Thursday, July 30, 2015


Jinn

Jinn Pyramids
From Jinn Group Yahoo
This is from Edward W. Lane’s notes on the Jinn from his translation of the Thousand and One Nights:
It is said that God created the Jánn [or Jinn] two thousand years before Adam [or, according to some writers, much earlier]; and that there are believers and infidels and every sect among them, as among men.
Some say that a prophet, named Yoosuf, was sent to the Jinn: others, that they had only preachers, or admonishers: others, again, that seventy apostles were sent, before Mohammed, to Jinn and men conjointly. It is commonly believed that preadamite Jinn were governed by forty (or, according to some, seventy-two) kings, to each of which the Arab writers give the name of Suleymán (or Solomon); and that they derive their appellation from the last of these, who was called Jánn Ibn-Jánn, and who, some say, built the pyramids of Egypt.
The following account of the preadamite Jinn is given by El-Kazweenee.
– “It is related in histories, that a race of Jinn, in ancient times, before the creation of Adam, inhabited the earth and covered it, the land and the sea, and the plains and the mountains; and the favours of God were multiplied upon them, and they had government, and prophecy, and religion, and law; but they transgressed and offended, and opposed their prophets, and made wickedness to abound in the earth; whereupon, God, whose name be exalted, sent against them an army of Angels, who took possession of the earth, and drove away the Jinn to the regions of the islands, and made many of them prisoners; and of those who were made prisoners was ’Azázeel [afterwards called Iblees, from his despair]; and a slaughter was made among them.
At that time, ’Azázeel was young: he grew up among the Angels [and probably for that reason was called one of them], and became learned in their knowledge, and assumed the government of them; and his days were prolonged until he became their chief; and thus it continued for a long time, until the affair between him and Adam happened, as God, whose name be exalted, hath said, ‘When we said unto the Angels, Worship ye Adam, and [all] worshipped except Iblees, [who] was [one] of the Jinn.’”
“Iblees,” we are told by another authority, “was sent as a governor upon the earth, and judged among the Jinn a thousand years, after which he ascended into heaven, and remained employed in worship until the creation of Adam.” The name of Iblees was originally, according to some, ’Azázeel (as before mentioned; and according to others, El-Hárith: his patronymic is Aboo-Murrah, or Abu-l-Ghimr.
It is disputed whether he was of the Angels or of the Jinn. There are three opinions on this point.
– 1. That he was of the Angels, from a tradition from Ibn-‘Abbás.
– 2. That he was of the Sheytáns (or evil Jinn); as it is said in the Ku-rán, “except Iblees, [who] was [one] of the Jinn:” this was the opinion of El-Hasan El-Basree, and is that commonly held.
– 3. That he was neither of the Angels nor of the Jinn; but created alone, of fire.
Ibn-‘Abbás founds his opinion on the same text from which El-Hasan El-Basree derives his: “When we said unto the Angels, Worship ye Adam, and [all] worshipped except Iblees, [who] was [one] of the Jinn” (before quoted: which he explains by saying, that the most noble and honourable among the Angels are called “the Jinn,” because they are veiled from the eyes of the other Angels on account of their superiority; and that Iblees was one of these Jinn. He adds, that he had the government of the lowest heaven and of the earth, and was called the Táoos (literally, Peacock) of the Angels; and that there was not a spot in the lowest heaven but he had prostrated himself upon it: but when the Jinn rebelled upon the earth, God sent a troop of Angels who drove them to the islands and mountains; and Iblees being elated with pride, and refusing to prostrate himself before Adam, God transformed him into a Sheytán.
– But this reasoning is opposed by other verses, in which Iblees is represented as saying, “
Thou hast created me of fire, and hast created him [Adam] of earth.” It is therefore argued, “If he were created originally of fire, how was he created of light? For the Angels were [all] created of light.”
The former verse may be explained by the tradition, that Iblees, having been taken captive, was exalted among the Angels; or perhaps there is an ellipsis after the word “Angels;” for it might be inferred that the command given to the Angels was also (and à fortiori) to be obeyed by the Jinn.
According to a tradition, Iblees and all the Sheytáns are distinguished from the other Jinn by a longer existence. “The Sheytáns,” it is added, “are the children of Iblees, and die not but with him: whereas the [other] Jinn die before him;” though they may live many centuries. But this is not altogether accordant with the popular belief: Iblees and many other evil Jinn are to survive mankind; but they are to die before the general resurrection; as also even the Angels; the last of whom will be the Angel of Death, ’Azraeel: yet not all the evil Jinn are to live thus long: many of them are killed by shooting stars, hurled at them from heaven; wherefore, the Arabs, when they see a shooting star (shiháb), often exclaim, “May God transfix the enemy of the faith!” Many also are killed by other Jinn; and some, even by men.
The fire of which the Jinnee is created circulates in his veins, in place of blood: therefore, when he receives a mortal wound, this fire, issuing from his veins, generally consumes him to ashes. The Jinn, it has been already shown, are peccable. They also eat and drink, and propagate their species, sometimes in conjunction with human beings; in which latter case, the offspring partakes of the nature of both parents. In all these respects they differ from the Angels.
Among the evil Jinn are distinguished the five sons of their chief, Iblees:
– Teer [Tir], who brings about calamities, losses, and injuries;
– El-Aawar [Al A’awar], who encourages debauchery;
– Sót, who suggests lies;
– Dásim, who causes hatred between man and wife; and
– Zelemboor [Zalambur], who presides over places of traffic. [He also presides over dishonest and fraudulent business transactions.]

Famous Jinn
Here are a few famous jinn, according to al-Damiri (14th cent.):
IBLIS — It is said that he laid 30 eggs: 10 in the west, 10 in the east and 10 in the middle of the earth. From every egg emerged a race of devils, like ghilan [ghouls], ‘aqarib [scorpions], qatarib [night
birds], jann [snakes], and those with various other names. Each of them is an enemy to mankind.
He is sometimes known as Abu Mirrah [Father of Bile]. Scholars disagree whether he is of the angels, and, regarding his name, whether it is foreign or Arabic. The Qur’an says “he was of the jinn” [Qur’an 18:50] but some scholars claim this means a band of angels called the jinn.
DASIM — When a man enters his house and does not offer greetings of peace or mention the name of God, Dasim enters with him and whispers to him and casts evil between the man and his family. If the man eats and does not mention the name of God, Dasim will eat with him.
MATUS — The master of gossip — news which has neither basis nor truth — which he brings and casts into the mouths of people. Also AL-AQNAS.
TARTABAH — The mother of Matus and al-Aqnas. (Al-Naqqash asserts that she is rather their nursemaid.)

Jinn as snakes
From al-Damiri (14th century zoologist):
In the view of Ibn Sa’d, al-Tabarani and al-Hafiz Abu Musa and others, ‘Amr ibn Jabr al-Jinni (the Jinni) was among the companions [of the Prophet Muhammad], and they relate … on the authority of Safwan ibn al-Mu’attil al-Sulami that he said: “We went out as pilgrims and when we were at al-‘Arj suddenly before us was a snake writhing … which soon died. One of our men took out a rag and wrapped it in it, then dug a hole in the ground for it. We then approached Makkah and came to the Masjid al-Haram and a man stopped in front of us saying: ‘Which of you is the friend of ‘Amr ibn Jabir?’ We said, ‘We don’t know him.’ ‘Which of you is the friend of the jann? They [the jinn] say, “May God reward you with good on our behalf. Verily he was the last of the nine of the jinn who heard the Qur’an from the Prophet — blessings and peace be upon him.”‘”
….
Ibn Abi al-Dunya, on the authority of a man from among the Tabi’in [immediate descendants of the Companions of the Prophet, i.e., the second generation], mentions that a snake entered his tent lolling its tongue from thirst so he gave it a drink, then it died and he buried it. Afterward someone came at night, greeted him, thanked him and told him that the snake was a pious man from among the jinn of Nasibin whose name was Zawba’ah. He [Ibn Abi al-Dunya] said, “We have heard among the good merits of ‘Umar ibn ‘Abd al-‘Aziz, the Umayyad Commander of the Faithful … that he was walking in a waterless land and came upon a dead snake. He wrapped it in a scrap of his cloak and buried it. Then a voice said, ‘O Sariq, I testify that I heard the Messenger of God … saying to you: “You will die in a twaerless land and a pious man will shroud and bury you.”‘
“‘Who are you? May God have mercy on you,’ he [‘Umar] said. “One of the jinn who first heard the Qur’an from the Messenger of God…,’ he replied. ‘There remain of them only myself and this Sariq who has died.'”
In the book Khayr al-bishar bi-khayr al-bashar there is on the authority of ‘Ubayd al-Muktib, from Ibrahim, who said, “A party of companions of ‘Abd Allah ibn Mas’ud … went out, and I was among them, intent on the pilgrimage. When they were on a certain road they saw a white snake coiled up on the road. The scent of musk emanated from it. I said to my companions, ‘Go on, for I will not depart until I see what is going to happen to it.’ And it soon died.
“I thought good of it due to its pleasant fragrance so I shrouded it in a rag then removed it from the road and buried it. I caught up with my companions at al-Mutassah.
“We were sitting when four women approached from the west. ‘Which of you buried ‘Amr?’ one among them asked. I replied, ‘Who is ‘Amr?’ “Which of you buried the snake?’ she said. I said, ‘I.’ ‘By God, you have buried one who fasts constantly and prays diligently and who believes in what God the Almighty and Exalted had revealed,’ she said, ‘and he believed in your prophet Muhammad … and he heard his description in heaven 400 years before he was sent.'”

Al – A`war, Satan Crier
Satan has special forces commanded by his own son named Al-A`war. Mujahid ibn Jabr, the main disciple Ibn Abbas said that the devil had five children, one of whom was named Al-A`war. He has a special task called on people to commit adultery and decorate it in order to look good in the sight of man. (Talbisul devil, Ibn Al-Jauzy p. 41)
Al-A`war also recruit demons of the human race as a successful team to campaign for fornication. All means be taken, all the means and media used.
Installing Many Feed
As an angler, he must put the bait that the fish would come near the hook. So vicious baiting that the victim would come to the trap. Feedback in the form of ‘Nisa’un kaasiyat’ ariyat’, a woman who dressed naked, porn, porn action and devices.
The bait is placed in strategic places, making it possible for prey to see it. Among the strategic place is a television and print media. So we see on our television many women who dress butt naked, sing and dance erotic, vulgar moves that can be watched by everyone. It is a sign that al-A`war devil has succeeded in recruiting many people for her use as bait. Similarly, the tabloids, newspapers and magazines make pornography as their main focus.
Because there are still too many people in their right mind, they would ruin the bait. A lot of healthy-minded people would admonish, censure and be hostile. For that, he coined terms and deception as flavoring. To turn that antipathy to neutral, neutral into sympathy, sympathy into army-soldiers.
Among the terms which inspired Al-A`war to surrogates of human groups are called bare culture as a form of progress, dating as an exploratory effort and preparation, singing slovenly and erotic dance as art and porn action referred to as freedom of expression. You could say that calling indecency with terms that assume good is its own moment in the stance devil bequeathed to his generation. Like when he persuaded Adam to his words:
“Then the devil whispering evil thoughts to him, saying:” O Adam, will I show you the tree of Eternity and a kingdom that will never perish? “(Taha: 120)
He called the forbidden tree with edible fruit trees of Eternity, which if eaten caused him eternal in Jannah.
Not different from those demons today. Misleading information accompanied with a tempting image. If it comes in repeatedly, finally it will be considered as a matter of course, or a truth that deserves to be defended. As is well understood that through continuous reporting, false news is considered facts. It is said that the western media do not care if the news is right or wrong, but only show smart or stupid news. Smart news is packaged so invisible kedustaannya, while stupid news is news that seems kedustaannya.
It seems that Al-A`war businesses and armies actually reap the harvest. So many of our generation fell into his arms. They followed the Al-A`war persuasion, took the bait, then swallowed the hook. He ‘haula walaa quwwata illa billah.’
However, we should not despair, because no matter how persistent work of Satan, for those who believe and are consistent with the faith, the cunning of Satan is weak:
“Because the real cunning of Satan is weak.” (An-Nisa ‘: 76)
Steer clear of bait demons, evil intention of destroying it to appear in the presence of humans is part of the solution and the fort for us and the muslims of Al-A`war attack and his armies, Wallahul muwaffiq.

Wednesday, March 18, 2015

Hijama Holistic Health Care

by Shireen Hakim
Muslims strive to follow the Sunnah, by living and following many of the actions and examples of our beloved Prophet Muhammad’s ﷺ (Peace Be Upon Him). We get closer to God by following his actions, such as smiling and donating to charity. What about following the Prophet’s eating habits? We also strive to eat like him, such as cooking with olive oil and enjoying pomegranates from our trees. We know that if he ate something it must have been beneficial.
However, one of his dietary habits is very significant for our health, but is mostly overlooked today. According to the Hadith literature (sayings and characteristics of the Prophet Muhammad), the Prophet ﷺ ate meat very rarely, and when he did it was mostly on special occasions or as a guest. His habitual diet actually consisted of favorite foods like dates, water, vinegar, honey, yogurt, barley bread, and grapes. Meat was available only occasionally, and when it was he favored sheep’s shoulder/foreleg. The Prophet ﷺ never ate his fill of bread and meat. As a guest he was once served gourd (pumpkin) and meat stew, and picked out the gourd to eat. The Prophet ﷺ and companions looked forward to Fridays, because a local woman served them a meatless meal with a meat substitute. Early Muslims continued the Prophet Muhammad’s ﷺ habit of rarely indulging in meat.
As the second Caliph (ruler), Umar ibn al Khattaab notably stated: “beware of meat, for it is addictive like alcohol.”
He once chastised his son for giving in to his craving and buying meat. Umar is a strong example for us as well, since the Prophet ﷺ said, “If there were a prophet after me, it would be Umar.” So in fact, eating little meat is the Prophetic Sunnah and follows early Islamic tradition.
early 20th century photo of the Prophet Muhammad’s Mosque in Medina, Saudi Arabia
Nowadays, our meat eating habits severely contradict the Prophet’s ﷺ, Umar’s, and early Muslim society. There is a reason they ate meat occasionally: it is harmful when eaten regularly. Regular meat intake coincides with increased disease: heart disease, cancer, and obesity. Meat is a beneficial and permissible food, and we are blessed to have it available to us. However, we must realize that we are over consuming it, and reduce our consumption.

How did we come to think that eating meat daily is normal?

Our current meat habits mirror the Western diet, which has itself been tainted by times of war and political interests. Interestingly, early Americans also ate meat rarely. Then during World Wars I and II, meat was rationed. When peace returned meat was available again, and people mistook this luxury item for a staple. Unfortunately, as meat became part of the regular diet, heart disease and cancer rates immediately increased. Americans’ health declined so much that in the 1970’s Congress made Dietary Goals stating we should cut down on meat intake. However, meat lobbyists fought to keep meat included in US’s Dietary Guidelines. These lobbyists continue to relentlessly advertise and market meat rich ideology in our schools and nutrition programs. Therefore, we still think we need to keep eating meat every day, and that it is okay to do so. The indulgent Western diet is spreading to Asian and Latin American countries, reinforcing its façade of a normal diet.
Unfortunately, a meat rich diet is directly linked to the top causes of death in the US- heart disease, cancer, and obesity. Very high percentages of the population have these diseases: heart disease 11%, cancer 8.5%, and obesity 33%. In contrast, Americans that eat meat occasionally are significantly healthier. Flexitarians (those that eat meat a few times a week/month), have lower rates of heart disease and cancer, weigh 15% less and live about 3.6 years longer. Vegetarians do not eat meat, and weigh about 17 pounds less, live about 5 years longer, and have about 30% less cancer risk. Many people eat beef burgers, chicken wings, and meat pizza daily, suffer from a heart attack or cancer, and then strictly change their diet. Take a proactive approach and start eating healthy now, before you get sick.

So what do we eat instead of meat?

There are many delicious meatless proteins, and easy steps to take to introduce them in the diet. These proteins are: nuts and nut butters, beans and lentils, fish, tofu, eggs, milk cheese and yogurt, kale, brown rice, and quinoa. Each day, eat 5–7 ounces, or 4–6 servings of these proteins. Serving examples include: 1 cup of organic milk (8 grams of protein), 1 cup Greek yogurt (11 grams), 1 cup black beans (16 grams), 1 tablespoon natural almond butter (4 grams), 1 ounce wild salmon (5 grams), ½ cup non-GMO tofu (20 grams), 1 cup brown rice (5 grams), 1 cup quinoa (8 grams), 1 cup kale (3 grams), and 1 cup broccoli (4 grams).
These proteins are more beneficial and nutrient- rich than meat: in addition to protein, iron, and vitamin B12, they also contain monounsaturated fats, omega- 3 fatty acids, and fiber. Studies show meatless proteins improve strength in soldiers, and are easier to digest. These foods lower disease and mortality risks. They also boost metabolism, aiding in weight loss. It’s recommended to eat meatless proteins most days of the week, and meat (chicken or lamb) on one or two days. Follow these steps to incorporate a mainly meatless diet:
  1. Join the popular Meatless Monday movement: go meatless on Mondays. (If you are fasting on Monday, have a meatless suhoor and iftar.)
  2. Incorporate favorite meatless dishes in your meals, and start eating them more often (like vegetable pizza, peanut butter sandwich, and bean and rice burrito.)
  3. Make one meal a day meatless, then increase the number. Keep going until a whole day is meatless.
  4. Stock your pantry and fridge with the proteins listed above so you always have options.
  5. Go to restaurants that serve meatless meals like Chipotle, CPK, and sushi and Mediterranean restaurants.
Eating meatless proteins also saves time, energy, and stress. Meatless proteins are readily available at more locations and are always halal, therefore there is a wider selection of restaurants and grocery stores to choose from. Meatless meals improve our health and adherence to the Sunnah. It does not make one a vegetarian, and you can still enjoy eating meat.
Shireen Hakim is the Author of Amazon.com Best- Seller ‘Meatless Protein Cookbook’. Shireen studied Nutrition at UCLA, Columbia, and Loma Linda University. Shireen’s cookbooks can be found on her author page at amazon.com/author/shireenhakim

Tuesday, March 17, 2015

The Power of Istighfar – Astaghfirullah (I seek forgiveness of Allah)

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People often forget the importance of the simple yet powerful dua (supplication) – Istighfar i.e., saying “Astaghfirullah” (I seek forgiveness of Allah). Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) recited this at least 100 times a day. Let us see the benefits and virtues of reciting this simple beautiful supplication insha Allah.
  • Istighfar (Astaghfirullah) is the gateway of relief and happiness. Whenever you are in distress start reciting it and Insha Allah it will take you out of your anxiety and will put you in a peaceful situation and will give you happiness.
  • Istighfar removes anxiety and duas are answered.
  • Istighfar opens the door of sustenance.
  • Istighfar opens the door of mercy.
  • Istighfar opens the door of knowledge.
  • Istighfar is also gateway of productivity.
  • Istighfar relieves you. When you feel that sadness within you, when you are disturbed and frustrated, when anxiety surrounds you, say “Astaghfirullah” “Astaghfirullah”…
  • Reciting Astaghfiruallah is an effective method of calming our self and wipes away the variety of worldly worries from our mind and body. It may also help us, if we are suffering from depression, it calm us and lessen our depression.
  • Astaghfirullah also helps us to refrain from all forms of sins. Regularly saying this reminds us that Allah is everywhere and in this way there is very small chances of doing wrongful actions.
  • Ibn Abbas (May Allah be pleased with them) said: The Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) said,
    “If anyone constantly seeks pardon (from Allah), Allah will appoint for him a way out of every distress and a relief from every anxiety, and will provide sustenance for him from where he expects not.” [Abu Dawud].
  • In another hadith, Abdullah bin Abbas (May Allah be pleased with them) narrates that Rasulullah (Sallallahu Alayhi Wasallam) said:
    “The one who (regularly) says Istighfaar, that is, frequently repent to Allah Ta’aala for sins committed, Allah Azza Wa-Jal will open a path from poverty and difficulties. All sorrow and hardship will be removed, and in its place prosperity and contentment granted. One will receive sustenance from unimagined and unexpected sources.”
  • Rasulullah (Sallallahu Alayhi Wasallam) has said in another Hadith:
    “The one who seeks forgiveness for Muslim males and females from Allah Ta’aala twenty six or twenty five times every day, Allah Ta’ala will count that person among those whose Du’a is accepted, and through the barakah of whom those on earth gain Rizq (sustenance).”
  • Do Tasbih of Astaghfaar at least 100 times daily as it is the Sunnah of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him).
  • In one minute, you can say “Astaghfiru Allaah” more than 100 times! The virtue of seeking forgiveness is well-known, it is a reason of obtaining forgiveness, entering Paradise, having good provisions, increasing one’s strength, repelling harm, having affairs facilitated, the descent of rain, and increasing in wealth and children.
  • The doors of repentance are always open therefore don’t delay your repentance in a hope of tomorrow, as tomorrow is uncertain , Repent now and make it a habit to ask Allah’s forgiveness by reciting “Astaghfirullah”.
  • Say I believe in Allah’s mercy, I have sinned, I have gone astray, I have been negligent, but still I believe in Allah’s soothing mercy and forgiveness, I’ll not despair!

IMPORTANCE OF ISTIGHFAR FROM THE QURAN:

One of the 99 Names of Allah is Al-Ghaffaar (الْغَفَّارُ) – The Great Forgiver The Forgiver, the One who forgives the sins of His slaves time and time again. There are numerous verses in the Quran about the importance of asking for forgiveness of Allah SWT. Here are few of them:
And (commanding you): “Seek the forgiveness of your Lord, and turn to Him in repentance, that He may grant you good enjoyment, for a term appointed, and bestow His abounding Grace to every owner of grace (i.e. the one who helps and serves needy and deserving, physically and with his wealth, and even with good words). But if you turn away, then I fear for you the torment of a Great Day (i.e. the Day of Resurrection). [Hud 11:3]
Declare (O Muhammad SAW) unto My slaves, that truly, I am the Oft-Forgiving, the Most-Merciful. [Al-Hijr 15:49]
Then, verily! Your Lord for those who do evil (commit sins and are disobedient to Allâh) in ignorance and afterward repent and do righteous deeds, verily, your Lord thereafter, (to such) is Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful. [An-Nahl 16:119]
Your Lord knows best what is in your inner-selves. If you are righteous, then, verily, He is Ever Most Forgiving to those who turn unto Him again and again in obedience, and in repentance. [Al-Isra 17:25]
And verily, I am indeed Forgiving to him who repents, believes (in My Oneness, and associates none in worship with Me) and does righteous good deeds, and then remains constant in doing them, (till his death). [Ta-Ha 20:82]
And say (O Muhammad SAW): “My Lord! Forgive and have mercy, for You are the Best of those who show mercy!” [Al-Mumenoon 23:118]
Need more verses? Read the Quran! There are plenty of verses about the importance of seeking forgiveness. Some verses are addressing the previous Prophets and their people. But these are again addressing us since Allah SWT wants us to learn from the story of previous people – His acceptance of forgiveness from them and His severe punishments for the ignorant groups. So did you say “Astagfirullah” (I seek forgiveness of Allah) 100 times today? :)