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Help for Lamin - Problems | (Michael)

catiamike — Sat, 05 Jul 2008 16:39:22 GMT

Help for Lamin - Problems

Help for Lamin

The first school year come to an end and we have the next problem.

Lamin has no school uniform and can't go to school since more than a month. He wrote me: "I use to borrow a uniform from a friend of mine, he took them back from me and he is using them, I have not one that's why am not going to school."
Now I try to get contact to the headmaster. I asked him, if it is possible to pay the uniform from the school fee, or how much money he need. But I get no answer. Now I try to reach contact to the German help project team - no answer. Sometimes it is not easy to help.
It can't be, that Lamin don't go to school because of missing this uniform.
The time run and run. Lamin don't visit the school and I can't find a way to help. I fear, that we lose an entire school year if no conclusion Lamin gets.

Why does Allah allow suffering and evil in the world? | (goaway)

Goaway — Sat, 05 Jul 2008 16:39:15 GMT

Why does Allah allow suffering and evil in the world?

My Blog

Indeed, Allah is all-powerful and he is able to do all things and Qur’an mentioned this hundred of times. It is also mention that Allah is the creator, the best creator. “Glory be to Allah, the best creator” (almuminun14).

Looking around us, we find sickness, old age and death. We see things that are ugly, people who are insane and foolish, there are storms, earthquakes, floods, draught and famine. We also see people commit sins, show disloyalty, unfaithfulness, greed and insincerity. We see people commit rapes and murders; they fight and make wars. We know all these and so many problems. There are evils caused by human beings and there are natural disasters. There are suffering for individuals and there are those that involve a large number of people.

But we can’t deny that besides all these negative things, we also see beauty, health, prosperity, life, birth, wisdom, intelligence, growth and progress. We also see goodness among people, faith, sincerity, charity, love and the spirit of sacrifice. We also see a lot of virtue and piety. It is wrong to see one side of the coin and not to see the other side. Any philosophy concentrates on one aspect of the creation and denies or ignores the other side is partially true and partial truths are no truth at all.

It is also the fact that the element of good is more in the creation than the element of evil. We all see that there are more people who are healthy than those who are sick. There are more that eat well than those who starve. There are more who lead decent life than those who commit crimes. Goodness is the rule and evil is the exception. Virtue is the norm and sin is the aberration. Generally trees bear fruits, the flowers bloom and winds move smoothly.

But why does Allah allow these exceptions to the rules?

The Qur’an tells Muslims that good, evil and whatever happens in this world happens by Allah’s will. Only Allah knows fully His Will. We finite beings cannot grasp fully His infinite Will and Wisdom. He runs His universe the way He deems fit. The Qur’an tells us that Allah is Wise and everything that Allah does is right, just, good and fair. We must submit and surrender to His Will. The Qur’an has not given us all the details about Allah’s Will, but it has enlightened us with the guidance that is useful and sufficient for us. There are several points that we should keep in our mind to understand this issue:

1. First of all, Allah did not make this world a permanent world. This is a temporary world and everything here has a time limit. When its times comes it will die, come to an end and finish. Neither the good things of this world are forever, nor the bad things eternal. We are here for a short time and we are being tested. Those who will pass this test will find an eternal world that is perfect and permanent. Those who will fail this test shall see the evil consequences of their sins and corruption.

2. Allah has placed a physical law and a moral law in this universe. Allah allows suffering to occur when one or more of these laws are broken. The physical law is based on cause and effect. Sickness comes if one does not take care of one’s health or is exposed to infections. A car accident occurs when one is not alert, or drives in a careless manner, or if the cars are not checked, roads and freeways are not made and kept in right shape, or the traffic laws are not right or not properly enforced. Study of causes and effects is very important to facilitate safeguards. Even here we should keep in mind that Allah often saves us and He does not let us suffer from every negligence. How many times it happens that we are not careful and still we reach safely to our destinations. The way people drive in some cities, it is a miracle that more accidents do not happen and more people do not suffer. Allah says: “(Allah) Most Gracious! It is He who has taught the Qur’an. He has created man: He has taught him speech (and Intelligence). The sun and the moon follow courses (exactly) computed; and the herbs and the trees both (alike) bow in adoration. And the Firmament has He raised high, and He has set up the Balance (of Justice), in order that you may not transgress (due) balance. So establish weight with justice and fall not short in the balance. It is He who has spread out the earth for (His) creatures." (Ar-Rahman:1-10) The way we exceed the measures set by Allah and violate His laws of cause and effect is incredible. It is really the mercy of Allah that we are saved. Strictly speaking, the question should not be why does Allah allow suffering, but how much Allah protects us and saves us all the time in spite of our violations and negligence. The Qur’an says: “If Allah were to punish people according to what they deserve, He would not leave on the back of the (earth) a single living creature: but He gives them respite for a stated Term: when their Term expires, verily Allah has in His sight all His servants." (Fatir:45) But sometimes Allah does punish people because of their violations of His laws whether they are physical or moral. The Qur’an tells us that many nations and communities were destroyed because of their sinful lifestyles: “If they treat thy (mission) as false, so did the Peoples before them (with their Prophets), the People of Noah, and Ad and Thamud. Those of Abraham and Lut; and the Companions of the Madyan people; and Moses was rejected (in the same way). But I granted respite to the Unbelievers, and (only) after that did I punish them: but how (terrible) was my rejection (of them)! How many populations have we destroyed, which were given to wrong-doing! They tumbled down on their roofs. And how many wells are lying idle and neglected, and castles lofty and well-built?" (Al-Hajj: 42-45)

3. Suffering can also be a test and trial for some people. Allah allows some people to suffer in order to test their patience and steadfastness. Even Allah’s Prophets and Messengers were made to suffer. Prophet Ayub is mentioned in the Qur’an as a Prophet who was very patient. Good people sometimes suffer but their sufferings heal others and bring goodness to their communities. People learn lessons from their good examples. Martyrs die for their faith, soldiers give their lives for their nations and this brings liberation and freedom for their people. 4. Allah sometimes allows some people to suffer to test others, how they react to them. When you see a person who is sick, poor and needy, then you are tested by Allah. Allah is there with that suffering person to test your charity and your faith. In a very moving Hadith Qudsi (Divine Hadith) the Prophet, peace be upon him, said: “Allah will say on the Day of Judgment, ‘O son of Adam, I was sick and you did not visit Me.’ He will say, ‘O my Lord, how could I visit You, when you are the Lord of the Worlds.’ Allah will say, ‘Did you not know that my servant so-and-so was sick and you did not visit him? Did you not know that if you had visited him, you would have found me there?’ Allah will say, ‘O son of Adam, I asked you for food and you fed me not.’ He shall say, ‘O my Lord, how could I feed you and you are the Lord of the Worlds?’ And Allah will say, ‘Did you not know that my servant so-and-so was in need of food and you did not feed him? Did you not know that if you had fed him, you would have found that to have been for me?’ ‘O son of Adam, I asked you for water and you did not give me to drink.’ The man shall say, ‘O my Lord, how could I give You water, when You are the Lord of the Worlds?’ Allah will say, ‘My servant so-and-so asked you for water and you did not give him to drink water. Did you not know that if you had given him to drink, you would have found that to have been for Me.’ (Muslim, Hadith no. 4661)

Prophet `Isa (Jesus), peace be upon him, is also reported to have said something similar. (See Matthew 25: 35-45) So to summarize, we can say that sufferings occur to teach us that we must adhere to Allah’s natural and moral laws. It is sometimes to punish those who violate Allah’s natural or moral laws. It is to test our faith in Allah and to test our commitment to human values and charity. Whenever we encounter suffering we should ask ourselves, “Have we broken any law of Allah?” Let us study the cause of the problem and use the corrective methods. “Could it be a punishment?” Let us repent and ask forgiveness and reform our ways. “Could it be a test and trial for us?” Let us work hard to pass this test.

Believers face the sufferings with prayers, repentance and good deeds. The non-believers face the sufferings with doubts and confusions. They blame Allah or make arguments against Him. May Allah keep us on the right path, Amen!

Chatting problem!!! | (Chatting_problem)

xMx — Sat, 05 Jul 2008 16:02:22 GMT

Chatting problem!!!

My Blog

After this year in the college I will not study English as a language anymore, but I still going to study all classes in English. BUT THAT IS NOT ENOUGH FOR ME!! I really like English !! and I want to use it to communicate with people from different countries and to know their cultures. So, I searched in the internet for a website that teach English online. And I found this Wonderful website (English baby). Here everything is cool and useful, but I still have a problem with Chatting !! (regardless of how much it is a good idea to practice English) There are sometimes when I enter a room and find the users talking about something that doesn't interest me or even find them talking in other languages (Arabic, Turkish or other languages that I don't understand).So, I tried to chat private with RANDOMLY CHOSEN users from the list. And here is another problem !See, if the person I chose was a female.. then 90% she will never replay on me!!And if the person was a male then the conversation would be something like this:

-Me: Hi, how r u ?

-Him: Hi, fine thanx. And u??

-Me: fine thanx.

-Him: male or female???

-Me: Male.-

Him: I'm male too!!

-Me: OK !! where r u from??

-Him: I SAID I AM MALE!!! r u gay or something??!!!

-Me: NO !! I just want to talk. That's all.

-Him: talk !!! just go away Ignorant !!!

And he closed the window!!

I really don't know .. I thought this website is teaching English ….. or is it dating service ??!!!!I really don't know!!

If you know the answer or a solution for this problem then please please, tell me !!!!!

ich vermisse dich | (sterne)

sterne — Sat, 05 Jul 2008 15:22:36 GMT

ich vermisse dich

sterneohnehimmel

Ich vermisse dich

WarumTut Liebe so weh????

no hate, no forgive | (bobwu)

Bobwu — Sat, 05 Jul 2008 14:00:14 GMT

no hate, no forgive

My pray Blog

with step by step studies and thinking a lots, i become more and more realized why people in world fighting each other.

the reason that is the different value and concept. insist on their value is turely the reason for fighting.

everybody do thing base on their thinking of their minds is absolutely right, no one think they are wrong. so it makes a lots of differences between people in their mind, and different value in the world.

with these different value, lots of people feel confidentially supperor than other value, especially those live in the countries are more richer than others, they look down and criticize those people they think with poor life. the ideas and difference in life make people hate each other.

with more and more deeper hates, people began to fight and conquer the others to show their supporior and power.

some people like money, some people wanna love, some one belives muslim, and some one trust father god. it dose'nt matter what you want but hurt someone else, love each other may leads to a homony world, and hates leads to fight.

when u wanna forgive or be forgiven, that is too late. lose be made already. to prevent what no forgives is no hate

hehey | (cherwan)

cherwan — Sat, 05 Jul 2008 14:00:04 GMT

hehey

My Blog

hi l m şerwan l m from turkey.l wasborn in yüksekova in 1991.my birthday 9 march :)).l studying in selimpaşa anatlolian high school.l want to study in bosphours University in future..... if you want to meet with me add me for friend we will good friend maybe:D l m revoloutionst so l hate from fashist.... l love Commandante Hasta De La Siempre Che Guevara.He is important revoulotionist.l want to like Che Guevara

LOVE | (bint_4ever)

bint_4ever — Sat, 05 Jul 2008 13:52:08 GMT

LOVE

"My Blog"

You said the words I love you,
But it is obvious things have changed.
I said the words I love you,
And my feelings are still the same.
You said I'll love you forever,
But forever wasn't long enough.
I said I'll love you always,
And I'll mean it forever.
But I can not imply to you
What that means,
'Cause your version of Forever
Isn't what it seems,
And my version of Always
Seems like an unrealistic dream...

Struggle A Little... | (lots)

lots — Sat, 05 Jul 2008 13:29:49 GMT

Struggle A Little...

GIRLS

Sometimes struggles are exactly what we need in life.

If we were to go through life without any obstacles,

it would cripple us..

We would not be as strong as we could have been

and we could never fly.

So the next time you are faced with an obstacle,

a challenge, or a problem,

Struggle a little - then Fly!

THE FAITH OF ISLAM | (fadl)

fadl — Sat, 05 Jul 2008 13:22:59 GMT

THE FAITH OF ISLAM

Islamna

THE FAITH OF ISLAM

THE FAITH OF ISLAM:

Islam, in Arabic, means “submission” - submission to the will of God. Faithful Muslims, therefore, submit unreservedly to God’s will and obey His precepts as set forth in the Quran and transmitted to mankind by Muhammad, His Messenger.

Muslims believe that theirs is the only true faith. Islam, they say, was revealed through a long line of prophets inspired by God. Among them are Ibrahim (Abraham), patriarch of the Arabs through his first son Isma’il (Ishmael); Musa (Moses), who received the Torah (Tawrah); Dawud (David), who spoke through the Psalms (Zabur); and ‘Isa (Jesus), who brought the Gospels (Injil). But the full and final revelation came through Muhammad, the last of all prophets, and was embodied in the Quran, which completes and supersedes all previous revelations.

Photo: A youth in the pilgrim’s simple robe reading the Quran.

As the chief source of Islamic doctrine and practice, the Quran is the main foundation of the shari’ah, the sacred law of Islam, which covers all aspects of the public and private, social and economic, religious and political lives of all Muslims. In addition to the Quran the shari’ah has three sources: the sunnah, the practice of the Prophet; ijma’, the consensus of opinion; and qiyas, reasoning by analogy. The sunnah - which supplements and complements the Quran, the Word of God, and is next to it in importance - embodies the meticulously documented acts and sayings of the Prophet recorded in a body of writings called the hadith. Ijma’ is the consensus of - qualified jurists on matters not specifically referred to in the Quran or the sunnah. Qiyas is the application of human reasoning to extend the principles found in the two primary sources - the Quran and the sunnah - to cases involving matters unknown in the early years of Islam.

Systematized in the second and third centuries of the Muslim era (the eighth and ninth centuries A.D.), the shari’ah later developed into four major schools of jurisprudence: the Hanafi School, founded by Abu Hanifah; the Maliki School, founded by Malik ibn Anas; the Shafi’i School, founded by Muhammad al-Shafi’i; and the Hanbali School founded by Ahmad ibn Hanbal. Each of these men, all exceptional scholars, wrote or dictated long and learned commentaries upon which their schools of law were founded. Based on one or the other of these schools, learned officials called qadis administer the law in shari’ah courts. Despite the great body of tradition and law, however the practice of Islam is essentially personal - a direct relationship between individuals and God. Although there are imams, who lead prayers and deliver sermons, there are no priests or ministers.

To practice their faith, Muslims must accept five primary obligations which Islam imposes. Called the Five Pillars of Islam, they are: the profession of faith (shahadah), devotional worship or prayer (salah), the religious tax (zakah), fasting (sawm), and the pilgrimage to Mecca (hajj).

The first pillar, the profession of faith, is the repetition of the statement, “There is no god but God; Muhammad is the Messenger of God” - in Arabic the euphonious “La ilaha illa Allah; Muhammadun rasul Allah.” It is a simple statement, yet also profound, for in it a Muslim expresses his complete acceptance of, and total commitment to, the message of Islam.

The second pillar, devotional worship or prayer, requires Muslims to pray five times a day - the dawn prayer, the noon prayer, the afternoon prayer, the sunset prayer, and the evening prayer - while facing toward the Ka’bah, the House of God, in Mecca. Like all Islamic ceremonies, prayer is simple and personal, yet also communal, and the wording of the prayers, the ablutions which are required before prayers, the number of bows, and other parts of the ritual are set out in detail.

The religious tax, the third pillar, is zakah in Arabic, a word that in the Prophet’s lifetime came to suggest an obligatory religious tax. Like prayer, zakah is considered a form of worship. It enshrines the duty of social responsibility by which well-to-do Muslims must concern themselves about those less fortunate. The zakah prescribes payments of fixed proportions of a Muslim’s possession for the welfare of the community in general and for its needy members in particular, whether Muslims or non-Muslims. This tax is often levied and disbursed by the state, but in the absence of a government collecting system it must be disbursed by the taxable Muslims themselves. In addition, all Muslims are encouraged to make voluntary contributions to the needy called sadaqah.

The fourth pillar is fasting during Ramadan, the ninth month of the Muslim year. Ordained in the Quran, the fast is an exacting act of deeply personal worship in which Muslims seek a richer perception of God and in which, as one writer puts it, Muslims assert that “man has larger needs than bread.”

Ramadan begins with the sighting of the new moon, after which abstention from eating and drinking, as well as physical continence, is obligatory every day between dawn and sunset. It is a rigorous fast, but its object is not mere abstinence and deprivation; it is, rather, the subjection of the passions and the purification of one’s being so that the soul is brought nearer to God. Fasting is also an exercise in self-control and self-denial whereby one learns to appreciate the pangs of hunger that the poor often feel. The exercise of self-control extends far beyond refraining from food and drink; to make one’s fast acceptable to God, one must also refrain from cursing, lying, cheating, and abusing or harming others.

Although rigorous, however, the fast, by Quranic injunction, also admits of a warm compassion. Those who are ill, or on an arduous journey, for example, may fast the prescribed number of days at another time; those for whom fasting is impossible may forego it if they give stipulated alms to the needy.

The month of fasting is also joyous. In Muslim regions, in modern times, the faithful - at the sound of the sunset cannon or the call of the muezzin - break their fast, perform voluntary nocturnal worship (tarawih), and throng the streets in moods that are at once festive and, in the spirit of Ramadan, communal. For those who retire and rest after the day’s fast there are, in some areas, men called musahhirs who, in the silent, predawn darkness beat muted drums and call the faithful to awake and eat before the long day’s fast begins again.

The last ten days of Ramadan are particularly sacred because they include the anniversary of the night on which Muhammad received his first revelation from God - “the Night of Power” - and the appearance, on the final day, of the thin edge of the new moon announcing the end of Ramadan. At that moment the favor of God descends upon Muslims and, in a spirit of joyous achievement, they begin the three days of celebration called ‘Id al-Fitr, the Feast of the Breaking of the Fast. To cement social bonds further, Islam has instituted zakat al-fitr, an obligatory levy in the form of provisions or money for the poor, so that they can share in the joy of ‘Id al-Fitr.

The fifth pillar of Islam is the pilgrimage to Mecca - the hajj. One of the most moving acts of faith in Islam, the hajj is, for those Muslims who can get to Mecca, the peak of their religious life, a moment when they satisfy a deep yearning to behold at least once the Ka’bah - the House of God and the physical focus of a life time of prayer. The hajj is at once a worldwide migration of the faithful and a remarkable spiritual happening that, according to Islamic tradition, dates back to Abraham, was affirmed by Muhammad, and then, by Muhammad’s own pilgrimage, systematized into rites which are simple in but rich it in meaning.

Photo: Dressed in their simple ihram garments, all pilgrims are equal in the eyes of God.

The hajj proper must be made between the eighth and thirteenth days of the 12th month - Dhu al-Hijjah - of the Muslim year, but in one sense it begins when a Muslim approaches Mecca, bathes, trims his nails and hair, discards jewelry and headgear, and puts on the ihram dress. This consists of two simple white seamless garments symbolizing a state of purity; in donning it pilgrims make a declaration of pilgrimage and pronounce a devotional utterance called the talbiyah: “Here I am, O God, at Thy Service” - in Arabic the joyous cry “Labbayk!” After donning the ihram dress, the pilgrims may enter the haram, the sacred precinct surrounding Mecca, and then Mecca itself, where they perform the tawaf - the circling of the Ka’bah - and the sa’y - the running between two hills at al-Mas’a in Mecca. All this can be part of the ‘umrah or “lesser pilgrimage,” often a prelude to the hajj but not an integral part of it. One of the main distinctions between the hajj and the ‘umrah is that the ‘umrah can be done at any time of the year, while the hajj must be performed on specified dates.

Photo: Crowds at the small town of Mina cast pebbles at pillars that symbolize evil.

The major rites of the hajj begin on the eighth day of Dhu al-Hijjah when, with thunderous cries of “Labbayk!” the pilgrims pour out of Mecca to Mina, where, as the Prophet did, they meditate overnight. On the next day they proceed en masse to ‘Arafat, even farther outside Mecca, and pray and meditate in what is the central rite of the pilgrimage: “the standing” - a few precious hours of profound self-examination, supplication, and penance in which, many say, a Muslim comes as close to God as he can, on earth.

At ‘Arafat many actually do stand - from just after noon to just before sunset - but some also visit other pilgrims or the Mount of Mercy, where Muhammad delivered his farewell sermon. The standing is not the end of the hajj, but is the culmination of a Muslim’s devotional life. As the Prophet said, “The best of prayers is the prayer of the Day of ‘Arafat.”

After sunset the pilgrims move to a place called Muzdalifah, where they gather stones for the “throwing of the pebbles” or “stoning of the pillars,” and then pray and sleep. The third day of the pilgrimage, back at Mina, they enact a repudiation of evil by throwing the pebbles at a pillar held by many to represent Satan. According to one tradition it was in this area that Satan urged Abraham to disobey God’s command to sacrifice his son Ishmael. At Mina too, begins ‘Id al-Adha, the great worldwide Feast of Sacrifice during which the pilgrims sacrifice animals - partly to commemorate Abraham’s willingness to sacrifice his son and partly to symbolize a Muslim’s willingness to sacrifice what is dearest to him. As Muslims throughout the world perform identical sacrifices on the same day, the Muslims at Mina in effect share their pilgrimage with Muslims everywhere.

Photo: A pillar marks the Mount of Mercy the rocky hill rising from the plain of Arafat.

As the pilgrims have now completed much of the hajj, Muslim men now clip their hair or shave their heads and women clip a symbolic lock to mark partial deconsecration. The pilgrims may also, at this point, remove the ihram dress and bathe.

In Mecca the rites are concluded by the tawaf of the return, the Circling of the Ka’bah seven times on foot, an act implying that all human activity must have God at the center. After the last circuit the pilgrims worship in the courtyard of the Mosque at the Place of Abraham, where the Patriarch himself offered prayer and, with Ishmael, stood while building the Ka’bah. The tawaf of the return is the last essential devotion of the pilgrimage; now the pilgrims have become hajjis - those who have completed the hajj. Most pilgrims also attempt to kiss, touch, or salute the Hajar al-Aswad, the Black Stone of the Ka’bah, a fragment of polished stone revered as a sign sent by God and a remnant of the original structure built by Abraham and Ishmael. Many also make the sa’y or running, a reenactment of a frantic search for water by Hagar when she and Abraham’s son Ishmael were stranded in the valley of Mecca until the Angel Gabriel led them to water in the Well of Zamzam.

It is also customary for pilgrims to return to Mina between the eleventh and thirteenth days and cast their remaining pebbles at the three pillars there and then, in Mecca, make a farewell circling of the Ka’bah. Some may also visit the Mosque of the Prophet in Medina before returning to their homes throughout the world in the “sudden, glad stillness” of those who have stood at ‘Arafat.

Photo: Symbol of the oneness and centrality of God, the Ka’bah stands in the courtyard of Mecca’s Sacred Mosque where at the season of the hajj the faithful gather for rituals that precede and end their pilgrimage.

Photo: Pilgrims at the climax of their hajj, “standing” before God at ‘Arafat near the spot where Muhammad delivered his farewell sermon.

Photo: Hajjis spend one night camped at Muzdalifah between ‘Arafat and Mina.

Photo: In the ceremony of sa’y they reenact the search for water by Hagar, wife of the patriarch Abraham.

The Prophet in the Torah and the Psalms | (fadl)

fadl — Sat, 05 Jul 2008 13:20:43 GMT

The Prophet in the Torah and the Psalms

Islamna

The Prophet in the Torah and the Psalms *

One of the Companions once asked God’s Messenger (peace and blessings be upon him) to talk about himself. The Messenger remarked, “I am the one for whose coming Abraham prayed and of whom Jesus gave glad tidings.”

This is an allusion to the following Qur’anic verses:

((Abraham prayed): “Our Lord, raise up in their midst a Messenger from among them who shall recite unto them Your revelations, and teach them the Book and Wisdom, and purify them. Verily you are the All-Mighty, the All-Wise.”) (Al-Baqarah 2:129)

(When Jesus, son of Mary, said: “O children of Israel! I am indeed a Messenger of God to you, confirming that which was [revealed] before me in the Torah, and bringing good tidings of a Messenger who shall come after me, whose name is Ahmad [the Praised One].”) (As-Saff 61:6)

The Messenger of God did not appear unexpectedly. All the preceding Prophets had spoken about him and predicted him. It is stated explicitly in the Qur’an (Aal `Imran 3:81) that Allah made a covenant with the Prophets that they would believe in and help the Messenger who would come after them, confirming the Message that they brought.

Although subjected to many distortions and alterations, the current versions of the Torah, the Gospel, and the Psalms still contain verses alluding, implicitly or explicitly, to the Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him). The late Husayn Jisri found one hundred and fourteen such allusions and quoted them in his Risalah al-Hamidiyah. We shall cite here a few examples.

The Lord came from Sinai and dawned over them from Sair; He shone forth from Mount Paran (Deuteronomy 33:2)

This verse refers to the Prophethood of Moses, Jesus, and Muhammad (peace be upon all of them). Sinai is the place where the Prophet Moses spoke to God and received the Torah. Sair, a place in Palestine, is where the Prophet Jesus received Divine Revelation. Paran is where God manifested Himself to mankind for the last time through His Revelation to our Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him).

Paran is a mountain range in Makkah. It is mentioned in the Torah (Genesis 21:19–21) as the area in the desert where Hagar was left by her husband Abraham (peace and blessings be upon him) to live with her son, Ishmael. The well of Zamzam appeared there. As it is known and stated explicitly in the Qur’an (Ibrahim 14:35–37), Abraham left Hagar and Ishmael in the valley of Makkah, which was then an uninhabited place between the mountain ranges of Paran.

It is because of the explicit predictions of the Torah, its followers were expecting the Last Prophet and knew that he would appear in Makkah.

The verse of Deuteronomy continues,

He came with myriads of holy ones; in his right hand was an axe of fire with two edges.

This verse refers to the promised Prophet who would have numerous Companions of the highest degree of sainthood and be allowed, and even ordered, to fight against his enemies.

The following verses of the Torah also promise the coming of Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him).

The Lord said to me [Moses]: “What they say is good. I will raise up for them a Prophet like you among their brothers; I will put My words in his mouth, and he will tell them everything I command him. If anyone does not listen to My words that the Prophet speaks in My name, I will Myself call him to account.” (Deuteronomy 18:17–9)

It is clear from these verses that what is meant by “a Prophet like you among their brothers” is a Prophet who will come from the line of Ishmael, since Ishmael is the brother of Isaac, who is the forefather of the Children of Israel. The only Prophet who came after Moses and resembled him in many ways, for example, in the bringing of new laws and the waging of war on his enemies, was the Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him). The Qur’an points to the same fact,

(We have sent to you a Messenger as a witness over you, even as we sent to Pharaoh a Messenger.) (Al-Muzzammil 73:15)

`Abdullah ibn `Amr is reported to have said, “It was common knowledge to the communities of previous religions that God would send a Prophet to the whole of humankind as a bearer of good tidings and a warner. I had personally read in the Torah these verses about him:

We have sent you, O Prophet, to the whole of mankind as a bearer of good tidings and a warner; and as a support and refuge for the common folk. You are my servant and Messenger. I have called you Mutawakkil [the one who puts his trust in God]. He is not one rude, repelling and angry, and shouting in the streets. He does not repel evil with evil; instead, he excuses and forgives. God will not make him die before He guides through him the deviating nation to the right path by declaring there is no deity but God.”

This report of `Abd Allah ibn `Amr was confirmed by `Abdullah ibn Salam and Ka`b Al-Ahbar, who were the most learned scholars of the Jewish community at the time of the Prophet and who later converted to Islam.

We also read about the Seal of the Prophets (peace and blessings be upon him) in the Psalms of David.

He will rule from sea to sea and from the river to the ends of the earth. The desert tribes will bow before him and his enemies will lick the dust. The kings of Tarsish and of distant shores will bring tribute to him; the Kings of Sheba and Seba will present him gifts. All kings will bow down to him and all nations will serve him. For he will deliver the needy who cry out, the afflicted who have no-one to help. He will take pity on the weak and the needy and save the needy from . He will rescue them from oppression and , for precious is their in his sight.

Long may he live! May gold from Sheba be given to him. May people ever pray for him and bless him all day long. Let corn abound throughout the land; on the tops of the hills may it sway. May his name endure for ever; may it continue as long as the sun. All nations will be blessed through him, and they will call him blessed. (Psalms, Chapter 72:8–17).

* Based on the book: Prophet Mohammad: The Infinite Light, here excerpted with some modifications from: http://www.ymofmd.com/books/infinitelight/infpg3.html

Fethullah Gulen is an influential Turkish Muslim intellectual who inspired a series of social activities, including a transnational education and business network, interfaith dialogue forums, and multicultural encounters.

Never Take Someone For Granted... | (lots)

lots — Sat, 05 Jul 2008 13:18:01 GMT

Never Take Someone For Granted...

GIRLS

Never take someone for granted.

Hold every person close to your heart

Because you might wake up one day

And realize you've lost a diamond

while you were too busy collecting stones...

so sad ! | (Mai)

♥†™Mai™†♥ — Sat, 05 Jul 2008 12:59:00 GMT

so sad !

Mai Cool Blog

i don't know why i want to cry , i sad so much , only know cry alone in room ! hix hix !

~~~~~~~~~~ | (spagetti)

Yakamoz — Sat, 05 Jul 2008 12:46:43 GMT

~~~~~~~~~~

MY PARADOX BLOG

HI FRIENDS.. HOW ARE YOU THESE DAYS? IM BORING LIKE EVERYTIME:D I HOPE YOU ARE FINE..

IM REALLY BORING AND DON'T KNOW WHAT MUST TO DO:P (IS IT TRUE? :D)

HAVE A NICE DAY~~ (BUT ITS NOT FOR ME) :(

Chance and Challenge | (dora)

dora031704 — Sat, 05 Jul 2008 12:32:53 GMT

Chance and Challenge

My Fancy Blog

Everybody wants to succeed,but how? That is the point of the question.does it mean we have to read los of books or attend more and more classes?No, definitely not. Success is beyond all of this. It is a combination of chance and challenge.

In our life,certainly we will come across many difficulties and we have toconsider how to deal with them.Chances are left to those who are well prepared.Challenge also comes with it. Nobody can predict the future,so prepare youself for the future and try to seize every chance, my friends!

welcome! | (whatafred)

Whatafred — Sat, 05 Jul 2008 12:04:11 GMT

welcome!

Fred

hi everyone, I'm gland to meet you all in ebaby.

I come here to practice my english and what's more, I want to

make friends and learn different cultures.Add me , and i

believe we can be real friends

Hi !!!............. | (Vampire)

SASI — Sat, 05 Jul 2008 11:33:39 GMT

Hi !!!.............

My Blog

......Thank you,everyone for message....

:'/ | (agne846)

agne846 — Sat, 05 Jul 2008 11:20:02 GMT

:'/

My Blog

A girl and guy were speeding, on a motorcycle, over 90 mph on the road...
Girl: Slow down. I’m scared.
Guy: No, this is fun.
Girl: No, it’s not. Please, it’s too scary!
Guy: Then tell me you love me.
Girl: Fine, I love you. Slow down!
Guy: Now give me a BIG hug.
*Girl hugs him*
Guy: Can you take my helmet off & put it on yourself? It’s bugging me.
(In the paper the next day)
A motorcycle crashed into a building because of brake failure. Two people were on it, but only one survived. The truth was that halfway down the road, the guy realized that his brakes broke, but he didn’t want to let the girl know. Instead, he had her say she loved him & felt her hug one last time, then had her wear his helmet so that she would live even though it meant that he would die.

the feel at this moment!~ | (damn)

damndamn — Sat, 05 Jul 2008 10:17:48 GMT

the feel at this moment!~

Blog-mine

.....

the feeling at this moment is "a desire to die."~ why? i just finished the important exams --which i did not care much about it...! No careness is impossible ...these weeks ...just so many assignments and and exams approached..that make me crazy..make me dull.......

i wanna pour these feeling out..but here is nobody giving his or her shoulder to me .!

i feel say...now..just this moment...maybe tomorrow...is a another day..actually...it is ...i really miss someone...but he is not online now...then ..i am sad lonely with myself...

Happy Ending | (Ambuyat)

munimax — Sat, 05 Jul 2008 10:00:43 GMT

Happy Ending

Its Mine

Finally, my dream come true......

i got offered from the Institute Of Technology Brunei....

I felt absolutely happy "smile from ear to ear" ... no words can explain how i felt only emotican can .. hehehe

No more waiting for me..... no more!!!!

its time to prepare for the future.........

Strategies to improve your job satisfaction | (snailflying)

Snailflying — Sat, 05 Jul 2008 09:15:09 GMT

Strategies to improve your job satisfaction

My english sky...

Depending on the underlying cause of your dissatisfaction, there may be several ways to increase your job satisfaction.

Stay positive

Use positive thinking to reframe your thoughts about your job. Changing your attitude about work won't necessarily happen overnight. But if you're alert to ways your view of work brings you down, you can improve your job satisfaction. Try these techniques:
* Stop negative thoughts.
Pay attention to the messages you give yourself. When you catch yourself thinking your job is terrible, stop the thought in its tracks.
* Put things in perspective. Remember, everyone encounters good days and bad days on the job.
* Look for the silver lining. "Reframing" can help you find the good in a bad situation. For example, you receive a less than perfect performance appraisal and your boss warns you to improve or move to another job. Instead of taking it personally or looking for another job right away, look for the silver lining. Depending on where you work, the silver lining may be attending continuing education classes, working closely with a performance coach and having the satisfaction of showing your boss you're capable of change.
* Learn from your mistakes. Failure is one of the greatest learning tools, but many people let failure defeat them. When you make a mistake at work, learn from it and try again.
* Be grateful. Gratitude can help you focus on what's positive about your job. Ask yourself, "What am I grateful for at work today?" If it's only that you're having lunch with a trusted co-worker, that's OK. But find at least one thing you're grateful for and savor it. Whether your work is a job, a career or a calling, you can take steps to restore meaning to your job. Make the best of difficult work situations by being positive. Doing so will help you manage your stress and experience the rewards of your profession. (the end)

a new begin | (lois)

ogatayi — Sat, 05 Jul 2008 08:48:59 GMT

a new begin

Fall Again ..

i like thinking,because it can bring me much surprise.like today,i talked to an old friend on messenger,the conversation lasting almost four hours.we havent met a long time,but we know each other so much.the subject is about education and personal events.

we all konw,China has a very complicated and diffcult edcuation system.Chinese kids have to accept the strict educate from primary school to university.subjects are a littler more diffcult than other countres.we often complain about this.why am i here?why am i Chinese?why?so did i.but there is one thing easily to ignore that the strict education system is the conclusion of Chinas current society tendency.the only thing we can do is accept it and do something more for ourselves.complain is useless,it cant make any changes.and you have to admit,educate is so hard and tired though,but its suitable for China.dont forget how large the population China has.of course,i still believe that our country can become more and more stronger.

to be your friend | (sff123)

sff123 — Sat, 05 Jul 2008 08:38:08 GMT

to be your friend

happy bar

I am a fresh man. Hope you can keep touch with me. More hapinessand more fun all can be found in my happy bar.

Hello all | (onni)

onni — Sat, 05 Jul 2008 08:37:16 GMT

Hello all

onni Blog

Hello everyone.Today is sunday and Tomorrow is my freetime..Wish have a nice day for all..@^-^@

How Is the Most Beatiful Girl Born? | (HannY)

norahhan — Sat, 05 Jul 2008 08:02:47 GMT

How Is the Most Beatiful Girl Born?

Here? It's Republic Of Norahwa=)

Do you wanna get an awsome look?i'm sure , You want^^

so let me tell you have to become the preetiest in a minute^o^ please look carefully-) welcome to my super model-ARMY!

First: She is so cute, and preety as well=) like this -->

Second-) Girl, Of course need a couple of Big Big BlazziNG eyes^^that's FanTastY!! though she 's big eyes too=P

like this--->

dont say that'z funny! girls need that=),if you are boy, you don't know =)

Third-)Preety girl needs curly and awsome hair. ^^that will made some boyz fall in love^^ (just like Ricky who he loves carla=))

Forth-)this's common that preety girls need a pair of BLUE glasses. for example-Ricky^^ i know, he (she) has a pair of in blue=)that's really really nice=) you can imagine how he 's preety when he wears that!! omg! that's damn great^^ it will rox you heart-strings.xOxO

FiFth-)big mouth is hot. like Julie<3 that's fanscinating.x) then white teeth is much more important. if you are boy you don't know!x) x)

at last. Dressing her clothes in order to make more perfect!

Okay! !!! the Morst Beatiful girl is born! By Norahwa 's 4-year-old cousin(M) Dramma,Liu.

xOxOxOxO

Copyright by- SmaRt NorahWa :O:

////.. | (k1bum)

k1bum — Sat, 05 Jul 2008 08:01:46 GMT

////..

My Blog

my msn is ruanwenjing122@hotmail.com

add me,!

PREMANENT | (jesusmyl)

jesusmyl — Sat, 05 Jul 2008 07:52:46 GMT

PREMANENT

My Blog

THE WORD OF GOD IS THE ONLY PREMANENT THING OUR WORLD KNOWS- EVERYTHING ELSE CHANGES.

08.7.5 | (benjaminlibin91)

benjaminlibin91 — Sat, 05 Jul 2008 06:59:44 GMT

08.7.5

Boylife

Life is just like the ocean. Only brave people can succeed.

Greeting | (uavkkang)

uavkkang — Sat, 05 Jul 2008 05:42:31 GMT

Greeting

My Blog

Hi~

Thank you visit my blog

Nice to meet you and I want to meet you frequently.

I want to make friend and help each other.

I like travel.

So, I visited United State, Canada, Japan and Philippine.

I'll go to the Australia.

I hope to see your massage.

Have a great day!

happy | (nought)

nought — Sat, 05 Jul 2008 04:27:03 GMT

happy

The Port Blog

I first use this blog, i feel happy

I hope i can make a lot of any kinds of friends!

I have only two keys to my heart | (handwriter)

handwriter — Sat, 05 Jul 2008 03:37:17 GMT

I have only two keys to my heart

Without tenses

My dearest Bob, I have but two keys to my heart. One is broken and the other one is locked up through the shank of the lock itself. If you can find away to free up the good key without breaking the lock and then unlocking it, freeing up my love, you may have the contents within – Note: take care not to break this key for it Is very fragile and is sadly to say, the only one left. If this should break, no one will ever gain access to my heart again. I hope that I haven’t cased you any anguish of thought with this dilemma. Take care my love, and know that I have faith in you.

Always,…