Living Islam (mission, prophet, marriage, faith, muslims)

[Cordoba]

Salam Cafe - TV Program on SBS on Australian Muslims

http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=2506427204756174880&q=&hl=en

Currently a weekly show on SBS, an award wining show

IOL has this recent summary on Salam Cafe:

http://www.islamonline.net/servlet/Satellite?c=Article_C&cid=1209357607798&pagename=Z one-English-News/NWELayout

[OutOfTime]

what's islam's take on donating organs. like when someone dies and the car company (licensing) asks can we take your orgams or not?

[Cordoba]

Life and Beyond

In the Qur'an life in this world is an inseparable part of a continuum, a unified whole - life, death, life - which gives our life a context and relevance. In this context, the life of the individual is made meaningful and enriched inasmuch as it is full of 'good works'.

Life in this world leads to the afterlife, a belief which is fundamental in the Qur'an. The afterlife is not treated in the Qur'an in a separate chapter, or as something on its own, for its own sake, but always in relation to life in this world. ...

The Importance of the Resurrection and Judgment in the Afterlife

Divine wisdom and justice necessitate the resurrection of the dead and judgment in an afterlife:

We have not created the heavens and the earth and all that is between them save in truth. Surely the Hour' is coming.
15:85

The resurrection is thus:

...a binding promise from God that shall be fulfilled though most people may not know it, so that He may resolve their differences for them.

In the Qur'an, judgment is so essential to human beings that God has created them with a peculiar, innate permanent judge within themselves, that is 'conscience', the 'reproachful soul'

http://www.islamicity.com/articles/Articles.asp?ref=IC0805-3573

[Cordoba]

A Sea With No Shore

My Experience in Seeking Knowledge

Allah commanded The Prophet to seek knowledge by saying:

{And say: 'My Lord! increase my knowledge**

Prophet Muhammad mentioned that it is obligatory on every Muslim to seek knowledge. The Prophet says:

"Whoever follows a path in the pursuit of knowledge, Allah will make a path to paradise easy for him" (Al-Bukhari)

My advice to new Muslims (or those interested in studying Islam)

I believe there are six etiquettes for learning about Islam:

1. Asking questions in a good manner (do not be shy).

2. Remain quiet in Islamic lectures (make sure you take it all in) and listen attentively.

3. Understanding well (this could involve asking more questions if you do not understand something and keep asking until you understand!)

4. Memorizing.

5. Teaching.

6. And it is like fruit on a tree: Acting upon the knowledge and keeping its limits.

The purpose of acquiring knowledge is to bring us closer to Allah, it is not for fame and fortune as this could lead you down a very bad path.

Knowledge is pursued and practiced with modesty, humility leading us to beauty, dignity, freedom and justice.

http://www.readingislam.com/servlet/Satellite?c=Article_C&cid=1209357541380&pagename=Z one-English-Discover_Islam%2FDIELayout

[Cordoba]

The Influence of Islamic Philosophy and Ethics on The Development of Medicine During the Islamic Renaissance

Islam and the Promotion of Science

1- Stressing the importance and respect of learning. For example, the first word revealed to Prophet Mohammad (peace and blessings be upon him) was “read.”

2- The general philosophy in Islamic medicine is that the healer is Allah Most High and the doctor is the instrument that Allah uses to heal the people. The doctor-patient relationship is stronger in Islam than it is in modern medicine as he has responsibilities, which Allah on the Day of Judgment will ask about.

3- There is no censorship in Islam on scientific research, be it academic, to reveal the signs of God in His creation, or applied, aiming at the solution of a particular problem. Freedom of scientific research shall not cause harm to any human being or subject anyone to probable harm, or withhold anyone’s therapeutic needs, or defraud or exploit anyone.

4- Islam provides laws and a basis for the protection and safeguarding of the human body as well as the spirit and seeks to prevent any hindrance to either body or soul. The holy Qur’an says:
And whoever saves a life it would be as if he saved the life of all the people. (Al-Ma’idah 5:32)

5- Islam developed in Muslims the respect for authority and discipline. For example, realizing the scourges and terror of plague, Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) decreed, “No man may enter or leave a town in which plague broke out.”

6- Tolerated other religions. The Islamic religion recognizes Christianity and Judaism and considers their followers to be people with holy books like Muslims. Moreover, they treated the Jews honestly, at a time when the latter were persecuted in Europe.

http://www.readingislam.com/servlet/Satellite?c=Article_C&cid=1153698300076&pagename=Z one-English-Discover_Islam%2FDIELayout

[Cordoba]

Captivated By the Call to Prayer

"Not even a million words are enough to express my love to God sufficiently. It is a deep, sincere feeling coming from the depth of my heart, moving through every part of my body up to my fingertips, when I talk to God in my prayers.

I am so thankful to Him for His gift and for making me a Muslim. In all my life I will praise Him and thank Him.

My journey to Islam started simply and inconspicuously. I always smile when I remember the beginning. I loved traveling with my parents. We visited various Muslim countries.

Egypt was the last one and its culture and everything in it captured my attention. It was my first time to be near a mosque, but I did not enter it since I did not know if I could as a non-Muslim.

Whenever I heard the call to Prayer, my heart trembled and I got into a sort of trance and did not hear anything but the voice from the minaret. I was absolutely captivated by it. The solidarity between people gathering in mosques and praying together charmed me and has remained in my memory until today." ....

http://www.readingislam.com/servlet/Satellite?c=Article_C&cid=1209357785812&pagename=Z one-English-Discover_Islam%2FDIELayout

[Cordoba]

Contemplation

Contemplation is one of the greatest deeds performed by the heart; it is the key that opens the door which allows the light of guidance to enter; it is the initial step in the direction of correct understanding and comprehension; many people know its virtue but are unaware of its reality, essence and its fruits ...

IslamWeb - Contemplation – I