".
I wish for prosperity?
Holy Prophet Replied, "Be in a state of ablution at all times".
How can I save myself from the hellfire?
Holy Prophet Replied, "Protect your eyes and your tongue and
your hands and what is below your waistline against evil".
How can I cleanse myself from my sins?
Holy Prophet Replied, "Shed tears for what you have
done and repent by undoing what you have done wrong".
I wish to be a respectable person?
Holy Prophet Replied, "Then, don't ask for anything from anybody".
I wish to be honorable?
Holy Prophet Replied, "Then don't divulge the wrong doings of anybody".
What should I do to protect myself from the tortures of the grave?
Holy Prophet Replied, "Recite the Surah Mulk".
What should one do to be rich?
Holy Prophet Replied, "Read the Surah Muzammil".
How should I calm my fear of the day of last judgment?
Holy Prophet Replied,"Remember Allah before you eat anything and before you sleep".
What should I do to feel the presence of Allah when I make my prayers?
Holy Prophet Replied,"Give the utmost care in taking your ablutions and in being clean and pure.
Forward this e-mail to a number of people you know and by the grace of Allah you will be blessed for each person you forward this e-mail to Insha-Allah.
Sina la zaidi ila ni hayo ndugu yangu muislam.wako salim habsi from oman

#23

From: "Ali al-Mahdi" <ali@...>
Date: Tue Aug 5, 2003 11:59 pm
Subject: Fatimah az-Zahrah (AS)

ansaralhusayn

Offline

In His Name the Most High

Peace be upon you, O! Fatimah al-Zahrah!

Peace be upon you,

O! Master of the women of both worlds from the first to the last!

Peace be upon you,

O! Pious who was martyred!

The highest degree of humanity is the position of Infallibility. The person at this position is content with what Allah is content with and, is angry according to Allah's (SWT) anger. Fatimah (PBUH) is the one whom the almighty Allah is content with her satisfaction, and is angry with her anger. This position has astonished many perfect men .

According to John Spiritual Contemplation, she is the huge sign in the sky, the woman who holds the sun and the month is beneath her feet, and wears a crown with twelve stars.1

She is the wife and mother of twelve master of the school from the sons of Ishmael, which the almighty Allah has told Abraham in chapter Genesis of Torah.2

She is the meaning of "the blessed night" in which "every absolute command coming from Us becomes distinguishable".3

She is the unique woman in the history that Allah (SWT) has considered her prayer in the same grade as the Prophet (PBUH&HP) and Amir al-Mu'menin (PBUH) in the day of Mobahilah.

At the night of ascension (Mi'raj) the Messenger of Allah read this sentence on the door of Paradise: "Fatimah is selected by Allah."4

Her position is so high that the Prophet (PBUH&HP) has said:" Fatimah is the first one who enters the Paradise."5

The Almighty Allah has told His messenger these words about her:" We have granted you Kawthar. So worship your Lord and make sacrificial offerings (Quran,108:1,2).

Then what happened after the Prophet (PBUH&HP) that such a woman said sorrowfully?" I experienced sufferings that bright days would become dark nights if they would have experienced.6 Also when she was buried there was only figure left from her body.7 Amir al-Mu'menin (PBUH) experienced a great grief in this suffering that he addressed the (PBUH&HP) as follows:

"As to my grief, it knows no bounds, and as to my nights, they will remain sleepless."8

(Reference: A selection from the sayings of the grand Ayatullah Wahid al-Khorasani, with a little change)

You may click here in order to listen to the first sound file prepared on this occasion. (In order to download the file you can right click on the link and select "Save Target As .")

Ali ibn Isa Erebeli narrates the happenings which led to the martyrdom of Hadrat Fatimah al-Zahrah (PBUH). He continues:

" When Zahrah (PBUH) passed away and was martyred, a cloth was on her body. Asma' said at this time Hassan and Husain (PBUT) entered and said:" Asma! Our Mother did not used to sleep at this time of the day! Asma' replied:" O The sons of the Messenger of Allah! Your mother is not sleeping, she has passed away!"

While Hassan (PBUH) heard such words, he fell on the body of his mother and kissed her face and addressed her:

" Dear mother! Please talk to me before I pass away."

Husain (PBUH) came near and kissed her mothers' feet and said:

" Dear mother! I am your son Husain, talk to me before I pass away."

(Reference: Kashf al-Ghummah, vol.2, p.126)

You may click here in order to listen to the second sound file prepared on this occasion. (In order to download the file you can right click on the link and select "Save Target As .")

Roshd website's condolences be upon Imam Asr and all the Muslims of the world on the occasion of martyrdom of Hadrat Fatimah al-Zahrah (PBUH).

Also we would like to invite you dear friends to read an article about the life of this great lady which is available now on the website. God willing the references of this article including authentic Islamic books (both Shiite and Sunnite), and some other parts of the life of Hadrat Fatimah al-Zahrah (PBUH) will be available. (In order to read this article click here.)

Roshd website

1 John Spiritual Contemplation, section 12

2 Chapter Genesis of Torah, section 17

3 that We have revealed the Quran on a blessed night to warn mankind (Quran, 44:3). On this night, every absolute command coming from Us becomes distinguishable (Quran, 44:4).

4 Tarikh Baghdad, vol.1, p.274

5 Mizan al-Itedal, vol.2, p.131

6 Bihar al-Anwar vol.79, p.106

7 Da'aim al-Islam, vol.1, p.232

8 Nahj al-Balaqah, sermon 202

#22

From: "Ali al-Mahdi" <ali@...>
Date: Tue Aug 5, 2003 11:58 pm
Subject: Ever wonder (joke)

ansaralhusayn

Offline

EVER WONDER...

...why the sun lightens our hair, but darkens our skin?
...why women can't put on mascara with their mouth closed?
...why you don't ever see the headline "Psychic Wins Lottery"?
...why "abbreviated" is such a long word?
...why doctors call what they do "practice"?
...why you have to click on "Start" to stop Windows 98?
...why lemon juice is made with artificial flavor, while dishwashing liquid is made with real lemons?
...why the man who invests all your money is called a broker?
...why there isn't mouse-flavored cat food?
...who tastes dog food when it has a "new and improved" flavor?
...why Noah didn't swat those two mosquitoes?
...why they sterilize the needle for lethal injections?
...why they don't make the whole plane out of the material used for the indestructible black box ?
...why sheep don't shrink when it rains?
...why they are called apartments when they are all stuck together?
...if con is the opposite of pro, is Congress the opposite of progress?
...why they call the airport "the terminal" if flying is so safe?

AND...

In case you need further proof that the human race is doomed because of stupidity, here are some actual label instructions on consumer goods.

On a Sears hairdryer: Do not use while sleeping. (darn, and that's the only time I have to work on my hair).

On a bag of Fritos: You could be a winner! No purchase necessary. Details inside. (the shoplifter special?)

On a bar of Dial soap: "Directions: Use like regular soap." (and that would be how???....)

On some Swanson frozen dinners: "Serving suggestion: Defrost." (but, it's "just" a suggestion).

On Tesco's Tiramisu dessert (printed on bottom): "Do not turn upside down." (well...duh, a bit late, huh)!

On Marks & Spencer Bread Pudding: "Product will be hot after heating." (...and you thought????...)
On packaging for a Rowenta iron: "Do not iron clothes on body." (but wouldn't this save me more time?)

On Boot's Children Cough Medicine:"Do not drive a car or operate machinery after taking this medication." (We could do a lot to reduce the rate of construction accidents if we could just get those 5-year-olds with head-colds off those forklifts.)

On Nytol Sleep Aid: "Warning: May cause drowsiness." (and...I'm taking this because???....)

On most brands of Christmas lights: "For indoor or outdoor use only." (as opposed to...what?)

On a Japanese food processor: "Not to be used for the other use." (now, somebody out there, help me on this. I'm a bit curious.)

On Sunsbury's peanuts: "Warning: contains nuts." (talk about a news flash!)

On an American Airlines packet of nuts: "Instructions: Open packet, eat nuts." (Step 3: maybe, uh...fly Delta?)

I don't blame the company. I blame the parents for this one: On a child's superman costume: "Wearing of this garment does not enable you to fly."

On a Swedish chainsaw: "Do not attempt to stop chain with your hands or genitals." (...was there a lot of this happening somewhere?)

Now that you've smiled at least once, it's your turn to spread the stupidity and send this to someone you want to bring a smile to (maybe even a chuckle)...in other words send it to everyone. We all need to smile every once in a while.

#21

From: "Ali al-Mahdi" <ali@...>
Date: Tue Aug 5, 2003 11:58 pm
Subject: Duas

ansaralhusayn

Offline

DUA to remove worries

BISMILLAH AR-RAHMAN AR-RAHIM

ALLAHUMMA S'ALE A'LAA MOHAMMAD WA AALE MOHAMMAD

1) According to Imam Jafar bin Mohammad as Sadiq, to remove worries recite (i) al Kaafiroon (ii) al Ikhlas (iii) al Falaq (iv) an Naas three times daily.

2) According to Imam Musa bin Jafar al Kazim, to remove worries, recite any 100 verses of the holy Quran and at the end recite 3 times :

ALLAAHUMMAD - FA 'A'NNIL BALAA - A

3) According to Imam Musa bin Jafar al Kazim, if a man in trouble keeps with him written BISMILLA'AHIR RAH'MAANIR RAH'EEM Allah saves him from the worries he is afflicted with. Allah did not destroy Firwan in his house because BISMILLAAAHIR RAH'MAANIR RAH'EEM was written on his door.

4) According to Imam Mohammad bin Ali al Baqir the Ahl ul Bayt used to recite the following du-a'a to seek safety from Allah whenever worries troubled them :

YAA KAAA-INAN QABLA KULLI SHAY -IN WA YAA MUKAWWINA KULLI SHAY -IN WA YAA BAAQIYA BA'DA KULLI SHAY -IN S'ALLI ALA MOHAMMADIN WA AHLI BAYTIHEE WAF-A'L BEE

5) According to Imam Musa bin Jafar al Kazim recite the following du-a'a to remove worries after tahajjud.

SUBH'AANALLAAHIL A'Z'EEMI WA BIH'AMDIHEE ASTAGHFIRULLAAAHAA WA AS-ALUHOO MIN FAZ'LIHEE

6) If some one wants to recite a short du-a'a to remove worries, make use of the following taught by Imam Ali ibn abi Talib to a believer :

ALH'AMDU LILLAAHI A'LAA KULLI NI-MATIN WA AS-ALULLAAHA MIN KULLI KHAYRIN WA A-O'OD'U BILLAAHI MIN KULLI SHARRIN WAS-TAGHAFIRULLAAHA MIN KULLI D'ANBIN.

Dua Before Studying

"Allahumma infa�nii bimaa �allamtanii wa�allimnii maa yanfa�uunii. Allahumma inii as�aluka fahmal-nabiyyen wa hifzal mursaleen al-muqarrabeen. Allahumma ijal leesanee �aiman bi dhikrika wa qalbi bi khashyatika. Innaka �ala ma-tasha�u qadeer wa anta hasbun-allahu wa na�mal wakeel."

"Oh Allah! Make useful for me what you have taught me and teach me knowledge that will be useful to me. Oh Allah! I ask you for the understanding of the prophets and the memory of the messengers, and those nearest to you. Oh Allah! Make my tongue full of your remembrance and my heart with consciousness of you. Oh Allah! You do whatever you wish, and you are my availer and protector and best of aid."

Dua After Studying

"Allahumma inni astaodeeka ma qara�tu wama hafaz-tu. Farudduhu �allaya inda hajati elahi. Innaka �ala ma-tasha�-u qadeer wa anta hasbeeya wa na�mal wakeel"

"Oh Allah! I entrust you with what I have read and I have studied. Oh Allah! Bring it back to me when I am in need of it. Oh Allah! You do whatever you wish, you are my availer and protector and the best of aid."

Dua While Studying Something Difficult

"Allahumma la sahla illama ja-�altahu sahla anta taj �alu al hazana eza ma shi�ta sahal."

"Oh Allah! Nothing is easy except what you have made easy. If you wish, you can make the difficult easy."

Dua For Concentration

"Salla-l-laahu alaa Mohammad wa aal-e Mohammad. Allahumma inni as�aluka yaa mudhakkira-l khayr wa faa�ilahu wa-l-aamimira bihi dhakir-ni maa ansaani-hi-shaytan."

"Blessings of god be upon Mohammad and his progeny. O god, I ask you, the one who mentions goodness and actualizes it and commands it, remind me of that which the shaytan makes me forget."

<http://www.duas.org/>

DUA for Memory and Speech

DUA 10

If one fails to remember an event or written text or spoken words, according to Imam Jafar bin Mohammad al Sadiq one should put the right hand on the forehad and recite:

INNEE AS-ALUKA YAA MUD'AKKIRAL KHAYRI WA FAA-ILAHOO WAL AAMIRA BIHEE AN TUS'ALLIYA A'LAA MOHAMMADIN WA AALI MOHAMMADIN WA TUD'AKKIRANEE MAA ANSAANEEHISH SHAYT'AAN

DUA 11

According to Imam Ali ibn abi Talib to retain in memory whatever one listens or reads, recite the following DUA after every obligatory salat.

SUBH'AANA MAN LAA YA-TADEE AA'LAA AHLI MAMLAKATIHEE SUBH'AANA MAN LAA YAAKHUD'U AHLAL ARZ'I BILWAANIL A'D'AABI SUBH'AANAR RA-OOFIR RAH'EEMI ALLAAHUMMAJ-A'L LEE FEE QALBEE NOORAN WA BAS'ARAN WA FAHMAN WA I'LMAN INNAKA A'LAA KULLI SHAY-IN QADEER

DUA 12

Recite the following DUA 7 times after obligatory salat to increase knowledge

RABBI ZIDNEE I'LMAA

DUA 13

To learn the holy Quran by heart (or remember it simportant verses) recite the following DUA by Imam Ali ibn abi Talib written in Sahifa Alawiyyah

ALLAAHUMMAR-H'AMNEE BITARKIL MA-A'AS'EE ABDAN MAA ABQAYTANEE FAR-H'AMNEE MIN TAKALLUFI MAA LAA YUNEENEE WARZUQNEE H'USNAL MANZ'ARI FEEMAA YURZ'EEKA A'NNEE WAL-ZAM QALBEE H'IFZ'A KITAABIKA KAMAA A'LLAMTANEE WARZUQNEE AN ATLUWAHOO A'LAN NAH'WIL LAD'EE YURZ'EEKA A'NNEE ALLAAHUMMA NAWWIR BAS'AREE WASH-RAH BIHEE S'ADRE WA FARRU BIHEE QALBEE WA AT'LIQ BIHEE LISAAANEE WAS-TA-MIL BIHEE BADANEE WA QAWWINEE A'LAA D'AALIKA WA A-I'NNEE A'LAYHI INNAHOO LAA MU-E'ENA A'LAYHI ILLAA ANTA LAA ILAAHA ILLAA ANTA

#20

From: "Ali al-Mahdi" <ali@...>
Date: Tue Aug 5, 2003 11:57 pm
Subject: Dua Kumail

ansaralhusayn

Offline

Dua Kumail

In The Name of Allah, The Most Beneficent and The Most Merciful
"O All Mighty God,
I ask You by Your Mercy,
which embraces all things;
By Your Strength,
through which You dominate all things,
toward which all things are humble and
before which all things are lowly;
By Your Invincibility,
through which You overwhelm all things;
By Your Might,
which nothing can resist;
By Your Greatness,
which has filled all things;
By Your Power,
which towers over all things;
By Your Face,
which subsists after annihilation of all things;
By Your Names,
which have filled the foundations of all things;
By Your Knowledge,
which encompasses all things; and
By the Light of Your Face,
through which all things are illumined!

O Light! Of All that is Holy!
O First of the first and Last of the last!
O All Mighty God, forgive me my sins
which tear apart safeguards!
O All Mighty God, forgive me my sins
which bring down adversities!
O All Mighty God, forgive me my sins
which alter blessings!
O All Mighty God, forgive me my sins
which hold back supplications(Du'ah)
O All Mighty God, forgive me my sins
which dash all hopes!
O All Mighty God, forgive me my sins
which bring about tribulations
O All Mighty God, forgive me
the sins that I had committed and
every mistake I had made!
O All Mighty God, verily I do seek nearness to You
through remembrance of You,
I seek intercession from You with Yourself,
and I ask You through Your Munificence,
to bring me nearer to Your Mercy,
to bless me with gratitude to You and
to inspire me with Your remembrance.
O All Mighty God, verily I ask You with the asking
of a submissive, abased and lowly man
to show me forbearance,
to have mercy on me and
to make me satisfied and content
with Your apportionment,
and humble in every state.
O All Mighty God, I ask You with the asking of one
whose indigence is extreme,
who has stated to You in difficulties in his need
and whose craving for what is with You
has become intense.
O All Mighty God, Great is Your Kingdom,
Lofty is Your Being
Your contrivance is hidden,
Your Command is manifest,
Your Domination is overwhelming,
Your Power is ever-operating
and escape from Your Domain is impossible.
O All Mighty God, I find no forgiver of my sins,
no concealer of my wicked acts,
no transformer of any of my wicked acts
into good acts but You.
There is no deity but You!
Glory be to You, and Yours is the Praise!
I have wronged myself,
I have been audacious in my ignorance and
I have depended upon
Your constant remembrance of me and
Your favour towards me.
O All Mighty God, O my Protector!
How many ugly things You have concealed!
How many tribulations You have warded off!
How many stumbles You have removed!
How many ordeals You have averted!
And how much beautiful praise,
for which I was unworthy,
You have spread about me.
O All Mighty God, my tribulation is tremendous,
my bad state is excessive,
my acts are inadequate,
my fetters have tied me down,
my high hopes have held me back from my gain
and this world with its delusions,
my own soul with its offences and
my dilly dallying have deceived me.
O my Lord! So I ask You by Your Might
not to let my evil deeds and acts
veil my supplication from You; not to
disgrace me through the hidden things,
You know of all my secrets and
not to hasten me to punishment
for what I have done in private:
my evil acts in secrecy, my misdeeds,
my continuous negligence, my ignorance,
my manifold passions and my forgetfulness,
And by Your Might, O All Mighty God ,
be kind to me in all states and
be gracious to me in all affairs!
O my All Mighty God and my Lord!
Have I anyone, but You from whom to ask
remedy of my affliction
and regard for my affairs?
O my All Mighty God and my Protector!
I have myself given a decree against myself,
I followed the caprice of my own soul and
did not defend myself from my enemy,
which deluded me through my soul's caprice
and therein destiny favoured it.
So I crossed some of the barriers and
transgressed some of Your statutes and
disobeyed some of Your Commands.
So Yours is the argument against me in all of that
and I have no argument in what Your destiny
put into effect through me therein;
nor in what Your decree and Your
tribulation imposed upon me.
Now that I have turned to You, my All Mighty God,
after my shortcomings
and my immoderation toward myself,
proffering my excuse, regretful,
broken, apologizing,
asking forgiveness, repenting,
acknowledging, submissive, confessing,
I alas find no place to flee
from what occurred through me,
nor any place of escape
to which I may turn in my affairs,
other than Your acceptance of my excuse
and Your entering me into Your Mercy.
O All Mighty God, so accept my excuse,
have Mercy upon the severity of my affliction
and release me from the tightness of my fetters
O My Lord, have mercy upon
the weakness of my body,
the thinness of my skin and
the frailty of my bones.
O You who gave rise to my creation,
to the remembrance of me,
to the nurture of me,
to the goodness toward me and
to nourishment of me,
bestow upon me for the sake of
Your having given rise to me, with generosity
and Your previous goodness to me!
My All Mighty God, my Master and my Lord!
Can't You see Yourself
tormenting me with Your Fire
after I have professed Your Oneness;
after Your cognition my heart has embraced,
the remembrance of You
my tongue has constantly mentioned and
the love I have of You to which my mind has clung;
after the sincerity of my confession and my
supplication, humble before Your Lordship?
Far be it from You!
You are more generous than that You should
torture him whom You have nurtured;
banish him whom You have brought up;
drive away him whom You have given an abode;
or submit to tribulation him whom
You have spared and shown mercy.
Would that I knew, my Master,
my All Mighty God and my Protector,
whether You will give the Fire
dominion over faces
fallen down prostrate before Your Greatness;
tongues voicing sincerely
the profession of Your Oneness and
giving thanks to You in praise;
hearts acknowledging Your Divinity
through verification;
minds encompassing knowledge of You
until they have become humble;
and limbs speeding to the places
of Your worship in obedience and
entreating Your forgiveness in submission.
No such opinion is held of You!
Nor has such been reported - thanks to
Your Bounty - concerning You,
O All Generous!
My Lord, and You know my weakness
before a little of this world's
tribulations and punishments and
before those ordeals which befall its dwellers,
even though it is a tribulation and ordeal
whose stay is short,
whose subsistence is but little and
whose period is but fleeting.
So how can I endure the tribulation
of the next world and
the great ordeals that occur within it?
For it is a tribulation whose period is long;
whose station endures, and
whose sufferers are given no respite,
since it only occurs as a result of Your Wrath,
Your Vengeance and Your Anger,
And these cannot be withstood
by the heavens and the earth.
My Master, so what about me?
For I am Your weak, lowly, base,
wretched and miserable slave.
My Lord! My Lord! My Master! My Protector!
For which things would I complain to You and
for which of them would I lament and weep?
For the pain and severity of chastisement?
Or for the length and period of tribulations
So if You subject me to the punishments with
Your enemies, gather me
with the people of Your tribulation
separate me from Your friends and saints
suppose, my Allah, my Master,
my Protector and my Lord,
that I am able to endure Your chastisement,
How can I endure separation from You?
And suppose that I am able to endure
the heat of Your Fire,
How can I endure not gazing
upon Your Generosity?
Or how can I dwell in the Fire
while my hope is Your pardon?
So by Your Might,
my Master and my Protector,
I swear sincerely,
if You leave me with speech,
I will lament before You from the midst
of the Fire's inhabitants
with the lamentation of the hopeful;
I will cry to You with the cry
of those crying for help;
I will weep before You with the weeping
of the bereft; and I will call upon You,
'Where are You, O Sponsor of the believers,
O Goal of the hopes of Your knowers!
O Aid of those who seek assistance,
O Friend of the hearts of the sincere, and
O All Mighty God, of all the world's inhabitants!'
Can't You see Yourself - Glory be to You
my Allah, and Yours is the praise -
hearing within the Fire the voice
of a slave surrendered to You,
imprisoned there because of his violations.
suffering the pangs of its torment
because of his disobedience, and
confined within its levels
because of his sin and crime,
while he laments before You with the
lament of one hopeful for Your Mercy,
calls upon You with the tongue
of those who profess Your Oneness
and entreats You by Your Lordship?
My Protector, so how should he remain
in the chastisement while he has hope
for Your previous clemency?
Or how should the Fire cause him pain
while he expects Your Bounty and Mercy?
Or how should its flames burn him
while You hear his voice and see his place?
Or how should its groaning encompass him
while You know his weakness?
Or how should he be convulsed among its levels
while You know his sincerity?
Or how should its keepers torture him
while he calls out to You, "O Lord?"
Or how should he have hope of Your Bounty
in freeing him from it
while You abandon him within it?
Far be it from You!
That is not what is expected of You,
nor what is well-known of Your Bounty;
nor is it similar to the goodness and kindness
You have shown to those who profess
Your Oneness.
So I declare with certainty that
were it not for what You have decreed
concerning the chastisement of Your deniers
and what You have fore ordained concerning
the everlasting home of those
who stubbornly resist,
You would make the Fire, all of it,
coolness and safety, and no one would have
a place of rest or abode within it.
But You - Holy are Your Names - have sworn that You will fill it with the unbelievers,
both Jinn and Human, and
that You will place those,
who stubbornly resist,therein forever.
And You who Majestic is Your eulogy - said
at the beginning and were Gracious
through kindness as a favour,
What? Is he who has been a believer
like him who has been ungodly?
They are not equal.
My All Mighty God and my Master! So I ask You
by the Power You have apportioned
And the decision which
You have determined and imposed,
and through which
You have overcome him toward
whom it has been put into effect - that
You forgive me in this night and at this hour
every offence I have committed,
every sin I have performed,
every wicked thing I have concealed,
every folly I have enacted
whether I have hidden it or announced it,
or whether I have concealed it or manifested it -
every evil act which You have commanded
the Noble Writers to record,
those whom You have appointed to watch
over every deed of mine
and whorn You have made,
along with my limbs, to witness against me.
And You are Yourself the ever Watchfull
over me from behind them,
and the Witness of what is hidden from them,
but through Your Mercy You concealed it
and through Your Bounty You veiled it.
And I ask You, that You bestow upon me an
abundant share of every good You send down,
kindness You confer;
goodness You unfold;
provision You spread out;
sin You forgive or error You cover.
My Lord! My Lord! My Lord!
My All Mighty God! My Master! My Protector!
Owner of my bondage!
O He in whose Hand is my forelock!
O He who knows my affliction and my misery!
O He who is aware of my poverty and indigence!
My Lord! My Lord! My Lord!
I ask You by Your Truth, Your Holiness and
the greatest of Your Attributes and Names,
that You make my times in the night and
the day inhabited by Your remembrance and
joined to Your service
and my acts acceptable to You,
so that my acts and my prayers
may all be a single litany and
my occupation with Your service everlasting.
My Master! O He upon whom I depend!
O He to whom I complain of my states!
My Lord! My Lord! My Lord!
Strengthen my limbs in Your service;
fortify my ribs in determination;
and bestow upon me earnestness
in my fear of You and continuity
in my being joined to Your service,
so that I may move easily toward You
in the battlefields of the foremost,
hurry to You among the prominent,
desire fervently Your proximity
among the fervently desirous, move near
to You with the nearness of the sincere,
fear You with the fear of
those who have conviction
and gather with the believers in Your nearness.
O All Mighty God!
Whoever desires evil for me - desire it for himself
And whoever deceives me - deceive himself!
And make me one of the most excellent
of Your slaves who share
the best reward from You,
the nearest of them in station to You and
the most elect of them in proximity to You.
For that cannot be attained except
by Your Bounty.
Grant generously to me
through Your Munificence,
incline toward me with Your Splendour
and protect me with Your Mercy!
Make my tongue remember You constantly
and my heart enthralled by Your love!
Be gracious to me by answering me favourably,
nullify my slips and forgive my lapses!
For You have decreed Your worship
for Your servants,
commanded them to supplicate You and
assured them that they would be answered.
So toward You, my Lord, I have turned my face;
and towards You, my Lord,
I have extended my hand out to You,
So by Your Might, comply with my supplication
and make me attain my desires!
Do not, if it pleases You, sever my hopes,
and spare me the evil of my enemies
from among the Jinn and the Humans!
O He whose pleasure is quickly achieved!
Forgive him who owns nothing but supplication,
for You do what You will
O He whose Name is a Remedy,
whose remembrance is a Cure, and
whose obedience is Wealth!
Have mercy upon him whose capital is hope
and whose weapon is tears!
O Fountain of blessings!
O Repeller of adversities!
O Light of those who are lonely in the darkness!
O Knower who was never taught!
Bless Mohammad and Mohammad's progeny
and do with me what is worthy of You!
And may Allah bless His Messenger and
the Holy Imams of his progeny and
give them abundant peace!

#19

From: "Ali al-Mahdi" <ali@...>
Date: Tue Aug 5, 2003 11:56 pm
Subject: Dua al-Ahd

ansaralhusayn

Offline

It is reccomended to recite Duaa al-Ahd every day - ideally after morning prayers - but any time is good. According to a number of reliable traditions, that person who recites this Duaa (Duaa al-Ahd) every day continuoiusly for 40 days will have the honour of making ziyarah of Imam al-Hujjah(May our souls be his ransom) during his lifetime, and that if he should die prior to the re-appearance of the Mahdi(AJ), he/she will be raised with the Imam(AJ), by the command of Allah. Naturally, this implies a sincere and true recitation, where you really feel for the Imam(AJ), his welfare his situation, the situation of the Muslims and other such issues must be at the focus of your mind, and you must be working at your maximum capacity to be close to Allah and the Imam(AJ). May Allah help us all to achieve the grand status of being those who sincerely love and yearn for Imam al-Mahdi(May our souls be his ransom). May Allah grant us the honour of being among those who are along side the Imam(AJ), and those who are martyred at his side. Amen, O Lord of the Worlds!

English Translation of Duaa al-Ahd

O Allah! Lord of The GREAT Light,
Lord of the elevated Throne,
Lord of the tumultuous seas
and the Revealer of the Tawrah, Injeel and Zaboor,
Lord of the shadows and the warmths
and the revealer of the Great Quran.
Lord of the proximate angels
and prophets and messengers.

O Allah !
I beseech Thee, for the sake of Your noble visage
and Your ever existing kingdom,
O ever living
O controller!
I beseech Thee in Your name,
Which lits the heavens and the earths;
and in Your name,
by which the ancient and the latter ones become upright.

O Ever Living who was before every living being.
O Ever Living who shall (exist) after every living being.
O Ever Living who existed when there was no life.
O giver of life to dead.
O One who causes death to the living one.
O Ever Living, there is no God except Thou.

O Allah send blessings to our Master the Leader, the guide.
The Guided, the upriser with Your command.
Blessings of Allah be on him
and his pure forefathers
from all the believing man and believing women.
In the easts of the earth and its wests,
in its plains and its mountains,
its lands and its seas,
from me and my parents.

Blessings which are the weight of Allah's throne and ink of His words,
and whatever His knowledge enumerates and his book encompasses.

O Allah! Renew for him my covenant, pledge and allegiance in my neck in the morning of this day of mine and whatever days (of my life) I live.
I shall never turn away from it nor let it vanish.
O Allah appoint me among his helpers, his aides and his protectors.
Those who hasten to fulfill his commands and obey his orders.
Those who are his supporters and compete with each other to (fulfill) his intention
and seek martyrdom in his presence.
O Allah! If death occurs between me and him (before the reappearance) (Death) which You have made obligatory and decreed for your servants,
then raise me from my grave,
wrapped in my shroud,
my sword unsheathed,
My spear bared,
answering the call of the caller of the caller
in cities as well as deserts.

O Allah! show me the rightly guided face of (Imam (AJ)),
the praise worthy moon (referring to the face of Imam (AJ))
and enlighten my vision by looking at him.
hasten his reappearance,
make his arrival smooth,
vasten his path,
make me tread on this way
and implement his authority
and strengthen his back.

O Allah inhabit your cities through him and give life to your servants due to him
For surely You have said and Your word is truth,
"corruption will become rampant in land and on sea because of the evil which men's hand have earned"
Then O Allah manifest for us Your slave and the son of your prophet's daughter,
whose name is the same as that of Your messenger,
so that nothing from falsehood is victorious except that he tears them (falsehood) to pieces,
establishes the truth and the truth confirms him.

And O Allah! appoint him as a refuge for your oppressed servants
and a helper for the one who does not find any helper for himself except You
and the renewer of all the laws of Your book
which have been tampered with
and the rebuilder of the science of Your religion
and the traditions of Your prophet
peace of Allah be on him and his progeny
And O Allah make him among those whom you have protected
from the evils of the adversaries.
O Allah! and provide joy to your Prophet Mohammad
peace of Allah be on him and his progeny
by his vision
and (the vision of) the one who follows him on his call.
O Allah remove this sorrow (of occultation) from this nation
with his presence and hasten for us his reappearance.
They (the disbelievers) consider it to be distant
while we consider it to be near.
For the sake of Your Mercy, O the Most Merciful of all Mercifuls.

On completion of this du'a, pat your right thigh with the right hand three times and recite the following: "Al Ajal, Al Ajal, Ya Maulaya Ya Sahebaz Zamaan." - "HASTEN! HASTEN! O MY MASTER, O MASTER OF THE ERA!"

#18

From: "Ali al-Mahdi" <ali@...>
Date: Tue Aug 5, 2003 11:55 pm
Subject: The Religion of Islam

ansaralhusayn

Offline

In The Name of Allah(swt),The Most Beneficent, The Most Merciful.

Islam was not born in the 7th century A.D. Rather, it is the same religion that God revealed through His messengers (peace be upon them) to every people. Islam sometimes seems strange to non-Muslims because it is a religion which impacts every part of life, from eating and sleeping to working and playing. It is not only a personal religion, but also a social one.

Muslims seek to live in accordance with God's laws. By doing so, they strive to obtain nearness to God and victory over temporary trials and temptations in this world. All aspects of their practice including prayer, fasting, charity, and pilgrimage are intended to help meet this goal. Although strict by secular standards, Islam is not an ascetic religion. Islam requires its followers to be active participants in their communities.

Muslims believe that God is One, indivisible, and they believe in all the prophets of the Christians and Jews including Adam, Noah, Abraham, Ishmael, Isaac, Jacob, Joseph, Job, Moses, Aaron, David, Solomon, Elias, Jonah, John the Baptist, and Jesus (peace be upon them).

Muslims also recognize another prophet named Muhammad (peace be upon him and his family), who is a direct descendant of Abraham through his first born son, Ishmael. His prophethood may be prophecied in the Bible in several places, including Deut 18:18 and John 14:16.

The Qur'an is the holy book of Muslims. It contains many stories that are familiar to Christians and Jews. It was not created by man but was revealed to the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him and his family) through the Angel Gabriel at the command of God. It contains no scientific fallacies or internal contradictions. In fact, it contains much scientific knowledge discovered by scientists only in this century. The Qur'an is an unparalleled Arabic literary masterpiece. Furthermore, it survives in its original revealed form, unlike the Torah and the Gospel.

People living in the West and throughout the world should not allow themselves to be ignorant about Islam and Muslims. For example, there are six million Muslims living in the United States out of 1.2 billion in the world. Only 18% of Muslims live in the Arab world. Demographers say that Islam is the fastest growing religion in the U.S. (and the world) due to high birth rate, immigration, and high conversion rate. By the year 2000, Islam is predicted to be the second largest religion in America if it is not already, surpassing Judaism, Mormonism, Jehovah's Witness, and other religions.

Here are some things you can do with regard to your Muslim neighbors, students, employees, and coworkers that would be appreciated: Respect their religious convictions by allowing them to pray, dress, fast, and socially interact according to their beliefs.

Be sensitive about dietary constraints, particularly when it comes to alcohol and pork.

Feel free to ask questions!

Contributed by Masooma Beatty.

#17

From: "Ali al-Mahdi" <ali@...>
Date: Tue Aug 5, 2003 11:55 pm
Subject: Duas of the Week

ansaralhusayn

Offline

Days of the Week!

Monday - Wash Day

Allah, help me wash away all my selfishness and vanity, so that I may serve You with perfect humility through the week ahead.

Tuesday - Ironing Day

Dear Allah, help me iron out all the wrinkles of prejudice I have collected through the years so that I may see the beauty in others.

Wednesday - Mending Day

O Allah, help me mend my ways so that I will not set a bad example for others.

Thursday - Cleaning Day

Allah, help me to dust out all the many faults I have been hiding in the secret corners of my heart.

Friday - Allah's Day

O Allah, I have prepared my house for You. Please come into my heart as my honored Guest so that I may spend the day and the rest of my life in Your presence.

Saturday - Cooking Day

Help me, my Allah, to brew a big kettle of brotherly love and serve it with clean, sweet bread of human kindness.

Sunday - Shopping Day

O Allah, give me the grace to shop wisely so that I may purchase eternal happiness for myself and all others in need of love.

#16

From: "Ali al-Mahdi" <ali@...>
Date: Tue Aug 5, 2003 11:54 pm
Subject: Islam as a world religion

ansaralhusayn

Offline

Islam as a world religion

There are no exact figures for the number of Muslims in the world
today. It seems clear, however, that in terms of numbers Islam at
least matches those of Christianity, the other most widespread
religion today.

From its heartlands in the Middle East and North Africa the religion
spread before the modern period to many parts of sub-Saharan Africa,
to central Asia, to the Indian subcontinent, and to East and South
East Asia. In Europe, Sicily and most of Spain were part of the
Islamic world during the Middle Ages, and most of the Balkans came to
be ruled by the Muslim Ottoman Empire, with its capital at Istanbul,
at various times between about 1300 and the end of World War I. In
modern times Islam has spread as a result of emigration so that there
are now large Muslim communities in parts of western Europe, North
America, South Africa, and Australia.

The Sunni form of the religion is dominant in most countries apart
from Iran, but there are large Shiite populations in Iraq and
Lebanon, in Bahrain and eastern Saudi Arabia, and, to a lesser
extent, in Central and South Asia.

It is a mistake to think that Islam has always been spread by
warfare. Although, as has been noted above, its birth was associated
with the Arab conquest of the Middle East and North Africa in the 7th
century, and although it entered the Balkans as a result of the
Ottoman expansion from 1300 onwards and spread in west Africa
following a jihad in the 18th century, the religion of Islam has not
generally been forced upon people by the sword. Periods of military
conquest have usually been aimed at expanding the territories under
Muslim rule rather than at forcing the conversion of non-Muslims to
Islam.

Conversion to Islam has usually followed quite slowly, sometimes
against the wishes of the Muslim rulers, after a territory has come
under Muslim rule. The adoption of Islam as their religion has
usually resulted from the wishes and actions of people wanting to
become Muslim, not because it was forced upon them against their
will. Why some people have been attracted to Islam and others not is
a complex question involving many different religious, social,
political,and economic factors. In some parts of the world, trade and
the cultural attraction of Islamic civilization have been as
important as preaching in the spread of the religion. Sufi
brotherhoods have also done much to spread the religion in particular
areas.

Like Christianity (and like Buddhism) Islam is a universal religion
open to all irrespective of nationality, gender or social status. Of
course, normal ethnic and social divisions exist among Muslims, but
one of the attractions of Islam is its insistence on the fundamental
equality of all Muslims before God. One of its greatest strengths has
been the way in which various peoples have been able to find a sense
of their own identity in Islam

#15

From: "Ali al-Mahdi" <ali@...>
Date: Tue Aug 5, 2003 11:25 pm
Subject: Bible Contradictions

ansaralhusayn

Offline

101 Clear

Contradictions in the Bible

by : Shabir Ally

Al-Attique Int'l Islamic Publications

Quran Recitation Page Lessons & Lectures The Right Way to Pray Books & Articles

Who incited David to count the fighting men of Israel?

(a) God did (2 Samuel 24: 1)

(b) Satan did (I Chronicles 2 1:1)

In that count how many fighting men were found in Israel?

(a) Eight hundred thousand (2 Samuel 24:9)

(b) One million, one hundred thousand (IChronicles 21:5)

How many fighting men were found in Judah?

(a) Five hundred thousand (2 Samuel 24:9)

(b) Four hundred and seventy thousand (I Chronicles 21:5)

God sent his prophet to threaten David with how many years of famine?

(a) Seven (2 Samuel 24:13)

(b) Three (I Chronicles 21:12)

How old was Ahaziah when he began to rule over Jerusalem?

(a) Twenty-two (2 Kings 8:26)

(b) Forty-two (2 Chronicles 22:2)

How old was Jehoiachin when he became king of Jerusalem?

(a) Eighteen (2 Kings 24:8)

(b) Eight (2 Chronicles 36:9)

How long did he rule over Jerusalem?

(a) Three months (2 Kings 24:8)

(b) Three months and ten days (2 Chronicles 36:9)

The chief of the mighty men of David lifted up his spear and killed how many men at one time?

(a) Eight hundred (2 Samuel 23:8)

(b) Three hundred (I Chronicles 11: 11)

When did David bring the Ark of the Covenant to Jerusalem? Before defeating the Philistines or after?

(a) After (2 Samuel 5 and 6)

(b) Before (I Chronicles 13 and 14)

How many pairs of clean animals did God tell Noah to take into the Ark?

(a) Two (Genesis 6:19, 20)

(b) Seven (Genesis 7:2). But despite this last instruction only two pairs went into the ark (Genesis 7:8-9)

When David defeated the King of Zobah, how many horsemen did he capture?

(a) One thousand and seven hundred (2 Samuel 8:4)

(b) Seven thousand (I Chronicles 18:4)

How many stalls for horses did Solomon have?

(a) Forty thousand (I Kings 4:26)

(b) Four thousand (2 chronicles 9:25)

In what year of King Asa's reign did Baasha, King of Israel die?

(a) Twenty-sixth year (I Kings 15:33 - 16:8)

(b) Still alive in the thirty-sixth year (2 Chronicles 16:1)

How many overseers did Solomon appoint for the work of building the temple?

(a) Three thousand six hundred (2 Chronicles 2:2)

(b) Three thousand three hundred (I Kings 5:16)

Solomon built a facility containing how many baths?

(a) Two thousand (1 Kings 7:26)

(b) Over three thousand (2 Chronicles 4:5)

Of the Israelites who were freed from the Babylonian captivity, how many were the children of Pahrath-Moab?

(a) Two thousand eight hundred and twelve (Ezra 2:6)

(b) Two thousand eight hundred and eighteen (Nehemiah 7:11)

How many were the children of Zattu?

(a) Nine hundred and forty-five (Ezra 2:8)

(b) Eight hundred and forty-five (Nehemiah 7:13)

How many were the children of Azgad?

(a) One thousand two hundred and twenty-two (Ezra 2:12)

(b) Two thousand three hundred and twenty-two (Nehemiah 7:17)

How many were the children of Adin?

(a) Four hundred and fifty-four (Ezra 2:15)

(b) Six hundred and fifty-five (Nehemiah 7:20)

How many were the children of Hashum?

(a) Two hundred and twenty-three (Ezra 2:19)

(b) Three hundred and twenty-eight (Nehemiah 7:22)

How many were the children of Bethel and Ai?

(a) Two hundred and twenty-three (Ezra 2:28)

(b) One hundred and twenty-three (Nehemiah 7:32)

Ezra 2:64 and Nehemiah 7:66 agree that the total number of the whole assembly was 42,360. Yet the numbers do not add up to anything close. The totals obtained from each book is as follows:

(a) 29,818 (Ezra)

(b) 31,089 (Nehemiah)

How many singers accompanied the assembly?

(a) Two hundred (Ezra 2:65)

(b) Two hundred and forty-five (Nehemiah 7:67)

What was the name of King Abijah�s mother?

(a) Michaiah, daughter of Uriel of Gibeah (2 Chronicles 13:2)

(b) Maachah, daughter of Absalom (2 Chronicles 11:20) But Absalom had only one daughter whose name was Tamar (2 Samuel 14:27)

Did Joshua and the Israelites capture Jerusalem?

(a) Yes (Joshua 10:23, 40)

(b) No (Joshua 15:63)

Who was the father of Joseph, husband of Mary?

(a) Jacob (Matthew 1:16)

(b) Hell (Luke 3:23)

Jesus descended from which son of David?

(a) Solomon (Matthew 1:6)

(b) Nathan(Luke3:31)

Who was the father of Shealtiel?

(a) Jechoniah (Matthew 1:12)

(b) Neri� (Luke 3:27)

Which son of Zerubbabel was an ancestor of Jesus Christ?

(a) Abiud (Matthew 1: 13)

(b) Rhesa (Luke 3:27) But the seven sons of Zerubbabel are as follows: i.Meshullam, ii. Hananiah, iii. Hashubah, iv. Ohel, v.Berechiah, vi. Hasadiah, viii. Jushabhesed (I Chronicles 3:19, 20). The names Abiud and Rhesa do not fit in anyway.

Who was the father of Uzziah?

(a) Joram (Matthew 1:8)

(b) Amaziah (2 Chronicles 26:1)

Who as the father of Jechoniah?

(a) Josiah (Matthew 1:11)

(b) Jeholakim (I Chronicles 3:16)

How many generations were there from the Babylonian exile until Christ?

(a) Matthew says fourteen (Matthew 1:17)

(b) But a careful count of the generations reveals only thirteen (see Matthew 1: 12-16)

Who was the father of Shelah?

(a) Cainan (Luke 3:35-36)

(b) Arphaxad (Genesis II: 12)

Was John the Baptist Elijah who was to come?

(a) Yes (Matthew II: 14, 17:10-13)

(b) No(John 1:19-21)

Would Jesus inherit David�s throne?

(a) Yes. So said the angel (Luke 1:32)

(b) No, since he is a descendant of Jehoiakim (see Matthew 1: I 1, I Chronicles 3:16). And Jehoiakim was cursed by God so that none of his descendants can sit upon David�s throne (Jeremiah 36:30)

Jesus rode into Jerusalem on how many animals?

(a) One - a colt (Mark 11:7; cf Luke 19:3 5). "And they brought the colt to Jesus and threw their garments on it; and he sat upon it."

(b) Two - a colt and an ass (Matthew 21:7). "They brought the ass and the colt and put their garments on them and he sat thereon."

How did Simon Peter find out that Jesus was the Christ?

(a) By a revelation from heaven (Matthew 16:17)

(b) His brother Andrew told him (John 1:41)

Where did Jesus first meet Simon Peter and Andrew?

(a) By the sea of Galilee (Matthew 4:18-22)

(b) On the banks of river Jordan (John 1:42). After that, Jesus decided to go to Galilee (John 1:43)

When Jesus met Jairus was Jairus� daughter already dead?

(a) Yes. Matthew 9:18 quotes him as saying, "My daughter has just died."

(b) No. Mark 5:23 quotes him as saying, "My little daughter is at the point of death."

Did Jesus allow his disciples to keep a staff on their journey?

(a) Yes(Mark6:8)

(b) No (Matthew 10:9; Luke 9:3)

Did Herod think that Jesus was John the Baptist?

(a) Yes (Matthew 14:2; Mark 6:16)

(b) No (Luke 9:9)

Did John the Baptist recognize Jesus before his baptism?

(a) Yes (Matthew 3:13-14)

(b) No (John 1:32,33)

Did John the Baptist recognize Jesus after his baptism?

(a) Yes (John 1:32, 33)

(b) No (Matthew 11:2)

According to the Gospel of John, what did Jesus say about bearing his own witness?

(a) "If I bear witness to myself, my testimony is not true" (John 5:3 1)

(b) "Even if I do bear witness to myself, my testimony is true" (John 8:14)

When Jesus entered Jerusalem did he cleanse the temple that same day?

(a) Yes (Matthew 21:12)

(b) No. He went into the temple and looked around, but since it was very late he did nothing. Instead, he went to Bethany to spend the night and returned the next morning to cleanse the temple (Mark I 1:1- 17).

The Gospels say that Jesus cursed a fig tree. Did the tree wither at once?

(a) Yes. (Matthew 21:19)

(b) No. It withered overnight (Mark II: 20)

Did Judas kiss Jesus?

(a) Yes (Matthew 26:48-50)

(b) No. Judas could not get close enough to Jesus to kiss him (John 18:3-12)

What did Jesus say about Peter�s denial?

(a) "The cock will not crow till you have denied me three times" (John 13:38).

(b) "Before the cock crows twice you will deny me three times" (Mark 14:30) . When the cock crowed once, the three denials were not yet complete (see Mark 14:72). Therefore prediction (a) failed.

Did Jesus bear his own cross?

(a) Yes (John 19:17)

(b) No (Matthew 27:31-32)

Did Jesus die before the curtain of the temple was torn?

(a) Yes(Matthew27:50-5 1;MarklS:37-38)

(b) No. After the curtain was torn, then Jesus crying with a loud voice, said, "Father, into thy hands I commit my spirit!" And having said this he breathed his last (Luke 23:45-46)

Did Jesus say anything secretly?

(a) No. "I have said nothing secretly" (John 18:20)

(b) Yes. "He did not speak to them without a parable, but privately to his own disciples he explained everything" (Mark 4:34). The disciples asked him "Why do you speak to them in parables?" He said, "To you it has been given to know the secrets of the kingdom of heaven, but to them it has not been given" (Matthew 13: 1 0-11)

Where was Jesus at the sixth hour on the day of the crucifixion?

(a) On the cross (Mark 15:23)

(b) In Pilate�s court (John 19:14)

The gospels say that two thieves were crucified along with Jesus. Did both thieves mock Jesus?

(a) Yes (Mark 15:32)

(b) No. One of them mocked Jesus, the other defended Jesus (Luke 23:43)

Did Jesus ascend to Paradise the same day of the crucifixion?

(a) Yes. He said to the thief who defended him, "Today you will be with me in Paradise" (Luke 23:43)

(b) No. He said to Mary Magdelene two days later, "I have not yet ascended to the Father" (John 20:17)

When Paul was on the road to Damascus he saw a light and heard a voice. Did those who were with him hear the voice?

(a) Yes(Acts9:7)

(b) No(Acts22:9)

When Paul saw the light he fell to the ground. Did his traveling companions also fall to the ground?

(a) Yes (Acts 26:14)

(b) No (Acts 9:7)

Did the voice spell out on the spot what Paul�s duties were to be?

(a) Yes (Acts 26:16-18)

(b) No. The voice commanded Paul to go into the city of Damascus and there he will be told what he must do. (Acts9:7;22: 10)

When the Israelites dwelt in Shittin they committed adultery with the daughters of Moab. God struck them with a plague. How many people died in that plague?

(a) Twenty-four thousand (Numbers 25:1 and 9)

(b) Twenty-three thousand (I Corinthians 10:8)

How many members of the house of Jacob came to Egypt?

(a) Seventy souls (Genesis 4&27)

(b) Seventy-five souls (Acts 7:14)

What did Judas do with the blood money he received for betraying Jesus?

(a) He bought a field (Acts 1: 18)

(b) He threw all of it into the temple and went away. The priests could not put the blood money into the temple treasury, so they used it to buy a field to bury strangers (Matthew 27:5)

How did Judas die?

(a) After he threw the money into the temple he went away and hanged himself (Matthew 27:5)

(b) After he bought the field with the price of his evil deed he fell headlong and burst open in the middle and all his bowels gushed out (Acts 1:18)

Why is the field called "Field of Blood"?

(a) Because the priests bought it with the blood money (Matthew 27:8)

(b) Because of the bloody death of Judas therein (Acts 1:19)

Who is a ransom for whom?

(a) "The Son of Man came...to give his life as a ransom for many" (Mark 10:45). "Christ Jesus who gave himself as a ransom for all... "(I Timothy 2:5-6)

(b) "The wicked is a ransom for the righteous, and the faithless for the upright" (Proverbs 21:18)

Is the law of Moses useful?

(a) Yes. "All scripture is... profitable..." (2 Timothy 3:16)

(b) No. ". . . A former commandment is set aside because of its weakness and uselessness... "(Hebrews 7:18)

What was the exact wording on the cross?

(a) "This is Jesus the King of the Jews" (Matthew 27:37)

(b) "The King of the Jews" (Mark 15:26)

(d) "Jesus of Nazareth, the King of the Jews" (John 19:19)

Did Herod want to kill John the Baptist?

(a) Yes (Matthew 14:5)

(b) No. It was Herodias, the wife of Herod who wanted to kill him. But Herod knew that he was a righteous man and kept him safe (Mark 6:20)

Who was the tenth disciple of Jesus in the list of twelve?

(a) Thaddaeus (Matthew 10: 1-4; Mark 3:13 -19)

(b) Judas son of James is the corresponding name in Luke�s gospel (Luke 6:12-16)

Jesus saw a man sitat the tax collector�s office and called him to be his disciple. What was his name?

(a) Matthew (Matthew 9:9)

(b) Levi (Mark 2:14; Luke 5:27)

Was Jesus crucified on the daytime before the Passover meal or the daytime after?

(a) After (Mark 14:12-17)

(b) Before. Before the feast of the Passover (John 1) Judas went out at night (John 13:30). The other disciples thought he was going out to buy supplies to prepare for the Passover meal (John 13:29). When Jesus was arrested, the Jews did not enter Pilate�s judgment hail because they wanted to stay clean to eat the Passover (John 18:28). When the judgment was pronounced against Jesus, it was about the sixth hour on the day of Preparation for the Passover (John 19:14)

Did Jesus pray to The Father to prevent the crucifixion?

(a) Yes. (Matthew 26:39; Mark 14:36; Luke 22:42)

(b) No. (John 12:27)

In the gospels which say that Jesus prayed to avoid the cross, how many times did �he move away from his disciples to pray?

(a) Three (Matthew 26:36-46 and Mark 14:32-42)

(b) One. No opening is left for another two times. (Luke 22:39-46)

Matthew and Mark agree that Jesus went away and prayed three times. What were the words of the second prayer?

(a) Mark does not give the words but he says that the words were the same as the first prayer (Mark 14:3 9)

(b) Matthew gives us the words, and we can see that they are not the same as in the first (Matthew 26:42)

What did the centurion say when Jesus dies?

(a) "Certainly this man was innocent" (Luke 23:47)

(b) "Truly this man was the Son of God" (Mark 15:39)

When Jesus said "My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken Me ? " in what language did he speak?

(a) Hebrew: the words are "Eloi, Eloi �.."(Matthew 27:46)

(b) Aramaic: the words are "Eloi, Eloi �.. "(Mark 15:34)

According to the gospels, what were the last words of Jesus before he died?

(a) "Father, into thy hands I commit my spirit!" (Luke 23:46)

(b) "It is finished" (John 19:30).

When Jesus entered Capernaum he healed the slave of a centurion. Did the centurion come personally to request Jesus for this?

(a) Yes (Matthew 8:5)

(b) No. He sent some elders of the Jews and his friends (Luke 7:3,6)

(a) Adam was told that if and when he eats the forbidden fruit he would die the same day (Genesis 2:17)

(b) Adam ate the fruit and went on to live to a ripe old age of 930 years (Genesis 5:5)

(a) God decided that the life-span of humans will be limited to 120 years (Genesis 6:3)

(b) Many people born after that lived longer than 120. Arpachshad lived 438 years. His son Shelah lived 433 years. His son Eber lived 464 years, etc. (Genesis 11:12-16)

Apart from Jesus did anyone else ascend to heaven?

(a) No (John 3:13)

(b) Yes. "And Elijah went up by a whirlwind into heaven" (2 Kings 2:11)

Who was high priest when David went into the house of God and ate the consecrated bread?

(a) Abiathar (Mark 2:26)

(b) Ahimelech, the father of Abiathar (I Samuel 1:1; 22:20)

Was Jesus� body wrapped in spices before burial in accordance with Jewish burial customs?

(a) Yes and his female disciples witnessed his burial (John 19:39-40)

(b) No. Jesus was simply wrapped in a linen shroud. Then the women bought and prepared spices "so that they may go and anoint him [Jesus)" (Mark 16: 1)

When did the women buy the spices?

(a) After "the Sabbath was past" (Mark 16:1)

(b) Before the Sabbath. The women "prepared spices and ointments." Then, "on the Sabbath they rested according to the commandment" (Luke 23:55 to 24:1)

At what time of day did the women visit the tomb?

(a) "Toward the dawn" (Matthew 28: 1)

(b) "When the sun had risen" (Mark 16:2)

What was the purpose for which the women went to the tomb?

(a) To anoint Jesus� body with spices (Mark 16: 1; Luke 23:55 to 24: 1)

(b) To see the tomb. Nothing about spices here (Matthew 28: 1)

A large stone was placed at the entrance of the tomb. Where was the stone when the women arrived?

(a) They saw that the stone was "Rolled back" (Mark 16:4) They found the stone "rolled away from the tomb" (Luke 24:2) They saw that "the stone had been taken away from the tomb" (John 20:1)

(b) As the women approached, an angel descended from heaven, rolled away the stone, and conversed with the women. Matthew made the women witness the spectacular rolling away of the stone (Matthew 28:1-6)

Did anyone tell the women what happened to Jesus� body?

(a) Yes. "A young man in a white robe" (Mark 16:5). "Two men ... in dazzling apparel" later described as angels (Luke 24:4 and 24:23). An angel - the one who rolled back the stone (Matthew 16:2). In each case the women were told that Jesus had risen from the dead (Matthew 28:7; Mark 16:6; Luke 24:5 footnote)

(b) No. Mary met no one and returned saying, "They have taken the Lord out of the tomb, and we do not know where they have laid him" (John 20:2)

When did Mary Magdelene first meet the resurrected Jesus? And how did she react?

(a) Mary and the other women met Jesus on their way back from their first and only visit to the tomb. They took hold of his feet and worshipped him (Matthew 28:9)

(b) On her second visit to the tomb Mary met Jesus just outside the tomb. When she saw Jesus she did not recognize him. She mistook him for the gardener. She still thinks that Jesus� body is laid to rest somewhere and she demands to know where. But when Jesus said her name she at once recognized him and called him "Teacher." Jesus said to her, "Do not hold me..." (John 20:11 to 17)

What was Jesus� instruction for his disciples?

(a) "Tell my brethren to go to Galilee, and there they will see me" (Matthew 2 8: 10)

(b) "Go to my brethren and say to them, I am ascending to my Father and your Father, to my God and your God" (John 20:17)

When did the disciples return to Galilee?

(a) Immediately, because when they saw Jesus in Galilee "some doubted" (Matthew 28:17). This period of uncertainty should not persist

(b) After at least 40 days. That evening the disciples were still in Jerusalem (Luke 24:3 3). Jesus appeared to them there and told them, stay in the city until you are clothed with power from on high" (Luke 24:49). He was appearing to them "during forty days" (Acts 1:3), and "charged them not to depart from Jerusalem, but to wait for the promise ... "(Acts 1:4)

To whom did the Midianites sell Joseph?

(a) "To the Ishmaelites" (Genesis 37:28)

(b) "To Potiphar, an officer of Pharaoh" (Genesis 37:36)

Who brought Joseph to Egypt?

(a) The Ishmaelites bought Joseph and then "took Joseph to Egypt" (Genesis 37:28)

(b) "The Midianites had sold him in Egypt" (Genesis 37:36)

Does God change his mind?

(a) Yes. "The word of the Lord came to Samuel: "I repent that I have made Saul King..." (I Samuel 15:10 to 11)

(b) No. God "will not lie or repent; for he is not a man, that he should repent" (I Samuel 15:29)

(c) Yes. "And the Lord repented that he had made Saul King over Israel" (I Samuel 15:35). Notice that the above three quotes are all from the same chapter of the same book! In addition, the Bible shows that God repented on several other occasions:

i. "The Lord was sorry that he made man" (Genesis 6:6)

"I am sorry that I have made them" (Genesis 6:7)

ii. "And the Lord repented of the evil which he thought to do to his people" (Exodus 32:14).

iii. (Lots of other such references).

The Bible says that for each miracle Moses and Aaron demonstrated the magicians did the same by their secret arts. Then comes the following feat:

(a) Moses and Aaron converted all the available water into blood (Exodus 7:20-21)

(b) The magicians did the same (Exodus 7:22). This is impossible, since there would have been no water left to convert into blood.

Who killed Goliath?

(a) David (I Samuel 17:23, 50)

(b) Elhanan (2 Samuel 21:19)

Who killed Saul?

(a) "Saul took his own sword and fell upon it.... Thus Saul died... (I Samuel 31:4-6)

(b) An Amalekite slew him (2 Samuel 1:1- 16)

Does every man sin?

(a) Yes. "There is no man who does not sin" (I Kings 8:46; see also 2 Chronicles 6:36; Proverbs 20:9; Ecclesiastes 7:20; and I John 1:810)

(b) No. True Christians cannot possibly sin, because they are the children of God. "Every one who believes that Jesus is the Christ is a child of God.. (I John 5:1). "We should be called children of God; and so we are" (I John 3: 1). "He who loves is born of God" (I John 4:7). "No one born of God commits sin; for God�s nature abides in him, and he cannot sin because he is born of God" (I John 3:9). But, then again, Yes! "If we say we have no sin we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us" (I John 1:8)

Who will bear whose burden?

(a) "Bear one another�s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ" (Galatians 6:2)

(b) "Each man will have to bear his own load" (Galatians 6:5)

How many disciples did Jesus appear to after his resurrection?

(a) Twelve (I Corinthians 15:5)

(b) Eleven (Matthew 27:3-5 and Acts 1:9-26, see also Matthew 28:16; Mark 16:14 footnote; Luke 24:9; Luke 24:3 3)

Where was Jesus three days after his baptism?

(a) After his baptism, "the spirit immediately drove him out into the wilderness. And he was in the wilderness forty days ... (Mark 1:12-13)

(b) Next day after the baptism, Jesus selected two disciples. Second day: Jesus went to Galilee - two more disciples. Third day: Jesus was at a wedding feast in Cana in Galilee (see John 1:35; 1:43; 2:1-11)

Was baby Jesus� life threatened in Jerusalem?

(a) Yes, so Joseph fled with him to Egypt and stayed there until Herod died (Matthew 2:13 23)

(b) No. The family fled nowhere. They calmly presented the child at the Jerusalem temple according to the Jewish customs and returned to Galilee (Luke 2:21-40)

When Jesus walked on water how did the disciples respond?

(a) They worshipped him, saying, "Truly you are the Son of God" (Matthew 14:33)

(b) "They were utterly astounded, for they did not understand about the loaves, but their hearts were hardened" (Mark 6:51-52)

#14

From: "Ali al-Mahdi" <ali@...>
Date: Tue Aug 5, 2003 11:24 pm
Subject: Father explaining the war to his daughter

ansaralhusayn

Offline

Father explaining the war to his daughter....

Q: Daddy, why did we have to attack Iraq?

A: Because they had weapons of mass destruction, honey.

Q: But the inspectors didn't find any weapons of mass

destruction.

A: That's because the Iraqis were hiding them.

Q: And that's why we invaded Iraq?

A: Yep. Invasions always work better than inspections.

Q: But after we invaded them, we STILL didn't find any

weapons of mass destruction, did we?

A: That's because the weapons are so well hidden. Don't worry, we'll find something, probably right before the 2004 election.

Q: Why did Iraq want all those weapons of mass destruction?

A: To use them in a war, silly.

Q: I'm confused. If they had all those weapons that they planned to use in a war, then why didn't they use any of those weapons when we went to war with them?

A: Well, obviously they didn't want anyone to know they had those weapons, so they chose to die by the thousands rather than defend themselves.

Q: That doesn't make sense Daddy. Why would they choose to die if they had all those big weapons to fight us back with?

A: It's a different culture. It's not supposed to make sense.

Q: I don't know about you, but I don't think they had any of those weapons our government said they did.

A: Well, you know, it doesn't matter whether or not they had those weapons. We had another good reason to invade them anyway.

Q: And what was that?

A: Even if Iraq didn't have weapons of mass destruction, Saddam Hussein was a cruel dictator, which is another good reason to invade another country.

Q: Why? What does a cruel dictator do that makes it OK to invade his country?

A: Well, for one thing, he tortured his own people.

Q: Kind of like what they do in China?

A: Don't go comparing China to Iraq. China is a good economic competitor, where millions of people work for slave wages in sweatshops to make U.S. corporations richer.

Q: So if a country lets its people be exploited for American corporate gain, it's a good country, even if that country tortures people?

A: Right.

Q: Why were people in Iraq being tortured?

A: For political crimes, mostly, like criticizing the government. People who criticized the government in Iraq were sent to prison and tortured.

Q: Isn't that exactly what happens in China?

A: I told you, China is different.

Q: What's the difference between China and Iraq?

A: Well, for one thing, Iraq was ruled by the Ba'ath party, while China is Communist.

Q: Didn't you once tell me Communists were bad?

A: No, just Cuban Communists are bad.

Q: How are the Cuban Communists bad?

A: Well, for one thing, people who criticize the government in Cuba are sent to prison and tortured.

Q: Like in Iraq?

A: Exactly.

Q: And like in China, too?

A: I told you, China's a good economic competitor. Cuba, on the other hand, is not.

Q: How come Cuba isn't a good economic competitor?

A: Well, you see, back in the early 1960s, our government passed some laws that made it illegal for Americans to trade or do any business with Cuba until they stopped being Communists and started being capitalists like us.

Q: But if we got rid of those laws, opened up trade with Cuba, and started doing business with them, wouldn't that help the Cubans become capitalists?

A: Don't be a smart-ass.

Q: I didn't think I was being one.

A: Well, anyway, they also don't have freedom of religion in Cuba.

Q: Kind of like China.

A: I told you, stop saying bad things about China. Anyway, Saddam Hussein came to power through a military coup, so he's not really a legitimate leader anyway.

Q: What's a military coup?

A: That's when a military general takes over the government of a country by force, instead of holding free elections like we do in the United States.

Q: Didn't the ruler of Pakistan come to power by a military coup?

A: You mean General Pervez Musharraf? Uh, yeah, he did, but Pakistan is our friend.

Q: Why is Pakistan our friend if their leader is illegitimate?

A: I never said Pervez Musharraf was illegitimate.

Q: Didn't you just say a military general who comes to power by forcibly overthrowing the legitimate government of a nation is an illegitimate leader?

A: Only Saddam Hussein. Pervez Musharraf is our friend, because he helped us invade Afghanistan.

Q: Why did we invade Afghanistan?

A: Because of what they did to us on September 11th.

Q: What did Afghanistan do to us on September 11th?

A: Well, on September 11th, nineteen men? Fifteen of them Saudi Arabians? Hijacked four airplanes and flew three of them into buildings, killing over 3,000 Americans.

Q: So how did Afghanistan figure into all that?

A: Afghanistan was where those bad men trained, under the oppressive rule of the Taliban.

Q: Aren't the Taliban those bad radical Islamics who chopped off people's heads and hands?

A: Yes, that's exactly who they were. Not only did they chop off people's heads and hands, but they oppressed women, too.

Q: Didn't the Bush administration give the Taliban 43 million dollars back in May of 2001?

A: Yes, but that money was a reward because they did such a good job fighting drugs.

Q: Fighting drugs?

A: Yes, the Taliban were very helpful in stopping people from growing opium poppies.

Q: How did they do such a good job?

A: Simple. If people were caught growing opium poppies, the Taliban would have their hands and heads cut off.

Q: So, when the Taliban cut off people's heads and hands for growing a flower, that was OK, but not if they cut people's heads and hands off for other reasons?

A: Yes. It's OK with us if radical Islamic fundamentalists cut off people's hands for growing flowers, but it's cruel if they cut off people's hands for stealing bread.

Q: Don't they also cut off people's hands and heads in Saudi Arabia?

A: That's different. Afghanistan was ruled by a tyrannical patriarchy that oppressed women and forced them to wear burqas whenever they were in public, with death by stoning as the penalty for women who did not comply.

Q: Don't Saudi women have to wear burqas in public, too?

A: No, Saudi women merely wear a traditional Islamic body covering.

Q: What's the difference?

A: The traditional Islamic covering worn by Saudi women is a modest yet fashionable garment that covers all of a woman's body except for her eyes and fingers. The burqa, on the other hand, is an evil tool of patriarchal oppression that covers all of a woman's body except for her eyes and fingers.

Q: It sounds like the same thing with a different name.

A: Now, don't go comparing Afghanistan and Saudi Arabia. The Saudis are our friends.

Q: But I thought you said 15 of the 19 hijackers on September 11th were from Saudi Arabia.

A: Yes, but they trained in Afghanistan.

Q: Who trained them?

A: A very bad man named Osama bin Laden.

Q: Was he from Afghanistan?

A: Uh, no, he was from Saudi Arabia too. But he was a bad man, a very bad man.

Q: I seem to recall he was our friend once.

A: Only when we helped him and the mujahadeen repel the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan back in the 1980s.

Q: Who are the Soviets? Was that the Evil Communist Empire Ronald Reagan talked about?

A: There are no more Soviets. The Soviet Union broke up in 1990 or thereabouts, and now they have elections and capitalism like us. We call them Russians now.

Q: So the Soviets, I mean, the Russians are now our friends?

A: Well, not really. You see, they were our friends for many years after they stopped being Soviets, but then they decided not to support our invasion of Iraq, so we're mad at them now. We're also mad at the French and the Germans because they didn't help us invade Iraq either.

Q: So the French and Germans are evil, too?

A: Not exactly evil, but just bad enough that we had to rename French fries and French toast to Freedom Fries and Freedom Toast.

Q: Do we always rename foods whenever another country doesn't do what we want them to do?

A: No, we just do that to our friends. Our enemies, we invade.

Q: But wasn't Iraq one of our friends back in the 1980s?

A: Well, yeah. For a while.

Q: Was Saddam Hussein ruler of Iraq back then?

A: Yes, but at the time he was fighting against Iran, which made him our friend, temporarily.

Q: Why did that make him our friend?

A: Because at that time, Iran was our enemy.

Q: Isn't that when he gassed the Kurds?

A: Yeah, but since he was fighting against Iran at the time, we looked the other way, to show him we were his friend.

Q: So anyone who fights against one of our enemies automatically becomes our friend?

A: Most of the time, yes.

Q: And anyone who fights against one of our friends is automatically an enemy?

A: Sometimes that's true, too. However, if American corporations can profit by selling weapons to both sides at the same time, all the better.

Q: Why?

A: Because war is good for the economy, which means war is good for America. Also, since God is on America's side, anyone who opposes war is a godless un-American Communist.

Do you understand now why we attacked Iraq?

Q: I think so. We attacked them because God wanted us to,

right?

A: Yes.

Q: But how did we know God wanted us to attack Iraq?

A: Well, you see, God personally speaks to George W. Bush and tells him what to do.

Q: So basically, what you're saying is that we attacked Iraq because George W. Bush hears voices in his head?

A: Yes! You finally understand how the world works. Now close your eyes, make yourself comfortable, and go to sleep.

Good night.

Q: Good night, Daddy

#13

From: "Ali al-Mahdi" <ali@...>
Date: Tue Aug 5, 2003 2:26 am
Subject: The 14 Masumeen (AS)

ansaralhusayn

Offline

The Fourteen Masumeen (AS)

Prophet Mohammad ar-Rasul
Imam Ali al-Ameer al-Mumineen
Sayyedah Fatimah az-Zahra
Imam Hassan al-Mujtaba
Imam Husayn as-Shahid
Imam Zayn al-Abideen
Imam Mohammad al-Baqir
Imam Jafar as-Sadiq
Imam Musa al-Kazim
Imam Ali ar-Reza
Imam Mohammad at-Taqi
Imam Ali an-Naqi
Imam Hassan al-Askari
Imam Mohammad al-Mahdi

#12

From: "Ali al-Mahdi" <ali@...>
Date: Tue Aug 5, 2003 2:16 am
Subject: Christian letter refuted

ansaralhusayn

Offline

Bismillah ar-Rahman ar-Rahim.

Salaam Alaykum brother Ali. I hope you are in the best of health and faith. Thank you for sending me that article that your friend sent you, and Insha allah, if he knows that you are a Muslim now, I am going to refute that article in this e-mail, mainly for you, and if you want to pass it on to your friend, I will not mind.

First and foremost, I notice that the article tries to pass Allah (SWT) off as a God who loves to see people killed, and conveniently leaves out ayats that prove this:

[6:151]

Say, "Come let me tell you what your Lord has really prohibited for you: You shall not set up idols besides Him. You shall honor your parents. You shall not kill your children from fear of poverty - we provide for you and for them. You shall not commit gross sins, obvious or hidden. You shall not kill for GOD has forbidden killing except in the course of justice. These are His commandments to you, that you may understand."

Now the question comes to mind, what is in justice? Well, other ayats point out that in self-defence, and if the pagans happen to break a peace treaty with you, then killing them is justice.

[2:191]

You may kill those who wage war against you, and you may evict them whence they evicted you. Oppression is worse than murder. Do not fight them at the Sacred Masjid, unless they attack you therein. If they attack you, you may kill them. This is the just retribution for those disbelievers.

(Clearly talks about self-defence)

[4:89]

They wish that you disbelieve as they have disbelieved, then you become equal. Do not consider them friends, unless they mobilize along with you in the cause of GOD. If they turn against you, you shall fight them, and you may kill them when you encounter them in war. You shall not accept them as friends, or allies.*

(The ayats before this talk about the peace treaties)

So obviously, our God, being a God that loves us, wishes us to protect ourselves because a God that tells you to stand still and get killed when people are attacking you is an ignorant God. Ignorant Gods are limited, and God is unlimited, so therefore this "Ignorant God" is not God after All.

Secondly the Quran talks about The Jews and Christians as People of the Book, not as infidels as the article claims:

[4:171]

O people of the scripture, do not transgress the limits of your religion, and do not say about GOD except the truth. The Messiah, Jesus, the son of Mary, was a messenger of GOD, and His word that He had sent to Mary, and a revelation from Him. Therefore, you shall believe in GOD and His messengers. You shall not say, "Trinity." You shall refrain from this for your own good. GOD is only one god. Be He glorified; He is much too glorious to have a son. To Him belongs everything in the heavens and everything on earth. GOD suffices as Lord and Master.

(So its clear then that this article is being very bias.)

As for the Christian God being a "loving" God, I find that very hard to believe, and the ignorance of the Christians blinds them from the truth. Had the Christian God truly been a loving God, he would not have left mankind to rot in hell, only to be saved 2003 years ago by sacrificing his only begotton son. Also, their "Loving God" refused to help a women that asked him for help and said "I was sent to guide the Children of Israel". Truly loving God that is.

As for the Trinity, absolute blasphemy. 1 + 1 + 1 = 3 not 1. The Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. "The Son" Says to his father when he is on the cross, according to the bible "Father why has thou forsaken me?" If Jesus is the Father, then why would he called upon himself when he was dying? That makes absolutely no sense. Also, this Holy Spirit, if Jesus was the Holy Spirit, then he never really died, just like the Quran says, because the Holy Spirit is supposedly always on Earth. Hmmm, Another contradiction in the Christian faith. Also, it says in the Bible the Jesus "Ascended to heaven to take his rightful place as the right-hand of the father". Well, I find it kind of hard, to be in the Middle, and on the right hand at the same time, so therefore Jesus and The Father are 2 different people, so they cannot be 1, or else he would have ascended and took his "rightful" place on his thrown, and not on the Right hand of his father.

If The Christian God is so powerful, then why did he not simply forgive mankind, why would he sacrifice his only begotton son, which makes no sense at all since Jesus forbid Sacrifices, to spare mankind. The Christian God could have said you are forgiven, and it is as simple as that, but they will say that their God does not work without reason, and this is stupidity because they believe something that makes no sense, and is totally unreasonable so their arguments are nullified.

As for the resurrection of Christ, the Muslims believe that he never died, instead Allah (SWT) created a barrier between the Pure Jesus and the evil Jews. After that barrier was finished, Jesus walked the Earth again, and then Allah (SWT) Lifted Jesus to heaven to him, so that he could send him back once again, when his time was due.

Any God who will hold Mankind as an Entirety responsible for their supposed Original Sin that Adam did, is not a just God, and a God that is not Just, is limited, and a God that is limited is not a God, because God is beyond limitation.

As for their supposed Quotations of John and Paul, well the original 4 bibles were written 100 years after the death of Jesus. I doubt anyone was still around that actually heard Jesus or Paul or John say these things. Also the idea of trinity was not first introduced into Christianity until approximately 320 AD when a preacher for Christianity went to the Polytheistic Greeks and Romans to try and convert them into Christianity and made up the Trinity, because the Greek and Roman Gods were known to come down from Mount Olympus and impregnate Mortal women, so he decided to make God and Jesus sound the same so that they would accept it.

In General, the Christian religion is corrupt beyond corruption. It is scientifically shallow, and makes absolutely no sense, with million upon millions of contradictions within it self. Within the first 7 pages, talking about the creation of the universe, there are over 50 contradictions. For example:

1. "Let there be light; and there was light. And God saw that the light was good; and God separated the light from the darkness. God called the light day and the darkness He called night. And there was evening and there was morning, one day." Genesis 1:3-5

This statement indicates that the first thing created was the day and night.

But we know that day and night would come after the existence of the sun and through its rise and set. However, verse 14 from the same chapter indicates that the sun was created on the fourth day:

"And God said, let there be lights in the firmaments of the heavens to separate the day from the night: and let them be for signs and for seasons and for days and years, and let there be lights in the firmament of heavens to give light upon the earth, and it was so. And God made the two great lights, the greater light to rule the day, and the lesser light to rule the night; He made the stars also. And God set them in the firmament of the heavens to give light upon the earth, to rule over the day and over night, and to separate the light from the darkness. And God saw that it was good. And there was evening, and there was morning. A fourth day." 1:14-19

This statement indicates that the sun was created on the fourth day, and from here the days should start. This, of course, disagrees with verse 3 which informs us of the start of the day three stages before the formation of the sun.

2. The same chapter states that the vegetation, plants yielding seed, and the fruit trees were created and grown on the third day:

"And God said, 'Let the Earth put forth vegetables and plant yielding seed and the fruit trees bearing fruit in which is their seed, each according to its kind, upon theEarth. And it was so. The Earth brought forth vegetation, plants, yielding seed according to their own kinds, and the trees bearing fruit in which is their seed, each according to its kind. And God saw that it was good. And there was evening and there was morning, a third day." 1:11-13

But we know that none of these vegetation and plants could grow without sun, while the same chapter tells us that the sun was created on the fourth day as mentioned before.

3. The same chapter states that God, on the sixth day, created man in His own image:

"Then God said, 'Let Us make man in Our own image, after Our likeness; . . . So God created man in His own image, in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them." 1:26-27

Muslims believe that God has no image and no form. He is the Infinite Who encompasses the whole universe. He has neither a body, nor is He material, nor do the visions comprehend Him. To think that God has a form of a man, to the Muslims, is degrading to the whole concept of God.

4. Chapter two contradicts the first chapter. The first chapter, as you know, has stated that vegetation and plants and the trees were created on the third day, before the creation of man, who was created on the sixth day. The second chapter tells us that man was created before vegetation and plants:

"These are the generations of the heavens and the Earth when they were created. In the day that the Lord God made the earth and the heavens . . . when no plant of the field was yet in the Earth and no herb of the field had yet sprung up-for the Lord God had not caused it to rain upon the Earth, and there was no man to till the ground ... but a mist went up from the Earth and watered the whole face of the ground . . . then the Lord God formed man of dust from the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living being . . . And the Lord God planted a garden in Eden, in the East; and there He put the man whom He had formed.... And out of the ground the Lord God made to grow every tree that is pleasant to the sight and good for food, the tree of life also in the midst of the garden, and the tree of the knowledge of good and evil." Genesis 2:4-9

This statement clearly indicates that there was no plant before the creation of man.

There is another point in this statement, namely, that there is a tree of knowledge of good and evil. But we know that knowledge does not grow on trees; it comes through experience and learning.

5. The first chapter has stated that the animal kingdom was created on the fifth day:

"And God said, 'Let the waters bring forth swarms of living creatures, and let the birds fly above the Earth across the firmament of the heavens.' So God created the great sea monsters and every living creature that moves, with which the waters swarm, according to their kind, and every winged bird according to its kind; and God blessed them.... And there was evening, and there was morning, a fifth day.... And God made the beasts of the Earth according to their kinds and the cattle according to their kinds, and everything that creeps upon the ground according to its kind .... Then God said, 'Let us make man in Our image.... ' " 1:20-23

This statement clearly indicates that man was created after the creation of fish, birds, beasts and cattle, but the second chapter indicates that man was created before any of these things:

"Then the Lord God said, 'It is not good that man should be alone; I will make him a helper fit for him.' So out of the ground the Lord formed every beast of the field and every bird of the air, and brought them to the man to see what he would call them...." 2:18-19

6. We find in the third chapter of the Genesis that Eve was deceived by the serpent which persuaded her to eat from the prohibited tree:

"He (the serpent) said to the woman, 'Did God say, You shall not eat of any tree of the garden?'. . . But the serpent said to the woman, 'You will not die. For God knows that when you eat of it your eyes will be open....' " 3:1-5

But we know that a serpent is not capable of speaking, deceiving or persuading. A serpent is not endowed with a mental capacity or ability of pronouncing words and carrying on a conversation.

7. In the same chapter we find what indicates the limitation of the knowledge of God, and that He is a walking body, and that Adam and Eve were able to hide themselves from Him:

"And they heard the sound of the Lord God walking in the garden in the cool of the day, and the man and his wife hid themselves from the presence of the Lord God among the trees of the garden. But the Lord God called to the man, and said to him, 'Where are you?' and he said, 'I heard the sound of Thee in the garden, and I was afraid, because I was naked; and I hid myself.' He said, 'Who told you that you were naked? Have you eaten of the tree of which I commanded you not to eat?'..." 3:8-1 1

No one can hide himself from God Who is Ever-Present and Who knows everything. God does not need to ask Adam where he is, nor does He need to ask Adam if he had eaten from the tree.

8. The article also says that God uses words like "we" and "us." These words are used signs of respect. In French, they say "vous, respectfully meaning "they." English doesn't have this, so the Quran uses "we' and us" to refer to God. We should always respect God.

I think that this should be sufficient for now. If there is anything else I have missed by any chance, please let me know and I do intend to cover it Insha allah.

Original Article:

<http://www.icr.org/pubs/btg-a/btg-158a.htm>

AN OPEN LETTER TO AMERICAN MUSLIMS
- BTG No. 158a February 2002

"Beloved, let us love one another: for love is of God; and every one that loveth is born of God, and knoweth God. He that loveth not knoweth not God; for God is love" (I John 4:7,8).

Dear Friends:

I am writing this letter during the month of Ramadan and I have just finished re-reading the Koran,1 which good Muslims are also instructed to do at this time. I have been trying to compare its teachings with those of the Bible, and would urge our Muslim friends to do the same, especially at this time. Mohammed himself, writing in the years around 600 A.D., frequently referred to the narratives in the books of Moses, as well as those associated with Jesus in the New Testament. Many of the teachings on practical living are similar in the two books.

One important point of commonality, especially gratifying to us here at ICR, is the clear teaching in the Koran that there is only one omnipotent, omniscient Creator and that He created all things in six days.2 Some Muslims say these "days" were really long ages, but the Koran itself doesn't say this, often noting that God created instantaneously,3 just as the Bible teaches (e.g., Psalm 33:6_9). However, there is one very significant difference.

Allah displays many characteristics of the God of the Bible; he is called "compassionate," "merciful," "almighty," "the Lord of the worlds," "Wise," "the first and the last," "Forgiving," "Gracious," and so on. These characteristics certainly apply also to our God of the Bible.

But I could find no mention anywhere in the Koran of Allah as "Love." The God of the Bible is, above all, a God of love! In fact, "God is love" (I John 4:8), and "God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life" (John 3:16).

Therein is another key difference, of course. The Koran denies categorically that Jesus was the Son of God.4 He was said to be merely one in a long line of prophets, Adam being the first, with Mohammed the last and greatest.

However, Mohammed is dead and Jesus is alive! Jesus was crucified and died, all right, but then He defeated death forever; His resurrection to a glorified physical body is, as many volumes on Christian evidences have shown, the best-proved fact of all ancient history.5

The Koran denies this fact, but the Koran is wrong, as the evidence of real history proves conclusively. After Christ's resurrection, "He shewed Himself alive . . . by many infallible proofs, being seen of (His followers) forty days" (Acts 1:3). John later saw Him again and heard Him say: "I am He that liveth, and was dead; and, behold, I am alive for evermore, Amen; and have the keys of hell and of death" (Revelation 1:18).

The Koran does agree with the Bible on the fact of the virgin birth of Christ and on His future second coming. But when it denies His atoning death6 for our sins and then further denies His resurrection (which proved beyond doubt that His claims were all true), then it is seeking to destroy the very heart of Christianity. It would thereby also undermine God's plan for forgiving our sins and offering eternal salvation to all who would put their trust in Him. Thus the loving God of the Bible cannot be the same one as the god called Allah.

Every person-Muslim, Jew, Catholic, Protestant-is a guilty sinner before our holy Creator God. Even Mohammed was a sinner, needing forgiveness and salvation. Our Lord Jesus was not a sinner, however. Being virgin-born, He alone had no innate sin, and His whole life was without any sinful act. Thus, He alone could die as an innocent sacrifice for all other men and women. He allowed Himself to be crucified, and to die as their Substitute. Because He loved us! As the great Apostle Paul said: "The life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave Himself for me" (Galatians 2:20).

Does Mohammed love us? Does Allah love us? Absolutely not! The Koran is replete with threats of eternal burning in hell for all kinds of forbidden human activities. Even faithful Muslims have no assurance of salvation and heaven. Infidels, of course, have no chance at all; they are all consigned directly to hell.

And who are infidels? The Koran says that all Jews, Christians, and, in fact, all non-Muslims are infidels and must either convert to Islam or, if possible, be slain, thereafter proceeding to endless torture in hell. In fact, only those Muslims whose good deeds outweigh their sins (or who die fighting non-Muslims) will get to Paradise with all its sensual rewards.7

On the other hand, the true God, as revealed in the Bible, is a loving God who is "not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance" (II Peter 3:9). No one deserves to be saved, "For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God" (Romans 3:23), and God will not force anyone to accept His free gift of salvation through Christ. Nevertheless, "In this was manifested the love of God toward us, because that God sent His only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through Him" (I John 4:9).

God loves Muslims, too, even though the Koran (allegedly the inspired words dictated to Mohammed by Allah) does not say that. God has, in love, provided a Savior for all who will accept His free gift of total forgiveness and eternal salvation through faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, and He has told all Christians to go and "preach the gospel to every creature" (Mark 16:15), not only here in America, but "unto the uttermost part of the earth" (Acts 1:8). This is to be done, not with the sword, but by love and reason. Every person needs to come to his or her own personal decision to accept Christ as Savior, whether they are Americans or Asians, men or women, Muslim or Christian in background, rich or poor, or whatever. And that is the most important decision they can ever make! "For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord" (Romans 6:23). One does not have to have his work weighed in balances to earn a gift. He simply accepts the gift-or turns it down!

We here at ICR would love to see our many Muslim friends-here in America and everywhere-receive this wonderful gift. I personally have enjoyed knowing many Muslims in the engineering schools where we worked and studied together, and have great appreciation for their abilities and contributions to the world. These friends of former days included Iranians, Iraqis, Egyptians, Afghans, Pakistanis, Arabs, and others.

My family and I were even making arrangements back in the late 1940s to move to Afghanistan to help that nation by teaching in a proposed engineering college there. That door closed, but in the process I tried to study as much as I could about Afghanistan and the Muslim people and their religion in general.

Muslim people have indeed been well taught to fear the God of creation, and that is good, for He is all powerful and most holy. But He is also, in the person of His only begotten Son (not begotten by natural generation through Mary, of course, but by eternal and continual heavenly generation) the God of salvation, for He is a loving and caring God. Therefore, He became a man, the eternal Word made flesh, (John 1:1_3,14) in order to pay the infinite price to redeem lost men from sin and death and hell.

We would dearly love to see our Muslim friends-especially the seven million American Muslims who have chosen to live here in the United States as a great country of freedom,-now to exercise that freedom (which they could never have done openly in their own native lands) to accept the eternal freedom found only in our Lord Jesus.

That is my reason for this open letter, so let us know if we can help. We are praying for you.

Endnotes

1. There are a number of English translations of the Koran. The one I have been using was given to me many years ago by a Muslim friend, so I assume that it is a good translation. The Koran contains 114 "Suras," more or less equivalent to chapters, but each representing a special "revelation" of God to Mohammed. The passages quoted below are typical passages.

2. "We created the heavens and the earth and all that is between them in six days, and no weariness touched us" (Sura 50:38). Allah frequently uses "we" and "us" when speaking of himself, even though he vehemently denies the Trinity, as well as polytheism.

3. "And when he decreeth a thing, he only saith to it, `Be,' and it is" (Sura 2:111).

4. "Infidels now are they who say, `Verily God is the Messiah, Ibn Maryam (son of Mary)!'" (Sura 5:19). "Believe therefore in God and his apostles, and say not, `Three' (there is a Trinity)-Forbear-it will be better for you. God is only one God! Far be it from his glory that he should have a son!" (Sura 4:169).

5. For a brief summary of proofs of the resurrection, see the ICR booklet The Resurrection of Christ, sent free on request through ICR Customer Service or the web at [../../bible/].

6. "And for their saying, `Verily we have slain the Messiah, Jesus the son of Mary, and Apostle of God.' Yet they slew him not, and they crucified him not, but they had only his likeness. . . . they did not really slay him, but God took him to himself." (Sura 4:157).

7. "Infidels now are they who say, `God is the Messiah, Son of Mary' . . . They surely are Infidels who say, `God is the third of three;' for there is no God but one God" (Sura 5:76,77) "Whoso desireth any other religion than Islam, that religion shall never be accepted from him, and in the next world he shall be among the lost" (Sura 3:79). "When ye encounter the infidels, strike off their heads till ye have made a great slaughter among them, and of the rest make fast the fetters" (Sura 47:4). "And when the trumpet shall be sounded, . . . They whose balances shall be heavy, shall be the blest. But they whose balances shall be light,-these are they who shall lose their souls, abiding in hell for ever" (Sura 23:3_5). "And whoso fight for the cause of God, . . . he will bring them into the Paradise, of which he hath told them" (Sura 47:5,7)

* Dr. Morris is Founder and President Emeritus of ICR.

#11

From: "Ali al-Mahdi" <ali@...>
Date: Tue Aug 5, 2003 2:03 am
Subject: Yahya and Hussein

ansaralhusayn

Offline

It is not a strange thing
For all prophets knew about Mohammad and his household, and I have to tell a story about that too.

It is said that Zachrias (Zakariyya) prayed to God to teach him the five holy names, and so He sent Gabriel to teach Zachrias.
When depressed or in deep sorrow, the names of Mohammad, Ali, Fatema or Hassan.. would bring peace and calmness to his mind and spirit. But, the minute he comes to the fifth name.. Hussein, he would sob, mourn and wail.
He asked God about that, and the answer came through Gabriel, the whole story of Karbala. And that is what the first verse of Surat Mariam means: "Kaf-Ha-ya-aain-Sadd"
Kaf = (complete Arabic pronunciation of the letter) Karbala.
Ha = (incomplete pronunciation of the letter) Halak al-Etra , Arabic for "The loss of descendants".
Ya = (incomplete) Yazid.
Aain = (complete) Aatashoh, Arabic for "His thirst".
Sadd= (complete) Sabroh, Arabic for "His patience"

When Zachrias came to know that, he isolated himself in the mosque, and disallowed anyone to come in. Mourning and wailing.
Praying, and praying.. Why would You, Oh Lord torment the masters of your creation..
And so, he prayed to Allah, to grant him a son, and when Zachrias loves this son so much and becomes dear to him. He prayed that Allah would take him, in such a disasterous death, similar to what will Hussein experience.

("Al-Ehtijaj" Al-Qaem's answers to Saad bin Abdulla's questions)

And you all know the rest..
Yahya was born (Johannan in the Bible). Yahya came to life after six months of pregnancy. And so did Hussein. Yahya was beheaded, and so was Hussein.
Heavens cried for both of them for 40 days. (I can describe how heavens cry, but that would take too long.. if you want to, tell me).

Written by "The Calligraphist"

#10

From: "Ali al-Mahdi" <ali@...>
Date: Tue Aug 5, 2003 2:02 am
Subject: Chosen people Hadith

ansaralhusayn

Offline

Once the Prophet was asked, "Who are the chosen people of God?"

He replied, "The truthful and the pure-hearted."

"O Prophet of Allah," they said, "truthful we understand, but who are the pure-hearted?"

"Those who neither fall into sin, nor transgress, who neither deceive nor bear malice. Such are the pure of heart."

-Hadith reported by Abdullah bin Amr

From: "Ali al-Mahdi" <ali@...>
Date: Tue Aug 5, 2003 1:58 am
Subject: If you love Allah

ansaralhusayn

Offline

IF YOU LOVE ALLAH, PLZ SEND THIS TO AT LEAST 10 PEOPLE.

THE POEM

I knelt to pray but not for long,
I had too much to do.
I had to hurry and get to work
For bills would soon be due.
So I knelt and said a hurried prayer,
And jumped up off my knees.
My Muslim duty was now done
My soul could rest at ease.
All day long I had no time
To spread a word of cheer.
No time to speak of Allah to friends,
They'd laugh at me I'd fear.
No time, no time, too much to do,
That was my constant cry,
No time to give to souls in need
But at last the time, the time to die.
I went before the Lord,
I came, I stood with downcast eyes.
For in his hands God held a book;
It was the book of life.
God looked into his book and said
Your name I cannot find.
I once was going to write it down...
But never found the time"
Now do you have the time to pass it on?

From: "Ali al-Mahdi" <ali@...>
Date: Tue Aug 5, 2003 1:57 am
Subject: Re: Ashura

ansaralhusayn

Offline

IF YOU LOVE ALLAH, PLZ SEND THIS TO AT LEAST 10 PEOPLE.

THE POEM

I knelt to pray but not for long,
I had too much to do.
I had to hurry and get to work
For bills would soon be due.
So I knelt and said a hurried prayer,
And jumped up off my knees.
My Muslim duty was now done
My soul could rest at ease.
All day long I had no time
To spread a word of cheer.
No time to speak of Allah to friends,
They'd laugh at me I'd fear.
No time, no time, too much to do,
That was my constant cry,
No time to give to souls in need
But at last the time, the time to die.
I went before the Lord,
I came, I stood with downcast eyes.
For in his hands God held a book;
It was the book of life.
God looked into his book and said
Your name I cannot find.
I once was going to write it down...
But never found the time"
Now do you have the time to pass it on?

From: "Ali al-Mahdi" <ali@...>
Date: Tue Aug 5, 2003 1:53 am
Subject: Islam in Hindu Book

ansaralhusayn

Offline

BARM UTTAR KHAND

Barm Uttar Khand is a book of Hindu religion. Late Abdurrahman Chistri (11th century of Hijra) translated it into Urdu, in his 'Mirratul-Makhluquaat.' According to that book, the famous Hindu Avtar, Mahadewtold his wife, Parbati, all the events of future, while they were on the mountain, Kailash Parbat and Bishist Muni, his disciple, wrote it down. the relevant parts are translated here from Muqaddama Anwar -Qur'an (by late Maulana Seyyed Rahat Husain Gopalpuri) Mahadewji says:

After six thousand years, the Almighty (God) will create a wonderful person among the children of Adan. In Mundarne which is between the seas. (a) o Parbati, he will be from the loin of Kant Bunjh; (b) and he (Abdullah) will have the piety and knowledge of God like a river; so (from that river) will emerge a pearl. name of his wife will be 'Sank Rakhiya.' (c) And he (i.e. Abdullah) will have read three books; and he will leave the fourth book after reading only, 'Alif, Lam, Mim' O Parbati, he (i.e. Abdullah) will be a chief in his tribe; people from all villages will come to his door and will follow him. (Abdullah's son) will have no fear of the creatures; he will be very brave and having the knowledge of Allah, and his name will be 'MAHAMAT'. Pople will be astonished to see his style And he will not worship as the people of his tribe will be worshiping and he will tell people that "I have been told by that Almighty and Only One (God) not to indulge in such senseless worship; and I am not turning but to Allah; therefore, you should follow me." (d) O Parbati, Mahamat will teach his own sheriat to all the creatures, by abrogating all ways of worships and all previous sheriats; and he will try to make all people follow him. Gradually, countless people will come into his religion, and many of them will reach God. And as people use our Sakh era, likewise, up to the end of the Kaljug (the last era) people will use the era of MAHAMAT. (e) O Parbati, after him (after the death of Mohammad's son) the Almighty who has none like Him, will give a daughter (f) to Mahamat who will be better than 1000 sons, and she will be very beautiful and matchless, and very perfect in the worship of God.

Never shall she utter any wrong, and she will be protected from every sin - big or small; and through her father she will reach nearer to God. that almighty (God) will give two sons (g) to the daughter of Mahamat, both will be handsome and beloved of God, strong, having the knowledge of God, courgeous, brave and matchless in the deeds of virtue. And the Almighty will not create, after them, any human being having such perfection in hidden and known virtues. The same two sons of Mahamat will be his successors; and they will have numerous children; and they will bring people into the religion of Mahamat day by day by their true arguments; and they will illuminate the religion of Mahamat. and mahamat will love them more than all his people, even more than his own daughter. And these two sons will be perfect in the religion of Mahamat; they will not do any work for their own pleasure, and all their utterances and deeds will be for the the pleasure of the Almighty. O Parbati, a few years after the death of Mahamat, some evil men will unjustly murder these grandsons of Mahamat without any cause; just for the sake of worldly greed; the whole world will become 'headless' by thier death. Their killers will be 'Maliksh' atheists, cursed in both worlds; they will have no love for Mahamat and will never get deliverance from 'Nark' (i.e., Hell). But in appearance, they will remain in the religion of Mahamat, and gradually others also will follow them, and stubbornly will do many deeds against the way of Mahamat and his sons. Only a few people will remain on the path of Mahamat. majority will follow the path of those who killed the sons of Mahamat; yet in appearance they will be called followers of Mhahamat; and in the last days of Kaljig (last era) there will be many of those hypocrites and will create disturbance in the whole world." After that Mahadewji explains the appearance of Imam Mahdi; coming of Ouiyamat and arrival into Paradise of Bibi Fatima together with her followers.

(a) And Arabia is surrounded on 3 sides by the sea.
(b) 'Kant Bunjh' means 'Servant of God, which, in Arabic becomes "Abdullah." Abdullah was the name of the father of the Holy Prophet.
(c) 'Sank Rakhiya' means 'Peaceful' which in Arabic is Amina. Name of the mother of the Holy Prophet was Amina.
(d) Compare it with the ayat of the Qur'an:
"Says: I am commanded to worship God, and not to join partners with Him.
Unto Him do I call, and unto Him is my return. " (13:36).
(e) i. e. era of Hijra.
(f) Fatima, the lady of Paradise, the Chief of all the women.
(g) Imam Hasan (a.s.) and Imam Husain (a.s.)

From: "Ali al-Mahdi" <ali@...>
Date: Tue Aug 5, 2003 1:52 am
Subject: Ashura

ansaralhusayn

Offline

ASHURA: Finally, the day of Ashura dawned upon the soil of Karbala. It was the day when Jihad would be in full bloom, blood would be shed, 72 innocent lives would be sacrificed, and a decisive battle would be won to save Islam and the Ummah. It had been a few days since the water supply was cut off by the enemy. Children were crying for water, the women were desperate for water, Zain Al-Abideen, the son of Imam Husayn (AS)was sick with fever. The suffering from the thirst was too painful to bear. And despite this, not a single person in the camp made any complaints or even questioned the mission of Imam Husayn. Each member supported the Imam wholeheartedly and enthusiastically. Next morning Imam Husayn (AS) went out of the camp and saw Umar Ibn Sa'ad mobilizing his troops to start the hostility. He stared at the intimidating army, and as large as it was Imam Husayn showed no signs of compromise. Imam Husayn raised his hands in prayer: "O Allah! It is Thee in whom I trust amid all grief. You are my hope amid all violence. Thou are my refuge and provision in everything that happens to me. How many grievances weaken the heart, leaving me with no means to handle them, during which friend deserts me, and enemy rejoices in it. I lay it before Thee and complain of it to Thee, because of my desire in Thee, Thee alone. You relieve me of it and remove it from me. Thou are the Master of all Grace, the Essence of Goodness, and the Ultimate Resort of all Desire." Before the actual engagement was to take place, Hur, the previous commander of the enemy force, felt his conscience violently stirring, he was in turmoil. Upon realizing the gravity of the situation, he suddenly broke away from Umar Ibn Sa'ad's camp (along with two others). They rushed toward Imam Husayn (AS) to join his camp. Hur's heart was jumping with joy, his mind relieved of an agonizing tension. Hur's defection worried Umar Ibn Sa'ad very much, lest others do the same and defect. So Umar Ibn Sa'ad threw an arrow in the air to indicate the start of the battle. This was the outset of a catastrophe and a tragic event that Mu'awiya had once conceived to happen.

THE BATTLE: Imam Husayn's supporters insisted on being the first to fight. Therefore, they took the brunt of the enemy attack. The battle was ferocious. Within a short time the Imam's supporters slay a large number of the enemy fighters, they were on the offensive and the enemy on the defensive. This caused apprehension and confusion in the enemy military, the 72 of Husayn's against the 5,000 of the enemy (some say 30,000) being on the defensive. So worried and nervous, the enemy commander-in-chief ordered his army not only to set fire to the Imam's tents (which were occupied mostly by frightened females and children), but at the same time reinforced his fighters with more troops. The heroes began to fall, they were men of valor welcoming martyrdom, they fell one after another, for the enemy was overwhelming in number. By noon time the Imam stopped the fight to perform the Salat. By this time those left were mainly his family and a few supporters. They performed the Salat together. Two supporters were guarding the performers of Salat. The enemy was standing still, watching!! When Salat was finished one of the guards fell dead; there were 17 arrows in his back. Ali Akbar, Husayn's son obtained permission to fight and dashed toward the enemy. He engaged them in fierce fighting, falling on them like thunder, slaying numerous fighters. He continued to move forward, deep inside the enemy. The enemy was overpowering in number, it overwhelmed him cutting him with swords and spears, and his body became nothing but wounds gushing blood, until he died. Imam Husayn (AS) rushed to the area and picked up the wounded limp body and brought it to the appalled camp. His sister and others in the camp were horrified and shocked at the scene. Abbas and five other brothers of Imam Husayn went to fight. They also engaged the enemy in a fierce fighting, almost doing the impossible. Abbas went toward the river to bring some water for the thirsty children. While he was returning on his horse with the water, he was attacked by a large horde of the enemy, overwhelming and severely wounding him. As much as he tried Abbas could not save the water, he fell from his horse to breath his last. Next to the battle field went the sons of Imam Al-Hasan and Zainab and their cousins (about 17 of them). They were all in their teens but each stood bravely, believing in the mission, facing a formidable enemy, and showed no less enthusiasm in their quest to embrace the martyrdom.

AL-HUSAYN AND HIS BABY: By the afternoon 70 brave persons had sacrificed their lives in Karbala to save Islam. All had fought under nerve racking conditions, severe thirst, dehydration, exhaustion, and agonizing feeling of what would happen to the family of the Prophet (AS) afterwards. Husayn endured all that and more, for he saw all his beloved ones brutally cut to pieces, including children. Remaining the only one, Imam Husayn was to face the enemy head on. Precisely at that moment Imam Husayn heard his baby crying incessantly, agonizing because of the thirst. Imam Husayn's love for his family was unbound, especially for a suffering baby. He held the six months old baby, his youngest son (Ali Asghar) in his arms, and appealed to the enemy fighters for some water for the baby. Imam wanted to awaken their conscience and stir their human feelings but the stone-hearted enemy, instead of giving water, zoomed an arrow toward the agonizing baby and killed him instantly. Imam Husayn was shocked. He felt an unbearable wave of pain. The sight of the limp baby in his arms was agonizingly painful. He filled his palm with the blood of the baby, and threw it upwards toward the sky, complaining to Allah (swt), "O' Allah, O' my Lord! My consolation is the fact that Thou in Thine Majesty are witnessing what I am going through."

AL-HUSAYN BY HIMSELF: Imam Husayn (AS) was alone, one man against thousands. He took them on, fighting them bravely, and kept fighting, receiving many wounds in the process. Thousands of enemy fighters were surrounding him but none dared to move toward him. The silence was broken when Shimr screamed for an attack, then screamed again, threatening, and in response they attacked collectively, and one sword fell on Imam Husayn's left wrist and deeply cut his left hand. The blood gushed like a fountain. Another sword was soon to follow and it hit his upper back. Imam Husayn (AS)felt numb as he fell to the ground, bleeding profusely. He was near the point of shock, even though staggering he tried to stand by leaning on his sword. Then he received the fatal blow. It was at this point, that Shimr whose mother was a disbeliever, came forward and severed Imam Husayn's noble head from the body, the noble head kissed often by the Prophet (AS)! Shimr and others had the audacity to carry it on the tip of a spear to Yazid, 600 miles away! Umar Ibn Sa'ad ordered the horsemen to trample upon the supine bodies of Imam Husayn and all others killed, to disfigure them even further, as if the wounds, the bloodied bodies, and the headless forms were not enough. For three days the exposed bodies of the martyrs were left lying in the desert of Karbala. Afterwards, the people of the tribe of Bani-Asad, who were not far away from the battle field, helped bury them. Umar Ibn Sa'ad and his forces (representing Benu Umayya) took the women and children as prisoners in shackles, put them on camels, and proceeded in a caravan from Karbala to Kufa. At the forefront of the procession were the heads of Imam Husayn (AS)and his followers on the tip of spears. The scene was both grotesque and pathetic.

This was the leftover of the beloved family of Prophet Mohammad (AS), in such a deplorable unimaginable condition, all caused by people who called themselves Muslims!

LESSONS FROM THE TRAGEDY Of KARBALA: Karbala is the cruelest tragedy humanity has ever seen. Yet, the startling (though appalling) events in Karbala proved like a powerful volcano that shook the very foundation of Muslims, it stirred their consciousness, ignorant or learned alike. For sincere Muslims, Karbala turned into a triumph. The tragic event became the very beacon of light to always remind Muslims to practice Islam honestly and sincerely, to do what is right irrespective of consequences, and fear no one except Allah (swt). On the other hand, Yazid never achieved what he and his father had planned to achieve, for within three years, Allah's wrath fell upon him, causing him to die at the age of 33 years. And within a few decades the rule of Benu Umayya crumbled and came to an end. The tragedy of Karbala taught humanity a lesson that standing for the truth and fighting unto death for it is more honorable and valuable than submitting to the wrongful, especially when the survival of Islam is at stake.

Distance between Medina and Karbala about 1,100 miles. Distance between Ibn Ziyad in Kufa and Yazid in Damascus about 750 miles. Average travel by camel per day: 30-45 miles.

GLOSSARY

A'isha: Widow of the Prophet and a leader during Jamal Confrontation.

Abbas: Brother of Imam Husayn, flag-bearer during Karbala.

Abu Sufyan: Leader of Benu Umayya, Mu'awiya's father, was inveterate enemy of Islam.

Abu Musa Ash'ari: Governor fired by Imam Ali, was selected to arbitrate after Siffin.

Ahlul Bayt: Ali, Fatima and the progeny of Al-Husayn (the 12 Commissioned Imams).

AlFarazdaq: A famous poet.

AlNu'man Ibn alBasheer: Governor over Kufa replaced by Ibn Ziyad through Yazid's order.

Ali Akbar: Son of Imam Al-Husayn, martyred in Karbala.

Ali Asghar: Baby of Imam Al-Husayn, martyred in Karbala.

Ammar Ibn Yasir: A famous highly revered Companion, on Ali's side, killed in Siffin.

Amr Ibnil Aas: A cunning deceptive person, in Mu'awiya's camp, arbitrator after Siffin.

Ash'ath Ibn Qais: A spy General in Ali's armed forces, also the

father of Joda (wife of Al-Hasan).

Bani Asad: The tribe that buried Al-Husayn and the other martyrs of Karbala.

Basrah: An important town in south of Iraq.

Benu Umayya: A clan known to be power hungry, greedy, and materialistic, of Mu'awiya.

Byzantines: The Christian superpower ruling over Syria and Egypt that lost to Islam.

Hani Ibn Urwah: The man who helped Muslim Ibn Aqeel in Kufa and lost his life for the cause.

Hur Ibn Yazid al-Riyahi: The Commander of the enemy force who defected to the side of Imam Husayn.

Ibn Muljim: The killer of Imam Ali while Ali was performing Salat Al-Subh.

Ibn Ziyad: The Governor over Kufa responsible for the atrocities of Karbala.

Imam: The 12 Divinely Commissioned leaders of the Ummah after the Prophet (AS).

Imam AlHasan (a.s.): The second Divinely Commissioned Imam, and the brother of Imam Husayn.

Imam Ali (a.s.): The first Divinely Commissioned Imam, and the father of Imam Hasan and Husayn.

Imam Husayn (a.s.): The third Divinely Commissioned Imam, hero of

Karbala, brother of Imam Hasan.

Iraq: Country in which Imam Husayn suffered at the hands of its military.

Jamal: Battle imposed on Ali by A'isha, Talha, and Zubair.

Joda: Wife of Imam Al-Hasan, who poisoned him when enticed by Mu'awiya.

Karbala: The site of the ugliest atrocities committed against Al-Husayn, his family and devotees, but Karbala saved Islam from disintegration in an indirect way.

Khalifa: Head of state after the Prophet (AS).

Kharijies: The outsiders who turned against Ali, then killed him while he was praying.

Medina: Famous town of the Prophet (AS) in Arabia.

Mu'awiya: Of Benu Umayya clan, brother of Yazid, also father of the infamous Yazid of Karbala.

Mohammad ibn Abu Bakr: Brother of A'isha who fought on Ali's side during Battle of Jamal.

Mukhtar AlThaqafi: Loyalist of Ahlul Bayt.

Muslim Ibn Aqeel: Cousin of Al-Husayn and his emissary to Kufa, killed by Ibn Ziyad.

Omar: The second Khalifa who appointed Mu'awiya as the Governor over Syria.

Quraish: The clan of the Prophet (AS).

Shimr Bin Dhil Jawshan: The killer of Imam Husayn, his name will remain in infamy.

Siffin: Battle imposed on Ali by Mu'awiya.

Syria: Syria, Lebanon, and Palestine nowadays used to be called Syria.

Talha: Sahaabi, leader during Jamal Confrontation, killed during that battle.

Tulaqaa': Denigrating term used by Mohammad (AS) for the disbelievers

who had to become Muslims after Mecca was triumphed over.

Umar Ibn Sa'ad: Commander-in-chief of the military forces against Imam Husayn in Karbala.

Umm Habiba: Sister of Mu'awiya, daughter of Abu Sufyan, wife of the Prophet (AS).

Uthman: The third Khalifa killed by the protesting Muslims.

Waleed Ibn Ut'ba: Governor over Medina when Yazid son of Mu'awiya declared his rulership.

Yazid son of Abu Sufyan: Brother of Mu'awiya, governor of Syria for a few years until he died.

Yazid son of Mu'awiya: Son of Mu'awiya, the infamous despicable ruler, cause of Karbala tragedy.

Zainab: Sister of Al-Husayn, heroin of Karbala, losing her children for the cause.

Zubair: Sahaabi, leader during Jamal Confrontation, refused to fight during that battle.

From: "Ali al-Mahdi" <ali@...>
Date: Tue Aug 5, 2003 1:50 am
Subject: Allah Won't Ask

ansaralhusayn

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ALLAH WON'T ASK......
1. Allah won't ask what kind of car you drove, but will ask how many people you drove who didn't have transportation.
2. Allah won't ask what your highest salary was, but will ask if you compromised your character or morals to obtain that salary.
3. Allah won't ask the square footage of your house, but will ask how many people you welcomed into your home.
4. Allah won't ask about the fancy clothes you had in your closet, but will ask how many of those clothes helped the needy.
5 Allah won't ask about your social status, but will ask what kind of class you displayed.
6. Allah won't ask how many material possessions you had, but will ask if they dictated your life.
7. Allah won't ask how much overtime you worked, but will ask if you worked overtime for your family and loved ones.
8. Allah won't ask how many promotions you received, but will ask how you promoted others.
9. Allah won't ask what your job title was, but will ask if you performed your job to the best of your ability.
10. Allah won't ask what you did to help yourself, but will ask what you did to help others.
11. Allah won't ask how many friends you had, but will ask how many people to whom you were a true friend.
12. Allah won't ask what you did to protect your rights, but will ask what you did to protect the rights of others.
13. Allah won't ask in what neighborhood you lived, but will ask how you treated your neighbors.
14. Allah won't ask about the color of your skin, but will ask about the content of your character.
15. Allah won't ask how many times your deeds matched your words, but will ask how many times they didn't.

Funny how you can send a thousand 'jokes' through e-mail and they spread like wildfire, but when you start ending messages regarding Allah, people think twice about sharing.

"And Allah gave them a reward in this world, and the excellent reward of the Hereafter. For Allah Loveth those who do good."

Sura Imran Verse 148

From: "Ali al-Mahdi" <ali@...>
Date: Tue Aug 5, 2003 1:43 am
Subject: ABC Forum

ansaralhusayn

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ABC Poems

A is for Allah
Lord of the Universe, who is One,
He made the earth, stars, and sun
He made angels to worship and pray,
He made man from a dab of clay

B is for Bilal
Bilal is that tall, brave African man,
Islam freed him and gave him iman
Calling the Muslims to come and pray,
Was his duty each night and day

C is for Children
Black, white, red, yellow, and brown,
Better than the jewels in a crown
Laughing or crying, short or tall,
Allah loves children, one and all

D is for Duaa
Remembering Allah all nights and days,
By giving Him our thanks and praise
Thank Allah with "Alhamdolillah"
And praise Him with "Subhaan Allah"

E is for Earth
With its mountains, rivers, and seas,
Animals, birds, fruits, and trees
They all declare Allah's Might,
Following His laws, wills, and light

F is for Faith
That which the Muslims call Iman,
Is in the heart of the believing man
Will come from his lip and hand,
Love for Allah pouring out like sand

G is for Gabriel
An angel created by Allah from light,
His duty is to serve Allah all day and night
To Prophet Mohammad (AS) he did appear,
To bring mankind the Holy Qur'an so dear

H is for Heaven
God's garden of joy, peace, and love,
The home for Muslim's souls above
The path to this heavenly place
Is faith in Allah's guidance and grace

I is for Islam
A way of life for all of who,
Give to Allah the praise that is due
We worship and pray five times a day,
Because we know it is the best way

J is for Jesus
Peace be upon him, 'Isa, the son of Maryam,
To his people Allah's word did he carry
By Allah's help he made the sick well,
So people would believe what he had to tell

K is for Kaabah
First house of Allah in Makkah was made,
By Ibrahim and Isma'il the stones were laid
Millions of believers from every race,
Come for Hajj tot his extra special place

L is for Life
A precious gift from Allah to you,
Don't waste it, he knows what you do
Don't chase pleasure or forget Allah,
No matter how little, say "Alhamdolillah"

M is for Mohammad
Peace be upon him, Abdullah's son,
From Allah's enemies he did not run
Of all the Prophets he was the last,
Islam his message which we hold fast

N is for Nuh
Peace be upon him, a Prophet who was very good,
Allah told him to build an ark, fast as he could
Take pairs of animals and the believers-all,
The flood was coming and the waves would be tall!

O is for Obedience
It is the duty of each Muslim to obey,
The Qur'an and the Sunnah all the way
Go for Hajj, give Zakah, fast, and pray,
And to your parents do not say, "Nay!"

P is for Prayer
It is the cornerstone of Muslim life,
And the devil it cuts like a knife
Prayer five times a day is a must,
In Allah you should put your trust

Q is for Qur'an
A blessing and guide for all of mankind,
In it Allah's message you will find
Of all His messages it is the last,
Perfect for present, future, and past

R is for Ramadan
For Muslims this blessed month of fasting,
Is to celebrate Allah's love everlasting
All day, no food, nor drink, nor evil deeds,
Pray and read Qur'an, to heaven this leads

S is for Surah
One hundred and fourteen in the Qur'an,
Read them and trust in Al-Rahman,
Do you know ten of them that you can say?
Knowing them will help you pray

T is for Tawheed
La ilaaha illallah, Allah is the only one,
There is no partner with Him, nor son
Alla is the answer to all that we need,
Watch your heart and tongue, He knows every deed

U is for Ummah
The Muslim community which Mohammad (S) found,
The brotherhood of Islam made it sound
Allah's laws in the Qur'an and Sunnah,
Are to help everyone in the Ummah

V is for Victory
It is the help from Allah to you,
His guidance in everything you do
Work and prayer a Muslim does need,
To celebrate Allah's victory, indeed!

W is for Wudu
We must keep our minds and bodies clean,
Because by Allah we are always seen
Whenever you hear the call of athan,
Prepare and come pray as soon as you can

X is for "Seen" *
X is not easy for us to rhyme,
So we'll not waste much of your time
In higher math X is hard to find,
But Allah's path is clear even to the blind

(* the Arabic letter "seen" stands for the unknown)

Y is for Yunus
Peace be upon him, a good man in a wicked town,
He ran to the sea and a whale gobbled him down
By the mercy of Allah he was saved to tell,
His people to become good and obey Allah well
Z is for Zero-sin
It is the way we each begin,
Free from wordly sin
So, don't let yourself forget,
Keep out of the devil's threat!

From: "Ali al-Mahdi" <ali@...>
Date: Tue Aug 5, 2003 1:42 am
Subject: 99 Names of Allah

ansaralhusayn

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Name/Transliteration Translation

Some selected relevant

verses from the Quran

ALLAH (1:1)(3:18)(5:109)(6:124)(7:180)(8:40)(16:91)(20:8)(57:5)(65:3)(74:56)(85:20)

AR-RAHMAN The Most Compassionate, The Beneficent, The Gracious (1:3)(17:110)(19:58)(21:112)(27:30)(36:52)(50:33)(55:1)(59:22) (78:38)

AR-RAHIM The Merciful (2:163)(3:31)(4:100)(5:3)(5:98)(11:41)(12:53)(12:64)(26:9)(30:5)(36:58)

AL-MALIK The King (20:114)(23:116)(59:23)(62:1)(114:2)

AL-QUDDUS The Most Holy (59:23) (62:1)

AS-SALAM The All-Peaceful, The Bestower of peace (59:23)

AL-MUMIN The Granter of security (59:23)

AL-MUHAYMIN The Protector (59:23)

AL-AZIZ The Mighty (3:6) (4:158) (9:40) (9:71) (48:7)(59:23) (61:1)

AL-JABBAR The Compeller (59:23)

AL-MUTAKABBIR Supreme in Greatness, The Majestic (59:23)

AL-KHALIQ The Creator (6:102) (13:16) (39:62)(40:62)(59:24)

AL-BARI The Maker (59:24)

AL-MUSAWWIR The Bestower of form, The Shaper (59:24)

AL-GAFFAR The Forgiver (20:82)(38:66)(39:5)(40:42)(71:10)

AL-QAHHAR The Subduer (13:16)(14:48)(38:65)(39:4)(40:16)

AL-WAHHAB The Bestower (3:8)(38:9)(38:35)

AR-RAZZAQ The Provider (51:58)

AL-FATTAH The Opener, The Judge (34:26)

AL-ALIM The All-Knowing (2:158)(3:92)(4:35)(24:41)(33:40) (35:38)(57:6)

AL-QABID The Withholder (2:245)

AL-BASIT The Expander (2:245)

AL-KHAFID The Abaser

AR-RAFI The Exalter

AL-MUIZZ The Bestower of honour (3:26)

AL-MUDHILL The Humiliator (3:26)

AS-SAMI The All-Hearing (2:127) (2:137) (2:256) (8:17) (49:1)

AL-BASIR The All-Seeing (4:58) (17:1) (42:11) (42:27) (57:4) (67:19)

AL-HAKAM The Judge (22:69)

AL-ADL The Just, The Equitable

AL-LATIF The Gentle, The Knower of subtleties (6:103) (22:63) (31:16) (33:34) (67:14)

AL-KHABIR The All-Aware (6:18) (17:30) (49:13) (59:18) (63:11)

AL-HALIM The Forbearing (2:225) (2:235) (17:44) (22:59) (35:41)

AL-AZIM The Incomparably Great (2:255) (42:4) (56:96)

AL-GAFUR The Forgiving (2:173) (8:69) (16:110) (41:32) (60:7)

ASH-SHAKUR The Appreciative (35:30) (35:34) (42:23) (64:17)

AL-ALIYY The Most High (2:255) (4:34) (31:30) (42:4) (42:51)

AL-KABIR The Most Great (13:9) (22:62) (31:30) (34:23) (40:12)

AL-HAFIZ The Preserver (11:57) (34:21) (42:6)

AL-MUGHITH The Sustainer

AL-HASIB The Reckoner (4:6) (4:86) (33:39)

AL-JALIL The Majestic, The Revered, The Sublime

AL-KARIM The Generous (27:40) (82:6)

AR-RAQIB The Watchful (4:1) (5:117)

AL-MUJIB The Responsive (11:61)

AL-WASI The All-Encompassing, The All-Embracing (2:115) (2:261) (2:268) (3:73) (5:54)

AL-HAKIM The Wise (2:129) (2:260) (31:27) (46:2) (57:1) (66:2)

AL-WADUD The Loving One (11:90) (85:14)

AL-MAJID The Most Glorious (11:73)

AL-BAITH The Resurrector (22:7)page 35

ASH-SHAHID The Witness (4:79)(4:166)(22:17)(41:53)(48:28)

AL-HAQQ The Truth (6:62)(22:6)(23:116)(31:30)

AL-WAKIL The Ultimate Trustee, The Disposer of Affairs (3:173) (4:171) (28:28) (33:3) (73:9)

AL-QAWIYY The Most Strong (22:40)(22:74)(42:19)(57:25)(58:21)

AL-MATIN The Firm One, The Authoritative (51:58)

AL-WALIYY The Protector (3:68) (4:45) (7:196) (42:28) (45:19)

AL-HAMID The All-Praised, The Praiseworthy (14:1) (14:8) (31:12) (31:26) (41:42)

AL-MUHSI The Reckoner

AL-MUBDI The Originator (10:4)(10:34)(27:64)(29:19)(85:13)

AL-MUID The Restorer to life (10:4)(10:34)(27:64)(29:19)(85:13)

AL-MUHYI The Giver of life (3:156) (7:158) (15:23)(30:50)(57:2)

AL-MUMIT The Causer of death (3:156) (7:158) (15:23) (57:2)

AL-HAYY The Ever-Living (2:255)(3:2)(20:111)(25:58)(40:65)

AL-QAYYUM The Self-Existing by Whom all subsist (2:255) (3:2) (20:111)

AL-WAJID The Self-Sufficient, The All-Perceiving

AL-MAJID The Glorified

AL-WAHID The One (2:163) (5:73) (9:31) (18:110) (37:4)

AS-SAMAD The Eternally Besought (112:2)

AL-QADIR The Omnipotent, The Able (6:65) (36:81) (46:33) (75:40) (86:8)

AL-MUQTADIR The Powerful (18:45) (54:42) (54:55)

AL-MUQADDIM The Expediter

AL- MUAKHKHIR The Delayer (71:4)

AL-AWWAL The First (57:3)

AL-AKHIR The Last (57:3)

AZ-ZAHIR The Manifest (57:3)

AL-BATIN The Hidden (57:3)

AL-WALI The Governor, The Protector

AL-MUTAALI The Most Exalted (13:9)

AL-BARR The Benign, The Source of All-Goodness (52:28)

AT-TAWWAB The Granter and Accepter of repentence (2:37) (2:128) (4:64) (49:12) (110:3)

AL- MUNTAQIM The Lord of Retribution, The Avenger (32:22) (43:41) (44:16)

AL-AFUWW The Pardoner (4:99) (4:149) (22:60)

AR-RAUF The Most Kind, The Clement (3:30) (9:117) (57:9) (59:10)

MALIK-UL-MULK Owner of the Kingdom (3:26)

DHUL JALAL WAL IKRAM Possessor of Majesty and Honour (55:27) (55:78)

AL-MUQSIT The Just, The Equitable (3:18)

AL-JAME The Gatherer (3:9)

AL-GHANIYY The All-Sufficient (2:263) (3:97) (39:7) (47:38) (57:24)

AL-MUGHNI The Enricher (9:28)

AL-MANI The Preventer of harm

AD-DARR The Afflicter

AN-NAFI The Benefiter

AN-NUR The Light (24:35)

AL-HADI The Guide (25:31)

AL-BADI The Originator (2:117) (6:101)

AL-BAQI The Everlasting (55:27)

AL-WARITH The Ultimate Inheritor (15:23)

AR-RASHID The Guide

AS-SABUR The Patient One

From: "Ali al-Mahdi" <ali@...>
Date: Tue Aug 5, 2003 1:38 am
Subject: 99 Names of Allah

ansaralhusayn

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NAMES OF ALLAH

An Explanation of the Perfect Names and Attributes of Allah

URL: http://www.playandlearn.org/Fiqh/p205.htm

It is not possible to perfectly translate the names and attributes of Allah from their original Arabic into English. However, here are some fairly close explanations.

1. Allah

He who has the Godhood which is the power to create the entities.

2. 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.

3. Ar-Rahim

The One who has plenty of mercy for the believers.

4. Al-Malik

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

5. Al-Quddus

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

6. As-Salam

The One who is free from every imperfection.

7. Al-Mumin

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.

8. Al-Muhaymin

The One who witnesses the saying and deeds of His creatures.

9. Al-Aziz

The Defeater who is not defeated.

10. Al-Jabbar

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

11. Al-Mutakabbir

The One who is clear from the attributes of the creatures and from resembling them.

12. Al-Khaliq

The One who brings everything from non-existence to existence.

13. Al-Bari

The Creator who has the Power to turn the entities.

14. Al-Musawwir

The One who forms His creatures in different pictures.

15. Al-Ghaffar

The One who forgives the sins of His slaves time and time again.

16. Al-Qahhar

The Subduer who has the perfect Power and is not unable over anything.

17. Al-Wahhab

The One who is Generous in giving plenty without any return.

18. Ar-Razzaq

The One who gives everything that benefits whether Halal or Haram.

19. Al-Fattah

The One who opens for His slaves the closed worldy and religiousmatters.

20. Al-Alim

The Knowledgeable; The One nothing is absent from His knowledge.

21. Al-Qabid and 22. Al-Basit

The One who constricts the sustenance by His wisdomand expands and widens it with His Generosity and Mercy.

23. Al-Khafid and 24. Ar-Rafi

The One who lowers whoever He willed by His Destruction and raises whoever He willed by His Endowment.

25. Al-Muiz and 26. Al-Muthil

He gives esteem to whoever He willed, hence there is no one to degrade Him; And He degrades whoever He willed, hence there is no one to give Him esteem.

27. As-Sami

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

28. Al-Basir

The One who Sees all things that are seen by His Eternal Seeing without a pupil or any other instrument.

29. Al-Hakam

He is the Ruler and His judgment is His Word.

30. Al-Adl

The One who is entitled to do what He does.

31. Al-Latif

The One who is kind to His slaves and endows upon them.

32. Al-Khabir

The One who knows the truth of things.

33. Al-Halim

The One who delays the punishment for those who deserve it and then He might forgive them.

34. Al-Azim

The One deserving the attributes of Exaltment, Glory, Extolement,and Purity from all imperfection.

35. Al-Ghafur

The One who forgives a lot.

36. Ash-Shakur

The One who gives a lot of reward for a little obedience.

37. Al-Aliyy

The One who is clear from the attributes of the creatures.

38. Al-Kabir

The One who is greater than everything in status.

39. Al-Hafiz

The One who protects whatever and whoever He willed to protect.

40. Al-Muqit

The One who has the Power.

41. Al-Hasib

The One who gives the satisfaction.

42. Aj-Jalil

The One who is attributed with greatness of Power and Glory of status.

43. Al-Karim

The One who is clear from abjectness.

44. Ar-Raqib

The One that nothing is absent from Him. Hence its meaning is related to the attribute of Knowledge.

45. Al-Mujib

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

46. Al-Wasi

The Knowledgeable.

47. Al-Hakim

The One who is correct in His doings.

48. Al-Wadud

The One who loves His believing slaves and His believing slaves love Him. His love to His slaves is His Will to be merciful to them and praise them: Hence its meaning is related to the attributes of the Will and

Kalam (His attribute with which He orders and forbids and spoke to Mohammad and Musa -peace be upon them- It is not a sound nor a language nor a letter.)

49. Al-Majid

The One who is with perfect Power, High Status, Compassion, Generosity and Kindness.

50. Al-Baith

The One who resurrects His slaves after death for reward and/or punishment.

51. Ash-Shahid

The One who nothing is absent from Him.

52. Al-Haqq

The One who truly exists.

53. Al-Wakil

The One who gives the satisfaction and is relied upon.

54. Al-Qawiyy

The One with the complete Power.

55. Al-Matin

The One with extreme Power which is un-interrupted and He does not get tired.

56. Al-Waliyy

The Supporter.

57. Al-Hamid

The praised One who deserves to be praised.

58. Al-Muhsi

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

59. Al-Mubdi

The One who started the human being. That is, He created him.

60. Al-Muid

The One who brings back the creatures after death.

61. Al-Muhyi

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.

62. Al-Mumit

The One who renders the living dead.

63. 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.

64. Al-Qayyum

The One who remains and does not end.

65. Al-Wajid

The Rich who is never poor. Al-Wajd is Richness.

66. Al-Majid

The One who is Majid (Glorious).

67. Al-Wahid

The One without a partner.

68. As-Samad

The Master who is relied upon in matters and reverted to in ones needs.

69. Al-Qadir

The One attributed with Power.

70. Al-Muqtadir

The One with the perfect Power that nothing is withheld rom Him.

71. Al-Muqaddim and 72. Al-Muakhkhir

The One who puts things in their right places. He makes ahead what He wills and delays what He wills.

73. Al-Awwal

The One whose Existence is without a beginning.

74. Al-Akhir

The One whose Existence is without an end.

75. Az-Zahir 76. Al-Batin

The One that nothing is above Him and nothing is underneath Him, hence He exists without a place. He, The Exalted, His Existence is obvious by proofs and He is clear from the delusions of attributes of

bodies.

77. Al-Wali

The One who owns things and manages them.

78. Al-Mutaali

The One who is clear from the attributes of the creation.

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.

80. At-Tawwab

The One who grants repentance to whoever He willed among His creatures and accepts his repentance.

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.

82. Al-Afuww

The One with wide forgiveness.

83. Ar-Rauf

The One with extreme Mercy. The Mercy of Allah is His will to endow upon whoever He willed among His creatures.

84. Malik Al-Mulk

The One who controls the Dominion and gives dominion to whoever He willed.

85. Thul-Jalal wal-Ikram

The One who deserves to be Exalted and not denied.

86. Al-Muqsit

The One who is Just in His judgment.

87. Aj-Jami

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

88. Al-Ghaniyy

The One who does not need the creation.

89. Al-Mughni

The One who satisfies the necessities of the creatures.

90. Al-Mani

The Supporter who protects and gives victory to His pious believers.

91. Ad-Darr and 92. An-Nafi

The One who makes harm reach to whoever He willed and benefit to whoever He willed.

93. An-Nur

The One who guides.

94. Al-Hadi

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

95. Al-Badi

The One who created the creation and formed it without any preceding example.

96. Al-Baqi

The One that the state of non-existence is impossible for Him.

97. Al-Warith

The One whose Existence remains.

98. Ar-Rashid

The One who guides.

99. As-Sabur

The One who does not quickly punish the sinners.

"...Naught is as His likeness; and He is the Hearer, the Seer..." Quran [42:11]

(Arabic transliteration: Huwa Allathi Laysa Ka Mithlihi Shayun Wa Huwa As-Sami^ Al-Basir)

Courtesy of: Ahlul Bayt Digital Islamic Library Project.

From: "Ali al-Mahdi" <ali@...>
Date: Tue Aug 5, 2003 1:37 am
Subject: Prophet Nuh (AS)

ansaralhusayn

Offline

Doucumentary on the wooden plate found in NOAH'S ARK.
by Dr. Akthar Raza, USA.

During the month of July,1951 a team of Russian experts, were surveying the valley of Kaat. Perhaps they were busy in finding out a new mine. They noticed a few pieces of rotten wood at a place. The group officer started digging the place. To his surprise he found heaps of wood pressed there under the earth. Experts, by observing a few layers speculated that these wood are extraordinary and possess an obscure mystery.

They excavated the place with deep interest. They found quite a good amount of wood and many other things. They also found a long rectangular wooden plate. The experts were surprised to observe that this particular plate measuring 14" by 10" was in far better condition among other wood which were on the verge of decomposition, due to aging.

After investigation at the end of 1952, experts came to the conclusion that this particular place belonged to the Noah's Ark which had rested on the peak of mount Calff (Judy, Turkey). And the plate on which a few words of some ancient language were inscribed, was fixed on the Ark.

After it was proved that the wood found in the excavation was that of the Noah's Ark, the curiosity as to what is written on the wooden plate was aroused. A board of experts was appointed by the Russian Government under it's research Department to investigate the language of the wooden plate. The board started its work from 27th February, 1953. Following were the members of this board:

1. Prof. Solonon, Macow University.

2. Prof. Ifa Han Kheeno, Lu Lu Han College China.

3. Mr. Mishaou Lu Farug, officer l/C fossils.

4. Mr. Taumol Goru, Teacher, Cafezud College.

5. Prof. De Pakan, Lenin Institute.

6. Mr. M. Ahmed Colad,Zitcomen Research Association .

7. Major Cottor, Stalin College.

So these seven experts after eight months of research came to the conclusion that this plate was of the wood used in making Noah's Ark and that the Prophet Noah had put this plate on his Ark for the safety of the Ark and for receiving favour of Allah.

In the centre of the plate, there is a drawing of palm shape on which some words of ancient Saamaani language are written.

Mr. N. F. Max, expert, ancient languages, Britain (Manchester) has translated the words written on the wooden plate, in English as follows:

" O My God, My helper Keep my hand with mercy, and with your Holy bodies, Mohammad, Ali, Shabbar, Shabbir, Fatma. They are all biggest and honourable. The world established for them. Help me by their names. You can return to right."

People were surprised to learn these writings. They were surprised as to how this particular plate after centuries of exposition to nature did not decompose and maintained its form. The plate is still preserved at the Centre of FossiIs Research, Moscow, Russia.

If you ever have a chance to visit Russia, you would be able to see the actual plate, and it will increase your faith in Ahlul-Bayt.

The translation was documented in the following newspapers:

1. Weekly-Mirror: UK, 28/12/53

2. Star of Britain: London, 1/54

3. Manchester Sunlight: Manchester, 23/1/54

4. London Weekly Mirror: 1/2/54

5. Bathrah Najaf: Iraq, 2/2/54

6. Al-Huda: Cairo, 31/3/54

From THE MINISTER voulme 13, Issue 2 Ramadhan Almubarak 1416, Feberuary 1996

(http://www.geocities.com/CapitolHill/Parliament/3555/noh.html)