Join Yasir Qadhi to learn about Islamic history in Jerusalem and Jordan, and you get to pray in Masjid Al-Aqsa and visit the West Bank cities

Andai kata bakal isteri aku nanti tak pandai masak, tak apa. Mak aku dah ajar aku berdikari masak sendiri dari kecil. Aku boleh ajar dia masak.

Andai kata bakal isteri aku tk pandai bab agama, tak apa. Kita semue tk pernah cukup ilmu agama. Boleh belajar. Boleh pergi class agama setiap minggu.

Andai kata bakal isteri aku tk pandai buat kerja rumah, tak apa. Kerja rumah itu bukan kerja isteri. Kerja sama-sama. Nanti dia boleh belajar dari cara aku buat kerja rumah.

❤️👍👌 #susahsenangbuatsama2

Difference in perspective for Ahli Sunnah and Wahhabi

From Candy To Juleps, Persians Left Imprint On Many Edible Delights

http://www.npr.org/sections/thesalt/2016/01/19/463583428/from-candy-to-juleps-persians-left-imprint-on-many-edible-delights

Latest 'Halal certification' tactics

Ottoman Commentaries on Islamic Philosophy

"Commentaries are a common, even a nearly ineluctable, part of the textual landscape of the early modern Ottoman Empire. Especially when it came to philosophy, commentaries were perhaps the main venue of discussions. An earlier generation of scholars believed these commentaries to be derivative but we now see them as a major piece in the development of the philosophical tradition in the Middle East. In this podcast, we speak with L.W.C (Eric) van Lit about how to approach these commentaries and their effect on the intellectual life of the Ottoman Empire in the fifteenth and sixteenth century."
http://www.ottomanhistorypodcast.com/2016/07/ghazali.html

On this day (27 July, 1302) a tiny Turkish beylik led by Osman Ghazi defeated the Byzantines at the Battle of Bapheus. It was the first victory over the Byzantines for what would later become the Ottoman Empire.

Abdullah ibn Mas’ud reported: I saw the Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings be upon him, tell the story of a prophet who was beaten by his people and he wiped the blood from his face, saying, “My Lord, forgive my people for they do not know.”

Source: Ṣaḥīḥ al-Bukhārī 6530, Ṣaḥīḥ Muslim 1792

Grade: Muttafaqun Alayhi (authenticity agreed upon) according to Al-Bukhari and Muslim

An-Nawawi said, “In this tradition is what the Prophet practiced of forbearance, patience, forgiveness, and compassion for his people, his supplication for them to receive guidance and to be forgiven, and for them to be excused for their sins as they did not know.”

Source: Sharḥ Ṣaḥīḥ Muslim 1792

عَنْ عَبْدِ اللَّهِ قَالَ كَأَنِّي أَنْظُرُ إِلَى رَسُولِ اللَّهِ صلى الله عليه وسلم يَحْكِي نَبِيًّا مِنَ الأَنْبِيَاءِ ضَرَبَهُ قَوْمُهُ وَهُوَ يَمْسَحُ الدَّمَ عَنْ وَجْهِهِ وَيَقُولُ رَبِّ اغْفِرْ لِقَوْمِي فَإِنَّهُمْ لاَ يَعْلَمُونَ

6530 صحيح البخاري كتاب استتابة المرتدين والمعاندين وقتالهم

1792صحيح مسلم كتاب الجهاد والسير باب غزوة أحد

قال النووي فِيهِ مَا كَانُوا عَلَيْهِ صَلَوَاتُ اللَّهِ وَسَلَامُهُ عَلَيْهِمْ مِنَ الْحِلْمِ وَالتَّصَبُّرِ وَالْعَفْوِ وَالشَّفَقَةِ عَلَى قَوْمِهِمْ وَدُعَائِهِمْ لَهُمْ بِالْهِدَايَةِ وَالْغُفْرَانِ وَعُذْرِهِمْ فِي جِنَايَتِهِمْ عَلَى أَنْفُسِهِمْ بِأَنَّهُمْ لَا يَعْلَمُونَ

1792 صحيح مسلم بشرح النووي

Yasir Qadhi wrote on his Facebook page

Our Prophet (salla Allahu alayhi wa sallam) said, "There is no sin in being rich, as long as one has God-consciousness (taqwa). But good health is a greater blessing that being rich for the one of God-consciousness" [Reported by Ibn Mājah].

From this beautiful pearl of a hadith, we learn:

- Being wealthy in and of itself is neither a sign that Allah loves us, nor a sign that He is displeased with us. Money intrinsinically is neither good nor evil. It's what we *do* with the money, and how we earn the money, that makes it blessed or accursed. 

- Nonetheless, money is one of the most powerful incentives for evil, and a primary source of temptation. Hence, most religious texts caution us against an excessive love of money and warn us of the dangers of making it our primary goal. What will prevent us from falling into that temptation is taqwa (God-consciousness).

- Health is far more important than wealth. Ask any rich person who is afflicted with an incurable or painful disease: how much of his wealth would he sacrifice to be cured?! So the one who has been blessed with good health is far, far richer than the one who has been blessed with only money.

- More important than either health or wealth is God-consciousness (taqwa). The ultimate blessing of any person is not in temporary enjoyments, be it life or material possessions. What makes a person truly blessed is the connection that he has with Allah, and the level of consciousness that he constantly displays.

May Allah perfect our taqwa, grant us good health for as long as we live, and bless us with ḥalāl, pure blessed sustenance that is sufficient for us and our loved ones!

 

The earliest account of the Vikings comes from a Muslim traveller, Ibn Fadlan, in the 10th century

On this day (25 July, 1165) the Andalusian Arab scholar and Sufi Ibn Arabi was born in Murcia in what is now Spain.

In 1513, the Spanish monarchy banned the almalafa (hijab) for "Old Christian" women (as opposed to newly converted Muslims) on the pretense that dressing like Muslims is an affront to the Christian faith. Before this royal decree, it was not uncommon for both Muslim and Christian women to dress in the "Moorish style" with their heads covered.

When is the earliest account of Vikings?

In the 12th century the Muslim inventor al-Jazari designed and built a number of automatic mechanical devices, including a robotic musical band powered by water and an automated candle clock.

An Andalusi Muslim's account about Ottoman lands and Constantinople during the reign of Sultan Murad I in the 1300s.

Via Historia Islamica: Reflections on Islamic History

https://ballandalus.wordpress.com/2016/07/24/an-andalusi-mudejar-in-14th-c-constantinople-the-travels-of-ibn-al-sabbah/

There's no way in which you can ever win a war against terror. As long as there are conditions in many parts of the world that make people desperate: poverty, disease, ignorance, etc. I hope that we will discover soon, that we can survive, only together. We can prosper only together. And I think people are beginning to realize this, that you can't have pockets of prosperity in one part of the world and huge deserts of poverty and deprivation and think you can have a stable, secure world.
Desmond Tutu

I don't love her?

Umar ibnul Khattab [r.a.] said to a man who was thinking of divorcing his wife:

“Why do you want to divorce her?” He said, “I do not love her.” ‘Umar RA said, “Must every house be built on love? What about loyalty and appreciation?”

He went on:

'You men! When we marry, we give a serious promise to her. A woman gives birth to children and goes through hard times during her pregnancy. Then she suckles the baby and takes care all nights about her children, when they get sick or need anything. She sacrifices her beauty and youth for being a mother. How fair is if, when her husband leaves her, when she is grown up? If she would have never take care of her home and family, instead of taking care of her body and beauty, her husband would say: “What a bad mother she is.” Where is integrity and loyalty? Fear Allah regarding your behaviour towards your wives.'

[Al-Bayan wa at-Tabayeen, 2/101; Fara’id al – Kalam, p.113]

Nama-nama yang bagus untuk diberi kepada anak-anak

Lelaki:
- Hanafi Ibrahim
- Solahuddin Ayyubi
- Waqqas (learned Christian who predicted Muhammad (pbuh) would be a prophet
- Yasir Qadhi (a name of a scholar)
- Abu Amina Elias (a name of a scholar)
- name them after Muslim inventors (eg Jazari Ismail)

Perempuan
- Nurul Maryam (light of Maryam)
- Nurul Asiyah (light of Asiyah. I don't tecommend naming a child after the Pharaoh's wife)
- Nurul Nisa (tho i dont recommend it, as it sounds like a feminine name. Also Nisa means 'women'. What if the child is not feminine and so doesnt like the name? And her behaviour is not a good example to women?)
- name them after Muslim inventors (eg Fatima Fihri)

Kalau kembar:
- Ilyas Ibrahim & Isa Ilyasa
- Ibrahim & Ismail

The mihrab of the Ulu Camii (Great Mosque) in Adana, Turkey. It was originally built in the early 16th century by the Ramazanoğulları beylik in southern Anatolia.

Does it break the fast?

Biodata Nabi Muhammad

Having a child won't somehow solve the problems in your relationship. It's also not fair to the child to bring them into a toxic environment; bickering, fighting, arguments, name-calling, rudeness, condescending language and behavior... the list goes on. Children are precious, innocent, and highly impressionable beings; they don't deserve to be thrown into that. Work and solve the issues in your relationship before you bring the added factor (and sometimes strain) of children into the mix. Saad Tasleem

Yasir Qadhi wrote on his Facebook page

One of the most amazing stories in the history of American Islam is the story of Ayub b. Sulayman, a Senegalese scholar who was captured in his home town and eventually sold as a slave in Maryland in 1730.

In one of the most bizarre twists of the slave trade, and no doubt due to his sincere duas and faith, a miracle took place, and he managed to earn the respect of his 'masters' by demonstrating his knowledge and character. His master was so impressed that he allowed him to write to his father in Africa, eventually managing to acquire permission and funds to earn his 'release'. He traveled back to his homeland after a few years, stopping over in London, England (where a painting was drawn of him, and he worked as a curator of the British Museum dealing with Arabic manuscripts), and resumed a somewhat normal life after his harrowing years as a slave.

This is a page of the Quran, in his own handwriting, written from memory while he was a slave. It is the first few lines of Surah al-Ma'idah (Chapter Five), written in the Maghribi script which would have been the script he studied as a child. Amazingly (or perhaps not so amazing!), there is not a single mistake on this page.

WHERE IS THIS? A very important city of trade and centre of learning in Muslim Civilisation became the power capital of the empire of Timur (Tamerlane) in the 14th century. Masters of islamic art, gold embroidery, silk weaving, engraving and construction.

CLUE: 2001 UNESCO World Heritage City "Crossroads of Cultures"

(Answer: Samarkand, Uzbekistan)

#YouHaveGotTo #MuslimCivilisation #1001inventions #LostHistory

Abu Huraira reported: The Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, said, “Verily, everything has an enthusiasm and every enthusiasm has a limit. Whoever does so properly and moderately will have hope for success, but whoever earns fingers of accusation will not be deemed worthy.”

Source: Sunan al-Tirmidhī 2453

Grade: Sahih (authentic) according to At-Tirmidhi

عَنْ أَبِي هُرَيْرَةَ عَنْ النَّبِيِّ صَلَّى اللَّهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ قَالَ إِنَّ لِكُلِّ شَيْءٍ شِرَّةً وَلِكُلِّ شِرَّةٍ فَتْرَةً فَإِنْ كَانَ صَاحِبُهَا سَدَّدَ وَقَارَبَ فَارْجُوهُ وَإِنْ أُشِيرَ إِلَيْهِ بِالْأَصَابِعِ فَلَا تَعُدُّوهُ

2453 سنن الترمذي كتاب صفة القيامة والرقائق والورع باب منه

قَالَ أَبُو عِيسَى هَذَا حَدِيثٌ حَسَنٌ صَحِيحٌ غَرِيبٌ

Suhaib ibn Sinan reported: The Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings be upon him, said, “The best of you are those who feed others.”

Source: Musnad Aḥmad 23408

Grade: Sahih (authentic) according to Al-Albani

عن صهيب بن سنان قَالَ قَالَ رَسُولُ اللَّهِ صَلَّى اللَّهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ خِيَارُكُمْ مَنْ أَطْعَمَ الطَّعَامَ

23408 مسند أحمد باقي مسند الأنصار

44 المحدث الألباني خلاصة حكم المحدث صحيح في السلسلة الصحيحة

Yasir Qadhi wrote on his Facebook page

Ma sha Allah really proud of Sr. Jiva Akbor, a student of mine, who demonstrated such wisdom and kindness during a very awkward situation (read the entire story below).

This incident highlights that many of those whom we might assume 'hate' us are actually very nice and caring individuals who have been brainwashed by the fear-mongering of politicians and media outlets. 

I believe Sr. Jiva demonstrated what Allah tells us in the Quran, "Good conduct and evil conduct are not the same! Repel [evil] with good, and lo and behold! The one who was an enemy to you shall become a close friend. But this rank can only be achieved by those who are patient, and it can only be achieved by one who is fortunate!"  [Fussilat: 34-5]

Next time someone treats you with fear, respond with kindness and compassion!

------------------------------------------
Today I had one of the most interesting and most memorable flights of my life.
(This novel of a post is to share a wonderful experience I had today and hopefully spread a little love in the world- get ready it’s an uber long read!)

On my way to Malaga from Glasgow International Airport to meet Sh Abdullah Hakim Quick’s Islamic Spain Tour group, I was sat on my seat at the very back row of the plane.

A lady and her young 11 year old son came and sat in the two seats next to me, the son taking the window seat the lady in the middle and myself in the aisle seat. Her mother was also on the flight seated a few rows ahead.

We were grounded for a good 40 mins, some traffic control issue and so I took the moment to catch up on WhatsApp messages with the Quran Revolution team who were setting up at IlmFest London today.

Whilst sat, plane parked, I received the message from the London team that unfortunately it seems that the car with all the QR booth gear in London had been stolen. It seems that the car was left unlocked and someone had ransacked the vehicle taking all the material, chocolates, resources etc the team had got ready for the booth that day!

I was shocked but wrote my reply to the group as ‘HasbiAllahu la ilaaha illaahu alayhi tawakaltu may Allah make the day easy for you all!’ sent the message and continued going through my other pending messages.

The lady sat next to me asked if she could get out, thinking she wanted the toilet I got up let her out, and sat back down in my seat.

A few moments later she returned and so I got up again and waited for her to take her seat. Only I looked at her face and she was in sheer panic, clearly flustered and didn’t get into the seat immediately.

I noticed the two (amazingly wonderful) air hostesses were stood behind her, also looking concerned. I smiled to them all and gestured towards the seat so that she could get in but she was hesitating.
Then I heard one of the air hostesses say ‘You can take your seat ma'am' to her.

But she stood there, with a look of fright on her face. I was confused. For a split second I though she had some health issue or something and about to have a panic attack.

At that moment she looked at me and said, ‘I saw you write a text message and you wrote Allah on it’.

My heart stopped. And I thought Oh Ma Goddd.

But the words ‘Okaay’ came out my mouth. She repeated herself and was looking like she was on the brink of tears. I don’t remember exactly what I said at this point, but I think I said ‘It just means God in Arabic’.

The few people sat nearby could hear what was going on and whilst the four of us were stood up, one of the air hostesses said to her ‘we don’t have any other seats available left on the flight’ and I couldn’t believe what I was hearing.

This lady was actually scared to sit next to me on this flight and had gone to tell the staff that she saw me write the word ‘Allah’ on a text message and wanted to now change seats – and probably wants me (my now starting to get a sick feeling of dread mind was telling me) removed from the flight too.

The thought of all the other incidents recently that had been circulated of other Muslim passengers being judged and removed and heckled came flooding into my head. And the thought, my biggest fear (other than missing my flight altogether!) was playing out in front of my eyes. A solo Muslim lady traveller and this is actually happening.

The hostess then added, directly to the lady,
‘But YOU are free to leave the flight if you wish’.

And I gotta admit I felt a bit of relief that I wasn’t the one being seen by them as 'the issue' here. They were saying she was free to leave if she had an issue.

But what was bothering me was the state this lady was getting herself into. She was literally shaking, breathing heavy and had gone flush in the face. She then got into the middle seat, next to her son still shock up and I took my seat next to her- telling her again ‘It’s just an Arabic word that means God, you have nothing to worry about’.

The staff confirmed with her that she does not want to leave the flight, she shook her head hesitantly and then I turned to her wanting to calm her down without causing even more fear.

It took her a few more moments, looking me square in the eye, whilst I fumbled telling her how the message was written send well wishes to my colleagues who had a theft today. I quickly filled her in and told her that ‘I’m just a regular Muslim girl travelling, on my way to tour Spain, I was born and bred in Greater Manchester, England and she has nothing to worry about being sat next to me’.

After about 15mins of conversation I could feel her calming down and starting to accept what I was telling her. I rubbed her arm and told her I am not a threat to her. I told her I believe in God and so naturally my conversations often make reference to Him and in written form that is expressed with the word ‘Allah’. She went on to tell me she herself was a woman of religion too- Roman Catholic and we continued our conversation about our faiths.

Before too long I could see remorse in her tone, I think she was shocked at her own reaction and the realisation of what she had thought of me was setting in. In her own words she said ‘it’s so scary what the media can make us think’ and ‘I just panicked’.

What I expected to be a quick three hour flight where I could catch up on some sleep! turned into the most intense heart to heart I’ve ever had with a stranger. I defended my beliefs, I encouraged her to ask me any questions she had and I would try my best to answer the. And about 20 mins into the conversation- she kept repeating ‘I’m so sorry’, ‘I’m so sorry’.

We spoke more, and more and more. And in the words being exchanged between us I could see a change in her heart. She felt regret. Sincere regret.

We spoke about our faiths, our families, our upbringing, our views on current events, the sad state the world seems to be in right now and how in effect it’s led to our very real conversation today. We spoke about our families, we shared pictures of our loved ones, spoke about my mum's cooking, about travelling, about having an open heart and view of the world and the souls within it. We spoke about Scotland, about England, her job, my job. We spoke about our leaders, about Brexit, the exchange rate. About Pokemon Go, about rollorcoasters about where we want to travel. About Mosques, about Churches, about our parents. Our health, our relationships, our plans for the future.

We talked and we laughed and at some moments had tears in our eyes.

When I ordered a bottle of water she paid for it. And then perhaps one of the most sweetest moments ever- she pulled out a small bottle of perfume which she told me was her favourite one and particularly this bottle because it has a star on the lid. And stars are special to her they inspire her and so she wanted me to have it.

Every so often when we would mention something related to our view of the world and the souls within it and she apologised, again and again.

About 2 hours into the conversation I was actually laughing at what had just happened between us. I wanted to understand the mindset. I asked her, ‘So you saw me writing the word 'Allah' and what was the exact thought in your head?’ and she said, ‘I just thought what if this was like the last message you’re sending...’ and I laughed, And with each laugh, she apologised.

And so I told her, we all make mistakes. And we ALL do make mistakes. And whilst this very serious mistake of hers is literally what is making life difficult for the ordinary Muslim living in the world today, where there are some very very tragic, uncalled for and utterly devastating outcomes for some as a result...today she got lucky with sitting next to the chillest girl ever :), and so it’s okay.

And it was okay. I encouraged her to take the time to converse with other Muslims, to not believe the scaremongering of politicians and media outlets out there in the world. And we both understood the real impact it can have on two ordinary folks sat next to each other for a few hours on a flight to Spain. I asked her to think for herself and always with the lens of humanity.

...Today I had one of the most interesting and most memorable flights of my life. I made a friend called Beverley who made a mistake and acknowledged it. I met a lady who is deep down inside a wonderful, wonderful human and showed me that the fear-mongering purposely and strategically carried out in this world by the powers-that-be today are very, very real and can make an ordinary person have the most shocking of reactions…but if we’re blessed enough ALLAH can easily turn them into the most amazing of life’s moments.

~~~~
I know today was special for us both and many lessons learnt on both sides. We hugged, exchanged numbers and will definitely keep in touch. I know not all similar situations are as peachy and ‘happily ever after’ for many, many Muslims in the world right now. But I have all the love in the world for Beverley and pray we can only basque in the beautiful moments shared today. 

Much love to her son and adorable mum too, who were oblivious to what had happened today, but were simply the sweetest.

Also much love to the Jet2 Air Hostesses who are AMAZING!! Their support in making me feel safe and ‘normal’ was beyond appreciated. I would post their pics up too but we kinda took some goofy ones together :P and they told me they might get in trouble if they end up on FB...and so their anonymity is my pleasure! :)

There is a hadith in which a man comes to the Prophet (SAW) and asked him if he has permission to commit a type of "honor killing" and the Prophet says NO!

http://dailyhadith.abuaminaelias.com/2012/01/30/hadith-on-justice-it-is-forbidden-to-apply-legal-punishments-without-due-process-of-government-leadership/

Got this from a post i come across
"REMINDER: Keep calm and think the best of everyone no matter what you see.

I am a White American and Muslim.

I saw the janitor (Jordanian) at my local mosque leave Salat today wearing a Confederate Bars and Stripes T-shirt. I told my husband to explain to him in Arabic what the flag is. I feared for his safety considering all the recent events.

The Janitor's eyes got wide and he started hitting himself on the head and cursing. Earlier that day, a black man outside of a grocery store gave him a nasty look and spat at him. He thought the man was angry because he was Arab and Muslim, and was taking out his frustration over the attack in Nice.

Apparently the janitor had bought the shirt on sale at a discount super store. And as I had figured, had not been in the U.S. long enough to recognize the confederate flag, or had any clue there had been a Civil War.

Lesson of the Day, MAKE NO ASSUMPTIONS ABOUT ANYTHING, and DON'T ACT OUT. You just never really know who a person is just by looking at them."

Uqbah ibn Amr reported: The Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings be upon him, said, “Verily, I am not afraid that you will commit idolatry, but rather I am afraid you will compete with each other for the world.”

Source: Ṣaḥīḥ al-Bukhārī 3816, Ṣaḥīḥ Muslim 2296

Grade: Muttafaqun Alayhi (authenticity agreed upon) according to Al-Bukhari and Muslim

عَنْ عُقْبَةَ بْنِ عَامِرٍ قَالَ قَالَ رَسُولُ اللَّهِ صَلَّى اللَّهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ إِنِّي لَسْتُ أَخْشَى عَلَيْكُمْ أَنْ تُشْرِكُوا وَلَكِنِّي أَخْشَى عَلَيْكُمْ الدُّنْيَا أَنْ تَنَافَسُوهَا

3816 صحيح البخاري كتاب المغازي باب غزوة أحد

2296 صحيح مسلم كتاب الفضائل باب إثبات حوض نبينا صلى الله عليه وسلم وصفاته

On this day (16 July, 1212) Christian forces led by the Kingdom of Castile decisively defeated the Almohad (Muwahhidun) Empire at the Battle of Las Navas de Tolosa near Jaén in al-Andalus. The battle marked the beginning of the Almohad Empire's decline. In the following decades Cordoba, Seville, and Jaén would fall to the Christian conquest, with only Granada holding out for another 250 years.

Newt Gingrich, in response to the horrific and dastardly attack in Nice, called for all American Muslims to be interrogated and, if found believing in Shariah, 'deported' (to where exactly, he didn't say).

Well Mr. Gingrich, no need to interrogate me. I believe in the Divine Law known as Shariah. Always have, and pray to Allah that I always will.  It's because I believe in Shariah that I strive to live a just, honest, ethical life. It's because I believe in Shariah that I strive to be respectful of those older than me, and merciful to those younger than me. Its because I believe in Shariah that I don't lie, cheat or take advantage of others, even when no one else is watching. It's because I believe in Shariah that I live a debt-free life, don't invest in harmful companies and don't purchase what I can't afford. It's because I believe in Shariah that I strive to eat healthier food and would pay more for non-GMO products.

And, it's because I believe in Shariah that I view terrorist attacks on innocents (wherever they may occur and however they may occur and from whomever they occur and upon whomever they occur) with such anger and condemnation, for the Shariah teaches me the sanctity of human life and an ethical code of conduct.

Actually Newt, it's because of my Shariah that I strive to be better than you and not demonstrate the type of ignorance, racism, opportunistic demagoguery and outright stupidity that has characterized your rhetoric for the last few years.

May I ask all of you to help me spread this hashtag, in response to Newt Gingrich's bigotry, and follow it up (or precede it by) a sentence that summarizes what Shariah means to you:

#IBelieveInShariah

PS.  Newt, if you're going to deport all of us, Canada has plenty of space, great health care, friendly people, and an awesome Prime Minister. Just make sure you provide us with plenty of winter gear before you kick us out to protect us from their weather! Just sayin' 😎

Abu Sa’eed Al-Khudri reported: The Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings be upon him, said, “The most complete of the believers in faith are those with the best character, who lower their wings and are kind and gracious, for he is not one of us who is neither kind nor gracious.”

Source: al-Mu’jam al-Awsaṭ 4559

Grade: Hasan (fair) according to Al-Albani

عَنْ أَبِي سَعِيدٍ الْخُدْرِيِّ قَالَ قَالَ رَسُولُ اللَّهِ صَلَّى اللَّهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ أَكْمَلُ الْمُؤْمِنِينَ إِيمَانًا أَحَاسِنُهُمْ أَخْلاقًا الْمُوَطَّئُونَ أَكْنَافًا الَّذِينَ يَأْلَفُونَ وَيُؤْلَفُونَ وَلَيْسَ مِنَّا مَنْ لا يَأْلَفُ وَلا يُؤْلَفُ

4559 المعجم الأوسط للطبراني باب العين من اسمه عبد الله

1231 المحدث الألباني خلاصة حكم المحدث حسن في صحيح الجامع

The Prophet (salla Allahu alayhi wa sallam) said, "There shall be righteous people in every generation who will carry this [Sacred] knowledge. They shall protect [the religion] from the distortions of those who seek to go beyond the bounds, and the false claims of those who seek to destroy, and the interpretations of those who are ignorant"  [Reported by al-Bayhaqi and others].

From this hadith, we learn:

1) There shall always be a group of scholars who collectively carry the responsibility of the prophets, and who shall faithfully protect the religion and keep it steered to the Straight Path, with correct knowledge and integrity.

2) There shall be a group of Muslims who wish to distort the religious texts, and claim that they say things that the texts do not actually say. Some might even be sincere, for ultra-literalist fanatics at times cause more damage than rationalistic modernists, but both of them are going beyond the bounds of the Shariah.

3) There shall be a group of Muslims whose intentions are evil, and who effectively wish to discredit the very role of the Quran and the traditions of Islam.

4) There shall be a group of Muslims who are simply uneducated and ignorant, and who shall misinterpret the text, not necessarily out of evil intentions, but because they are not qualified to interpret properly.

We ask Allah to make us from the first category, and seek His refuge from being of any other category!

On silent trade, and the use of Portuguese and Arabic as lingua francas.

http://epress.lib.uts.edu.au/journals/index.php/TfC/article/viewFile/1377/1441

Abdullah ibn Mas’ud reported: The Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings be upon him, said, “No, by Allah, you must enjoin good and forbid evil, seize the hand of the oppressor, make him follow the truth, and restrict him to what is right.”

Source: Sunan Abī Dāwūd 4336

Grade: Hasan (fair) according to Ibn Hajar

عَنْ عَبْدِ اللَّهِ بْنِ مَسْعُودٍ قَالَ قَالَ رَسُولُ اللَّهِ صَلَّى اللَّهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ كَلَّا وَاللَّهِ لَتَأْمُرُنَّ بِالْمَعْرُوفِ وَلَتَنْهَوُنَّ عَنْ الْمُنْكَرِ وَلَتَأْخُذُنَّ عَلَى يَدَيْ الظَّالِمِ وَلَتَأْطُرُنَّهُ عَلَى الْحَقِّ أَطْرًا وَلَتَقْصُرُنَّهُ عَلَى الْحَقِّ قَصْرًا

4336 سنن أبي داود كتاب الملاحم باب الأمر والنهي

4/489 المحدث ابن حجر العسقلاني خلاصة حكم المحدث حسن في تخريج مشكاة المصابيح

After the conquest Constantinople in 1453, Ottoman Sultan Mehmet II invested in an educational endowment that established a set of eight schools of higher education in the city. The schools paid their professors higher than any other teachers in the empire and provided stipends for 120 students.

Pictured: the dome of Fatih Camii [Mosque], the centerpiece of the complex that included the schools.

Arabic calligraphy inside the Huaisheng Mosque in Guangzhou China, traditionally said to have been built in 672 by Sa'd ibn Abi Waqqas, an uncle of the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ.

Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) stood in humanity in Medina while ISIS tried to destroy it

http://www.middleeasteye.net/columns/prophet-muhammad-stood-humanity-medina-while-tries-destroy-it-933988967

On Decolonising Academics & Pathologies of Muslim Intellectualism

https://mnoushad.wordpress.com/2015/10/23/on-decolonising-academics-pathologies-of-muslim-intellectualism/

The Languages of Roman Palestine

https://www.academia.edu/246521/The_Languages_of_Roman_Palestine_in_Catherine_Hezser_ed._The_Oxford_Handbook_of_Roman_Palestine_Oxford_Oxford_University_Press_2010_pp._122-41

Yasir Qadhi wrote on his Facebook page
"Abdul Sattar Edhi came from a poor family. Almost illiterate growing up, not able to go to any University, and working as a poor factory worker, he decided at the age of 20, one year after his beloved mother died, to make a difference in the world. Not having anything to give, he gave his love and service and dedication.

He says of his own experiences, "I didn't want to beg to get money; I wanted to teach my people to be generous on their own." And that is exactly what happened. For decades, he slowly created a name for himself as being the one who would take care of any abandoned child, or help any sick person, or take care of any impoverished family, without concern as to the creed, color, religion or race of the one in distress. Eventually, money came to him from all places in the world, and all of it he gave back, wrapped in his love and served with his dedication. His simple lifestyle is a manifestation of that sincerity - to the day that he died, he owned but two garments.

As far back as I can remember, I always heard his name mentioned with the utmost of honor and respect, amongst all of my family and circle of friends, in gatherings public and private. And today, as we all mourn his death, and pray that Allah blesses him and exalts his ranks, we see truly what inspires people to love. We see the single sure way to earn the genuine respect and admiration of humanity, and, we hope, rewards with the Divine.

It doesn't matter whether your Sunni or Shi`i, Salafi or Sufi, Barelwi or Ahl-e-Hadis, Christian or Muslim, Pakistani or Arab. Today, all that knew him and his works - and I mean *ALL* that knew him and his works - mourn his loss together. Helping others selflessly is the language of all religions and peoples, and it is the essence of true spirituality.   

What a giant amongst men, and how immense the vacuum that he has left for us to attempt to fill!

May Allah reward you, Abdul Sattar Edhi, for all that you have done, and for showing us that humans such as yourselves - living, walking saints - can exist."

"I have thought a lot about my final Ramadan post. I am so angry and saddened on a level that I have only felt a few times in my life. The attacks on the US, Lebanon, Turkey, Bangladesh, Iraq, and Saudi Arabia, have truly broken my heart and some of the images, like in Orlando, Instanbul and Iraq will haunt me all the days of my life.
   My goal this Ramadan was to try and seek out peace and understanding, and achieve a closer relationship with Allah and my fellow human beings. Allah taught me much this Holy Ramadan but the most important lesson He taught me was that I am not responsible for the evil actions or the hatred in the hearts of others. I am absolutely responsible for my own evil action and the hatred in my own heart.
   I am already trying to incorporate this new understanding into the behaviors and language that I use with others. As I told a dear friend tonight, if I allow the actions of others to make me set aside my beliefs and emulate those I believe are evil, then I have chosen to make them the winners in this fight.
    Nothing that they can do, no matter how evil or vicious an act they perpetrate, can defeat us, unless we allow ourselves to set aside our basic human decency and begin to behave in such a foul and despicable manner as they do.
    I truly believe this. On my day of judgement, I cannot say, I did evil because so and so did evil. I cannot say that I oppressed or dehumanized another human being because so and so did such and such. I will be judged on my actions alone.
    This is not to say that I do not wish for the evil that is daesh to be utterly destroyed and prevented from harming another innocent soul, because I do. But I will not hate them. I will not celebrate their destruction. I will not become like them in the battle to defeat them. Quite the opposite. I will pray for their forgiveness. I will feel remorse that they chose evil over good. And I will try to forgive them in my own heart.
    I am so sorry for all of the victims of daesh and to my brothers and sisters in Islam for having our Holy season desecrated in this manner. I also am very sorry for the victims of Islamic hatred and bigotry who have suffered for the actions of people they are not only not a part of, but are obviously the greatest enemies of. Please know that your suffering and your pain is seen by Allah and He loves you even more for your sacrifices.
    I pray for a day when such needless violence and suffering is no longer a part of our world and our lives. Ramadan Mubarak to all of my brothers and sisters in Islam. God bless all decent and good people of every faith, and of no faiths. May we never forget the differences between us and those who do evil in this world. When brother Bob Marley was asked how he could perform only hours after he and his wife were shot in a failed assassination attempt, he turned to the reporter as he was stepping onstage and said "Those who wish to do evil in this world do not take days off, how can I?" "

How the Islamic state should treat Christians

'an Islamic state must not harm Christian churches in any way, nor can any Muslim leader intrude on how Christian groups anoint leaders'

What to do on Eidul Fitri and Eidul Adha

The oldest library is reopened, Al-Qarawiyyin

http://www.techinsider.io/inside-al-qarawiyyin-the-oldest-library-in-the-world-2016-6