Doomsday rumours spread by ‘big losers’, says Imam

Taken from http://www.khaleejtimes.com
by Ahmed Shaaban / 19 December 2012

Scholars here have denied the end of the world prophecies tied up with the Mayan apocalypse hyped for this week, saying it is a sin to spread them.


They have advised the public not to believe, promote or share the rumours being propagated online with the end of the Mayan calendar on December 21.

The Fatwa Section of the General Authority of Islamic Affairs and Endowments said the end of the world, the start of the Doomsday, is not known to anyone, including the prophets.

“According to Islam, there are extremely mighty major signs before the Day of Resurrection, and none of these has shown up,” a Mufti with the Authority said.

Islamic researcher Dr Shaikh Mohammed Ashmawy agreed, saying no one had seen the emergence of Dajjal (a false Messiah), Mighty Smoke, the Talking Beast, the rising of the sun in the west, and the descent of Prophet Isa (PBUH).

“Also, no one has claimed seeing the emergence of Yajuj (Gog) and Majuj (Magog), big landslides in the east, west and Arabian peninsula, and the emergence of a big fire in Yemen driving people away to Levant.”

Grand Mufti of Dubai Dr Ahmed Al Haddad said all the end of the world allegations were groundless or could be easily refuted. “These are just lies we should all refrain from repeating and sharing.”

“Doomsday shall only happen unexpectedly and all of a sudden, and no one knows the exact or precise timing but Almighty Allah, and that is one of the five other things known only to God.”

Elaborating, Dr Haddad added that there are other minor signs that must appear before the end of the world, yet none of these has shown up. “It is a big sin to spread these lies which destabilise the society.”

Imam of Anas bin Malik Masjid Shaikh Noah said such lies related to the end of the world had been spread before. “These lies mostly come from irreligious or atheist people; why do many people believe them?”

“Just ask them about their sources and you shall know the truth; they are big losers interested in terrifying others, and spreading rumours which have nothing to do with science or religion.”

Protecting the Prophetic

The following text is taken from a newsletter I received from the  Al Manaar Mosque, (The Muslim Cultural Heritage Centre in West London) and is worth sharing...

The legacy of Muslims.

With the world's attention these past weeks focused on a disgraceful film, and the disgraceful conduct it has provoked, Muslims the globe over have found themselves again entreating the international community for respect, patience and contemplation, both from outside the Ummah, and within. 

 

The film in question has been widely condemned as vile defamation of the Prophet (PBUH), the Qur'an and Islam. In defence of these most precious aspects of our tradition, some have been tragically wont to react in rage, in frenzy, in violence. In responding to both the film and its fallout, the Mosques and Imams National Advisory Board (MINAB), states that it "strongly deplores and condemns the film". It similarly "urges that our response to the deliberately provocative act should be peaceful and intelligent. We must not rise to the bait but take heed from the conduct of our noble Prophet Muhammad (PBUH)". 

 

It is conduct first elevated by Allah, in the Quran: "You have indeed in the Messenger of God an excellent example for the person who hopes in [aspires to get close to] God and the Final Day and who remembers God intensely." [33:21]

 

By that Prophetic legacy, then, in their published advice on dealing with this latest manifestation of derision of the faith, MINAB - and a Muslim majority, to be fair - enjoin patience, perseverance and education. How tragic is a response fuelled by fury, so diminished by violence, when it goes against the very tradition we are so impassioned as a community to uphold. When the Prophet himself (PBUH), in the face of adversity and suffering, declared, "I have conveyed to you my Lord's message and I have given you good advice. If you accept from me what I have brought, this will cause you to succeed in this world and in the hereafter; but if you reject what I have brought, then I shall wait patiently until God judges between us." [Ibn Hisham, As-Sirah an-Nabawiyyah, 2:101]

 

Wait patiently. Engage, discuss, act but not in anger or seeking retribution, but in the ways he would (PBUH), as examples. Because to do otherwise is to do greater damage to that which we aim to safeguard than a thousand defamatory films.

 

The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) made clear that to which his Message aspired, "There are in you two qualities that God loves: clemency and forebearance" [Muslim] and "Allah gives for gentleness what He does not give for violence or anything else" [Bukhari].

Further reading:

Ramadan, Tariq. In the Footsteps of the Prophet: Lessons from the Life of Muhammad.

http://www.1stethical.com/2012/09/12/forget-about-not-in-my-name-but-think-of-your-own-name/ 

http://www.minab.org.uk/news/latest/221-advice-on-dealing-with-the-recent-abusive-film

Is the world thankful enough?

Taken from a posting from a user on Yanhoo Answers

Here is something to remind us to be thankful and content with what we have, which may be gone without us realising it. I read from a book of supplications, about a du’a taught by the Prophet (PBUH) himself to Muadz bin Jabal that ask for one to be content, thankful and offering good prayers:

اللهم أعنَى على ذكرك و شكرك و حسن عبادتك

(Allahumma a'inni ala dhikrika, wa shukrika wa h usni iibaad-at'ika)

“Oh Allah, Help me so that I will always remember you, be thankful to you and offer prayers to you in the best form.”


Before you think of saying an unkind word
Think of someone who can’t speak

Before you complain about the taste of your food
Think of someone who has nothing to eat

Before you complain about your husband or wife
Think of someone who’s crying out to God for a companion

Today before you complain about life
Think of someone who left this world young

Before you complain about your children
Think of someone who desires children but they’re barren

Before you argue about your dirty house; someone didn’t clean or sweep
Think of the people who are living in the streets

Before whining about the distance you drive
Think of someone who walks the same distance with their feet

And when you are tired and complain about your job
Think of the unemployed, the disabled and those who wished they had your job.

But before you think of pointing the finger or condemning another
Remember that not one of us are without sin and we all answer to one maker

And when depressing thoughts seem to get you down
Put a smile on your face and thank God you’re alive and still around.

Life is a gift of GOD.
LIVE it….
ENJOY it……
CELEBRATE it………
AND FULFILL it……………

Eid-ul-Fitr

Taken from missionislam & islamicity.com

Eid

Anas (ra), a companion of prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) reported that when the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) migrated from Makkah to Madinah, the people of Madinah used to have two festivals. On those two days they had carnivals and festivity. Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) asked the Ansaar (the Muslims of Madinah) about it. They replied that before Islam they used to have carnivals on those two joyous days. The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) told them: 'Instead of those two days, Allah has appointed two other days which are better, the days of Eid-al-Fitr and Eid-al-Adha.' (Hadith)

EID-UL-FITR is celebrated on the first day of Shaw'waal, at the completion of Ramadan. Shaw'waal is the 10th month of the Islamic calendar. The Eid-al-Fitr is a very joyous day; it is a true Thanksgiving Day for the believing men and women. On this day Muslims show their real joy for the health, strength and the opportunities of life, which Allah has given to them to fulfill their obligation of fasting and other good deeds during the blessed month of Ramadan.

Playing, recreation, and eating on the day of Eid:
These are permissible as log as they stay within the acceptable bounds of Islam. Anas said: When the Prophet, sallaallahu `alayhe wa sallam, came to Madinah, they had two days for amusement. The Prophet, sallaallahu `alayhe wa sallam, has exchanged these days for two better days:the day of breaking the fast and the day of sacrifice. (Related by An-Nasa'e and Ibn Hibban)

Taking women and children to the prayer area:
The Prophet sallaallahu `alayhe wa sallam, used to take his wives and daugthers to the two Eids. Umm Atiyah said: "We were ordered to go out with the single and menstruating women to the two Eids in order to witness the good and the supplications of the Muslims. The menstruating women though would stay away from the prayer area." (Related by al-Bukhari and Muslim)

Going to the prayer area:
The Prophet, sallaallahu `alayhe wa sallam, used to go to the prayer area by walking. Jaber narrated: "On the days of Eid, the Prophet, sallaallahu `alayhe wa sallam, would go to the prayer area by one route and come back by another route." (Related by al-Bukhari)

Eating before going to the prayer area:Since Eid al-Fitr is the day on which Muslims break their Ramadhan fast, it is preferable to eat before going to the Eid prayer. It is a Sunnah of the Prophet, sallaallahu `alayhe wa sallam, to eat an odd number of dates before going to pray Salat al-Eid. Anas reported: "The Prophet, sallaallahu `alayhe wa sallam, would not go out on the day of Eid al-Fitr without eating an odd number of dates."(Related by al-Bukhari.)

Preparation for Eid prayer:
It is preferred to make Ghusl (take a bath), wear one's best clothes and, for men, to put perfume before going to Salat al-Eid. Ibn Al-Qayyim said: "The Prophet, sallaallahu `alayhe wa sallam, used to wear his best clothes for the Eid prayers and eh had clothes that he reserved for the two Eids and Jumu'ah."

Making Takbeer:
Takbeer starts from the nght of Eid's eve until the Imam comes ot to start the prayer. Allah says (S2 A185): "You should complete the prescribed period and then you should glorify Allah (i.e., say Takbeer) for having guided you so that yo may be grateful to Him." The form of takbeer is related by `Umar and Ibn Mas`ud:
"Allahu Akbar, Allahu Akbar, La illaha illallah.
Allahu Akbar. Allahu Akbar wa lillahil-hamd."
Here is an eid_takbeer
(It's so beautiful to recite on eid day)

Structure of Eid prayer:
Eid prayer is wajib (strongly recommended, just short of obligatory). It consists of two Rakaat (units) with six or thirteen additional Takbirs. It must be offered in congregation. The prayer is followed by the Khutbah. The Khutbah is part of the worship and listening to it is Sunnah. During the Khutbah, the Imam must remind the community about its responsibilities and obligations towards Allah, fellow Muslims and the fellow human beings. The Imam must encourage the Muslims to do good and ward off evil. The Muslim community must also be directed to the state of the community and the Ummah at large and the feelings of sacrifice and Jihaad should be aroused in the community. At the conclusion of the prayer the Muslims should convey greetings to each other, give reasonable gifts to the youngsters and visit each other at their homes. Muslims should also take this opportunity to invite their non-Muslims neighbors, co-workers, classmates and business acquaintances to Eid festivities to expose them to Islam and Muslim culture.

How to Perform Eid Prayer: (taken from Eid-ul-Fitr and its injunctions)
The Eid Prayer has two rak'ah to perform in the normal way, with the only addition of six takbirs, three of them in the beginning of the first rak'ah, and three of them just before ruku' in the second rak'ah. The detailed way of performing the 'Eid prayer is as follows:

The Imam will begin the prayer without Adhan or Iqamah. He will begin the prayer by reciting takbir of Tahrimah (Allahu Akbar). You should raise your hands up to the ears, and reciting the takbir, you give a little pause during which you should recite Thana' (Subhanak Allahumma.......)· After the completion of Thana' the Imam will recite takbir (AllahuAkbar) three times, and after reciting each Takbir (Allahu Akbar) in a low voice, you should bring your hands down and leave them earthwards. But, after the third takbir, you should set them at the level of your navel as you do in the normal prayer.

After these three takbirs the Imam will recite the Holy Qur'an, which you should listen quietly. The rest of the rak'ah will be performed in the normal way.

After rising for the second rak'ah, the Imam will begin the recitations from the Qur'an during which you should remain calm and quiet. When the Imam finishes his recitation, he will recite three takbirs once again, but this time it will be before bowing down for ruku'. At each takbir you should raise your hands up to the ears, and after saying "Allahu Akbar' bring them down and leave them earthwards. After these three takbirs have been called and completed, the Imam will say another takbir for bowing down into the ruku' position. At this takbir you need not raise your hands. You just bow down for your ruku' saying, 'Allahu Akbar'. The rest of the Salah will be performed in its usual way.

Congratulating each other:
It has been narrated that when the Prophet's companions met each other on the Eid day, they would say to each other: "May Allah accept from us and from you." (Related by Ahmad.)



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

## Just a reminder: Don't forget to pay Jakat ul Fitre before the Eid Jammat.
More info: Zakat & Zakat Ul Fitr

Eid Mubarak

Eid ul-Fitr Announcement 2012



Various mosques including London central Mosque and The East Lonodn Mosque have declared that 1 Shawwal 1433 will be on Sunday 19th August 2012

"We are pleased to announce to the whole Muslim Community in the U.K that Sunday 19th of August 2012 is the Eid ul-Fitr Day and the 1st of Shawwal 1433 Hijri."

Ramadaan Mubaarak!

as-salaamu alaikum wa rahmatullaah wa barakaatuhu


I have just received the following announcement (please check your local mosque for conformation):
Following the announcement from the Coordination Committee of Major Islamic Centres and Mosques of London, Masjid al-Tawhid is happy to announce that the first day of Ramadaan will be Friday 20th July 2012. The first Taraweeh prayer will therefore be on Thursday night. We pray that Allaah 'azza wa jall grants us the ability to make best use of this blessed month, to complete our fasts and to worship Him in the best way we are able to.

The Prophet (sallallaahu alayhi wa sallam) said : "Fasting is not merely abstaining from eating and drinking, rather it is abstaining from ignorant and indecent speech, so if anyone abuses you or behaves ignorantly with you then say: I am fasting, I am fasting."

And he (sallallaahu alayhi wa sallam) said : "Whoever does not abandon falsehood in word and action then Allaah the Mighty and Majestic has no need that he should leave his food and drink."

We ask Allaah to help all of us to heed this Prophetic advice. May Allaah guide us all to that which is right and to that which will benefit us on the Day of Resurrection.

What type of dates are you breaking your fast with?

With the exception of Ajwa dates (those favoured by the Prophet Muhammad - P.B.U.H), Medjool dates are probably the most expensive but also the most delicious dates in the world. They stand out compared to other dates mainly because of their size.

Last Ramadan I ventured to a halal grocery store (in a predominantly Muslim area) and was about to purchase some of these delicious dates until I saw the sign "produce of Israel" on the box – I was really angered and left the store immediately. Again a couple of days ago I ventured to a local supermarket and noticed the same dates – this time labelled produce of West Bank - again I did not purchase these dates.

The reason for this is mainly due to the fact that produce from Israel (fruit and vegetables) such as dates are mainly produced in occupied Palestinian land such as the West Bank (these are some of the most beautiful and fertile lands in the Arab world) – but most of these lands are run by illegal settlers who employ Palestinians with some of the harshest working conditions. Investigative reporting by Israeli newspapers such as Haaretz had exposed these findings.

The European Union and some of our largest supermarkets in Europe turn a blind eye towards this. An even greater worry is the ignorance set by owners of halal grocery chains who in one way during the month of Ramadan might have a collection box from charities to help oppressed Palestinians yet at the same time will be financing their oppressors by selling profitable crops such as dates from Israel and occupied Palestine in their shops!

It’s time for an ethical campaign – a campaign on the type of food we buy. Innovative Minds and the Islamic Human Rights Commission are calling on campaigners to create awareness in their communities about the boycott of Israeli goods, and in particular Israeli dates, this Ramadan.

BOYCOTT ISRAELI DATES

Most of the Israeli date crop – up to 80%, is exported, mainly to Europe where it has around 10% market share. In 2005, dates were Israel’s leading fruit export. The two major Israeli companies involved are Agrexco and Hadi-klaim.

Agrexco, half owned by the Israeli government, handles 60-70% of all goods produced in the illegal Settlements. Its dates have brand names Carmel, Jordan Plains and Jordan Valley.

Hadiklaim sells 65 percent of the all dates produced in Israel. Its dates have brand names King Solomon and Jordan River. They also supply Israeli dates to supermarkets and retail chains who market them under their own brand names. These include Marks & Spencer's, Sainsbury's, Tesco's, and Waitrose.



In order to educate our communities on this issue two videos had been produced by Innovative Minds (see below). There are also leaflets and posters available from their website. Click here http://inminds.co.uk/boycott-israeli-dates.php

Boycott Israeli Dates 1 of 2


Boycott Israeli Dates 2 of 2


If you find this information useful please pass this to other brothers and sisters. It’s time to start campaigning with our wallets – its time we stopped trading with these oppressors. Make sure you look before you buy. If you find a halal grocery store that sells dates from Israel then notify them of their error and if they don’t change then find alternative places to shop.

If you want to break your fast with delicious dates from Palestine as well as sample other produce then there are various shops listed on the Zaytoun.org website. Zaytoun is an ethical business established to support marginalized farming communities in Palestine. Zaytoun helps Palestinion farmers access the UK market and ensures that the money made from sales goes back to the right people.

More info: http://www.zaytoun.org/files/2009/03/palestinian-agricultural-relief-committees-media-pack.pdf