VOICE OF GLOBAL UMMAH

Volume 150, September 26, 2010
St. Louis, Missouri, USA

Editors: Mohamed & Rashida Ziauddin

In the Name of Allah, the Most Beneficent and the Most Merciful

RUSSIAN MUSLIMS: THE FORGOTTEN GROUP OF THE GLOBAL UMMAH

Mosque in Bashkortostan Russia

EDITORIAL:

When was the last time you heard about Russian Muslims besides the context of terrorist acts involving the train bombings or taking school students as hostages ? Russian Muslims are an integral part of the Global Ummah and unlike the media's highlighting them only on the context of terrorist acts, in reality most of them are peace loving Muslims doing the best they can facing the realities of life. In fact, the percentage of Muslims in Russia as an individual country are far more than the percentage of Muslims in USA, Canada and most countries of Europe. We wanted to focus our spotlight on them in this E-Zine.


MUSLIMS IN NUMBERS:

16 million people in Russia, or approximately 11pc of the population, profess a Muslim faith, though estimates widely vary

$30 million was spent by the Russian Ministry of Education and Science on Islamic education throughout the country

2.5 million Muslims – mostly immigrants – are said to live in Moscow, more than in any European capital except Istanbul

A (Muslim) man and a woman of the Cherkess people of the Caucasus, a Muslim nationality in Russia

The Muslims of Bashkortostan in Russia

September 28, 2009
(rupeenews.com)

These are the Turkish Muslim lands of the Urals. Muslims of these Russian Republics have been forgotten by the rest of the world. The brave people of Bashkortostan stood up against Catherine the Great who had bequeathed her progeny to seek out and extend Russian boundaries to the warm oceans of the Arabian sea. The Great Game of Tsarist Russia and the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan were an attempt to realize the will of Catherine the Great.

Ethnically the following major peoples of Russia are traditionally Muslim: the Volga (Kazan) Tatars (7,000,000), the Bashkirs (1,500,000), the Chechenians (1,000,000), the Avarians, a people living in Dhaghestan (600,000), the Lezginians, also one of the Daghestanian peoples (500,000), the Kabardinians (400,000), the Darginians (400,000), the Kumiks (300,000), the Ingushs (250,000), the Karachais (150,000), the Adigians (150,000), the Balkarians (90,000),the Cherkessians (50,000). Islam is also confessed by a part of the Ossetians, about 30,000 persons.

Dagestan: Some Islamic universities have children's educational programmes Photo: Ury Kozyrev

These Muslim lands are under occupation of a brutal Soviet regime since 1914. Today they are ravaged by the Russian empire which actually consists of many republics which belonged to the Ottoman Empire.

The Union of the Young Muslims of Bashkortostan propagates the idea of the restoration of the Bashkirian culture on the basis of Islam. Bashkortostan lies next to Tartaristan. The brave Tartars were part of Halaku Khan Army but later converted to Islam and became the greatest defenders of the religion.

TEN MILLION (MUSLIM) TARTARS, DAGISTANIS, BASHKIRS AND THE CHECHNYANS WERE MASSACRED BY STALIN AND THOSE WHO SURVIVED WERE ALL DEPORTED TO SIBERIA.

Decades after his death these Muslims made it back and tried to begin building their culture and language. After the demise of the Soviet Union, many of these States tried to throw off the yolk of Russian imperialism. Chechniya, Tartaristan and Dagistan payed the ultimate price for their desire to be independent. They were ruthlessly crushed and destroyed.

This is the untold story of Bashkortostan

Bashkortostan: Autonomous republic of the Russian Federation; area 143,600 sq km/55,444 sq mi; population (1990) 3,964,000 (40% Russian, 30% Tatar, 25% Bashkir). The capital is Ufa. The Ural Mountains are in the east and River Kama in the northwest; other rivers are Belaya, Ufa, Dema, and Zilim. Chief industries are oil, natural gas, minerals (gold and iron ore), chemicals, engineering, timber, and paper. The languages Russian and Bashkir are spoken. Annexed by Russia in 1557, Bashkortostan became the first Soviet autonomous republic in 1919. It gained federal republic status within the Russian Federation in 1992.

The Bashkirs are a partly Turkic people who converted to Sunni Islam by the 14th century.

Flags of the Turkish states: The Muslims of these states are forgotten--but these Muslims have not forgotten Islam

Ramzan Kadyrov, Chechnya's President, dances with a Chechen girl dressed in a national costume in Grozny, Russia, in March 2007. (msnbc.msn.com)

Russia's Muslim South Triples Sharia Bride Price

By Amie Ferris-Rotman
Jul 7, 2010
in.reuters.com

MOSCOW (Reuters) - The price tag on a bride in Russia's Ingushetia province has been tripled by the regional government, in a sign the Muslim North Caucasus region is slipping out of Kremlin control as sharia law eclipses Russia.


Against the backdrop of a bubbling Islamist insurgency, the revival of Islam in the North Caucasus following the break-up of the Soviet Union almost 20 years ago has brought sharia law to the region, revered by both rebels and ordinary citizens alike.


The issue of the 'kalym', a price paid by a groom to the family of the woman he chooses to marry, is the latest example of a broader trend that has troubled the Kremlin.


"The increase of the kalym was decided by the residents themselves," the Kremlin-backed leader of Ingushetia, Yunus-Bek Yevkurov, told Prime Minister Vladimir Putin on Tuesday.


At an Ingush conference for Muslim scholars and elders this week, attended by Yevkurov, the money a groom must pay the bride's family for her hand was increased from 12,500 roubles ($401.9) to 40,000 roubles ($1,286), the local government said on official website ingushetia.ru.


"It is time to raise the rates, and with them the responsibility of the groom," a statement on the site said.


Wary of the dangers of separatism after two bloody wars with Chechnya since the mid-1990s, the Kremlin has watched uneasily as central power yields to Islamic tenets in the region.


Polygamy, illegal under Russian law, is encouraged by local authorities in the region. Last month rights workers blamed police for paintball attacks on Chechen women for not wearing headscarves, and Islamist fighters in Ingushetia have gunned down kiosk workers for selling vodka.

During their meeting, Putin looked concerned as he told Yevkurov that the price rise for a bride did not correspond to Russian inflation.


Putin added he was not sure if the practice, widespread in the Caucasus and Central Asia, was Muslim in its nature.


"We have yet to thoroughly examine this," he told Yevkurov.


At this week's Ingush conference, it was also decided to raise ten-fold the price for settling a blood feud, to 1 million roubles ($32,150), with the aim of decreasing the centuries-old practice that is widespread across the North Caucasus.


"Of course, it is better to move away from all this," Putin quipped to Yevkurov after he proudly announced the new price.


One of Russia's most popular newspapers, Moskovsky Komsomolets, splashed the bride price increase on its front page on Wednesday, jocularly headlined "Camel Rate".


"This erodes Russian security. If sharia is higher than the (Russian) constitution, it means that it is alright to kill policemen, soldiers and simply infidels," the paper wrote, referring to the near-daily attacks on law enforcement staged by rebels in the region.


Yevkurov, who narrowly survived a suicide bomb attack on his life last year, is widely seen as a moderate secular leader, unlike Chechen firebrand boss Ramzan Kadyrov.


Kadyrov, a devout Sufi Muslim, has been allowed by the Kremlin to usher in Muslim-inspired rules such as periodic alcohol bans and headscarves in state buildings, in exchange for maintaining a shaky peace in the volatile region

IX Moscow International Quran Reciting Competition
(muslim.ru)

The course of development of the Russian Federation in recent years enabled the country to regain the position of the leading world state and to strengthen its political, cultural and economic potential. Our country has joined as an observer the Organization of Islamic Conference, and this fact shows the country’s course for strengthening ties with the Islamic world.

Numerous guests and participants from Iran, Kuwait, Malaysia, Tajikistan, Turkey, Saudi Arabia, Sultanate Oman, Russia and other countries gathered at the IX Moscow International Quran Reciting Competition. This Competition became the occasion where everybody could see and feel the atmosphere of Islam in Russia.

Mufti Sheikh Ravil Gaynutdin:

This religious competition is a festive present to all the believers, as the perfect reciting of the Holy Book – the Quran – invokes special, superb feelings in people and familiarizes other people with the message of the Holy Book addressed to all the humankind. Today not only Muslims but also representatives of other religions have the opportunity to get to know the beauty of the Holy Quran being present at the competition and listening to the melody of the Quran.

We are happy to greet all the participants of the competition in Moscow, the capital of Russia with the words “Assalamu Aleikum!”. I am sure that the Moscow International Quran Reciting Competition is to become another bridge between Russia and the rest of the world.

The chairman of Russia Mufties Council mufti sheikh Ravil Gaynutdin

The History of the Moscow Quran Reciting Competition

Quran Reciting Competition in Russia started with the beginning of the third millennium. In the year 2000 the Quran reciting competition was held for the first time in Moscow where the students of madrasas and maktabs of Moscow participated. It was held in the Moscow Cathedral Mosque and the participants competed in nominations for knowledge by heart one or two djuzes from the Holy Quran. In due course the competition gained higher status. Since 2003 it became of regional scale. And in 2005 the Moscow Quran reciting competition became All-Russian and the nomination “knowledge of the whole text of the Holy Quran by heart” was added.

In 2007 adecision was made by Russia Mufties Council to attract more participants from many other regions and countries. Thus the competition became international. The jury of the competition also was international: there were judges from Iran, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Turkey and Russia.

The IX Moscow International Quran Reciting Competition on the eve of Ramadan was held not in the building of the Moscow Cathedral Mosque, but in the concert hall Korolevsky of the Television Centre of Russia

Abstracts from the Interviews with the Participants

I learn Quran for the sake of Allah. I studied a lot, both in a group and individually with the private teacher. It is not for the first time that I participate in such a competition. I took part in a Quran Reciting Competition in Saudi Arabia . And I am very happy that I participated in this competition.

Akhmed Zalikhaev. Republic of Dagestan.


I studied in Pakistan, in Moscow and Dushanbe . I had learned Quran for five years at Moscow Islamic University. I liked the competition very much. It is for the first time that I participate in such an event. In sha Allah I will take part in this competition next year. I want to thank the organizers for the invitation.

Umar Fattaev. Moscow


This is a very good country with very kind people. This is praiseworthy competition with strong participants, and it is honour for me to compete with them. For those who only start to learn Quran I advise to pay attention to the rules of tajweed.

Muhammad Ibrahim, Malaysia.



I learnt to read Quran when I was 5 years old. At 12 I became a hafiz. I studied in Turkey . I have very good impression of the competition. It is for the first time that I participate in such a competition. But in Turkey the competitions are held on a higher level. It is not easy to be Quran hafiz, it is a great achievement. I would like such competitions to be held more often.

Hasan Avci. Turkey.



I liked the competition very much. It was a great pleasure for me to participate in it. I hope that in sha Allah next year I will have an opportunity to participate in such competition here in Moscow . People are very good here. I liked to be in Russia very much.

Imad bin Nasser bin Amar. Oman

Halal Expo 2011 will be held under the patronage of the Government of the Moscow City.

The Russian Mufties Council received in their address a letter from the Department of Scientific and Industrial Policy of Moscow, which says that the exhibition of Moscow Halal Expo 2011, held in May 2011, was included in the draft Plan of exhibitions and fairs and congresses in 2011 held under the patronage of the Government of Moscow.

RAEIF DISCUSSED PROSPECTS OF ISLAMIC MORTGAGE IN RUSSIA
RMC News
September 08, 2010

On 7th of September 2010 in the conference hall of Muftis Council of Russia the session of Russian expert association in Islamic financing on a theme "Financing mortgage in the Russian legal framework using Islamic financial tools" has taken place. There were 30 experts - representatives of the legal and tax companies, banks and the financial organizations, Russian high schools and independent experts among those who participated at the session.




The meeting started by the speech of Rushan Abbyasov, Head of the International Relations Department. He spoke about the work which was done during the 2010 year and the plans for the future.

Elena Nakarjakova, the expert of the department of real estate of «Islamic financial house», Alexander Kazakov, director of the department of the structured and syndicated financing and corporate decisions of "Gazprombank", Alexey Kuznetsov partner of company Ernst&Young and Rustam Vahitov, head of group of the international taxation of «Pepeljaev Group» have made speeches on economic, legal and tax aspects of realization of Islamic analogues of a mortgage in Russia.


Experts have converged that entering of amendments abreast acts and Central Bank instructions would allow to facilitate considerably development of an Islamic mortgage in Russia, however even without modification variants of realization of similar contracts are possible, but most likely, will be at least equal at cost to a traditional mortgage, in connection with the big risks, absence of practice and unequal tax conditions on separate kinds of contracts.

The tea drinking and Iftar has taken place after the discussion.




The nearest plan of RAEIF is the meeting with Muhammad Nedal Alchaar, general secretary of the Accounting and audit organization of Islamic financial institutions (AAOIFI) on 21st of September.

HALAL INDUSTRY IN RUSSIA EXPECTS GREAT PROSPECT

July 10, 2010

Moscow Halal Expo: Successful Beginning

Yersterday evening in the IEC Crocus-Expo the First Moscow International Halal Exhibition – Moscow Halal Expo 2010 completed its work.

The organizer of the Exhibition was the Russian Mufties Council. The Exhibition was supported by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Russia, the Ministry of Agriculture of the Russian Federation, the Ministry of Industry and Trade of Russia in the partnership with Russia-Arab Business Council, the International Exhibition Center “Crocus EXPO”, the Financial Academy under the Government of the Russian Federation, the Moscow International High School of Business (MIRBIS), the Association of Small and Medium Enterprises of the Republic of Tatarstan, Bank Muamalat Indonesia (English), Al-Baraka Bank (English), the Russian Association of experts in Islamic finance, the Gallery MiussE, Producers’ Center “Rukh”.

(Ramadan) "Uraza Bayram is a special holiday"
September 9, 2010
(muslim.ru)

On the day of celebration the end of the Muslim fasting month of Ramadan, Eid al Fitr - Uraza Bayram, the Prime Minister of the Russian Federation Vladimir Putin visited the residence of the Chairman of the Russian Mufties Council Mufti Sheikh Ravil Gainutdin in the Moscow Cathedral Mosque. Early in the morning the Russian Mufties Council received a telegram of congratulations of Prime Minister Putin, which was announced in a festive sermon by the Chairman of the Russian Mufties Council.




Personally the Head of the Russian Government repeated good wishes to Russian Muslims and confirmed his confidence that and tomorrow our country “will need rich moral potential of Islam, stronger friendship among nations and peoples will strengthen and interfaith cooperation will develop”.

At the meeting with the Chairman of RMC Mufti Sheikh Ravil Gainutdin Vladimir Putin said about today's events in Vladikavkaz:

“The attack in Vladikavkaz claimed again the lives of people. Undoubtedly, those who do it are people without soul and heart. They have literally nothing sacred. Our common duty is to fight with these crimes and these criminals, and we mostly count on the Muslim population of Russia who will make a decisive contribution to this struggle.”

The Russian Mufties Council expressed its attitude to the events in a today statement.

We offer our readers a transcript of the part of the conversation in the residence of the spiritual leader of Russian Muslims.

Vladimir Putin: Dear Mufti, first of all, I want to congratulate You and all Russian Muslims on the holiday of Uraza Bayram. Last night I met with the Patriarch of Moscow and All Russia, Kirill. He, knowing about my current plans, asked me to congratulate You and wish all the best on his behalf again.

Mufti R. Gainutdin: Special pleasure.

V. Putin: Uraza Bayram is a special holiday. Not only because you can eat after Ramadan, but primarily because it leads to the improvement of a man who has passed certain tests, withstood these tests. No wonder that this day Allah gave Prophet Muhammad the first verses of the Koran. Uraza Bayram is a special holiday because this day people help each other, remember the problems of each other and give help to those who need it. I noticed that this day people ask each other forgiveness. This is a special holiday. It is a bright holiday, a holiday of friendship, solidarity and support of each other, a feast of the world.

In this regard it is especially sad to say that there are still people who even in this bright holiday commit such heinous crimes, which occurred today in Vladikavkaz. As a result of the attack people were killed again. Undoubtedly, those who do it are people without soul and heart. They have literally nothing sacred. Our common duty is to fight with these crimes and these criminals, and we mostly count on the Muslim population of Russia who will make a decisive contribution to this struggle. I know how Muslims treat such extremists. We feel their support, especially in the North Caucasus region, we see it. We are grateful for this support and hope that together we will overcome all these difficulties.

Mufti R. Gainutdin: Inshallah. Dear Vladimir Vladimirovich! On behalf of our Muslims, Russians, I would like to express to you our sinceregratitude for your congratulations we received. Today I had the opportunity to convey it to all Muslims of Russia and congratulate them on holiday of Uraza Bayram.

Those words, which were expressed in your letter, your message of congratulations, they really correspond to that we have interethnic and interreligious peace in Russia. And Muslims have contributed to the development of spirituality and morality in our country and in the future will also contribute to the preservation of peace throughout the country.

On visiting the North Caucasus, I meet with Muslims and hear from them the words of pride to be first who rose up against the extremists and terrorists. If Muslims had not started the fight with extremists and terrorists it would be hard to our federal forces to be on the territory of the Chechen Republic. Therefore, my brothers, Chechens, and Dagestan, Ingush, and say: "We have preserved the unity and integrity from the south, we did not let our country to be dismembered from the south”. And I assure you, we all - the Muslim clergy and ordinary believers are for Russia to be a single, coherent, strong and respected country in the world. And in the future we will also continue combat religious extremists, terrorists.

Today you said that, unfortunately, even in our holiday inhuman monsters commit such crimes. Today, we express our deep condolences to all those who lost their loved ones. In my holiday sermon I said that the Prophet Muhammad, referring to Muslims, said: "If anyone sheds the blood, kills an innocent person it is regarded as the destruction of the Kaaba itself." So great this sin is against our Creator!

I reminded today to my brothers and sisters, that we must preserve peace, must deal with the evils that exist. Do not spill blood and kill innocent people.

I think the faithful heard. And those who do not come to churches and do not attend mosques - they do not get in the way of instruction and they are enemies of our religion, enemies of our society. Therefore, I, expressing the gratitude to you for your greetings of Muslims, strongly condemned the terrorists who are even on a holiday does not stop, can not without bloodshed and without the propagation of hatred between our citizens.

I am sure our Russian society is mature. And our Muslims, our citizens, the Russians will not allow the spread of this phenomenon on the territory of our country. We will wage a serious fight with extremists and terrorists.

V. Putin: Dear Mufti, thank you very much for your words of condolence and for this courageous position. I know how many Muslim clerics have suffered at the hands of terrorists, clearly and openly stating their position on the rejection of terrorism and extremism. Indeed, in the Russian Federation - and it is rich in its diversity: it is multi-denominational, multi-ethnic country that is its strength - Muslims live throughout the country. In traditional Muslim areas, where Muslims live predominantly, only half the Muslims live, well, slightly more than half.

R. Gainutdin: Yes.

V. Putin: Over 40% of Muslims live in other regions of the Russian Federation. And the crimes committed in the same way that occurred today in Vladikavkaz, aimed at spreading discord between our citizens. And we do not have the right to allow this.

Of course, first and foremost a crucial role in this fight belongs the Muslims themselves. We thank You for this position. And, of course, we will work hard together, hand in hand to eradicate these phenomena completely.

During the meeting, Ravil Gainutdin informed the Prime Minister about preparations for the May 2011 Moscow European Muslim Summit and about interest in the centuries-old experience of peaceful and neighborly living in Russia people professing different religions. V. Putin promised to inform about such a significant event of the President of Russia D. Medvedev.

Prime Minister promised to support the construction of Muslim shrines in Russia, including Moscow and the Olympic capital - Sochi, where a temporary mosque should be constructed at the time of the 2014 Olympics and a worthy shrine for Muslims living in the city. The

Chairman of the Russian Mufties Council on behalf of Russian Muslims expressed thanks for the attention and support from the leadership of the country.

Islam in Russia Can Serve As An Example For The World Umma

- Dear Ravil hazrat! Yesterday came to an end the work of the second session of the “ Russia – Islamic World” Strategic Vision Group. The meeting took place in the capital of Tatarstan. What factor was the major one in the work of the Group?

- The Strategic Vision Group is a consultative body aimed at broadening the cooperation between Russia and Islamic states.

Kazan city was chosen not by mere coincidence. Citizens of Tatarstan are represented by various nationalities and religions. Through centuries people of Tatarstan through their way of life, positive and constructive activities strengthened Islamic state and interreligious relations. And this to a great extent is due to the wisdom and insight of multinational people of the Republic of Tatarstan and its government.

The topic of our discussion “ Russia – Islamic world” was rather timely. Truly, life of modern multiethnic and multiconfessional society, including Russian Muslims, is many-sided and diverse; it’s full of uneasiness and hopes, difficulties and contradictions. Let alone alarming events on the world scene, among which are Israel – Lebanon and Palestine – Israel war conflicts that lead to deaths of innocent civil people.

Among the topics discussed on the session were complicated and diverse processes of economic and social reforms that take place in our country, formation of multipolar democratic Russian society, its spiritual and moral revival. All these processes are diversely evaluated both by world society and our compatriots, including Russian Muslims.

The collapse of the “country of developed socialism” lead to development of serious battle on the world arena for the ideas of what the future world should be. Nowadays a lot of words are being said about the confrontation of civilizations, many try to counter Islamic civilization with the Christian one. In fact, there is no religious confrontation between traditional monotheistic religions: Islam, Christianity, and Judaism.

This was unanimously and vociferously declared by leaders, heads and representatives of world religions on the Summit of Religious Leaders that passed in Moscow in July 2006. They also affirmed the Appeal to the Heads of the States and the World Society that sounded “to dialogue and cooperation, no to interreligious confrontation!”

Islam is without prejudice to any human rights and freedoms, but discrimination is often assigned to Islam by antislamists. Islam, on the contrary, opposes only moral and spiritual corruption of a person, it cares about natural decrease of population, death from alcoholism and drugs, AIDS and other evil sides of “free” world: immorality and all-permissiveness.

- What was declared on this significant event on the part of Russian Muslims? What did you stress on?

- We, Muslims of Russia are against xenophobia, extremism, terrorism and attempts to justify them religiously, these phenomena are alien to our religion, and we oppose antagonism based on politics, nationality and religion that introduces enmity among confessions and peoples. Islam does not divide nations to better and worse. Our Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him and mercy) proclaimed: “Oh people! Isn’t your Lord single? Don’t you have the only father? Has an Arab advantage over non-Arab? Or has non-Arab advantage over an Arab? Or the black-skinned over white-skinned or vice versa? The advantage is only in fear of God and devotion.”

It is of common knowledge that Islam gave the world the teaching of equality and brotherhood of all people and nations, the teaching of the human right to choose religion freely, teaching of an agreement as the best form of peace coexistence of people and nations of different religions and believes, based on preservation of identity of cultures and traditions of all people on Earth based on he principles of equal rights, mutual respect and cooperation. For the overwhelming majority of Muslims all around the world the priority way is the way of multipolar world, the way of unity of the world society through mutual enrichment of confessional and national cultures. The Holy Quran cites: “Oh people! We crested you as men and women and made you nations and tribes for you to cognize each other. Truly the most noble of you to Allah is the most pietistic. Allah, truly, is Knowing and Conversant” (49:13).

Great amount of work is being done in Russia muties Council aimed at strengthening of stability in our Russia , building civil society. Was the position of RMC conveyed to the participants of the session of the “ Russia – Islamic World” Strategic vision Group?

Yes, it was. Moreover, it was particularly stressed that as one of the ways of opposing radicalism RMC considers rising the level of religious education and training Muslim clergymen, introducing into Muslim ethnic cultural environment modern bases of religious and moral culture. Spread through educational enterprises, mass media, and message of spiritual leaders religious traditions of historical Islamic theological thought of Russia, the works of great Tatar enlighteners at the turn of the XIX-XX centuries – Mardjani, Bigiev, Kamaleddin, Gasprinskiy and other ideologists of djadidizm, who appealed for peace and love, tolerance and mutual respect. And it is worthy of note, that the same thesis was stated by professor doctor Ekmeleddin Ihsanoglu during his latter visit to our country and to Russia muftis Council.

“Russian Muslims are not in need of import of other ideologies, Russian Islam develops in conditions of high educational level of the citizens of the country as a whole including Muslims, it has true, moderate character and can to a great extent be a model for the world ummah.”, he said.

- How does Russia mufties Council cooperate with the state authorities in the country’s unanimity affair? In what way does RMC build its international activities?

- Russia muftis Council shares the efforts of our country’s authorities, the activities of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in their striving to a colder integration of Russian Muslims into world Muslim society. Yet we also have to acknowledge that the possibilities and potential of Russian Muslims, their spiritual centers are not sufficiently used in the relations with Muslim countries. Yet, the RMC’s activities within the framework of “national diplomacy”, our summit meetings with state, social and religious leaders of Islamic world, that took part in RMC residence, such as meetings with:

- Palestine leaders of politic movements “Hamas” who visited our country by invitation of President Vladimir Putin;

- Mahmud Abbas, head of Palestine Administration;

- Bulent Arynchem, chairman of Parliament of Turkey;

- Saad Hariri, head of majority fraction of Lebanon Parliament;

- Abdalla ben Khaled Al Khalif, deputy Prime-minister of Bahrain , Islam and wakf Minister;

- Ayatolla Muhammad Ali Tashiri, general secretary of World Organization of convergence of mazhabs;

- Abdullah Gyul, vice- Prime-Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of Turkey;

- Abdullah Al’-Maatuk, Islam affairs and wakf Minister of Kuwait;

- prince Salman ben Abdel Aziz Al Saud, head of Council of royal family of Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, governor of Riyadh province;

And with many other, all of them speak for themselves and prove the effectiveness of such “people’s diplomacy” in the development of cooperation of Russia and Islamic world.

These meetings, communication and talks gave notable results and contribute to further strengthening of policy and authority of our country’s course aimed at convergence with Islamic world, at good neighborhood, mutually beneficial partnership to the benefit of peace and cooperation.

It’s not a secret that both in Russian Empire and in the Soviet Union the role of the informal organizations and the “people’s diplomacy” in the strengthening the influence of Russia in a particular region was highly esteemed. We are sure that the existing historical experience in Russia should be developed on the basis of modern geopolitical realties with use of social activity and patriotism of Russia Muslims.

- Ravil hazrat, as the head of Russia muftis Council how do you evaluate the results of the second session of the “ Russia – Islamic World” Strategic Vision Group?

- the session was on a high level. RMC looks in future with confidence and optimism, we are inspired by the strategic course of our country, declared by the President: “ Russia as a unique Eurasian state has always played special role in the building of relations between the East and the West. And I’m sure that our interaction within OIC today can well become a most important element of fair and secure peace. It can provide for the ground for non-conflict decision of many international and regional problems”

that “today our country’s cooperation with Muslim states is developing symbolically, embraces economic, humanitarian and cultural spheres. Based on the principles of respect and openness, such partnership works for the benefit pf stability and security in the world, serves as an example for religious dialogue” said the president of the Russian Federation in his opening speech of during the opening ceremony of our session.

During the centuries Russia , populated by millions of people “relating themselves to traditions adherers, is closely connected to Islamic world by numerous ties” reminded the head of the state.

”The session will open new possibilities for establishing fruitful contacts of social, business and religious associations and, of course, will contribute to strengthening of our common position of rejection of extremism and interethnic and international discord”, - noted the president.

And nowadays all we, state and public figures, religious leaders and all common citizens of our country bear great responsibility for the strengthening of unity and solidarity of peoples of our country independently of national and religious identity, in the name of Peace and Justice as it is said in the Holy Quran: “And this is my straight way; so follow it and don’t follow other ways for them not to set you apart from His way. This has he devised to you – may be you will be god-fearing! ” (6:154,153)

Russian Muslims Call for Ban on Valentine’s Day

khaleejtimes.com
(AFP)

11 February 2010

MOSCOW - Muslim leaders in Russia have called for believers to boycott Saint Valentine’s Day, saying it “preaches universal permissiveness, amorality and nihilism.”

A council of Muslim leaders in Russia’s Nizhny Novgorod region released a statement Wednesday calling for a “ban” on celebrating Valentine’s Day, which is growing in popularity in Russia although it is not an official holiday.

“We call on all believers and sensible people to say no to celebrating this day, since it contradicts not only the norms of Islam, but also recognised human morality,” the statement said.

The Muslim leaders also appealed to head teachers at the region’s schools to cancel celebrations for “moral and ethical reasons.”

Little known a decade ago, Valentine’s Day is now big business in Russia, with stores selling heart-shaped trinkets and cards and restaurants laying on special menus.

THE END

VOICE OF GLOBAL UMMAH
Volume 149, September 19, 2010
St. Louis, Missouri, USA

Editors: Mohamed & Rashida Ziauddin

In the Name of Allah, the Most Beneficent and the Most Merciful

Editorial:

While Islam is the fastest growing religion in the world, there is also a minority of anti-Muslims who are attempting to demonize the peaceful religion of Islam. Their hate of Islam is exhibited in various ways. In this E-Zine, we are focusing on web-based anti-Islamic pages through the social networking site of Facebook and other sites. We thank Sister. Jabeen Mubasheshera for forwarding below e-mail and the authors of the below article are Khalid Baig, Shakir Parvez Khan and Shadman Saquib. We have also highlighted two organizations within the United States (United Voices of America and Council of American-Islamic Relations) who have been advocates for the American Ummah.

PART I:

(RESPONDING TO ANTI-ISLAMIC PAGES/WEBSITES)

Brothers and Sisters:

(those from the disbelievers who love to mock and slander) would continue to create more and more of such blasphemous anti-Islamic pages as they know nothing else but to abuse and slander. The more we react to them the more they are prompted by their Shaytaan to create such pages. Remember that this is exactly their plot to make us boil with anger and in the process lose our focus on our Da'wah and Is'lah activities. When we come across any Anti-Islamic Page/Group on Facebook, the first thing we do is tell our friends to report it. But little of us do realize that we are actually helping the very Anti-Islamic Page/Group that we are trying to fight.

In the click-click world of the Internet, the first thing most people will do is click on the URL, thereby increasing the hit counts and boasting the morale of the site owners. Second, it will help it with search engine placement, as some of them will use the increased curiosity traffic as a sign of popularity. You just helped create the monster you wanted to fight! It is very easy to setup a Facebook Fan Page/Group. It is very difficult to draw traffic to it.

The most anti-Islamic Page/Group will die if it faces a frozen counter. That would happen if you just leave it alone.

But if you are out there telling everyone about it and asking them to report, you are in effect volunteering as their publicity department. That is exactly what they need. It is a common sense. If you don't want people to visit a site/page/group, just don't tell them about it. If there is a well-established site (like CNN) it makes sense to launch a protest campaign. But for most of the sites the prudent course is just the opposite. Leave it alone.

Let it die of neglect. A natural death.

The greater the lack of attention, the faster will be the death of this would be monster. So the next time you receive an alert letter about an anti-Islamic site Facebook Page or Group, just delete it. If you respond to the sender, do not include the original text of his alert email, because even that may help some search engine ranking.

There were thousands of anti-Islamic websites sites and anti Islamic Facebook Page/Group that sprang up recently but died soon after because, luckily, our enthusiasts had not noticed them and had not publicized them through their alert letters. The ones that receive the alert letter mention will, unfortunately, survive and may thrive.

So, then what is a better alternative?

1. We should instantly report the page without informing others.

2. We should instantly share instead a link to our favorite Islamic page here on facebook as our status and ask our friends to join.

So, what will this accomplish?

1. We will have the page reported.

2. We will not unintentionally become its marketing agents.

3. We will prevent the page from becoming popular by the number of clicks/likes it would have gotten, therefore increasing the probability of it getting deleted by facebook.

4. We will save our Brothers/Sisters in Islam from seeing inappropriate material.

5. We will save our Brothers/Sisters in Islam from getting angry.

6. We will save our Brothers/Sisters in Islam from responding against the teachings of Islam.

7. By sharing the link to our favorite Islamic page instead & asking our fb friends to join, we will be doing Da'wah - which is an obligation upon all Muslims.

8. For all the friends who join our favorite Islamic page & learn/follow the teachings, we will Insha'Allah gain the same amount of good deeds as them without any extra effort.

9. We will all instead use our time wisely and properly.

10. We will all become better Muslims Insha'Allah. There maybe more benefits, but let's start following this from now onwards so that we can prevent another anti-Islamic (e.g Draw Muhammad Day) situation - at least on Facebook. Insha'Allah. On the Internet, the best use of your energies is to promote the good Islamic sites.

Let the good drive out the evil.

Please help spread this message by sharing it on your profile/Islamic pages.

JazakumAllahu khayran. : )

and Allâh (Subhanahu Wa Ta'ala) knows best.

By Khalid Baig, Shakir Parvez Khan, Shadman Saquib - Manners in Islam

PART II:

(Ed Note:
We appeal to the American Ummah to support United Voices of America (UVO) who are doing a great job to advocate for minorities in America. Below is a condensed version of an e-mail received from UVO.)

UNITED VOICES OF AMERICA
(unitedvoices.com)
Sept 3, 2010
Manal Fakhoury
Board Chair
United Voices for America

As the mid-term election season heats up, right-wing extremists are getting tons of media attention. The recent Republican primaries across the country saw ultra-conservative candidates who seem to want to turn the U.S. into a Christian nation with little or no diversity. Some conservative Democrats are even stepping into the fray, running against centrist Democratic incumbents.

GET A FREE T-SHIRT NOW WHEN YOU MAKE A TAX DEDUCTIBLE DONATION

With this so-called anti-establishment sentiment saturating the airwaves and the Web, political discussion in this country has become startlingly racially-charged - the Manhattan Muslim community center (fabricated) being a striking and sinister example of this.

You might wonder how some elements of the tea-party movement has so quickly wedged itself into the political sphere this election season; how, despite the lack of an actual political platform (other than being pro-Christian, anti-minority, anti-government, anti-tax, and angry) they've secured the mainstream media's ear. You might wonder how Muslims and people of color can garner the same kind of attention.

Protesting may seem like a direct route to change, but in the long term it won't cause a lasting impact. The answer is engaging in the process. During the last week of Ramadan, please help United Voices bring better representation of the real America to the political sphere. By donating to United Voices, you help us carry out our mission of training young minorities on all aspects of policy making - from community organizing to lobbying and the process of drafting legislation

This is a critical moment in American history. Help steer this country in the right direction by donating to United Voices today.

Thank you for your continued Support,

Manal Fakhoury
Board Chair
United Voices for America

United Voices For America (www.unitedvoices.com) is a non-profit, non-partisan civic engagement organization dedicated to increasing minority participation in the political process. We're an IRS section 501c3 approved tax-exempt organization, donations are 100% tax deductible. Our tax id is 26-3167994.

PART III

COUNCIL ON AMERICAN-ISLAMIC RELATIONS
(www.cair.com)

According to Wikipedia:
"The Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) is America's largest Muslim civil liberties advocacy organization that deals with civil advocacy and promotes Cairo Declaration of Human Rights in Islam. It is headquartered on Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C., with regional offices nationwide and in Canada

Through media relations, lobbying, and education, CAIR presents what it views as an Islamic perspective on issues of importance to the American public, and seeks to empower the American Muslim community and encourage its social and political activism. Annual banquets, through which CAIR raises the majority of its funds, are attended by American politicians, statesmen, interfaith leaders, activists and media personalities

(ED NOTE:
COUNCIL ON AMERICAN ISLAMIC RELATIONS - CAIR has been an excellent advocacy organization for the American Ummah and below is a condensed version of an e-mail titled "Good News" received (Sept 9, 2010) from their Executive Director Nihad Awad).

As-salamu alaykum. (Peace be to you.)

I would like to ask you to take a moment and watch the television public service announcements -- or PSAs -- CAIR created this week. I believe it will leave you feeling proud to be an American Muslim.

Already these PSAs, which were only released a few days ago, are having an impact. Initial reports show that more than 12 million people have viewed CAIR’s PSAs on TV. One of them was featured on the Yahoo! homepage, which resulted in more than 400,000 viewings. On YouTube there are already more than 80,000 views.

As you can see, the announcements strike directly at the massive smear campaign currently being waged in an effort to de-legitimize Muslims in the United States.

Corey Saylor, CAIR

Believe it or not, these PSAs went from conception to distribution in only a week and a half. They have now been distributed to some 800 television stations nationwide, and have been featured in segments like this one on CNN.

Right now, in these last few days of Ramadan when an active good deed is rewarded multiple times, I ask you to take a few minutes and donate to CAIR. Remember, all contributions to CAIR are both zakat-eligible and tax-deductible.

Muslim-bashers are raising funds to purchase ads to smear Islam. Our campaign is designed to turn the tide. We've started to see positive results. If everyone donates, we will reach our goal of $180,000, which we need to do our work.

Please consider giving $5,000, $2,500, $1,000, $500, $250, $100, $50, $25, or whatever you can. We appreciate any contribution you give. All contributions to CAIR are both zakat-eligible and tax-deductible.

You can donate online or send a check to CAIR at 453 New Jersey Ave, S.E., Washington, D.C., 20003. (cair.com)

We are confident that with your help we will reach our goal insha'Allah.

Your decision to lend your financial support to the campaign to promote these PSAs can help American Muslims define ourselves to people like those who live around you. You and I both know that a lot of what our neighbors learn about Islam comes from television -- why not help ensure that message is positive?

So are you up for the challenge? Will you be one of those who help CAIR make sure these TV ads are viewed by as many people as possible?

DONATE

Sincerely,

Nihad Awad
CAIR National Executive Director

P.S. Please send this appeal to your friends and family and post on Facebook, Twitter, and other such sites. Follow up with them to make sure they take action.

To learn more about us, visit our website to see our vision, mission and core principles as well as CAIR at-a-glance detailing information about CAIR. You can also read about CAIR national board and key staff and see the leaders of each of our 35 chapters.

THE END

VOICE OF GLOBAL UMMAH
Volume 148, September 12, 2010
St. Louis, Missouri, USA

Editors: Mohamed & Rashida Ziauddin

In the Name of Allah, the Most Beneficent and the Most Merciful

Editorial:

Now that the Holy month of Ramadan for 2010 has just completed, how best can we continue and diversify the same special spirit in our personal lives for the remaining months until the next Ramadan ? For Muslims specially those who live in non-Muslim countries, the frequency of interaction among Muslims during the month of Ramadan through the process of get together on a daily basis for Iftars and/or Tarawi is significant. Below article sheds light on what best we could do after Ramadan.

The Time for Righteous Resolutions
Muhammad Nizami
(islam21c.com)

With the passing of Ramadan, many of us have been left with a deep feeling of sorrow and regret since the month of forgiveness has passed and its potential never realised. Although this sense of lamentation can occupy the psychological state of a believer, to look forward to future progression is more beneficial than lamenting over missed opportunities – a principle that is found within the Qur’an and Sunnah:

“Indeed those things that are good remove those that are evil” [1] and

“Fear Allah wherever you may be, and follow up a bad deed with a good one in order to wipe it away...”[2]

Hence, the believers constantly drive to progress their state of ubudiyyah (servitude) to their Lord, and if they happen to fall short they swiftly establish a means by which to replace that shortcoming with a deed of righteousness.

However, turning to Allah after a failing requires a state of determination which the believer adopts through realising both the mercy of Allah and the ability of human beings to attain that mercy, and given that the month of mercy (Ramadan) has ended, the believer, instead of being in a state of loss, should take on a firm resolve not only to continue with the good works committed during Ramadan, but to establish a resolute plan consisting of good works which will continue throughout the year.


Significantly, the month of Ramadan itself acts as a strong proof against those who claim a lack of time to commit to God, since a continuous commitment to establish the five daily prayers, stand during the night prayer (Taraweeh) as well as frequently engaging in the remembrance of Allah during Ramadan demonstrates that we have do have the ability to devote specific amounts of time during the day to worship.

In order to continue the culture of righteousness that is fostered during the month of fasting, we must make these days directly proceeding Ramadan a time of firm resolve, since anything less will be unable to ensure the lasting continuance of established worship. Similarly, a lack of firm resolve inevitably leads to failure since non-commitment is always unable to yield fruit – something which only comes about with patience, it being the foundation of a determined resolution. Allah, in discussing the downfall of a weak resolve says,

“We had already, beforehand, taken the covenant of Adam, but he forgot, and We found on his part no firm resolve.”

The term al azm in Arabic is generally used to mean firm resolution, although Al Tabari states in his exegesis that exegetes differed with regards to the meaning of azm in the aforementioned verse. Some (such as Qatadah) stated that it meant patience whilst others (such as Atiyyah) stated it meant protection, in that the Prophet Adam failed to protect the covenant he made with God.


Abu Ja’far said, “the basis of azm is the belief and resolve of the heart towards something, and thus it is said, ‘so and so azama to do something’, that is, he resolved to do something and intended it; and from the conviction of the heart about something is to protect it and have patience with respect to it, since the apprehensive individual does not lose patience except with a spiritless heart which weakens him. If this is so, there is no meaning for this state more appropriate than that elucidated by Allah the Most High when he said:


“And We found on his part no firm resolve”[4]

We further find that the principle of patience in remaining steadfast is a key aspect of a firm resolution as Allah says,

“Therefore patiently persevere, as did those of inflexible resolve, and be in no haste about the Unbelievers.” [5]

This pairing of patience and strong resolution is also found in the advice of Luqman (upon him be peace) to his son when he said,


“O my son! Establish regular prayer, enjoin what is just, and forbid what is wrong: and bear with patient constancy whatever betide thee; for this is firm resolve in (the conduct of) affairs.” [6]

It is such strong resolve that is needed in order to maintain a culture of ubudiyyah outside of Ramadan so as to make it a norm and not a short-lived occurrence since Allah the Most high loves that which is done often although it be little.


A’isha narrated, “Once the Prophet came 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) praying. He said disapprovingly, "Do (good) deeds which is within your capacity (without being overtaxed) as Allah does not get tired (of giving rewards) but (surely) you will get tired and the best deed (act of worship) in the sight of Allah is that which is done regularly.”[7]


In light of this hadith, here is a brief list of forms of worship that we can resolve to establish, using them as a basis for further spiritual growth.

FASTING:

A good starting point from which to continue with the blessings of Ramadan is to fast six days during the month of Shawwal. Abu Ayyub Al Ansari narrated that the:

Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) said, “He who fasts Ramadan and the six (fasts) of Shawwal, it will be (in terms of rewards) as if the fasted a whole year.”[8]

Proceeding these fasts, a beginning point for believers to establish a continuous system of fasting would be to commit to fasting during the ayaam al beedh which comprise of the 13th, 14th, and 15th of every (Islamic) month. Additionally, it is also from the sunnah to observe fasting every Monday and Thursday – something Ramadan has proved is easy to commit to.

SALAH:

Ramadan, in having been the month in which millions of Muslims established regular supererogatory prayers, has clearly demonstrated that we have the ability to attach a sense of importance to the nawafil (supererogatory) prayers.


Abu Hurairah narrates that the Prophet (peace be upon him said), “Allah the Almighty has said: 'Whosoever acts with enmity towards a closer servant of Mine, I will indeed declare war against him. Nothing endears My servant to Me than doing of what I have made obligatory upon him to do. And My servant continues to draw nearer to Me with supererogatory (nawafil) prayers so that I shall love him. When I love him, I shall be his hearing with which he shall hear, his sight with which he shall see, his hands with which he shall hold, and his feet with which he shall walk. And if he asks (something) of Me, I shall surely give it to him, and if he takes refuge in Me, I shall certainly grant him it.'”[9]


Furthermore, we should aim to offer the obligatory prayers on time and in congregation, intended to join the congregation on time before the takbirat al ihram (the first takbir of the prayer).

QUR'AN

The verse “the month of Ramadan in which the Qur’an was revealed”[10] draws a direct relationship between Ramadan and the Qur’an, and given that it is:


“A Scripture that We have revealed to you, blessed, so that they may ponder its verses/signs, and that men of understanding may reflect,”[11] ,


we should attempt to dedicate time to contemplate its meanings, learn the rules of recitation, and commit to its memorisation.


It is reported that Abdullah bin Urwah bin Al Zubair said, “I asked my grandmother Asmaa (may Allah be pleased with her), ‘How did the Companions of the Messenger of Allah behave when they heard the Quran?’ She replied, ‘their eyes would shed tears and they would tremble (out of fear) just as Allah described them.’” [12]

To dedicate even a few pages a day will prove extremely rewarding, and considering the amount of time we waste with banal trivialities, surely the word of God should take precedence over other things we do wherever we may be, whether on the train, the bus, on a break at work, or simply lounging around at home.

Notes:


Source: www.islam21c.com


[1] Surah Hud 11:114
[2] Ahmad and Al Tirmidhi on the authority of Abu Dharr Al Ghifari (may Allah be pleased with him).
[3] Surah Taha 20:115
[4] See Tafsir Al Tabari.
[5] Surah Al Ahqaf 46:35
[6] Surah Luqman 31:17
[7] Al Bukhari
[8] Reported by Muslim, Al Tirmidhi, Abu Dawud, Ahmad, and Ibn Majah.
[9] Al Bukhari
[10] Surah Al Baqarah 2:185
[11] Surah Sad 38:29
[12] Al-Bayhaqi, Shu’b Al Imaan; Ibn Al Mubarak, Al Zuhd wa Al Raqa`iq.

(ED NOTE:
Additional questions and answers listed below from Islamic Mailing Group)

WHEN SHOULD A MUSLIM START FASTING SIX DAYS OF SHAWWAAL ?

You can start fasting six days of Shawwaal from the second day of Shawwaal, because it is haraam to fast on the day of Eid.

You can fast the six days at any time during Shawwaal, although the best of good deeds are those which are done soonest.

The standing committee received the following question:

Should fasting the six days be done immediately after Ramadaan, following the day of Eid or is it permissible to do it a few days after Eid in the month of Shawwaal or not?

They replied as follows:

These days do not have to be fasted immediately after Eid al-Fitr; it is permissible to start fasting them one or more days after Eid, and they may be done consecutively or separately during the month of Shawwaal, according to what is easier for a person. There is plenty of room for maneuver in this matter, and this is not obligatory, it is Sunnah.

Fataawa al-Lajnah al-Daaimah, 10/391

CAN A PERSON START FASTING SIX DAYS OF SHAWWAAL WHEN HE STILL HAS DAYS TO MAKE UP FROM RAMADAAN ?

If a person fasts six days of Shawwaal after Ramadaan when he has not yet completed the Ramadaan fast because he did not fast ten days of Ramadaan for a legitimate reason will he have the same reward as a person who fasted all of Ramadaan and followed it with six days of Shawwaal, i.e. will he be like a person who fasted for a lifetime? Please explain to us, may Allaah reward you with good.

The precise rewards for the deeds which people do for the sake of Allaah is something which is known only to Allaah. If a person seeks the reward from Allaah and strives to obey Him, his reward will not be lost, as Allaah says (interpretation of the meaning):


"We shall not make the reward of anyone who does his (righteous) deeds in the most perfect manner to be lost." [al-Kahf 18:30].


If someone has missed some of the days of Ramadaan, he should fast them first, then fast six days of Shawwaal, because he cannot follow the fast of Ramadaan with six days of Shawwaal unless he has completed his Ramadaan fast.
Fataawa al-Lajnah al-Daaimah, 10/392

SHOULD A WOMAN START WITH MAKING UP MISSED FASTS FROM RAMADAAN OR WITH SIX DAYS OF SHAWWAAL?

What should a woman do first: fast the six recommended days of Shawwal ( Alayam Alsetta Albeed) or fast equivalent to the days she missed in Ramadan due to her monthly period?

If she wants to earn the reward mentioned in the hadeeth of the Prophet sallallaahu alayhi wa sallam ( may Allaah exalt his mention ) (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him),

"Whoever fasts Ramadaan then follows it with six days of Shawwaal, it will be as if he fasted for a lifetime"

(Reported by Muslim, no. 1984), then she should complete her Ramadaan fasts first, then follow it with six days of Shawwaal, so that the hadeeth with be applicable to her too, and she will gain the reward mentioned in it.

As regards the matter of permissibility, it is permissible for her to delay making up her Ramadaan fasts, provided that she makes them up before the next Ramadaan comes along.

Sheikh Muhammed Salih Al-Munajjid

Source: islamqa.com

THE END

VOICE OF GLOBAL UMMAH

September 10, 2010
St. Louis, Missouri, USA

SPECIAL EDITION FOR RAMADAN:

Editors: Mohamed & Rashida Ziauddin

In the Name of Allah, the Most Beneficent and the Most Merciful

EDITORIAL:

Dear Brothers and Sisters of the GLOBAL UMMAH:

We wish you a blessed Eid. May your prayers, fasting and charity be accepted. May Allah bless us to continue the spirit of Ramadan beyond the Ramadan.

On this Special Edition of Ramadan, we would like to highlight an article on an Orphan's Eid (islamicvoice.com).

AN ORPHAN'S EID
(islamicvoice.com)

It was the day of celebration and a day of rejoicing. There was an air of festivity in the streets of Medina. All the people, both young and old were dressed in their best clothes, especially for this special day of Ramadhan Eid.

As it was time for early morning Ramadhan Eid prayers everyone made their way to an open piece of land on the outskirts of the city of Medina.

Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) arrived and led the prayers. After they had finished they all greeted each other and everyone was walking back home. The children running and playing in excitement, smiling and laughing, without a care in the world.

As Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) walked back home, he suddenly became aware of a little boy sitting by himself on the side of the path.

The little boy was crying and looked very sad.

The Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) bent down and patted him on the shoulders and asked "why are you crying?"

"Please leave me alone" sobbed the little boy.

The boy didn't even see who was talking to him.

The Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) ran his fingers through the boys hair and very gently and kindly asked him again why he was crying.

This time the boy said, "My father was martyred fighting, and now my mother has married again and my stepfather does not want me to live at home any more.

Today is Ramadhan Eid and everyone is happy. All the children have new clothes and nice things to eat, but I don't have any clothes except what I am wearing. I have no food and I dont even have a place to live"

Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) said to him, "I know how you feel, I lost both my mother and father when I was a little boy."

The boy was surprised to hear that it was an orphan who was comforting him, and when he looked up to his great surprise it was the Prophet Muhammad (pbuh), and he immediately jumped up to his feet out of love and respect.

Prophet Muhammad (Pbuh) was the benefactor of mankind. He felt sorrowful on listening to the pitiable tale of the boy.

He patted him affectionately and asked, “Would you like to have me as your father, Aisha (R) as your mother, Ali (R) as your uncle and Hasan (R) and Husain (R) as your brothers?”

The boy was dumb-founded for a moment.

Then he said, “Why not, Oh Rasoolullah?”

After that, Rasoolullah (Pbuh) took the boy to his house. Hazrat Aisha (R) felt happy to see the boy. She gave him a cold water bath, dressed him up in new clothes and fed him to his heart’ content.

The boys happiness knew no bounds. He ran out of the house to join and play with other children. The boys quizzed him, “You were so dirty a short while ago. How come you are so well-dressed and happy now.”

The boy replied! “I was hungry and thirsty. Rasulullah (Pbuh) fed me. I was an orphan, but now, Prophet Muhammad (Pbuh) is my father and Hazrat Aisha is my mother. I am no longer an orphan.”

When the boys listened to his detailed account, they gasped and exclaimed with one voice, “Oh lord! Had our parents got killed in the Jihad, we would have also got such humane parents.”

Really, Eid seemed to be much more pleasant to the boy, who had got new parents.

Moral: We should think of others that are less fortunate than ourselves on this beautiful day of Ramadhan Eid.

Not everyone has such a wonderful day.

It is a day of celebration, but take a moment to stop and think of those who are less fortunate than ourselves by following the Sunnah of our Prophet Muhammad (pbuh).

VOICE OF GLOBAL UMMAH
Volume 147, September 5, 2010
St. Louis, Missouri, USA

Editors: Mohamed & Rashida Ziauddin

In the Name of Allah, the Most Beneficent and the Most Merciful

EDITORIAL:

In continuing the spirit of Ramadan, this issue's focus is on Lailatul-Qadr and Zakatul-fitr / Sadaqah Al-fitr. We would like to share below articles obtained from e-mail of Islamic Mailing Group.

LAILATUL-QADR

Its excellence is great, since in this night the Noble Qur'aan was sent down, which leads one who clings to it, to the path of honour and nobility, and raises him to the summit of distinction and everlasting life. The Muslims who adhere strictly to the Sunnah of Allaah's Messenger SAW do not raise flags on this night, nor suspend colourful decorations. Rather they vie in standing during it (Lailatul-Qadr) in Prayer out of sincere faith and hoping for reward. Here, O Muslim, are the Qur'aanic Aayaat and authentic prophetic ahaadeeth referring to this night:

* IT'S EXCELLENCE:

As regards its excellence it is more than sufficient to mention that Lailatul-Qadr is better than a thousand months, He, the Mighty and Majestic, says:

" Verily! We have sent it (this Qur'aan) down in the Night of Decree (Lailatul-Qadr). And what will make you know what the Night of Decree is? The Night of Decree is better than a thousand months. Therein descend the angels and the Rooh (i.e. Gabriel) by Allaah's Permission with all Decrees, Peace! until the appearance of dawn." (Al-Qadr 97: 1-5)

And in it every decreed matter for the year is conveyed, He, the Most High says:

" We sent it (this Qur'aan) down on a blessed Night. Verily, We are ever warning (mankind of Our Torment). Therein (that Night) is decreed every matter of ordainment. Amran (i.e. a command or this Qur'aan or His Decree of every matter) from Us. Verily, We are ever sending (the Messenger). (As) a Mercy from your Lord. Verily! He is the All-Hearer, the All-Knower." (Ad-Dukhaan 44: 3-6)

* WHEN IS IT ?

It is reported from the Prophet SAW that it is within the twenty-first, twenty-third, twenty-fifth, twenty-seventh, twenty-ninth or the last night of Ramadhan.

Imaam ash-Shaafi'ee, rahimahullaah, said: To me it is as the Prophet SAW used to answer according to the question posed, it would be said to him: "Shall I seek it in such and such night?" So he would reply: "Seek it in such and such night." And Allaah knows best. (Reported from him by Al-Baghawee in Sharhus-Sunnah)

The most correct saying is that it occurs in the odd nights of the last ten nights of Ramadhan and this is shown by the hadeeth of 'Aa'ishah, RA, who said:


"Allaah Messenger SAW used to practice I'tikaaf in the last ten nights and say: 'Seek out Lailatul-Qadr in the (odd nights) of the last ten days of Ramadhan." (Bukhari, Muslim )

However if the servant is too weak or unable, then he should at least not let the last seven days pass him by, due to what is reported from 'Ibn 'Umar, who said:


"Allaah's Messenger SAW said: "Seek it in the last ten, and if one of you is too weak or unable then let him not allow that to make him miss the final seven." (Bukhari, Muslim)

This explains Prophet Mohamed (SAW) saying:


"I see that your dreams are in agreement (that it is in the last seven) so he who wishes to seek it out then let him seek it in the last seven." (Bukhari)

In conclusion: The Muslim should seek out Lailatul-Qadr in the odd nights of the last ten: the night of the twenty-first (the night before the twenty-first day), the twenty-third, the twenty-fifth, the twenty-seventh and the twenty-ninth. If he is too weak or unable to seek it out in all the odd nights, then let him seek it out in the odd nights of the last seven: the night of the twenty-fifth, the twenty-seventh and the twenty-ninth. And Allaah knows best.


* HOW SHOULD A MUSLIM SEEK LAILATUL-QADR ?

One who misses this blessed night then he has missed much good for no one misses it except one from whom it is withheld. Therefore it is recommended that the Muslim who is eager to be obedient to Allaah should stand in Prayer during this night out of Eemaan and hoping for the great reward, since if he does this, Allaah will forgive his previous sins.

He SAW said: "Whoever stands in (Prayer) in Lailatul-Qadr out of Eemaan and seeking reward then his previous sins are forgiven." (Bukhari)

It is recommended to supplicate a great deal in it, it is reported from 'Aa'ishah, RA that she said: "O Messenger of Allaah! What if I knew which night Lailatul-Qadr was, then what should I say in it?" He said: "Say: Allaahumma innaka 'affuwwun tuhibbul 'afwa fa'fu 'annee." (O Allaah you are the one who pardons greatly, and loves to pardon, so pardon me.) (at-Tirmidhi, Ibn Majah)

O brother! You know the importance of this night, so stand in Prayer in the last ten nights, in worship, detaching oneself from the women, ordering your family with this, and increasing in actions of obedience and worship in it.

From 'Aa'ishah, RA who said: "The Prophet SAW used to tighten his waist-wrapper (izaar) - (meaning detached himself from his wives in order to worship, and exerted himself in seeking Lailatul-Qadr), spend the night in worship, and wake the family in the last ten nights." (Bukhari, Muslim)

From 'Aa'ishah, RA: "Allaah's Messenger SAW used to exert himself in the last ten nights more than he would at other times." (Muslim)

A NOTE ON ZAKATUL-FITR / SADAQAH AL-FITR

Ramadaan, the 9th month of the hijree calendar, is well known for:

(1) Siyaam (abstaining from food, drink, and sex (during period of fasting); paying extra-attention to refraining from lying, backbiting, slander, vain talk, fighting that is not for the cause of Allah, etc; and for abstinence from such things as smoking, music, movies, unnecessary television, cursing etc. from dawn to dusk and

(2) Taraweeh: a replacement for tahajjud of multiple two-rakaat prayers.


However, besides practicing more Taqwaa (Allaah-consciousness) not enjoying certain amenities of life for several hours, and being vigilant there are other acts of worship particular to Ramadaan.

Most notably is Zakaat ul-Fitr, also called Sadaqah al-Fitr. Fitr means breaking a fast; zakaah is an alms-tax which literally means to purify, to grow; and sadaqah means contribution or donation. Zakaat ul-Fitr is compulsory to be paid on every Muslim.

WHO SHOULD PAY ZAKATUL-FITR/SADAQAH AL-FITR

Ibn Umar reported that the Messenger of Allah prescribed the Zakaat ul-Fitr on every slave, free person, male, female, young and elderly among the Muslims [Bukhaaree Vol I no.579. Muslim no. 2149, Abu Daawood no. 1608].

The head of the house hold may give the required amount for ones house. Sadaqah al-Fitr is compulsory on one even if he or she embraced Islam in the last seconds of Ramadaan.

The same applies if a woman gives birth. Conversely, If someone dies before the close of Ramadaan his or her heirs are excused from paying for the deceased.

WHEN SHOULD ZAKATUL-FITR / SADAQAH AL-FITR BE PAID ?

Zakaat ul-Fitr must be paid before Salaat ul-Eed. If one misses paying it before the prayer without a good reason it is not considered Zakaah but Sadaqa (charity).

Naafi' transmitted that Ibn Umar used to pay fitr a day or two before the Eed prayer [Bukhaaree & Muslim, Abu Daawood]. Whoever pays fitr after the Eed prayer wlll not get the blessings of it because it will be rendered as regular Sadaqah [see Abu Daawood no. 1605]

It would be strongly advisable for one to pay Zakaah ul-Fitr before the prayer because it purifies the faster of idle deeds and vain talk committed during Ramadaan [Abu Daawood no. 1605] as well as providing its recipients in time for the Islamic holiday.

WHAT IS THE AMOUNT OF ZAKATUL-FITR/SADAQAH AL-FITR ?

The amount of Zakaat ul-Fitr is one saa (two handfuls/kilo/40 grams/4.5 lbs/112 oz/beaker of dates, barley, raisins, cheese, grain of wheat [see Muslim no.2151 & 2154].

Some scholars say any topic of food that is common in a particular region can be given for fitr, e.g. flour, ground beef, or milk in the United States.

One Saa = 2.5 Kg = 5.5 pounds


HADITH I :

Narrated Anas (r.a.):

Allah's Apostle (s.a.w.s.) said:


"Whoever possesses the (following)three qualities will have the sweetness of faith

(1): The one to whom Allah and His Apostle becomes dearer than anything else;

(2) Who loves a person and he loves him only for Allah's sake;

(3) who hates to revert to atheism (disbelief) as he hates to be thrown into the Fire."

(Bukhari & Muslim)

HADITH II:

Abu Ayyub (R.A) reported:

The Messenger of Allah said:


"He who observes As-Saum (the fasting) in the month of Ramadan, and also observes As-Saum for six days in the month of Shawwal, it is as if he has observed As-Saum for the whole year."

(Muslim)

THE END