Exclamation Point?

Can it be that I've raised an eyebrow or two with my seemingly apathetic and one-may-argue "radical" stand in these coming elections? Perhaps I've disengaged a mandibular joint? Allow me to first be especially clear that I'm not implying voting is haraam or that one is sinful for casting a vote. Unless any evidence from Qur'an or Sunnah I'm not aware of should come to my attention affirming such, this is not my suggestion.

I would encourage all Muslims be politically active within their States and local bounds. As it is practically an article of our faith to value family, education and religious rights, we should investigate and support local candidates of State and Board of Education Offices we feel best serve our interest. However, on a federal level, the voting process is much too shifty for my taste.

Once upon a time voting was the right solely belonging to wealthy, landowners who a century later extended voting rights as a means to pacify a raging working class and disgruntled groups and control the rebellions they were subsequently verging. And to underhandedly ensure the elite sustained the final call as to who gets elected, they employed the Electoral College. We, the people did not vote nor was our opinion even inquired on the matter of the Electoral College. In this case, the popular vote does not elect the President. In this case, not every vote counts, or at least, not every vote counts EQUALLY.

Also, no matter how promising, reforming and well-intended a President may be. They can only change but so much. It should be noted that Congress is vested all legislative power. And overall, we should always be leery of how this government invests its foreign interest. We must consider our Ummah and think universally.

And what kind of staggers the line of relevancy and offhand in light of this topic is the imperativeness of recalling our status as being Muslim first. Our Islam is to take precedence over every other consequential aspect of ourselves. Regardless of our occupation, nationality, ethnicity, ancestral claim, quirks, preferences, etc... it should all facilitate our Islam. "La ilaaha ill Allah" reminds us that our obligation is first to Allah, subhanahu wa ta'ala. And the more we improve and perfect as servants to Allah, the more we improve in our roles as spouses, parents, workers, brothers, sisters, friends and so-forth in turn.

"La ilaaha ill Allah"... what better way to keep things in perspective?

Still A.V.

"...I ask you: 'are many lords differing among themselves better, or the one Allah, Supreme and Irresistible?'" -Qur'an (interpretation of the meaning) 12:39

All praise and gratitude belong only to Allah. As enticing as it may be to get up, get out there and vote for "a change we can trust", my stance as presented in my "Let's Talk, America" Myspace blog remains. Indeed. Even in the face and height of this economic crisis, corporate hysteria, the madness over who's more qualified, nail-biting poll projections, "maverick", "ticket", "they just don't get it", concern or lack thereof over policies and issues, who's going to do what about whatever, historical election, the most important election in history and McCaine/Palin yard signs in my neighborhood so grandiose they're actually billboards, no problem have I to shamelessly announce that A.V. still stands for Ain't Voting.

Reason number one, as Muslim, as Abdul Vakil --Servant of the Trustee and Dependable-- I bare witness that Allah alone has the right to legislate and I place my complete reliance, tawakul, in Allah, azza wa jall, alone. Number two, both "tickets" have an outspoken, unwavering support for Israel's illegal occupation of Palestine, the Saudi Family's oppressive dictatorship over the Arab people and the many military bases implanted and scattered throughout the Middle East which, ironically, produces more and more terrorists and vehement hatred against our country counterproductive to the very agenda it's government claims to carryout with regards to reducing and ultimately eliminating terrorism altogether.

Granted, as Americans, we're always presented with the choice of casting a vote for the lesser of two evils, but frankly, personally... I'd rather not condone or support evil on ANY level so long as I'm not subject to compulsion. Alhamdulillah, I have the American constitution's support in keeping my hands clear of any of its agendas causing the suffering and deaths of thousands-to-millions here and abroad. We are free to worship Allah for the betterment of ourselves and our condition in the Hereafter. And may the suffering and unjust killing of those faithful to Him be sufficient for His Mercy to grant them Jannah. Ameen.

With the above disclosure aside, I have no doubt that nothing is to stand in the way (even my refusal to vote) of the force that is Sen. Barack Obama from winning the White House, presiding as this country's 44th president. Again, I'm not voting, I'm not endorsing, I'm not placing any bets and I'm not claiming prescience or to have obtained inside information of any kind from any source. I couldn't start to explain why, and as much as I hate and would like to avoid sounding astrological or mystic (au'du billah), but it just "feels" like that's the only conclusion to which this whole barnstorm will arrive.

Although it doesn't matter, either to me or this system who gets in, if it should turn out the way I "feel" then I think on the face of such an event will at least have a healthy, positive effect and impression on America's youth and documentary. Or it may do so for a protracted period before we realize how cruel and deceptive of a joke it was. Our country's conquest and Machavellian strife for global dominance will remain either way.

Yes, even the president has strings.

Islam & Science

Depicted aside is the 11th century Muslim scientist, preeminent in his field, developer of the scientific method and pioneer of optical physcis, Ibn al-Haytham. He, however, is not the main point of discussion in this blog. I'm merely dishing that in here as a bit of a "did you know..." fun fact kind of thing. An astronomical point in history, needless to say.

No. Quickly, I just wanted to share a short encounter and the particular thought which derived from said encounter.

I'm quite crafty about advancing the slightest excuse to slide in a little da'wah in any conversation I find myself engaged. This way I invite to the truth and so that no one who knows me will not be able to curse me for not informing them about it on that Promised Day.

And so a colleague brings up childbirth, we had just found Celestone ordered for a delivering patient after a frantic search so naturally the subject arose. I then come around to sharing verses in the Qur'an alluding to embryonic development, which swiftly led to glossing over its revelation of the water cycle, the invisible barrier preventing the fresh water from mixing with the salt water in the meeting of oceans, it's allusion to the Great Explosion and Big Crunch theories and it's mention of the universe expanding. Impressive remarks having nothing to do with our life purpose and salvation, I know, but these signs of Allah, subhanahu wa ta'ala, are captivating to those who reason.

After our discourse they asked if I thought science proved my religion. To which I responded: "No. It's absurd to suggest science proves my religion." And with my best impersonation of Denzel Washington impersonating Malcolm X I said: "Science doesn't prove my religion. My religion proves science!"

I share this to remind us to avoid the mistake of claiming that science or scientific fact supports Islam. It is in fact the other way around whereas it's Islam that supports science or scientific fact. Before science as a field of study was even conceived, Islam already was and has since the moment Allah commanded: "kun".

Common Mistakes Made During Ramadan

Bismillahir Rahman Ar-Raheem

Salaamu 'alaykum and Ramadan kareem, brothers and sisters in Islam. What is to proceed this preface serves as both a valuable reminder and advisory concerning our intentions, focal points, attitudes and practices during this Holy Month of Ramadan. I picked this up from a forum I frequent, however, the source is unknown.

Most Muslims who fast Ramadan focus on the benefits and rewards of it. But in doing so, we often make mistakes that instead of adding to our experience actually detract from it. Mistakes that can make us commercialize Ramadan as so many other religions have commercialized their sacred days. Insh’Allah the following serves as a reminder to myself first and to all Muslims. May Allah help us to spend our time wisely this Ramadan and help us to avoid these mistakes.

Ameen

TAKING RAMADAN AS A RITUAL

For many of us Ramadaan has lost its spirituality and has become more of a ritual than a form of Ibaadah. We fast from morning to night like a zombie just because everyone around us is fasting too. We forget that its a time to purify our hearts and our souls from all evil….we forget to make dua, forget to beseech Allaah to forgive us and ask Him to save us from the Fire. Sure we stay away from food and drink but that’s about all.

Although the Prophet (Sal Allaahu Alaiyhi wa Sallam) said:
“Jibreel said to me, ‘May Allaah rub his nose in the dust, that person to who Ramadaan comes and his sins are not forgiven,’ and I said, ‘Ameen’. Then he said, ‘May Allaah rub his nose in the dust, that person who lives to see his parents grow old, one or both of them, but he does not enter Paradise (by not serving them) and I said, ‘Ameen’. Then he said, ‘May Allaah rub his nose in the dust, that person in whose presence you are mentioned and he does not send blessings upon you,’ and I said, ‘Ameen.’” (Tirmidhi, Ahmad, others. Saheeh by al-Albaani)

TOO MUCH STRESS ON FOOD AND DRINK

For some people, the entire month of Ramadaan revolves around food. They spend the ENTIRE day planning, cooking, shopping and thinking about only food, instead of concentrating on Salaah, Quraan and other acts of worship. All they can think of is FOOD. So much so that they turn the month of ‘fasting’ into the month of ‘feasting’. Come Iftaar time, their table is a sight to see, with the multitudes and varieties of food, sweets and drinks. They are missing the very purpose of fasting, and thus, increase in their greed and desires instead of learning to control them. It is also a kind of waste & extravagance.

“…..and eat and drink but waste not by extravagance, certainly He (Allaah) likes not Al-Musrifoon (those who waste by extravagance) ” [al-Araaf :31]

SPENDING ALL DAY COOKING

Some of the sisters (either by their own choice or forced by their husbands) are cooking ALL day and ALL night, so that by the end of the day, they are too tired to even pray Ishaa, let alone pray Taraweeh or Tahajjud or even read Quraan. This is the month of mercy and forgiveness. So turn off that stove and turn on your Imaan!

EATING TOO MUCH

Some people stuff themselves at Suhoor until they are ready to burst, because they think this is the way to not feel hungry during the day and some people eat at Iftaar, like there is no tomorrow, trying to ‘make up for the food missed.’ However, this is completely against the Sunnah. Moderation is the key to everything.

The Prophet (Sal Allaahu Alaiyhi wa Sallam) said: “The son of Adam does not fill any vessel worse than his stomach; for the son of Adam a few mouthfuls are sufficient to keep his back straight. If you must fill it, then one-third for food, one-third for drink and one-third for air.” (Tirmidhi, Ibn Maajah. saheeh by al-Albaani).

Too much food distracts a person from many deeds of obedience and worship, makes him lazy and also makes the heart heedless.

It was said to Imam Ahmad: Does a man find any softness and humility in his heart when he is full? He said, I do not think so.

SLEEPING ALL DAY

Some people spend their entire day (or a major part of it) ’sleeping away their fast’. Is this what is really required of us during this noble month? These people also are missing the purpose of fasting and are slaves to their desires of comfort and ease. They cannot ‘bear’ to be awake and face a little hunger or exert a little self-control. For a fasting person to spend most of the day asleep is nothing but, negligence on his part.

WASTING TIME

The month of Ramadaan is a precious, precious time, so much so that Allaah calls this month “Ayyamum Ma’doodaat” (A fixed number of days). Before we know it, this month of mercy and forgiveness will be over. We should try and spend every moment possible in the worship of Allaah so that we can make the most of this blessing. However, there are some of us who waste away their day playing video games, or worse still, watching TV, movies or even listening to music. Subhaan Allaah! Trying to obey Allaah by DISOBEYING him!

FASTING BUT NOT GIVING UP EVIL

Some of us fast but do not give up lying, cursing, fighting, backbiting, etc. and some of us fast but do not give up cheating, stealing, dealing in haraam, buying lotto tickets, selling alcohol, fornication, etc. and all kinds of impermissible things without realizing that the purpose of fasting is to not stay away from food and drink; rather the aim behind it is to fear Allaah.

“O you who believe! Fasting is prescribed for you as it was prescribed for those before you, that you may become Al-Muttaqoon (the pious)” [al-Baqarah 2:183]

The Prophet (Sal Allaahu Alaiyhi wa Sallam) said: “Whoever does not give up false speech and acting upon it, and ignorance, Allaah has no need of him giving up his food and drink.” (Bukhaari)

SMOKING

Smoking is forbidden in Islam whether during Ramadaan or outside of it, as it is one of al-Khabaa’ith (evil things). And this includes ALL kinds of ’smoking material’ eg.cigars, cigarettes, pipes,’Sheesha’ , hookah etc.

“he allows them as lawful At Tayyibaat (all good and lawful things), and prohibits them as unlawful Al Khabaa’ith (all evil and unlawful things) [al-A'raaf :157]

It is harmful, not only to the one smoking, but also to the ones around him. It is also a means of wasting ones wealth. The Prophet (Sal Allaahu Alaiyhi wa Sallam) said: “There should be no harming or reciprocating harm.”

This is especially true during fasting and it invalidates the fast. (Fatwa -Ibn ‘Uthaymeen)

SKIPPING SUHOOR

The Prophet (Sal Allaahu Alaiyhi wa Sallam) said: “Eat suhoor for in suhoor there is blessing.”(Bukhaari, Muslim).

And he (Sal Allaahu Alaiyhi wa Sallam) said: “The thing that differentiates between our fasting and the fasting of the People of the Book is eating suhoor.” (Muslim)

STOPPING SUHOOR AT ‘IMSAAK’

Some people stop eating Suhoor 10-15 minutes earlier than the time of Fajr to observe ‘Imsaak’.

Shaykh Ibn ‘Uthaymeen said: "This is a kind of bidah (innovation) which has no basis in the Sunnah. Rather the Sunnah is to do the opposite. Allaah allows us to eat until dawn: “and eat and drink until the white thread (light) of dawn appears to you distinct from the black thread (darkness of night)” [al-Baqarah 2:187]

And the Prophet (pbuh) said: “….eat and drink until you hear the adhaan of Ibn Umm Maktoom, for he does not give the adhaan until dawn comes.”

This ‘imsaak’ which some of the people do is an addition to what Allaah has prescribed, so it is false. It is a kind of extremism in religion, and the Prophet (Sal Allaahu Alaiyhi wa Sallam) said: "Those who go to extremes are doomed, those who go to extremes are doomed, those who go to extremes are doomed.” (Muslim)

NOT FASTING IF THEY MISSED SUHOOR

Some people are too scared to fast if they miss Suhoor. However, this is a kind of cowardice and love of ease. What is the big deal if you missed a few morsels of food? It’s not like you will die. Remember, obedience to Allaah overcomes everything.

Saying the intention to fast ‘out loud’ or saying a specific dua to start fasting

The intention is an action of the heart. We should resolve in our heart that we are going to fast tomorrow. That is all we need. It is not prescribed by the Shari’ah for us to say out loud, “I intend to fast”, “I will fast tomorrow” or other phrases that have been innovated by some people. Also, there is no specific dua to be recited at the time of starting the fast in the correct Sunnah. Whatever ‘dua’ you may see on some papers or Ramadaan calendars, etc. is a Bid’ah.

DELAYING BREAKING FAST

Some people wait until the adhaan finishes or even several minutes after that, just to be ‘on the safe side’. However, the Sunnah is to hasten to break the fast, which means breaking fast whenever the adhaan starts, right after the sun has set. Aa’ishah (RA) said: This is what the Messenger of Allaah (Sal Allaahu Alaiyhi wa Sallam) used to do. (Muslim)

The Prophet (Sal Allaahu Alaiyhi wa Sallam) said: “The people will continue to do well so long as they hasten to break the fast.” (Bukhaari, Muslim)

Determine to the best of your ability, the accuracy of your clock, calendar, etc. and then have tawakkul on Allaah and break your fast exactly on time.

EATING CONTINOUSLY UNTIL THE TIME FOR MAGHRIB IS UP

Some people put so much food in their plates when breaking their fast and continue eating, enjoying dessert, drinking tea, etc., until they miss Maghrib. That is obviously not right. The Sunnah of the Prophet (pbuh) was that once he broke his fast with some dates, them he would hasten to the prayer. Once you are done with the prayer, you can always go back and eat some more if you wish.

MISSING GOLDEN CHANCE OF HAVING YOUR DUA ACCEPTED

The prayer of the fasting person is guaranteed to be accepted at the time of breaking fast.
The Prophet (Sal Allaahu Alaiyhi wa Sallam) said: “Three prayers are not rejected: the prayer of a father, the prayer of a fasting person, and the prayer of a traveler.” (al-Bayhaqi, saheeh by al-Albaani).

Instead of sitting down and making Dua at this precious time, some people forego this beautiful chance, and are too busy frying samosas, talking, setting the food, filling their plates and glasses, etc. Think about it….Is food more important than the chance to have your sins forgiven or the fulfillment of your Duas.

FASTING BUT NOT PRAYING

The fasting of one who does not pray WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED. This is because not praying constitutes kufr as the Prophet (Sal Allaahu Alaiyhi wa Sallam) said: “Between a man and shirk and kufr there stands his giving up prayer.” (Muslim)

In fact, NONE of his good deeds will be accepted; rather, they are all annulled.
“Whoever does not pray ‘Asr, his good deeds will be annulled.” (Bukhaari)

FASTING AND NOT WEARING HIJAAB

Not wearing the Hijaab is a major sin as it is obligatory for Muslim women. (See Surah Nur, Surah Ahzaab). So fasting and not wearing hijaab certainly takes away enormously from the rewards of fasting, even if does not invalidate it.

NOT FASTING BECAUSE OF EXAMS OR WORK

Exams or work is NOT one of the excuses allowed by the Shariah to not fast. You can do your studying and revision at night if it is too hard to do that during the day. Also remember that pleasing and obeying Allaah is much more important than ‘good grades’. Besides, if you will fulfil your obligation to fast, even if you have to study, Allaah will make it easy for you and help you in everything you do.

“Whosoever fears Allah, He will appoint for him a way out and provide for him from where he does not expect, Allah is Sufficient for whosoever puts his trust in Him.” (Surah at-Talaaq 2-3)

MIXING FASTING AND DIETING

DO NOT make the mistake of fasting with the intention to diet. That is one of the biggest mistakes some of us make (esp. sisters). Fasting is an act of worship and can only be for the sake of Allah alone. Otherwise, mixing it with the intention of dieting may become a form of (minor) Shirk.

FIGHTING OVER NUMBER OF RAKAAH FOR TARAWEEH

There is no specific number of rak’ahs for Taraweeh prayer, rather it is permissible to do a little or a lot. Both 8 and 20 are okay. Shaykh Ibn ‘Uthaymeen said: “No one should be denounced for praying eleven or twenty-three (raka’ah), because the matter is broader in scope than that, praise be to Allaah.”

PRAYING ONLY ON THE NIGHT OF THE 27th

Some people pray ONLY on the 27th to seek Lailat ul-Qadr, neglecting all other odd nights, although the Prophet (Sal Allaahu Alaiyhi wa Sallam) said: “Seek Lailat ul-Qadr among the odd numbered nights of the last ten nights of Ramadaan.” (Bukhaari, Muslim).

WASTING THE LAST PART OF RAMADAN PREPARING FOR EID

Some people waste the entire last 10 days of Ramadaan preparing for Eid, shopping and frequenting malls, etc. neglecting Ibadah and Lailatul Qadr. although, the Prophet (Sal Allaahu Alaiyhi wa Sallam) used to strive the hardest during the last ten days of Ramadaan in worship (Ahmad, Muslim) and not in shopping. Buy whatever you need for Eid before Ramadaan so that you can utilize the time in Ramadaan to the max.

Aa’ishah (RA) said: “When the (last) ten nights began, the Messenger of Allaah (Sal Allaahu Alaiyhi wa Sallam)) would tighten his waist-wrapper (i.e., strive hard in worship or refrain from intimacy with his wives), stay awake at night and wake his family.” (Bukhaari and Muslim).

IFTAAR PARTIES

Although inviting each other for breaking fast is something good and encouraged, some people go to extremes with lavish ‘Iftaar parties’ with all sorts of disobedience to Allaah, from flirting, mixing of the sexes and hijaab-less women, to show-off and extravagance, to heedlessness to Salaah, and Taraweeh to even music and dancing.

*This was sent to me via email. I tried to google the source but couldn’t find one. May Allah reward whomever wrote this article with the best in this world and the Hereafter.

Ameen.

Ramadan Kareem!!!

As-salaamu 'alaikum wa Rahmatullahi wa Barakatuhu.

Bismillah wa-Salaatu wa-Salaam 'ala Rasoolullah:

All my beloved brothers and sisters in Islam earnestly do I hope for you all -Ramadan kareem! Alhamdulillah! As Allah, subhanahu wa ta'ala, would have it, our Ummah has again been blessed the opportunity to enter, observe, honor and engage on what Allah has declared the Most Holy and Most Sacred Month of the year, during which began the revelation of His Message -Al Qur'an- to His Messenger Muhammad, salallahu alayhi wa salaam. It is indeed a 30-day opportunity to have poured upon us the Mercy of Allah. To be submerged in the Forgiveness of Allah. And ultimately, to have absolved and hidden every ounce of sin, molecular and colossal, and to gain the blessings of 1000 months worth of worship (Laylat ul Qadr) by the Grace, Love and Goodness of our Rabb, subhanahu wa ta'ala, should we fulfill what is prescribed on us successfully and sincerely.

May we set aside the dunya as much as within our ability and rightfully make priority Allah's Deen and the continual remembrance of Him (dikhr) through our sawm, ibadah, reading of His Kalaam and the overall learning of the various sciences and lessons of the Qur'an and Sunnah. May Allah, azza wa jall, accept our fast and praises, that is with and from all our heart, so that we might obtain all the blessings of Ramadan. AMEEN.

I leave this du'a with a video of a lecture from a respected brother in Islam, Jalal ibn Saeed, involving the topic of tawbah and it's significance, especially during Ramadan called Oceans of Forgiveness. Absorb and benefit beloved brothers and sisters, in'sha'Allah ta'ala:

Irreligulous

"And now they reject the truth when it reaches them, but soon shall they learn the reality of what they used to mock at." -Holy Qur'an 6:5

In reaction to the forthcoming documentary starring Bill Maher entitled "Religulous", I've learned about through his interview with Larry King on Larry King Live last week, do I share these thoughts. Should this concocted term, "religulous", imply that religion is ridiculous, my allegation is that not only is it ridiculous, but irregular to be irreligious, hence, the invented portmanteau of my own, "Irreligulous".

Maher's objective is to induce his audience to the idea that religion is, in addition to imaginary, responsible for the violence, wars and atrocities committed in the world. Let's ignore man's desire for wealth, power and control sought after under the banner of "the ends justify the means", and his relentless ego and ambition for global domination throughout history. Never mind the violent, blood-splashing debates over who's political system or form of government should be implemented. Certainly, wars, most notably the Crusades, have been fueled by religion. But let's not turn our backs and walk away from the greater crimes and bloodshed wrought in the name of secular fanaticism when discussing the topic.

As to why I assert that a state of irreligiosity is absurd and abnormal, I use as a point of reference an individual Maher attempts to further convince us through that religion is ridiculous in his new film; neuroscientist, Andrew Newberg. Newberg performs brain scans and analysis on people who engage in religious/spiritual practices such as praying, meditating or by some means or another communicate to an immaterial supreme being. This sort of neurological research is intended to improve our understanding on why people, generation to generation, continue to believe in God. In a nutshell, the conclusion ever-present in all his books recording and interpreting his scientific findings is that "the human brain is wired to God". And because two of the human brain's primary functions, self-maintenance and self-transcendence, are precisely the same primary functions of religion people naturally seek after one in order for the brain to perform these functions. This, of course, is strictly from a neurological standpoint.

A few statements from different lenses on the subject of religion that inadvertently support my case are:

• "Belief in God is biologically natural." -Andrew Newberg, MD.

• An idea commonly shared among Atheist could be explicated in this single statement: "Being that 'having faith' is ingrained in our brains, it takes quite an effort to liberate ourselves from these beliefs."
  

• And finally, a saying from the last messenger to mankind, our Prophet, salallahu alayhi wa salaam: "Every child is born upon the pure fitrah."

Instantly, the Muslim or anyone familiar with aqeeda (Islamic theology) has made the connection between these statements and how they all, despite being from drastically different mindsets, ironically agree with one another. And how ultimately they prove God is as unseen a reality as air.

Everyone ranging from Western philosophers, Eastern mystics to even scientist of today try to reach God in some way. Mystics teach God resides in His creations (i.e. nature) and can be contacted through spiritual experiences. And while there are one side of philosophers who argue the reality of God can be proven through reason; portraying God as a sort of removed Watch Maker uninterested in His creation, another side of philosophers standing on agnosticism argue that God can neither be proven or disproved and they must have material confirmation in order to have faith.

For the Muslim, Allah's existence is self-evident. The very purpose of His creation, aside from obeying Him and being for the use of mankind, is to serve as a sign of His power and goodness... a blatant testament to His presence. Allah, subhanahu wa ta'ala, is the only one with the ability to create while we can only manipulate what's already available. Allah (swt) has challenged that nothing else could create even a fly. And if a fly were to take something from them they would not be able to get it back (Holy Qu'ran 22:74). There are many evidences to establish the presence of a Creator, all of them examined in the Qur'an, but the one I'll mainly be dealing with revolves about Newberg's statement that "we are wired to God" and that to believe in Him is all but "biologically natural."

What was meant by our prophet, Muhammad, peace be upon him, that every child is born upon the pure fitrah is that everyone is born with the awareness of God. And so, in this respect, Newberg is exactly right that it is in our primordial nature, that it is only instinctive for us to accept that our universe, all it's laws and entities, has a Creator. And the Atheist too is right that one cannot remove this idea without extreme difficulty. Which, in reality, no one can never successfully remove or liberate themself from the fitrah. The fitrah will unresistingly express itself in other ways even when one denies God. Exempli gratia the commission of what in Islam is called shirk, or giving rights belonging only to God to something other than God. In this case, they would make chance or coincidence their God or to what they owe the existence and evolution of things. They'll place their faith in "luck"; perhaps reserving for themselves a "lucky" suit they happened to be wearing when they got that great job they've been looking for. Crediting any good or satisfaction to this "luck" deity and any evil or undesired occurance to the "bad one". They may place their heart and trust in something, such as astrology, fortune tickets or a cherished item, to a height that only God is rightfully worthy (lest disaster befalls them will they invoke the one true God). All this, indeed, is the result of containing a distorted concept of God. Which is why He has sent prophets and messengers, all their teachings culminated and finalized through Muhammad (saws), to reveal the proper concept of God and the proper method of acknowledging and serving Him. So by denying God, they deny a vital part of their nature. And just because you deny one of your legs does not make you incapable of walking on both.

The reason for this fitrah or innate awareness of a Creator, is as Allah (swt) revealed in the Qur'an about the covenant He established, spiritually, with all the descendants of Adam including me, you, everyone who existed, exist and everyone who will exist. In this covenant, before we inhabited earth, Allah (swt) asked us all: "am I not your Lord?" and we all confirmed: "Yes, we all bare witness..." (Holy Qur'an 7:127). And what such non-Muslims as Newberg and Eugene D'Aquili of the University of Pennsylvania have inadvertently proven in their neurological research is that echoes of this "yes" are carried by every human being even if deeply in their souls. Should they dismiss it, it is just as Muhammad (saws) explained, that it is due to outside influences over a passage of time that conduce to unbelief or denial of this natural inclination we know as al-fitrah. And when considering the number of Atheist and Agnostics in the world vis-a-vis the believers of God, it only further stresses the abnormality and absurdity of these ideologies.

The remedy? The right concept of God. Recognizing the absolute and unique oneness of God. The remedy? Realizing the purpose God has created us, thereby acknowledging and supplied the opportunity of serving God the right way. The remedy? Islam. Nothing a little deductive reasoning, intellectual research and most importantly, the application of good old-fashioned common sense can't figure out. Responding to the call of your true nature is the greatest favor you can do unto yourself.

Peace be unto those who follow the righteous guidance.

Open Book Exam

Bismillah, wa'salaatu wa'salaam 'ala Rasoolullah.

Indeed, Allah is praised whether we praise Him or not. Yet, humbly we praise Him and seek His aid. We are penitent to Him. We seek refuge in Him from the evil of ourselves, of our egos, our own arrogance and desires and from the evil consequences of our deeds. Whomever Allah Guides, NONE can misguide and whoever is left to their own path will always go astray.

Verily, the best of speech is the speech of Allah, The Qur'an.
And the best of guidance is the guidance of Rasoolullah (the Messenger of Allah), salallahu 'alayahi wasalaam.
And the most evil of affairs are innovations in the religion.
And every innovation is a misguidance and every misguidance is in the Fire.
May Allah Gaurd us from these newly invented matters in His deen and keep us firm on the sirataal mustaqueem (straight and pure path).

As-salaamu 'alaikum wa Rahmatullahi wa Barakatuhu.

It is revealed to us, by Allah (swt) Himself, that He has created us, mankind, with a physical composition, our body and all its intricate systems which still we haven't unraveled in whole. Anatomically, biologically, biochemically and psychologically we remain mysteries to even ourselves. Our bodies, like the television to the average man, is designed such that we could never replicate or produce one ourselves, yet it is made such that any idiot can use it. And barely so considering we trip over our own feet.

In addition to the body, Allah has instilled in us something of His Spirit -our soul. We can hardly imagine how much about the soul we've discovered, when we haven't even figured the body that is visibly apparent to us.

"They ask thee concerning the soul. Say: 'the soul cometh by the command of my Lord; of knowledge it is only a little that is communicated to you, o men!" -Qur'an 17:85

The soul, like the body, has needs and a hunger that must be satisfied lest from negligence it is starved. It is but spiritual suicide should one go on ignoring its exigencies. The weakness and withering of one's soul is characterized by easy despair, lack of patience and optimism. Strong susceptibility to compromising habits and complete apathy. So what better to tell us, to instruct us how we should use, treat and apply our bodies and souls than the very Creator of these entities? What better source to learn about a product than from the manufacturer itself?

Not so in Islam is the idea that the body and soul are antagonistic. There is no conflict in satisfying the needs and desires of the body while fulfilling the soul. In fact, it is impossible to consummate one of these whilst neglecting, denying or even harming the other. Both are from Allah, subhanahu wa ta'ala, so that we'd exist. Therefore both should be managed and developed carefully. How we do so is explained in the instruction He has revealed to us, The Qur'an and the guidance He has demonstrated and exemplified based on it through His last Messenger, Muhammad, salallahu 'alayhi wasalaam.

Should this life be an examination deciding the most responsive to Allah's Signs and instruction; then this life, this exam... is indeed open book.

"That which is on earth We have made but as a glittering show for the earth, in order that We may test them -as to which of them is best in conduct." -Qur'an 8:7

Only by truly satisfying and pleasing ourselves in ways circumventing evil or damaging side effects and consequences, with the respective intent, do we satisfy and please our Lord. There is no greater justice one can do themselves. Questions concerning our Lord, our purpose, our salvation, our destiny and our very being are explained in detail in the one book, The Qur'an.

"This is the Book whereof there is no doubt, a guidance unto those who ward off evil." -Qur'an 2:2

For those of us who heed His Signs, desiring His pleasure, the path is made clear to us. Allah, subhanahu wa ta'ala, guides those who earnestly beseech His guidance. Alternatively, those who deny Him and His signs who wish not to be guided, are not. Those left to follow their own desires. Those who are helplessly bent on turning away from faith and who, out of arrogance, persistently reject faith, ignoring the yearns of their very soul in that they might endure true success on every level will remain misguided. Left to tread a meaningless and staggering path. The further one strays from the path of truth and righteousness, the more difficult and less probable it is they should return to it.

"As to those who reject Faith, it is the same to them whether thou warn them or do not warn them; they will not believe. Allah has set a seal on their hearts and on their hearing; and on their hearts is veil; great is the penalty they incur." -Qur'an 2:6-7

It is not so that Allah controls our lives in the sense that He has preordained our ultimate outcome. Rather, we have options and Allah, subhanahu wa ta'ala, will only prepare for us what we prepare for ourselves. Consider the example of the teacher who foresees the scholastic failure of the redundantly mischievious student who makes no effort to study and the success of other students based on their performance and upstanding reputation. And as hopeful and optimizing it is for a devout believer to ponder their rewards the truth we must bare in mind, brothers and sisters, is that Allah, subhanahu wa ta'ala, wants Jannah (i.e. Paradise, Heaven) for us more than we can possibly want it for ourselves.

We were told from Allah's Messenger and final prophet, Muhammad, salallahu 'alayhi wasalaam, that "every child is born upon the pure fitrah." Meaning, we all our born with the awareness of one God as our natural disposition. Innately, we all are aware of Allah, our Lord and Creator who is pure and exalted from having any partners or offspring. The evidence would be the example Allah has revealed to us in the Qur'an about those who even later deny Him, in times of dire need or distress, invoking Him in secret. Further showing us His unfaltering Mercy over us. Not only is His test to us "open book", not only has He sent prophets and messengers to every people and every nation, but He has designed us such that our inclination towards Him is natural. Those whom deny are in actuality denying themselves. If only they but knew.

Peace be unto those who follow the righteous guidance and may Allah continue to guide those who do. May Allah make better perceptible the siraatal mustaqueem to the totality of mankind. And for those of us who once followed His Deen and have gone astray, may they return to the right path, O Allah. In'sha'Allah. Ya An-Nur. Ya Al Hadi. Alhamdulillah! Subhanallahu akbar!

Ameen.