- MECCAONE M E D I A / ISLAM / www.meccaone.org - show

- MECCAONE M E D I A / ISLAM / www.meccaone.org -

Summary: We are tired of Islam being exploited and misinterpreted by radicals, Islamophobes, and so called "experts." Too many times have we seen Islam being associated with violence, terrorism, and a way of life that is seen as barbaric, backwards, and at odds with modernity in the news and print media. We decided to take matters into our own hands by developing our own billboard, magazine, TV, and radio Ad campaigns to present Islam in its true light. Love, compassion, mercy, unity, modesty, truth - these are just some of the ingredients that make our faith. MeccaOne Radio has been broadcasting since May of 2002. We broadcast every Thursday between 5-6pm on 90.5FM KSJS, San Jose, CA and reach 22,000 weekly Muslim and non-Muslim listeners. We also broadcast live world-wide over the internet and operate our Podcast via RSS feed and iTunes. Past guests on MeccaOne include Robert Fisk, Zakir Naik, Peter Sanders, Bilal Phillips, and many others. To learn more about us or our projects, visit us on the web at: www.meccaone.org

Join Now to Subscribe to this Podcast
  • Visit Website
  • RSS
  • Artist: On The Air With Omair
  • Copyright: Copyright (c) 2008 MeccaOne Media

Podcasts:

 The Last 10 Days: Mercy, Forgiveness, Paradise // with Imam Suhaib Webb | File Type: audio/mpeg | Duration: 01:00:53

The last ten days of Ramadan How to take full advantage and benefit from the last part of Ramadan ? Though all parts of Ramadan are full of blessings and rewards, its last ten days hold a special status reflected in the recommendations and practices of the Messenger of Allah, salla Allahu alaihi wa sallam, and his companions. 1-Praying in the last ten nights of Ramadan Al-Bukhari and Muslim record from 'Aishah that during the last ten days of Ramadan, the Messenger of Allah would wake his wives up during the night and then remain apart from them (that is, being busy in acts of worship). A narration in Muslim states: "He would strive [to do acts of worship] during the last ten days of Ramadan more than he would at any other time." Aisha reported that With the start of the last ten days of Ramadan, the Prophet used to tighten his waist belt (i.e. work hard) and used to pray all the night, and used to keep his family awake for the prayers. [Bukhari] 2-Performing I`tikaf in the Masjid (seclusion in the Mosque) Before going to the essential of this last section, let us stop by one of the great Imam of ahl Assunnah wal jama`ah, one of the greatest revivers of the Da`wah and the methodology of the Salaf, Shaikhul-Islam Shamsuddeen Ibn Qayyim al-Jawziyyah who will give us a brain storming admonition. He says (rahimahu Allah) in Zaad al Ma`aad fi hadyi khairi al `ibaab : "Since the hearts' rectitude and firmness upon the path towards Allah the Most High, rests upon directing it solely upon Allaah and causing it to turn and give all its attention to Allaah the Most High. Since the disorder of the heart cannot be rectified except by turning to Allaah the Most High, and its disorder will be increased by eating and drinking too much, mixing with the people excessively, speaking profusely and sleeping too much. These will cause it to wander into every valley, and cut it off from its path to Allah, weaken it, divert it or put a halt to it. >From the Mercy of the Mighty and Most Merciful is that He has prescribed for them fasting , which will cut off the excesses of eating and drinking, and empties the hear of its desires which divert it on its journey to Allah the Most High. He prescribed it in due proportion as will be appropriate and will benefit the servant, with regard to this world and the Hereafter, and does not harm him, nor damage what is beneficial for him. He also prescribed i`tikaf for them, by which is intended that the heart is fully occupied with Allah, the Most High, concentrated upon Him alone, and cut off from preoccupation with the creation. Rather it is engrossed with Him alone, the One free of all defects, such that remembering Him, loving Him and turning to Him takes the place of all anxieties of the heart and its suggestions, such that he is able to overcome them. Thus all his concerns are for Him. His thoughts are all of remembrance of Him, and thinking of how to attain His Pleasure and what will cause nearness to Him. This leads him to feel contented with Allah instead of the people, so that prepares him for being at peace with Him alone on the day of loneliness in the grave, when there is no one else to give comfort, nor anyone to grant solace except Him. So this is the greater goal of I'tikaf" The book Zaad al Ma`aad as well as all other books of Ibn al-Qayyim are just peaces of art that every Muslim should read. Al-hamdu liLLAH there is a great effort among the followers and revivers of the methodology of the Salaf in translating these books into English. Some of them or part of them are already available. You may want to contact the bookstore of al-Qur'an was-Sunnah Society of North America [USA] or al-Hidaya Publishing in UK. I`tikaf is the seclusion and staying in the mosque with the intention of becoming closer to Allah. This was the practise of the Prophet, salla Allahu alaihi wa sallam, during the last ten days of Ramadan especially. He would do it during other months as well. 'Aisha reported that the Messenger of Allah, salla Allahu alaihi wa sallam, used to practice I`tikaf in the last ten nights of Ramadan and used to say, "Look for the Night of Qadr in the last ten nights of the month of Ramadan" [Bukhari] Abu Hurairah, radiyallahu 'anhu said: "Allah's Messenger, salla Allahu alaihi wa sallam, used to perform i`tikaf for ten days every Ramadan, then when it was the year in which he was taken (died), he performed I`tikaf for twenty days. [Bukhari] 'Aisha reported that the Prophet,salla Allahu alaihi wa sallam, used to practice I`tikaf in the last ten days of Ramadan till he died and then his wives used to practice I`tikaf after him. [Bukhari] `Aishah radhiya Allahu `anha also reported that the Prophet, salla Allahu alaihi wa sallam, "Used to perform i'tikaf in the last ten days of Ramadan until Allah the Mighty and Majestic, took him. [Bukhari and Muslim] Al-Bukhari records from Abu Said that the Prophet (S) said: "Whoever makes I`tikaf with me is to make I'tikaf during the last ten [nights]." This Sunnah of the Prophet, salla Allahu alaihi wa sallam, has been abandoned by many Muslims and it is worth reviving it in this era. Sayyid Sabiq says in Fiqhus-Sunnah : The sunnah or preferred i`tikaf has no specific time limit. It can be fulfilled by staying in the mosque with the intention of making i`tikaf for a long or short time. The reward will be according to how long one stays in the mosque. If one leaves the mosque and then returns, he should renew his intention to perform itikaf. Ya'la ibn Umayyah said: "I secluded myself in the mosque for some time for I`tikaf." 'Ata told him: "That is I`tikaf, as long as you secluded yourself there." One who is performing Sunnah (like in Ramadan) i'tikaf (i.e. not the obligatory one that is made after a vow) may end his i`tikaf at any time, even if it is before the period he intended to stay. 'Aishah related that if the Prophet intended to make itikaf, he would pray the morning prayer and begin it. One time he wanted to make i`tikaf during the last ten nights of Ramadan, and he ordered his tent to be set up. Aishah reported: "When I saw that, I ordered my tent to be set up, and some of the Prophet's wives followed suit. When he [the Prophet] prayed the morning prayer, he saw all of the tents, and said: "What is this?" They said: "We are seeking obedience [to Allah and His Messenger]." Then he ordered his tent and those of his wives to be taken down, and he delayed his i`tikaf to the first ten days [of Shawwal]."[Bukhari] The fact that the Messenger of Allah ordered [his and] his wives' tents to be struck down and [he himself left and] asked them to leave the i`tikaf after they have made the intention for it shows that they discarded the i`tikaf after they had begun it. ([] in this small paragraph are some additional comments to clarify things). It is preferred for the one who is making I`tikaf to perform many supererogatory acts of worship and to occupy himself with prayers, reciting the Qur'an, glorifying and praising Allah, extolling His oneness and His greatness, asking His forgiveness, sending salutations on the Prophet, upon whom be peace, and supplicating Allah - that is, all actions that bring one closer to Allah. Included among these actions is studying and reading books of tafsir and hadith, books on the lives of the Prophets, upon whom be peace, books of fiqh, and so on. It is also preferred to set up a small tent in the courtyard of the mosque as the Prophet did. Permissible Acts for the Mu`takif (the person performing I`tikaf) The following acts are permissible for one who is making I'tikaf (1) The Person may leave his place of I`tikaf to bid farewell to his wife and a Woman can visit her husband who is in I`tikaf} Safiyyah, radhiya Allahu `anha said : The prophet salla Allahu alaihi wa sallam, was making i`tikaf [in the last ten nights of Ramadan], so I came to visit him at night [and his wives were with him and then departed]. I talked with him for a while, then I stood up to leave, [so he said:"Do not hurry for I will accompany you",. He stood along with me to accompany me back -and her dwelling was in the house of Usaamah Ibn Zayd [until when he came to the door of the mosque near the door of Umm Salamah], two men of the Ansaar were passing by, when they saw the Prophet, salla Allahu alaihi wa sallam, they hastened by, so the Prophet, salla Allahu alaihi wa sallam, said : "Be at your ease for she is Safiyyah bintu Huyayy." So they said:" 'SubhanAllah, O Messenger of Allah! [we did not have any doubt about you].' He said: "Indeed Shaytan circulates in the son of Adam just as blood circulates, and I feared that he would insert an evil thought" -or he said : "something - into your hearts" [Bukhari and Muslim, in [] are additional narrations from Abu Dawud] (2) Combing and cutting one's hair, clipping one's nails, cleaning one's body, wearing nice clothes or wearing perfume are all permissible. 'Aishah reported: "The Prophet was Performing itikaf and he would put his head out through the opening to my room and I would clean [or comb in one narration] his hair. I was menstruating at the time." [al-Bukhari, Muslim, and Abu Dawud]. (3) The person may go out for some need that he must perform. 'Aishah reported: "When the Prophet Performed I`tikaf, he brought his head close to me so I could comb his hair, and he would not enter the house except to fulfill the needs a person has." [al-Bukhari, and Muslim]. Ibn al-Mundhir says: "The scholars agree that the one who performs itikaf may leave the mosque in order to answer the call of nature, for this is something that he personally must perform, and he cannot do it in the mosque. Also, if he needs to eat or drink and there is no one to bring him his food, he may leave to get it. If one needs to vomit, he may leave the mosque to do so. For anything that he must do but cannot do in the mosque, he can leave it, and such acts will not void his itikaf, even if they take a long time. Examples of these types of acts would include washing one's self from sexual defilement and cleaning his body or clothes from impurities." (4) The person may eat, drink, and sleep in the mosque, and he should also keep it clean. Actions that Nullify the I`tikaf If a person performs one of the following acts, his I`tikaf will be nullified: (1) Intentionally leaving the mosque without any need to do so, even if it is for just a short time. In such a case, one would not be staying in the mosque, which is one of the principles of I`tikaf. (2) Abandoning belief in Islam, as this would nullify all acts of worship. If you ascribe a partner to Allah, your work will fail and you will be among the losers. (3) Losing one's reason due to insanity or drunkenness, or the onset of menstruation or post-childbirth bleeding, all of which disqualifies a person for itikaf. (4) Sexual intercourse. Allah says [in meaning]: "But do not associate with your wives while you are in seclusion (I`tikaf) in the mosques. Those are Limits (set by) Allah. Approach not nigh thereto. Thus does Allah make clear His Signs to men: that they may learn self-restraint. [al-Baqara; 2:187] I`tikaf is not restricted to men only, women also can do it : 'Aisha (the wife of the Prophet) reported that the Prophet, salla Allahu alaihi wa sallam, used to practice I`tikaf in the last ten days of Ramadan till he died and then his wives used to practice I`tikaf after him.[Bukhari] Dear Sister! when reading this do not forget the modesty and the Hijab of the wife of the Prophet (S) that you should observe if you intend to perform I`tikaf. 3-Seeking Laylatul-Qadr (the Night of Decree) It is the greatest night of the year like the Day of `Arafah is the greatest day of the year. It is a night about which Allah reveled a full Surah, Suratul-Qadr [97:1-5] and the 3rd to the 6th verses of Surat ad-Dukhan [44:3-6] It is the night when the Qur'an was reveled. It is the night when the Message (the Final and seal of all messages) sent to Mohammad, salla Allahu alaihi wa sallam, started It is the night when the light, that would illuminate mankind to the end of life, started It is the night when every matter of ordainment is decreed Allah says in what can be translated as : "Verily! We have sent it (this Qur'aan) down in the Night of Decree (Lailatul-Qadr). And what will make you know what the Night of Decree is? The Night of Decree is better than a thousand months. Therein descend the angels and the Rooh (ie. Jibreel [Gabriel]) by Allaah's Permission with all Decrees, Peace! until the appearance of dawn." [97:1-5] and in Surat ad-Dukhan : "We sent it (this Qur'aan) down on a blessed Night. Verily, We are ever warning (mankind of Our Torment). Therein (that Night) is decreed every matter of ordainment. Amran (i.e. a command or this Qur'aan or His Decree of every matter) from Us. Verily, We are ever sending (the Messenger). (As) a Mercy from your Lord. Verily! He is the All-Hearer, the All-Knower. [44:3-6] A person who misses Laylatul-Qadr is really a deprived person! Abu Hurairah reported that the Prophet, salla Allahu alaihi wa sallam, said " The blessed month has come to you. Allah has made fasting during it obligatory upon you. During it the gates to Paradise are opened and the gates of Hellfire are locked, and the devils are chained. There is a night [during this month] which is better than a thousand months. Whoever is deprived of its good is really deprived [of something great]. [Ahmad, an-Nisa'i and al-Bayhaqi] One who misses this blessed night then he has missed much good for no one misses it except one from whom it is withheld. Therefore it is recommended that the Muslim who is eager to be obedient to Allaah should stand in Prayer during this night out of Eemaan and hoping for the great reward, since if he does this, Allaah will forgive his previous sins (1). What happens to the person who witnesses Laylatul-Qadr? and what should one do? Abu Hurairah Radhiya Allahu `anhu reported that the Messenger of Allah, salla Allahu alaihi wa sallam, said : "Whoever stands (in prayer) in Lailatul-Qadr out of Eemaan (faith and sincerity) and seeking reward then his previous sins are forgiven". [Bukhari] It is recommended to supplicate a lot during this night, it is reported from our mother 'Aishah radhiya Allahu `anha, that she said: "O Messenger of Allah! What if I knew which night Lailatul-Qadr was, then what should I say in it?" He said.- "Say.- (Allahumma innaka 'affuwwun tuhibbul 'afwa fa'fu 'annee.) "O Allaah You are The One Who pardons greatly, and loves to pardon, so pardon me.". [at-Tirmithi and Ibn Majah with a Sahih Isnad] When is Laylatul-Qadr ? It is preferred to seek this night during the last ten odd nights of Ramadan, as the Prophet salla Allahu alaihi wa sallam,, strove his best in seeking it during that time. We have already mentioned that the Prophet would stay up during the last ten nights, would wake his wives, and then would remain apart from them to worship. Ibn Abbas reported that the Prophet,salla Allahu alaihi wa sallam, said, "Look for the Night of Qadr in the last ten nights of Ramadan ,' on the night when nine or seven or five nights remain out of the last ten nights of Ramadan (i.e. 21, 23, 25, respectively)." [Bukhari] `Aishah radhiya Allahu `anha said: "Allah's Messenger used to practice I`itikaf in the last ten nights and say: 'Seek out Lailatul-Qadr in the (odd nights) of the last ten of Ramadan." [Bukhari and Muslim] However if the servant is too weak or unable, then he should at least not let the last seven pass him by, due to what is reported from Ibn 'Umar, who said: Allah's Messenger said: "Seek it in the last ten, and if one of you is too weak or unable then let him not allow that to make him miss the final seven.' [Bukhari and Muslim] This explains his saying: "I see that your dreams are in agreement (that it is in the last seven) so he who wishes to seek it out then let him seek it in the last seven.' [Bukhari and Muslim] It is known from the Sunnah, that knowledge of the exact night upon which Lailatul-Qadr falls was taken up because the people argued, 'Ubaadah ibn as- Saamit, radiyalloahu 'anhu, said: The Prophet came out intending to tell us about Lailatul-Qadr, however two men were arguing and he said: "I come out to inform you about Lailatul-Qadr but so and so, and, so and so were arguing, so it was raised up, and perhaps that is better for you, so seek it on the (twenty) ninth and the (twenty) seventh and the (twenty) fifth.'[Bukhari] Some of the ahadeeth indicate that Lailatul-Qadr is in the last ten nights, while others indicate that it is in the odd nights of the last ten, so the first are general and the second more particular, and the particular has to be given priority over the general. Other ahadeeth state that it is in the last seven - and these are restricted by mention of one who is too weak or unable. So there is no confusion, all the ahadeeth agree and are not contradictory. In conclusion: The Muslim should seek out Lailatui-Qadr in the odd nights of the last ten: the night of the twenty-first, the twenty-third, the twenty-fifth, the twenty-seventh and the twenty-ninth. If he is too weak or unable to seek it out in all the odd nights, then let him seek it out in the odd nights of the of seven: the night of the twenty-fifth, the twenty-seventh and the twenty-ninth And Allah knows best. (1) What are the signs of laylatul-Qadr? Allaah's Messenger , salla Allahu alaihi wa sallam, described the morning after Lailatul-Qadr, so that the Muslim may know which day it is. From Ubayy, radhiya Allahu 'anhu, who said: that he, salla Allahu alaihi wa sallam, said: "On the morning following Lailatui-Qadr the sun rises not having any rays, as if it were a brass dish, until it rises up."[Muslim, Abu Dawud, Tirmithi and Ibn Majah] Abu Hurairah, radhiya Allahu 'anhu, said : "We were discussing Lailatul-Qadr in the presence of Allah's Messenger so he said : 'Which of you remembers [the night] when the moon arose and was like half a plate?... [Muslim] Ibn 'Abbaas, radhiya Allahu 'anhuma, said: Allaah's Messenger, salla Allahu alaihi wa sallam, said: "Lailatul-Qadr is calm and pleasant, neither hot nor cold, the sun arises on its morning being feeble and red." [at-Tayaalisee, Ibn Khuzaimah and al-Bazzaar with a Hasan Isnad] We pray to Allah All Mighty Most Merciful to bless us this Ramadan by witnessing Laylatul-Qadr

 Imam of America // Omair Ali interviews Imam Siraj Wahhaj | File Type: audio/mpeg | Duration: 00:10:49

Born and raised in New York, he became a Sunday school teacher as at a young age, then later went to Wilfrid Laurier University (WLU) where he studied biology education. In the 1960s he became attracted to the Nation of Islam and was taught under Louis Farrakhan at the height of the NOI's anti-Malcolm X rhetoric. He became a Sunni Muslim after the death of Elijah Muhammad in 1975 and Muhammad's son Warith Deen Mohammed took over and reorganized the organization, urging members to come to orthodox Islam. Kearse then changed his name to Siraj Wahhaj. He was chosen to study Islam at the Umm al-Qura university of Mecca in 1978. He also briefly taught a course in Islamic studies at Howard University. In 1981 he started his own mosque, Masijd ul-Taqwa, in a friend's apartment in Brooklyn. Although it originally started out with only 25 people, today it is well-known. In 1988 he led his community in an anti-drug patrol in which they staked out drug houses in Bedford-Stuyvesant in the cold of winter for 40 days and nights, forcing the closure of 15 drug houses. This effort received high praise from the New York City Police Department and the media. Since that time, Siraj has been active in many Islamic organizations. He has been vice president of the Islamic Society of North America since 1997 and has served on the Majlis al Shura, a consultative council of Islamic scholars, since 1987. He is a member of the Board of Advisors for the American Muslim Council and has also served on the national board of the Council on American-Islamic Relations. Siraj is a fairly prolific speaker in America. He makes many appearances at major North American Muslim conventions, and numerous forums and lectures in New England. His audio and video lectures are also popular in America's Muslim community. He is known to encourage Muslims to be God-fearing, enjoin good and forbid evil, practice regular charity, stay away from drugs, abstain from pre-marital relations, and other issues as well. He has also appeared on several national television talk shows and has had interviews with several media outlets. In 1991 Siraj offered an invocation (opening prayer) to the United States House of Representatives. He was the first Muslim to do so.

 Viva Palestina! // Omair Ali interviews MP George Galloway | File Type: video/mp4 | Duration: 00:12:49

George Galloway (born 16 August 1954) is a British politician, author, and broadcaster, who has been a Member of Parliament (MP) since 1987 and is known for his outspoken socialist and anti-Zionist views. He was a Labour Party MP for Glasgow Hillhead, and for Glasgow Kelvin, before his expulsion from the party in October 2003,[1] and his subsequently becoming a a founding member of Respect. He currently represents the Bethnal Green and Bow constituency, having been most recently elected to that seat in 2005. Galloway is perhaps best known for his vigorous campaign to both overturn economic sanctions against Iraq in the 1990s and early 2000s, and to avert the 2003 invasion of that country, as well as for his speech before the then President of Iraq, Saddam Hussein, in which he appeared to praise the Iraqi dictator,[2] although Galloway actively opposed the regime until the United States-led Gulf War in 1991 and has always stated that he was addressing the Iraqi people.

 Proses are Read, Violets in Bloom (Part II) // Interview with Liza Garza | File Type: audio/mpeg | Duration: 00:28:49

Liza Garza is a rare soul. As a poet and vocalist, she possesses the uncommon ability to keep listeners captivated while provoking social change and action in the community. Her words simultaneously whisper power and strength; peace and grace. A graduate of the University of Michigan, where she formulated her own degree in Performance Activism, Liza published her first book of poetry, You Never Knew Until I Spoke in 2005 and started 2006 with an Emmy Award nomination for a piece she wrote promoting university enrollment. During that same year, Liza caught the attention of HBO producers and was invited to perform on ‘Russell Simmons Presents Def Poetry’. Born and raised in Flint, Michigan—a city most famous for its murder rate—Liza, a single mother of two young boys, used her experiences to pen her debut album ‘BloomBeautiful’. The release, a tapestry of poems, ballads and songs reminiscent of Mexican folk tunes, is gracefully infused with the spirit of hip-hop, a culture she claims whole-heartedly. Showing no signs of surrender in an art form overrun with machismo, Liza has remained humble and resolute in using her gift to teach, learn, inspire and be inspired. It is this determining spirit that influenced Rev. Jesse L. Jackson to invite her to perform along side Stevie Wonder and Roberta Flack at the Rainbow/ PUSH Coalition's national march. When asked about what she has accomplished, Liza is genuinely puzzled. “There is so much work to be done for the people," she replies. "I haven't even begun."

 Proses are Read, Violets in Bloom (Part I) // Interview with Sofia Baig | File Type: audio/mpeg | Duration: 00:18:54

A special interview conducted by MeccaOne co-host, Zari with spoken word artist Sofia Baig. "I am Not in the Business of Selling Love with My Words. I merely Pick the Fruit of Peace from this Earth & Raise it to your Lips. Pray that you Accidentally Swallow the Seed. So that it may Grow Within you. Cure the Poison of Belligerence." - Sofia Baig

 Los musulmanes // Latin Muslims in America | File Type: audio/mpeg | Duration: 00:35:57

The number of Hispanic Americans converting to Islam is growing rapidly -- particularly in New York, California, Texas and Florida, which have the greatest concentration of Hispanic residents. Muslim leaders say interest in Islam has increased in the past few years, and they also note that Muslims and Hispanics, many of whom are immigrants, share a number of common concerns. Steve Mort reports from a mosque in Florida that has seen a steady increase in Latino worshippers. The al-Rahman mosque in Orlando opened in 1975 and is the oldest Muslim place of worship in the city. But over the years its membership has changed, and now increasing numbers of Hispanics, like Jesus Marti, are joining the congregation. "It's the right way to be worshipping God, and I love the Islamic religion. It really has given me a lot of knowledge, and I have learned so many things from Islam." Jesus, a Puerto Rican living in Florida, converted to Islam only a year ago. He is one of tens of thousands of Hispanic Muslims in the United States: estimates range from around 70,000 to 200,000. He says that while he has faced criticism for converting to Islam, he has found broad acceptance as a Muslim in America. "Islam is not a country. Islam is a religion. Islam is definitely a way of life, for discipline where you follow and you try to enhance yourself to get the most positive things out of yourself for the benefit of your own self and for the benefit of your own family and the society as a whole." Muslim leaders say Jesus Marti and other Hispanics choose Islam for a variety of reasons. They say Muslims and Hispanics face common issues and concerns, like finding their way in a new, unfamiliar country. The media focus on Islam since September 11th has also been factor. Imam Muhammad Musri is president of the Islamic Society of Central Florida. The society has about 40,000 members. Iman Musri says Latinos and Muslims find they have a lot in common. "There are so many common denominators between immigrant Muslims and immigrant Hispanics who see the issues common to both of them -- immigration issues, as it is a big discussion in the United States, and there are other issues of trying to find a job, keep a job, buy a home -- all the same struggles two groups of people happen to be going through creates this bond between them". Hundreds of worshippers attend Imam Musri's mosque, and there is an increasing demand for religious literature in Spanish. He points to Spain's historical ties with Islam. And that many Hispanics find Muslim culture and values similar to their own. Iman Musri says, "Many who come from Central and South America come with conservative values and, as well, Muslims come with conservative values. And here in the States they find that those values are put in question or are being challenged. So it is common to see Hispanics and Muslims working on similar projects in terms of family and education and reforms to protect their values, their conservative values they have." For Jesus Marti and his fellow Hispanic worshippers, the decision to convert to Islam is personal, but also part of a broader trend. He hopes greater diversity among America's Muslims will help strengthen understanding of Islam within the wider U.S. population.

 The Muslim Passion For Christ // With Ibrahim N. Abusharif | File Type: audio/mpeg | Duration: 00:48:38

Muslims love and revere Jesus, and believe in him as a Prophet and Messenger of God, a great teacher and guide for people. But Muslims do not believe that Jesus was God or the Son of God. Nor do Muslims believe that he was slain on the cross, as some early sects of Christians had once believed. Jesus was sent to the Children of Israel to revive faith and a spiritual connection with God. All the miracles that Jesus performed were indeed true: raising the dead, healing the blind and the leper, and more. These miracles, however, occurred through the auspices of God's power and will, as it was with the splitting of the sea for Moses, Solomon understanding the utterances of animals, and many other suspensions of the natural order. God is the Creator, and when He determines something, He but says to it "Be" and it is! (as the Qur'an states). Muslims venerate Mary, the mother of Jesus. She indeed gave birth to Jesus though she was a virgin. She was a spiritual woman who was chosen among her people to the office of special contemplation and prayer. But Muslims do not hold her to be the "mother of God" and similar attributes. She too was fully human and was a beloved and important person in a remarkable series of miracles in a special time in human history. Every biology and miracle, the explainable and the inexplicable, whether it is the creation of Adam from clay or the conception of any given child of two parents, goes back to God. It is all the same to Him. All of it easy. All of it His. In Islamic parlance, Jesus (peace be upon him) is known by the venerable titles of "Word" and "Spirit," since the Qur'an tells us that God cast the "word" or "spirit" upon Mary, the Mother of Jesus. "Indeed, the angels said: 'O Mary! God gives you glad tidings of a word from Him, whose name is the Messiah, Jesus, son of Mary, illustrious in this world and the Hereafter, and he shall be among those brought near [to God]. He will speak to humankind in the cradle and in manhood, and he is of the righteous" (Qur'an, 3:45). Also, the Qur'an states: "The Messiah, Jesus son of Mary, was but a Messenger of God, and His word which He conveyed to Mary, and a spirit proceeding from Him" (Qur'an, 4:171). "And indeed God gave Moses the Book [Torah], and after him We sent Messengers in succession. We gave Jesus son of Mary clear proofs and strengthened him with the Holy Spirit [Angel Gabriel]" (Qur'an, 2:87). The thought life of a Muslim with regard to all the prophets is best summed by the following verse of the Qur'an "Say [O believers]: "We believe in God and [the Book] sent down to us, and what was sent down to Abraham, Ishmael, Isaac, Jacob, and the Tribes; and what was given to Moses and Jesus and what was given to [all] the Prophets from their Lord. We make no distinction between any of them, and to Him do we surrender ourselves" (Qur'an 2:136).

 A Time For Change // With Hamza Yusuf | File Type: video/mp4 | Duration: 00:12:37

"It's important that Muslims don't become Democratic or Republican or any other political group... Islam transcends political boundaries." A powerful and potent message to both Muslims and non-Muslims alike. Filmed at ISNA 2008

 Question Time! Part I // With Imam Zaid Shakir | File Type: audio/mpeg | Duration: 00:49:21

How can you explain the existence of god logically rather than spiritually to someone who doesn’t believe in god? May Allah preserve you! Sidra - UK I would like to ask Imam Zaid. The topic is forgiveness. Allah wants us to be forgiving. HE says that if you are not forgiving to others the HE will not be forgiving to you, I think that is pretty much how it goes. How do we know if we've sincerely forgiven someone? Does forgiveness mean that you try to put what someone has done to you in the past even though the same type of things keep on happening? How do you forgive someone when it seems that things are never resolved? Please explain what forgiveness means. Sister Shannon Hayward, CA How do we deal with a situation where one is living in an ethnic Muslim society that is dominated by its cultural background and norms that are not always compatible with Islamic teachings? Where do we draw the line between Islam and culture and to what extent may one seek dispensations in this regard? (I'm sorry if my question isn't entirely coherent. Please give my salaams to Imam Zaid if possible) Haris Zuberi, Karachi, Pakistan How far would you agree with the statement that "entrenched ulama and accreted cultural practices are a serious block on establishing functioning Muslim communities and spreading the message of Islam? The question is prompted by my reading this: "As the Shari'a is a blueprint for the harmonious cultivation of such values and this blueprint has not been followed correctly, Ibn Rushd's attack is directed at those responsible for conveying the injuctions of the Law to the people. Political reform, he maintains, is only possible by means of a reduction in the authority of those who have obstucted the correct implementaion of the law, namely the jurists and the mutakallimun" In the intoduction of "Ibn Rushd: Mujtahid of Europe". Ma`a salaama Kareem Abbas How would you encourage young muslims from around the world to participate and realise the importance of local community work and working with the 'under privelaged' (although I dislike that term) Zeshan - UK Does the imam have any suggestions for how native born American Muslims, whether converts or their adult children or the American born children of immigrants, can bridge the cultural gap between us and the converts who tend to be in charge of our masajid, the organizations, etc -- particularly the middle aged ones. B/C there is a lot of alienation and resentment -- esp. for converts, who are sometimes not considered as good or "real" Muslims, etc. (And maybe it goes both ways, I don't know). As someone who is working in da'wah, there seems to be a disconnect and a misunderstanding of American culture and ways of thinking in Islamic da'wah books, among some da'wah workers, and I know a lot of people want to try and improve that and work on that. The Oakland liquor stores incident was sort of illustrative of this disconnect, I think. So what can we do to work on this? Jazakh Allah khair. Umm Zaid As a black convert to Islam, one of the things that I've always had difficultly accepting, is the institution of Slavery in the religion. I understand that slavery in Islam is different from the transatlantic slave trade which resulted in my forefathers being sold and enslaved with the result that they ended up in the West Indies. How is it that Islam banned alcohol, interest, prostitution, fornication and other societal ills, but only 'encouraged' the freeing of slaves? How is it that a nafs is allowed to OWN another nafs? Incidentally I'm reading "Islams Black Slaves" by Ronald Segal at the moment - are you familiar with the book? jai byron Manchester, England

 Love & Marriage // With Shaykh Yaser Birjas | File Type: audio/mpeg | Duration: 00:54:38

"And among His signs is this, that He created for you mates from among yourselves, that ye may dwell in tranquility with them, and He has put Love and mercy between your (hearts) verily in that are signs for those who reflect." - ArRum 30:21 "Of Love--may God exalt you!--the first part is jesting, and the last part is right earnestness. So majestic are its diverse aspects, they are too subtle to be described; their reality can only be apprehended by personal experience. Love is neither disapproved by Religion, nor prohibited by the Law; for every heart is in God's hands." - Ibn Hazm Tired of being the bachelor or bachelorette of your town? Do you want to get married but are unsure of how to start things off in the proper Islamic way? Or, you’re already married, but you don’t know why you’re not enjoying it. Your husband doesn’t listen. Your wife doesn’t understand you. Do you both claim the same thing as your right and the other’s responsibility? And does it seem that you’re both confused and shy about what’s permissible and what’s prohibited in your bedroom? What are Islamic etiquettes of marriage? Then listen to this!! Yaser Birjas is originally from the holy land of Palestine and was born in Kuwait. He graduated as class valedictorian with the highest honors from University of Madinah's College of Shariah (Fiqh and Usul) in 1996. He had the honor to interact and learn from a number of highly respected scholars such as Shaikh Ash-Shanqitee and Shaikh Al-Uthaimeen (rahimahu Allah). After graduating from the University of Madinah, Yaser Birjas went on to work as a youth counselor and relief program aide in war-torn Bosnia. Thereafter, he immigrated to the U.S. where he is presently an Imam (spiritual leader and advisor) at The Islamic Center in El Paso, Texas. He is also an instructor at AlMaghrib Institute, an organization that provides trademark double-weekend seminars leading its students towards a bachelor's degree in Islamic Studies. His two most recent courses of instruction with AlMaghrib Institute are The Code Evolved: The Evolution of Fiqh, which focuses on learning the historical development of Islamic law; and the Fiqh of Love: Marriage in Islam which deals primarily with the etiquettes of engagement and marriage as well as the means of developing a deeper, more fulfilling and loving relationship with one's spouse.

 The Shahada: The First Pillar of Islam // With Shaykh Muhammad al-Yaqoubi | File Type: audio/mpeg | Duration: 00:45:35

Biography Shaykh Muhammad al-Yaqoubi al-Hassani was born in Damascus, Syria on the 13th of Dhul Hijja in 1382 AH. He accompanied his father, Shaykh Ibrahim al-Yaqoubi until his died in 1406 AH. He was his servant, his disciple and his student. His father trained him in the Sufi path. He studied under him the major works of the Sacred Knowledge, memorized many texts and didactic poems. His father gave him several ijazas. He also received several other ijazas from the top scholars of Syria such as: the Hanafite Mufti of Syria Shaykh Muhammad Abul-Yusr ‘Abideen; the Maliki]te Mufti of Syria, Sayyid Makki al-Kittan; Shaykh Ali al-Boudaylimi of Tlemsan; Shaykh Saalih al-Khateeb; and Shaykh Abdul ‘Aziz ‘Uyoon al-Sood. Lineage Shaykh Muhammad descends from a scholarly family whose lineage goes back to the Prophet Muhammad, salla Allahu 'alayhi sallam, through his grandson Sayyiduna al-Hasan, radiya Allahu 'anhu. He is also related to Mawlay Idris al-Anwar who built the city of Fes. Mawlay Idris' lineage is as follows: he is the son of Mawlay Idris the Great; who is the son of Sayyiduna Abdullah al-Kamil; who is the son of Sayyiduna al-Hasan, the Second; who is the son of Sayyiduna al-Hasan, radiya Allah 'anhu; who is the grandson of the Prophet, salla Allahu 'alayhi wa sallam. Education and Career In the summer of 1973, at the age of eleven, Shaykh Muhammad al-Yaqoubi started teaching at the Darwishiyya Mosque where he taught a regular Qur'an and Tajweed class . He began giving public speeches in Ramadan in the same mosque at the age of twelve. At the age of fourteen and a half, he started delivering Friday speeches. He wrote his first published article when he was seventeen years old in al-Majalla al-'Arabiyya in Riyadh, KSA and published his first book when he was twenty three. At the age of twenty, some of his Friday Khutbas were broadcast live on Syrian radio stations. Shaykh Muhammad studied traditional Islamic Sciences under his father. For over twenty years, he studied over 500 works in the sciences of Qur'an, Hadith, Jurisprudence, and Logic. His father, gave him full authority to narrate Hadith, to teach and to issue fatwas. Besides serving as a Friday speaker and instructor until 1990, Shaykh Muhammad pursued his academic studies at the University of Damascus, Faculty of Shari'ah, where he frequented some lectures and benefited from several professors between 1982-1985. He also received a degree in Arabic literature in 1987 and completed a two-year study of philosophy at the Arab University of Beirut. In 1991, Shaykh Muhammad joined the PhD program of linguistics at Gothenburg University in Sweden, Department of Oriental Studies, where he also worked as a researcher and a teacher of classical Arabic literature until 1996. While in school, Shaykh Muhammad studied French as a second language. It was in 1988 that he began learning the basics of English and German. At the age of 30, upon traveling to Sweden, he realized how vital is the English language in the work for Islam, so he moved to England at that time and completed the FCE, CAE, CCS, and CPE Cambridge courses in English within a year before returning to Sweden where he continued his studies in Swedish. Amongst the scholars who gave him ijaza were the Malikite Mufti of Syria Sayyid Makki al-Kittani, the Hanafite Mufti Muhammad Abul-Yusr 'Abideen, Muhammad Salih al-Khateeb, Ali al-Boudaylimi, Zayn al-'Abideen at-Tounisi, 'Abdul'Aziz 'Uyun as-Soud, and Muhammad Wafa al-Qassaab. Shaykh Muhammad is a leading scholar of hadith. To date he has taught Sahih al-Bukhari 4 times, Sahih Muslim twice, The Muwatta of Imam Malik 6 times, and al-Shama'il of Imam Tirmidhi 17 times.

 From Super Model To Role Model // An Interview with Imam Dawud Yasin | File Type: audio/mpeg | Duration: 00:35:38

Wilhelmina Models is a modeling agency founded in 1967 by the supermodel Wilhelmina (Wilhelmina Cooper) in Manhattan. The agency was sold in the 1990s to Dieter Esch, who made his daughter Natasha President as a twenty-first birthday present. In 1999 Brad Krassner purchased 50% of the company and together with Dieter Esch now run the company. The Wilhelmina Guide to Modeling (ISBN 0-684-81491-9) was published in 1996 by Simon & Schuster, New York. Although authorship is attributed to Natasha Esch, actual writing credit is given to C.L. Walker, who was a Wilhelmina model at the time. At the time of its publication, the book caused something of a scandal in the industry because it revealed closely guarded secrets regarding the management of models and the realities of the business. The Wilhelmina agency has offices in New York, Los Angeles, and Miami. In 2007, Wilhelmina came together with Charlotte, NC based agency, Evolution (founded by Scott Cooper) and Evolution became Wilhelmina-Evolution.

 Imran Khan on Spirituality // An exclusive interview with the Pakistani Cricket Legend by Omair Ali | File Type: audio/mpeg | Duration: 00:25:54

Imran Khan Niazi (born November 25, 1952) is a Pakistani cricketer and politician. Khan played for the Pakistani cricket team from 1971 to 1992, and led them as captain to his country's first and only World Cup victory in 1992. With a record of 3807 runs and 362 wickets in Test cricket, Khan is known as one of the finest all-rounders in the modern history of the game. In April 1996, he founded the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (Movement for Justice), a small and marginal political party, of which he is chairman as well as sole ever-elected member of Parliament. He became a member of the National Assembly from Mianwali in October 2002, but resigned from office on October 2, 2007, in protest of General Pervez Musharraf's presidential re-election as the Chief of Army Staff.

 Businessman, Entrepreneur, TV Personality & Islamic Thinker // Omair Ali interviews Dr. Tariq Al-Suwaidan | File Type: audio/mpeg | Duration: 00:42:23

Dr. Tariq Al-Suwaidan is a well known scholar throughout the Muslim world. He spent many years of his life living in various locations throughout the United States, and received a PhD in petroleum engineering. He is well known for his management and strategic planning training, helping create effective leaders across the globe. He also pioneered the first Islamic youth leadership centre in Kuwait. He has been presenting many Islamic shows on Arab satellite Channels for many years. Furthermore he is the author of many works. His album, ‘Qasas al Anbiyaa’ (Lives of the prophets) is the highest selling Islamic album in the world with over 2 million copies sold. He is in the process of releasing this work in English in the near future insha-Allah. He is the Chairman of Gulf Innovation companies in Kuwait. He currently resides in Kuwait with his wife and children.

 The Fast of Ramadan & the Furious Shaitan // With Imam Zaid Shakir & Imam Suhaib Webb | File Type: video/quicktime | Duration: 00:48:08

The benefits of the Ramadhan month of fasting are too many to be counted. If one does recognize them and realize their importance, he wishes to have the month of Ramadhan to be throughout the whole year.These blessings are given by Allah to the fasting Muslims, who are to fast with full faith and expectation. These blessings and benefits of the month of fasting during Ramadhan have been grouped and summarized into different categories. They are summarized here without commentary. It should be remembered that all of these blessings were taken directly from Holy Quran and Hadith. The following is a partial list for the blessings and benefits of the month of fasting during Ramadhan: 01. Taqwa: Fearing Allah(SWT) Practicing the Revelations of Allah(SWT) Accepting the little things that one has achieved Preparing for departure from this world to the Hereafter Self-discipline Self-control Self-restraint Self-education Self-evaluation By accepting these criteria and by practicing them, the Muslim will achieve the concept of Taqwa in his private and public life. 02. Protection: Avoiding Immorality Avoiding anger/outcry/uproar Avoiding stupidity Avoiding all makrooh/mashbooh/haram By achieving these good manners, a Muslim will come out of fasting a better human being in the society. 03. Revelation of Holy Quran: The Holy Quran was revealed during the month of Ramadhan. The Holy Quran is meant to be: A Guidance to mankind A Manifestation of right from wrong A Summation and culmination of all previous revelations A Glad-tiding to the believers A Healer A Mercy 04. Doors of heaven are open 05. Doors of hell are closed 06. Devils are chained down 07. Fasting with Iman (faith) and expectation: Such type of intention leads to forgiveness by Allah (SWT) to the individual’s sins. 08. Door of Rayyan: There is in Paradise a door called Al-Rayyan. It is for the fasting Muslims. Only those who fasted the month of Ramadhan are the ones to enjoy the bliss of Paradise inside that area. 09. Rejoices: There are two types of rejoices for the Muslims who fast. These are: When breaking fast When meeting Allah (SWT) on the day of Judgment 10. Mouth Smell: The smell of the mouth of the fasting Muslim will be better than the smell of musk during the day of Judgement. (Bad Breath) 11. Glad-Tidings: These glad-tidings are given to the well-wishers while the ill-wishers are to be stopped during fasting. 12. Ramadhan -to- Ramadhan: Whoever fasts two consecutive months of Ramadhan with good intention will receive forgiveness for the mistakes committed throughout the year. 13. Multiplication of Rewards: Doing good = 10x, 70x, 700x or more during the month of Ramadhan. 14. Feeding Others: Whoever invites others to break the fast, and whoever takes care of the hungry, needy, during the last ten days of Ramadhan will receive equal rewards to the fasting person(s). 15. Blessing of Iftar: Dua is accepted by ALLAH (SWT) at Iftar time. 16. Blessings of Sahoor (The late night meal): This meal time gives the opportunity for: Night Prayers Zikr, Remembrance, Contemplation Recitation of Holy Quran Fajr Salat in Jamaat Dua of Fajr 17. Night Prayers: Whoever performs the Night prayers with sincerity and good intention will receive forgiveness of his past mistakes. 18. Shafa’at (Pleading One’s Case for Forgiveness): Whoever fasts Ramadhan will receive on the day of Judgement the Shafa’at of: Ramadhan Holy Quran 19. Ihya (Passing Nights Awake): Last ten days of Ramadhan. When a Muslim makes this type of effort, he will get rewards, forgiveness, and multiples of blessings. 20. Itikaf (Retreat): A Muslim who performs Itikaf during the last ten days of Ramadhan will get: Blessings and rewards Peace of mind Contemplation and evaluation Better citizen and more!

Comments

Login or signup comment.