Worldly affluence...is it a good sign?

It depends....

http://soundvision.com/info/~quran/search.asp?transtable=yusufali&sura=6&ayah=39&word=&Search=Search&offset=43

Abdullah Yusuf Ali	Mohammed Marmaduke Pickthall
006.044. But when they forgot the warning they had received, We opened to them the gates of all (good) things, until, in the midst of their enjoyment of Our gifts, on a sudden, We called them to account, when lo! they were plunged in despair!	006.044. Then, when they forgot that whereof they had been reminded, We opened unto them the gates of all things till, even as they were rejoicing in that which they were given, We seized them unawares, and lo! they were dumbfounded.

My teacher informed us that we should not be misled by the affluence enjoyed by those who ignore the the command of God. An interesting point is that the material benefits 'opened' to them are a test both for the receiver and for those observing. The observer should be aware that their enjoyment is not a sign of success.

I note that it is quite normal for practising Muslims to enjoy worldly benefits, as well, the difference being that this is a blessing not a punishment. This is a fringe benefit of their observing the commands of Allah, not the purpose.

Bob Talks Too Much: Another terror plot bites the dust!

Bob Talks Too Much: Another terror plot bites the dust!

Br Bob, I too feel your frustration!

But at the same time, we must try our best to keep portraying the true message of Islam. Masha Allah you are definitely doing that, with your knowledge and understanding of Islam. Your family too are definitely doing their bit.

We need to have the media on our side. But until then, we can keep blogging.

Remember Allah does not place a burden that we cannot bear!

May Allah strengthen you and your family in your Deen. Ameen.

Surah 6 Verse 39

I have come across several possible translations to this verse:
Those who reject Our Ayat (proofs, evidences, verses, lessons, signs, revelations, etc.) are deaf and dumb in darkness. Allah sends astray whom He wills and He guides on the Straight Path whom He wills.
(Translation taken from http://www.quraan.com/index.aspx?tabindex=1&tabid=27&bid=6)

006.039. Those who reject our sings are deaf and dumb,- in the midst of darkness profound: whom God willeth, He leaveth to wander: whom He willeth, He placeth on the way that is straight. (Yusuf Ali Translation)
006.039. Those who deny Our revelations are deaf and dumb in darkness. Whom Allah will sendeth astray, and whom He will He placeth on a straight path. (Pickthall Translation)
(Taken from http://soundvision.com/info/~quran/search.asp?transtable=yusufali&sura=6&ayah=39&word=&Search=Search

In a Quran class recently, we reached this verse.
The teacher informed us that this verse does not mean to say that Allah misguides people intentionally. What it means is that for those who do not want to follow the Straight Path , Allah leaves. For those who look for the Straight Path, Allah will help.

This is also confirmed by a Hadith , but I cannot remember it exactly in terms of wording & reference, probably someone else could help. It goes something like this 'if a person comes to Allah by a hand , Allah comes to him by an arm's length...if he comes to Allah walking, Allah comes to him running'

It also shows the difference in meanings obtained from translations, which proves that it is always better to get it from the source i.e. Arabic. We should be wary of basing our thoughts/conclusions on translated verses. We should rather consult a scholar BEFORE jumping to any conclusions. The Arabic language is vast and many subtleties cannot be conveyed in English. The translations are very approximate ways of conveying the meaning of the Quran.

May Allah make it easy for us all to learn Arabic, Ameen.

Bob Talks Too Much: Muslim Mean Time

Bob Talks Too Much: Muslim Mean Time

Br Bob has a lot to say on this subject. We should all take heed.

Channel 4 reopens veil debate with Christmas message

http://www.guardian.co.uk/Media/site/story/0,,1964510,00.html?gusrc=rss&feed=1

Some points I can think of:

- it may be good in the sense that people get to listen to the
thoughts of a lady wearing veil. I pray that her
message is one of understanding and tolerance. People will then be
less afraid of ladies in veil. In a sense the audience will get to know
the person behind the veil. Understanding is the weapon against
prejudice.

- on the other hand we do not celebrate Christmas, so is she correct
to deliver a Christmas message? Well I suppose one could argue that
just because she is giving a message on Christmas does not mean she
celebrates it. It is the audience she is after. Christians tend to be
more receptive at this time of year.

- yet also, some people may be outraged that a lady in veil is telling
them what to do on Christmas. They might think that their 'way of
life' is threatened by outsiders. But then too if they actually listen
to what she has to say, they may 'cool down'.

Please pray that this sister gives a well balanced message to the non-Muslims.

I hope it brings more good than bad.

sd