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Sura Sajda : Week one & two

One cannot understand and penetrate the truth if he is nor prepared to listen or accept it. Obedience to the Divine Law is important before one can develop it further. The scope for freedom of thought begins only after discipline towards prophetic mission

In the light of Sura Al Noor

The verse of light has baffled both Ulama and Sufis since its revelation. At some point, after lengthy discussions, the thinkers become reluctant to go any further for the fear of their readers’ faith. Although the verse has its apparent meaning, there is enough room for individuals to delve further without divulging their private thoughts with others.
While at a first glance of reading this verse, we would normally hurry to conclude the similarities between light and the Creator, it would be rather wise to understand the differences between both… by Jaihoon

The Spider of the Cave

I am a spider who is higher in rank than other spiders. With all humility, if all the spiders in this world were put in one hand and I was put in the other I would outweigh them in superiority. I am not one to make false claims and show-off, I am simply stating facts. I do not think that I need to introduce myself to the reader, for I am sure you understand that I am the spider of the cave that the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) hid in. I am the one, who was responsible for the Prophet’s deliverance. I am the one, who Allah sent to protect him.

The Army of Elephants and the Flocks of Birds

While meekness is a characteristic of most visual creatures in the universe, then the frightful horror constitutes a characteristic of their unknown counterparts. I will not say anything else …I am not allowed to talk about myself. My reality encloses a secret which if it is revealed to any creature, his blood will freeze and he will cease to exist out of fright.

The Elephant and Abrahah

There is no question that the word “block” is always accompanied with fear. It may be a block of stones, of rock, or even a block of animal flesh. Whenever such a fear-inspiring block manifests itself in front of small creatures, it makes them shrink because they fear death. There is surely no creature on the earth that can be compared with the elephant in its size and weight. I am not arrogant just because I am king-sized. However, I do not deny that vanity fires the first shot of my power when I rush to attack with the block of my body that pushes a similar mass of air making my enemy retreat as the force of air drives him back. So, it is by the force of air and not my own strength that overcomes my enemy.

‘Isa and the Clay

In the beginning I was clay then I became a bird by Allah’s leave. From motionless clay to a soaring bird. I was something that was not able to move by itself and then I could fly in the sky. That is me. I do not know how to introduce myself to history.

The Dog of the People of the Cave

I am a very loyal creature and it takes very little to satisfy me. Yes, I am the loyal of loyalty! I am content with the minimum of loyalty if offered to me. I am Qitmir, the dog of the people of the cave that slept for three hundred and nine years and after that woke up as if he had slept for only half an hour. I thank Allah for making that happen, for I was on the verge of losing my faith that justice exists on the earth.

‘Uzayr’s Donkey

There is a common belief among human beings that donkeys cannot read nor write. But, this is not true, for some donkeys find this very easy.

We can read the trail of a scent on the ground. From the blasts of the wind, we know about expected weather changes. However, it is true that we do not write except during some rare occasions, like when there is a confession, complaint or something dangerous that we want to say.

The Ants of Prophet Sulayman

I find it quite strange, even amazing, and sometimes irritating, to see a creature that walks carelessly and treads upon armies of ants. More than that, with his horse he destroys thousands of ants without sensing or feeling anything! He does such things without knowing …without realizing ‘” without noticing ‘” without understanding and without feeling angry or sad.

Sulayman’s Hoopoe

My name is Marhala. It is a nice name chosen by Hidan. I am one of the masters of the wind, the clouds and the water. I fly throughout days and nights without being exhausted.
I only see the land from my towering throne in the sky. The more I fly far away and rise, the more beauty I see.

The Staff of Musa

It is both simple and miraculous at the same time. When a branch of a tree dies, it is turned into a staff and a staff does not gain its solidity unless it is completely dead. That is how power is generated from death, the cessation of being, and this is only a modest sign of Allah’s Omnipotence. I believe in Allah just like all the plants and all the inanimate objects do, though each of us glorifies Allah in his own special way.

The Blessed Cow of the Children of Israel

There is a kind of submission and tranquility in my wide eyes that never changes throughout the different circumstances that face me. My eyes remain calm regardless of the existence of enough food, water and work. Circumstances, deeds and words change, however my eyes remain unchangeable. It is true that people’s eyes change whenever their mood changes. Perhaps the steadiness of my eyes implies that I never become nervous or agitated. For example, whenever a boring fly stands upon my back I become nervous, wagging my tail back and forth in an attempt to get rid of it. But if such a mean fly remains immovable in its place, I stop wagging my tail, surrendering and yielding at last with pleasure.

Prophet Yusuf and the Wolf

Perhaps you do not know, but the life of a wolf is not an easy one. Just because we wolves have long, sharp fangs and deadly claws, does not mean that we always get what we want. That is just a part of being a wolf. All creatures have fangs and claws just like us. But in some cases their fangs and claws are hidden behind a sweet smile. Often, people take such a smile to heart and attack the fangs and claws as they are clear to the eye.

Yunus and the Whale

After my tail struck the water, it surged forth in waves, leaping again to the surface of the sea like a giant waterfall. All things turn downward on both land and sea including the breath of creatures, the falling fruit and gushing waterfalls. The great whale of the sea breathes out forming a waterfall that churns upward then spirals down again into the sea from whence it came. The whale does not need hands to propel the water that surges around it. Every splashing gush of water propelled by the movement of the massive whale praises and glorifies Allah, the Creator of all things.

Ibrahim’s Birds

On our way back home, we flew together in beautiful formations in the sky. Our home was not the green house that was built by Ibrahim, the friend of Allah. You know, a dove carries half of its home in its heart and the other half in the heart of the one it loves.

I was at the head of the flock, and I stretched out my wings, raised my beak high and went at top speed. The flock of doves followed me. I moved my wings and swayed this way and that. Air is pure bliss and it feels like I am swimming. Thanks be to Allah that He created me a bird.

Salih’s Camel

I am simply a camel, a pure bred camel perhaps but I know no evil. I am an example of pure innocence. I never harmed anyone before or after my birth. Despite all that I was unjustly slaughtered, even though Allah had warned whoever might do such a thing.

My slaughter is symbolic of the slaughter of every innocent being on this earth. Furthermore, my slaughter may have initiated the law that compelled good to present its blood to life’s altar. Yes! My life was astonishing.

The Sons of Adam and the Crow

Time changes everything. People’s hair turns white as they grow older, but one thing always stays the same, the feathers of the crow that never change color. If anyone experienced what we, the crows, had experienced, his hair would never turn white. As a creature I was the only eyewitness to the first crime of murder committed on the earth. I witnessed the first drop of human blood that was shed treacherously. I also knew that Allah was witnessing it all.

The Amazing Qur’an

Some years ago, the story came to us in Toronto about a man who was in the merchant marine and made his living on the sea. A Muslim gave him a translation of the Qur’n to read. The merchant marine knew nothing about the history of Islam but was interested in reading the Qur’an . When he finished reading it, he brought it back to the Muslim and asked, “This Muhammad, was he a sailor?” He was impressed at how accurately the Qur’an describes a storm on a sea. When he was told, “No as a matter of fact, Muhammad lived in the desert,” that was enough for him. He embraced Islam on the spot.

Animals in the Glorious Quran - Introduction

by Ahmad Bahjat
This group of animals was mentioned in the Ever-Glorious Qur’an along with another group that included a bird, animal or plant but was actually a miracle of Allah. For example, Musa’s staff that was turned into a snake. ‘Isa’s clay that he had formed and breathed onto it, and it became a real bird by Allah’s Permission. The flocks of birds that Allah (Exalted and Glorified be He) sent to the companions of the elephant to strike them with stones of baked clay.

Tasawwuf: Comprehensive, Modern and Scientific

A critical essay by Shihab Thangal on the developments and present misconceptions about Mysticism in

Clearing the mist of distortion

Exclusive interview with Abdus Samad Pookotur, state secretary- SYS, Kerala. Apr 07 2002
The popular media, both online and offline, has not missed a single opportunity blemish the image of Islam and its followers. The topics range from issues of faith to that of practice. For some time, it was the issues such as polygamy. At […]

PMSA Pookoya Thangal: The dazzling light of today’s daybreak

‘Today is the sound continuation of Yesterday’
The flowers of past used to blossom in Imam’s gatherings. These moments tied present with the past. He was particular that ‘Today was the sound continuation of yesterday’. Today’s daybreak acquired its light from the fading light of yesterday’s twilight. History is not meager tales of past events. It […]

Ponnani - Minor Makkah

The name Ponnani
According to some historical records, Ponnani’s history dates back to 2000 years. There are differences of opinion regarding the evolution of the name of Ponnani.
Legend has it that the Ponnana (meaning a type of elephant in Malayalam) was auctioned in the Brahmin temples here and thus came to be known as Ponnani. Yet […]

The coming of Portuguese - The scourge of West

The coming
The Portuguese first arrived at Malabar in 1498 AD (940 AH). The time of trade had finished by then. They studied the economic and political climate of the kingdom and returned back to their country after staying a few months. Their man aim was to explore the markets of Pepper. Until then, they’re buying […]

The story behind ‘Jai Hind’

Indo-Arab relationship is not a new phenomenon. It dates back to around 3000 years. The peacocks and elephant’s tusk were brought to the King Solomon’s palace from Tharshish, thought to be the port of Kodungallur.
The Christians of Kerala believe that St. Thomas, a disciple of Jesus, came to Kerala followed by many groups. They had […]

The fall of Ottoman Caliphate and the Indian Khilafat Movement

Introduction
A western critic once wrote that a visitor from Mars who arrived on earth during the sixteenth century would have probably concluded that the world was on the verge of becoming Muslim. No doubt, with the Mughal Empire in the Indian Subcontinent in the East, Safavid Empire in the center and the Ottoman empire in […]

Cheraman Perumal

The First Indian to accept Islam
Cheraman Perumal, of Kodungallur, Kerala, was the first Indian to accept Islam. Many historians have recorded this fact in their writings. For example, M. Hamidulla writes in “Muhammad Rasoolullah” quoting some old manuscripts from India Office Library (ref no. Arabic, 2807, 152-173)
“There is a very old tradition in Malabar, South-West […]

A change that veiled the body, but unveiled conscience

[Actress finds peace in the Holy Book by By Bassma Al Jandaly | 18-11-2002]
Beaming a broad, infectious smile, Abeer Al Sherqawi is eager to impart her newfound inner peace and serenity after rediscovering the Holy Quran.
The 32-year-old Egyptian screen siren, who used to wear skimpy outfits in the heyday of her career, recently came to […]

Bringing about change, without causing much rage

[Dr. Farhat Hashmi’s exclusive interview by Abiya Ahmed, Department of English, American University of Sharjah]
Introduction
(by Jaihoon)
Change is essential for the continuity of humanity on earth. And for such a purpose, every society has bred reformers whenever the situation has demanded them.
A quick look through the history of Islamic history reveals to us interesting facts. When […]

Second Sharjah International women’s Conference

“My dear daughters, you should not imitate the non-Muslim Western women who have mistaken the concept of freedom as being able to behave badly.” - Sheikha Jawaher
Despite great advancements of the modern era in various fields, the world is dominated by a distorted concept of civilization which remains mute to famine, wars and killings in […]

The Cultural Architect marches across cultural boundaries

Sept. 6th 2002.
Dr. Sheikh Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qassimi inaugurated an Arabic calligraphy Exhibition held on the sidelines of the first International Conference on Middle East studies.
Sharjah participated with 30 works of calligraphy the from the museum of Sharjah. The opening was attended by the education minister of German province of Rheinland Pflatz.
He also visited […]

Hydrogen Atom Breakthrough Demolishes Big Bang Theory

Press release
Dubai, uae, 28/4/03: saad gabr al tamimy, the respected research engineer announced a breakthrough that has unravelled the secrets of how the first hydrogen atoms came into existence. Knowledge which, says, this renowned quranic and balistics expert: “demolishes the big bang theory once & for all”. Al tamimy (who must surely be shortlisted for […]

What went wrong!

Arab Leaders are winning, Mr. Mahboob A. Khawaja, Ph.D., specializes in strategic studies with keen interests in comparative civilizations, change and development, conflict resolution and author of recent publication: “Muslims and the West: Quest for Change and Conflict Resolution”, Maryland, U.S.A. 2000.
There would be “no triumph of folly if there would be no submissive fools”, […]

‘Arabs! Change, or you will be changed.’

Transcript of Shaikh Mohammad’s opening speech @ the Arab Strategy Forum
I wish a warm welcome to our guests.
This forum is held on the first day after the end of the mourning period for our dear departed Shaikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan. May Allah have mercy on his soul.
As we resume our official activities and […]

‘Snehadarshanam’: Series of speeches by Vanidas Elayavoor

Press Release
We have great pleasure to announce the commencement of series of speeches by the renowned Orator and translator of Holy Quran, Vanidas Elayavoor from the September 23rd 2005 onwards. The event is organized by the Gulf Chapter of the Calicut-based organization, Sargatheeram Publications and will be held at Jamiyyathul Islah, Dubai, in which […]

Tips to a Blissful Marriage

Taken from “Blissful Marriage” by Dr. Ekram & M. Rida Beshir
1) Never go to bed with an unsettled argument; learn to have differences without letting them affect your relationship.
2) Express opinions in a calm and polite way. Do not shout or yell. Learn to
keep your cool even at the most tense moments and learn to […]

Annemarie Schimmmel : On Deciphering The Signs Of God

Annemarie Schimmel, whom we are remembering today, has been a larger than life scholar in the great tradition of German scholarship. Schimmel’s spanned centuries of Islamic learning to make her an authority on the literary heritage of different Islamic peoples - Turkish, Arabic, Persian, Urdu, Sindhi and Pashto. Plus this was a connoisseur of music […]

“The believer is like rain, wherever he goes is goodness” Amr Khaled’s message to US Muslims

Amr Khaled was recently named one of Time Magazine’s 100 Most Influential Persons in the world, and he had been invited to the United States. Transcript: CAIR/ISNA - ‘An Evening with Amr Khaled’
On Saturday, May 12, the Maryland and Virginia chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-MD/VA), in cooperation with the Islamic Society of […]

The true psyche of the Malayalee

‘The true psyche of the Malayalee is revealed outside his homeland. At home, he is a creature absorbed in trivial controversies and debates. He endears controversies more than food. The expatriate Keralites show a greater degree of understanding and unity’ says E.T. Mohammed Basheer, the former educational minister of Kerala.
He was speaking at a reception […]

Umar Qazi - Sufi Poet on Horseback

Introduction
In 19th and 20th centuries, India had to bear many sufferings at the hands of British rule. The Indian Muslims fought with full vigor to oppose the British imperialistic designs. They had to face drastic economic consequences as a result. In the anti-imperialistic battle, great leaders who left their marks on history led them.
Umar Qazi […]

The Unique position of Muslims

[This is an abridged version of a speech delivered by the late Maulana Syed Abul. . .

A day in the life of Ali Mian

Known as Ali Mian among his family members and friends, the Maulana is scholar, thinker. . .

Great Ones are grown in the lap of Noble Mothers

[A life sketch of Sayyeda Khairunnisa, the mother of Maulana Syed Abul Hasan Ali Nadwi.]

Maulana’s. . .

Reformative efforts of Shah Waliyullah

Reformative efforts of Shah Waliyullah can be divided into the following

Reform of the creed and. . .

List of Shah Waliyullah’s Books

The following are the books written by Shah Waliyullah. The list given here is however. . .

Hadith : The Crown of Knowledge

“The crown of all infallible knowledge and the source and foundation of religious branches of learning is the science of Hadith which gives us an account of the sayings and doings of the noble Prophet as well as tell of his tacit approval of the things done in his presence. The Ahadith are like luminous torches in the surrounding darkness, the milestones of guidance or like the brilliant moon shedding light in a gloomy light.

Works of Shah Waliyullah

He has left behind several works including an Arabic and Persian Commentaries on Muwatta, the well-known collection of the Tradition of the Holy Prophet compiled by Imam Malik. He attached great importance to this collection of Traditions by Imam Malik, even greater than those of Imam Bukhari and Imam Muslim. He is an outstanding Muhaddis (Traditionist) and links of all modern scholars of Hadith in the subcontinent may be traced to him. Foremost among these modern Traditionalists were his son and successor Shah Abdul Aziz and Syed Murtaza Bilgrami. Shah Waliullah wrote a number of books and pamphlets dealing with Hadith

An incommunicable feeling

(Iqbal’s observations on Mystic Experience)
Since the quality of mystic experience is to be directly experienced, it is obvious that it cannot be communicated.
Mystic states are more like feeling than thought. The interpretation which the mystic or the prophet puts on the content of his religious consciousness can be conveyed to others in the form of […]

The element of Response

(Iqbal’s observations on Mystic Experience)
To the mystic, the mystic state is a moment of intimate association with a Unique Other Self, transcending, encompassing, and momentarily suppressing the private personality of the subject of experience.
Considering its content the mystic state is highly objective and cannot be regarded as a mere retirement into the mists of pure […]

The concept of Direction in Prayer

The form of prayer ought not to become a matter of dispute. Which side you turn your face is certainly not essential to the spirit of prayer. The Quran is clearly on thus point.
“The east and west is God’s: therefore whichever way you turn, there is the face of God.’ (2:29)
Yet we cannot ignore the […]