Friday, December 29, 2006

Is he the New Buddha..?!!!!


Dear friends,

All of us know the honour of buddha. To my knowledge As the belief of buddhists his reincarnation would be some intelligent creature to take the form of Buddha. He didn't expect his followers to worship him nor did he wanted pride.
He was neat and tidy.
Just compare and contrast with the boy in Nepal who the world believes is the next Buddha.
Man was created for exploring the beauty of his world. Yet he came with a brain. He is supposed to use his brain to dwelve the
wonderful treasures in that beautiful world to enrich and enjoy his life and the others around him.
So friends, please don't believe everything you hear. Learn, explore and then debate.
The world is for us...
    • Some excerps regardin reincarnation in Buddhism:
http://www.bps.lk/bp_library/bp_102s/page_24.html

http://www.tharpa.com/background/reincarnation-and-buddhism.htm

Saturday, December 23, 2006

What are the ‘Five Pillars’ of Islam?


They are the framework of the Muslim life: faith, prayer, concern for the needy, self purification, and the pilgrimage to Makkah for those who are able.

1) FAITH

There is no god worthy of worship except God and Muhammad is His messenger. This declaration of faith is called the Shahada, a simple formula which all the faithful pronounce. In Arabic, the first part is La ilaha illallah-‘there is no god except god’; ilaha (God) can refer to anything which we may be tempted to put in place of god-wealth, power, and the like. Then comes illallah: ‘except god’, the source of all Creation. The second part of the Shahada is Muhammadur rasoolullah: ‘Muhammad is the messenger of God.’ A message of guidance has come through a man like us.

2) PRAYER

Salat is the name for the obligatory prayers which are performed five times a day, and are a direct link between the worshipper and God. There is no hierarchical authority in Islam, and no priests, so the prayers are led by a learned person who knows the Quran, chosen by congregation. These five prayers contain verses from the Quran, and are said in Arabic, the language of the Revelation, but personal supplication can be offered in one’s own language.

Prayers are said at dawn, noon, mid-afternoon, sunset and nightfall, and thus determine the rhythm of the entire day. Although it is preferable to worship together in the mosque, a Muslim may pray almost anywhere, such as in fields, offices, factories, and universities. Only two places are forbidden to pray: the bathroom or toilet, and the graveyard. Visitors to the Muslim world are struck by the certainty of prayers in daily life.

3) ZAKAT

One of the most important principles of Islam is that all things belong to God, and that wealth is therefore held by human beings in trust. The word zakat means both ‘purification’ and ‘growth’. Our possessions are purified by setting aside a proportion for those in need, and, like the pruning of plants, this cutting back balances and encourages new growth.

Each Muslim calculates his or her own zakat individually. For most purposes this involves the payment each year of 2 ½% on one’s capital.

A pious person may also give as much as he or she pleases a sadaqa, and does so preferably in secret. Although this word can be translated as ‘voluntary charity’ it has a wider meaning. The Prophet (pbuh) said:

‘Even meeting your brother with a cheerful face is charity’

The Prophet (pbuh) said: ‘Charity is a necessity for every Muslim.’ He was asked: ‘What if a person has nothing?’ The Prophet (pbuh) replied: ‘He should work with his own hands for his benefit and then give something out of such earnings in charity.’ The Companions asked: ‘What if he is not able to work?’ The Prophet (pbuh) said: ‘He should help poor and needy persons.’ The Companions further asked ‘What if he cannot do even that?’ The Prophet (pbuh) said: ‘He should urge others to do good.’ The Companions said ‘What if he lacks that also?’ The Prophet (pbuh) said ‘He should check himself from doing evil. That is also charity.’

4) THE FAST

Every year in the month of Ramadan, all Muslims fast from first light until sundown, abstaining from food, drink, and sexual relations.

Those who are sick, elderly, or on a journey, and women who are pregnant or nursing are permitted to break the fast and make up an equal number of days later in the year. If they are physically unable to do this, they must feed a needy person for every day missed. Children begin to fast (and to observe the prayer) from puberty, although many start earlier.

Although the fast is most beneficial to the health, it is regarded principally as a method of self-purification. By cutting oneself off from worldly comforts, even for a short time, a fasting person gains true sympathy with those who go hungry as well as growth in one’s spiritual life.

5) PILGRIMAGE (Hajj)

The annual pilgrimage to Makkah- the Hajj – is an obligation only for those who are physically and financially able to perform it. Nevertheless, about two million people (even more are willing, but unable to go due to the accommodation constraints) go to Makkah each year from every corner of the globe providing a unique opportunity for those of different nations to meet one another. Although Makkah is always filled with visitors, the annual Hajj begins in the twelfth month of the Islamic year (which is lunar, not solar, so the Hajj and Ramadan fall sometimes in summer, sometimes in winter). Pilgrims wear special clothes: simple garments which strip away distinctions of class and culture, so that all stand equal before God.

The rites of the Hajj, which are of Abrahamic origin, include circling the Ka’ba seven times, and going seven times between the mountains of Safa and Marwa as did Hagar (Wife of Prophet Abraham) during her search for water. Then the pilgrims stand together on the wide plain of Arafah and join in prayers for God’s forgiveness, in what is often thought of as a preview of the Last Judgement.

In previous centuries the Hajj was arduous (tough) undertaking. Today, however, Saudi Arabia provides millions with water, modern transport, and the most up-to-date health facilities.

The close of the Hajj is marked by a festival, the Eid al-Adha, which is celebrated with prayers and the exchange of gifts in Muslim communities everywhere. This, and the Eid al-Fitr, a feast-day commemorating the end of Ramadan, are the main and only festivals of the Muslim calendar.


Thursday, December 21, 2006

Examples of the Prophet’s sayings

The prophet Muhammad (pbuh) said:

· God has no mercy on one who has no mercy for others

· None of you truly believes until he wishes for his brother, what he wishes for himself

· He who eats his fill while his neighbor goes without food, is not a believer

· The truthful and trusty businessman is associated with the prophets, the saints, and the martyrs

· Powerful is not he who knocks the other down, indeed powerful is he who controls himself in a fit of anger.

· God does not judge according to your bodies and appearances but He scans your hearts and looks into your deeds

· A man walking along a path felt very thirsty. Reaching a well he descended into it, drank his fill and came up. Then he saw a dog with its tongue hanging out, trying to lick up mud to quench its thirst. The man saw that the dog was feeling the same thirst as he had felt, so he went down into the well again and filled his shoe with water and gave the dog a drink. God forgave his sins for this action. The prophet (pbuh) was asked: ‘Messenger of God, are we rewarded for kindness towards animals?’, He said,’ there is a reward for kindness to every living thing.’

Source: From the hadith collections of Bukhari, Muslim, Tirmidhi and Bayhaqi

(These are the names of trusted compilations of the Prophet’s sayings, practices and beliefs)

Are there any other sacred sources?

Yes, the sunna, the practice and example of the Prophet (pbuh), is the second authority for Muslims. A hadith is a reliably transmitted report of what the Prophet (pbuh) said, did or approve. Belief in the sunna is part of the Islamic Faith.

What is the Quran about?

The Quran, the last revealed word of God, is the prime source of every Muslim’s faith and practice. It deals with all the subject which concerns us as human beings: wisdom, doctrine, worship, and law, but its basic theme is the relationship between God and his creatures. At the same time it provides guidelines for a just society, proper human conduct and an equitable economic system.

Monday, December 18, 2006

What is the Quran?


The Quran is a record of the exact words revealed by God through the Angel Gabriel to the Prophet (pbuh). It was memorized by Muhammad (pbuh) and then dictated to his companions, and written down in scribes, who cross checked it during his lifetime. Not one word of its 114 chapters (Suras ), has been changed over the centuries, so that the Quran is in every detail the unique and miraculous text which was revealed to Muhammad (pbuh) fourteen centuries ago.

Sunday, December 17, 2006

How did the spread of Islam affect the world?

Among the reasons for the rapid and peaceful spread of Islam was the simplicity of its doctrine-Islam calls for faith in only one god worthy of worship. It also repeatedly instructs man to use his powers of intelligence and observation.

Within a few years, great civilizations and universities were flourishing, for according to the Prophet (pbuh), ‘seeking knowledge is an obligation for every Muslim man & woman’. The synthesis of Eastern & Western ideas and of new thought with old, brought about great advances in medicine, mathematics, physics, astronomy, geography, architecture, art, literature, and history. Many crucial systems such as algebra, the Arabic numerals, and also the concept of zero (vital to the advancement of mathematics), were transmitted to medieval Europe from Islam. Sophisticated instruments which were to make possible the European voyages of discovery were developed, including the astrolabe, the quadrant and good navigational maps.

  • Astrolabe:-instrument formerly used to measure the altitude of stars etc.
  • Quadrant:-a graduated quarter-circular strip of metal etc. b instrument graduated (esp. through an arc of 90°) for measuring angles.

Saturday, December 16, 2006

TIME: The Best Photos of the Year 2006

 
TIME.com  
Powered by  
 * Please note, the sender's email address has not been verified.
   
 
A true Martyr...Unforgettable Lebanon Crisis... :(

 
   
   
  Click the following to access the sent link:
   
 
TIME: The Best Photos of the Year 2006*
     
 
 
  SAVE THIS link FORWARD THIS link
 
 
   
   
Click here to visit our advertiser.
   
  *This article can also be accessed if you copy and paste the entire address below into your web browser.
http://www.time.com/time/yip/2006

TIME Best Inventions 2006

TIME.com
Powered by
* Please note, the sender's email address has not been verified.
These are the coolest inventions of a wonderful 2006

Click the following to access the sent link:
TIME Best Inventions 2006*
SAVE THIS linkFORWARD THIS link
Click here to visit our advertiser.
*This article can also be accessed if you copy and paste the entire address below into your web browser.
http://www.time.com/time/2006/techguide/bestinventions/inventions/youtube.html




Also check this most innovative inventions of the year http://www.pcworld.com/printable/article/id,128176/printable.html

How did he become a prophet and a messenger of God?

At the age of 40, while engaged in a meditative retreat, Muhammad (pbuh) received his first revelation from God through the Angel Gabriel. This revelation, which continued for twenty-three years, is known as the Quran.
As soon as he began to recite the words he heard from Gabriel, and to preach the truth which God had revealed to him, he and his small group of followers suffered bitter persecution, which grew so fierce that in the year of 622 God gave them the command to emigrate. This event, the Hijra, ‘migration’, in which they left Makkah for the city of Madinah some 260 miles to the north, marks the beginning of the Muslim calendar.
After several years, the Prophet (pbuh) and his followers were able to return to Makkah, where they forgave their enemies and established Islam definitively. Before the Prophet (pbuh) died at the age of 63, the greater part of Arabia was Muslim, and within a century of his death Islam had spread to Spain in the West and as far as China.

Mohammed Mafaz has sent you a LiveScience News Story -- Electrical Properties of Human Skull Finally Determined

Mohammed Mafaz (sm2mafaz@gmail.com) thought you might be interested in this news article from LiveScience.com.
(Email address has not been verified.)
------------------------------------------------------------

Electrical Properties of Human Skull Finally Determined
http://www.livescience.com/humanbiology/061214_skull_conductivity.html

------------------------------------------------------------
Visit LiveScience -- http://www.livescience.com

Thursday, December 14, 2006

Mohammed Mafaz has sent you a LiveScience News Story -- Your Brain Remembers What You Forget

Mohammed Mafaz (sm2mafaz@gmail.com) thought you might be interested in this news article from LiveScience.com.
(Email address has not been verified.)
------------------------------------------------------------

Your Brain Remembers What You Forget
http://www.livescience.com/humanbiology/051019_monkey_memory.html

------------------------------------------------------------
Visit LiveScience -- http://www.livescience.com

Wednesday, December 13, 2006

Who is Muhammad?



Muhammad (pbuh) was born in Makkah in the year 570, at a time when Christianity was not yet fully established in Europe. Since his father died before his birth, and his mother shortly afterwards, he was raised by his uncle from the respected tribe of Quraysh. As he grew up, he became known for his truthfulness, generosity and sincerity, so that he was sought after for his ability to arbitrate in disputes. The historians describe him as a calm and meditative.

Muhammad (pbuh) was of a deeply religious nature, and had long detested the decadence of his society. It became his habit to meditate from time to time in the Cave of Hira near the summit of Jabal al-Nur, the Mountain of Lightnear Makkah.

What is the Ka'ba?


The Ka'ba is the place of worship which Allah commanded Abraham and Ishmael to build over four thousand years ago. The building was constructed of stone on what many believe was the original site of a sanctuary established by Adam. Allah commanded Abraham to summon all mankind to visit this place, and when pilgrims go there today they say 'At thy service,O Lord', in response to Abraham's summons.

Monday, December 11, 2006

Do Islam and Christianity have different origins?

No. Together with Judaism, they go back to the prophet and patriarch Abraham, and their three prophets are directly descended from his sons- Muhammad(pbuh) from the eldest,Ishmael, and Moses and Jesus(pbuh) from Isaac. Abraham established the settlement which today is the city of Makkah, and built the Ka'ba towards which all Muslims turn when they pray.

IHT.com Article: No bother at all: Bahrain sprinter Al Ghasara says Muslim dress only makes her faster

This IHT.com article has been sent to you by: sm2mafaz@gmail.com
Winner with a scarf!!
------------------------------------------------------

No bother at all: Bahrain sprinter Al Ghasara says Muslim dress only makes her faster
The Associated Press


Bahrain sprinter Ruqaya Al Ghasara says she isn\'t held back by running in a hijab, or full Muslim headscarf. In fact, she says, it makes her even quicker.

http://www.iht.com/articles/ap/2006/12/11/sports/ME_SPT_ATH_Asian_Games_Muslim_Sprinter.php

Why does Islam often seem strange?

Islam may seem exotic or even extreme in the modern world. Perhaps this is because religion doesn't dominate everyday life in the west today, whereas Muslims have religion always uppermost in theirminds, and make no division between secular and sacred.They believe that the Divine Law, the Shariah, should be taken very seriously, which is why issues related to religion are still so important.

Sunday, December 10, 2006

What does Islam mean?


The Arabic word 'Islam' simply means 'submission', and derives from a word meaning 'peace'. In a religious context it means complete submission to the will of God. 'Mohammedanism' is thus a misnomer because it suggests that Muslims worship Muhammad(pbuh) rather than God. 'Allah' is the Arabic name for God, which is used by Arab Muslims and Christians alike(a more clear concise description of the term 'Allah' will be given later)

Saturday, December 9, 2006

How does someone become a Muslim?


Simply by saying 'there is no God apart from Allah, and Muhammad is the Messenger of Allah.' By this declaration the believer announces his or her faith in all God's messengers, and the scriptures they brought.

What do Muslims Believe?

Muslims believe in One,Unique,Incomparable God; in the Angels created by him; in the prophets through whom his revelations were brought to manknd; in the Day of Judgement and individual accountability for actions; in God's complete authority over human destiny and in life after death.Muslims believe in a chain of prophets starting with Adam,and including Noah, Abraham, Ismael, Isaac, Jacob, Joseph, Job, Moses, Aaron, David, Solomon, Elias, Jonah, John the Baptist, and Jesus, Peace be upon them. But God's final message to man, a reconfirmation of the eternal message and a summing-up of all that has gone before was revealed to the Prophet Muhammad(pbuh) through Gabriel.

Friday, December 8, 2006

Who are the Muslims?

One billion people from a vast range of races, nationalities and cultures across the globe-from southern Phillipines to Nigeria- are united by their Islamic faith.About 18% live in the Arab world; the world's largest Muslim community is in Indonesia;substantial parts of Asia and most of Africa are Muslim, while significant minorities are to be found in Russia, China, Nort and South America, and Europe

Thursday, December 7, 2006

Understanding Islam and the Muslims

In the name of Allah, Most Gracious, Most Merciful

Hello everybody out there. This is my first blogging experience. I start my posts with some summarized details of my religion. This section will be a continuous one, updated on a weekly basis (of course if I got spare time). There will definitely be posts under various topics in the following weeks. The posts here may not convey complete descriptions of the subject. My intention here is to just share the knowledge I’ve experienced. So I hope you will be pleased with it.

Thank You.

S.M.Mohammed Mafaz

Understanding Islam and the Muslims

What is Islam?

Islam is not a new religion, but the same truth that God revealed through all his prophets to every people. For a fifth of the world’s population, islam is both a religion and a complete way of life. Muslims follow a religion of peace, mercy, and forgiveness, and the majority have nothing to do with the extremely grave events which have come to be associated with their faith..