Sex and Reproduction The Definitive Islamic Guide We hope we have guided you in the physical pleasure to get ready for the spiritual pleasure, which is the real everlasting pleasure. A. Darwish ldapguru@yahoo.com Please download your free references now and give away. Your First 24 Hours In Islam is at the end of this document Download and give away for Free from www.Muhammad.com: All the documents that every Muslim needs. 1. Islamic Brief (islam.doc a.k.a What is Islam?) What everyone should know about Islam. Get it in Spanish Que es Islam? Se Hable Espanole? 2. Holy Koran (koran.doc) by the Muhammad.com's founders Grand Shaykh Hassan and Shaykh Ahmad - in a word document format. A. The best Koran program on the Planet (koran.zip) with all world languages by yildun.com B. TOPICS OF THE HOLY KORAN IN A NUTSHELL (KoranGlossary.doc) 3. Prophetic Quotes (hadith.doc) 171 subjects (1950 Prophetic Quotes.) 4. Life of Prophet Muhammad (seerah.doc) "Prophetic Bibliography: IN LOVE OF PROPHET MUHAMMAD" (first time in English) 5. Principles of Faith (faith.doc) by Algazel (al-Ghazali) 6. Civil Islamic Law (fiqh.doc) Coming Soon! 7. Praise Prophet Muhammad (dalail.doc) Burdah Poem and Dalail: Seven parts, one per day, a must have for peronal spiritual growth. 8. Daily Contemplation (owrad.doc) of Sammania Qadiria - Coming Soon! 9. Reviving the Science of Religion (ihya.doc) by Algazel (al-Ghazali) Coming Soon! 10. Sex and Reproduction (halaljoy.doc) 11. Stories and Poems for Children (fun.doc) 350 pages. Tecahers and parents's best source. Disclosures This chapter honors the Islamic American traditions to marry, and believes it is the utmost goal for every person, and any practices short of this should be Islamalized and upgraded to such high rank that upholds our Islamic American values. This book was written to help to convert to the best kind of Islamic family. If you like to improve on the pleasure and joy sex from your spouse, maybe the section entitled Islamic Sex and Pleasure: What is permitted? What is not permitted? Is for you to enjoy. www.Muhammad.com ,was the first and is the largest Islamic site on the web. During the past decade we received a large amount of enquiries about sexual practices from marriage to one-night-stands and instead of listing these questions and answers, it was decided to produce a manual to address the inquirers thoughts. Table of Contents 1. A MUSLIM SCHOLARS OPINION OR PRESENCE IS ESSENTIAL 2. What is sex for? 3. The difference between an Islamic marriage and a non-Islamic marriage 4. How people are marrying and how to convert their marriage to comply with Islamic methodology. 5. What is the Islamic way of marriage? 6. Her rights 7. Islamic Sex and Pleasure What is permitted? What is not permitted? a. Prophetic way b. The way of common people 8. Muslims who marry outside of Islam and have sex will be subject to punishment. a. Koranic verses that speaks of punishing those who practice fornication b. Prophetic Quotations that speaks of punishing those who practice fornication c. Prophet Joseph refused to fornicate, and even entered the jail instead. 1. A MUSLIM SCHOLARS OPINION OR PRESENCE IS ESSENTIAL IN ALL CASES, YOU SHOULD CONTACT A LEARNED SCHOLAR TO ASK FOR A SPECIFIC DIAGNOSIS TO YOUR PERSONAL CASE, AS THE ISLAMIC RULING AND JUDGMENT DIFFERS DEPENDING ON THE SITUATION. THIS BOOKLET MAYBE HELPFUL. YET A MUSLIM SCHOLARS OPINION OR PRESENCE IS ESSENTIAL TO AVOID MISUNDERSTANDING, CONFUSION, AND CHAOS. 2. What is sex for? In a short answer to have legal (Islamic) babies to protect the human race and as an incentive both male and female get the bonus of pleasure (stay tuned, you will be surprised when we list the maximum amount of pleasure you can have). However, Islamic babies are the most important reason for having sex and it is the focus of this book. 3. The difference between an Islamic marriage and non-Islamic marriage Islamic methodology has to be applied which is simply: Give the bride a dowry. If she is a Muslim virgin from a Muslim father, then the fathers approval is needed in advance. (A Muslim virgin: this is a terminology meaning never married before even if she sinned and had sex before the fathers approval is needed in advance and she can get his approval by his proxy or directly verbally from the father) We also recommend a notarized, irrevocable Islamic-Marriage affidavit Pronouncement: Zawajtuka Nafsi (I gave myself in marriage) and Qabelt (I accept) Two honest, male Muslims must be witnesses before having sex. According to the instructions of Allah and His Prophet (sa), a Muslim girl cannot marry a non-Muslim boy. (This is not our fabrication, again it is that of Allah and His Prophet (sa), therefore the only way out is for the boy to convert to the Islam). When a married couple convert from either Christianity or Judaism and were married according to their previous religious rites, their marriage is still valid in Islam so they do not have to remarry. Power of attorney to act on a bride or grooms behalf is allowed, even if the couple are far from each other. The prospective bride and groom must not be under age. Check both health (blood test, etc.) and the financial ability of the prospective husband, since he is the maintainer of the family. Islam introduced strenuous and tough conditions to marry more than one wife and the percentage of polygamy is less than 1% in Islamic world and the maximum wives permitted is four. Since there is no Islamic law in USA it will be Islamic to have one wife since Islam encourages people to abide by the laws of the non-Muslim country in which they live. We recommend a notarized irrevocable letter of understanding or notarized irrevocable Islamic-Marriage affidavit that states: 1.They are getting into this transaction to avoid any false claim of rape. 2.That no abortion will be conducted on an unborn child. 3.Pregnancy prevention is allowed but abortion is not allowed, since the babys heart starts beating in the first few weeks. 4.Having Muslim children is good thing and makes the Prophet (sa) proud of you. 5.The faith of the child is Islamic 6.The birth certificate mentions the full name of each parent. 7.Both will contribute to the welfare of the child and bring him/her up as a good Muslim and sound citizen. 8.The child will not be given in adoption, because Islam does not allow it. 9.A child can be fostered only by a Muslim caring party 10.In case of death, the child will be given only into Islamic care or orphanage in USA or abroad. 11.All Islamic jurisprudence and its laws and regulations are applicable. 12.Add any other rules deemed Islamic they may agree upon. 3. How people are marrying, and how to convert their marriage to comply with Islamic methodology. There are many ways to accomplish this and all are practiced. 1.If both are born in an Islamic society or in the west to both Muslims families and marry according to Islam then register it in courts to extend the legal rights of the civil society. This is the best way and is strongly recommended. 2.If the girl is not Muslim there is no need for a Muslim guardian, but it is recommended. 3.If she is Muslim, and her family are not Muslim, then she must seek a Muslim guardian approved from her neighborhood, i.e. Mosques Imam or respected honest person who knows her. 4.Marry the old fashion way, get a license and register in court. However, this is not Islamic till you add to it the Islamic methodology of giving dowry, guardian (for Muslim virgin with Muslim father), wording and witnessing. You must do it before having sex and if you failed to do so, apply the Islamic methodology as soon as possible while both must ask for forgiveness from Allah. 5.Common law marriage when two just move in and live together and practice sex. This is not an Islamic till you add to it the Islamic methodology of giving dowry, guardian (for Muslim virgin with Muslim father), wording and witnessing. You must do it before having sex and if you failed to do so, apply the Islamic methodology as soon as possible while both must ask for forgiveness from Allah. 6.Dating while having sex. This is not an Islamic till you add to it the Islamic methodology of giving dowry, guardian (for Muslim virgin with Muslim father), wording and witnessing. You must do it before having sex and if you failed to do so, apply the Islamic methodology as soon as possible while both must ask for forgiveness from Allah. 7.IN ALL CASES, YOU SHOULD CONTACT A LEARNED SCHOLAR TO ASK FOR A SPECIFIC DIAGNOSIS TO YOUR PERSONAL CASE, AS THE ISLAMIC RULING AND JUDGMENT DIFFERS DEPENDING ON THE SITUATION. THIS BOOKLET MAYBE HELPFUL. YET A MUSLIM SCHOLARS OPINION OR PRESENCE IS ESSENTIAL TO AVOID MISUNDERSTANDING, CONFUSION, AND CHAOS. 8.One-night-stand. Islam strongly discourages people from committing such irresponsible acts. Islam encourages people and society to establish sound and happy families and live happily ever after. However, if one is faced with a situation of committing fornication and/or adultery for the male, one is encouraged to perform a marriage methodology which includes: dowry, guardian (for Muslim virgin with Muslim father), wording and witnessing and extend it from one night to in indefinite nights. You must do it before having sex and if you failed to do so, then you have already committed a sin. Apply the Islamic methodology as soon as possible while both must ask for forgiveness from Allah and would like to live longer than one night to convert into a good long lasting relationship. If this is not done, it is pure fornication. See below number 8. Muslims who marry outside of Islam and have sex will be subject to punishment 4. What is the Islamic way of marriage? In the same way that it is unnecessary for a clerk to be present or a visit to the mosque to convert to Islam, an Islamic marriage can take place without these factors Once you do embrace Islam all your sins are forgiven and exchanged by rewards and merits as long as you keep the daily prayer, you fast and pay 2.5% of your annual saving to poor people and visit Mecca on Hajj season once in life time once you are able. 1.The basic Islamic marriage is a verbal agreement 2.Both agree to marry 3.Guardian and his approval are required if she is a virgin Muslim 4.Two male Muslims witnesses 5.Dowry 6.Statement of 7.I gave myself to you in Marriage: Zawajtuka Nafsi upon payment of the dowry of $###.## according the Religion of Islam and the ways of Prophet Muhammad, praise and peace upon him. 8.I accepted: Qabelt If a power-of-attorney is used by the fathers representative or the would-be wife, then say: I give her with the power of attorney trusted in me: zawajtika muwakilati upon the payment of a dowry of $ ###.## according the Religion of Islam and the ways of Prophet Muhammad, praise and peace upon him. I accept: Qabelt 5. Her rights 1.Food 2.Cloth 3.Shelter 4.Sexual function and activity. If within 6 months they cease to have a sexual activity, she may go to the scholar who performed her marriage ceremony and ask for separation. 6. Islamic Sex and Pleasure: What is permitted? What is not permitted? A. Prophetic Way All prophets had sexual intercourse in one way, which is simply, and remember prophets were given the power of many men. Start with a supplication for a goodly baby In ablution status Getting under a sheet on the bed and start playing, then penetrate only the front from any direction, till both received their share of pleasure. Then they lay on the right side for a while. If decided to repeat, they wash their privates first. This is then followed by taking a major Islamic shower. And avoid facing or giving backs to the prayer direction B. Western Common people ways of sex Follow the way of the prophets as much as you can. If want more read on: 10. Sex made easy for common people with an Islamic prospective Stop at once to observe the obligatory prayer. If it is Ramadan then intercourse must not take place after the time for fasting has commenced. Blood test should be performed for safety One should shower before and after Make ablution One is recommended to wash privates before any repeat Lay for a while on right side after intercourse - perhaps hugging Tongue scrapping and mouth cleaning is recommended. All skin loving while standing and massage is recommended. Both should work equally to please the other and reach a climax. Should communicate to each other about feelings and guide each other for more pleasure and satisfaction. Sex Tools regulations Do not follow the sex tools manual, which are against the Islamic regulations Who administrates what: male administrates female tools and female administrates male tools No self-usage, or self service, or self pleasure No same sex, no group sex, no sex with forbidden relatives (sisters, mothers, daughters etc) Oral sex is not honorable, and Koran refers to liquid there as maa maheen which is not nice. No anal sex, no tools for anal sex for either man or woman Yes for kissing, licking massaging etc. all the body except anal and sex organs. No anal penetration but okay to penetrate the vagina from the back direction No self-masturbation with or without tools Okay to masturbate each other, occasionally, not to be the norm! During sex it is not recommended for a woman to massage her breasts or private parts, it is preferable for her husband to do this under her guidance and she in turn work her hands over his body, if she is in state of enjoyment and does not think and touched herself is okay as long as she is in action with him, since this is forbidden that she practices this alone as a self service that leads to masturbation which is forbidden. 7. An example of a man and wifes sex session As you know the timing of orgasm is usually is different, so we have to keep this in consideration. A. Environment Nice place, use the light, candle, red/any color see through cloth, fire place etc., what ever makes both of you happy. A shower is highly recommended Clean fresh cloth All body odors removed Cleansing the tongue, use a tongue scraper and mouth wash Keep your regular dentist teeth cleaning visits and teeth whiting Perfumes and bubble gum Fined a flavor you like ice cream, chocolate - to eat together so you can lick each other B. Be creative For example if you get tired of resting on your arms and knees, make a love table that is leveled to your organ height so you can penetrate while your hands are free and no discomfort to ones knee so you can use your hands applying more loving touches, there are even suspensions (like sleeping net bed) that hold the female into positions for the fun of it. There are about 106 lovemaking positions. Both should participate and not cease before both have enjoyed an arousal and passionate activities etc. C. The female three pleasurable areas A mature girl can be aroused in one hour in a lab 134 times while a mature man can arouse 17 times in one hour. The lady pleasure areas mainly three in the Vagina Clitoris (like a nut some call it miniature penis) outside on the top area of the vagina G- Spot located beyond Clitoris inside the vaginal upper front area The Cervix, the mouth of the Uterus (womb), kind of the bottom of the vagina Husband to handle them with his left head (not the right hand) and with his organ The best two practical tools are the male organ ring which is a soft rubber hose having both ends fastened together via a bead which works as adjustment, WARNING its usage is ONLY no more than 20 minutes a session to stop a male from ejaculating. The second tool is any battery-charged multi speed vibrator to be put outside on top of the wifes clitoris during (or before and after) the intercourse will add great enhancement to the pleasure. Another tip for the couple is that the wife motionless but she should use her hands to message her husband and move her hips at different speed while using her vagina to grip her husband organ, which will also add pleasure for the couple. However the speed and excitement can vary for mutual comfort of the couple. Matured sisters: With older age and daily pollutions, it one may experience vaginal dryness, which is no big deal, if handled properly. A great tip for any wife in this area is to follow: 1) Get a plastic tube with a smooth surface and no rough edges about the size of a tampon. 2) Poke a hole in one end in order to fix a string by puncturing one end with a hot needle. 3) Fix the string securely so that if you tug it the string will not detach from the plastic tube. 4) Get a standard house hold sponge that you can shape to insert into the plastic tube. Shape the sponge by trimming it to an approximate size of the tube. 5) Insert the dry sponge into the tube. 6) Apply hot water to the sponge soaking it. 7) Lightly lubricate the tube for easy insertion into the vagina. 8) Insert tube 10 - 15 minute prior to the marriage act (love making). This allows the vagina to be warm and slick before the sex act. Apply additional lubrication by hand on front ring of the vagina (point of entry). Make sure to use an antiseptic cleanser on all tools after every use to prevent infection. Lastly, DO NOT reveal your secret to your husband, and the husband should have decency and not question the circumstance. Finally we highly recommend the couple should not share the rest room with one another during the call of nature, in order not to cause future dislike between each other. However, this does not apply for the shower. All aspects of foreplay and sexual intercourse will covered, along with basic information on safe sex, male and female sex organs, and sexual response. To complete this Sex Guide, will expand your lovemaking horizons. d. Three Steps for Extended Pleasure A couple after having an intimate encounter may wish to engage in the marriage-act again following ejaculation. The following steps may be repeated multiple times based on the preference of the couple: 1) The couple should first observe hygiene washing the private area cleaning themselves of excess discharge and make ablution (this is not good for prayer) in order to freshen up and to make love again. 2) Since there are lot of liquid in the female organ after first ejaculation, the male has to start drying his organ during making love in this way: after every dip he dries his organ using paper towels or a towel, no body knows this nice how-to. Thanks for an elder Muslim in Chicago who told me when I informed him about this book, great tip! If this is not done both the male and female may experience a lose in sensitivity, reducing pleasure, due to excess liquid from first sexual ejaculation. 3) Lastly, a warm washcloth (small towels) may be applied to the male genitals to assist in re-erection. The washcloth may be heated in the microwave or by using hot water from faucet. The couple must keep in mind NOT to look to closely or examine one anothers private parts. This is disliked Islamically and may cause hostility or bad feelings between the couple. This type of base physical familiarity breeds contempt. Remember having erection is not a must to enjoy making love. If husband continues moving his organ outside over his wifes organ both will enjoy and maybe sooner erection can start. Lubrication is must in any re-play and both can be over each other or alternate. Also, if the husband uses his fingers to play with her Clitoris (like a nut some call it miniature penis) outside on the top area of her vagina, she will enjoy and the pleasue can happen several times for her. However, you have to be delecate and handle lightly not with force. 8. Muslims who marry outside of Islam and have sex will be subject to punishment A. Koranic Verses that speak of punishing those who practice fornication Allah, the Exalted says: 25 Marry them with the permission of their people and give them their wages (dowry) honorably being women in marriage and chaste, not taking lovers. That is for those of you who fear fornication, but it is better for you to be patient. Allah is the Forgiver, the Most Merciful. 26 Allah wishes to make this clear to you and to guide you along the ways of those who have gone before you, and turns towards you. And Allah is the Knower, the Wise. 27 Allah wishes to turn towards you, but those who follow their lower desires wish you to greatly swerve away. 5 The good things have this day been made lawful to you. The (non slaughtered) food of those to whom the Book was given is lawful to you, and your food is lawful to them. Lawful to you (in marriage) are the free believing women and the free women from among those who were given the Book before you, provided that you give them their dowries in marriage, neither committing fornication nor taking them as mistresses. Whosoever denies the belief, his labors will be annulled. In the Everlasting Life he is of the losers. 32 Do not draw near to fornication, for it is an indecency, and its way is evil. 28 Allah wishes to lighten for you (the jurisprudence), and humans are created weak. 25 The Criterion - Al-Furqan In the Name of Allah, the Merciful, the Most Merciful 1 Blessed is He who has sent down the Criterion to His worshiper (Prophet Muhammad), that he is a warner to all mankind; 2 to whom the Kingdom of the heavens and the earth belongs, who has not taken a son, nor does He have an associate in the Kingdom, and He created everything, then He ordained it very precisely. 3 Yet they worship, other than Him, gods which cannot create anything and were themselves created. They own neither harm nor benefit for themselves, neither do they own death nor life, nor a resurrection. 4 The unbelievers say: 'This is but a falsehood he has forged another nation has helped him.' So they have come with wrong and falsehood. 5 They say: 'He has written tales of the ancients, they are recited to him at dawn and at the evening.' 6 Say: 'It was sent down by Him who knows the secrets of heavens and earth. He is Forgiving, the Most Merciful. 47 It is He who has appointed the night a mantle for you and sleep for a rest. The day He has appointed for rising. 48 It is He who loosens the winds, bearing glad tidings before the Hands of His Mercy, and We have sent down pure water from the heaven, 49 so, that with it We revive dead lands and provide drink for the cattle and the human We created. 50 We have indeed turned it about them, so that they remember; yet most people refuse all except disbelief. 51 Had it been Our will, We could have raised a warner in every village. 52 So do not obey the unbelievers, but struggle mightily with it (the Koran). 53 It was He who let forth the two seas, this one is palatably sweet and this salt, a bitter taste, and He set a barrier between them, and a refuge which is forbidden. 54 And it is He who created the human from water and gave him kindred of blood and of marriage. Your Lord is the Powerful. 55 Yet they (the unbelievers) worship, other than Allah, that which can neither benefit nor harm them. Surely, the unbeliever is ever a partisan against his Lord. 56 We did not send you but as a bearer of glad tidings and as a warner. 57 Say: 'I demand of you no wage for this except for he who wishes to take the Path to his Lord.' 58 Put your trust in the All Living who never dies, and exalt with His praise, He is sufficiently aware of His worshipers' sins. 59 (It is) He who, in six days created the heavens and the earth and all that lies between them, and then He willed to the Throne. The Merciful; ask about Him from he who knows Him. 60 When it is said to them: 'Prostrate yourselves before the Merciful', they ask: 'And what is the Merciful? Shall we prostrate ourselves to whatever you bid us?' And it increases their aversion. 61 Blessed be He who has set the constellations in the heaven, and set amongst them a sun, and an illuminating moon. 62 It is He who has made the night and day follow each other for those whom He desires to remember or He desires to be thankful. 63 The worshipers of the Merciful are those who walk humbly on the earth, and when the ignorant address them say: 'Peace,' 64 who pass the night prostrating and standing to their Lord. 65 Who say: 'Our Lord, turn from us the punishment of Gehenna, for its punishment is the most terrible; 66 it is an evil settling, and an evil residence.' 67 who when they spend are neither wasteful nor miserly, between that is a just stand, 68 who do not call upon another god with Allah, nor slay the soul which Allah has forbidden except by right; who do not fornicate, for he who does this shall face punishment 69 doubled for him on the Day of Resurrection is his punishment, and therein he shall live, humbled, 70 except he who repents and believes and does good works - those, Allah will change their evil deeds into good deeds; Allah is ever Forgiving and Merciful. 71 He who repents and does good works truly turns to Allah in repentance, 72 and those who do not bear false witness, and when they pass by idle talk, pass by with honor 73 and who when they are reminded of the verses of their Lord, they do not fall down deaf and blind. 74 Those who say: 'Lord give us of our wives and children what pleases our eyes and make us leaders to the fearful.' 75 Those shall be recompensed with the highest rank for their patience. There they shall receive a greeting, and peace! 76 There they shall live for ever; a fine dwelling place, and residence. 77 Say: 'My Lord cares little for you if it was not for your supplication, indeed you have belied (the Messenger and the Koran) so it (the punishment) will be fastened.' 24:2 You shall scourge the fornicatress and the fornicator each with a hundred lashes. According to the religion of Allah, let no tenderness for them seize you if you believe in Allah and the Last Day; and let their punishment be witnessed by a party of believers. (This is not applicable in non-Islamic land) B. Prophetic Quotations that speaks of punishing those who practice fornication Avoid doing harm. Because indeed, doing harm is darkness on the Day of Resurrection. Safeguard yourselves against miserliness, For miserliness has ruined nations before you. It incited them to murder and to treating unlawful sexual practice (i.e. fornication and sodomy) as lawful. {Ref Muslimun with a chain up to Jabir who related that the Prophet, praise and veneration be upon him, said the above} FORNICATION OF THE EYES, EARS, TONGUE, HAND, FEET, HEART AND GENITALS Any share of fornication of the son of Adam is written and no doubt he will reach it: The fornication of the eyes is looking at that which is forbidden. The fornication of the ears is listening to that which is forbidden. The fornication of the tongue is saying that which is forbidden. The fornication of the hand is grasping that which is forbidden. The fornication of the feet is walking to that which is forbidden. The fornication of the heart yearns and desires and the genitals either confirm it or contradict it. {Ref. 1667 Muslimun with a chain up to Abu Hurairah who related that the Messenger of Allah, praise and veneration be upon him, said the above} Have Halal Fun. And here is how to introduce your spouse to Islam c. Prophet Joseph refused to fornicate, and even entered the jail instead. 12 The Prophet Joseph -Yusuf In the Name of Allah, the Merciful, the Most Merciful [12.1] AlifLaamRa. Those are the verses of the Clear Book. [12.2] We have sent it down, an Arabic Koran, in order that you understand. [12.3] In the sending down of this Koran, We will narrate to you (Prophet Muhammad) the best of narratives, of which you were previously unaware. [12.4] When Joseph said to his father: 'Father, I saw eleven planets, and the sun and the moon; I saw them prostrating themselves before me. ' [12.5] He said: 'O my son, say nothing of this vision to your brothers lest they should cunningly plot against you indeed, satan is the clear enemy of the human, [12.6] so your Lord will choose you and teach you the interpretation of visions, and perfect His Favor upon you and upon the House of Jacob, as He perfected it on your fathers Abraham and Isaac before you. Your Lord is Knowing, Wise. [12.7] Indeed, in Joseph and his brothers there were signs for those who inquire. [12.8] They said: 'Joseph and his brother are dearer to our father than ourselves, even though we are many. Truly, our father is obviously wrong. [12.9] (Let us) kill Joseph, or cast him away in some (far off) land, so that your father's face will be left for you, and afterwards you will be a righteous nation. ' [12.10] One of them said: 'No, do not kill Joseph, if you do anything, cast him into a dark pit, a traveler will pick him up. ' [12.11] They said: 'Father, what is the matter with you, do you not trust us with Joseph? Indeed, we are sincere advisors. [12.12] Send him with us tomorrow to frolic and play. We will look after him. ' [12.13] He said: 'It grieves me to let him go with you, for I fear lest the wolf should devour him when you are not paying attention to him. ' [12.14] They said: 'We are many, if a wolf devours him, then we are losers! ' [12.15] When they went with him, they agreed to put him in the bottom of a well. We revealed to him: 'You shall tell them of what they did when they are not aware (it is you). ' [12.16] At nightfall, they returned weeping to their father. [12.17] They said: 'We went racing and left Joseph with our things. The wolf devoured him, but you will not believe us, though we speak the truth. ' [12.18] And they brought his shirt (stained) with blood, a lie. He said: 'No, your souls have tempted you to do something. But come sweet patience! The help of Allah is always there to seek against that which you describe. ' [12.19] Thereafter travelers came, and sent their waterman. And when he had let down his pail, (he cried:) 'Rejoice, a boy! ' Then they concealed him among their merchandise, but Allah knew what they did. [12.20] Then, they sold him for a trifling price, a number of dirhams, because they considered him to be of little value. [12.21] The Egyptian that bought him said to his wife: 'Make his stay honorable. He may benefit us, or take him for our son. ' As such We established Joseph in the land, so that We might teach him the interpretation of visions. Allah prevails in His affairs, though most people do not know. [12.22] And when he reached maturity, We bestowed on him judgment and knowledge. As such We recompense those who do good. [12.23] And she, in whose house he was, sought to seduce him and closed the doors saying: 'Come! ' 'In Allah is my refuge! ' he replied. 'My Lord has made my dwelling a good one. Harmdoers never prosper. ' [12.24] She desired him, had he not been shown the proof of his Lord he would have taken her. But We turned him away from evil and abomination, for he was one of Our sincere worshipers. [12.25] They raced to the door and she tore his shirt from behind. And by the door, they met her husband whereupon she said: 'What is the recompense of one whose intent is evil against your people other than being imprisoned, or sternly punished! ' [12.26] He (Joseph) said: 'It was she who sought to seduce me, ' and a witness (an infant) of her people bore witness, saying: 'If his shirt is torn from the front, she is speaking the truth and he is one of the liars, [12.27] but, if his shirt is torn from behind, she lied, and he is of the truthful. ' [12.28] And when he saw his shirt torn at the back, he said: 'This is one of your (women's) guiles. Your guile, (O woman), is great indeed! [12.29] Joseph, turn away from this. And you, ask forgiveness for your sin. You are indeed one of the sinners. ' [12.30] Certain women in the city said: 'The Governor's wife has sought to seduce her servant. He has made her heart stricken with love for him. Clearly, we perceive her to be in error. ' [12.31] When she heard of their sly whispers, she sent for them and prepared a banquet. To each she gave a knife, (then called Joseph saying:) 'Come and attend to them. ' When they saw him, they were so taken with him that they cut their hands, and said: 'Allah save us! This is no mortal, he is no other but a noble angel! ' [12.32] Whereupon she said: 'Now you see, this is he on whose account you blamed me. Yes, I sought to seduce him, but he was unyielding. If he declines to do what I command, he shall be imprisoned and be one of the humiliated. ' [12.33] He supplicated: 'Lord, prison is dearer to me than that to which they invite me. Yet if You do not shield me from their guile I shall yield to them and be one of the ignorant. ' [12.34] His Lord answered him and He turned their guile away from him. Indeed, He is the Hearer, the Knower. [12.35] Then it seemed good to them, even after they had seen the signs, that they should imprison him for some time. [12.36] Two young men went to prison with him. One of them said: 'I saw (in a vision) that I was pressing grapes. ' And the other said: 'I saw (in a vision) that I was carrying bread upon my head, and that birds ate of it. Tell us its interpretation, for we can see you are among the good. ' [12.37] He said: 'Before any food comes to feed either of you, I will give you its interpretation. That which I will tell you has been taught to me by Allah. I reject the belief of a nation who do not believe in Allah and disbelieve in the Everlasting Life. [12.38] I follow the creed of my fathers, Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. It is not for us to associate anything with Allah. Such is the favor of Allah to us, and to mankind. Yet most people do not give thanks. [12.39] My fellowprisoners, say which is better, many gods at variance, or Allah the One, the Conqueror? [12.40] That which you worship, other than Him, are nothing but names which you and your fathers have named and for which Allah has sent down no authority. Judgement rests with Allah alone. He has commanded you to worship none except Him. That is the right religion, yet most people do not know. [12.41] My fellowprisoners, one of you will pour wine for his lord whereas the other will be crucified, and birds will peck at his head. The matter you inquired about has been decided. [12.42] And he said to the one of the two who he knew would be saved: 'Mention me in the presence of your lord. ' But satan made him forget to mention him to his master, so that he remained in prison for a certain number years. [12.43] The king said: 'I saw in a vision seven fatted cows being devoured by seven lean ones; and seven green ears of corn and seven others withered. My counselors, tell me the meaning of my vision, if you can interpret visions. ' [12.44] They said: 'They are confused nightmares, nor do we know anything of the interpretation of visions. ' [12.45] After all that time, the one of the two who had been saved remembered, he said: 'I will interpret it for you, so let me go. ' [12.46] (He said:) 'Joseph, the truthful, tell us of the seven fatted cows that were devoured by seven lean ones also of the seven green ears of corn and the other seven which were withered, so that I can go back to the people and then they will then know. ' [12.47] He replied: 'You shall sow for seven years as is your way. Leave in the ear (of corn) you reap, except a little which you eat. [12.48] Thereafter, seven hard years will come upon you which will consume all but little of that which you have stored. [12.49] Then, there will come a year in which people are helped, in which the people will press. ' [12.50] The king said: 'Bring him before me. ' But when the king's envoy came to him, he said: 'Go back to your lord and ask him: "What about the women who cut their hands. Indeed, my Lord knows their guile. ' [12.51] 'What was your business, women, ' he asked, 'when you solicited Joseph? ' 'Allah save us! ' they replied. 'We know no evil against him. ' The Governor's wife said: 'The truth has been discovered at last; I solicited him; he is among the truthful. [12.52] This (I have done) so that he will know I did not secretly betray him, and that Allah does not guide the guile of the treacherous. [12.53] Yet I do not consider my soul was innocent, surely the soul incites to evil except to whom my Lord has mercy; indeed, my Lord is Forgiving, the Most Merciful. ' [12.54] The king said: 'Bring him before me. I will assign him to myself. ' And when he had spoken with him he said: 'Today, you are firmly established in both our favor and trust. ' [12.55] He (Joseph) said: 'Give me charge of the storehouses of the land, I am a knowledgeable guardian. ' [12.56] And as such We established Joseph in the land to live wherever he liked. We bestow Our Mercy on whom We will, and We never waste the wage of the righteous. [12.57] Indeed, the reward of the Everlasting Life is better for those who believe and are cautious. Read the rest by downloading for free the www.Muhammad.com/koran.doc Your First 24 Hours In Islam 2002 - Muhammad.com Accepting the Islamic Faith In order to enter into the faith of submission to the Creator, one must declare this statement in the presence of two Muslim male witnesses after cleansing oneself with a shower or bath. Say: (It is recommended that it is spoken in Arabic but the English translation has been provided.) Ash hadu=I bear witness anla=that there is no ilaaha =god ella =except Allahu=Allah wa=and ash hadu=I bear witness anna=that Muhammadan=Muhammad abduhu=is His worshipper wa=and rasooluh.=messenger. I believe in the above statement and in: Allah. All his angels. All his books. The Day of Recompense (Judgment.) The predetermined plan of Allah. I also acknowledge my obligatory duties. These are: The five daily prayers. Fasting during the month of Ramadan. Charity of at least 2.5 percent of annual savings. At least one Pilgrimage to the holy city of Mecca. Right after you have completed your Declaration of Faith (above), it is obligatory to say your first prayer. After you have accepted Islam (by accepting the Declaration of Faith) it is obligatory to complete all prayers after that. Congratulations! You are now officially a Muslim! Tenets of the Islamic Faith To know God is the first obligation of all who are mature and competent. (mukallaf someone who has reached puberty and is of sound mind.) Allah is existent and not nonexistent, eternal without beginning or end, not originating in or subject to time or space, everlastingly abiding, dissimilar to anything within time or space, existing without need and not subject to any conditions, having nothing and no one that resembles Him. He is One, without co-sharing His existence, attributes or actions. So Almighty is He that, He possesses Divine Power, Will, Knowledge and Life. He wills all, knows all, lives, hears, sees, and speaks all. Through His generosity, Allah sent the Prophets, protecting their prophet hood, from any physical or spiritual harm, guarding them from the temptation of committing any sins, whether large or small. He also forbade any disability or disadvantage to come onto them. They lived among and like the rest. They were the best of all created being, and the highest of them was whom Allah chose to be the final seal of prophet hood, our Prophet Muhammad (Allah bless him and give him peace.) He is Allahs messenger of the sacred law that supersedes all previously valid religious laws. Prophet Muhammads (Allah bless him and give him peace) Companions (Sahaba- those followers that new him in his time) were the finest generation, the best of them being Abu Bakr, Umar, Uthman, and Ali. (May the pleasure of Allah be upon them all.) We believe in everything that Allah has informed us of upon the tongue of Muhammad (May Allah bless him and give him peace) including the existence of hell and paradise. We believe in the angels and their questioning of the dead about their faith while in the grave, and of the Day of Judgment for the dead and their resurrection. We also believe in the scales of justice in which every souls good and bad deeds are weighed. We acknowledge the existence of the high and narrow bridge over hell in which believers will safely cross over into paradise. We also believe that the Prophets and the devout worshippers can plead to Allah on behalf of their followers. To be called a Muslim one must believe in the basic principles of Islamic faith. These are the prayer rituals, rules, obligations, and beliefs, as said by Prophet Muhammad (May Allah bless him and give him peace) and practiced by Muslims. Persons who have not been exposed to Islam cannot be called non-Muslim because they have not had the opportunity to accept or reject the principles of Islam. Once a person has been informed of the principles of Islam they can then be identified as being a Muslim or a non-Muslim according to their acceptance or non-acceptance of the faith. Any person, who, upon knowing Allahs laws, chooses to disobey any of them, is considered to be non-Muslim. The Fundamentals of Islam Before accepting Islam, one must have been informed of the Prophets message and voluntarily accepted its validity. One must also be of sound mind and reached puberty. The foundations of Islamic practice are made up of five things: Saying and accepting the two-part declaration of faith, I declare that there is no god except Allah, and I declare that Muhammad is the messenger of Allah. One must understand and believe all parts of the declaration and must utter them in their original order without separating them. This declaration can be said in any language (although it is preferred that it be said in Arabic) and must be stated before one can be considered a Muslim. The prescribed pattern of prayer (salat) Obligatory charity that equals 2.5 percent of annual savings (zakat) Pilgrimage to Mecca at least once if financially affordable Observing the fasting of the month of Ramadan The meaning of true faith (iman) is that one believes in Allah, His angels, His Revealed books, His messengers, the Last Day, and in destiny whether good and bad. In the Islamic lifestyle there are three moral guidelines: To do what Allah has commanded To avoid what He has forbidden To accept what He has destined There are four basic sources that support Islamic laws: The Koran The sayings and actions of the Prophet The scholarly interpretation of original law in order to apply new laws that fit the needs of a changing society (qiyas- extrapolation) The unanimous consensus of Islamic scholars The Sacred Law There are five classifications of Sacred Law. These are: Recommended (mandub) actions whose performance is rewarded, and whose non-performance is not punished Essential (wajib) actions whose performance is rewarded, and whose non-performance is punished Personally essential- an action that every individual is obligated to perform (i.e. ablution.) Communally essential an action that can be performed by one person for the group (i.e. prayers at a funeral) Permissible (mubah) actions whose performance is not rewarded and whose non-performance is not punished Offensive (makruh) actions whose performance is not punished and whose non-performance is rewarded Unlawful (haram) actions whose performance is punished and whose non-performance is rewarded Accepting the Islamic Faith In order to enter into the faith of submission to the Creator, one must declare this statement in the presence of two Muslim male witnesses after cleansing oneself with a shower or bath. Say: (It is recommended that it is spoken in Arabic but the English translation has been provided.) Ash hadu=I bear witness anla=that there is no ilaaha =god ella =except Allahu=Allah wa=and ash hadu=I bear witness anna=that Muhammadan=Muhammad abduhu=is His worshipper wa=and rasooluh.=messenger. I believe in the above statement and in: Allah. All his angels. All his books. The Day of Recompense (Judgment.) The predetermined plan of Allah. I also acknowledge my obligatory duties. These are: The five daily prayers. Fasting during the month of Ramadan. Charity of at least 2.5 percent of annual savings. At least one Pilgrimage to the holy city of Mecca. Right after you have completed your Declaration of Faith (above), it is obligatory to say your first prayer. After you have accepted Islam (by accepting the Declaration of Faith) it is obligatory to complete all prayers after that. Congratulations! You are now officially a Muslim! Consumption Eat only halal or kosher meats. You can find such meats in specialty stores. If it is not halal or kosher, do not eat it. Halal is a way of slaughtering the animal and a way of preparing it for eating. Halal pertains only to red meats and poultry (non-carnivorous birds). It does not apply to any ocean life, which is permitted as is (i.e. fish, shrimp, crab, etc.) Be careful in eating deep-fried seafood or French fries, as they may have been fried in oil that has been used to fry other non-halal meats. By preparing the meat in a halal way, the animals suffering is greatly minimized. At the time of slaughter, the animal never sees the knife (which must be very sharp to minimize pain), and there are no other animals in viewing distance. The person who slaughters the animal must be Muslim or have been directed to kill the animal by a Muslim, and he must bless the animal by pronouncing the name of Allah (Bismilla Allahu Akbar) over it prior to slaughter. Once the animal has been slaughtered, it is hung upside down from its hind feet in order for all the blood to drain out. Muslims believe that eating meat with blood in it is unhealthy. As with any Muslim guidelines about life, each one has its practical reasons, but first and foremost, that rule has been directed to us by Allah through Muhammad (May Allah bless him and give him peace) and therefore it should be blindly upheld. Kosher meats are essentially prepared the same as halal but the Jews put more regulations on their meat. (i.e. A kosher store must be owned by a Rabbi.) Therefore Muslims can eat halal and kosher foods, but Jews only eat kosher. Resign from eating all pork products (including lard and pork by-products), as the swine consumes dirt and is a vital carrier of certain diseases (i.e. flu.)3 Resign from consuming any alcohol or mind-altering products. Allah forbids all products that alter the mind because decision-making skills are lost when under the influence of such chemicals. Also, alcohol and other drugs are unhealthy for the human body.3 Performing Ablution (wudu) for Prayer.3 Upon using the toilet, it is essential that ones private area be fully cleansed with water, and the hands must be washed with soap before performing ablution (wudu.) This also applies to any time one uses the bathroom regardless if ablution needs to be performed. If one engages in any kind of intercourse, a full shower is needed in which every part of the body is rinsed, including the hair.4 Say: Bismillah Arahmani Araheem. (In the name of Allah the Merciful, the Most Merciful.) Wash hands: Rinse them up to the wrists making sure that no part of the hands are left dry. (3x) Wash mouth: Cup the right hand and fill it with water. Use the water to rinse the mouth. (3x) Wash nose: Sniff water up into the nostrils using the right hand and then eject it with the help of the left hand. (3x) Wash face: Splash water over the face covering the entire area from ear to ear, and from forehead to chin, making sure that no part of the face is left dry. (1x) . (3x) after washing one's face, one should wash his/her hands upto the elbow, starting from right and then left hand-to-elbow (3x) Wash head: With wet fingers, wipe the head starting from the forehead and ending at the nape of the neck, then reverse the motion ending up at the forehead again. (1x) Wash ears: Gently insert wet fingertips into the ears and pass them through the ear canals. Complete the movement by passing the thumbs behind the ears from the bottom up. (3x) Wash feet: Starting with the right foot, rinse feet entirely including the ankles making sure that no part is left dry, especially between the toes. (3x) There are four conditions that can nullify a persons last ablution. The ablution must be performed again if: Anything exits from any of the private areas, including flatulent. The person has slept. Bodily contact with another person of the opposite sex in a sexual manner has occurred. (But if sexual intercourse has occurred a full shower is needed.) Ones own hand has touch their private area (i.e. using the restroom.)Ablution is not nullified by vomiting, nose bleeds, having an open wound5, or laughing during prayer. It is also not nullified by any natural, non-sexual discharge from either the male or female genital orifice. If one is uncertain that ablution is needed, according to Islamic law, one should err on the side of caution and perform the ablution to be certain. If one is traveling and does not have access to water, it is permissible to perform a dry ablution. Performed much the same way and in the same order, ablution can be accomplished by substituting water with tapping the earth with the hands. (One may omit ablution for head, ears, and feet if performing a dry ablution.) This also applies to those who would like to pray outside and do not have immediate access to water. But if one has made dry ablution and, before making prayer, finds water, it is obligatory to perform ablution again using water. For persons having bandaged wounds or a cast, it is acceptable to gently rub the area with wet fingertips to fulfill the ablution to that part of the body. If it is difficult to perform ablution on the feet (i.e. a working woman who is wearing panty hose and does not want to take the panty hose off in order to wash her feet), it is permissible to wipe the tops of the shoes with wet fingers only if the shoes have not been taken off since the last ablution. A person suffering from urinary incontinence must take care that the private area is cleansed immediately before prayer. It is also recommended that one wear an absorbent cloth to catch the urine. The Five Daily Prayers6 It is essential that you immediately begin to pray even though you may not be fully knowledgeable in the process of prayer yet. Just do what you can in prayer but it is imperative that you learn it quickly. Ablution must be made before any prayer can be performed. One should say all statements of prayer in Arabic, but performing it in your native language until you learn the Arabic does not make it void. Allah hears all who speak to him. One must not speak sounds other than those for prayer. It is recommended that you use a prayer mat on top of which to prayer, but again, it is not necessary. A clean towel is sufficient. Below is a definition of one unit. (For each prayer there is an obligation to do a certain number of units.)7 Face southeast, as this is the direction of the Kabah, a building used as the Islamic compass created by Allah rebuilt by Abraham, located in the city of Mecca on the Arabian peninsula. If during any part of a prayer, the worshippers chest turns to face any other direction, the prayer is cancelled and must be performed over again. While standing, swing hands up above the shoulders. This symbolizes leaving the whole universe behind you and preparing yourself to hear only Allah (directing the ears toward Kabah.) During this movement one should say: Allah is the Greatest. Allahu Ekbar. Upon allowing the hands to come down, place the right hand over the left wrist, and place your hands over your abdomen. Recite the first chapter of the Holy Koran, and recite three or more consecutive verses of choice from the Holy Koran. Begin with: I seek refuge with Allah, from satan, the stoned.8 Aothu bilahee min ash highton arajeem. In the name of Allah, the Merciful, the Most Merciful. Bismillah arahman araheem. Chapter 1: Praise be to Allah, Lord of the Worlds, the Merciful, the Most Merciful, Owner of the Day of Recompense. You (alone) we worship, and You (alone) we rely on for help. Guide us to the straight path, the path of those upon whom You have favored, not those upon whom is the anger, nor those who have gone astray. Alhamdu lil lahi rabil alameen arahmani araheem maliki yaw mideen. Iyaka nabudu wa iyaka nestaeen. Ehdena aserata almostakeem. Seratal lathenna anamta alayhim ghayril magh dubi alayhim wa la dauleen (Ameen) Example of Supplementary reading of Koran: Chapter: 112 Oneness - Al-'Ikhlas In the Name of Allah the Merciful, the Most Merciful 1 Say: 'He is Allah, the One, 2 the called upon. 3 Who has not given birth, and has not been born, 4 and there is none equal to Him.' Chapter 112: Say, Allah is One. Allah is the One to be called upon. He has not given birth, and He was not borne. There is none equal to Him. Kul huwa Allahu ahad. Allahu asamad. Lam yalid wa lam yulad. Wa lam yakun lahu kufu wan ahad. When the reading is complete, swing arms up to shoulders, then allow the entire torso to fall down into a bent-over position, ending with the hands resting on the knees. Fill the movement with the words, Allahu Ekbar. In this bent over position, repeat three times or more (keeping to odd numbers): Exalted my Lord, the Great. Subahana Rabia el alla. In coming up to standing position, say: Allah hears whosoever praises him. Samia Allahu leman hamidah. While saying Allahu Ekbar, prostrate onto your knees with face touching the ground so that seven points are touching the floor. Face (forehead and nose) Two hands (closed fingers) Two knees Two feet In this position repeat three times or more (keeping to odd numbers): Exalted is my Lord, the High. Subhana rabia el alla. Come up into a sitting position in which your legs are resting underneath you, while saying Allahu Ekbar. In this position, your hands should be resting on your knees. While saying Allahu Ekbar, prostrate again. Once the seven points are resting on the ground say, Subhanna rabia el alla, three times or more (keeping to odd numbers.) This completes one unit. After the second unit of any prayer, all or part of the Greeting Prayer must be recited. All greetings, prayers and goodness are for Allah. O Prophet, may the Mercy, the Blessings, and the Peace of Allah be upon you. Peace be upon us, and upon the good worshipper of Allah. I bear witness that there is no god except Allah, and I bear witness that Muhammad is His Worshipper and Messenger. (1st half ended.) O Allah, grant praise upon Muhammad and the kin of Muhammad as You granted praise upon Abraham and the kin of Abraham. Truly, You are the Most Praised and Noble. Bless Muhammad and the kin of Muhammad as You blessed Abraham and the kin of Abraham in the world. Truly, You are the Most Praised and Noble. At tayhi yatu lil layhe wa salawatu watyebat. Asalamu alayka ayuha anabey wa rahmatu lahi wa barakatu. Asalamu alayna wa alla ibady ilayhe asaliheen. Ash hadu anla ilaaha ella Allahu wa ash hadu anna Muhammadan abduhu wa rasooluh. (1st half ended.) Allah homma, solly alla Muhammadin wa alla eli Muhammadin kama saulighta alla Ebrah heem wa alla eli Ebrah heem. Ineka hameedon majeed. Allah homma, barik alla Muhammadin wa alla eli Muhammadin kama barokta alla Ebrah heem wa alla eli Ebrah heem fil alameen. Ineka hameedon majeed. Upon completing all required units for a particular prayer, stay seated and turn head to the right and then to the left, saying both times: Peace be upon you. Ah salamu alaycum. This is referred to as the Peace Statement and it ends all prayers. If one has missed a prayer for a valid reason (i.e. being asleep or forgetting it), or if one has missed a prayer for a non-valid reason (i.e. choosing not to pray at the appropriate time) the prayer should be made up as soon as possible. MorningAfternoonLate AfternoonSunsetTwilight 2 units4 units4 units3 units4 units *Beginning to*Begins just after*Begins when*After sun*No more be light, butsun has reachedobjects shadowhas fullydaylight before sunriseits zenithequals its heightset(darkness) *Koran recited*Koran recited*Koran recited*1st-2nd units*1st-2nd units aloudsilentlysilently Koran readKoran read aloudaloud *3rd unit*3rd-4th units Koran readKoran read silentlysilently *Supplemental*Supplemental*Supplemental*Supplemental*Supplemental reading of Koranreading of Koranreading of Koran reading of Koranreading of Koran for both unitsfor 1st-2nd unitsfor 1st-2nd unitsfor 1st-2nd unitsfor 1st-2nd units *After 2nd unit*After 2nd unit*After 2nd unit*After 2nd unit*After 2nd unit recite full Greetingrecite Greetingrecite Greetingrecite Greetingrecite Greeting PrayerPrayerPrayerPrayerPrayer *After 4th unit*After 4th unit*After 3rd unit*After 4th unit recite full Greetingrecite full Greetingrecite full Greetingrecite full Greeting PrayerPrayerPrayerPrayer *End w/ Peace*End w/ Peace*End w/ Peace*End w/ Peace*End w/ Peace statementstatementstatementstatementstatement Purification Purification according to Islamic law means the action of removing any impurity or filth by rinsing the entire body or by performing ablution with pure water. There are two types of impurity each requiring its own purification process. Minor impurity requires ablution. Major impurity requires a full shower. Later in this document, actions or circumstances that cause such impurities will be discussed. Water is no longer pure if its taste, smell or color is different from pure water. Salt water is considered pure water. Use the right hand only for clean things, such as eating, feeding babies, and greeting people. Use the left hand for cleaning and personal hygiene. If one comes into contact with any of the following substances, the substance must be removed before one can be considered in a purified state.9 Blood Puss Vomit Liquor (except wine that has naturally turned to vinegar) All substances that exits from any private areas, including semen and vaginal discharge.10 Animal life that dies in a non-Islamic way, excluding aquatic life (which is considered pure.) Hair from animals that are unslaughterable (i.e. lion or pig) Locusts Deceased human beings Saliva from dogs (Must be washed seven times. Washing machine is sufficient.) Swine In order to purify the mouth, it is recommended that one use a toothbrush, floss, tongue scrapper and mouthwash. After a state of major impurity, a complete water shower is needed. Major impurity comes from: Intercourse (meaning when the head of the penis passes through the vaginal ring.) Female or male orgasm. Death. (A person who dies must be given a shower before burial.) A womans menstrual period. Giving birth. Prenatal bleeding. There are three obligations while performing a purifying bath. These are that one must: Begin by saying, In the name of Allah, Most Merciful and Compassionate. Bismillahi arahmani araheem. Intend to purify ones self through cleansing. Rinse all of the skin, including the hair to the roots, and under the nails. The following actions are unlawful to perform in a state a minor impurity. In order to perform any of these actions, ablution must be made. Prayer Touching of the Koran The required prostration upon hearing certain verses of the Koran Volunteer prostration to thank Allah The required circling of Kabah upon journey to Mecca The following actions are unlawful to perform in a state of major impurity. If in such state, a full shower must be made in order to perform any of the following actions. Recitation of the Koran Intercourse immediately after a menstrual cycle The beginning of a fast immediately after a menstrual cycle To enter a mosque after a menstrual cycles has ended Specific Information for Men During prayer, men should take care to cover their bodies from the shoulders to the knees. Clothing should be loose and not reveal the shape ones figure. Attending Friday prayer (juma) in a local mosque is obligatory for all able, Muslim males. In preparation, he must take a purifying bath/shower and clean his mouth. He should also wear perfume and wear white loose clothing. He should arrive at the mosque before the sun reaches its highest, for juma replaces his afternoon prayer. Specific Information for Women In Islamic faith it is understood that men are attracted to women by way of sight, whereas women are attracted to men by way of thought. Therefore in order to avoid any sexual thoughts on the part of the male during a time of prayer, it is necessary for a woman to cover her entire body save the face and hands. Contrary to Western opinion, the choice to cover the body is done out of respect for the woman, and some Muslim women cover up partly as a favor to their Muslim brothers.11 For the same reason, when men and women are praying together, the woman prays behind the man so that he cannot be sexually distracted by her presence, thus allowing him to focus on his prayer. All this being said, if you are female, it is obligatory to cover ones self up during prayer (even if you are alone.)3 In Islamic thought, a woman should have the opportunity to rest during her menstrual period. Therefore, during her cycle, a woman must not participate in any of the five obligatory prayers.3 If however a woman begins to bleed and the bleeding ceases within 24 hours, it is not considered a menstrual cycle and therefore, she must make up all missed prayers. If the bleeding begins and stops repeatedly, usually referred to as spotting, this is considered menstruation and therefore no prayers should be performed. If a woman is in her menstrual cycle during a time of fast, she should not partake in the fast, but needs to perform the fast once her menstrual cycle has ended. If a woman for any reason chronically emits an unusually large amount of vaginal discharge, she should cleanse the area immediately before making any prayers. The Remembrance of Allah (Thikre) Remembrance - Although it is essential to state the Declaration of Faith during ones initiation into Islam, stating it frequently is highly recommended. It means that one accepts the Oneness of Allah and the Prophet hood of Muhammad (May Allah bless him and give him peace.) One can also continuously repeat the first statement as a means of contemplation. I declare that there is no god except Allah. Ash hadu enla ellahah ella Allah. Worship - Aside from believing in your heart, the next best form of worship is the prescribed pattern of prayer (salat.) Glorification - The best way to give glory to Allah is to say: Exalted are You. We are unable to glorify You as You glorify Yourself. Subahanaka. Lan ohsee thana an ahlayeka anta kama athnighta alla nafsik. Praise The best way to give praise to Allah is to say: Praise be to Allah, a kind of praise that equals His favors and the favors yet to come. Alhamdu lelahe hamdan yuafio neamahu wa yukafe u mazeeda. Blessing on the Prophet (May Allah bless him and give him peace)12 The best way to ask Allah to bless Prophet Muhammad (May Allah bless him and give him peace) is to say: O Allah, grant praise upon Muhammad and the kin of Muhammad as You granted praise upon Abraham and the kin of Abraham. Bless Muhammad and the kin of Muhammad as You blessed Abraham and the kin of Abraham in this world. Truly, You are the Most Praised and Noble. Allah homma, solly alla Muhammadin wa alla eli Muhammadin kama saulighta alla Ebrah heem wa alla eli Ebrah heem. Wabarik alla Muhammadin wa alla eli Muhammadin kama barokta alla Ebrah heem wa alla eli Ebrah heem fil ala meen. Ineka hameedon majeed. Blessing on the Prophet when saying his name12 Although obligatory during the Declaration of Faith, it is strongly recommended that one give Prophet Muhammad (May Allah bless him and give him peace) this blessing at every mention of his name. Prophet Muhammad (May Allah bless him and give him peace.) Prophet Muhammad (Saula Allahu aleahe wa sal lam.) |
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