Misconception About Islam 2

Islam Oppresses Women

The image of the typical Muslim woman wearing the veil and forced to stay home and forbidden to drive is all too common in most peoples thoughts. Although some Muslim countries may have laws that oppress women, this should not be seen as coming from Islam. Many of these countries do not rule by any kind of Shari'ah (Islamic law) and introduce their own cultural standpoints on the issue of gender equity.

Islam on the other hand gives men and women different roles and equity between the two is laid down in the Quran and the example of the Prophet (peace be upon him). Islam sees a woman, whether single or married, as an individual in her own right, with the right to own and dispose of her property and earnings. A marriage gift is given by the groom to the bride for her own personal use, and she keeps her own family name rather than taking her husband's. Both men and women are expected to dress in a way that is modest and dignified. The Messenger of God (peace be upon him) said: "The most perfect in faith amongst believers is he who is best in manner and kindest to his wife."

Violence of any kind towards women and forcing them against their will for anything is not allowed. A Muslim marriage is a simple, legal agreement in which either partner is free to include conditions. Marriage customs thus vary widely from country to country. Divorce is not common, although it is acceptable as a last resort. According to Islam, a Muslim girl cannot be forced to marry against her will: her parents simply suggest young men they think may be suitable.

Top 10 Misconceptions about Islam

Misconception 1
Muslims are violent, terrorists or extremists.

This is the biggest misconception in Islam, no doubt resulting from the constant stereotyping and bashing the media gives Islam. When a gunman attacks a mosque in the name of Judaism, a Catholic IR guerrilla sets off a bomb in an urban area, or Serbian Orthodox militiamen rape and kill innocent Muslim civilians, these acts are not used to stereotype an entire faith. Never are these acts attributed to the religion of the perpetrators. Yet how many times have we heard the words 'Islamic, Muslim fundamentalist. etc.' linked with violence.

Politics in so called "Muslim countries" may or may not have any Islamic basis. Often dictators and politicians will use the name of Islam for their own purposes. One should remember to go to the source of Islam and separate what the true religion of Islam says from what is portrayed in the media. Islam literally means 'submission to God' and is derived from a root word meaning 'peace'.

Islam may seem exotic or even extreme in the modern world. Perhaps this is because religion doesn't dominate everyday life in the West, whereas Islam is considered a 'way of life' for Muslims and they make no division between secular and sacred in their lives. Like Christianity, Islam permits fighting in self-defense, in defense of religion, or on the part of those who have been expelled forcibly from their homes. It lays down strict rules of combat which include prohibitions against harming civilians and against destroying crops, trees and livestock.

NOWHERE DOES ISLAM ENJOIN THE KILLING OF INNOCENTS

The Quran says: "Fight in the cause of God against those who fight you, but do not transgress limits. God does not love transgressors." (Quran 2:190) "If they seek peace, then seek you peace. And trust in God for He is the One that heareth and knoweth all things." (Quran 8:61) War, therefore, is the last resort, and is subject to the rigorous conditions laid down by the sacred law. The term 'jihad' literally means 'struggle'. Muslims believe that there are two kinds of jihad. The other 'jihad' is the inner struggle of the soul which everyone wages against egotistic desires for the sake of attaining inner peace.

Story about Masjid al-Aqsa

Sûrah Al-Isrâ' (The Journey by Night) XVII , Ayât 1

سُبْحَانَ الَّذِي أَسْرَى بِعَبْدِهِ لَيْلا مِنَ الْمَسْجِدِ الْحَرَامِ إِلَى الْمَسْجِدِ الأقْصَى الَّذِي بَارَكْنَا حَوْلَهُ لِنُرِيَهُ مِنْ آيَاتِنَا إِنَّه هُوَ السَّمِيعُ الْبَصِيرُ

Glorified (and Exalted) is He (Allâh) [Above all that (evil) they associate with Him] {Tafsîr Qurtubî} Who took His slave (Muhammad Sala-llahu Alahi Wa Salam) for a Journey by Night from Al Masjid Al Harâm (at Makkah) to Al Masjid Al Aqsa (in Jerusalem), the neighbourhood whereof We have blessed, in order that We might show Him (Muhammad Sala-llahu Alahi Wa Salam) of Our Ayât's (proofs, evidences, verses, lessons, signs, revelations, etc.). Verily, He is the All-Hearer, the All-Seer. (TMQ* 17 : 1)

Al Masjid Al Aqsa is the second Masjid ever to be build for the sole worship of Allâh Subhanahu Wa Ta'ala. Throughout the ages Al Masjid Al Aqsa has suffered many transformations and destruction. When Umar Ibn Khattab Radi-Allahu 'anhu entered Bait Al-Maqdis in 15 Ah he ordered that the area, where he believed the Masjid location had been, to be cleared to start the building of the initial structure of the Masjid. The actual building started in 18 AH and the Masjid was made out of timber. Abd Al Malik Ibn Marwan began the construction of Al Masjid Al Aqsa in its new shape and structure but it was his son Al Waleed who completed it in 90 AH. The present structure has remained essentially intact since it was last reconstructed in 424 AH by Al Khalifah Ath-Thaahir who did not alter it from its previous architecture; he only narrowed it on each of its east and west sides.

Nowadays, there is a very unique phenomenon; unfortunately too many Muslims do not understand to differences between Al Masjid Al Aqsa and The Dome of the Rock (Qubbat al-Sakhra). There are pictures of the Dome of the Rock and misinterpret that to be Al Masjid Al Aqsa and vice versa; there is a difference. Al Masjid Al Aqsa is the place of prayer and is situated in the southern portion of the plateau (see the picture on the right), and the Dome of the Rock is an architectural structure built on the raised rock (from the Prophet Muhammad Sala-llahu Alahi Wa Sala accession during the Isrâ and Mi'raj) that is situated in the middle of the plateau in Jerusalem.

Why this confusion? The main reason is simple lack of knowledge and understanding. Whenever there is mention of Al Masjid Al Aqsa, pictures of The Dome of the Rock appear in the media and newspapers. We even have similar posters in our homes, offices and schools of The Dome of the Rock with our belief it is Al Masjid Al Aqsa. It's the ubiquitous plan to eventually try to destroy Al Masjid Al Aqsa and build a temple on that location, and if anyone complains they will be shown pictures of The Dome of the Rock as justification that in fact it has not been destroyed. We have to educate ourselves and the Islâmic community so we do not fall prey to systematic plan to destroy our Islâmic culture, customs, values, beliefs and history.

The Dome of the Rock was built by Khalifah Abd Al Malik Ibn Marwan in 72 AH. It says in al-Mawsoo’ah al-Filasteeniyyah (4/203): “The name Al Masjid Al Aqsa was historically applied to the entire sanctuary (al-Haram al-Shareef) and the buildings in it, the most important of which is the Dome of the Rock which was built by ‘Abd Al Malik Ibn Marwan in 72 AH/691 CE, which is regarded as one of the greatest Islamic historical buildings. But today the name is applied to the great mosque which is situated in the southern part of the sanctuary plateau.”

This is supported by the words of Sheikh al Islam Ibn Taimiyah in Majmoo’at al-Rasaa’il al-Kubra, 2/61: “Al Masjid Al Aqsa is the name for the whole of the place of worship built by Sulaimân Alahi Wa Salam. Some people started to give the name of Al Masjid Al Aqsa to the Salât-place which was built by ‘Umar Ibn al Khattab Radi-Allahu 'anhu in front of it. Perform Salât this Salât-place which ‘Umar Radi-Allahu 'anhu built for the Muslims is better than perform Salât in the rest of the Masjid.

The importance of Al Masjid Al Aqsa and Jerusalem has been central to the Muslim Ummah since its creation.

Abû Dharr Radi-Allahu 'anhu he asked Prophet Muhammad Sala-llahu Alahi Wa Salam,

'O Messenger Sala-llahu Alahi Wa Salam of Allâh Subhanahu Wa Ta'ala, which Masjid was built first on earth first? He said, 'Al Masjid Al Harâm (in Makkah).' I said 'Then which?' He said, 'Al Masjid Al Aqsa' I said how much time was there between them? He said, ' Forty years'. So wherever you are when the time for prayer comes pray, for that is the best thing to do'

(Sahîh Al Bukhâri and Sahîh Muslim (TMH**)

Al Masjid Al Aqsa was the first Qiblah. Muhammad Sala-llahu Alahi Wa Salam and his followers perform Salât for 16 months towards the Al Masjid Al Aqsa, until the Qiblah was changed towards the Ka'bah in Makkah. It was at Al Masjid Al Aqsa where Prophet Muhammad Sala-llahu Alahi Wa Salam led all of the Prophets Alahi Wa Salam of Allâh Subhanahu Wa Ta'ala that came before him in Salât and then ascended to Jannah to receive Allâh Subhanahu Wa Ta'ala command to the Muslims to perform Salât 5 times a day. Therefore , the whole of Al Masjid Al Aqsa area is unique in that this is the only place on earth where all the Prophets Alahi Wa Salam preformed Salât in congregation.

Al Masjid Al Aqsa also represents one of only three Masjid's where we are recommended to visit for sole purpose of praying Salât. The virtues of praying in Al Masjid Al Aqsa are multiplied by a thousand times.

Abu Hurairah Radi-Allahu 'anhu is quoted as saying that Allâh Subhanahu Wa Ta'ala Messenger said: '"There are only three Masjid's to which you should embark on a journey: the sacred Masjid (Al Masjid Al Harâm (Makkah Saudi Arabia), this Masjid of mine (Al Masjid Al Madînah An Nadi, Madînah Saudi Arabia), and the Al Masjid Al Aqsa (Jerusalem)."

( Sahîh Al Bukhâri and Sahîh Muslim TMH**)

The virtues of perform Salât in Al Masjid Al Aqsa are exalted:

Abû Dardaa Radi-Allahu 'anhu is quoted as saying the Prophet Muhammad Sala-llahu Alahi Wa Salam said a Salât in the Sacred Masjid (Al Masjid Al Harâm (Makkah Saudi Arabia) is worth 100.000 Salât, a Salât in Masjid of mine (Al Masjid Al Madînah An Nadi, Madînah Saudi Arabia) is worth 1.000 and a Salât in Al Masjid Al Aqsa (Jerusalem) is worth 500 Salât more then any other Masjid.

(Sahîh Al Bukhâri TMH**)

Allâh Subhanahu Wa Ta'ala through Ayât's (proofs, evidences, verses, lessons, signs, revelations, etc.) in the Qur'ân Al Kareem, Prophet Muhammad Sala-llahu Alahi Wa Salam teachings and his visiting Al Masjid Al Aqsa during Isrâ and Mi'râj has made this Masjid central to our belief. During these times of conflicts, persecution and blatant daily injustices, we as Muslims should perform Salât for the safety of Al Masjid Al Aqsa, The Dome of Rock, its surroundings areas and our Muslim brothers and sisters who struggle to restore and keep this land in peace for all the people Insha' Allah.

* = Translation of the Meaning of the Qur'ân Al Kareem. This translation is for the realized meaning, so far, of the stated (Sûrah : Ayât) of the Qur'ân Al Kareem. Reading the translated meaning of the Qur'ân Al Kareem can never replace reading it in Arabic, the language in which it was revealed.

**= Translation of the Meaning of the Ahâdith or Hadîth. This translation is for the realized meaning, so far, of the stated of the Ahâdith or Hadîth. Reading the translated meaning of the Ahâdith or Hadîth can never replace reading it in Arabic, the language in which it was revealed

source from : www.dawaatelislam.com

Difference Between al-Aqsa Mosque and al-Qubbah al-Shakhrah Mosque (Dome Of The Rock)

al-Qubbah al-Sakhrah Mosque View

al-Aqsa Mosque View

al-Qubbah al-Sakhrah Mosque (The Dome of The Rock)

al-Aqsa Mosque

For all the muslims brother and sisters, hopefully you could continue you fasting with your best. This post also talking about the difference between al-Aqsa Mosque and the Qubbah al-Sakhrah Mosque ( The Dome Of The Rock) which always make some of us confuse and this thing already planned by them which hate Islam and Muslim. So to avoid this confuse remain, all of you could see all these picture above, and you can see the difference of these two buildings clearly and make yourself clear too. We also should tell to all of our friends about this things to make sure they also have no missperception.

Welcome Ramadhan

Welcome Ramadan. Today is the first day of Ramadan 1428 Hijriah. Muslims consider Ramadan is the best month of the year. Its a blessing month.

It is during this month that Muslims observe the Fast of Ramadan. Lasting for the entire month, Muslims fast during the daylight hours and in the evening eat small meals and visit with friends and family. It is a time of worship and contemplation. Its also a best time to strengthen family and community ties

They fast during the days of this month and make special prayers at night. People also give more charity and do extra righteous deeds. Also, in this Holy Month, The Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) received the first revelation of Al-Qur'an. Ramadhan is the month of celebration as well as the month of discipline and self-control education. Muslims always wait for the first day of Ramadhan to come. its already came right now.

To all Muslims brothers and sisters over the world. I would likes to wish, happy fasting for this Ramadan and try the best for our best obligation to almighty Allah and at the same time don't forget about our brothers and sisters which need our help anywhere over the world. Marhaban Ya Ramadhan al-Mubarak.

The Real al-Aqsa Mosque in Palestine

Prophet Solomon (peace be upon him) which in Arabic we called him as ‘Sulaiman', built a mosque, a long, long time ago, on Mt. Moriah in Jerusalem.

He dedicated it to the worship of Allah s.w.t. the One True God. Like his father, Prophet David(Dawood in Arabic) (peace be upon him) , he was a prophet and a messenger, calling all humanity to the worship of Allah s.w.t. and to establish piety on the earth.

Now, all these years later and its nowadays, there is some confusion about the site of the real al-Aqsa mosque. In the eastern part of Jerusalem is the Old city, a quadrangular area built on two hills. Within the wall there are four quarters. The Muslim quarter, on the east, contains the Haram al-Sharif, within which are the ‘Dome of the Rock' and the ‘Mosque of al Aqsa'. Both places are sacred sites for Muslims. However it is around the Mosque of Al Aqsa that the confusion lies.

Whenever mention is made in the local or international media pertaining to Al Aqsa, a picture of the ‘Dome of the rock' will appear. These two mosques lie within a rather close proximity to each other but they bear little resemblance. All over the world, we can find pictures of the ‘Dome of the rock' under the heading ‘Al Aqsa' , to the point that people aren't really sure anymore, which is which.

The difference however, is clear and simple. The ‘Dome of the rock' bears the sacred rock that Prophet Mohammed (peace be upon him) stood on when he went on the ascension to the Sidratul Muntaha, while Al Aqsa mosque lies on the site of the original mosque of Prophet Solomon (Sulaiman) (peace be upon him). Islam reveres both Jewish and Christian traditions, as these two religions belong to its traditions.

Actually Al Aqsa Mosque was the original qiblat (The direction ofMuslim prayers), which was later changed during the time of Prophet Mohammed (peace be upon him) to the Ka'ba at Mecca al Mukarramah.

The reason for the deliberate dispersion of false information is also clear and simple. By focusing attention on the ‘Dome of the rock' under the label of Al Aqsa, all the Muslim people all over the world will not know when the real Al Aqsa mosque finally disappears.

Islam is the second largest religion in the world

Islam with followers (Muslim) who follow the final revelation to mankind, known as the Qur'an surpassing the one and a half billion population, is the second largest religion in the world. It is also the fastest growing religion in the world and also in the United States. In ten years, the population of Muslims (followers of Islam) in the United States went from four million to eight million, making Islam the second largest religion in the United States.

Contrary to the common misconception, only about 20% of all Muslims are Arabs, the rest are Malays, Indians, Indonesians, Bosnians, Chinese, European and so on.

Islam is not a new religion. Islam’s final message was revealed to Prophet Muhammad ( peace be upon him) more than 1428 years ago. Allah the Almighty God, revealed this message to him through the angel Gabriel. This message was preserved in the Holy Qur’an during the holy month of Ramadan. Earlier revelations consist of the Torah of Moses (peace be upon him) and the Injeel of Jesus (peace be upon him).

MOSQUES AS INSTITUTIONS TO MUSLIM'S SPIRITUAL AND PHYSICAL GROWTH

A balanced development of human spirituality is able to be portrayed as a living seed which fertilizes the entire value of Muslims' devotion towards the Creator. Clarifying on this matter, it is apparent that mosques are amongst the most important aspects in a Muslim's life. The significance of mosques has been revealed by Allah as something which is very important since the existence of human race on earth. Allah clarifies this in Ali Imran (3:96) denoting that mosques are the earliest construction made to fulfill human devotion rights towards Allah.

The prophet Muhammad (pbuh) further explained the importance of mosques to us by constructing the Quba Mosque. The mosque was built as soon as the prophet reached Madinah's periphery on his emigrate (Hirah) journey. Prospering a mosque is a sign of piousness of a Muslim towards the Creator. This is clearly mentioned by Allah in At-Taubah (9:8) : "For those who prosper the mosques, they are indeed people who surrender in faith to Allah and the hereafter."

A mosque is a symbol of educational institution, mental and physical development, gregariousness and nationalism of a Muslim. In other words, an Islamic country can be formed by the union of Muslims with the jamaah. Due to that, today's Muslim community must perceive further on the significance of mosques as an institution and furthermore initiate in its prosperity. A mosque's function is not solely for praying but is inclusive of the veins and heartbeats of its followers. If we observe the mosque in a narrow perception, as if it is just a prayer's place, it is worried that future generations would have an idea that Islam is just merely prayers, whereas Islam is actually life itself as a whole, inclusive of all aspects of it.

The sophistication of a mosque doesn't root from the glitter of its lighting and the profound construction, but it can be remarkable and magnificent if it is prospered with good deeds (ibadah) and all Muslims' activities in it. To turn this into reality all of us must give and make time to be present at the mosque.

We don't need to wait for a free time before making the decision to attend the mosque. Time is of essence and it passes by, leaving us and will never return. Therefore the need to squeeze some time in attending the mosque is compulsory, parallel to the time we allot to other obligations. This is to be done without discrimination towards personal and educational background, skin colour, race and language because Islam is meant for all human race. We are not obliged to be at the mosque at all times, but the priority in prospering it should exist in our daily life schedule.

Among things which could be done by all Muslims from around the world is to turn a mosque into a "One Stop Centre", where Muslim community will be able to receive benefits from it. We can build budget hotels to cater the needs of stopping-by travelers without discriminating on their race and religion. Other than that we can build up grocery shops, textile and clothing boutiques, laundry services, automotive workshops, petrol pump stations and many others. The running of all these businesses should be based totally on Islamic philosophy and teachings from the organization, financial, administration and other aspects.

All of them should be open 24 hours per day due to their significance towards the humanity. If we look at mosques as equal in importance as all of our other needs, the mosque is definitely going to be prosper and beautiful. When we transfer the mosque into a "One Stop Centre" indirectly our lives will be surrounded by the institution of mosques. This will attach us to the mosque and seal us a closer relationship with Allah

Everyone should be brought along to the mosque and perform all the practices and customs of the mosques, which some of us are never even aware of it before. Prayers and mosques educate us to co-operate without discriminating social standards, learn to admonish faulty leaders and adhere to rightful leaders, appreciate cleanliness, being humble, punctual and others.

After fulfilling the obligation towards prospering the mosque, we are further obliged to continue our daily jobs to earn a living which has been given by Allah on earth. The initiative to prosper the mosque should not be perceived lightly by us. It is meant to return the glorious moment of Muslims worldwide. Islam does not put aside non-Muslims needs, in fact it is done hand-in-hand. That's the best way to describe it. We will continue being as 'bubbles in the ocean' if we continue putting a distance away from the mosque.

Mosque is a source of human integrity. The Quranic versus should be practiced and not just displayed for theory purposes. To make this happen into reality, we must prosper all mosques that are within our reach. All members in the community should make this into realization within their personal capacity. Without co-operation from all, this idea will just be a fruitless discussion. Therefore we must initiate it into our real lives so that we would be able to develop the Muslim community in all aspects of life. Due to this, a minimum of 2 hours daily should be allotted to attend the mosque, for the purpose of praying with jamaah and building a social relationship within the community.

This proposal is open to all Muslims from all over the world. The utmost important criteria is "Lailahaillallah" in every Muslim hearts. Burning passion and resolution should be marked into the hearts of every Muslim souls worldwide and to be put into realization with actual physical movement.

With Allah's blessings, apart from our own initiatives, hopefully this proposal is able to be realized by all Muslim on earth.

For those who happened to read this note, please open up your mind, give a thought to its righteousness, seek for Allah's guidance and perform it without any procrastination. It is hoped that all of us would be blessed by Allah now and hereafter.

AMIN.

The knowledge of our Almighty God Allah

As a muslim, how we could acquire the knowledge and belief in Allah, His attributes, His Law, and the Day of Judgement?

As a human being, we have already referred to countless manifestations of Allah around us and in our own selves, which bear witness to the fact that there is one and only one creator and Governor of this universe and it is He Who controls and directs it. These witnesses reflect the divine attributes of the creator: His great wisdom, His all-embracing knowledge, His omnipotence, His mercy, His all-sustaining power, His force major-in short, His attributes can be traced everywhere in His work. But man’s intellect and his capacity to attain knowledge have erred in observing and understanding them. These are all manifest and clear and our eyes are open to read what is writ large on the creation. But here men have erred.

Some of them have declared that there are two gods others began to profess belief in trinity, and still others succumbed to polytheism. Some began nature-worship and others divided into multifarious deities: gods of rain, air, fair, death, etc. As such, although the manifestations of God were quite clear, human reason has faltered on various counts and failed to see the reality in its true perspective. It met deception after deception and resulted in nothing but confusion of thought. We hardly need dilate here on these errors of human judgment.

Similarly, with regard to life after death men have put forward many erroneous notions; for instance, that man is reduced to dust after death and will not rise to life again; or that man is subject to a process of continuous regeneration in this very world and is punished or rewarded in the oncoming cycles of life.

Even greater difficulty arises when we come to the question of the code of life. To formulate a complete and balanced code of life that should conform to Allah’s pleasure merely with the help of human reason, is an extremely difficult task. If a man is equipped with the highest faculties of reason and intellect and he possesses matchless wisdom and experience of many years of deliberation, even then the chances of his formulating right views on life and existence are not very promising. And even if, after a lifelong deliberation, he succeeds in that he will still lack in the confidence that he has really discovered the truth and adopted the right path.

Although the fullest and fairest test of man’s wisdom, reason, and knowledge might have been to leave him to his own resources without any external guidance so that he those who, through their own sagacious siftings and strivings, might have reached truth and righteousness would have won success and salvation, while those not reaching them would have failed.Allah, how ever, spared His human creatures such a hard test. Through His grace and benevolence He raised for mankind men from among themselves to whom He imparted the true knowledge of His attributes, revealed to them His Law and the Right Code of Living, gave them the knowledge of the meaning and purpose of life and of the life after death and thus showed them the way by pursuing which man can achieve success and eternal bliss.

These chosen man are the Messengers of Allah His prophets. Allah has communicated knowledge and wisdom to them by means of wahy (revelation), and the book containing the Divine communications is called the Book of Allah, or the word ofAllah. Now the test of man’s Wisdom and intellect lies in this: does he recognize Allah's Messenger after thoroughly observing his pure and pious life and carefully studying his noble and flawless teachings? The man who possesses right wisdom and sound common sense would verify truth and accept the instructions given by the Messenger of truth. If he denies the Messenger of Allah and his teachings, his denial would signify that he was devoid of the capacity to find out truth and righteousness. On account of this denial he would fail in his test. Such a man will never be able to discover the truth about Allah and His Law and the life after death.

Islamic, the best concept of life

The main characteristic of Islam is that it makes no distinction between the spiritual and the secular in life. The aim is to shape both individual lives as well as society as a whole in ways that will ensure that the Kingdom of Allah may really be established on the earth and that peace, contentment and well being may fill the world. The Islamic way of life is thus based on a unique concept of man’s place in the universe. That is why it is necessary that, before we discuss the moral, social, political and economic systems of Islam, we should have a clear idea of what that concept is.