StrangeHood

A Reverts Guide to Islam

The Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: “Islam began as something strange and will revert to being strange as it began, so give glad tidings to the strangers.”

Why Are We So Divided?

... Because of Shirk, innovations and leaving the Sunnah
All Praise is for Allah (subhaanahu wa ta'aala) Lord of all the creation and May His peace and Blessings be upon is last Prophet Muhammad (sal-Allaahu 'alayhe wa sallam) and upon the Prophet's (sal-Allaahu 'alayhe wa sallam) family and upon the companions and on all those who follow the path of guidance until the last day. 

Without doubt the Muslim Ummah is in a divided and fragmented state and that this division is prohibited in Islam. Rather Allah (subhaanahu wa ta'aala) has enjoined upon us to hold onto the rope of Allah (subhaanahu wa ta'aala), which we established is the Qur'an and the Sunnah as understood by the Companions. But how did we reach this state in the first place, what causes disunity?
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How to be Happy


Peace of mind, contentment, happiness and freedom from worries and anxiety. These things are what everyone wants, and these are the ways in which people can have a good life and find complete happiness and joy. There are religious means of achieving that, and natural and practical means, but no one can combine all of them except the believers; although other people may achieve some of them, they will miss out on others.

Here follows a summary of the means of achieving this aim for which everyone is striving. In some cases, those who achieve many of them will live a joyful life and a good life; in other cases, those who fail to achieve all of them will live a life of misery and hardship. And there are others which are in between, according to what the means he is able to attain. These means include the following:
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The History of Christmas



In ancient pagan times, the last day of winter in the Northern Hemisphere was celebrated as the night that the Great Mother Goddess gives birth to the baby Sun God. It is also called Yule, the day a huge log is added to a bonfire, around which everyone would dance and sing to awaken the sun from its long winter sleep.

In Roman times, it became the celebrations honouring Saturnus (the harvest god) and Mithras (the ancient god of light), a form of sun worship that had come to Rome from Syria a century before with the cult of Sol Invictus. It announced that winter is not forever, that life continues, and an invitation to stay in good spirit.
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Miracles of the Quran

AL-QUR`AN, The Miracle of Miracles

Ahmed Deedat

chap1

Say: If the whole of mankind and jinns were to gather together to produce the like of this Qur`an, they could not produce the like thereof, even if they backed up each other with help and support.

What is a miracle?
 

I think it is necessary that we have a clear picture of what we mean by a miracle.
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THE PROHIBITED IN ISLAM

Halal and Haram


The Prohibition of Things is Due to Their Impurity and Harmfulness:
It is the right of Allah, the One Who created the universe and bestowed innumerable favours upon mankind, to legalise or prohibit as He deems proper.
 
In Islam things are prohibited only because they are impure or harmful. If something is entirely harmful it is 'haram', and if it is entirely beneficial it is 'halal'; if the harm of it outweighs its benefit it is haram, while if its benefit outweighs its harm it is halal. This principle is explained in the Qur'an in relation to wine and gambling:

"They ask you concerning wine and gambling. Say (O Prophet); in them is great sin and some benefit for human beings, but the sin is Greater than the benefit..."(Qur'an, Al-Baqarah 2:219)

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"That's Enough Already"

"You're American? Oh, your husband must be from the Middle East."
"But you weren't raised that way"
"You better watch out for those men, I saw that movie."
"But it's not you, I know you better"
"Why are you trying to look like an Arab?"
"You don't have to dress that way, modernize."
"Aren't you hot with all those clothes on."
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Decision to Change your name

As a new Muslim changing your name to a muslim name might have crossed your mind or perhaps you have been pressured by other muslims to change your now that you are muslim. You are feeling confused and overwhelmed.

A convert to Islam is not obliged to change their name to a muslim name. However, if the non-muslim name has a meaning that is against Islam
then selecting a new name would be advisable.
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Short Surahs for you to memorize



For new muslims, praying in Arabic can be overwhelming as well as intimidating. One of the first surahs from the quran that I memorized when I reverted to islam, was Surah 112, Al-Ikhlas (Purity).

Al-Quran is divided into thirty equal divisions, which are called juz in Arabic. There are 114 chapters, of varying length. The longest chapter is Al-Baqarah consisting of 286 verses and the shortest
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How do I tell my parents and family I've become a Muslim?

American convert Saraji Umm Zaid offers practical advice for the new Muslim on this sensitive issue.

(Addressed primarily to females, but mostly relevant to both sexes.)
This is probably the hardest thing you will have to do as a new Muslim. For many people, it poses the prospect of opening up old wounds, risking hurt feelings on both sides, and threatens to rip apart familial relationships. For others, they know that they will be accepted by their parents, siblings, and other family members unconditionally.
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Ten Things Every Muslim Should Do

American convert and writer, Yahiya Emerick, suggests ten easy things that every Muslim family can do to contribute to the betterment of Muslims and the establishment of Islam in the West.

I've often been confronted with people who are really motivated to do something for Islam, but who were aimless. You know what I'm talking about. Sometimes we are so filled with feelings of wanting to help but we don't really know where to begin.
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Words of advice about Eid: Culture vs. Islam



http://www.directresponsetv101.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/06/20080117_turkish_gold_jewelry.png
It is highly recommended for women and children to accompany their spouses and fathers to the masjid for the Eid Prayer. The prophet (peace be upon him) used to encourage his companions to bring their whole family for this prayer. Nevertheless, back in our prophets era women used to dress much more modestly and adhered to the sunnah sometimes even more strictly than the male companions themselves. 

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Eid al-Adha


The Festival of the Sacrifice (Eid al-Adha) is one of two major Islamic celebrations and takes place on the tenth day of the Islamic month Dhul-Hijjah, the last month of the Islamic calendar in which millions of Muslims from around the world make an annual pilgrimage to Makkah in order to worship Allaah and to commemorate the willingness of the Prophet Abraham (peace be upon him) to sacrifice his son Ishmael in response to a command from Allaah.


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Some Advice to Reverts



"[True] believers are those whose hearts tremble when [the Name of]

Allah is mentioned, and when His verses are recited to them it increases
their faith, and who put their trust in their Lord." [Surah Al-Anfal (8), Ayah 2.]

Alhamdulillah Allah has opened your hearts and guided you to the beauty and truth of Islam. You are most likely feeling happy, relieved, yet scared *to tell your family and friends that you are now Muslim* overwhelmed *praying 5 times a day in Arabic, wearing hijab, fasting and more. These are normal feelings and
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Importance of Prayer and Dangers of leaving it



The importance of the prayer in Islam cannot be understated. It is the first pillar of Islam that the Prophet (peace be upon him) mentioned after mentioning the testimony of faith, by which one becomes a Muslim. It was made obligatory upon all the prophets and for all peoples. Allah has declared its obligatory status under majestic circumstances. For example, when Allah spoke directly to Moses, He said,

"And I have chosen you, so listen to that which is inspired to you. Verily, I am Allah! There is none worthy of worship but I, so worship Me and offer prayer perfectly for My remembrance." [Taha 13-14]

Similarly, the prayers were made obligatory upon
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Culture Vs. Islam




Video on Culture Vs. Islam


nic Culture Versus Islam

This is an interesting article which addresses a major problem in most Muslim communities. Although it has been written specifically for Malay Muslims, just replace the word Malay in this article, with say, Bengali or Indian or Pakistani and you will get an article fit for any culture The author is a Malay who wrote this letter to members in his immediate community. - ITMR Webmaster

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Stories of Women, Men and Religious Figures who Embraced Islam




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Great Sites for New Muslims

As a new muslim it can be overwhelming trying to find information about islam on the internet or at your local bookstore. Which books should you read, which ones are biased, etc. Therefore I am listing some websites I have found to be very beneficial to not only new muslims but anyone seeking to gain more knowledge about Islam.

One site that i came across which i would suggest staying away from is
http://www.convertstoislam.com/ this site looks innocent enough, however it was created by shias and will confuse a new muslim as well as teach him or her incorrect teachings of Islam. For now, all you need to know is that Shia means sect,and was formed after the death of our beloved Prophet (p.b.u.h.) A lot of the teachings of Shiaism go against the Quran and the Sunnah of our beloved prophet Muhammad (p.b.u.h.).

Sites to Visit:


http://www.kalamullah.com/new-muslims.html (books, lectures, documentaries, videos, etc)

http://www.islamfortoday.com/converts.htm


www.islaam.com

http://www.jews-for-allah.com/

http://www.islamreligion.com/articles/97/

http://www.jannah.org/sisters/index.html (site for sisters)

http://www.allaahuakbar.net

www.islamicfinder.org (locating prayer time)
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Ettiquettes of Hijab

Did you every wonder why Mary, the mother Jesus (alayhes salam) wore clothing very similar to that of Muslims?"
  • Why do Catholic nuns dress the way they do?"
  • "Did you know that in the Canon laws of the Catholic church today there is a law that requires women to cover their heads in church?"
  • "Have you read in
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Islam in the Western Media



Source: http://www.thetruthaboutislam.co.nr/

If knowledge is power then those who control the modern western media (visual and print) are most powerful because at a personal level they determine what we like or dislike; what we wear and how we wear it; and more importantly they decide what we should know and what we must not know abut ourselves.

At an international level, they decide what others should wear and what they must not wear; how they should conduct themselves and how they must not conduct themselves; and what they
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ETIQUETTES OF DUA



1. Allah Loves to Be Asked


He encourages that in all things. He is angry with the one who does not ask of Him and He encourages His slaves to ask of Him. Allah says:


"And your Lord said: "Invoke Me [i.e. believe in My Oneness (Islamic Monotheism) and ask Me for anything] I will respond to your (invocation)" [Noble Quran 40:60]
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THE IMPORTANCE OF THE SUNNAH

As-Salamu Alaykum (peace be upon you),


The Linguistic Meaning of Sunnah

Sunnah in the Arabic language (without any religious context) means a way or method which can have two states, either a good Sunnah or a bad Sunnah.


Religious Meaning of Sunnah

Another context in which the word Sunnah is used is whatever was reported that the Prophet (peace be upon him) said, did, or permitted to do. These are recorded in the Hadiths.


Sunnah is Needed to Understand Islam

The Companions of the Prophet (peace be upon him) used to take the ruling on different matters in their lives from the Quran, which they learnt from the Prophet (peace be upon him). In many instances, the Ayat (verses) of the Quran treat a subject in a general manner without a specific condition. Sometimes the Ayat (verse) will come as an absolute ruling without any precondition or limitation required by time, place, etc.

Salah (prayer) is a good example of this. The Quran does not mention how many Rak'ahs (units of prayer) we should make, or how to physically move during prayer, or the time for prayer.

Many times, the Companions faced situation that were not addressed in the Quran, and so there was a need to turn to the Prophet (peace be upon him) to know the ruling of such matters. It was the Prophet who was ordered by Allah to teach humanity, and it is the Prophet who is the most knowledgeable of mankind about that which Allah expects from us.

Allah said: "And We have sent down to you the Message; that you may explain clearly to men what is sent for them, and that they may give thought." [Noble Quran 16:44]

Allah also made it clear to us that the duty of the Prophet (peace be upon him) is to clarify the truth to people when there is a dispute:

"And We sent down the Book to you for the express purpose, that you should make clear to them those things in which they differ, and that it should be a guide and a mercy to those who believe." [Noble Quran 16:64]


Rights of The Prophet (peace be upon him)

1. Rights of the Prophet are the most important, after the rights of Allah. There is no human who has more rights than the Prophet. Allah said:

"Verily, We have sent you (O Muhammad) as a witness, as a bearer of glad tidings, and as a Warner. In order that you (O mankind) may believe in Allah and His Messenger, and that you assist and honor him (Muhammad)..." [Noble Quran 48:8-9]

2. Love for the Prophet should be more than one's love for himself, his children, family and worldly possessions. The Prophet said, what translated means:

"None of you will reach belief till I become dearer to him than his children, parents and all humans." [Bukhari & Muslim].

3. Respect and appreciation for him should be practiced in the best manner. Respecting the Prophet includes respect of and adherence to his Sunnah after his death. Due rights should be given to the Prophet without exaggeration. When one reads how the companions used to love and respect the Prophet, one knows the importance of this matter.

When Quraysh (the Prophet's tribe) sent Urwah Ibn Mas'ud to negotiate with the Prophet in the Hudaybiyah area, he was greatly impressed by how the companions treated the Prophet. He said,

"I have visited the kings of Persia, Rome and Abyssinia, but I have not seen any leader more revered and respected by his people than Muhammad. If he ordered them to do anything, they do it without delay. If he performs Wudu` (washing up for prayer) they all seek the remainder of the water he used. They never look at him in the eye, out of respect."

This is how the Prophet was treated by his companions. He was Allah's Messenger who possessed great qualities and the best of conduct ever.

4. Believing him in matters of religion and the past, present and future happenings he told us about. Adherence and submission to his orders are some of his rights. When a Muslim believes in the Prophet and wants to follow his religion, he must do so believing that the Prophet's way is the best way. Believing in the Prophet includes the affirmation that his religion is the best religion.

"Say (O Muhammad to mankind): If you love Allah then you follow me, Allah will love you and forgive you your sins. And Allah is Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful." [Noble Quran 3:31]


Obligation to Follow The Prophet (peace be upon him)

1. It is an order by Allah to take the Prophet (peace be upon him) as the judge in all matters.

"But no, by the Lord, they can have no (real) Faith, until they make you judge in all disputes between them, and find in their souls no resistance against your decisions, but accept them with the fullest conviction." [Noble Quran 4:65]

2. Allah also mentioned that the Prophet (peace be upon him) was given the Quran and Wisdom to teach people the regulations of their religion:

"Allah did confer a great favor on the believers when He sent among them an apostle from among themselves, rehearsing to them the Signs of Allah, sanctifying them, and instructing them in Scripture and Wisdom, while, before that, they had been in manifest error." [Noble Quran 3:164]

3. Those who follow the Prophet (peace be upon him) are the ones who prosper as Allah said:

"Those who follow the apostle, the unlettered Prophet, whom they find mentioned in their own (scriptures),- in the law and the Gospel;- for he commands them what is just and forbids them what is evil; he allows them as lawful what is good (and pure) and prohibits them from what is bad (and impure); He releases them from their heavy burdens and from the yokes that are upon them. So it is those who believe in him, honor him, help him, and follow the light which is sent down with him - it is they who will prosper." [Noble Quran 7:157]

4. Direct order from Allah to follow what the Prophet (peace be upon him) orders is found in this Ayat:

"...And whatsoever the Messenger (Muhammad) gives you, take it, and whatsoever he forbids you, abstain (from it), and fear Allah. Verily, Allah is severe in punishment." [Noble Quran 59:7]

5. Allah has also made the obedience of The Prophet (peace be upon him) in conjunction with the obedience to Him:

"And obey Allah and the Messenger, that you may obtain mercy." [Noble Quran 3:132] and "He who obeys the Messenger, obeys Allah." [Noble Quran 4:80]

6. Allah warned us from not following the instructions of the Prophet (peace be upon him):

"Then let those beware who withstand the Messenger's order, lest some trial befall them, or a grievous penalty be inflicted on them." [Noble Quran 24:63]

7. Allah told us that disobeying the Prophet (peace be upon him) is Kufr (disbelief):

"Say: Obey Allah and His Messenger.: But if they turn back, Allah love not those who reject Faith." [Noble Quran 3:32]

8. It was never allowed by Allah (that a believer disobey the Prophet (peace be upon him) order:

"It is not fitting for a Believer, man or woman, when a matter has been decided by Allah and His Messenger to have any option about their decision: if any one disobeys Allah and His Messenger, he is indeed on a clearly wrong Path." [Quran 33:36]

9. Not following the ruling of the Prophet (peace be upon him) when a dispute occurs is a sign of hypocrisy, Allah says:

"They say, We believe in Allah and in the apostle, and we obey; but even after that, some of them turn away; they are not (really) Believers. When they are summoned to Allah and His apostle, in order that He may judge between them, behold some of them decline (to come)....The answer of the Believers, when summoned to Allah and His Messenger, in order that He may judge between them, is no other than this: they say, "We hear and we obey"; it is such as these that will attain felicity." [Quran 24:47-51]

Khadejah Jones
Share Islam Team
ShareIslam.com

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Where Did the Bible Come From - Really? How Does the Bible Compare to the Quran? How Do Muslims Really View the Bible? Visit: BibleIslam.com.

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My Journey to Islam



Almost 9 years ago (April 2001 to be exact) I embraced Islam. The night before I embraced islam i stayed up late in anticipation, excited about living my life as a new muslim. I was told that I should wear something conservative (long sleeved shirt, skirt, etc) when going to the masjid. Earlier I had gone shopping and bought a new outfit to begin my new life as a muslim. I was never more sure of anything than I was at this moment, I knew that islam was the truth and I finally felt complete after years of searching.


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