Thursday, May 28, 2009

Atlanta Muslim Youth Conference

Atlanta Muslim Youth Conference
Bringing Atlanta's Muslim Youth Together
Host:
Atlanta (ATL) Muslims
Type:
Education - Workshop
Network:
Global
Start Time:
Friday, May 29, 2009 at 7:00pm
End Time:
Saturday, May 30, 2009 at 8:00pm
Location:
The Risala Institute
Street:
675 Village Square Dr
City/Town:
Stone Mountain, GA

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Phone:
4044687091
Email:
info@risalainstitute.com
Description
Don't miss The Atlanta Muslim Youth Conference.
For Ages 7-17
Featuring:
Talent Show
Concert
Workshops
Competitions
Games
& more.

Friday, May 29th:
Talent Show & Concert
7pm-11pm

Saturday, May 30th:
10am-8pm
Forums, Workshops, Competitions, Games and More

Price: $15/child

Saturday, May 23, 2009

The Misconceptions of Jihad

Jihad:

The Arabic word "jihad" means struggling or striving and applies to any effort exerted by anyone.


Jihad has long been used incorrectly, and is generally translated as "holy war". However,Islamic teachings show us that, it is unholy to instigate or start war; however, some wars are inevitable and justifiable. If we translate the words "holy war" back into Arabic we find "harbun muqaddasatun", or for "the holy war", "al-harbu al-muqaddasatu". The Arabic words for "war" are "harb" or "qital", which are found in the Qur'an and Hadith. We do not find jihad to translate into holy war. It is simply not the true meaning. The media has done much to incorrectly promote a jihad as a holy war.

For Muslims the term jihad has developed into different meanings. The sources of the true meanings are the Qur'an (the Word of God revealed to Prophet Muhammad(S)) and the Hadith (teachings of Prophet Muhammad(S) [(S) denotes Sall-Allahu 'alayhi wa sallam meaning peace and blessings of Allah be upon him). The Qur'an and the Hadith use the word "jihad" in several different contexts:

Resisting pressure to reject Islam:
"So obey not the rejecters of faith, but strive (jahidhum) against them by it (the Qur'an) with a great endeavor." 25:52

Following the correct path:
"And strive (jahidu) for Allah with the endeavor (jihadihi) which is His right. He has chosen you and has not laid upon you in the deen (religion) any hardship ..." 22:78

At another occasion a man asked the Prophet Muhammad(S):

"Should I join the jihad?" He asked, "Do you have parents?" The man said, "Yes!" The Prophet(S) said, "then strive by (serving) them!" Sahih Al-Bukhari #5972

Yet another man asked the Messenger of Allah:

"What kind of jihad is better?" He replied, "A word of truth in front of an oppressive ruler!" Sunan Al-Nasa'i #4209

The Messenger of Allah, Muhammad(S) said:

"... the mujahid (one who carries out jihad) is he who strives against himself for the sake of obeying Allah, and the muhajir (one who emigrates) is he who abandons evil deeds and sin." Sahih Ibn Hibban #4862



Fighting is allowed only to defend the religion of Islam and the Muslims:
Allah declares in the Qur'an:

"To those against whom war is made, permission is given (to defend themselves), because they are wronged - and verily, Allah is Most Powerful to give them victory - (they are) those who have been expelled from their homes in defiance of right - (for no cause) except that they say, 'Our Lord is Allah'.... " 22:39-40

The Qur'an permits fighting to defend the religion of Islam and the Muslims. This permission includes fighting in self defense and for the protection of family and property.

Muslims have freedom to inform, educate and convey the message of Islam:

Allah declares in the Qur'an:

"They ask you (Muhammad) concerning fighting in the Sacred Month. Say, 'Fighting therein is a grave (offense) but graver is it in the sight of Allah to prevent access to the path of Allah, to deny Him, to prevent access to the Sacred Mosque, and drive out its inhabitants. Persecution is worse than killing. Nor will they cease fighting you until they turn you back from your faith, if they can. ..." 2:217

"And those who, when an oppressive wrong is inflicted on them, (are not cowed but) fight back." 42:39

To gain this freedom, Prophet Muhammad(S) said:

"Strive (jahidu) against the disbelievers with your hands and tongues." Sahih Ibn Hibban #4708

The life of the Prophet Muhammad(S) was full of striving to gain the freedom to inform and convey the message of Islam. During his stay in Makkah he used non-violent methods and after the establishment of his government in Madinah, by the permission of Allah, he used armed struggle against his enemies whenever he found it inevitable.

Muslims to do not force others into Islam:

The Quran tells us:

"Let there be no compulsion (or coercion) in the religion (Islam). The right direction is distinctly clear from error." 2:256

The media has helped fan the misunderstanding of what a jihad is. However, true Muslims following the Islamic teachings of the Qur'an know what the true meaning is:

The true meaning of Jihad is a personal mission for those struggling or striving for the freedom to be Muslim and to practice their faith. It is not a "holy war" undertaken in the name of religion. It is also not a campaign to takeover the world. It is the struggle to follow Allah.

Saturday, May 16, 2009

Why We Sell Natural Perfumed Oils Containing No Alcohol or Fillers

At Odds & Ends Islamic Store and One Islamic Store we sell only “Pure Perfumed Oils”, these contain no fillers, no alcohol, just pure perfumed oil containing long lasting fragrance. Many commercial perfumes on the other hand, are a mixture of plant oils, flower oils, animal ingredients, alcohol and water.

Pure perfume oils are far better than perfume with fillers. Most commercially available perfumes contain additives; these fillers are usually alcohol and water. The reason why conventional perfumes have such a strong scent at first but them fade away so quickly is because the scent is mixed with alcohol, which then evaporates. This is not only dismaying, but it's also a waste of money.

Natural perfumed oils have no alcohol, water or other fillers to diminish their strength and original essence. The fragrance is strong, long lasting and of better quality. You need only use a small amount and it will last all day. Commercially available perfumes with alcohol and water evaporate quickly and you need to reapply often through out the day and use much more.

Essential oils can be found in bark, buds, flower petals, leaves, rinds, roots and wood. Plants commonly used for in perfume oils are rose, jasmine, sandalwood, lavender, cinnamon, geranium, patchouli and rosemary. These are all pure all natural oils.

Perfume oils last longer in their bottles as well. Fillers cause fragrances to spoil. Perfumes and colognes last between six to 18 months in their containers, depending on the quality and amounts of oils and fillers. Perfume oils, on the other hand, retain their essential fragrance for years.

If you aren't familiar with the scent of pure natural perfume oil, you may be in for quite a surprise. Unlike conventional perfumes you can instantly tell the difference by the strong scent and the lack of an alcohol smell. Your natural sense of smell can easily show the higher quality.

So next time you want to purchase perfume, choose the all natural oils, at One Islamic Store’s on-line website or the Odds & Ends Islamic Store in Atlanta. You will not be disappointed.

Friday, May 8, 2009

In Honoring Your Mother Inexpensive is Best!

The Best Mother's Day Gifts

In Honoring Your Mother Inexpensive is Best!

Do you celebrate Mother's Day? Some Muslims do and some do not. Some no longer have Mother's but are married to the Mother's of their children and therefore may want to honor her.

If you do honor your Mother and should'nt we all whether Muslim or not Mother's are great so it's good to do anytime and not just because it's considered a holiday. Any day once a year can work. Anyway it does not need to be expensive. In fact inexpensive is best.

Great to hear in this economy. Do not let the Media fool you into thinking it needs to be expensive. The best gift to Mom is the gift of your time. Spend the day with Mom. Better yet, help her clean the house, make her breakfast or any great meal. Young children's homemade gift's are priceless,handprints,bookmarks,a hand drawn picture or a poem, nothing beats these items.

A small potted flower is often better appreciated and less expensive than a bouquet on Mother's Day. The price is always raised for the holiday on flowers anyway. A homemade card is another priceless gift.

So keep in mind especially in these tough economic times, Mother's are best honored in simple ways that give the gift of time. So forget all that buying frenzy nonsense and give Mom what she really wants, and save your pocketbook at the same time.

Afterall, Mom's love us no matter what we do.

Monday, May 4, 2009

Islamic Clothing Business Scams

Please read A Sister's Blog about Islamic Clothing Business Scams and help spread the word so these crooks do not scam others:

http://drawn-together-by-modesty.com/uncategorized/scam-islamic-clothing-business/

Al Hadeeqah
Salafi Clothing
Barakallah
My Hijab Shop
Janaza Kits
Amirah Hijabs
Elegance of Black
Islamic Swimwear Online
Islamic School Uniforms

and Livejournal’s modest_style community is another one.

Please help spread the word,

Thank you, Your friends at
One Islamic Store Odds N Ends Blogspot

Saturday, May 2, 2009

Fatwa on Swine Flu Safety

Just wanted to share this article by the ISNA/Islamic Society of North America


Fatwa on Swine Flu Safety


Swine Flu is spreading very fast and causing a lot of public concern in United States and other countries of the world. WHO (World Health Organization) and CDC (Center for Disease Control in US) have already issued advisories to general public. We urge Muslims to exercise necessary precautions in this matter. It is an Islamic teaching that in the situation of wide spread infections, people living in infected areas should be careful not to move around in order to avoid spreading infections. Similarly those who are healthy should avoid traveling to infested areas in order to protect themselves, unless they are needed as doctors or health workers. Allah says in the Qur’an, “Do not contribute to your destruction with your own hands…” (2:195) The Prophet –peace be upon him- said, “If you are in a land and plague breaks out there, then do not leave that place. If you are told that it is spreading in some land and you are not there, then do not go there.” (Muslim, Hadith no. 5731)

In the light of these instructions the Fiqh Council of North America emphasizes that Muslims should take CDC advisories seriously. Those who are affected by any symptoms of this flu should avoid shaking hands and coming into close contacts with others. They are allowed in this situation to pray at home and do not go to the Masjid for congregational prayers, until they are healthy. The Prophet –peace be upon him- said, “A sick person (with contagious disease) must not be brought among the healthy.” (Abu Dau’ud, Hadith 3911)

In case there is a Swine Flu pandemic, public assemblies might be curtailed. In that situation it will be allowed for the Masajid to issue special instructions regarding Jama’ah (congregational) and Jumu’ah (Friday) prayers considering the general welfare of their communities and cooperating with local authorities to maintain public health and safety.

We must also make individual and collective du’a asking Allah to remove this affliction and bless us all.

Fiqh Council of North America
Source: www.isna.net