NEED QUESTION ANSWERED!!
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Category: Religion - Islam
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Topic: NEED QUESTION ANSWERED!!
Posted By: Knowledge01
Subject: NEED QUESTION ANSWERED!!
Date Posted: 19 March 2005 at 10:06am
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I do not believe that I need to choose a train of thought (sect of Islam) to be on the straight path. I want to only go strickly by the Quran and Sunnah. Some say you must choose, I do not believe so. My question is, since I do not categorize myself in any sect, is it wrong for me to pray with Sunni Muslims at a local mosque?
Thank you in advance to anybody who answers. |
Replies:
Posted By: Yusuf.
Date Posted: 19 March 2005 at 10:14am
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Assalamu alaikum, Allah Knows Best, if you follow the Qur'an and Sunnah of our beloved Prophet, salallahu alaihi wassalam, you are by definition a Sunni Muslim and should have no hesitation about praying with other Sunnis. However, you might consider following one of the Sunni madhhabs. The following link provides some excellent information on the wisdom of following one: http://www.themodernreligion.com/madhab.html - http://www.themodernreligion.com/madhab.html ------------- Yusuf |
Posted By: herjihad
Date Posted: 19 March 2005 at 10:15am
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Bismillah, I have been a muslimah for 20 years, and I have prayed beside Sunnis, Shiites, and others. We follow the Imam, and I have always been comfortable and often spritually uplifted by group prayers.
------------- Al-Hamdulillah (From a Married Muslimah) La Howla Wa La Quwata Illa BiLLah - There is no Effort or Power except with Allah's Will. |
Posted By: Knowledge01
Date Posted: 19 March 2005 at 1:41pm
Thank you for replying. My main point was that I DON'T call myself a Sunni, and I don't want to be called a Sunni, not because I don't like or agree with something they believe, because that's not true, but because I want to make sure I stay on the straight path and by going only by the Quran and Sunnah, I know I am on the straight path. Can anybody find anything in the Quran that gives me a definite answer on the topic? |
Yusuf. wrote:Posted By: IslamicGirl
Date Posted: 21 March 2005 at 7:13am
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Khowledge01 Salamz, hey I totally agree.. you are either a Muslim Brother/Sister or you are not. Islam is about submitting yourself totally to Islam, or not... believer or non-believer (ie. not both).
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if you get my drift...???Posted By: Knowledge01
Date Posted: 21 March 2005 at 8:42am
| Yes I feel what your saying and agree. |
Posted By: unity1
Date Posted: 21 March 2005 at 11:46am
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Asalam Aalaikum According to my understanding and knowledge, it is not necessary to follow a perticular School of Thought because that restricts a persons mental approach to several issues. A person then doesnot use his own intellect and only depends on the opinions and teachings of the Imam or Scholar of that School of Thought.This is also dangerous for our intellectuality. Their are several verses of the Qur'an that are encouraging Muslims to ponder and pay heed. Some people who follow a School of Thought might advise others to also pick or chose a School of Thought and justify his advise by quoting some references from the Qur'an. They usually quote a verse of the Qur'an(Iam sorry I donot remember the exact reference from the Qur'an) which says "Ask those who know". They use this phrase to convince others to chose a School of Thought but I donot agree with this idea since no where in the Qur'an, Allah(swt) encourages and advises Muslims to follow a perticular set of thought introduced by perticular groups of people. As far as this phrase "Ask those who know" is concerned, this refers to Scholars and knowledgable people who have good knowledge about the Qur'an and the Sunnah of the Prophet(pbuh). If for the sake of argument we assume that this phrase of the Qur'anic verse is refering to Schools of Thought, then how will you justify which School of Thought this verse of the Qur'an is refering to? I hope it helps, Regards ------------- who call themselves superior are actually inferior in the eyes of Allah.Those who call themselves slaves of Allah are superior not only in the eyes of Allah but also superior in the eyes of man. |
Posted By: abdnur
Date Posted: 21 March 2005 at 6:12pm
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Salamu Alaykum! Knowledge01, you are ABSOLUTELY right, you are a MUSLIM and pray to Allah to keep you on His straight path. But, I like to clarify a few things. Your local mosque, the people there are also Muslim, they follow the sunnah like you. They may call themselves SUNNI to distinghish themselves from others or to enphasize that they follow the sunnah. Names are not that important, it's your beliefs that are crucial. In ISLAM, there are no, SUNNI, SHIA, SUFI, SALAFI, MADHABI, HANAFI, WAHABI, JIHADI, HIJABI, NIQABI, ....., whatever,.... MUSLIM. Yes MUSLIMS have all of these names they use but YOU are not required to use them to be guided to the straight path. I can come up with a long list of names to use such as, I am a: american, african, female, tall, educated, pious, devout, white, latin,...Muslim. All of these are descriptive names that one identifies with, but without the main name MUSLIM, they are worthless in the hereafter. There are no MADHABS in ISLAM, they tell you choose one of the FOUR madhabs, why FOUR? who said so? Those who advocate following a madhab, say any madhab is OK but follow mine, mine is better than the other three. We start to develop an allegiance to the madhab more than to ISLAM, to the sheikh/mufti/alim more than to the PROPHET. "say (to them, oh MOHAMAD) If you really love ALLAH then FOLLOW ME, ALLAH will make you BELOVED to HIM" So who do YOU follow? Anyone who ask you to follow someone? this should be your response: I will follow THEM as long as THEY follow HIM, and when THEY don't follow HIM, I will still follow HIM. (you will be rewarded for your Intentions). HIM: is our belove prophet MOHAMMAD THEM, THEY: are all OTHER humans, those who passed and those who shall come. Do not let devil confuse you ISLAM is straight and simple. abdnur
------------- seek and you shall find, ask and it shall be given to you. |
Posted By: Knowledge01
Date Posted: 21 March 2005 at 8:03pm
| As Salaam Alaikum, unity1 and abdnur. Your words are trully an inspiration and a guide which tells me I'm making the right decisions. I appreciate each and every word you both said and agree with it all. I will remember what you both said. Thank you all for helping me to understand more of this and clear things up for me. |
Posted By: orhan_osmani
Date Posted: 22 March 2005 at 9:22am
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Dear Knowledge01, I think the simplest answer to you from me would be - pray alone. Today you dont know behind whom you are praying, is he a liar, is he paying interest, and so on. To be on the safe side, pray alone. And I recommend you to be reading the book of Allah SWT only, and strive to achieve closeness to Him Alone through praayers and other iba'dah. He will guide you towards .... His knowledge ... (2:255) and then you will be able to understand Sunnah of the Prophet (SAWS) by the Guide by Allah SWT Himself. Not by books that sometimes might be missleading - and confusing for many new - converts and those who have been muslims for long time. Many ppl might disagree with me but the way I see things, it is the way I expressed it above. Please do not judge me because you dont know the truth. Regards, Orhan |
Posted By: abuayisha
Date Posted: 22 March 2005 at 10:58am
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Abu Dawood (594) narrated that Abu Hurayrah (may Allaah be pleased with him) said: The Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: �The prescribed prayer is obligatory and should be offered behind any Muslim, whether he is righteous or immoral, even if he commits major sins.�
(Classed as weak by al-Albaani in Da�eef Abi Dawood) Even though this hadeeth does not have any sound isnaad, as was quoted in �Awn al-Ma�bood from al-�Aqeeli and al-Haafiz ibn Hajar, al-Shawkaani (may Allaah have mercy on him) said: But it is proven that there was consensus among the people of the first era, the remaining Sahaabah and the Taabi�een who were with them, based on their actions, and it is not farfetched to say that it was also based on their statments, that they prayed behind unjust rulers, for the rulers at that time also led the five daily prayers, and the people were not led in their prayers by anyone other than their governors in every town that had a governor. In his Saheeh, Imam al-Bukhaari entitled one of his chapters Baab imaamat al-Maftoon wa�l-Mubtadi� (Chapter on immoral people and innovators leading the prayer), then he narrated (695) from �Ubayd-Allaah ibn �Adiyy ibn Khiyaar that he entered upon �Uthmaan ibn �Affaan (may Allaah be pleased with him) when he was under siege and said: �You are the imam of the people and there has befallen you what we see, and now the imam of fitnah leads us in prayer and we are afraid of committing sin.� He said: �Prayer is the best deed that people can do. If the people do good then do good with them, but if they do evil, then avoid their evil.� Al-Haafiz ibn Hajar (may Allaah have mercy on him) said: �The apparent meaning is that he allowed him to pray with them, as if he said: It doesn�t matter that he is an evildoer, rather if he does good then join him in doing good, but avoid him with regard to his evil. It was narrated from Sahl ibn Yoosuf al-Ansaari that his father aid: The people did not like to pray behind those who had besieged �Uthmaan, but �Uthmaan said: �Whoever gives the call to prayer, answer him.� This clearly points to what he meant when he said, �Prayer is better.� This indicates that he gave permission to pray behind him and this supports the author�s view. Al-Haafiz said: These reports indicate that we are encouraged to attend prayers in congregation, especially at times of fitnah (tribulation), otherwise the division will spread even further. It also indicates that praying behind someone whom one does not like to pray behind is better than abandoning prayer in congregation. |
Posted By: AhmadJoyia
Date Posted: 22 March 2005 at 2:09pm
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Dear Orhan_Osmani, Do you intend to suggest that we need another "Prophet" to lead our prayers? Incidently, no muslim can be regarded as error free, as all are humans. Ofcourse offering prayer behind imam doesn't mean praying to imam but to Allah alone. Rest Allah knows the best. Cheers! |
Posted By: orhan_osmani
Date Posted: 26 March 2005 at 8:09am
Dear Ahmad, The way you understood my words is very strange. I know people take literal meaning and digest and then they answer. Did I mention anything about the 'NEW" Prophet? I did not say anything about errors. I mentioned about those liars, who talk nice and their hearts are filled with lies. Errors are for humans, Sin is repeated with acknowlegment, pay interest to the bank, lie in front of the people, etc etc are those are done with consiousness. They are not errors. Brother, do I look to you like a pagan? By using logic, what is wrong in praying alone? Not behind anyone, in both cases you pray to Allah Alone. Why then you let a liar to lead you in that prayer (if you know that)? If you dont know then be sceptical like I am. Assume like me that it is better to pray alone. Or you continue doing your way and I do it my way. Indeed Allah SWT knows all (Semiul Bashar) as well humans know some of what He gives. Wassalam, OROS |
Posted By: A-Tirawi
Date Posted: 26 March 2005 at 8:37am
Salaam Ok, i understand what you are trying to say. You are saying you are simply a Muslim. But i must ask one question, in ur prior post, u wrote that I don't want to be called a Sunni, not because I don't like or agree with something they believe And this implies to me that there are some things that you MAY not agree with sunni? Is ther anything that you believe as simply a Muslim that the Sunni Muslims do not agree with?
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Posted By: A-Tirawi
Date Posted: 26 March 2005 at 8:54am
In all due respect Orhan, I believe this too be bad advice. A person who feels in the way you have just described risks the chance of becoming an introvert that can not trust anyone. When you give charity to some organizations, we pray to Allah (swt) that it makes its destination. Sad to say, there are some monies that do not go to where they were intended, but should i quit giving charity? Of course not because deeds are based on Intention the most. My intention was good so InshaAllaha I will receive my reward from Him. The same goes for praying behind the Imams. If you do not know a particular Imam, it is Haram for you to even think what if he takes usery, what if drinks, what if he does this or that. THis, my friend, is called in arabic...sou' ithdan. It to have negative feelings about a person or thing based on nothing but paranoia. So my fellow brother, i hope you reconsider your thoughts for your sake. Leading a life of ill trust and paranoia is not good for us. Salam |
Posted By: firewall
Date Posted: 26 March 2005 at 3:56pm
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for me, i believe it's always better to pray in congregation. if we
constantly go to a local mosque, we get to know the people &
knowing the imam is not a problem. but in some cases you're right, "Today you dont know behind whom you are praying".
the key word is "don't know". he can be a great, pious man either. i
just can't really say i'm better than someone i don't know. there's a hadith: Narrated Umar bin Al-Khattab R.A.: "People were (sometimes) judged by the revealing of a Divine Inspiration during the lifetime of Allah's Messenger but now there is no longer any more (new revelation). Now we judge you by the deeds you practice publicly, so we will trust and favor the one who does good deeds in front of us, and we will not call him to account about what he is really doing in secret, for Allah will judge him for that; but we will not trust or believe the one who presents to us with an evil deed even if he claims that his intentions were good." Sahih Bukhari 3.48.809 |
Posted By: nadir
Date Posted: 26 March 2005 at 4:43pm
Salaam, Is a Muslim not someone who follows the Qur'an and Sunnah of the Prophet (saw)? hence where has the term 'sunni muslim' originated from? I have met 'sunni muslim's' who celebrate the Prophets (saw) birthday, is that Sunnah! If you feel uncomfortable at the mosque you pray at, try another one, you can always return to your current place of worship. The brothers offer you good advice when they say you should offer your Salah at a mosque. Insha Allah
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Posted By: Knowledge01
Date Posted: 26 March 2005 at 9:59pm
Yes, I'm simply a Muslim, follower of Allah and the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). I have run across articles and things said about both sunni and shia ways of thought that I don't agree with. Some have in time proven to turn out to be false teachings on part of someone probably trying to keep people from converting to Islam and knowing the truth. I cannot think of any specific thing that I don't agree with on the sunni train of thought. I have nothing against them. |
Posted By: Knowledge01
Date Posted: 26 March 2005 at 10:03pm
I do not feel uncomfortable in any way at the current masjid I've been attending. In fact, its just the opposite. I've received many loving and encouraging words from Muslim brothas.
Islam ignites a brotherhood in every man, woman, and child that cannot be found many other places. It is a very inspiring, touching feeling. I believe this is why Allah has encouraged us to attend Jumah and other Muslim gatherings. |
Posted By: nadir
Date Posted: 27 March 2005 at 4:17am
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As-Salaam Alaikum Sorry brother, it was not my intention to suggest that you have not received �many loving and encouraging words from Muslim brothas.� I have no idea how recent your �reverting� to Islam is, hence my point was closer to the mark of - if you have only seen �one form� of Islam (at one Masjid), your view of what Islam is & what was happening in Islam, on an �overall level� might be limited. Although if you are �new� to Islam, maybe it is dangerous to take on too much at once, hence I wish you all the best, & hope you find all you require in your current Masjid. Al-Hamdulilah
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Posted By: orhan_osmani
Date Posted: 28 March 2005 at 10:26am
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Assalamu Alaikum, Thank you for the advises given as well as the corrections. The way I see things might be very wrong or too paranoia. But I cant do much about it. My way of looking at things certainly differs from yours. Let me explain how: I dont give charity for to get rewards, but because I know my rewards (if I get any) are fewer than my sins. I do it for sake of Allah swt and for those who need charity. I dont charity give with intention of that I dont have to have concern weather does it reach the intended person or not. I have strong believe that when I give in the name of The Almighty Allah swt it will reach the right personsh. That is why I am strange, I look at the things from different angle. I dont do that because I am a pios man, but because I am a sinner. By the way how could someone's intention of doing things for reward be right? Isn't it odd! Don't you see that intentions could be wrong, and we think that we are doing right. Isn't this misleading of ourselves? Intention doing things for reward might give you a reward, but the intention of making Allah swt Happy might give you more or less but you still do it because of Allah's Instruction(Order) and Muhammad's (PBUH) as well. So, in this case you do it from obedience and submission to Allah SWT - and not for the rewards. Isn't Islam submission to His will? Same goes for the intention of praying in the mosque, you pray for more rewards or you pray at home because you are sure that no one will see you except Him performing your prayers. And the only thing you care is closenes to Allah SWT. and not to people! May Allah SWT forgive us the sins we know and those we don't. Wassalam, Orhan |
Posted By: A-Tirawi
Date Posted: 28 March 2005 at 12:24pm
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[/QUOTE] Yes, I'm simply a Muslim, follower of Allah and the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). I have run across articles and things said about both sunni and shia ways of thought that I don't agree with. Some have in time proven to turn out to be false teachings on part of someone probably trying to keep people from converting to Islam and knowing the truth. I cannot think of any specific thing that I don't agree with on the sunni train of thought. I have nothing against them. [/QUOTE] Can you give me some examples please other than the Prophet's (saw) b-day (which no one knows exactly). And even if they do, what is the harm in honoring the day he came to be? After all, Muhammad (saw) used to say that "one will not attain perfect faith until he loves me (Muhammad) more than any other person in this world, including himself." |
Posted By: nadir
Date Posted: 28 March 2005 at 4:13pm
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As-Salaam Alaikum The point is he (Muhammad [saw]) 'came to be' long before he was ever born into this world. Did not Allah (swt) create his spirit before He breathed it into his Physical form? Hence to celebrate his birthday is to celebrate the 'flesh', and not the 'spirit'..... hope that makes sense to you. With regards to my personal issue with the term 'sunni muslim', surely to say, 'i am sunni', is to say i am on the correct path (as a pose to whabbi etc), hence this can only have the effect of creating pride in oneself, & separation within the Muslim community. If we say �we are Muslim�, this negates the above problem, brings us together as Muslim's, & also allows that - yes we are individuals, and yes we will differ in opinions with regards to certain aspects of our lives (which is fine, as long as we do not innovate upon our religion). For example, it would be rude of me to say to you, �You are not allowed to speak to anyone at the Masjid you attend, as you may corrupt/become corrupted because of your/their lack of under/overstanding of Islam.� When you could equally say to me, �I have read Hadith that clearly state, I have an obligation to greet my Muslim brother, with a handshake & As-Salaam Alaikum.� Perhaps an easier example to under/overstand is that, you could not say �because I have given lots of money in charity, I am a better Muslim than you�. As I might say �Well I am poor, and have given my time, so that makes me a better Muslim than you!� Sorry, I have to laugh, because I do not have a clue if this is going to make sense to you (computers have many limitations), hope it does�.. Insha Allah Al-Hamdulilah
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Posted By: AhmadJoyia
Date Posted: 28 March 2005 at 7:18pm
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Dear Bro Knowledge01; Your ideas are simple and encouraging to the extent that we, as muslims, are asked to tightly hold the rope of Allah and not to differentiate among ourselves. Definitely, the whole purpose of Islam is to serve Allah and obey His commands. Whole Quran is replete with Ayahs, time and again, to recognise Him and Worship Him alone. This is the basic essence of Islam. Rest everything is secondary. To be true Muslim, it is equally important to refrain from getting into different sects and getting divided. I think, Knowledge based implementation of Islam on ones own self is far better than blind faith based ritualistic followers of Ulemas. This is kind of new awakenings in the youngsters of this ummah. However, one should also realize that not all members of this ummah have this capability to do it. Not everyone has time to do it or for that matter not everyone has the opportunity to have access to rich database of research materials, where people like you, may have through internet or other libraries. It is, often, for them that is said that they should stick to one particular Madhib or imam and try their best to follow him. Otherwise people tend to take decisions based on the criteria of "least resistance" than of "most appropriate" in their day to day affairs. It is this habit of "swinging madhib" that is often resisted by the Ulema. So, if you think you are an honest believer and would like to be truth seeker for Allah alone, than be it. You don't have to be called sunni, shia, or anything similar. Hopefully you shall get guidance from Allah in all your matters, Inshallah. However, if you ever get stuck, don't hesitate to ask those who know it, not from one, but from many of them and of varying beliefs. Then based on what you think is the best logical arguments and evidence they have presented to you, go and follow that. Be sure not to follow the path based on your "ease" or "likable" but on "logic" and overall understanding of Islam. Rest Allah knows the best. Cheers! |
Posted By: nadir
Date Posted: 29 March 2005 at 7:42am
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As-Salaamu Alaikum Dear Orhan, Please do not think that, you are strange (ie �That is why I am strange, I look at the things from different angle�), as �normal� is a myth. I have heard many people I know say things like, �our family is crazy�, however they base their opinions on false perceptions. The media for a start conditions us into thinking, this is what a �normal family/person� is, however the media portrays a false world, a world which may be portrayed as �perfect� (ie this is what a family/person should be like), or indeed �incoherent� (ie lots of dramatic events taking place, for the sake of excitement & viewing figures). Also when you are invited to someone else�s house as a guest, the host�s family will inevitably be on best behaviour, and hence hide any shortcomings, giving the perception of a totally harmonious family/person, when in fact every family (as every person) has it�s �defects�. I agree with much of what you say, to pick up on your point - �By the way how could someone's intention of doing things for reward be right? Isn't it odd!� From my experience, if one does good deeds for (Allah alone), & hence for a spiritual reward (& not necessarily a worldly reward), then you will be close to the truth, as you can attain peace of mind, by doing things for others (peace of mind in this world & paradise in the Here-after). Peace of mind that a selfish, greedy person can never attain. With regards to your final point � �Same goes for the intention of praying in the mosque, you pray for more rewards or you pray at home because you are sure that no one will see you except Him performing your prayers. And the only thing you care is closenes to Allah SWT. and not to people!� I agree that, Salah is for Allah (swt) alone, but surely if you make the intention before you go to the Masjid, that you are going there to offer Salah for Allah alone, this is superior than offering it at home by yourself. I say this as when you are at home by yourself, you are sure, only Allah (swt) knows that you are offering Salah, however if you go to the Masjid, the satan may tempt you into �showing off�, hence if you can overcome that temptation, your Salah will be far superior, as at home you do not have the test of overcoming that temptation. I hold you close to my heart, and hope I have helped Wa-Salaam nadir Al-Hamdulilah
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Posted By: Alwardah
Date Posted: 29 March 2005 at 9:52pm
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As Salamu Alaikum This is a topic that comes up now and again. Madhhab My opinion is no - we don't follow any particular Imam. The Prophet (Sallallahu 'Alayhi wa Sallam) stated that we should follow what's in the Glorious Qur'an, his Sunnah and the Righteous Caliphs that follow him. If we do that, we are Insha Allah on the right path, the Siratul-Mustaqeem. Regarding the brother who states that he prefers to pray alone, because he is not sure about the character and conduct of the imam, then he is moving away from the Sunnah. If the Imam is guilty of taking interest etc then Insha Allah that is between the Imam and Allah Subhanahu wa Ta'ala but by him adopting his manner he is depriving himself of the reward for men who pray in congregation and also he is also depriving himself of following a Sunnah of the Prophet (Sallallahu 'Alayhi wa Sallam). Let's face it; there are very few Muslims who can honestly say that they are living their lives as the early Muslims did � the first few generations of Muslims. We are caught up in a rat-race, the track of which is never ending. Can we seriously deny ourselves the few rewards that we can get? No I don't think so, we have to grab every little reward that comes our way. Of course for woman it is a different story. She gets more Ajar (reward) for praying at home. Come let's fight the Shaitan within us. ------------- �Verily your Lord is quick in punishment; yet He is indeed Oft-Forgiving Most Merciful (Surah Al-An�am 6:165) "Indeed, we belong to Allah and to Him is our return" (Surah Baqarah 2: 155) |