Islamic Focus Issue 132 by Islamic Focus

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One of the qualities we subconsciously adopt in Ramadaan is that of enthusiasm and passion for worshipping Allah Ta’ala. We change our sleeping, eating and worship patterns for the sake of Allah Ta’ala. This is an indication of how we can adopt enthusiasm as opposed to laziness. LAZINESS We are taught in a dua to seek protection from excessive worry, sadness, inability, laziness, cowardice, stinginess, overpowering debt and being controlled by others. All these qualities stunt our productivity, prevent us from performing at our optimum and stop us from realising our potential. One of these qualities is laziness. The Quran links hypocrisy with laziness, and says that the hypocrites only come Salaah with laziness. (Quran 4:142).

Here we see that of all the

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Issue 132

qualities of the hypocrites, their laziness to perform Salaah is highlighted. A person who is motivated and passionate in his Salaah, will most likely be enthusiastic in other fields of his life. And a person who is not passionate about his Salaah will find laziness in other fields. ENTHUSIASM The pious people had a high level of passion for the worship of Allah Ta’ala. One night, Ammar ibn Yaasir radhiallahu anhu saw the Prophet sallallahu alaihi wa sallam reading Salaah and decided to join him. He narrates that he eventually gave up due to the length of the recitation of the Quran by the Prophet sallallahu alaihi wa sallam. Abbad ibn Bishr radhiallahu anhu was so immersed in the beauty of the Quran that he allowed the enemy arrows to pierce his body but did not want to break off reciting Surah Kahf.

July 2017 CONTINUITY How do we ensure that the enthusiasm of Ramadaan does not fizzle out? The Hadith outlines the way: “Everything has an enthusiastic period, and every period of enthusiasm has a stop.” The one who: 1. Adopts the Sunnah method in channelling his enthusiasm, and who 2. Adopts moderation, will see success and consistency. Moderation and following the Sunnah is also a sure way of combating radicalism and extremism. The Hadith tells us that the best of actions are those which are done consistently, though they may be little.

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WORLD NEWS

IRAQ - Iraqi forces, backed by US-led air strikes, have retaken Mosul after 9 months of fighting. ISIS seized it in June 2014. (BBC, 9 July 2017) QATAR - Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain and Egypt cut ties with Qatar on June 5 and imposed a land, air and sea blockade on the country. They also ordered Qatari citizens to leave their territories and took various steps against Qatari firms and financial institutions. They issued a 13point list of demands, including the shutdown of Al Jazeera, as a prerequisite to lift the sanctions. (AJ, 9 July 2017) KASHMIR - Clashes have broken out in Indianoccupied Kashmir on the anniversary of the killing of a liberation leader. Occupation forces used tear gas against protesters. They also surrounded the hometown of Burhan Wani who was killed fighting Indian troops last year. Seven people were killed in shelling across the Line of Control that divides Indian and Pakistani-occupied Kashmir. There has been an armed revolt in the Muslim-majority region against rule by India since 1989. Burhan Wani is credited with reviving the image of liberation in occupied Kashmir, becoming a figurehead for young people. The Indian authorities imposed heavy restrictions in the Kashmir valley for the anniversary, stopping internet access and sealing off areas. (BBC, 8 July 2017) CENTRAL AFRICAN REPUBLIC - 566 civilians have been killed in war crimes committed by armed groups since 2014. Widespread abuses were committed against civilians by Christian anti-Balaka forces. The rebel groups have also destroyed 4,207 homes. (AJ, 6 July 2017)

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EGYPT - Egyptian police arrested scores of students, especially those studying Islam, from the Uighur Muslim community on China's request, forcing dozens into hiding or to flee to Turkey. They were told they would be deported to China. Rights groups moved 60 Uighur students out of Egypt to safety in Turkey. 80 Uighur students have been arrested since the sweep began. The Chinese government has forced thousands of Uighur students abroad to return home since January 2017. Many of the students have been arrested directly at the airport upon their return to China and sent to re-education camps. None of them have been able to see family members and no information was provided to their families about their whereabouts. (AJ, 7 July 2017) LIBYA - The head of the self-styled Libyan National Army (LNA) has said his forces liberated the eastern Benghazi city after years of fighting with Islamists. Field Marshal Khalifa Haftar was a one-time commander in the army of late Muammar Gaddafi. The LNA is not recognised by Libya's UN-backed government in Tripoli. (BBC, 6 July 2017)

PALESTINE - Unesco has designated Hebron's Old City and the Tomb of the Patriarchs in the occupied West Bank a Palestinian World Heritage site despite Israeli protests. A resolution passed by a committee of the UN cultural agency also put them on a list of sites considered "in danger". Israel complained about the resolution, which refers to Hebron's "Islamic history". They also protested against another resolution passed by the World Heritage Committee that referred to it as the "occupying power" in Jerusalem's Old City. The resolution called on the Israeli authorities to "cease the persistent excavations, tunnelling, works and projects" that were illegal under international law. (BBC, 7 July 2017)

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1. Forgiveness Our mother, Hazrat Umme Salamah radhiallahu anha, the wife of the Prophet sallallahu alaihi wa sallam, reported that she heard the the beloved Prophet sallallahu alaihi wa sallam saying: "Whoever wears the Ihraam of his Umrah or his Hajj at Masjidul Aqsa (Jerusalem), and then proceeds to Makkah Mukarramah, he will have all his sins forgiven." (Sahih Ibn Hibbaan, Ahmad) Umme Salamah radhiallahu anha relates that the Prophet sallallahu alaihi wa sallam said, "If anyone puts on Ihram for Hajj or Umrah from Masjidul Aqsa and then proceeds to the Sacred Masjid (Ka'bah), their past and future sins will be forgiven, or they will be entered into Paradise". (Abu Dawud) 2. Special Dua Prophet Sulaiman alaihis salaam asked this dua for all those who will come and do salaah in Masjidul Aqsa: "O Allah forgive that person in such a way that he becomes sinless as the day he was born." (Ibn Majah) 3. Special Reward Abdullah Ibn Umar radhiallahu anhuma relates, I asked the Prophet sallallahu alaihi wa sallam, "O Prophet of Allah, tell us the legal injunction about (visiting) Bayt Al-Maqdis (Jerusalem)."

The mother gave her car key to the youngest child in the car while she went to buy some stuff in the mall. Upon her return, the boy had misplaced the key and the whole family was stranded on the road. Observing her discomfort with innocent kids without a male at hand to help, I joined the search party. For each passing minute without the key, she landed the boy that had the key with a slap or a concentrated curse. After few minutes, she strayed in frustration into a motorbike's way and was knocked down. It was in the process of helping her up and picking the pieces of her belongings that the car key was found. She had already lost herself before the key was found. Many people lose themselves in search of what is missing in their lives. Some lose their health while searching for material wealth. Some lose their marriage while searching for a mirage. Sometimes, you just need to ignore the emotional missing link so you can remain spiritually connected. Don't lose your children while searching for their school fees. Don’t lose focus of your priorities in searching for elusive dreams.

The Prophet sallallahu alaihi wa sallam said,

“Make the most of five things before five others: life before death, health before sickness, free time before becoming busy, youth before old age, and wealth before poverty.” [Saheeh al-Jaami]

"Go and pray there. If you cannot visit it and pray there, then send some oil to be used in the lamps". (Bukhari)

“From the perfection of a person’s Islam is that he leaves alone that which does not concern him." (Tirmidhi)

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SUNNAH / INSPIRATION

Reasons for wearing the Ihraam for Hajj or Umrah from Masjidul Aqsa, Palestine:

CONTEMPORARY / QURAN

Shiasm is a threat to a Muslim’s beliefs. Here is a sampling of Shia beliefs regarding the Quran, as well as their fabricated Tafseer: 1. Speech of the Imam is like the Speech of Allah Ta'ala "The speech of each one of the pure Imams is in fact the speech of Allah the most honoured and majestic. There is no inconsistency in their speech, just as there is no inconsistency in the speech of Allah subhanahu wa ta’ala." [Ref: Al-Mazindarani: Sharh Jami (Ali al-Kafi) 2/272] 2. The Quran is only proof with an Imam The Shia have a ‘narration’ from Ali radiya Llahu anhu wherein it is alleged that he said: "This (the Quran) is the silent Book of Allah, and I am the Book of Allah who speaks." [Ref: Al-Hurr al-Amili: al-Fusul al-Muhimmah pg. 235] 3. Strange Tafseer The leading Shia scholar of his time, Ibn Mutahhar al-Hilli, says whilst trying to prove that Ali radiya Llahu anhu was the one who deserved to be the khalifah: "The thirtieth proof: The statement of Allah, “He released the two seas, meeting [side by side]. Between them is a barrier [so] neither of them transgresses,” they are Ali and Fatimah. “Between them is a barrier [so] neither of them transgresses,” this refers to Nabi salla Llahu alayhi wa sallam. “From both of them emerge pearl and coral,” this refers to Hasan and Husayn."

(Prophet Nuh alaihis salaam's son replied, in answer to his father's calling him onto the ship to be saved): "I will take refuge on a mountain to protect me from the water." Nuh alaihis salaam said: "There is no protector today from the decree of Allah, except for whom He gives mercy." And the waves came in between them, so he (the son) was among the drowned. (Surah Hud, verse 43)

As for the statement of Nuh (alaihis salaam)'s son, this is from intellect and human logic. As for the statement of Nuh (alaihis salaam), this is from the Wahy (Revelation). As for the waves coming in between them, drowning the son, this was the result. So whosoever gives precedence to his intellect over the texts of the Qur'aan and the authentic Sunnah gets drowned in the darknesses of the oceans of desires and innovations. And whosoever gets accustomed to countering the laws of Islam with his intellect, faith will not find a place in his heart. “It is not for a believer, man or woman, when Allah and His Messenger have decreed a matter that they should have any option in their decision. And whoever disobeys Allah and His Messenger, he has indeed strayed in a plain error.” (Quran, 33:36)

Full Article: http://mahajjah.com/shia-beliefs-quran-andimamah-by-abu-muhammad-al-afriqi/

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www.shafiifiqh.com Q: I heard that a man can get married to 18 women at a time according to the Shafi Mathab. Is this true? A: M arrying any number more than four is not permissible. In the time of the Prophet (upon him be peace) there were companions who embraced Islam while married to more than four wives, and in each instance the Prophet (upon him be peace) commanded them to only retain four by separating from the others. Perhaps some confusion arises when reading the verse: “Marry from the women who are good for you; two, three, or four.” (Nisa’ 3) In the verse, the intent is not to join between the mentioned numbers; rather, it is for “takhyir.” Meaning, one may marry two or three or four. (Kifayat al-Nabih 13/136) Moreover, limiting polygyny to four wives is a point of scholarly consensus (ar. ijma’). (al-Mawsu’at alFiqhiyyah al-Kuwaitiyyah 5/113) And Allah Ta’ala knows best Answered by: Shaykh Yaqub Abdurrahman

Q: Is it permissible to touch the quraan without wudhoo according to the Shafi Mathab? A: I t is required that one be in a state of wudu’ to touch a copy of the Qur’an. (Sharh al-Rawd 1/61) And Allah Ta’ala knows best Answered by Shaykh Yaqub Abdurrahman Q: What is the duration of Nifas (bleeding after child birth) according to Shafi Islamic Focus

Fiqh? A: The minimum duration for post-natal bleeding (ar. nifas) is a moment, its maximum is sixty days, and its average is forty. (Minhaj alTalibin p. 20) And Allah Ta’ala knows best Answered by Shaykh Yaqub Abdurrahman

Q: I have heard from a hadith narrated by Ali radhiallahu anhu that after Khaibar, the Prophet sallallahu alaihi wa sallam disapproved of mu'tah. Please explain about mu'tah marriage. A: The “mut’ah marriage” is a marriage contracted until a specific time or event; for example, a man marries a woman for a month or until he departs from the city. When the time lapses or the event happens, then the marriage is concluded. This particular type of marriage was prohibited by the Prophet Muhammad sallallahu alaihi wa sallam. Ali b. Abi Talib radhiallahu anhu narrated the prohibition happened at Khaybar, this is related in both Bukhari and Muslim. This type of marriage was permissible at first and then it was abrogated. According to the Shafi’i Mathab, this type of marriage is unlawful. (Kitab alUmm 5/85; Tuhfat al-Muhtaj 7/224) And Allah knows best. Answered by: Shaykh Yaqub Abdurrahman Q: Is there any difference in salaah of a man or woman in Shafi fiqh? A: As far as the integrals and conditions of the salaah are concerned, there is no difference between men and

women; the differences are in the following recommended acts: 1-In ruku and in sujood, it is recommended for men to distance their stomachs from their thighs and their elbows from their sides, whereas it is recommended for women to keep their stomachs as close as possible to their thighs and their elbows as close as possible to their sides. 2-In qiyām, it is recommended for men to keep their feet a hand-span (about 9 inches) apart, whereas it is recommended for women to keep their feet together. 3-It is recommended for women to lower their voices when praying in the presence of non-mahram men.

4-When praying in a congregation and the imam makes a mistake, it is recommended for women to clap by hitting the outer part of the left hand with the palm of the right hand, even in an allfemale congregation, whereas it is recommended for the men to say 'subhan Allah!'. 5-In an all-female congregation, it is recommended for the female imam to stand in the center of the first row, and move up slightly ahead of the rest of the row, whereas it is recommended for the male imam to stand completely ahead of the first row. Reference: Hashiyat al-Bajuri 1/330  And Allah Ta’ala knows best Answered by Shaykh Omar Mohsin

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QUESTIONS & ANSWERS

SHAFI Q & A

QUESTIONS & ANSWERS

HANAFI Q & A www.askimam.org | www.askmufti.co.za | www.daruliftaa.net Q: My question is regarding having a child through IVF. We are married past 10 years, trying to have child through natural means but by Allah's will we do not have any children yet. We recently came across a male fertility specialist and after going through all the reports, the doctor advised us to go with IVF procedure. Is the procedure allowed as per sharia? If yes, are all the processes required to be done by a female doctor? As this procedure involves taking out the egg from my wife body, is it a must that this should be done by female doctor? This procedure also requires my sperm to be made avilable to doctor, how can I do that? Is it allowed to use my hand or my wife should do that? A: I f you are advised by your doctor to consider IVF, then you should follow the advice and guidance of your doctor in doing so. Bear in mind that the following conditions must be adhered to; 1) Only the sperm of the husband may be used. 2) A surrogate mother may not be used. 3) The husband must take assistance from his wife in the removal of his sperm. 4) A female fertility specialist should carry out the procedures. If you are forced to carry out the procedures with a male doctor, then it is important to keep all interaction as limited as possible. In such a situation, make tawbah and istighfaar for violating the laws of Shariah. Islamic Focus

And Allah Ta’ala Knows Best Checked and Approved by Mufti Ebrahim Desai Q: If a person going on Umrah fastens his ihram and say the intention words of umrah (in his own language), but forgets to read Talbiah (In Arabic), is his Umrah correct or does he have to pay a Dumm? A: I n order for the donning of the Ihram to be valid, the following two conditions are required: 1) An intention, whether verbal or non-verbal, to perform an action of worship. Along with one of the following: 2) To recite the Talbiyyah or any phrase indicating the praise of Allah, the Almighty, irrespective of whether this is in the Arabic language or another language E.g. ‘Allahu Akbar’ or ‘There is no one worthy of worship besides Allah’; or, 2) To tie a chain or rope around a camel or a cow while travelling with it towards the Haram. If one crosses the Miqat without fulfilling these two conditions, and performs tawaf, then it is necessary to give one Dumm. A Dumm in this case is to slaughter one sheep (whether male or female) that has been alive for more than a year. The sheep must be slaughtered in the Haram. And Allah Ta’ala Knows Best Checked and Approved by: Mufti Ebrahim Desai Q: If one misses a few rakahs of taraweeh, and then he prays witr with the congregation in the masjid. Can he make those rakahs of taraweeh up after the witr, on his

own? A: I f a person missed few rakats of Taraweeh, he should join the Imam in witr and make up the missed rakats after the witr Salah. And Allah Ta’ala Knows Best Checked and Approved by: Mufti Ebrahim Desai Q: If a person says that Madinah's curd is sour will he become a disbeliever or a sinner? What if his intention is not to demean the Prophet sallallahu alaihi wa sallam's city? A: The individual w ho makes such a statement in reference will not be considered a disbeliever nor a sinner. However, when making any statements about Madinah Shareef and related issues, one should be extremely careful even if one has a good intention. And Allah Ta‘ala Knows Best Checked and Approved by: Mufti Ebrahim Desai Q: A wife told her husband: "You missed the Esha prayer due to sleeping." The husband replied by mistake "No problem". It came out of he's mouth unwittingly. He made tauba and istaghfar immediately. Was this an act of disbelief? Will the marriage still be valid? A: The husband’s reply ‘no problem’ was not an act of disbelief. The marriage is still valid. Checked and Approved by: Mufti Ebrahim Desai 

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A boy went to the school Principal and said "Madam, I won't be coming to school anymore.” The Principal responded, “But why?” The boy said “Ah! I saw a teacher speaking bad of another teacher; You have a Sir who can't read well; the staff is not good; students look down upon their fellow students and there are so many other wrong things happening in the school.”

The Principal replied, “OK. But before you go, do me a favor: Take a glass full of water and walk three times around the School without spilling a drop on the floor. Afterwards, leave the school if you desire.” The boy thought: Now that's too easy! And he walked three times around as the Principal had asked. When he finished, he told the Principal he was ready. The Principal asked “When you were walking around the school , did you see a teacher speaking bad about another teacher?” The youth replied “No.” "Did you see any student looking at other students in a wrong way?" “No.” “You know why? asked the Principal. “No,” replied the student yet again. “You were focused on the glass, to make sure you didn't tilt it and spill any water. It's the same with our life. When our focus is on our priorities , we don't have time to see the mistakes of others.” Moral: We should concentrate on our priorities and not on the mistakes of others.

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HISTORY / INSPIRATION

An intelligent and skillful person transforms losses into profits; whereas, the unskilled person aggravates his own predicament, often making two disasters out of one.

Qatar's Emir adopts policies in dealing with Britain and Turkey. Bahrain imprisons the Qatari ambassador who tried to negotiate a deal over Qatari nationals imprisoned there.

The Prophet sallallahu alaihi wa sallam was compelled to leave Makkah, but rather than quitting his mission, he continued it in Madinah â&#x20AC;&#x201C; the city that took its place in history with lightning speed.

Bahrain, backed by Abu Dhabi, launches attacks on Qatari cities. The Qatari armed forces retaliate resulting in the loss of Bahraini shipping vessels.

Imam Ahmad ibn Hanbal rahimahullah was severely tortured and flogged, and yet he emerged triumphant from that ordeal, becoming the Imam of the Sunnah.

Qatar accepts an alliance with Turkey in return for the establishment of a military base on Qatari soil.

Imam As-Sarakhsi rahimahullah was held as a prisoner, kept at the bottom of an unused well; he managed therein to produce twenty volumes on Islamic jurisprudence.

Qatari-Turkish relationship turns sour after Turkey refuses to back Qatari attacks on Abu Dhabi. In a further blow to bilateral relationships, Turkey offers clandestine support to Saudi Wahhabi inspired rebels who attempt a coup in Qatar.

Ibn Athir rahimahullah became crippled, after which he wrote Jami al-Usool and An-Nihoyoh, two of the most famous books in the Science of Hadith.

Qatar officially breaks the alliance with Turkey. Qatar denounces Western imperialist plans and expels British business interests from the country.

Imam Ibn al-Jawzi rahimahullah was banished from Baghdad. Then, through his travels, he became proficient in the seven recitations of the Quran.

Turkish troops attempt to take control of Qatari cities but are defeated. Qatar attempts to enter into defence treaties with Britain but these negotiations fall apart. Qatar then mends relationships with Turkey.

Malik ibn ar-Rayb rahimahullah was on his deathbed when he recited his most famous and beautiful poem, which is appreciated until this day.

Sounds like modern day politics in the Middle East? Think again. These were events that actually played out in Qatar from 1867-1913.

When Abi Dhuaib al-Hadhaliâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s children died before him, he eulogized them with a poem that the world listened to and admired.

In 2017, Saudi Arabia, UAE and other nations implement sanctions against Qatar. Turkey steps into the breach to help Qatar.

Therefore, if you are afflicted with a misfortune, look on the bright side. In all situations one can find goodness.

The cycle of history repeats itself. Are we willing to learn the lessons and save ourselves?

Ref: Don't be sad, page 49-50

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1. True Muslim And they restrain their anger, and are forgiving towards Mankind. (Quran 3:134)

The Crusaders turned the Dome of the Rock Mosque into a church. Salahuddeen returned it to a Mosque. To be continued

Anger Management, Ml Suhail Wadee

This verse leads us to one of the hallmarks of a true Muslim: If hurt by someone, they do not flare up in anger and do not lose their selfcontrol. Going a step further, they do not submit to the dictates of their anger and do not Al-Aqsa Mosque has four different levels: go for revenge. Not only that, they simply sur• An underground level containing wells and render their option of taking revenge and acwater canals, and some filled buildings. tually forgive the wrong-doer from the depths • A subterranean level, including the Marwani of their heart. Not stopping at this highprayer hall, Ancient Aqsa, etc. enough moral achievement, they rise still • Southern Qibly Mosque and the middle higher by doing good to the person who had courtyard that includes platforms, trees, etc. caused pain to them. • The Dome of the Rock and its surroundings. 2. Advice 1. Al-Qibly Mosque A man asked the Prophet sallallahu alaihi wa Al-Qibly Mosque is the first physical structure sallam "Give me some advice but do not make built by Muslims on Al-Aqsa compound. When it lengthy." He said, "Do not be anMuslims first entered Jerusalem in 638 CE the gry." (Musnad of Ahmed) site had no construction on it. Umar radhiallahu anhu and his companions built a simple Moulana Thanvi rahimahullah said that this mosque on its southern part. Al-Qibly Mosque, Hadeeth contains an important lesson in that as we know it today, was first built by Umay- the first step for a man wishing to take the yad Caliph Walid 706-714 CE. It was renovat- path towards Allah and reform himself is to ed a few times under subsequent rulers. Dur- curb his anger. ing the Crusaders’ occupation Al-Qibly Mosque was turned into a church, but Salahuddeen 3. From Satan returned it to its former state. “Verily, anger comes from Satan and Satan was created from fire. Fire is extinguished 2. The Dome of the Rock with water, so if you become angry then perCaliph Abdul Malek ordered the building of the form ablution with water.” (Sunan Abu golden dome 691-692 CE on the highest spot Dawood) of Al-Aqsa Mosque, in the middle of a plateau that is 4 meters higher than the rest of the 4. Angelic mosque’s courtyards. The Dome of the Rock is Allah says, “I have created them (angels) with built over the Rock of Ascension for Meraj. A the quality of total forbearance. So, if out of number of arched gates surround the plateau, My fear and love, My slave restrains his anger, but they only serve a decorative function. he progresses ahead of the Angels.”

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HISTORY / SOCIAL

Al-Aqsa Mosque is in the southeast corner of the Old City of Jerusalem. It is also referred to as Al-Haram Ash-Sharif and comprises the entire area within the compound walls (144,000m²) including mosques, prayer rooms, buildings, platforms and open courtyards above or under the grounds. These exceed 200 monuments.

SUNNAH / LESSON

Given the array of commitments people have, one of the key roles of religion is to make life easy for them. Allah, the exalted, is most merciful and gentle towards His creation. Hence, His religion does not place undue burden on anyone. Allah, the exalted, says: “Allah desires for you ease; He desires not hardship for you.” The Messenger of Allah sallallahu alaihi was allam said to Abu Musa al-Ashari and Muadh bin Jabal radhiallahu anhuma, when he sent them to Yemen: “Be easy (with the people) and don’t make things difficult, bring good news and don’t estrange (them).” The facilitation of ease in religion can achieved in a number of ways: 1. One ought not to make something which is difficult for people an integral. The reverence for prayer requires that one should purify their mouth before coming to the mosque. However, the Messenger of Allah sallallahu alaihi wa sallam said: “Were it not that I would have been hard on my community, I would have ordered them to clean their teeth with a siwak before every prayer.” 2. To make those acts of worship into customary practices which people desire due to their physical nature. So that both nature and reason will combine to motivate them. That is why keeping the mosque clean and fragrant and washing and scenting oneself on Friday was made a customary practice. In a similar way, to recite the Quran in a melodious way was recommended, as the Messenger of Allah sallallahu alaihi wa sallam said: “Whoever does not recite the Quran in a melodious voice is not from us.” Humans love beauty, Islam continued with this tradition of maintaining beauty in our actions and the environment.

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1. People will Notice the Difference After just one or two months abstaining from porn, you’ll start to look and feel different. Brother Javed shared this with me: "I think even within a month or two of abstinence, that really strong transformation showed. One day, I was in the kitchen with my mother, and she said, ’You look different. You look like there’s some noor (light) about you.’ And then she said, ‘Wait here.’ And she called my father, actually. And she asked him to come. And she said, ‘Look at your son. There’s something different about him.’ And that was a very powerful reminder for me because I was different. I felt different." 2. Shame will be Replaced by Integrity It’s near impossible to indulge in porn without feeling some shame. You don’t realize how much this shame weighs you down until you experience life without it. This is how Brother Javed experienced it: "I would say some of the main things that I gained, first and foremost, was a sense of self -respect, a sense of honor, a sense of nobility, a sense of worth, a sense of integrity – even though I wasn’t perfect. I have my weaknesses. I would wake up with a sense of integrity. I would go to sleep with a sense of integrity. And I would go about my day without this cloud, this mountain of shame about what I may have done the night before or a few days ago." 3. You’ll be Able to Dream again Hope, optimism, and dreaming are natural human mechanisms that are stifled by the darkness of indulging in lust. But abstaining from porn allows you to dream again. If you can live without porn, you’ll realize you can do anything.

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FINAL FOCUS

Imagine you had won the following prize in a contest: Each morning your bank would deposit R86,400 in your private account for your use. However, this prize has rules: 1. Everything that you didn't spend during each day would be taken away from you. 2. You may not simply transfer money into some other account. 3. You may only spend it. 4. Each morning, the bank opens your account with another R86,400 for that day. 5. The bank can end the game without warning. It can close the account and you will not receive a new one. What would you do? You would buy anything and everything you wanted right? You would try to spend every penny, and use it all, because you knew it would be replenished in the morning, right? Actually this game is real. Each of us is already a winner of this prize. We just can't seem to see it. The prize is time. 1. Each morning we awaken to receive 86,400 seconds as a gift of life. 2. And when we go to sleep at night, any remaining time is not credited to us. 3. What we haven't used up that day is forever lost. 4. Yesterday is forever gone. 5. Each morning the account is refilled, but the bank can dissolve your account at any time without warning. So, what will YOU do with your 86,400 seconds? Those seconds are worth so much more than the same amount in dollars. Here's wishing you a wonderful and beautiful day.

So which of the favors of your Lord would you deny? (Quran, Surah Ar Rahman)

Islamic Focus

Do you know what a palindrome is? Palindromes are those words that can be read character by character. Each character of the word matches and thus can be read forwards and backwards. For example: level/mom/noon etc. You get palindrome sentences too. For example: Madam I'm Adam. Here are two palindromes found in the Quraan but with added edges which compliment the meanins! 1. Surah Yasin Verse 40:

‫وكل يف فلك يسبحون‬ And everything is swimming in an orbit. (Allah Ta'ala in the preceding verses mentions aspects about the celestial bodies). Check the meaning of the word 'orbit': "An orbit is a regular, repeating path that one object in space takes around another one."

‫ ك ل ف ي ف ل ك‬- ‫كل يف فلك‬ This happens to be a palindrome as well and not only can it be read forwards and backwards, or in an “orbit” so to speak! It compliments the meaning as well. Surat Al Muddatthhir verse 3.

‫وربك فكرب‬ And Exalt your Lord!

‫ ر ب ك ف ك ب ر‬-‫ربك فكرب‬ Stretch this verse across your entire day and you are instructed to Glorify and Exalt Allah Ta'ala morning to evening and again evening to morning. Regardless whether life takes you forward or backwards!

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