Tuesday, October 13, 2009

Breast Cancer Awareness Reaches Across the Global Board


Assalamu'alaikum, Dear Sisters,

It is wonderful when Women of all races, religions, and countries can reach across the Global Board in joining the fight against Breast Cancer. Breast cancer touches the lives of every women no matter where you live, what your race may be or your religious belief. The sad part is that it affects every single one of us.

Most people will know someone, if not many Women who will get this disease. It can be anyone, a family member, a mother, an aunt, a sister, a friend or even a co-worker who will get breast cancer. The best way to prevent Breast Cancer is to spread awareness. Early detection will give the best chance at a full recovery. Every Women out there should be making their appointment for a mammogram, in addition to checking monthly for any changes by doing a self breast exam.

So Ladies, help to spread the word. Do your part to raise awareness and wear Pink! Take the time to watch this video and join in the fight against Breast Cancer. Take part in the PINK HIJAB DAY: MUSLIMAH PERSPECTIVE on October 28th. A GLOBAL PINK HIJAB DAY!

You too can make the difference and possibly save the lives of your fellow Sisters! Insha Allah may we all make a difference.

Jazah-Allah for taking the time from your busy lives to help do your part Masha-allah by spreading the word and watch this video.

Wa Assalamu, Fellow Sisters,
Take Care and Remember to think Pink

http://www.pinkhijabday.net/

http://ummahstream.ning.com/video/pink-hijab-day-muslimah

Sunday, September 27, 2009

Muslim Family Day at Six Flags!

Muslim Family Day at Six Flags!

Biggest Muslim event for 2009, the park all day!
Host:
Type:
Network:
Global
Date:
Saturday, October 3, 2009
Time:
10:00am - 11:00pm
Location:
Six Flags Over Georgia
Street:
275 Riverside Parkway
City/Town:
Austell, GA


In Atlanta, the event is at Six Flags over Georgia, Atlanta.

Saturday, October 3rd, 2009 from 10 AM until 11 PM.

Tickets will be available online until Friday, September 18th, 2009. Following that deadline, you will have to buy the tickets from various sponsors or at the gate.

Pre-sale tickets will be $25 for everyone 3 years and older. Children under the age of 3 will be admitted without charge.

Tickets sold at the gate will be $28. Please arrive early to avoid long lines.

Parking tickets must be purchased separately at the theme park. This is not included in the cost of the admissions ticket.

Food and Bazar

A special selection of various Halal Restaurants will be selling their food at the West Pavilion area. The halal restaurant food will be available for purchase all day long.

West Pavilion is also the place to gather for socializing, bazaar, entertainment programs, and much more.

Safety

Due to safety precautions, you are not permitted to wear loose clothing (unpinned scarves or dupattas) before going on the rides.

Accomodation and Transportation

Six Flags Over Georgia is located at 275 Riverside Parkway, Austell, GA 30168

Friday, September 4, 2009

Many New Items for Ramadan






We have so many new items you really need to come in to our store. Not too mention we have a great Orange Tag Clearance Sale going on with items up to 25% off and select scarves at 75% off.

So stop by today before we sell out!

Odds & Ends Islamic Store
895 Indian Trail Lilburn Rd.
Lilburn, Ga 30047

Phone: 770-931-4939
Website: http://www.oneislamicstore.com
Email: odds_n_ends202@yahoo.com

Imam Zaid | Shaykh Ninowy | Raising the Bar in Islamic Education


Imam Zaid | Shaykh Ninowy | Raising the Bar in Islamic Education

Rasing The Bar in Islamic Education
"The Pursuit of Making Islamic Education with Quality and Affordability"
A Fundraiser for The Risala Institute

Guest Speakers:
Imam Zaid Shakir
Shaykh Muhammad Ninowy
Imam Mohammad Hassan

Poetry By:
Amir Sulaiman
Mustafa Abdul-Basit

Buy tickets at www.risalainstitute.com



Host:
Atlanta (ATL) Muslims
Type:
Causes - Fundraiser
Network:
Global
Price:
$15
Date:
Saturday, September 26, 2009
Time:
6:00pm - 9:00pm
Location:
Georgia State University - Alumni Hall
Street:
30 Courtland St.
City/Town:
Atlanta, GA

Phone:
4044687091
Email:
info@risalainstitute.com

Friday, August 21, 2009

Ramadan has more meaning than just fasting

Fasting gives Muslims an opportunity to practice self-control and cleanse the body and mind. Many cultures and religions use fasting for this purpose. During Ramadan, fasting helps Muslims with their spiritual devotion as well as in developing a feeling of kinship with other Muslims.
As the history goes, Ramadan is the month in which Allah contacted the prophet, Mohammed, to give him the verses of the holy book, or Qu'ran. As such, praying during Ramadan is especially important. Muslims say nightly prayers whether it is Ramadan or not, but the taraweeh, or Ramadan nightly prayer, carries additional weight.
According to scripture in the Qu'ran, "Whoever observes night prayer in Ramadan as an expression of his faith and to seek reward from Allah, his previous sins will be blotted out." Thus, the Ramadan nightly prayer, after a day of fasting, serves the purpose of eradicating the sins that have been previously committed. In this way, the nightly prayer is an important element of the rituals of Ramadan.
At the end of Ramadan and before the breaking of the fast, Muslims say takbeer. The takbeer is a statement indicating there is nothing in the world that is bigger or greater than Allah. Takbeer is always said when a Muslim completes an important task, as in the completion of the fast of Ramadan.
Translated, the takbeer exclaims, "Allah is the Greatest, Allah is the Greatest. There is no deity worthy of worship but Allah, and Allah is greatest. Allah is the Greatest and all praise is due to Allah." It is recommended that men say the takbeer out loud and women say it silently. Takbeer is a sign that the festivities of Eid Al-Fitr have begun.

Words and meaning of Ramadan:

1) Taqwaa : learning self-restraint. Fasting and abstaining.

2) Takbir : glorifying Allah Almighty because of being guided. Renewing your relationship with Allah

3) Shukra : being grateful . Give to charity.


Ramadan Mubarak,

from One Islamic Store
and Odds & Ends Islamic Store in Atlanta

Friday, August 7, 2009

Ramadan 2009

Assalamu Alaikum Friends,

Ramadan 2009: The first day of Ramadan (fasting) in North America is expected to be August 22nd .

Ramadan (Arabic: رمضان‎), is an Islamic religious observance that takes place during the ninth month of the Islamic calendar; the month in which the Qur'an, according to tradition, was revealed to the Prophet Muhammad. In the western calendar, the dates of Ramadan vary, moving forward about ten days each year. It is the Islamic month of fasting, in which participating Muslims refrain from eating, drinking and anything that is not of a good nature or in excess from sunrise until sunset. Ramadan is a time to fast for the sake of Allah, and to offer more prayer than usual. Muslims also believe through good actions, they get rewarded twice as much as they normally can achieve. During Ramadan, Muslims ask forgiveness for past sins, pray for guidance and help in refraining from everyday evils, and try to purify themselves through self-restraint and good deeds. Ramadan concludes with a 3-day festival known as "Eid" or "Eid ul-Fitr," which literally means "the feast of the breaking/to break the fast." The holiday marks the end of Ramadan, the holy month of fasting and is a culmination of the month-long struggle towards a higher spiritual state. Muslims go to Mosques in new clothes to pray the first Eid prayer. They give out presents to the young ones and greet their friends and families. Special feasts are held, and food is shared with families and friends. They thank Allah (God) for what he has given them.

During this time of Ramadan,in preparation for "Eid" or "Eid ul-Fitr , we at One Islamic Store and Odds & Ends Islamic Store are here to assist you. We will remain open during this time and will assist you as needed in purchasing new clothing and gifts for your family and friends.

We are expecting our new shipment next week and will have lots of new Clothing for Men, Women, Boys and Girls. We offer a variety of different Islamic goods and prayer accessories including a new inventory of new prayer rugs, prayer beads “tasbih beads”, Qur’ans, prayer “salat” books and more.

We are offering many sales for Ramadan particularly in our retail store in Atlanta. Additionally, as always we remain your local resource for any questions about Ramadan, especially those who may be experiencing their first Ramadan.

Ramadan is a time to concentrate on your faith and spend less time on the concerns of our everyday lives. We are here to help with some of those concerns on apparel and prayer items so you can concentrate on the task of strengthening your faith.


Have a blessed Ramadan,

Your Friends at One Islamic Store
& Odds N Ends Islamic Store in Atlanta

Sunday, July 26, 2009

Atlanta Area Muslim News - Majaan Basketball Youth Sports

Marjaan Basketball Tournament
To members of Atlanta (ATL) Muslims


Asalaam Alaikum,
Marjaan will be having their 2nd Annual 3-on-3 Basketball Tournament on August 15, 2009. The tournament will be held at Lucky Shoals Indoor Gym: 4651 Britt Road, Norcross, GA 30093. There will be two divisions: (A) ages 12-17 and (B) 18-up. People from division A can play in division B but not vice versa. The cost is $15 dollars per person which will include foods and drinks. There will be prizes for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place winners. For more info on this event, go to www.marjaan.org. Register your team online as soon as possible. There are only 30 slots available for teams (15 teams for Division A and 15 teams for Division B). First four teams to register from each division will play the first games. This tournament is for sake of Allah (SWT). A means to gather the muslim youth of atlanta and to bring islamic awareness. Please spread the word to your families and friends. Also, if you do not have a team then go to our facebook event and post on the wall: NEED A TEAM. If you have any additional question call:

Mahmood Ramzan 678-665-2550
Azhar Malik 404-918-9064

Jazakullahkhair,
Marjaan Youth Group

Atlanta Area Muslim News - Majid Omar Youth Sports

Masjid Omar News!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
To members of Atlanta (ATL) Muslims

For those of you that do not know, I have started a Muslim Basket Ball League at Masjid Omar. Mashallah it is going really well. It is to raise money towards the Masjid. 100% of proceeds are going towards the masjid, and because of that we were able to help get a new regulation Basket Ball Goal, Mashallah. Thanks to those that helped to make it possible. For those that are interested in still playing in the League, I am still taking team registrations. Everyone is having so much fun and playing for a good cause. Check out the Facebook event "Basketball Summer League"

Inshallah, I will also be putting together a volleyball, badminton, and Ping Pong tournament. Please let me know if you are interested inshallah. I am also planning to put together an Adult Arabic and possibly Urdu classes, if you are interested.

Al-Falah Academy is starting on September 28 at Masjid Omar. It is a full-time School from Kindergarden through Second Grade. If you know of anyone interested we are taking applications, inshallah.

Jazak Allah Khair,

Omer Ahmad

Muslim headscarves to be allowed in Georgia courtrooms

http://blogs.ajc.com/political-insider-jim-galloway/2009/07/24/muslim-head-scarfs-to-be-allowed-in-georgia-courtrooms/

This is a copy of the report by AJC political-insider-Jim-Galloway

Those who walk into any Georgia courtroom will be allowed to wear head coverings, such as scarfs worn by Muslim women.

The new policy was adopted Wednesday at a meeting of the Judicial Council of Georgia, the policy-making body for Georgia courts.

This from a press release issued this afternoon:

The policy is designed to balance a court’s legitimate security concerns with a person’s right to practice his or her faith in a public place. Under the new policy, if a security officer wanted to conduct a search, the person would have the option of having the inspection performed in a private area by an officer of the same gender.

The measure stems from the December 2008 arrest of Lisa Valentine after she refused to remove her hijab, the head scarf worn by Muslim women. She said to do so would violate her faith. But Judge Keith Rollins of the Douglasville Municipal Court found her in contempt of court and ordered her to serve 10 days in jail.

The incident prompted a formal complaint from the U.S. Department of Justice. The Anti-Defamation League, Council on American-Islamic Relations and American Civil Liberties Union also lodged complaints.

On June 12th, Ms. Valentine testified before the Supreme Court of Georgia Committee on Access and Fairness in the Courts.

“If this had been a nun, no one would have required her to remove her habit,” said Chief Justice Carol Hunstein, who chairs the Judicial Council. “I think this is a good rule, and I think it’s clear.”

Specifically, the adopted policy states:

“Head coverings are prohibited from the courtroom except in cases where the covering is worn for medical or religious reasons. To the extent security requires a search of a person wearing a head covering for medical or religious reasons, the individual has the option of having the inspection performed by a same-sex officer in a private area. The individual is allowed to put his or her own head covering back on after the inspection is complete.”

Saturday, July 25, 2009

Islamic Dress for Men : Yes there are Clothing Restrictions for Men

Do you know that Muslim men also have a dress code? Many people forget that there are also restrictions in Muslim men’s clothing. In Islam both men and women are told by Allah to dress modestly. Clothing restrictions are not only for Muslim women. The media has made much about clothing restrictions on women, and lately the hijab in particular has come under much scrutiny as being “scary”.

However, contrary to popular belief among many non-Muslims, Muslim men also have a dress code to follow. Men should be as modest in their appearance as women. All Muslims, whether they be male or female should try to blend in and not draw attention to themselves.

Additionally Muslim men should also wear clothing that is loose fitting enough that all parts of the body are concealed and show the bare minimum of their skin. Neither Muslim men nor women wear shorts as many people in the western world do. It is forbidden in their religion as they must conceal themselves.

While praying in a mosque, clothing should be plain and not be distracting. The Quran tells men that they should not wear silk or gold jewelry to show off their wealth. Clothing should not attract attention or be worn to show off. In addition, it is recommended that Muslim men wear a beard, no longer than a fist length and keep their hair managed and neat, When praying they should cover their heads with a kufi (mens hat) or a turban. It is recommended that a Tunic or Long Shirt be worn.

Typical clothing for men are long gowns or robes (known as jelbabs or thobes) or a salwar kameez, which is a loose long shirt worn with loose fitting pants. Fabric restrictions are also in place for Islamic men. Wearing of Silk and saffron colored clothing is forbidden for men only.

Where Islamic women can wear gold or silver jewelry, Gold jewelry is not permitted for Islamic men; they may however wear silver rings. Dress restrictions are in place not just for women, men have them too.

So in answer to the question do you know that Muslim men also have a dress code? Yes they most definitely do. Islam does not restrict only women in their dress, men are restricted also. It is in place for the self protection of all Muslims so they are respected and not seen as sex symbols and may therefore be taken seriously in society. And there is nothing wrong or “scary” about it. These restrictions have been in place for centuries.


(If you are looking to find proper Islamic clothing be sure to check out our store Odds & Ends Islamic Store in Atlanta or on-line at One Islamic Store Odds N Ends http://www.oneislamicstore.com we have just what you need to meet the clothing requirements for Muslim men, women and children).

Sunday, July 19, 2009

Underscarves: The New Fashion Accessory


Underscarves can change the look of a scarf or dress up an ordinary scarf for a special occasion. And of course they are good for keeping your hair in place and properly covered.

Underscarves have recently become in demand not only for those wishing to cover their hair but as a means of giving scarves a whole new look. They have become the new fashion accessory. It used to be that often ladies would cover up their underscarf entirely so it would not show.

This is not the case anymore. It is quickly becoming very popular to let your underscarf show. In fact often you will find lovely beaded underscarves that dress up any scarf you many have in your collection at home. These beaded ones are perfect to wear for Ramadan, a Wedding, a party or for anytime you just want to look more dressy.

There is no excuse to hide plain ones under your scarf anymore. Some people like to exactly match their scarf, if they are wearing a solid scarf they will get the exact color in an underscarf. Now however women are changing the look by choosing another color adding a layered effect.

A printed scarf can look new if you pick out a different color in the print to wear as an underscarf. This can really change the look of your scarf. If your scarf has several colors you may pick out several matching underscarves to bring out the different colors of the scarf and to match what you are wearing. This can give both your scarf and your outfit a whole new look.

The underscarf is fast becoming the accessory not to be without. At One Islamic Store we carry a nice variety of underscarves, everything from beaded to laced to a look of denim, or even plain colored ones giving you a wide choice to choose from. The new uses and huge variety that is now readily available gives the once purely practical underscarf a whole new use as a valued fashion accessory. The once hidden underscarf has come out into full view.

Saturday, July 18, 2009

SHIA ISMAILI MUSLIMS: Presentation by HUSSEIN RASHID

SHIA ISMAILI MUSLIMS:
"A Facet of The Islamic Mosaic of Diversity."
This event is planned to start at 11:45 am on Aug 5, 2009 at Ismali Center.

Host: Faith Alliance of Metro Atlanta
Type: Education - Lecture
Network: Global
Date: Wednesday, August 5, 2009
Time: 11:45am - 1:30pm
Location:Ismali Center
Street: 685 Dekalb Industrial Way
City/Town:Decatur, GA
Phone: 4046223399
Email: worldpilgrims@bellsouth.net

Description:

Presentation by HUSSEIN RASHID: proud Muslim, native New Yorker
Writer for religious dispatches(www.husseinrashid.com)
Commentator for media outlets
And professor-Hofstra University
Of Course….DEEPLY COMMITTED TO INTERFAITH WORK

RSVP: 404 622 3399 OR worldpilgrims@bellsouth.net
BOX LUNCH- $10, RSVP required

685 DEKALB INDUSTRIAL WAY
DECATUR, GEORGIA 30033

http://www.facebook.com/posted.php?

Friday, July 3, 2009

DELUXE TIE DYE SHAWLS /WRAPS /SARONG/DECORATIVE THROW LARGE SIZE 44 X 86

DELUXE TIE DYE SHAWLS /WRAPS /SARONG/DECORATIVE THROW LARGE SIZE 44 X 86 http://oneislamicstore.com/ Great for Teen, Makes a Nice gift !

Thursday, July 2, 2009

ZOO ATLANTA SPECIAL PRICE JULY 4th & 5th

Wear red, white & blue on July 4 & 5, & receive $10 OFF a new Membership. Say “Red, white, blue, Zoo” 2 redeem your discount!

Saturday, June 27, 2009

Local Deals and Offers From Odds & Ends Islamic Store

HUGE Storewide Clearance Sale
Odds & Ends Islamic Store
895 Indian Trail Lilburn Rd NW
Lilburn, GA
770-931-4939


H U G E ****** C L E A R A N C E ****** S A L E
Effective Until July 11, 2009

Save on Clothing For the ENTIRE FAMILY Beginning Saturday June 27th

YES THE ENTIRE FAMILY!
Men, Women, Boys, Girls
Salwar Kameez, Abayas, Jelbabs, Thobes, ALL ON SALE
All Scarves on Sale
All Kufi's on Sale
So Hurry in the Sale Ends July 11th

Tuesday, June 16, 2009

Beware Door Hanger Advertising from Grass Roots Marketing

Stephen Koo of Grass Roots Marketing in Buford Georgia seems like a real nice honest man but do not be fooled. He promised to deliver 10,000 Door Hangers anywhere in the Atlanta Area for a discount of $350 than he lowered it to $300. It sounded like a good deal (warning bells should have been going off too good a deal). Like the other review (http://www.insiderpages.com/b/15247337008) he told us he had a crew of people working for him who would deliver them to three area mosques at our request and then the surrounding neighborhoods in the areas around our store in Lilburn. He showed us a nice door hanger in color on card stock. The rough draft was in color. The end product was on regular cheap copy paper in black and white. He only delivered a few to the mosque we attended. Only one person from this mosque brought in a flyer. No door hangers were delivered in the area surrounding our store. Our customers who live within walking distance of our store never received a flyer and we talked with three locals! He created a big drama and had a woman (probably his wife) call in to get the mosque directions for the GPS and tell us the crew was assembled waiting for Stephen to arrive. Stephen kept calling and giving us "feedback" from "his crew". Stephen himself was the only "crew member" at our mosque delivering a few flyers in person. No flyer's were put on the cars as promised. When only one person brings in a flyer and no door hangers are brought in when thousands were supposedly given out then you know they were not actually given out. A total rip off. Unfortunately he had already cashed our check and we could not stop payment. We requested a refund but it was denied. A lesson learned. But beware and stop this schemer. We are spreading the word to save others. Don't become the next victim!

Saturday, June 13, 2009

Grass Roots Marketing in Buford Georgia is a Scam

Grass Roots Marketing is a Scam. Warning Beware of this schemer before you become his next victim! Stephen Koo seems like a real nice honest man but do not be fooled. He promised to deliver 10,000 flyer's for a discount of $350 than he lowered it to $300. It sounded like a good deal (warning bells should have been going off too good a deal). Like the other review http://www.insiderpages.com/b/15247337008 he told us he had a crew of people working for him who would deliver them to three area mosques at our request and then the surrounding neighborhoods in the areas around our store in Lilburn. He showed us a nice brochure in color on card stock. The rough draft was in color. The end product was on regular cheap copy paper in black and white. He only delivered a few to the mosque we attended. Only one person from this mosque brought in a flyer. Our customers who live within walking distance of our store never received a flyer and we talked with three locals! He created a big drama and had a women (probably his wife) call in to get the mosque directions for the GPS and tell us the crew was assembled waiting for Stephen to arrive. Stephen kept calling and giving us "feedback" from his crew. Stephen himself was the only "crew member" at our mosque delivering a few flyer's in person. No flyer's were put on the cars as promised. When only one person brings in a flyer when thousands were supposedly given out then you know they were not actually given out. A total rip off. Unfortunately he had already cashed our check and we could not stop payment. A lesson learned. But beware and stop this schemer. We are spreading the word to save others.

Odds & Ends Islamic Store
895 Indian Trail Lilburn Rd.
Lilburn, Ga. 30047
770-931-4939

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

View Map
Google
MapQuest
Microsoft
Yahoo
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.