At least we learnt something here folks! Mobb_Deep, i understood what you wrote and although i agreed with most of what you were saying, i was just trying to point out the obvious to you. Nevertheless, know that everything in Islam is Halaal unless there is proof of the contrary. This is the general rule for Islam. The onus of proof is always on those claiming that a particular thing is haraam. And if you find a fatwaa' from a notable caalim with such proof, please do let us know. Like i said its best we learn from one another. LATEAFHA, Sister, I did not say that you were forcing people, I advised you to not try because that is the way it seemed. As for knowledge, yes I agree, it is obligatory upon every Muslim and you have the right to ask questions. I never disagreed; in fact I was trying to defend your right to do so, not judging you as you seem to think. Anyway, I’m not sure if apologies are due for I seem to of have irritated you, but much apologies anyway.

These opportunities only exist if you are a male. I say this because for those of us that do not have maxrams that can take us and live with us, pretty much have no chance. I tried to get some information two years ago after i graduated from high school, my mother spoke to Shariif cabdinuur and i was incredibly happy for he was going to get a position in ummul-qura for my sister and I, but then the blow came. Because i did not have a maxram living in makka i had no chance of studying there. Qadar Allah, inshallah i'm still hoping to have the chance to study. It seems my only choice now is to marry a student of knowledge , we shall see!

Jazaakum Allahu Khayr Ameenah. I've always loved this story, but it reminds me of how weak my iman really is.

Abu Hurayra (R.A)died 59 A.H at the age of 78. Fill in the blank: The Prophet said, "May Allah have mercy on *** ****. He walks alone and he will die alone and be resurrected alone."

I can honestly say that this practice makes me sick; however at the same time this does not mean I am going to scold anyone that believes anything different to me. Dearest sister LATEAFHA , May Allah bless you for it is clear that you are only trying to defend Islam. However yaa ukhti there is one issue that you must understand, in that because we are Muslims it does not mean we forsake our culture totally. We ONLY reject aspects of our culture which are haram; the rest we practice for it is a blessing from Allah. For example, the language of our people is Somali; it is therefore part of our culture. But because the language chosen by Allah is Arabic, then do we reject Somali? No of course not, for Allah has told us in his infinite wisdom: And among His Signs is the creation of the heavens and the earth, and the variations in your languages and your colours: verily in that are Signs for those who know. (Surah The Romans- ayah 22). In summary sister, continue to defend Islam, but choose your arguments wisely and do not try to force people to be partial to things which are not obligatory. Disliking something that is halal is acceptable in Islam, but we must accept that it is halal. For example, if inshallah I get married I would dislike for my husband to take on a second wife (i'm sure no woman would like it ), but I accept it for it is a legislation from Allah. Mobb_Deep, Dearest brother May Allah bless you also . I understand the reservations you’re having for I am in the same position. However, be very careful for you do not want to cross the boundaries. You accused brother khayr of confusing his desires with the diin, laakiin akhi, sorry to break it to you but the reverse is actually the case . Khayr has only expressed that he will participate in something made lawful to him by Allah, however you on the hand because of your dislike of something made lawful are trying to admonish him (a clear confusion of desires with the diin?).

As for the history of the mawlid, i found the following quiet interesting: Imaam al-Faakihaanee (d.734H) - rahimahullaah -said: [6] "Celebrating his birthday has no basis in the Book nor the Sunnah, nor is this action recorded from any one of the Scholars of this Ummah; those who are taken as examples to be followed and who cling to the narrations. Rather it is a bid'ah (innovation), which was introduced by the (deviated) Battaaloon sect. [7]" As regards to the origins of this newly-invented celebration, then some of the research Scholars have stated that the first person to innovate this practice was 'Umar ibn Muhammad al-Mulaa in the city of Mawsil in Iraaq, during the fourth century, as is mentioned by the Imaam Abu Shaamah (d.665H). [8] He was followed in this by the likes of Abul-Khattaab 'Umar ibn Dihyaa: "who was employed in the west, then travelled to Syria, then he travelled to the city of Irbil in 'Iraaq, during the fourth century, where he found its king Mudhaffarud-Deen ibn Zaynud-Deen showing a keen interest in the milaad (birthday) of the Prophet sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam. So he composed a book for him called at-Tanweer fi Mawlidis-Siraajil-Muneer; so he recited this to the king who then rewarded him with one thousand deenaars." [9] [6] Al-Mawrid fi 'Amalil-Mawlid (pp.21-22). [7] The Battaaloon: they are one of the deviated Baatiniyyah sects from the Faatimids - as al-Maqreezee says in al-Khatat (1/490). [8] In al-Baa'ith 'alaa Inkaaril-Bida' wal-Hawaadith (pp.23-24). Ibn al-Jawzee stated something similar in Miraatuz-Zamaan (8/310). [9] Al-Bidaayah wan-Nihaayah (13/144-145) of al-Haafidh Ibn Katheer.

Khayr, it's not an Alim's opinion brother Firstly, Islam is simple akhi. We as Muslims reject all ibaadats that have no basis in the Quran and Sunnah. However, if you wish to look at the opinions of the Ulama’, the majority of the "scholars" (the question being who is a scholar- surely not every ahmed and muhammad who claims to be learned is the sciences of fiqh and hadith)state that the celebrating of the "prophets birthday" is a bidca, HARAM. Brother, the prophet did not celebrate his birthday, neither his companions nor the succeeding two generations. Then tell me, how can we introduce (innovate) a worship into this religion when Allah said: "This day I have perfected your religion for you, completed My favour upon you and I have chosen for you Islaam as your religion." [soorah al-Maa'idah 5:3]. I realise that many people claim that they celebrate the mawlid because of their love for the prophet. But i wonder, if they truly loved the prophet, then wouldn't they follow what he instructed the Muslims and leave what he forbade (i.e bidca). For an action to be accepted by Allah, two conditions must be met: 1. Correct intention (which it seems many people who celebrate have) AND 2. It must be in accordance with the Quran and Sunnah (which mawlid is not). May Allah guide us all to the siraaq al-mustaqiim.

Inaalilaahi wa inaa ilayhi raajicuun! May the mercy of Allah be upon him (because it is only by that he will enter jannah inshallah). May Allah grant him jannatul firdows where rivers of milk, honey and wine flow under. May Allah overlook his sins and multiply his good deeds. May the questioning of the grave be made easy for him. May he be united with xabiibu-Allah, Rasuallah (s.a.w) at the fountain of kawthar. May Allah bless him with xuurul cayn (if he was single) or may the works of his family benefit him (if he was married). Walaahi although i never knew the brother i am in shock. Just yesterday a family friend whom i went to visit at the hospital the day before passed before. The difference though, she was well over ninety. Death is a surety, but the question is what have we done to prepare for it? Libaax , walaal, great idea (with or without family wishes), i believe his identity should be kept private.

Alxamdullilah, walaahi sometimes we don't realise how blessed we really are. Jazaakum Allahu Khayr brother.

I also watched it at a friends place, more than a year ago. Unfortunately, I had some serious problems understanding the reer xamar accent (funny since I was born and raised till 6 in Mogadishu- i blame my reer mudug mother). All in all though, for the parts I understood and the rest explained by friends, it was quiet funny , incredibly clichéd though.

Men Around the messenger- Khalid Muhammad Khalid. Unquestionably the finest book I have ever read. It’s a collection of stories on the sahaba in a way never related before. It’s amazingly surreal and life changing to the point that for days after reading one story I would be more aware of my worship of Allah. To this day, I read this book over and over for it does wonders for the heart. I recommend that all nomads get a copy, its available in both Arabic and English.

Ilham & Ameenah: Wa iyaakum sisters, .May Allah help you in your endeavour to worship him. May He bless us all with the strength of character to overcome the whisperings of shaytan, because God knows we need it.

People, it's true sad to say. Starbucks is Jewish owned (not that that is a problem) BUT they also support the Zionist Israeli government. :mad: After i found out, although not happy, i never bought anything from them ever again. Why should my money be used to massacre me? The Muslims are like one body after all.

Guys, you will only get as good as you give. It's easy to attack women, but let's get real, the majority of the blame lies with the men. Anywhere in the world you go, it is the women that are keeping families together while the men sit at the mukhaayad neglecting their duties. Just go to a parent/teacher interview night at a school with many Somalis, and see which parent usually comes?

Dearest Brothers and Sisters, I don’t mean to be a downer (as might be perceived by some), but the truth must be told. Believing these signs is without a doubt HARAM . The reason for this is that it is a form of fortune telling. The following are proofs from this great religion of ours: 'He who visits a soothsayer ('Arraf) and asks him about anything, his prayers extending to forty nights will not be accepted [saheeh Muslim] "And with Him are the keys of the Ghaib (all that is hidden), none knows them but He. And He knows whatever there is in (or on) the earth and in the sea; not a leaf falls, but he knows it. There is not a grain in the darkness of the earth nor anything fresh or dry, but is written in a Clear Record." (Surah Al-An'am (The Cattle) Verse 59) Say: "None in the heavens and the earth knows the Ghaib (unseen) except Allaah, nor can they perceive when they shall be resurrected." (Surah An-Naml (The Ants) Verse 65) 'Whoever approaches an oracle or fortuneteller and believes in what he says, he has nothing to do with what has been sent down to Muhammad.' (Sunan Abu Dawood) Subxanallah, this is clear shirk (disbelief), so it is well advised that all keep away. BTW, this is actually in reference to the belief of reincarnation. These people believe that once we all die we will return to Earth as animals depending on how we lived.

Northerner, yeah i read the same thing. I actually got it in an e-mail, its believable alright, it was produces by kaffirs of course not to mention hollywood folks (worst of the pack). I actually studied the first one as part of my last year of high school studies, it was pretty interesting actually!

Ameenah: I feel you sister , i remember i stopped listening to music at the end of year 10 (my friend and i), its been four years now and alxamdullilah haven't had the want to go back to it not that i'm saying its been a breeze especially considering it's everywhere as you said. Bottom line, i just woke up one morning and decided no more. I'm the sort of person that can do such things, call it stubborn behaviour if you like . However, it's always important to remember the consequences of our actions and have faith in the blessings of Allah. Not to mention busying yourself and substituiting it for Qur'an. Anyway read this, it truly made me think: Abdullaah Ibn Abbas (radiallahu anhu) said: "You who commit a sin, do not feel secure about the results, for what goes along with the sin is more serious than the sin itself. Your lack of shame before the angels, who witness you when you commit the sin, is more serious than the sin itself. Your laughter when you sin, as you forget the punishment of Allah is more serious than the sin itself. Your delight if you get a chance to sin, is more serious than the sin itself. Even your disappointment, if you miss a chance to sin is more serious than the sin itself."

Brother like i said already, forget siyad barre and what were his motives. When jihaad is of a defensive type, it does not need to be declared by a khalifah or amir, i don't understand how you come to conclude otherwise. I’m sure you’ve heard of the hadith of Rasuallah as related by both Bukhari and Muslim: "He who is killed while defending his property is a martyr.'' Also as reported by Abu Dauwd and at-tirmidhi, Rasuallah said: "He who dies while defending his property is a martyr; he who dies in defence of his own life is a martyr; and he who dies on defense of his faith is a martyr, he who dies in defence of his family is a martyr.'' (reported by one of the Asharatul-Mubashsharuna bil-Jannah). These people akhi are doing just that and inshallah those that are martyred will be rewarded jannah. Nevertheless, my point was the scholars of Islam have declared it jihad and a layman (such as you and I) have no say. BTW, you can’t come to a conclusion about something in Islam based on one incident, all aspects must be looked at and then a conclusion come to, that is what the scholars are for.

Isn't this getting a bit old fellow nomads? Each to their own really!

Intresting and believable, just a bit spooky, jinn talk is not exactly my favourite topic

What Will I say to Him What Will I say to Him A man known as Abu Abd-Allah said: I don’t know how to explain an experience I lived through a while ago, that changed my whole life routine. The truth is that I would never have decided to reveal it if it weren't for the fact that I felt a responsibility towards Allah (The Glorious), as a warning for the young men who disobey Allah, and as a warning for the young women who follow a fake dream or fantasy called "love". We were three friends; nothing grouped us together but disobedience and misguidance. No actually we were four, the Shaytan was the fourth. We used to go hunting down beautiful girls, and lure them with our sweet talk to far away farms. There they would be surprised that we have turned into foxes with no sympathy, no feelings whatsoever no matter what they said or did to make us reconsider. We were cold hearted, and had no feelings or any sense of shame. That is how we spent our days and nights in the farms, camps, cars, and on the shore. Until the day that I will never forget came. We went as usual to the farm, everything was ready. Each one of us had his prey and the cursed drink (i.e., alcohol), but we forgot one thing, and it was the food. So after a while, one of my friends went to buy food for supper with his car. It was almost 6 p.m. when he left. Hours passed without him returning, so at 10 p.m. I became worried that something happened to him. So I went with my car looking for him. And on the way, I saw some flames of fire spreading on the sides of the road. When I reached it, I was shocked to see that it was my friends car, with the fire eating it up while it was flipped on one of it's sides. I ran like crazy, trying to free my friend from his burning car. I was alarmed to see that half his body was black like charcoal, but he was still alive. So I carried him and placed him on the floor, and after a minute he opened his eyes and said: "The fire! The fire!" So I decided to take him to my car and rush him to the hospital. But he sobbed: "There's no use, I won't reach." Tears overcame me as I was watching my friend die in front of me. Then he stunned me by yelling: "What will I say to Him?! What will I say to Him?!" Dumbfounded, I looked at him and asked: "Who?" He replied with a distant voice: "Allah". I felt fear creep all over my body and I began to shake. Then suddenly he let out an echoing scream, and he took in his last breath. The days passed, but the image of my friend being eaten up by the fire, and him yelling "What will I say to Him?! What will I say to Him?!" never left my mind. I found myself asking "And what will I say to him?!" [And all those who disobey Allah, should ask themselves: What will I say to Him?] My eyes overflowed with tears and I felt an odd compassionate feeling I never felt before. At that same moment, I heard the Mo'athen (the person who calls the Athan, call to prayer) call for Salat Al-Fajr (Morning Prayer). "Allahu Akbar, Allahu Akbar, Hayya 'Ala Al-Salah", (Allah is Great, Allah is Great, Come to Salah). I felt that it was a call directed to me personally, telling me to close the curtains on the dark years of my life, and calling me to the straight path of guidance and obedience. I washed up, made Wudu’, and cleansed my self from the sin I drowned in since years, and I prayed. Since that day, I haven't missed one fardh. I became a new person. Subhan Allah, the One who changes people from one state to another! Some of the scholars of the past said, "True knowledge is to know one's ignorance." Only when a person realizes what he does NOT know, will he appreciate how little he DOES know. (source: "An Introduction to the Sciences of the Qur’aan” pg. 19, by Abu Ammaar Yasir Qadhi)

Sister, Baaraku Allah Fiik for the post, much appreciated. We know that the end is near, but what do we do for it? Thats probably the more important matter. Each of us must prepare for death, because that is a surety it will happen in our life times , but not the end.

Yusuf, Jazaakum Alaahu Khayr brother and may Allah reward you immensly and make your efforts fruitful. And as Shakur, i too hope for a greater somalia and a greater land of the Muslims under the rule of a righteous khalifa, bi idni Allah.

Yusuf: Actually akhi, the point you have made is correct (to an extent) only if the jihad is fard kifaayah (in that if the jihad is performed by some of the Muslims, then the obligation falls from the rest of the Muslims). Fard Kifaaya is usually in the case where the Muslims are the attacking force. However, in this case, the Muslims are being attacked by the kufaar, this is defensive jihad and this is Fard Ayn. In that it is a compulsory duty on every single Muslim to perform like praying or fasting. This type of jihad does not require the consent of an Amir or khalifah. The Muslims do not need to be told to protect their land and property. In this type of jihad, women and children are also to take part. Brother Yusuf, if we were to go by your reasoning that jihad can only be declared by a khalifah or Amir, then according to this description all the jihads of the world (Filistiin, Shiishaan, Kashmiir etc) would be void, and of course we know that is not the case. Neverthless may Allah accept the deeds of the Muslims.

Mashallah, he is very good at what he does. Not only is he intelligent, but also well presented. More than anything though, i admire him for the way he hasn't sold himself, he tells it like it is. In both Afghanistan and Iraq he reports on the true suffering of the people, something the American media lack- which explains why they dislike him.