RAMADAN TARAWEEH PRAYER: Not an obligation, but a special option.

Ramadan Taraweeh Prayer

Not An Obligation, But

A Special Option With

No Fixed Number

(M. Javed Naseem)

It is so surprising to see that people are so un-informed or ill-informed on the subject of Taraweeh prayer during the month of Ramadan. Let me shock you with this revelation that there is no mention of “Salaat-ut-Taraweeh” (Taraweeh prayer) in the Quran, nor in the authentic Ahadith of Bukhari. The only mention we find in the Quran and in authentic Ahadith, is of the “Qayam-ul-Layl” (rising or standing to prayer at night) which scholars have named as ‘Salaat-ul-Layl’ or ‘Tahajjud’; and the ‘Qayam-i-Ramadan’. Qayam-i-Ramadan is a special prayer our Prophet recommended us to offer only during that particular month to gain extra rewards. The scholars later called it ‘Taraweeh’.

The funny thing is that none of the two prayers or ‘Qayam’ is referred to or connected to the night prayer (Salaat-ul-Isha). Both of those prayers are described or referred to the ‘later’ part of the night, before the morning (Fajr) prayer – in other words, the time of ‘Tahajjud’ prayer. That means that the special Ramadan prayer (Taraweeh) is the prayer that should be performed at the time of Tahajjud, and not with Isha prayer.

“Truly the rising by night is most potent for

governing (the soul), and most suitable for

(framing) the Word (of Prayer and Praise).”

(al-Quran 73:6)

“Stand (to prayer) by night, but not all night,
half of it, or a little less, or a little more;

and recite the Quran in slow, measured

rhythmic tones.”

(al-Quran 73:2-4)

Here’s how it all started during the month of Ramadan in Madinah:

Narrated Urwa that he was informed by Aayesha (r.a.a.), ‘Allah's Apostle went out in the middle of the night and prayed in the mosque and some men prayed behind him. In the morning, the people spoke about it and then a large number of them gathered and prayed behind him (on the second night). In the next morning the people again talked about it and on the third night the mosque was full with a large number of people. Allah's Apostle came out and the people prayed behind him. On the fourth night the Mosque was overwhelmed with people and could not accommodate them, but the Prophet came out (only) for the morning-prayer (Fajr). When the morning-prayer (Fajr) was finished, he recited Tashah-hud and (addressing the people) said, “Amma ba'du, your presence was not hidden from me but I was afraid lest the night prayer (Qayam) should be enjoined on you and you might not be able to carry it on.”

So, when Allah's Apostle died, the situation remained like that (i.e. people prayed individually).’

(Bukhari, Book 21 & 32, No. 229)

In other words, it is not necessary to perform Taraweeh prayer in congregation; or in a mosque; or soon after the Isha prayer. It is an optional (Nafl) prayer preferably to be performed in the last part of the night, but before the Fajr prayer.

Finishing the Quran 2 or 3 Times:

The Quran is Allah’s message (or command) to us and we should pay attention to it. It is a ‘how to’ for a Muslim as it tells us how to live and conduct ourselves. Allah requires from us that we study the Quran, understand it, ponder (think) upon it, and finally act upon it or live by it. Reading it without understanding it or without living by it does not serve its purpose.

The following verse of the Quran also clarifies the matter for those ignorant people who insist on finishing (reading) the Quran 2 or 3 or 5 times during a particular period. Finishing the Quran in one month is NOT required. You can recite as much as you easily can. Allah is the most Merciful and Generous to give you the countless rewards.

“Your Lord does know that you stand forth

(to prayer) nearly two-thirds of the night,

or half the night, or a third of the night, and

so does a party of those with you. But Allah

does appoint night and day in due measure.

He knows that you are unable to keep count

thereof. So, He has turned to you (in mercy).

Recite, therefore, of the Quran as much as

may be easy for you.”

(al-Quran 73:20)

The subject is vast but I would like to be as brief as possible. I prefer to quote you some authentic Ahadith. Study them, along with the Quran – especially Surah al-Muzammil – and make up your own mind. It’s your life and it’s your Hereafter! Only you would be questioned about it.

Remember one thing! The prayer of Isha (night) is obligatory (Fard/Farz) while Tahajjud and Taraweeh are optional (Nafl) prayers. Obligatory prayers have fixed number of Rakaats, whereas optional prayers have no fixed number. You perform as much or as little as you easily can. Two Rakaats are the minimum to offer.

There are many narrations (Ahadith) on the subject of ‘Night Prayer’ and, if you study all of them, you come to the conclusion that Prophet Muhammad (s.a.w.) generally performed 11 (occasionally 13) Rakaats (of prayer) at the time of Tahajjud (the last 1/3^rd of the night) and it included 3 Rakaats of Witr prayer as well. The 13-Rakaats session also included in it the 2-Rakaats of Sunnah (Nafl) prayer of Fajr.

Don’t over-do it!

Remembering Allah and offering prayers is an excellent thing to do but at the same time we should remember that Allah sent us to live in this world so that we have to handle the affairs of this world too. We need to keep the balance. We should not force or kill ourselves for the sake of ‘prayer’ by over-doing it. Prophet Muhammad (s.a.w.) prohibited it in the following Hadith:

Hadith:

Narrated Aayesha, (r.a.a.): “Once the Prophet (s.a.w.) came home while a woman was sitting with me. He said, "Who is she?" I replied, "She is so-and-so," and told him about her (excessive) prayers.

He said disapprovingly: "Do (good) deeds which are within your capacity (without being overtaxed) as Allah does not get tired (of giving rewards) but (surely) you will get tired; and the Deen (good, righteous deed, act of worship) loved most by Allah is that which is done regularly”. (Bukhari, Book 2, No. 41)

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Offering optional prayers is like

putting extra money in your saving

bank account. You can benefit from

their rewards in the Hereafter when

your good deeds might not be enough

to save you from the Hellfire!

*********************************

Hadith:

Narrated Aayesha (r.a.a.): “Allah's Apostle used to offer eleven Rakat and that was his prayer. He used to prolong the prostration to such an extent that one could recite fifty verses (of the Quran) before he would lift his head. He used to pray two Rakat (Sunna) before the Fajr prayer and then used to lie down on his right side till the call-maker came and informed him about the prayer.”  (Bukhari, Book 21, No. 223)

Hadith:

Narrated Aayesha (r.a.a.): “Allah's Apostle used to give up a good deed, although he loved to do it, for fear that people might act on it and it might be made compulsory for them. The Prophet never prayed the Duha prayer, but I offer it.”

(Bukhari, Book 21, No. 228)

Quality, Not the Quantity:

Prophet Muhammad (s.a.w.) did not perform too many Rakaats of prayer late night. He generally offered 11 or 13 Rakaats (including Witr prayer) but he used to recite a lot of the Quran in those Rakaats.

Hadith:  

Mughirah bin Shubah (r.a.a.) reported that Rasul-Allah (s.a.w.) performed such lengthy ‘Nafl’ (optional) prayers, that his feet used to swell. Once, the companions said: "O Messenger of Allah! You undergo such hardships despite that Allah has forgiven your past and future sins."

Rasul-Allah (s.a.w.) answered: "When Allah Taala has blessed me so much, shouldn’t I be a grateful servant of Allah?”

Hadith:

Abu Hurairah (r.a.a.) narrated: "Rasul-Allah (s.a.w.) performed so many ‘nawafil’ (optional prayers) that his legs swelled. Someone asked him: “You endure so much pain while you have been given the good news that Allah has forgiven your past and future sins?” The Prophet (s.a.w.) replied: “Should I not be a grateful servant then?”

Hadith:

Narrated Al-Mughira: “The Prophet used to stand (in the prayer) or pray till both his feet or legs swelled. He was asked why (he offered such an unbearable prayer) and he said, "should I not be a thankful slave."

(Bukhari, Book 21, No. 230)

Hadith:

Narrated Abdullah bin Amr bin Al-aas, “Allah's Apostle told me: The most beloved prayer to Allah is that of David and the most beloved fasts to Allah are those of David. He used to sleep for half of the night and then pray for one third of the night and again sleep for its sixth part and used to fast on alternate days."

(Bukhari, Book 21, No. 231)

Hadith:

Narrated Abu-Wael: Abdullah said, "One night I offered the Tahajjud prayer with the Prophet and he kept on standing till an ill-thought came to me." We said, "What was the ill-thought?" He said, "It was to sit down and leave the Prophet (standing)."

(Bukhari, Book 21, No. 236)

Hadith:

Narrated Ibn Abbas: “The prayer of the Prophet used to be of thirteen Rakat, i.e. of the night prayer.”

(Bukhari, Book 21, No. 239)

Hadith:

Narrated Masruq: “I asked Aayesha (r.a.a.) about the night prayer of Allah's Apostle and she said, ‘It was seven, nine or eleven Rakaats besides the two Rakaats of the Fajr prayer (i.e. Sunnah)."

(Bukhari, Book 21, No. 240)

Hadith:

Narrated Aayesha (r.a.a.), “The Prophet (s.a.w.) used to offer thirteen Rakaats of the night prayer and that included the Witr and two Rakaats (Sunnah) of the Fajr prayer.”

(Bukhari, Book 21, No. 241)

Hadith:

Narrated Abu Huraira: “Allah's Apostle (s.a.w.) said, ‘Our Lord, the Blessed, the Superior, comes every night down on the nearest Heaven to us when the last third of the night remains, saying: "Is there anyone to invoke Me, so that I may respond to invocation? Is there anyone to ask Me, so that I may grant him his request? Is there anyone seeking My forgiveness, so that I may forgive him?"

(Bukhari, Book 21, No. 246)

Hadith:

Narrated Abu Salma bin Abdur Rahman: “I asked Aayesha (r.a.a.), ‘How is the prayer of Allah's Apostle during the month of Ramadan."

She said, "Allah's Apostle never exceeded eleven Rakaats in Ramadan or in other months. He used to offer four Rakaats – do not ask me about their beauty and length, then four Rakaats, do not ask me about their beauty and length, and then three Rakaats." She further said, "I said, 'O Allah's Apostle! Do you sleep before offering the Witr prayer?' He replied, 'O Aayesha! My eyes sleep but my heart remains awake'!"

(Bukhari, Book 21, No. 248)  

Hadith:

Narrated Aayesha (r.a.a.): “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 night, and used to keep his family awake for the prayers.”

(Bukhari, Book 32, No. 241)

Night of Qadr (Lailat-ul-Qadr:

Hadith:

Narrated Aayesha (r.a.a.): Allah's Apostle used to practice Aitikaf 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, Book 32, No. 237)

Hadith:

Narrated Ubada bin As-Samit: The Prophet came out to inform us about the Night of Qadr but two Muslims were quarreling with each other. So, the Prophet said, "I came out to inform you about the Night of Qadr but such-and-such persons were quarreling, so the news about it had been taken away; yet that might be for your own good, so search for it on the 29th, 27th and 25th (of Ramadan).  

(Bukhari, Book 32, No. 240)

Hadith:

Narrated Aayesha (r.a.a.): “Allah's Apostle said, Search for the Night of Qadr in the odd nights of the last ten days of Ramadan."

(Bukhari, Book 32, No. 234)

Fake Ahadith:

We should be very careful about Ahadith. There are so many fake, fabricated and weak Ahadith printed in the books that people just ‘copy and paste’ without caring about their authenticity. Muslims don’t have the habit of verifying the contents of religious messages and translations. Any Hadith that does not conform to the teachings or message of the Quran, or contradicts the teachings/message of the Quran, or deviates from it in interpretation, is NOT authentic. Simple as that!

Hadith:

Narrated Ali, (r.a.a.): The Prophet (s.a.w.) said: "Do not tell a lie against me for whoever tells a lie against me (intentionally) then he will surely enter the Hellfire.”

(Bukhari, Book 3, Ch. 38, No.106)

Hadith:

Narrated Abdullah bin Zubair: “I said to my father, "I do not hear from you any narration (Hadith) of Allah's Messenger (s.a.w.) as I hear (his narrations) from so-and-so?”

Zubair replied, "I was always with him (the Prophet, s.a.w.) and I heard him saying, “Whoever tells a lie against me (intentionally) then (surely) let him occupy his seat in Hellfire”.

(Bukhari, Book 3, Ch. 38, No.107)

Hadith:

Narrated Salama: “I heard the Prophet (s.a.w.) saying, "Whoever (intentionally) ascribes to me what I have not said, then (surely) let him occupy his seat in Hellfire."

(Bukhari, Book 3, Ch. 38, No.109)

{Excerpts from chapter: ‘Prayer of the Prophet’ of my book: “The Way (Sunnah) of The Prophet (s.a.w.)”}

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FASTING IS AUTOPHAGY: Ramadan is a blessing; Nature's system of cell maintenance.

Ramadan Is A Blessing!

Fasting Is 'Autophagy':

Nature’s System of Cell

Maintenance

(M. Javed Naseem)

“O believers! Fasting is prescribed to you as

it was prescribed to those before you, so that

you may (learn) self-restraint – Fasting for a

fixed number of days; but if any of you is ill,

or on a journey, the prescribed number (should

be made up) from days later… And it is better

for you that you fast, if you only knew.”

(al-Quran 2:183-184)

*************************************

Modern scientific research found out that

at least 12-hour fasting triggers Glucagon

which looks for those cells and junk in the

body that requires to be cleaned. For a

complete overhaul daily fasting is required

for 20 to 25 days. It is essential for cell

recovery and recycling.

Now, you understand why God

prescribed a month-long daily

fasting (Ramadan) for Muslims?

In fact it was prescribed for the Jews

And the Christians as well.

*************************************

A Japanese Nobel prize winner has finally proven how staying away from food can actually help you live healthy. Fasting has two very good benefits for us. Japanese scientist Dr Yoshinori Oshsumi’s Nobel prize-winning work on ‘autophagy’ has shown how damaged cells self-eat or self-destruct — keeping the body in good condition. The other benefit is that when the self-destruction occurs, there is the inducement of the growth hormone which allows for the generation of new cells.

Autophagy of the body means it cleanses itself of damaged, dead and unrepairable cells. It’s a natural process where good cells create membranes that hunt out scraps of dead, diseased, infectious cells and gobble them up. The good cells strip these diseased cells into parts and use the resulting molecules for energy.

Vow! What a marvelous system of maintenance! Allah-o-Akbar!

Human body is the most wonderful creation of the Almighty Creator, Allah, and is also the most complex at the same time. Not many people have heard the word ‘autophagy’. Autophagy is a fundamental process for degrading and recycling cellular components.  

You can call autophagy an actual human cell workshop where cell maintenance work is done in an organized and sophisticated way. It is like a ‘recycling plant’ of human body that constantly takes care of body’s defense mechanism. At this plant, the decaying, damaged and rotten human cells are recycled in an amazing way. The healthy cells, as a matter of fact the healthy parts of cells, eat up the damaged and infected cells. Thus the body is cleaned up internally of the harmful elements before they could create a disease. Here’s how it works:

When our cells are starved or otherwise stressed, they don’t immediately shut down. Instead, they employ autophagy to cannibalize their own components. The word autophagy (pronounced o-toff-a-gee) literally derives from the Greek expression for self-eating, and this recycling process allows the cell to stay alive during tough times.

“By recycling part of the cellular content, autophagy allows our body to cope with starvation and with all types of stress,” said biologist Maria Masucci of the Nobel Assembly. “By capturing invading viruses and bacteria, autophagy is essential for the body’s defense against infection.”

In October 2016, the Nobel Assembly at Karolinska Institutet of Sweden (i.e., the Nobel Prize Committee) announced to award the 2016 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine to Dr. Yoshinori Ohsumi of Japan for his discoveries of mechanisms for autophagy – a fundamental process for degrading and recycling cellular components.

Dr. Yoshinori Ohsumi, has proven what the wisdom behind fasting (Ramadan) is. God had prescribed fasting for a whole month (of Ramadan) for Muslims more than 1400 years ago. Today, modern science has humbly proven that fasting is very important for human health. It’s a system of Nature to maintain healthy cells in human body and eliminate the decaying or damaged cells. God says in the Quran:

فَبِأَىِّ آلاۤءِ رَبِّكُمَا تُكَذِّبَانِ

“Then which of the favors of

your Lord would you deny?”

(al-Quran 55:13)

Degradation – a central function in all living cells

In the mid 1950's scientists observed a new specialized cellular compartment, called an organelle, containing enzymes that digest proteins, carbohydrates and lipids. This specialized compartment is referred to as a "lysosome" and functions as a workstation for degradation of cellular constituents. The Belgian scientist Christian de Duve was awarded the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine in 1974 for the discovery of the lysosome. New observations during the 1960's showed that large amounts of cellular content, and even whole organelles, could sometimes be found inside lysosomes. The cell therefore appeared to have a strategy for delivering large cargo to the lysosome. Further biochemical and microscopic analysis revealed a new type of vesicle transporting cellular cargo to the lysosome for degradation. Christian de Duve, the scientist behind the discovery of the lysosome, coined the term autophagy, "self-eating", to describe this process. The new vesicles were named autophagosomes.

Autophagy – an essential mechanism in our cells

Thanks to Ohsumi and others following in his footsteps, we now know that autophagy controls important physiological functions where cellular components need to be degraded and recycled. Autophagy can rapidly provide fuel for energy and building blocks for renewal of cellular components, and is therefore essential for the cellular response to starvation and other types of stress. After infection, autophagy can eliminate invading intra-cellular bacteria and viruses. Autophagy contributes to embryo development and cell differentiation. Cells also use autophagy to eliminate damaged proteins and organelles, a quality control mechanism that is critical for counteracting the negative consequences of aging.

Disrupted autophagy has been linked to Parkinson's disease, type 2 diabetes and other disorders that appear in the elderly. Mutations in autophagy genes can cause genetic disease. Disturbances in the autophagic machinery have also been linked to cancer. Intense research is now ongoing to develop drugs that can target autophagy in various diseases.

Nutrient deprivation is the key activator of autophagy. When the body is on a fast mode it signals the brain that there is not enough food available and the body then goes back to stored foods. This condition allows for autophagy — where the cells first attack the old and junky proteins in the body. This happens because the insulin levels in the body dip and the hormone opposite to insulin, glucagon, begins to work in the body. When glucagon is activated, it starts looking for those cells and junk in the body which require to be cleaned. But even the slightest amount of food is easy to shut-down glucagon. It requires completely abstinence from food for 12 to 36 hours which is usually seen in many fasting practitioners. But they must drink plenty of water.

Once autophagy is stimulated, the growth hormone stimulates and it helps to create new energetic cells in the body. It is found to control inflammation and also helps in the process of building immunity. Exercise also stimulates autophagy. Sweating, grunting, post-workout pains put stress on the body and it further allows for the eating away of damaged cells. When the process of autophagy occurs in the body there is actually a feeling of re-invigoration as fresh energy flows in.

The month of Ramadan is a great gift to us from Allah, the Almighty. We should observe the sanctity of this sacred month and use it as a means of steering our lives on the path of righteousness. The reward would be tremendous!

“Ramadan is the (month) in which was sent

down the Quran, as a guide to mankind, also

clear (signs) for guidance and judgment

(between right and wrong). So every one of

you who is present (at his home) during that

month should spend it in fasting, but if any one

is ill, or on a journey, the prescribed period

(should be made up) by days later. Allah

intends every facility for you. He does not

want to put to difficulties. (He wants you)

to complete the prescribed period, and to

glorify Him in that He has guided you;

and perchance you shall be grateful.”

(al-Quran 2:185)

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FRANCE WANTS TO CHANGE THE QURAN AND ISLAM: New campaign by Macron government.

Making of The ‘French’ Islam:

France Wants To Change

The Quran By Eliminating

Verses About Violence!

Turkey Slams Proposal

(M. Javed Naseem)

(The sign says: 'Not in my name!')

**********************************

In a country that claims to separate

religion from the state, France has a

history of interfering with Islam by

making laws to curb (and control) it,

even if it goes against the Constitution.

**********************************

Islam is under attack in the West again! Once more, it is the France with a dark colonial history regarding the Muslim colonies of Africa, who comes up with a new initiative to change the face of the Quran and Islam in Europe. The racist bigots are hiding their hypocrisy behind the veil of ‘security’ as usual. They accuse, as always, the radical Islam for all the ills in their society, failing at the same time to accept that their own faulty social, cultural, economic and political policies (coupled with corruption) are the main root-cause of the problems.

They have published a manifesto in a French newspaper of Paris, that has been signed, along with other prominent French people, ex-President Nicolas Sarkozy and ex-Premier Manuel Valls. Many of these famous people are themselves involved in corruption investigations -- so much for their own integrity and honor!

**************************************

France has a dark and shady past in

relation to its Muslim colonies of Africa.

It did the same thing what Israel is doing in

Palestine. No wonder France is considered

the ‘European’ version of Israel.

**************************************

The manifesto was published in the French daily Le Parisien on April 21, 2018, and was signed by 300 prominent intellectuals and politicians, including former President Nicolas Sarkozy and former Prime Minister Manuel Valls. It argued that the Quran incited violence and insisted that “the verses of the Quran calling for murder and punishment of Jews, Christians, and nonbelievers be struck to obsolescence by religious authorities,” so that “no believer can refer to a sacred text to commit a crime.”

(President Macron with Muslims at Iftar during Ramadan)

Remember that the French President Emmanuel Macron said in an interview with Europe-1-JDD, in February this year, that he plans to ‘set down markers on the entire way in which Islam is organized in France’?

The State cannot be the Judge and the Party at the same time!

Before President Macron,

Presidents Chirac, Sarkozy and Hollande

have also tried to restructure the ‘Islam of France’.

======================================

Islam de France : ce que veut faire Macron

le 11 février 2018 (Europe-1, le JDD)

Argent, dirigeants, formation des imams :

Emmanuel Macron prépare une réorganisation

complète du culte musulman. Il avance "touche par

touche", confie-t-il au JDD, mais il veut aller vite.

(Courtesy: https://www.lejdd.fr/politique/islam-de-france-

ce-que-veut-faire-macron-3571067)

=======================================

Olivier Roy, a scholar on Islam and a professor at the European University Institute in Florence, declares:

“It’s always implied that a French Islam is a moderate one, opposed to terrorism, but what does it mean for a religion to be moderate?”

The Islamophobes, the racist Zionists and anti-Islam Westerners always argue that Islam is not compatible with their culture. They pick up some verses of the Quran out of context and manipulate them. Don’t they ever see similar or even harsher verses in the Bible and Torah? They are simply biased ignorant. Are Torah and the Gospel compatible with their culture? All Scriptures forbid certain things and allow things in certain situations. The only problem that the West cannot solve or overcome is the racism. They hate immigrants; people of other cultures; people of other colors or races, even other countries of Europe! They introduce draconian measures in the name of security to please their ignorant and biased voters.

Mohammed Henniche, the president of the Union of Muslim Associations of Seine-Saint-Denis – a majority-Muslim district northeast of Paris, says about the policies of presenting the French Islam to the Arab world: “The Muslim community is tired and disappointed with a series of ridiculous and humiliating offers.” The French Council of the Muslim Faith, which then-Interior Minister Nicolas Sarkozy created in 2003, is the best example of that problem. Most of the Muslims of France don’t even know what that Council does! On top of it, the administrative structure of that body is a source of discontentment and division among the French Muslims. It represents factions from Algeria, Morocco, Turkey, Saudi Arabia, and Qatar. Then there are other Islamic organizations in the country that have affiliations with Pakistan, India, Bangladesh, Algeria, Morocco, Egypt and Saudi Arabia.

The French government is trying to institutionalize Islam on the lines of Morocco or Saudi Arabia, where they enjoy total control. “The state can’t interfere in the management of religion or in theological questions,” says Olivier Roy. “Yet, for 30 years, French governments have tried to do just that. The whole project is a profound contradiction, in which a staunchly secular state cobbles together a plan to harbor its own national Islam,” he said.

Since the 1980s, all French governments have tried to create a particular brand of Islam that politically suits France. But they always claimed that their objective was to integrate the Muslim community and fight the Islamic extremism at the same time. In other words, they are trying to create a “secular Islam” to suit France. . In 2015, for example, then-President François Hollande signed an agreement with the Moroccan monarchy to send French imams for training in an institute of Rabat (Morocco).

Turkey:

President Recep Tayyip Erdogan blasted as “ignorant”, a manifesto recently published by prominent French intellectuals and politicians, which suggested that some Quranic verses incite hatred and violence and should be removed.

“Hey, West! You keep attacking our holy book. You should know we won’t attack your sacred books, but we will take you down,” Erdogan said in a parliamentary group meeting of his ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP) on May 8, 2018.

His comments came after 300 French intellectuals and politicians including former President Nicolas Sarkozy and former Prime Minister Manuel Valls signed a manifesto published in Le Parisien on April 21, 2018.

The manifesto stated that a number of Quranic verses incite violence and hatred toward Jews, Christians and nonbelievers.

Erdogan slammed ‘Western countries’ for being “Islamophobic, Turcophobic, xenophobic and racist.” He said:

“Who do you think you are to attack our sacred book? I wonder if they have ever read their own Holy Bible or Torah. If they have, they would probably also demand to ban the Bible,” he added. “We will not attack your sacred books with the same language no matter how much you do all these things, because we are not as ignorant as you. We have a stance and a character ... No matter what people say, we will continue to shout the reality,” Erdogan  said.

(Courtesy: https://ahvalnews.com/france-turkey/turkey-slammed-french-proposal-change-quran)

Excerpts from:

A New Plan to Create an 'Islam of France'

Can a French government effort to remake a religion succeed without buy-in from the country’s diverse Muslim communities?

By Karina Piser (Published March 29, 2018, by The Atlantic)

For now, Macron has only laid the groundwork. A break with foreign funding would at least in part disentangle Muslim institutions from foreign interests. But if the goal is to protect France from violent ideas preached in the name of Islam, a one-size-fits-all approach—especially imposed from above, with little attention to the demands of France’s diverse Muslim communities—may be missing the mark.

For Olivier Roy, that much is clear. “We’re in the process of trying to organize a religion that concerns six million people in France, in order to prevent 200 of them from becoming terrorists. Can’t we see that it’s absurd?” he said. And while he agrees that the current situation is untenable, any shift will require legitimacy if it’s to be successful. “It’s up to Muslims to take the lead. It’s their historic mission.”

(Courtesy: From: https://www.theatlantic.com/international/archive/2018/03/islam-france-macron/556604/)

The Bible says:

Proverbs 30:5-6

Every word of God proves true; he is a shield to those who take refuge in him. Do not add to his words, lest he rebuke you and you be found a liar.

Deuteronomy 4:2

You shall not add to the word that I command you, nor take from it, that you may keep the commandments of the Lord your God that I command you.

Deuteronomy 12:32

“Everything that I command you, you shall be careful to do. You shall not add to it or take from it.

Revelation 22:18

I warn everyone who hears the words of the prophecy of this book: if anyone adds to them, God will add to him the plagues described in this book,

Bible Verses Ignored by France (or Zionists):

Years ago, Dr. Laura Schlesinger was an American radio talk-show host who offered listeners advice on family, social, cultural and religious issues. In her radio show, Dr. Laura, an observant Orthodox Jew, said that homosexuality is an abomination according to Leviticus 18:22, and it cannot be condoned in any circumstance.

The following response was published as an open letter to Dr. Laura, written by a U.S. scholar and educationist and posted on the Internet. It’s funny but points out some serious contradictions in the religious beliefs and actions of the People of the Book.

Dear Dr. Laura:

Thank you for doing so much to educate people regarding God’s Law. I have learned a great deal from your show, and I try to share that knowledge with as many people as I can. I do need some advice from you, however, regarding some other elements of God’s Laws and how to follow them.

1) - Leviticus 25:44 states that I may possess slaves, both male and female, provided they are from neighboring nations. A friend of mine claims that this applies to Mexicans, but not to Canadians. Can you clarify? Why can’t I own Canadians?

2) - I would like to sell my daughter into slavery, as sanctioned in Exodus 21:7. In this day and age, what do you think would be a fair price for her?

3) - I know that I am allowed no contact with a woman while she is in her period of menstrual un-cleanliness – Lev. 15:19-24. The problem is how do I tell? I have tried asking, but most women take offense.

4) - When I burn a bull on the altar as a sacrifice, I know it creates a pleasing odor for the Lord – Lev. 1:9. The problem is my neighbors. They claim the odor is not pleasing to them. Should I smite them?

5) - I have a neighbor who insists on working on the Sabbath. Exodus 35:2 clearly states he should be put to death. Am I morally obligated to kill him myself, or should I ask the police to do it?

6) - A friend of mine feels that even though eating shellfish is an abomination, (Lev. 11:10), it is a lesser abomination than homosexuality. I don’t agree. Can you settle this? Are there ‘degrees’ of abomination?

7) - Lev. 21:20 states that I may not approach the altar of God if I have a defect in my sight. I have to admit that I wear reading glasses. Does my vision have to be 20/20, or is there some wiggle-room here?

8) - Most of my male friends get their hair trimmed, including the hair around their temples, even though this is expressly forbidden by Lev. 19:27. How should they die?

I know from Lev. 11:6-8 that touching the skin of a dead pig makes me unclean, but may I still play football (American rugby) if I wear gloves?

9) - My uncle has a farm. He violates Lev. 19:19 by planting two different crops in the same field, as does his wife by wearing garments made of two different kinds of thread (cotton/polyester blend). He also tends to curse and blaspheme a lot. Is it really necessary that we go to all the trouble of getting the whole town together to stone them? (Lev. 24:10-16). Couldn’t we just burn them to death at a private family affair, like we do with people who sleep with their in-laws? (Lev. 20:14).

I know you have studied these things extensively and thus enjoy considerable expertise in such matters, so I’m confident you can help. Thank you again for reminding us that God’s word is eternal and unchanging.

Your adoring fan,

James M. Kauffman, Ed. D., Professor Emeritus,

Dept. of Curriculum, Instruction  & Special Education,

University of Virginia.

P.S.: (It would be a damn shame if we couldn’t own a Canadian).

(Courtesy: God’s Prescription – al-Quran, published 2012)

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THERE ARE NO SHORTCUTS TO PARADISE: Live to please God or suffer pleasing Man!

Islam Is Righteousness,

A Way Of Life!

There Are No Shortcuts

To Paradise

Live To Please God

Or Suffer Pleasing Man!

(M. Javed Naseem)

“Say: Truly, my prayer and my service of

sacrifice, my life and my death, are (all) for

Allah, the Cherisher of the Worlds!”

(al-Quran 6:162)

The first humans – Adam and Eve – used to live in the Garden (the Paradise) as long as they obeyed God. Once they were fooled by the Devil who misled them, they committed the crime of ‘disobedience’ to God. As a punishment, they were thrown out of the Garden and were sent down on Earth to live for certain time. They were told how to repent and pray to God so that they could get their sins forgiven by the Merciful Creator. In other worlds, during our tenure on this earth, we have the opportunity to earn our place in the Garden again, and the only way to do that is to follow the commands of God. Obey Him and please Him, and He will fulfill His promise to reward us with a place in the Paradise (Garden) again, where we will live forever. Thus the cycle would be complete.

“Whosoever does right, whether male or female,

and is a believer, him verily We shall quicken with

good life, and We shall pay them a recompense in

proportion to the best of what they used to do.”

(al-Quran 16:97)

But there is one more thing to remember too! God knew that we would keep following the Devil, so to scare us and keep us on the right track, He also created the blazing Hell. He warned us about evil-doing, the reward of which would be Hellfire. Logically, this should work as a perfect deterrent and we dare not deviate. But that has not been the case. Man is foolishly bold and stupidly brave. He fears a mad dog, even a mouse. but shows no signs of fearing the Almighty Lord who warned him about the punishment. He keeps following the Devil, disobeying God and deviating from the right path. The result is that this world on the planet Earth today has literally become hell – too much bloodshed, killing, wars, bombs and explosions. No place is safe and nothing can be protected from the reach of the beast (the Man). God sends some warning signs like floods, earthquakes, heavy rains or droughts, fires and famines, but we don’t budge. We, arrogantly, keep walking the same destructive way.

The funny thing is that we believe that doing some special prayer on some special night or day, fasting on a particular day, and waking all night to pray on one particular night will win us the Paradise (Jannah). That’s not going to happen. Allah blesses those people who do good, no matter how small in nature, regularly and steadfastly. In other words, we should make good behavior a daily routine. There is no shortcut to Jannah. All roads pass through the valley, sometimes desert, of hard-work, patient perseverance, hurdles and difficulties in all spheres – physical, social, cultural, political, financial and spiritual. One has to keep walking the path of righteousness all the time. The Paradise (Jannah) comes with a big price.

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Islam is a system of life, a way to be practiced

by all believers in everyday life, 7-days a week.

It is not something for special occasions only,

or for particular (religious) people only!

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Allah, the Almighty has promised us that He will reward us for every little act of good, kindness and service to others. Nothing goes unpaid!

“They rejoice on account of favor from Allah

and (His) grace, and that Allah will not waste

the reward of the (deeds of) believers.”

(al-Quiran 3:171)

Here’s any guarantee from the Lord Creator of the universe:

“As to those who hold fast by the Book and

establish regular prayer, never shall We suffer

the reward of the righteous to perish.”

(al-Quran 7:170)

The Quran is full of verses, literally hundreds of them, assuring us of the rewards for our good deeds and acts of righteousness. Nothing will be wasted. Even the people of other faiths who believe in One God, His sovereignty in the heavens and the earth, believe in the Day of Judgment, and perform good deeds in life, would be positively rewarded. Such people won’t suffer from any fear or grief. In other words, Paradise (Jannah) is not the monopoly of Muslims only!

“Those who believe (in Allah), and those who

follow the Jewish (scriptures), and the Christians

and the Sabians,- any who believe in Allah and

the Last Day, and work righteousness, shall

have their reward with their Lord; on them

shall be no fear, nor shall they grieve.”

(al-Quran 2:62)

Most believers have not studied the Quran seriously or with careful attention. They only pick and choose. They go for shortcuts but, in fact, there is none. It is hard-work all along. You live your life by the Book or you don’t. There is no middle track. But that does not mean that you cannot make mistakes, cannot get carried away, or cannot sin. As a weak human being, you’ll fall into every trap the Devil has laid out there for you. But you keep trying and keep struggling to follow the right path. Allah loves that trying and struggle and rewards you with His mercy and blessings.

“…Then is it only a part of the Book that you

believe in, and do you reject the rest? But what

is the reward for those among you who behave

like this but disgrace in this life? On the Day

of Judgment they shall be consigned to the

most grievous penalty. For Allah is not

unmindful of what you do.”

(al-Quran 2:85)

Allah even promises you the unlimited rewards of your struggle if you struggle with sincerity, honesty and constantly:

“So believe in Allah and His messengers!

And if you believe and do right, you

have a reward without measure.”

(al-Quran 3:179)

Please beware of the misleading promises of Mullahs who quote all kinds of Hadiths to guarantee you that if you recite ‘that’ for 100 times, you’ll go to Jannah; or if you do ‘this’ thing on that particular day or night, you’ll get a house in Jannah. Those promises are valid only when you are trying to live your life by the book, fulfilling all obligations and obeying all commands of Allah everyday, and NOT once in a while, on some special occasion only.

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