WHY DID A POP STAR CHOOSE ISLAAM

Even though it was terrific to be born in an age where comic-fiction, robots and even shiny white spaceships were coming true, it was odd how the human spirit still seemed as deep and mysterious as the vastly uncharted universe itself – and equally as borderless. So, setting out with great hope to find the secret source of happiness and success, I began my journey to the centre of the unknown. There were certainly lots of puzzles to solve.

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Like a lot of kids, I had many questions that could not be easily answered. Looking enquiringly around at this wild new world into which I had landed, the road of life was obviously not without certain pitfalls and dangers; the Second World War had just ended and millions of people had been killed - but for what? Sometimes, staring out of the window into the vastness of the deep black night I would wonder, 'Where does the sky end?' The thought of death frightened me. 'What came afterwards?' My mind could not penetrate beyond the veil of darkness. Was I alone?

"In the blackness of the night"

In the blackness of the night
I seem to wander endlessly
With a hope burning out deep inside
I'm a fugitive; community has driven me out
For this bad, bad world I’m beginning to doubt
I'm alone and there is no one by my side
In the blackness of the night
I see a shadow passing by
From the heels of an old soldier boy.
There's no compromising
And his eyes are black as the sky
For this bad, bad world he is going to die.
He's alone and there is no one by his side
In the blackness of the night
I see a sparkle of a star
From the sweet silver tear of a child
And she's clutching at a photograph of long, long ago
When her parents were happy she was too young to know
She's alone and there is no one by her side
I'm alone and there is no one by my side
In the blackness of the night
I seem to wander endlessly
With a hope burning out deep inside
I'm a fugitive; community has driven me out
For this bad, bad world I’m beginning to doubt
I'm alone, and there is no one by my side
BLACKNESS OF THE NIGHT

But now behold, in the quick forge, and working house of thought, how London doth pour out her citizens


(William Shakespeare)
Like galaxies, bright and sparkling with life, for me, it was like that being born at the heart of London’s Theatre district, the West End, a sort of ‘fantasy land’ full of coffee bars, shops, theatres and cinemas. Observing the world was like looking through a store window, glittering with stardust. At one end of my road stood Piccadilly’s Eros, a symbol of that whirling, colourful scene of vibrant activity. Opportunities were all around me.

Perhaps, like most new-borns starting out in life, I felt I was the centre of the universe. But there were serious problems facing me. My identity was still rather unclear: my Father was from Cyprus, my Mother was from Sweden, and our dominant culture at home was British. To add to that, my mother was originally from a Baptist background, my Father was Greek Orthodox, and I went to a local Roman Catholic School in Drury Lane. So I was forced very early on to be open-minded.

I remember looking at the choices given to me. Religion was constantly making me feel guilty, warning me about immorality and dangers of this fleshly life. These were represented in clear pictorial terms by the Devil, depicted with two horns; the temptation of Adam and Eve and the forbidden fruit; and Jesus suffering on the Cross, representing the key to salvation. But balancing those kinds of fearful images with the zappy, fun-filled entertainment that was taking place outside the doors of the Church, well…the centre of the universe for me was not in Religion - it was probably closer to the city streets and arcades.

"Lovely city when do you laugh?"

Lovely city, when do you laugh?
Stoney people, what do you have?
Well, you ride around on a bright shiny cloud
And you think that you've found true happiness
There's no method in your mind
And your tempers are kind
Is it too much to ask to give it a rest?
Lovely city, when do you laugh?
Stoney people, what do you have?
I'm a part of you, you don't wanna be
I'm an unexpected visitor who's dropped in for tea
But I’m not so low you don't even know that I’m here
You can't even see
Lovely city, when do you laugh?
Stoney people, what do you have?

LOVELY CITY (WHEN DO YOU LAUGH?)
My father was a hard-working man; at the end of every day, he would stand at the café’s old baroque till, counting the pounds, pennies and halfpennies. He taught us the value of having enough food on the table and discouraged waste. Dad had come a long way from his native village, Tala, situated on a hill overlooking the ancient coastal city of Paphos in Southern Cyprus. He grew up in a household where even a pair of shoes was considered a luxury, but my father was never ashamed of his humble background. 'Money doesn't grow on trees!' he never tired of reminding us.

Dad gave me a job in the Restaurant after school as a waiter, so I learnt to earn my pocket money from the tips given by customers. It was also here that I first realised - like my father must have done - that serving the public well can often be highly rewarding.

“And they've been working all day, all day, all day!”

Up at eight, you can't be late
For Matthew & son, he won't wait.
Watch them run down to platform one
And the eight-thirty train to Matthew & son.
Matthew & son, the work's never done,
there's always something new.
The files in your head, you take them to bed,
you're never ever through.
And they've been working all day, all day, all day!
There's a five-minute break and that's all you take,
For a cup of cold coffee and a piece of cake.
Matthew & son, the work's never done,
there's always something new.
The files in your head, you take them to bed,
you're never ever through.
And they've been working all day, all day, all day!
He's got people who've been working for fifty years
No one asks for more money cuz nobody cares
Even though they're pretty low and their rent's in arrears
Matthew & son, Matthew & son,
Matthew & son, Matthew & son,
And they've been working all day, all day, all day!

MATTHEW & SON
Rise above time and space, pass by the world, and be yourself your own world.
(Shabistari)
My best friend, Andy, and I would often play together around the bombed ruins that littered parts of the city, frequently strewn with broken glass, mud and smashed bricks. But our favourite escapade was to go out late evenings and dangerously scale the local buildings, climbing high up onto the rooftops. From those heights we'd gaze at the noisy city below, undeclared secret champions of London's skyline.

Everything in this society was geared towards 'making it'. The American image of the good life was projected everywhere: films and television were just flooding in. The emphasis was to be on top: get rich, be young, healthy, wealthy and street-wise. Indeed I was - and roof-wise as well! I wanted to be an artist, a cartoonist. Then I found out that Van Gogh, one of my favourite painters, died poor and earless, and I realised that perhaps this wasn’t quite the life for me. There was a need for something a little bit more instant – a fast track.

Suddenly there came the big music boom of Merseyside and the Beatles - British Pop had arrived. Gravity had shifted; it was now in U.K. Suddenly there was a big window of opportunity for us youngsters. So I picked up a guitar, chose the name Cat Stevens, and started writing. It wasn't long before I had my first couple of hit records; my name and photo was splashed all over the media and I was on the road - at the grand old age of eighteen!


“The view from the top can be oh, so very lonely?”

The view from the top can be oh so very lonely
And you can be missing such a lot that could be yours
Why can't I stop forgetting myself?
Why am I always trying to be like somebody else
Why can't I love you?
Why bother flying high above you
I know where you are
The view from the top can be oh so very lonely
And you can be missin' such a lot that could be yours
And who's going to miss me?
There’ll only be myself to blame
You know I'd love to hold you tight
And love you all the night
But I don't even know my name
Why can't I stop forgetting myself?
Why am I always trying to be like somebody else?
Why can't I love you?
Why bother flying high above you
I know where you are
The view from the top can be oh so very lonely
And you can be missin' such a lot that could be yours

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Ramadan and Eid al-Fitr

A major celebration in Islam occurs after the completion of Ramadan, the month during
which Muslims (believers in Islam) fast daily from dawn to sunset as part of an effort
towards self-purification and betterment. This holiday is known as Eid al-Fitr (Festival of
Breaking the Fast).


The Lunar Calendar


Among the most important duties for a Muslim is fasting during the Islamic month of
Ramadan, which is the ninth of the twelve months in the Islamic lunar calendar. Muslims
use a lunar calendar for many of their religious observances. A new month in the lunar
calendar is determined by the appearance of a new crescent moon. Since this occurs every
29 or 30 days, the lunar month is generally 1 or 2 days shorter than a typical month in the
Gregorian calendar (the calendar used in the United States). Similarly, a lunar year is about
11 days shorter than a typical Gregorian year. As a result, dates of events in the Islamic
lunar year "move forward" about 11 days every year. For example, in 1997 Ramadan begins
on December 31, and in 1998 it begins on December 20.


The Importance of Ramadan


Ramadan is important for Muslims because it is believed to be the month in which the first
verses of the Holy Qur’an (the divine scripture) were revealed by Allah (God) to the
Prophet Muhammad (570-632 C.E.). From time to time, Muhammad used to go out from
Makkah, where he was born and where he worked as a caravan trader, to reflect and
meditate in solitude. Like Abraham before him, he had never accepted his people’s worship
of many gods, and felt a need to withdraw to a quiet place to reflect on the One God. One
night, while contemplating in a cave near Makkah, he heard a voice call out, telling him to
"Read!" Muhammad protested that he was unable to read. The voice insisted again, and
then a third time, and Muhammad found himself reciting the first verses of the Qur’an:


"Read, in the name of thy Lord, Who created—
Created man, out of a clot (embryo).
Proclaim! And thy Lord is Most Bountiful,
He Who taught the use of the pen—
Taught man that which he knew not.
Nay, but man doth transgress all bounds,
In that he looketh upon himself as self-sufficient.
Verily, to thy Lord is the return (of all)." (ch. 96: 1-8)


The voice was that of the angel Gabriel, and he confirmed that Muhammad was selected
for an important and challenging mission—he was to call people to monotheism and
righteousness.

Muslims consider the Qur’an to be God’s speech recorded in the Arabic language, and
transmitted to humanity through Muhammad, who is considered the last of the prophets.
According to Islamic beliefs, this tradition of God-chosen prophets or messengers includes
such figures as Adam, Noah, Abraham, Moses, David, and Jesus. Muslims believe that over
a period of twenty-three years, various verses and chapters of the Qur’an were revealed to
Muhammad through Gabriel. The Qur’an is comprised of 114 chapters of varying length,
with titles such as "Abraham," "The Pilgrimage," "Mary," and "Repentance."

During Ramadan, Muslims fast from dawn to sunset every day. This means not
consuming food or drink (including water) during the daylight hours. For married adults, it
also includes refraining from marital relations during the hours of fasting (i.e. the daylight
hours). In the Arabic language, fasting is known as sawm. Muslims arise early in the
morning during Ramadan to have a predawn breakfast meal, known as suhoor. At the end
of the day, the fast is completed by taking the iftar meal, which usually includes dates,
fresh fruits, appetizers, beverages and dinner. Later in the evening, Muslims often attend
special nightly tarawih prayers at their local masjid. Each night during Ramadan,
approximately 1/30th of the Qur’an is recited in the tarawih prayers, so that the entire
scripture is recited in the course of the 29 or 30 days of the month.

Why Muslims Fast

For Muslims, fasting has a number of benefits:

1. It helps one to feel compassion for those who are less fortunate and underprivileged,
since each day Muslims feel greater appreciation for what they have as a result of
feeling hunger and thirst.
2. It allows one to build a sense of self-control and willpower, which can be beneficial
throughout life in dealing with temptations and peer-pressure. Through fasting,
Muslims learn to control their natural urges such as hunger and thirst, and thus are able
to better resist temptations for things which are not necessary, such as drugs or other
unhealthy or harmful substances and behaviors.
3. It offers a time for Muslims to "purify" their bodies as well as their souls, by developing
a greater sense of humility, spirituality and community. Ramadan is a very spiritual
time for Muslims, and often they invite each other to one another’s homes to break the
fast and pray together. A greater sense of generosity and forgiveness is also
characteristic of this time.

As with other duties in Islam, fasting becomes obligatory (i.e. one becomes accountable)
after the age of puberty.

The "Night of Power"

Laylat al-Qadr, [lay-lat-al-KADR] or the "Night of Power," is one of the last ten nights of
the month of Ramadan. It is significant as the night on which in 610 C.E. the Prophet
Muhammad received the first revelations of the Qur’an. Muslims commemorate this night,
believed to fall on the 23rd, 25th, or 27th of Ramadan, by offering additional prayers and
supplications late into the night. It is said that the blessings for praying on this night are
greater than those received for praying for a thousand months.

Eid al-Fitr

After the end of Ramadan, a very festive and joyous holiday is celebrated by Muslims,
known as Eid al-Fitr [EED al-FITR], the Festival of Breaking the Fast. On the day of the Eid,
Muslims attend special congregational prayers in the morning, wearing their nicest clothes
and perfumes. After the completion of prayers and a special sermon, Muslims rise to greet
and hug one another, saying "Eid Mubarak," which means "Holiday Blessings." Later on,
Muslim families visit each other’s homes, and have special meals together. Children are
often rewarded with gifts, money, and sweets. Lights and other decorations mark the happy
occasion.

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Introduction to Ramadan

By AElfwine Mischler

Fasting the lunar month of Ramadan is such an important Pillar of Islam that Muslims believe that if one dies without having made up the missed fasts, the guardian (or heir) must make them up, for they are a debt owed to Allah. The Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) said, “Whoever observes fasts during the month of Ramadan out of sincere faith, and hoping to attain Allah's rewards, then all his past sins will be forgiven.” (reported by Al-Bukhari)
Muslims believe that the influence of the devils on the believers who obey Allah is diminished. Muhammad said, “When the month of Ramadan starts, the gates of the heaven are opened and the gates of Hell are closed and the devils are chained.” (reported by Al-Bukhari)
Month of the Qur’an
Muslims believe that the first verses of the Qur’an (Surat Al-`Alaq 96:1-5) were revealed in the month of Ramadan while Muhammad was in spiritual retreat in the cave of Hira outside of Makkah. Years later when the fast of Ramadan was made compulsory, the Angel Jibreel used to sit with Muhammad every day during Ramadan so that the latter could recite all that had been revealed so far of the Qur’an. In his final year, the Prophet recited the entire Qur’an twice in Ramadan.
Muslims continue the tradition of reading the entire Qur’an at least once during Ramadan. In Muslim countries, it is not at all unusual in this month to see many people reading the Qur’an while riding the bus or metro to and from work. Others find time early in the morning, late at night, or at intervals throughout the day.
Many others read or recite the Qur’an during Tarawih Prayers, which are held only during Ramadan, or in private late night Prayers called Tahajjud.
Muslims who cannot yet read Arabic well, spend some time each day listening to a tape or CD of the Qur’an being recited. Muslims consider Ramadan to be a good time to get into the habit of reading at least some of the Qur’an or its translation every day, and if they haven’t read either of them cover to cover, Ramadan is the time to do it.
Other Acts of Worship
For more on Ramadan, see Fountain of Faith
In addition to reading the Qur’an, Muslims try to spend more time in dhikr (remembrance of Allah) during this month and make an effort to perform Tarawih Prayer, preferably in congregation. Muslims also sometimes perform the late night Prayer called Tahajjud. They may do this before or after eating the pre-dawn meal, just before the Fajr (Dawn) Prayer.
Ramadan is also a favorite time for `Umrah - a visit to the Ka`bah in Makkah. When performed in Ramadan, `Umrah takes the same reward as Hajj (but it does not replace the obligatory Hajj).
How Muslims Fast
Ramadan is also the month of charity and generosity
According to Muslims, fasting means abstaining not only from food and drink, but also from sexual intercourse, lying, arguing, and back-biting. While fasting, Muslims must be careful to restrain their tongues, temper, and even their gaze. Ramadan is the time for Muslims to learn to control themselves and to develop their spiritual side.
Basically, Muslims try to have a pre-dawn meal, known as sahur, before they begin fasting. The fast lasts from dawn to sunset. As soon as the sun has set, Muslims break their fast without delay. Generally, Muslims may break their fast with a small amount of food — the sunnah is to do so with an odd number of dates — and then perform the Maghrib (Sunset) Prayer before eating a full meal.
For more information on the rules of fasting, including who is exempted, see The Meaning and Rules of Fasting.
Charity in Ramadan
Ramadan is also the month of charity. Muhammad said, “…Whoever draws nearer (to Allah) by performing any of the (optional) good deeds in (this month), shall receive the same reward as performing an obligatory deed at any other time; and whoever performs an obligatory deed in (this month), shall receive the reward of performing seventy obligations at any other time. It is the month of patience, and the reward of patience is Paradise. It is the month of charity, and a month in which a believer's sustenance is increased. Whoever gives food to a fasting person to break his fast shall have his sins forgiven, and he will be saved from the Hell-Fire, and he shall have the same reward as the fasting person, without his reward being diminished at all.” (Reported by Ibn Khuzaymah)
Ibn `Abbas, one of Muhammad’s Companions, narrated: “The Prophet was the most generous amongst the people, and he used to be more so in the month of Ramadan when Jibreel visited him, and Jibreel used to meet him on every night of Ramadan till the end of the month. The Prophet used to recite the Holy Qur'an to Jibreel, and when Jibreel met him, he used to be more generous than a fast wind (which causes rain and welfare).” (Reported by Al-Bukhari)
Thus Muslims should try to give generously in Ramadan, both sadaqah (optional charity) and zakat al-mal (obligatory charity). Sadaqah does not only have to be money. It can also be a good deed—such as helping another person—done for the sake of Allah and without expecting any reward from the person. Most Muslims pay their zakah during Ramadan because the reward is so much greater in that month.
It is obligatory for every Muslim to pay a small amount of zakat al-fitr before the end of Ramadan. This money is collected and given to the poorest of the poor so that they may also enjoy the festivities on `Eid Al-Fitr.
And because of the great reward for feeding a fasting person, in many places iftar (the break-fast meal at sunset) is served in mosques, with the food donated or brought by individuals to share pot-luck style. In some Muslim countries, tables are set up on the sidewalks or outside of mosques to serve iftar to the poor and others. Such traditions also build a sense of brotherhood and community.
Families and friends also like to share iftar. However, sometimes this generosity is exaggerated so that Ramadan becomes a month of lavish tables and overeating.
This goes against the spirit of Ramadan and should be avoided. (See also: Distinguishing Culture from Religion in Ramadan)
The Last Third
Muslims also believe that the last ten days of Ramadan are the holiest of all, and try to make even greater efforts at that time to increase their worship. The holiest night of all, Laylat Al-Qadr, falls on one of the odd numbered nights of the last ten days.
`Eid Al-Fitr

Muslims in Egypt waiting for the `Eid Prayers
The public celebration at the end of Ramadan, on the first day of the month of Shawwal, is called `Eid Al-Fitr. After sunset on the 29th of Ramadan, Muslims wait for the announcement of whether the new moon has been sighted, which means that Ramadan is finished and the next day is `Eid. In that case, there are no Tarawih Prayers that night. If the moon has not been sighted, then there is one more day of fasting and the Tarawih Prayers are performed.
The `Eid is celebrated with public Prayers and a sermon, often followed by some form of halal (lawful) celebration such as games for the children or sweets shared by everyone. It is a happy day for all. Although `Eid Al-Fitr lasts only one day, in Muslim countries, schools, offices, and shops are often closed for two or three days.
It’s Not Over Till It’s Over
If any of the days of fasting were missed, they must be made up before the next Ramadan. Muslims generally should try to make them up as soon as possible because any days that are missed are considered as a debt to Allah. Muslims believe that if someone dies without having made up the fasts, the guardian or heir should fast the remaining days.
For Muslims, it is a sunnah to fast six days during the month of Shawwal, the lunar month immediately following Ramadan. Muslims believe that if a Muslim fasts all of Ramadan and then fasts any six days in Shawwal, the reward will be as if he or she has fasted the whole year. Many Muslims do take advantage of this mercy from Allah.
AElfwine Mischler is an American convert to Islam. She has undergraduate degrees in physics and English, and a master's degree in linguistics and teaching English as a foreign language. She is the Copyediting Unit Head in Islam...www.readingislam.com

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KEYS TO COMPREHEND THE QURAN

Let us go over our basic principles related to the manner in which a subject must be conceived and interpreted according to the Quran:

The Quran is the only source of Islam। One should never forget that the Quran is God’s Word and was revealed to man in order that he may have understanding.

Every single point must be conceived within the entire context of the Quran. To properly understand something mentioned in a given verse, all related verses must also be examined (partial acknowledgement of the Quran is tantamount to its flat denial). We must take for granted the fact that there are no contradictions or paradoxes in the कुरान

Anything not included in the Quran has no religious connotation. Once we follow this precept, we shall have got rid of 90% of the interpolations. Anything that is not banned in the Quran is

If you come across points that seem unclear to you, you must find a way to consult someone who firmly believes that the Quran is the only source of Islam and is familiar with the Arabic language and to look for it in the Quran. In doing this, you must make sure to examine the different contexts in which a particular word was used.

In trying to understand the Quran, we must not forget that our major aids are our intelligence and conscience, and that the greatest obstacles are traditions, customs, adoption by the greater mass of the public and public censure.

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FABRICATION OF HADITHS FOR SEXUAL ENDS

If a man calls his wife to bed and the wife refuses, the angels curse her till the early hours of the morning Bukhari

The men worried about being refused fabricated this hadith that alluded to the Prophet Women deprived of their right to divorce came thus under men’s oppression.

If a woman obtains a divorce, she will not savor the scent of heaven Religious Information for Women

In the Quran expressions like ‘Divorced Women’ (see 2 The Cow, 228-241) may have both meanings: namely, a woman who has obtained a divorce or one who has been divorced Considering that there is no explicit prescription in the Quran making the act of divorce exclusive to men, women should, in principle, enjoy the same right.

Another hadith says:

God will not answer the prayer of a woman who dabs on perfume before entering the mosque, unless she goes home and cleanses herself by total ritual ablution of her body Avnul Mabul

Men putting on perfume is commendable while women doing so are stamped with having committed a sinful act The rationale is that men are aroused by beautiful scents. The fact that women may also feel the same sensation does not occur to them. Furthermore, why was this not foreseen in the Quran?

Unless the place where a woman had been sitting cools off, it must not be occupied by a man. Religious Information for Women
This hadith generates many complications in modern urban life as one can readily see.

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A WOMAN CAN BE ADMITTED INTO PARADISE ONLY BY PERMISSION OF HER HUSBAND

In addition to the hadiths that condemn her, the admission of woman to paradise depends on her husband’s satisfaction and approval

If a woman dies, she may go to paradise if her husband happens to be satisfied with her Riyazus Salihin

The laudable woman is she who endures her husband’s frivolities and occasional unfaithfulness, thanks to which she will be admitted to paradise। Religious Information for Women

Such observations often encountered in the books of Muslim, Bukhari, Týrmizi, Muvatta and Shiite sources, have their roots from the periods of the Omayyads and Abbasids. No such vilification of woman exists in the Quran. The eligibility for heaven according to the Quran depends on the devotion exhibited by a person regardless of the see

13 - O people! We created you from a single pair of a male and a female, and made you into nations and tribes, that you may recognize one another The best among you in the sight of God is the most righteous. 49 The Rooms, 13

As we can see, the Quran makes no distinction between nations, tribes and sexes Yet, woman has been considered as an instrument likely to lead a man to hell.

There are four things that invalidate a man’s prayer: a black dog, a donkey, a pig and a woman Sahihi Muslim, Salat, Tirmizi Salat, Abu Davud, Salat

There are three things that are inauspicious: a woman, a house and a horse. Abu Davud, Týb, Muslim, Salam, Bukhari, Nikah

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PRAYER IN THE VERNACULAR

The Quran was revealed in the Arabic language। Yet, Arabic never had the privilege of being a holy language as such। The Quran explicitly states that throughout the ages prophets had been sent to enlighten mankind in their respective languages। The Torah was revealed in the language spoken by the tribe of Moses, and Jesus addressed his people in his own tongue. Lot’s exhortations and Noah’s sermons were delivered in their respective tongues. What is holy about them is the fact that all had their origin in God. The Arabic language can be used to convey any message, both pagan and religious. Arabic is not the special language of God, nor is it the language spoken in paradise; the Arabic characters are not special to God and are not the characters employed in paradise, yet Arabic racism and nationalism have tried to represent them so. The reason why the Quran is in Arabic is the fact that it was first addressed to the Arab people. The conveyance of the message to the Americans or Englishmen can be only in the English language. Therefore, it has to be translated. On the other hand, words and concepts mentioned in the Quran existed long before the revelation of the Quran. What was holy was not the words or the concepts the Quran contained but what God had made of them. A curious instance of the misunderstanding due to ignorance of a language is the following: “The Bedouin women with tambourine and cymbals in their hands kept chanting. The theme was the delicious taste of the camel meat and the various methods of cooking it. Eþref Sencer Kuþçubaþý, head of the Ottoman Military Organization who had organized the ceremony, noticed tears in the eyes of some of the soldiers. Eþref Bey, who had perfect knowledge of the Arabic language,e asked them the reason of their affliction: “My boy! What can be the reason of your sorrow?” The soldier replied: “The beautiful melody and intonation of the Quran that is being recited.” Eþref Bey touched by the candidness of the man told him: “My boy, what you are listening to is not the Quran but the qasida about the delicious taste of the camel flesh to be presently served to them. So, wipe off your tear.” (Cemal Kutay, Türkçe Ýbadet, p. 61).

source :http://www.quranic.org/

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SCOPE OF THE SALAT

Salat is performed with a view to remembering God (20 Taha, 14)। However, it is performed in stated times and on a clean state, i।e। having performed ablution। It is a prayer performed even when there is a war going on। 102 - When you are with them, and stand to lead them in prayer, let one party of them stand up with you, taking their arms with them; when they finish their prostrations, let them take their position in the rear. And let the other party come up which has not yet prayed and let them pray with you… 4 The Women, 102 It appears that salat existed even from the time of Abraham (14 Abraham, 40). Even the heathen people who had captured the Kaaba, where Abraham used to pray, performed the ritual prayer, though in a strayed fashion (8 The Spoils of War, 35). The habit to pray had been abandoned afterward because of the lust of past generations. 59 - But after them there followed a posterity who missed prayers and followed after lusts; soon, then, will they face destruction.
9 Mary, 59 The salat involves three main acts: namely, kýyam (standing up), ruku (bowing) and suju (prostration). Although there is no mention in the Quran about the obligation to recite it while performing the salat, we are told that the Quran is described as a remembrance (zikr) of God. This is an indication that in performing the salat the
Quran is our guide.

His compassion, beneficence, grace, creation of hell and paradise, among other things, and omniscience are all mentioned in the Quran. In performing the salat we are not obliged to recite the Quran in the Arabic language.

While there is not even the mention of the obligation to recite the verses of the Quran, how are we to deduce that what is to be recited should be in Arabic, since a person who keeps on repeating words he has learned by memory is unable to concentrate on the words his lips pronounce? In this way, the automatic repetition of verses in a language other than one’s own risk having their meaning lost.

You may have witnessed many performers of the salat confess to have been thinking about other things while their lips kept repeating the words learned by heart. 43 - O you who believe! Approach not prayers while intoxicated until you can understand all that you say… 4 The Women, 43 The above verse indicates the importance of a clear mind during the salat in which God’s name is to be pronounced and the individual is obliged to understand what he is saying.

If understanding is important, how can a man, who speaks no Arabic, understand what he is reciting? What difference can there be between a person whose mind is clear reciting verses the meaning of which he does not understand and the intoxicated whose mind is clouded? The Quran commands man to ask for help from God with patience (2 The Cow, 45). How can a man who performs his salat not, in his vernacular, ask for help from God?

Do those who are against the performance of salat in one’s own tongue not prevent the fulfilment of this command? All the minor formal details in the performance of the salat may be duly obeyed, but real communication of the individual between him and his God is thus hampered due to Arabophilia. To summarize: 1) During the salat one praises God, therefore one’s consciousness must be clear (20 Taha, 14). 2) Salat requires pious reverence and awe (23 The Believers, 2). 3) Salat restrains a person from evil deeds (29 The Spider, 45). Praying in one’s vernacular is essential for the establishment of communication between the individual and his Creator. If you accept the fact that not everybody can learn the Arabic language, praying in one’s tongue becomes indispensable. 18 - The places of worship are for God, so invoke not any one along with God. 72 Jinn, 18 It is worth remembering that help is asked only from God and not from prophets, from so-called awliya (saints) and from the departed.

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ETHICS SLEEP A MOSLEM ( part two )

Fuad bin Abdul Aziz say:

“ Its cause of extinguishe lamp and fire before sleep is care of the fire of creep and burn its dweller.

As explained by the the cause in other hadits :

In fact mouse sometimes pass the lamp later and then burn that unmate “

( HR.Bukhori : 6295,in the book Isti’ dzan )

Imam Abdul Daqiq al-‘Id say : “

About comand close the door ,so in there are benefit of religion and earthly that is utilize careful and estae from virulent people, most from devil. ( Fathul Bari 11/104 )

2. Wudhu before sleep.

From Baro’ bin Azib say :

As Rosulullah SAW utter : “If you will sleep hence take wudhu as wudhu for the sholat, then lie down obliquely in the direction of right.

Then say : Allohumma aslamtu wajhiilaika wafawwadhtu amri ilaika…
( Allah, my subdue my face to you and I deliver my business to you )

( HR.Bukhori : 247, Muslim : 2710, Tarmidzi: 3574,Abu Dawud : 5046 )

Imam Nawawi say :

In this hadist, there are three very important sunnah :

A. Take wudhu before sleep.however if he still has wudhu ( not yet canceled ) so the wudhu of real enough.

Because target of sleep in a state of that holy is because worrying if the night We pass away or died ( We medium in a state of are not holy, red ), and so that We get good dream and also protected from devil obsession when sleep;

B.Sleep face is ( oblique ) to right side because Rosullah love at-tayamum ( prioritize starboard in doing something certain matter, red )

C.Dzikir to Alloh so that the dzikir become last deed if passing away or died in the night

( Syarh Shohih muslim 17 / 197 )



3. Bed sweep before sleep

“If one of the among all of you will sleep, shall its bed sweep with its cloth interior, because he do not know what is over his bed”

( HR.Bukhori: 6320, Muslim: 2714, Tarmidzi: 3398,Abu Dawud : 5050 )


4. Sleep by facing to right side ( oblique ) and put down right hand under its cheek

From Hudzaifah say :

“ Rosulloh SAW if will sleep in the night he put down his arms under its cheek” ( HR.Bukhori: 6314 )

Al-Hafizh Ibnu Hajar al-Asqolni say ;

“ Among sleep benefit face to right side is so that sleep more awake and in fact this heart is related at right side so that facilitate for the sleep of ”.

And Ibnu al-Jauzi inform :

“ sleep face to right side according to doctor good to body”.
( Fathul Bari 11/ 113 )

5. Reading al-Quran before sleep.

Rosulloh guide , that when will sleep to read al-Quran verses beforehand because the mentioned can back from devil obsession and deliver good dream.
Among al-Quran verses as follows ( which is sunnah to be read before sleep ).

a. Read al-Baqoroh (1) : 255

“Whomever reading it when he will sleep , hence ever he is taken care of by Alloh and will not be come near by devil until the early morning prayer (shubuh).

( HR.Bukhori: 2311 )

b. Reading last two verses of al-Baqoroh

As Rosulloh SAW utter :

“ whomever reading last two verses of al-Baqoroh on the night, hence two the verses have answered the demand of”

( HR.Bukhori: 5051, Muslim: 807,808 )

c. Reading of al-Ikhlas and al-Mu’awwidzatain ( al-Falaq and an-Nas)

As Aisyah Ummul Mu’minin say :

“ Rosullah SAW if will to its bed every night hence he collect two hands then blown and read off: Qul Huwallohu ahad
( al-Ikhlas ), Qul A’udzu bi Robbil Falaq ( al-Falaq ), and Qul A'Uzdzu bi Robbin Nas ( an-Nas ).

Then with two hands stroke body which can be reached .Start from head,face,and frontage body. The mentioned done by thrice “.

( HR.Bukhori: 5017, Muslim: 2192, Tarmidzi: 3402,
Abu Dawud : 3902 )

d. Reading al-Kafirun

Among its benefit will be restrained from deed of syirik.

From Farwah bin Naufal that he visit Rosululloh SAW as great as saying " Teach to me for me say if I will sleep to my bed." hence Rosulullah SAW answer " read Qul Ya Kafirun ayyuhal , real the mentioned restrain from deed of syirik

( HR.Abu Dawud: 5055 Darimi: 3427, Tarmidzi: 3403,)

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