Ribat Issue 2 (14 February 2017) | E-Newsletter

Issue 2

ribat.contact@gmail.com blogribat.wordpress.com

Jumada al Awwal 17, 1438 AH February 14, 2017 AD

facebook.com/RibatTruth +91-9953136569 If you'd like to donate to the cause, feel free to Whatsapp us.

FREE EDITION `10/issue (March onwards)

Subscribe at bit.do/ribat

inside

FORTRESS OF TRUTH Quiz Results............... pg2 Accusing Chaste Women...................... pg2 Deconstructing Fahsh......................... pg3 Understanding The Muslim Veil................. pg4

मेरी कहानी भाग 2...... pg4

‫ت‬ ّ �‫دف� یم‬ ‫حمبت‬ ‫گھر یم� نفرت‬........... pg4

Asma-o-Sifat Hisham Jameel Siddiqi, BA, AMU

The

All Knowing

Al-Aleem is the emphatic form of the word Aleem (knower) and draws its roots from Ilm or knowledge. This attribute appears many times in the Quran to remind us how encompassing the nature of Allah is. Allah has perfect and absolute knowledge and nothing is hidden from Him. Allah knows the outward and inward, the revealed and the hidden, the unseen, the past, present and future. He knows what is good for us and what will harm us. Our desires and our longings. He knows our tricks and tendencies. So anything that we do - in the most hidden of states, in solitude, in the veil of night and brightness of day - everything is in the knowledge of Allah. He knows the secrets of the hearts and things to which we give words.

And conceal your speech or publicize it; indeed, He is Knowing of that within the breasts. Does He who created not know, while He is the Subtle, the Acquainted? (TMQ 67:13-14) Thus Allah’s knowledge comprehends everything, is neither acquired, nor preceded by ignorance nor followed by forgetfulness. With this recognition we should also become humble as we realize that knowledge of Allah is complete and nothing escapes from Him. Thus we should be careful of Allah at all times and states and should be hopeful in times of hardship and despair. Indeed it is true what Allah says in the Quran: And with Him are the keys of the unseen; none knows them except Him. And He knows what is on the land and in the sea. Not a leaf falls but that He knows it. And no grain is there within the darknesses of the earth and no moist or dry [thing] but that it is in a clear record (TMQ 6:59) Furthermore, it is only Al Aleem who knows the true nature of our being. He reserves the right to dictate us on how to live rightly as individuals and as a society. He reserves the rights to dictate our true 'rights and responsibilities'. Only He should have the authority to define 'gender roles'. If human tries to 'outsmart' Al-Aleem by crafting new 'theories', which are but conjectures, he is not going to be damned only in the hereafter but in this world too - by a rift being created into his family and society or by some other plans of the All-Knowing, All-Wise.

Pearls of Revelation

Indeed, those who like that immorality should be spread [or publicized] among those who have believed will have a painful punishment in this world and the hereafter.

And Allah knows and you do not know (24:19) Editorial Board

This aayah of Suran Al-Nur was revealed in context of episode of ufaq near 6 H and a set of everlasting guidelines were given to those who claim to believe in Allah. Historically and in contemporary world, fahash is one of biggest conspiracies to sever the roots and strength of Muslim society in particular and humanity in general. Likewise, the house of the Prophetsaw was attacked by an allegation on Ummhatul Mumineen H Ayesha. After a whole month of pain to the mumins, this event ended when Allah declared her chastity. The aayah primarily addresses munafiqs and those who have weak faith and fail to maintain ‘adl but it is a fierce warning to everyone. There are people who are afflicted with the disease of tongue and take fun in discussing and commenting on fahsh and allegations of commiting fahash acts like the different types of zina (discussed in section Al-Kabair). Allah addresses both who act and those who make fun out of these incidents (by indulging in allegations) and consider both under single crime of fuhash. Hence it is an individual as well as a collective responsibility to educate and remind the Believers about the hudood of Allah. Today a lot of supposedly 'innocent' things (which are defended in the name of 'freedom') lead to fuhash. Come to reflect on it, it's quite shocking how we're all included in them one way or the other. Advocating music, discouraging hijab, hating polygamy, nudity and erotica in the name of art, sexual perversion (LGBTQ), imitating the other sex just to name a few. Those who support these actions belong to the same category.

Interestingly, those who try to stop it according to Allah's command of 'Amr bil Maroof wa Nahi ‘anil Munkar' are ridiculed, blamed of moral policing, fought tooth and nail for challenging the 'values of the society'! But does that stop a believer? How could the actions of mere men deter someone who has submitted himself/herself to the Will of Allah? However hard the society may try to drown down these ayats by its trumpts of 'freedom', there will always remain those in whose hearts this ayah will live and propagate to others! Because "they plan and Allah plans, and Allah is the best of planners." [TMQ 8:30]

Al-Kabair

THE MAJOR SINS Hisham Jameel Siddiqi, BA, AMU

What is Haya? What is Tabarruj? Who is a Dayyooth? What are the different categories of Mahram? Can I go to that party with girls? What is this Ghairah after-all?

JargonExplained

not news for anyone. We all know Zina Itthatis probably illegal sexual intercourse is one of the major sins and

pg3

is prohibited. (Notice that it's not because of the "fear of diseases" nor "unwanted pregnancies" as today's world depicts). And since modern world has made zina quite easy (and nikaah difficult) and most Islamic laws are presented in a vague form to appease the modern intellect, the following hadith of RasulAllahsaw probably sets the record straight: "Take from me. Allah has a way made for them: For the married person who commits adultery with a married person is one hundred lashes, then stoning. And for the virgin who commits adultery with a virgin is one hundred lashes and banishment for a year.” Tirmidhi 1434

And no! However the apologists may like to present, it's not a ruling for 'special situations' Faraz gives a great example in this reference of Hazrat Umar (page2). Now a lot of us would think that they are pure of zina since they never indulged in illegal intercourse. So read this: "Allah fixed the very portion of zina which a man will indulge in. There would be no escape from it! The zina of the eye is the lustful look and the zina of the ears is listening to voluptuous (song or talk) and the zina of the tongue is licentious speech and the zina of the hand is the lustful grip (embrace) and the zina of the feet is to walk (to the place) where he intends to commit zina and the heart yearns and desires which he may or may not put into effect.” Sahih Muslim 2658

Doesn't that send chills down your spine? And to think that these are considered "normal behaviour" today!

When it comes to indecent actions, there is one widely prevelant today: Accusing Chaste Women. See how Allah reacts to it... (contd on page 2) Wajihuddin Ali Khan, PhD, AMU

“Nikah is my Sunnah. Whoever turns away from my Sunnah, He is not from me or have no relation with me” (Bukhari) While the modern world seems to be looking down on the very concept of marriage, calling it a patriarchal evil, the above authentic hadith is an important reminder. The following hadith gives the answer to how to chose a spouse: “A woman is married for four things: for her wealth, for her lineage, for her beauty or for her piety. Select the pious, may you be blessed!”. (Bukhari and Muslim)

THE DIVINE ECHO

Narrated Sahl bin Sa`d: Allah's Messenger (pbuh) said: "Whoever can guarantee (the chastity of) what is between his two jawbones and what is between his two legs (i.e. his tongue and his private parts), I guarantee Paradise for him."

[Sunan Nasa'i 5004]

Abu Khansa This guarantee has been given by that chosen one, whose truthfulness and trustworthiness has been accepted by the whole mankind - admirers and critics alike - who has been showed the severity and glances of the pitfire of jahannum, knows the reality and temporariness (fani) of this duniya and the eternal bliss of aakhirah.

A sure shot ticket to jannah can be purchased (a guarantee as reward) by anyone in return for guaranteed disciplining and confining these two parts of corporal existence in the chains of ‘laws’ ordained by Allah.

But the human, often being hasty, submits himself to the deep rooted instincts of his wujood. He loses his grip from urwatil wusqa and trangresses the ‘ahd by landing on sliding stones spread in this journey of life and fails to prevent from the trials of thorns.

Rasulullah Muhammad (saw) being provided with Jawami’ al Kalim, has referred to a large spectrum of human actions (a’amal) committed by the tongue and private parts in his admonition. Sexuality, one of the most potent desires is largely associated to these parts. These two boneless and flexible parts are very difficult to be controlled and restrained from whining around in the greenery of this world. These faculties are connected with the qalb and hence the main contributors in committing and realizing all fuhash acts and other sins like allegation, lying, gheebah, abusing, etc. (Read: fuhash and zina) In a gush of pleasure of satiating his instincts, man opiates and deceives himself from the bitter reality of this duniya where things don't last forever and time frails everything like termite.

Plagued with double standards, we don't want to face the ill consequences of immoralities and try to regulate the limits by worldly authorities and means which are ever changing and confusing and almost always neglected! The result is the unprecedented rise in sex-related crimes. What to do when saying "enough is enough" is not enough anymore?

The reason is clear. You cannot handle an insatiable desire with a temporary hope or reward or fear. Therefore, this naseehah will help only those who have eeman in aakhirah and who crave for jannah as the last abode; who want to enjoy forever and not for a few seconds or minutes of this life, which no matter how good or long, don't remain same forever. And in return for what? Not in ending the desire but just at a very small price of censoring it. How good the case is for the believer. He gets rewarded both in this duniyaa and jannah!

pg1

Editor’s Desk Mohammad Haani Farooqi, B.Tech, AMU

Issue 1 of Ribât was a huge succes and we are emboldened by your response and humbled by Allah's Grace! We received calls from students and professors alike who congratulated us for the effort and volunteered for help.

We ask Allah to purify us of deviations, guide us to the straight path and make us a tool for the revival of His deen.

Interestingly the date of this second edition collided with another "important" day. While the team sat brainstorming, we thought about covering the ongoing practices and the Islamic stance on them.

We are witnessing a time as prophesied by the last Messenger of Allah, a great trial or fitna. The sense of haram and hudood are being blurred and vanishing due to deep love of duniya. Rationale is being overcome by temptation of instincts. Seduction is considered to be an art and a sign of respect and chastity and haya is viewed as shame. The first google search (a book to seek guidance for all problems, as if it is a revelation) tells you how to please a girlfriend and not Allah! Zina is too easy but nikah is a liability. The magnitude of harm caused by this culture of jahiliyyah is not being addressed properly and we see a very superficial and hypocritical approach to evade the consequences and often indulge in misdiagnosing. We, therefore, tried to revive some terms that have been used in ahadith, arranged other sections around those concepts and dedicated articles about the ongoing fahsh and the crumbling family ties.

May Allah protect us from fahashi and from being among those who preach fahashi. May Allah make us among the people who can face Prophet MuhammadSAW and not denied from aab-e-kausar.

The Epitome of Justice Faraz Ahmed, B.Tech, AMU

In a world full of nepotism and biasness, we can hardly find men leading by examples when it comes to judging your own flesh and blood without bias. History presents us with yet another Gem exemplified by Hazrat UmarRA. During the caliphate of Hazrat UmarRA an incident rattled his court of justice. A Jewish Lady walked in with a baby in her arms pleading for justice. “Over a year ago, while walking along the road at night, I was accosted by a young man, who was drunk – I was helpless – he harmed and committed an offence on me to outrage my modesty – and today I am here with a baby in my arms. I had undergone untold sufferings during this past year – and at last managed to trace the offender – He was none other than your son “Abu Shahmah”.

A ghostly silence swept across the room! It was the Caliph’s voice which broke the silence, “Are you certain that it was indeed him?" The lady was quite sure. Hazrat Umar immediately left for his house. When he reached his home he found his son, Abu Shahmah eating his afternoon meal. “Son, this may be your last meal – quickly finish it and come with me to the mosque.” Abu Sahmah was rattled by his father’s command.

Upon arrival, Abu Shahmah desperately tried to explain that he was made to drink unknowingly and was not in control of his senses when he committed the sin. He pleaded that he be punished inside his home rather in public.

After hearing his son’s confession Caliph’s rage turned to Fury. He commanded that he will be flogged 100 lashes and there is no question of any modification as these are the commandments from Quran! Despite all the pleading and wailing, Umar didn’t flinch. He pulled out his son for public flogging. The executioner was called and the whipping started. The first five lashes were enough to rip apart the soft human skin. 10 lashes-20 lashes-50 lashes….. And it continued. The skin on the back split open – blood started spurting – whip after whip – pieces of flesh started flying.

On the 100th Lash Abu Shahmah couldn’t take it anymore. He took his last breath and his body collapsed.

As soon as the punishment was finished Hazrat UmarRA rushed to his son and started kissing his forehead, weeping and said: "You have given your life on Truth, You have given your life on Truth. If you meet MuhammadSAW convey my greetings to him and inform him that you left Umar while reading and acting on the Quran!" Such was the strong commitment of Hazrat UmarRA to justice that even the possibility of losing his own son didn’t deter him to execute the Commandment of Allah.

Al-Kabair

(contd)

The last quiz was a great start.

We received loads of mails and by the end, it was a tough decision to chose the winner.

Sister Nada Faruqi's elaborate well thought-out answer was very impressive and deserves a mention. However, due to his comprehensive listing of the modern forms of shirk and accurate references for each, brother Aavez Shams (BUMS I year, AMU) was chosen by the team as the winner of Ribat's first open quiz. He will be awarded with the book "Ideal Muslim Society".

You can also check out his and other good answers (alogwith our comments) on blogribat.wordpress.com/quiz1 And now for the next quiz: Explain in detail what rajm or stoning is. Give your views and comments on the current popular discourse about stoning as a form of punishment in the modern world.

Send your answers to ribat.contact@gmail.com under subject “Quiz”. Best answers get a gift and a chance for a featured article in Ribat.

Last date of submission: Feb 22 2017

THE MAJOR SINS

this is one of the prohibited Accusing Now things that has become the norm

Chaste Women not just in colleges, but even at

Muslim homes. And that too by women, themselves! It's not a surprise to find people sitting and accusing the character of a said girl, with absolutely no evidence. Here's Allah's commandment in this regard: And those who accuse chaste women and then do not produce four witnesses - lash them with eighty lashes and do not accept from them testimony ever after.

And those are the defiantly disobedient, Except for those who repent thereafter and reform, for indeed, Allah is Forgiving and Merciful (TMQ 24:4-5) And the punishment of Allah is severer in the herafter: Indeed, those who [falsely] accuse chaste, unaware and believing women are cursed in this world and the Hereafter; and they will have a great punishment.

On a Day when their tongues, their hands and their feet will bear witness against them as to what they used to do.

That Day, Allah will pay them in full their deserved recompense, and they will know that it is Allah who is the perfect in justice.

(TMQ 24:23-25)

Through The Sands Of Time

...Among The Best of Women Ahmad Mehmood, MTM, BGSU The call of Muhammadsaw to Tawhid was not dealt lightly by the Quraysh.

They struck back in desperation not only against Muhammadsaw as a person or Muslims as an Organization, but also tooth and nail against the idea that was being presented. At his first public Sermon on the Mount of Safa, he was openly defied, condemned and stopped from continuing. The leaders of Quraysh shooed away the people and asked everybody to rally behind their old gods. Abu Lahab’s two sons immediately divorced two daughters of Muhammad and turned them out. The idea of a common man just like them being chosen to be a messenger was not acceptable. And his call for "none worthy of obedience except Allah" was a setback to the status quo.

Amidst these trials and tribulations, there was one unwavering support which Allah gave to His Prophet (besides His guidance through the Qur’an): his wife KhadeejaRA. Perhaps the most well-known and yet never deplete of lessons and emotional impact is the incidence when Muhammadsaw returned after he received the first revelation from the cave of Hira. Shivering. Afraid.

Realizing somewhat, the massive responsibility ahead of him. Understanding that his life would change forever. Fearing for his safety. And in those moments as he asked her to cover him with a blanket, it was KhadijaRA by his side. To comfort and soothe and calm him down.

Her words at this moment have gone down in history: “Never! By Allah, Allah will never disgrace you. You keep good relations with your kith and kin, help the poor and the destitute, serve your guests generously and assist the deserving calamity-afflicted ones.” She was in a way the first support for our Prophet’s own belief, strength and unfaltering stance. It is true that Allah would have done it for the Prophet without her if He had willed (as was the case of Lootas). But He willed differently. He willed that in this impeccable, perfect and only complete and all-encompassing revolution in the History of Mankind, it should be known how important the role of a woman is. She is the genesis of any revolution, keeper of the cradle that holds the future and the indispensable source of support and comfort that a man can find in this world. And hence Khadija is included in the four foremost ladies of the universe, the other being MaryamAS (mother of Prophet Jesus), FatimahRA (daughter of Prophet Muhammad) and ‘AsiaRA (the wife of the Pharaoh).

The years before and around Prophethood of Muhammadsaw would have been tough for any woman. It’s hard to imagine how she must have felt when he used to disappear into the cave of Hira and would not come home for days. Any wife in her position would cease to see the bigger picture and be taken over by her emotions. It is no wonder today, that we have a huge dearth of Islamic leaders simply because mothers and wives of this day can send their children and husbands sevens oceans away for a mundane career.

But not to the next locality for Islamic work, education, training or Da’wah.

Because it is "not worth the time and effort"! But KhadijaRA knew her husband. She allowed him the space he needed to grow inch by inch and day by day towards prophethood. And her support remained unequivocal. She

pg2

would climb upto the cave of Hira and carry food and water for him. She was not exactly young, she was 55. And the cave is situated 3 kilometres from Mecca atop a mountain named Jabal-al-Noor at a height of 270 metres!

Credits: Muslim Show

THIS TIME IN OUR

PAST

Feb 10 1258 The Mongols destroyed Baghdad, killing between 200,000 and 1,000,000 people Feb 3 1451 Fatih Sultan Mehmed II became sultan of the Ottoman Empire. Two years later he would conquer Constantinople at the age of 21.

Feb 10 1918 Ottoman Sultan Abdülhamid II died. He was the last Ottoman sultan to exercise real power over the empire's governance. Many call him The Last Great Caliph.

But she did what it took to support him. It is then no small wonder that one day, Jibril (as) came to the Prophetsaw and said: “O Allah’s Messenger! This is Khadijah, coming to you with a dish having meat soup. When she reaches you, greet her on behalf of her Lord (Allah) and on my behalf, and give her glad tidings of a palace made of Qasab in Paradise, wherein there will be neither any noise nor any toil.” [Al-Bukhari] It is no wonder, then, that Muhammadsaw never really got over her death.

He called the year of her death “The Year of Grief”. AyeshaRA said she never experienced such jealousy (a natural feminine feeling) for any other wife of the Prophet as she did for KhadijaRA. Once when the Messenger mentioned KhadījaRA, AyeshaRA responded: “She was not but a such and such of an old lady, and Allah replaced her with a better one for you (i.e. me).” He replied:

“Indeed Allah did not grant me better than her; she accepted me when people rejected me, believed in me when people doubted me, shared her wealth with me when people deprived me, and Allah granted me children only through her” This was KhadijaRA. Her dauntless personality would out-power the Quraysh, her fearless loyalty would belittle the mountain of spine chilling tribulations and her conviction preceded that of all others. Little do we know her and little do we learn from her- the first of Muslims, mother of believers and the best of Women.

Feb 21 1965 American Muslim civil rights leader MalcolmX (Real name: el-Hajj Malik el-Shabazz) was assassinated. Undoubtedly he breathed a new life to Islam in America.

Ibn Al Haytham (Alhazen) Often called "Father of Modern Optics" due to his extrordinary contributions to optics, Ibn alHaytham is widely considered to be one of the first theoretical physicists.

He was an early proponent of the concept that a hypothesis must be proved by experiments based on confirmable procedures or mathematical evidence—hence understanding the scientific method 200 years before Renaissance scientists.

In medieval Europe, Ibn al-Haytham was honored as Ptolemaeus Secundus (the "Second Ptolemy") or simply called "The Physicist".

Marital Problems: Between Qadaa and the Qadi

By Zara Faris The Sexual Misery of The Western World

By Daniel Haqiqatjou Fatawa Concerning Looking

By Memphis Dawah Team “Extraordinary Claims Require Extraordinary Evidence”, Says Ordinary Intellect

By Asadullah Ali

Checked

Ibne Zaid

At a time where 'boldness' is the norm and the standard, modesty is a rare gem, reserved for the worthy!

Let's do an experiment. Go to your nearest market and observe the people's behaviours and clothes. Now, compare that to how things were at that exact place a decade ago. That's fahashi for you! Let's take a break from our experiment and explore this term further.

The word fahsh generally refers to shamelessness, indecency, obscene language etc. Those are, however, relative terms and their understanding changes across societies and time. In Islam, it refers to actions that cherish or lead to transgression of the limits of intergender interaction set by Allah. And THAT never changes!

Back to the park now...So how did things change so drastically in a mere decade? In a godless world, Fahsh is a logical culmination of 'liberty'. Once you set up a notion of "I am answerable to no person" and then remove God from the equation, in that environment of zero authority, what's left is an uncontrolled, unbounded animal with the appearance of a human. You see, man is designed to be a slave. If not a slave to God then to the society or to the self. And once you become a slave to your own desires (read: liberalism): Have you seen him who takes his low desires as god?.... They are but like cattle; nay, they are farther astray from the path. [TMQ 25:43-44] The great king Salah al-Din once said, "If you want to destroy any nation without war, make adultery and nudity common in the youth."

No wonder Islam became a world power because of the young men and women who were ready to shed their pleasure for the pleasure of Allah and Allah alone. Today this nation's youth is busy with reality shows and binge-watching Game of Thrones and Friends. The hypersexual dressing sense doesn't even need mentioning!

It's no wonder that education, media, governments and industrial giants in the world fully support and boost fahsh culture. In the Muslim world this patronage has been guaranteed by the ruling elites, in the name of enlightenment, liberalism and progressivism.

The result is the massive budget spent on movies, music albums and pornography all in the name of 'harmless' entertainment. Satan must be jubilant to see the advancement of his parties!

these out yet?

Rated 4.7 on Play Store, this app contains a plethora of features including translations, duas & recordings

Porn Addiction its Cures & Protection

This short video by Digital Mimbar explains the reversal process and Islam's Cure for Porn Addiction

kitabosunnat.com

This website is in Urdu language and is a comprehensive resource of Islamic learning.

JargonExplained Editorial Board This time on we take a closer look at some Islamic Terminologies which carry immense significance in maintaining a system of piety in the society.

Haya

Simply translated as Modesty or Shame, Haya has been referred to as one of the branches of faith by the Prophetsaw. At another moment he said: "Modesty and belief are together. If one of them is removed, the other is removed." [Al-Adab Al-Mufrad] As with all ideas, there exist antithesis to Haya too.

Check them juxtaposed in these ahadith: "Al-Haya is from faith, and faith is in Paradise. Obscenity is from rudeness, and rudeness is in the Fire." [Jami` atTirmidhi 2009] “Al-Fuhsh is not present in anything but it mars it, and Al-Haya is not present in anything but it beautifies it.”

[Jami` at-Tirmidhi 1974] One doesn’t necessarily have to imbibe obscenity. Even the absence of Haya is enough reason to be rebuked.

The Prophet said: "Among the early prophetic teachings that have reached people is this: if you do not feel shame, do what you wish!" [Bukhari 6120] Compare this to the 'My Body My Rules' that is used to justify every kind of immodesty today!

Mahram

A woman’s mahram is a person whom she is never permitted to marry. These are of 3 categories: 1. Mahrams by ties of blood These are the ones mentioned in Soorat al-Noor (24:31) The scholars include the following in this category: i.The woman’s forefathers, no matter how far back the line of ascent goes. ii.Her sons, which includes her children’s children, no matter how the line of descent goes. iii.Her brothers, whether they are her brothers through both the mother and father, or through one of them. iv.The children of her siblings, whether they are descended through the males or females. v.Paternal uncles and maternal uncles.

2.Mahrams by radaa’ah (breastfeeding)

Do pathaan ek acident me mar gaye, Frishta aya.

Donon se poochha kon ho? Bole Muslman! Ek se poocha naam kiya hai bolaIkhlas Khan. Frishtay ne kaha sura-e-ikhlas sunao. Usne jaldi sey suna di or bach gya. Frishtay ne dusrey se naam poochha. Wo preshan ho kar bola "Ji naam to yasin hai magar pyar se sab kousar kousar kehtay hain!"

It also says in the Sunnah: “The same things are made haraam by radaa’ah as by ties of blood.” This means that the people who are mahram to a woman because of blood ties are also mahram because of radaa’ah.

It is permissible for her mahrams by radaa’ah to see whatever of her body is permissible for her mahrams by blood ties to see.

3. Mahrams by marriage A woman’s mahrams by marriage are those whom it is forever forbidden to marry “… and not to reveal their adornment except to their husbands, or their fathers, or their husband’s fathers, or their sons, or their husband’s sons…” [TMQ 24:31].

Ghairah

Ghairah means protective justifiable jealousy of a spouse against the other, largely of man against his wife. The concept is not just limited to wife but extends to womenfolk of his family. One who has ghairah feels uncomfortable when someone engages with his wife in an inappropriate manner.

Saad bin Ubada, a companion of The Prophet, said, "If I saw a man with my wife, I would strike him (behead him) with the blade of my sword."This news reached the Prophetsaw who then said: "You people are astonished at Saad's Ghairah. By Allah, I have more Ghairah than he, and Allah has more Ghairah than I, and because of Allah's Ghairah, He has made unlawful shameful deeds and sins done in open and in secret..." [Bukhari 97/44]

You see, everything haram in the eyes of Allah, is now legal and prevelant and whatever Allah made lawful, the society has made questionable.

Marriage is not illegal (till now) but let's do another experiment: Ask a girl in her early 20s when she wants to marry. More often than not she will avoid the question or rebuke you for being old-fashioned and intrusive. "Do you have a boyfriend?" seems to attract a less hostile and sometimes quite a welcoming response!

You see, the instituion of marriage, while not illegal is best avoided.

It is largely considered by the youth, especially women, as a burden and constraint to their 'individuality'. RasulullahSAW once said: "Make Marriage easy and Zina Difficult" We have taken the reverse path!

And that's not all. The youth seems to have invented new terminologies: "Oh we're just friends." "Don't fuss! It's just an innocent relationship" "Awww You're my bestie!

Come and hug me" "It's just a welcoming handshake" "But we're cousins, it's alright!"

"Devar se kaunsi sharam?" "No she's like a sister to me".... Go and fool someone else!

The existence of the desire towards the opposite sex is a part of human nature. You can hide it but never kill it. The motive for its satisfaction is also natural. However Allah has replaced all fahsh with the best character. He mentions it as one of His Signs: And among His Signs is this that He created for you wives from among yourselves, that you may find repose in them, and He has put between you affection and mercy. Verily, in that are indeed signs for a people who reflect. [TMQ 30:21] Allah has not left the matter to depend on just the desires of men and women. He made it compulsory to make the strong bond of companionship by law of marriage as a distinctive Sunnah. The Islamic law requires marriage to be held publically and not secretly.

All the arrangements aim to save the earth from becoming a dirty pond of sexual anarchy.

By Sheikh Muhammed Salih Al-Munajjid

Lighter Note

Quran Tafsir Pro

Now these buzz words and all that happens under their umbrella needs to be reflected upon as it all leads to sexual anarchy. Take feminism for example. What started with women's rights, soon turned to man-hating and then to 'women owning their sexuality', which essentially means she doesn't need the 'patriarchal' system of marriage for sex!

Prohibition That Are Taken Too Lightly

On a

This book outlines the limits and boundaries that Allah has ordained for humans but we often knowingly or unknowingly disregard them.

BOOK REVIEW

Assorted Write-Ups

Deconstructing Fahash

Islamic Perspective on Sex

By AbdulRahman Bin Abdulkarim Al-Sheha

This booklet discusses the Islamic method of satisfying sexual desire, and how it can be transformed from a base desire into an act of worship.

Dealing with Lust and Greed

By Sheikh 'Abd aI-Hamid Kishk

Desires and appetites play a vital part in the makeup of every human being; they cannot be ignored and need to be mastered. This book tells us how.

• He is pleased by the admiring glances from strange men toward his wife.

• He would let his sister/daughter go out with tight clothes, without her Hijab.

• He doesn't care that his sister/daughter has a boyfriend or wife is having an affair.

The Prophet said: “The women is object of concealment, when she leaves the house, Shaytaan (the Devil) beautifies her.”

At a time when public display of physical beauty is the new cool and not doing it renders you 'backward', it's important for men to make sure they are not entering the category of a dayyuth.

Note to sisters: Do not be contempt with Dayooth amongst your mahrams! The Prophetsaw said: “Three people will not enter paradise, and Allaah will not look to them on the Day of Judgement: the one who is disobedient to his parents, the woman who imitates men and the ad-Dayooth.” [Ahmad]

Tabarruj

Tabarruj is to display ones adornment in a way which draws attention. Allah commands muslim women to not wear or do anything (besides the physical hijab) that draws attention of people not wanted to be attracted to (na-mahram).

What 'draws attention' can be and is played upon by 'enlightened' scholars.

(temptation or trial which implies evil consequences), the arousing of desires, and the committing of indecency and wrongdoing.

The Prophetsaw enforced separation of men and women even at Allah’s most revered and preferred place, the mosque. The importance of preventing any such intermixing at other places can be easily comprehended.

“There is no doubt that enabling women to mix freely (ikhtilat) with men is the root of every calamity and evil.

It is one of the biggest reasons for general punishment (from Allah) to befall (a society). It is also one of the reasons of corruption of general and specific matters.

Free-mixing between men and women is also the reason for increase in immorality and illegal sexual intercourse (zina).” - Imam Ibn Qayyim.

In the lifetime of the Prophet, men and women did actually mix sometimes.

(Muslim) Feminists use these incidents to justify their own agendas. Of course, this was if/when there was a purpose.

Not for 'socialising' or 'hanging out'!

Aa'ishahra for instance, taught Sahabah from the males about jurisprudential matters. Muslim women treated Mujaahideen injured from fighting in the Jihaad. And then their were Mujaahidaat themselves, women who fought in the Jihad. The islamic concept of gender segreggation would of course be difficult to understand, much less digest and act by those who interprate Jihad as sweet 'inner struggle'.

But it can be known by the circumstances and reality of the milieu in which the woman lives, and knowing that Often considered in our 'educated' generally is not a problem. It usually includes provocative movements, voice tone, fragnance and the colour circles as a 'patriarchal' concept, this body and design of the hijab itself. foremost sunnah of the Prophets and The narrations pertaining to Tabarruj are very severe the Sahabah - is due for a revival. and require introspection. The Prophetsaw has called Khulwa simply means mutabarrija (adjective) as the most evil of women, seclusion. Islam does not A Dayooth is the man cursed, those who would not even perceive the smell who permits women of Jannah, those who have broken the shield between allow non-mahrams of opposite sex meet in seclusion.

Meeting of opposite sexes in Khulwah, where any other for whom he is responsible (mother, wife, sister etc.) to them and Allah. person is not expected, can be a conducive condition to engage in illicit sexual relations, or to display their beauty saw to strange men, thereby stimulating their sexual desires.

Ikhtilat refers to intermingling Zina. The Prophet once said: “A (non-Mahram) man shall never keep alone with a woman except that the Characteristics of a Dayooth, according to scholars: of the sexes. The meeting • He doesn’t have jealousy of his Mahrams. He would together, mixing, and intermingling of men and third between them is the devil.” [Tirmidhi] show off his wife, her beauty and style to non-mahrams. women in one place, the crowding of them together, Interestingly, men and women today don't need to meet • He doesn’t protect her from the eyes of non-mahrams. and the revealing and exposure of women to men are physically. There's always chatting, calls and video calls • He accepts that his wife go out with him wearing prohibited by the Law of Islam (Shari'ah). These acts are which are quite 'private'. Scholars consider this e-khulwa perfume, putting make-up, wearing attractive clothes. prohibited because they are among the causes for fitnah in the same ruling as physical khulwa.

Khulwa

Dayooth

Ikhtilat

pg3

The Days of

Fitan

Alamat e Sughra

The Minor Signs before Qiyamah

• Men will begin to look like women and women will begin to look like men.

• Consumption of intoxicants, adultery and fornication will be prevalent, widespread among the leaders and will be performed in the open.

• Women will outnumber men, eventually 50:1.

• People will blatantly follow their passions and whims.

• Orators and lecturers will lie openly.

• Music and musical instruments will be found in every home.

• People will indulge in homosexuality.

• There will be an abundance of illegitimate children.

• It will be regarded as a shame to act on Quranic injunctions.

‫ن‬ ‫ن‬ ‫وک ت�اک ی‬ ‫ وک وخش رک�ا‬boss ‫م رھک رک آج مہ یفنص اسموات ےک �ام رپ درتف ےک‬ ‫ن‬ ‫ن‬ ‫ن‬ ‫ن‬ ‫ت‬ ‫ز ی�ادہ رتہب ےتھجمس ہ ی� ۔ آج ےنمہ ان � ی�زد� رےتش یکسج وہج ےس ا�ان ی‬ �‫م ا� ق یا‬ ‫ن ت ن‬ ‫بٹ‬ ‫�ا اےنپ �باپ ےپ ی ی ن‬ ‫�بایق نریتہ ےہ اےس اس رطح ی‬ ‫� و �اوبد رک د ی�ا ےہ ےک ی‬ � ‫ت‬ ‫�یک ت‬ ‫ہ یش‬ ‫ت� ی‬ ‫ب‬ ‫ ہ‬،‫رک�ا‬ ‫ہ‬ ‫ھ‬ � ‫وش�ر اینپ ب ی�وی وک � کش یک اگنہ ےس د ��ا ےہ اور ی�وی وش�ر وک‬ ‫۔ �ی ب‬ ‫آ�خر ک�یسے وہ گی ا؟؟‬ ‫س � ن‬ ‫پ ش‬ ‫ت‬ ‫بہ‬ � � ‫ی‬ ‫حم یک اثمل ی‬ ‫� ہ�اری یں اےنپ ی‬ ‫ج ب‬ ‫� رکےن ےکاجب�ی ی�ا وت‬ ّ ‫اھب�وں وک اوخت و ب‬ ‫ش‬ ‫ین‬ ‫ت‬ ‫ل‬ �‫گ‬ boss ‫رکےن یں ی�ا وت رھپ اےنپ درتف ےک‬ ‫دواکون �اگنپ امل یک ز� اننب ز ی�ادہ دنسپ ئ‬ ‫ن‬ ‫ہ‬ ‫ج‬ ‫یک ہن اچہ رک یھب �بات امےنن ےپ وبجمر وہ یگ۔ ب‬ ‫� �ارے اھبئ اےنپ ی‬ ‫وادل� یک‬ ‫ن‬ ‫ت‬ ‫ رک�ا‬date ‫ وک‬Girlfriend ‫�خدم اور اینپ ونہبں ےپ تقفش رکےن ےک اجب�ی اینپ‬ ‫ن‬ ‫ن‬ ‫ت‬ ‫ز ی�ادہ قدنسپ رکےن ےگل وت �ی اسرے ا� یا� ےک رےتش وٹےتٹ ےلچ ےئگ ۔ رھپ اونپں‬ ‫یین ن‬ ‫ت‬ ‫وہ� متخ وہ�ا الچ گی ا۔‬ ‫� ا‬ ‫ےپ‬ ‫ت‬ ‫ی‬ ‫دار�وں ےس دور وہ ےئگ اور وعر� اینپ ذہم ی‬ ‫� رمد اینپ ذہم ی‬ ‫ج ب‬ ‫دار�وں ےس وت‬ � �‫ھ‬ ‫ رےتش اےنت �خراب وہےئ ےک آج ہ‬،‫دور ی�اں اینت ب ڑ� یں‬ Personal ‫وش�ر اینپ‬ ‫ق ت ن‬ ‫ ےک اسھت‬boss ‫ ب ی�وی اےنپ‬، ‫اتب� ز ی�ادہ دنسپ رکےن اگل‬ ‫ےک اسھت و� ا‬Secretary ‫ق ت ن‬ ‫ا� احالت ک�یسے وہ‬ ‫و� ا‬ ‫اتب� ز ی�ادہ دنسپ رکےن یگل ۔ اور رھپ �ی وسال ااتھٹ ےہ ےک ی‬ ‫ےئگ؟ اس اک اگہنگر وکن ےہ؟؟‬ ‫�یک‬ ‫ش‬ ‫ی‬ � � ‫ہک دور یط�اونں یک فص‬ ‫ذرا وغر ٹرک ےک د ھ�یں وت نولعمم ےلچ ےک وہ ھچک ولگ وج‬ ‫ن‬ ‫ج ن ن ت‬ ‫� وخد اےنپ امں �باپ یک ربخ ی‬ ‫ی‬ ‫ ج ی‬، �‫م �ب�ی�ھے وہےئ ہ ی‬ ‫� وہ آوکپ ب‬ �‫� ا� یا‬ ‫ن‬ ‫ت‬ ‫ وہ ولگ ی ن‬،�‫ےک �پاھٹ ڑپاھےت ہ ی‬ ‫وقا� انبےت ہ ی� اور آپ ےپ وکحم رکےت ہ ی� وت‬ ‫ن‬ ‫رھپ اعمرشے ی‬ ‫م یا� دنگگی اں اعم یکوں ہن وہں ۔ ج ب‬ ‫� مہ اس �بات ےپ وغر رک�ا‬ ‫ن‬ ‫ت‬ ‫ی ن‬ ‫ی ن‬ ‫وھچڑ ی‬ ‫د� ہ ی� ےک ارگ �ی زم و آامسن �ی ت خ ا�ان و اجونر اور زم و آامسن ےک‬ ‫ن‬ � ‫ل‬ � � ‫ہ‬ ‫ہ‬ ‫مان ینتج چ ی‬ ‫� ی�ز� ی� ب‬ ‫در ی‬ ‫س یا� اهلل یک یق ی� وت رھپ مہ ےپ اقونن ا�اونں‬ ‫اک یکوں رک ےلچ !!؟؟؟‬ -: ‫کا وخب اہک ےہ‬ ‫یسک ےن ی‬ ‫ن‬ �‫حک‬ ‫ دنہ و ی�و�ان ہ ی� سج ےک ہقلح وگبش‬-‫وکئ وپےھچ یم ی�ورپ ےس‬ ‫ی‬ ‫�ار و زن یہت آوغش ۔‬ ‫ رمد ب ی‬- ‫یکا � ےہ اعمرشت اک امکل‬

Understanding

Credits: Zara Faris

The Muslim Veil Nada Zaim Faruqi, LLB, AMU

A couple of days ago, I ran into a discussion on hijaab on Facebook, with a non-Muslim fellow who had certain understandable queries on the subject. The topic of veil has often been discussed in Western media owing to the increasing number of people that are 'curious' instead of 'indifferent' about Islam. Closer home, I feel, we have largely played the ostrich on both sides and have not opened the dialogue on this. The topic, however, is so central to the Islamic discourse today that it has led to hate-crimes, verbal abuse, even deaths. I strongly feel that it needs to be addressed on a bigger platform.

Hijaab, for Muslim women, is a symbol of modesty. But for most of the society that settles for media-fed conjectures as "truth", veil is prison, a tool of oppression, a manifestation of "stone-age" mentality and regressive patriarchy. It objectifies.

It's an erasure of a woman's identity. It is misogyny!

It actually amuses me that a piece of clothing supposedly does all of that!

The Muslim arguments in support of hijaab have been largely vague and at times downright stupid! That oft-cited binary of a wrapped toffee vs. an unwrapped one...that is objectification too! Then some argue that covered women are less likely to get raped (too simplistic an argument!), following which the question comes up; as to what of those perverts who rape the little ones, the elderly women, the burqa-clad ones?

Well, rape is an act of domination and oppression and has hardly anything to do with a woman's attractiveness.

The only logical defense of Hijaab would be by the one who prescribed it in the first place- AllahSWT. The Qura'an prescribes the 'lowering of gaze' and 'guarding of one's modesty' as an obligation on both men and women, so as to maintain the decorum of the society. As for women, Allah goes a step further and commands them "to extend their headcoverings (khimars) to cover their bosoms (jaybs)" [24:31] and "to draw their cloaks close round them (when they go abroad). That will be better, that so they may be recognized and not annoyed." [33:59] Hence, the moot question: why extra clothing for women? Considering men's psychology, there is no denying the fact that a woman's body casts a

For the society, that settles for media-fed conjectures as "truth", hijab is a prison

मेरी कहानी...भाग-2

आशीष कुमार, B.Sc. AMU

मेरा नाम है आशीष। मतलब दआ ु ... और ये है मेरे उस सफ़र की कहानी जिसने मेरा सामना ज़िन्दगी के सबसे बडे सच से हुआ। पिछले भाग में मैंने आपको बताया कि किस तरह मैंने इस्लाम को जाना और किन कठिनाइयों का सामना करते हुए मेने आखिरकार 5 अप्रैल 2013 को इस्लाम क़ुबूल किया। कहानी यहाँ से एक नया मोड़ लेती है ... इसके बाद किताबों के इस्लाम से निकल कर मैंने मुस्लिम समाज में इस्लाम को खोजना शुरू किया। सोचता था की पुरानी सभी परे शानियां अब ख़त्म हो जायेंगी। लेकिन नहीं। मुझे आज तक इस बात का अफसोस है कि जिस इस्लाम को मैंने जाना उसका अंश मात्र भी मुझे मुस्लिम समाज में नहीं दिखा। इस्लाम के नाम पर लोगों में जात-पात, भेद-भाव, एक दस ू रे के प्रति नफरत आम है । इसी बात की वजह से मुस्लिम समाज एक बड़े बुरे दौर से गुज़र रहा है । इस बात को अगर गंभीरता से नहीं लिया गया तो यह बुरा दौर बढ़ता रहे गा। इस्लाम क़ुबूल करने के पश्चात भी मुझे लोगो की ओर से अनेक कठिनाइयों का सामना करना पड़ा जिसमे सबसे बड़ा योगदान मस्लि मों का रहा। हर किसी का इस्लाम समझने ु समझाने का तरीका अलग था। हर कोई अपने इस्लाम को सही बताता और दस ू रे के इस्लाम को गलत और काफिरों के फतवों का चलन आम है । हमारे जैसे लोग जब यह चीज़ दे खते हैं तो बड़ा अफसोस होता है । हम समझ नहीं पाते के अब हमें क्या करना चाहिए। जहाँ इस्लाम इतना आसान है के हमें समझने में ज़रा भी दे र नहीं लगी। वहीँ समाज ने उसी चीज़ को इतना मुश्किल बना दिया है । इस तरीके को जल्द से जल्द नहीं बदला गया तो वह दिन दरू नहीं जब अल्लाह किसी दस ू री क़ौम को ले आयेगा जो आज के मुस्लिम जैसी नहीं होगी। इस बात को खुद क़ुरआन बताता है । यह कुछ बातें हैं जिस पर आपको मुझे हम सबको गौर करना चाहिए और इस्लाम की सही छवि लोगो तक पहुंचानी चाहिए। इस्लाम एक खूबसूरत ईश्वर का भेजा हुआ धर्म है जो मानव कल्याण के लिए बहुत ज़रूरी है । न जाने कितने आशीष हैं इस दनु िया में जिन्हें इस्लाम की मात्र परिचय भर की ज़रूरत है । जो तैयार हैं ज़िन्दगी के इस सबसे बडे सच को अपनाने के लिये।

Listen to Brother Ashish's Lecture on

"My Life" Before and After Islam by Br Ashish pg4

Mohammad Abdullah, MBBS, AMU

Science be it astrophysics, cosmology, genetics, evolution have been used as a tool to prove self-existence of the universe since the very beginning of these sciences.

I find a great relationship between the idea of evolution and the model of universe as observed in the field of astrophysics. Critically accepting that the universe has a beginning means simultaneously admitting that it was created—and a created universe is foreordained to be destroyed. Keeping this in the back of their minds, atheists did not believe in a beginning of universe, and

‫ت‬ ّ �‫دف� یم‬ ‫حمبت گھر یم� نفرت‬ MBA, JMI

‫محم اردش واریث‬ ‫ّد‬

‫تث‬ ‫ن‬ ‫"سج ملع یک � یا�ر ےس زن وہیت ےہ �ازن‬ "‫ےتہک ہ ی� اس ملع وک ار�باب رظن ومت‬

‫ن‬ ‫ن‬ ‫ن‬ ‫� مہ ا�این وقحق یک �بات رکےت ہ ی� وت ہ ی‬ ‫ج ب‬ ‫وہاگ خ ہک ا�این‬ ‫� س�بسے ےلہپ �ی ےط رک�ا ت‬ ‫ن‬ ‫ن‬ ‫ن‬ � ‫ین‬ ‫ن‬ ‫ل‬ � ‫ج‬ � � �‫س‬ ‫ی‬ ‫وقحق و ی‬ ‫وقا� نوکن اتبےاگ ؟ وو ے ا�اونں یک اور وپرے اک�ات یک ق یک ی�ا‬ ‫ن‬ ‫ت‬ ‫ج‬ ‫ی‬ ‫ی‬ ‫وہ� ےہ ؟‬ ‫خرھپ وہ ا�ان � وخد اےنپ ووجد م کش و اہبش وسحمس ا‬ ‫�ر آےئ وموجدہ دور ےک یھبس ب��ڑے ونتفں ی‬ ‫ی‬ ‫ یفنص اسموات ےپ ھچک‬،�‫م ےس یا‬ ‫ہ‬ ‫ہ‬ ‫رظنن ڈاےتل ی�۔ ایکس رشوع وات یا� واہعق ےس رکےت ی�۔ یا� اھنن اس پ ی�ارا اچب‬ ‫ن‬ � ‫ی‬ �‫ � اچب وج ہک لک وک ب�ڑا وہ رک یا‬،‫کا ےہ‬ ‫�جس�ے ہک ایھب اوکسل اج�ا رشوع یہ ی‬ ‫ق‬ � ‫ت‬ ‫ت‬ ‫ت‬ ‫اعمرشہ ی‬ ‫ وج ےک ب�ڈا وہ رک دصا� و اجشع و دعال اک ربملعدار‬،‫اق� رکےن واال ےہ‬ ‫ی‬ ‫ےننب واال ےہ۔ �ی اھنن اس اچب آدیھ رات وک ااتھٹ ےہ۔ اس ےک رھگ م �فرامشئ یک‬ ‫اسری چ ی‬ ‫� ی�ز� وموجد ہ ی�۔ رپ رھپ یھب وہ �بلکھ �بلکھ رک رو راہ۔ نآ�خر یکوں؟! یکوں ےک‬ ‫یش‬ ‫رپ�ان ےہ ےک اینت رات وک یھب اےکس امں �باپ رھگ ےپ ی‬ ‫وہ‬ ‫� ہ ی� ےک وہ اےس‬ ‫ب‬ ‫ی‬ ‫�ارے وہ‬ ‫اےنپ دنکےھ ےپ اھٹبےت اور اےس الھکےت۔ اس روےن یک آواز نس رک چ‬ ‫وش�ر اور ب ی� یو�وں وک وھچڑ رک ان یک �خدامت ی‬ ‫ ہ‬، ‫اخدم وج وخد اےنپ ےچب‬ ‫م ےگل وہےئ‬ ‫ت‬ � ‫ٹ‬ ‫ہ‬ ‫ب‬ �‫ک‬ ‫ ےچب وک چ پ‬، �‫ہ ی‬ ‫� رکاےت ن وہےئ ب�ڑی رجمامہن یف� ی� ےس وبل رےہ ی� ےک ی�ا ّ با�و‬ � ‫ ی‬market ‫� اےئ ےک‬ ‫ایھب اکم ےس اےئلس واسپ ی‬ ‫ اکیف ب�ڑھ‬competetion ‫م‬ ‫ درتف ی‬boss ‫د�ر اسل�یے وہ اجےیگ ےک ان اک‬ ‫م ی‬ ‫گی ا ےہ اور آپ یک ایم وک آج ی‬ ‫د�ر‬ ‫ت‬ . ‫� اکم ےل راہ ےہ‬ ‫ن�ی ک� یسی زدنیگ ےہ۔ یمرے ی ی‬ ‫یک �بات‬ ‫کا �ی ہ�ارے وغر‬ ‫اھب�وں اور ونہب ں ی‬ ‫رکےن ن‬ ‫ق ق‬ ‫ت‬ ‫ی‬ ‫ح ی‬ ‫ا� ہ��زاروں الوھکں واقع�ی�ات ہ�ارے اعمرشے یک ی‬ ‫�؟‬ ‫� ےہ؟ ی‬ ‫کا ی‬ ‫ن‬ � ‫ج‬ ‫( یک اجپ ےہ س�ے ہ‬Gender Equality) ‫�ی ایس یفنص اسموات‬ ‫وش�ر وک ب ی�وی ےس اور‬ ‫ین‬ ‫ین‬ ‫ب ی�وی وک ہ‬ ‫وادل� وک ےچب ےس اانت دور رک د ی�ا ےہ‬ ‫وادل� ےس اور‬ ‫ ےچب وک‬،‫وش�ر ظ ےس‬ ‫ےک وہ اس ی‬ ‫ع رےتش یک اھٹمس وک یہ وھبل ےکچ ہ ی�۔ ان اسرے پ ی�ارے روتشں‬ greater impact on a man than anything else in this world. It is a reality across ages, generations, cultures, geographical locations, etc. and one does not need a psychological expert to testify this. The Qura'an in fact acknowledges this fact in the following verse: "Fair in the eyes of men is the love of things they covet: Women and sons; Heaped-up hoards of gold and silver; fine branded horses; and (wealth of) cattle and well-tilled land." [3:14] Is it, therefore, any wonder as to why the fashion industry spends millions each year, telling women to comply with the "modern" beauty standards; and the fact that the advertisement industry uses scantily clad women to sell every other product? From automobiles to alcohol to clothing to eatables…you name it! A Limousine ad once contained an image of a bikini-clad woman standing in front of the car with "TEST DRIVE HER NOW!" written on it.

Of course that isn't objectification of women. It's 'liberation', the core value of the secular, neoliberal world! It's freedom from the patriarchal 'misogynistic' system of 'clothing'.

Muslims believe that the One who has created us knows us better than we do, and also loves us unconditionally. It is, therefore, only in the best of our interests to comply with the Divine law. Also, Islam is a religion devoid of surmises and conjectures. It "privatizes sexuality" and "disciplines desires."

A veiled woman, therefore, is a fellow human-being making a statement that she would like to be judged based on her intellect and personality and not on how she looks. This piece of clothing empowers, because: ‌• We do it as an act of worship to the Creator, and also an act of obedience to our conscience. ‌• We participate in the society as intellectual beings and not as objects to be looked at. ‌• We refuse to be seen as objects of male satisfaction. ‌• We send the message across that we are not interested in hanky-panky. ‌• It liberates us from the clutches of false standards of beauty. ‌• It is a part of our identity.

It actually surprises me that a piece of clothing worn along with the right reasons and attitude, actually does all of that. believed in “since ever and forever theory”. If the universe doesn’t have a beginning or end, all kind of emergences, originations, developments, and changes are to be automatically associated with purported powers that are thought to reside in the universe itself.

Theory of static universe, when I traced it, has its roots in the 16th century held by a scientist named THOMAS DIGGES(1546-1595AD) who proposed the spatial(infinite space) and temporal(from and till infinite time) infinities of the universe. This theory nurtured till early 20th century (1917) when ALBERT EINSTEIN published a paper named “cosmological considerations in the genral theory of relativity”. This ultimately led the foundation of “expanding universe model” when EDWIN HUBBLE discovered the RED SHIFT PHENOMENON which confirmed that the universe is expanding.

Keeping this in mind, read this ayah: “And the heaven We created with might, and indeed we are (its) expander” (TMQ 51:47) It is very clear from this ayah that the universe is expanding in nature, affirming to the very new scientific finding(merely a century from now). It is impossible for any human 14 centuries ago to state this, and compels a thoughtful mind to believe in the divine origin of QURAAN and Muhammad(pbuh) as the Messenger of the Creator.