Seeing as its another bank holiday, let me share a gift with you for the next few days: one of my top five favourite (and sad) hadith. I might get round to translating it in a few days time (four weddings today!) so I'd appreciate if someone else would put up a English version and then maybe later in the week, we'll discuss some of the benefits of this haunting narration...

عن عبدالله بن عباس ، رضي الله عنهما أن النبي ، صلى الله عليه وسلم بعث سرية، قال فغنموا، وفيهم رجل ، فقال إني لست منهم، عشقت امرأة فلحقتها، فدعوني أنظر اليها نظرة، ثم اصنعوا بي مابدا لكم، قال فإذا امرأة طويلة أدماء، فقال لها اسلمي حبيش قبل نفاذ العيش:

أرأيت لو أدركتكم فلحقتكم *** بحلية أو أدركتكم بالخوانق

ألم يك حقا أن ينول عاشق *** تكلف ادلاج السرى والودائق

قالت: نعم ، فديتك. قال: فقدموه فضربوا عنقه، فجاءت المرأة، فوقفت عليه، فشهقت شهقة أو شهقتين، ثم ماتت، فلما قدموا رسول الله ، صلى الله عليه وسلم، أخبروه الخبر ، فقال رسول الله ، صلى الله عليه وسلم أما كان فيكم رجل رحيم

رواه النسائي في الكبرى (8663)، بإسناد حسن، كما قال الحافظ الهيثمي في مجمع الزوائد (6/210

، وقال الحافظ ابن حجر في فتح الباري (64:المغازي /باب:58) : باسناد صحيح

:-(

I could listen to Shaykh Suhaib all day and all night.

Especially when he's in this kind of form...


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Classic.

(Jazaks to 'Abdul-Hameed for this one)

For my Christian mates, be warned...

Interesting Year 1981

1. Prince Charles got married
2. Liverpool crowned soccer Champions of Europe
3. Australia lost the Ashes series

4. The Pope Died


Then there's Year 2005

1. Prince Charles got married
2. Liverpool crowned soccer Champions of Europe
3. Australia lost the Ashes series

4. The Pope Died


In future, if Prince Charles decides to remarry ... please warn the Pope!!

From the PG mailing list...


Assalam ‘alaikum brothers and sisters

1. A few notices of the continuing circles, seminars and conferences in the North West (please see the Yahoo Group “Islamic Events and Notices” for further detailed information):

- PG present with IslamBradford and JIMAS “The Example of Women in Islam”, a one-day seminar with special guest brother Tawfique Choudhry from Australia. Don’t miss it this Saturday the 29th of April at 2pm in the Carlisle Business Centre, Bradford:

The Example of Women In Islam


- PG continues to present ‘al-Adab al-Mufrad’, the incredibly popular Friday evening circle at Makki Masjid, Manchester by brother Abu Eesa Niamatullah. As many of you will know, get there early to save a place and take advantage of the mother and toddler room, the 'big-screen' room or the main hall!






2. Eagerly anticipated, we at PG are very proud to present our 2nd Annual Conference:

The Lost Virtues – Rediscovering Excellence

Sunday June 25th 2006
12pm – 7pm, Manchester, UK.

More details will be released soon on the PG site…

Unbelievable. Simply unbelievable.

And he still maintains: "I will not resign."

So what exactly would you resign for then Mr Clarke?

Isn't allowing such an adulterer like the foreigner 'Two Jags' out of prison and into Parliament the scandal of all scandals?!

:-)

What a joke. I was working in his constituency of East Hull today, right round the corner from his house, and the majority seem to be pretty scathing of his actions, whereas typically I suppose, he has a strong voice of support from the younger 'more adult' (sic) generation who obviously can handle such things with 'maturity' and 'wisdom'.

Indeed, on their local radio, they had experts coming on not only defending Prezza but advocating adultery to everyone if they're not getting on with their own wives.

(Sighs)

Strange lot actually these guys on the East Coast - the local Doctor walked into the dispensary today whilst I was eating lunch (it was Dixys guys but hey, I'm working it off now remember?) and wanted to have a quick word. I quickly grabbed a tissue to wipe my oily fingers and then when out to see him, right hand clenched up with the tissue still in it and proceeded to sort out his query.

As he was leaving, he puts his hand out to shake mine - as you do when you're hands are dirty, I put forward my clenched hand in the way you do that allows the other party to shake your wrist (now I know you know what I mean so don't try it!), and anyway, he looks at me really shocked and pulls his hand away, apologising profusely.

"What's wrong Doc??"

"I'm sorry! I didn't mean to...to offend you. I forgot...you guys don't shake hands with certain...it's a dirty-clean thing right?"

"Eh?"

"I should have known. We don't know around here...I'm sorry about that."

"What are you talking about?!"

"Don't you have certain restrictions then in handshaking?"

"Well yeah, women don't shake the hands of non-related men but as for you - well unless you want chicken fat all over your fingers, then I don't think it's a good idea do you?"

Kasmi, what a tillah...

Ibn Hazm al-Andalusi (rahimullah) said:

Whoever is pleased with his courage, which he applies in matters that are not for the sake of Allah, the Exalted, full of Majesty, should know that the tiger is braver than he, and that the lion, wolf, and elephant are more courageous than he.

Whoever is pleased with his bodily strength should know that the mule, bull, and elephant have stronger bodies. Whoever is pleased with his ability to lift weights should know that the donkey can lift heavier weights. Whoever is pleased with how fast he can run should know that the dog and rabbit are faster than he. Whoever is pleased with the beauty of his voice should know that many birds sing more beautifully than he and that the winds in the wood sound sweeter than he.

Hence, what sort of pride or pleasure should one feel in traits in which the animals excel more than he does?

But the one whose mind is strong, whose knowledge is broad, and whose deeds are good should feel true happiness, because he is surpassed in these matters only by the angels and the best of men.

Beautiful.

Reference? I haven't got a scooby - ask the Reef...

Hilarious.

The Islamic Ruling on Yang Ping

The only problem though is that I'm a supporter of the theory 'Yang Ping' in part...which according to the last section of the audio, puts me in loads of trouble.

No change there then.

And just as you thought things couldn't get any worse...

Maliki becomes new Iraqi PM

Ya waylata laytani if he was only a Maliki...

:-(

So with a Secular freak as the President, a Rafidhi Prime Minister albeit a 'liberal' one, a couple of mutants here and there, a sprinkling of Sufis and ... wait for it ... a Salafi as Parliamentary speaker.

Hmm.

That's torn it then...

Read this interesting interview with a prominent Saudi dissident Sa'd al-Faqih. This guy came to the UK whilst I was still in London; I remember getting involved in a discussion with him then, concluding that he had a good grasp of politics but a slightly more skewed understanding of Maqasid al-Shari'ah.

Anyway, I don't think much has changed ten odd years later.

Interview with Sa'd al-Faqih

Actually the reason I post this here is because I've wanted to present two essays on:

1. the real situation in 'Iraq and how we should understand and react to all the fitnah, between the chaos and anarchy that clouds those legitimately resisting and those who are lost in anything but.

2. the danger of the Saudi stock market, despite its attempts to restrict itself to Islamic ideals, which is learning a hard lesson for not heeding the warnings of the sincere Islamic finance scholars that have been criticising much of the new plethora of 'Shari'ah-compatible' financial products/mechanisms.

I know I'm never going to get round to them so his brief points on both the above two 'titles' act as a good summary of what my conclusions roughly are.

And Allah knows best.

Sporting mania these days - you just don't know which score to ask for first! Are you watching Henry or waiting for another dink by the Brazilian? You hearing Pakistan batter India one day and get their baistee done the next day? Are you watching the most mental last frame ever with the old Scot Hendry tumble out to 007 in the most unceremonious fashion? Sullivan for the title guys?

What about that miskeen Lyall? He was my favourite manager when I was kid – we were all Hammers back then obviously, forever blowing bubbles, hanging round the ‘Park’ and all that stuff. A real loss to football you know; he even made me support Ipswich when he started managing them!

Anyway, let me ask whether any of you other nerds - the techy-nerd lot I mean - have any experience with this new Netgear product that sends the internet around the house through the electricity wires. Sounds quality to me...

The XE104

Also, what's the score on all these cheap broadband providers that use LLU to give high speed stuff such as Bulldog, Madasafish and UKOnline? I'm still with BT and I'm wondering whether to stay loyal or to go elsewhere for much cheaper?

Final techy thing for today: who has the new SPV M5000? Anyone have any links or advice on good software and stuff for it?

Blasphemy and the non-Muslims

Following on from the previous post, and the question of whether one who insults any of the Prophets is to have the hadd (prescribed) punishment applied to him, here are a few very brief notes on a subject which needs a detailed bahth to collect all the numerous evidences together and give justice to the topic. This is just a small collection for the purpose of our question in hand.

Note, the word ‘sabb’ in Arabic, although meaning to insult or curse, is henceforth understood as blaspheme. Indeed blasphemy, which is a ‘branch’ of apostasy (for all of blasphemy leads to apostasy but not all acts of apostasy necessarily include blasphemy), often includes “…insults to God Most High and to the Prophet (sallallāhu ‘alayhi wa sallam) and irreverent and contemptuous statements that outrage the religious sensibilities of believers…” [Hashim Kamali, Freedom of Expression P. 215]

Firstly the ruling for the one who curses/belittles/defames (as understood by the custom of the people) any of the well-known Prophets is that he has blasphemed and apostated. He is then to be killed as a hadd for those (majority of the ‘ulema) who prescribe the death penalty for apostasy.

Ibn Taymiyyah (rahimullah) in his masterpiece al-Sārim al-Maslūl ‘alā Shātim al-Rasūl states:

والحكم في سب سائر الانبياء كالحكم في سب نبينا فمن سب نبيا مسمى باسمه من الانبياء المعروفين كالمذكورين في القران او موصوفا بالنبوة مثل ما يذكر حديثا ان نبيا فعل كذا او قال كذا فيسب ذلك القائل او الفاعل مع العلم بانه نبي وان لم يعلم من هو أو يسب نوع الانبياء على الاطلاق فالحكم في هذا كما تقدم لان الايمان بهم واجب عموما وواجب الايمان خصوصا بمن قصه الله علينا في كتابه وسبهم كفر وردة ان كان من مسلم ومحاربة ان كان من ذمي

“The ruling concerning the one who insults the rest of the Prophets is the same ruling as that of one who insults our Prophet. Thus the one who insults a specific Prophet from those well known Prophets mentioned in the Qur’ān or described with Prophethood such as when it is said a Prophet said so-and-so or did so-and-so and is then insulted by one who knows that they are a Prophet, even if they are unaware of who that Prophet actually is, or insults the Prophets in an absolute sense without specification, then the ruling is as we have said before, for it is obligatory to have Faith in them in general and it is obligatory to have Faith specifically in that which Allah has informed us of in His Book. To insult them is disbelief and apostasy if one is a Muslim and it is open war from the Dhimmi (the non-Muslim citizen under the protection of the Islamic state).” [Ibn Taymiyyah, al-Sārim, p. 404]

It is narrated in the Masā’il on the authority of Mujāhid that they brought a man to ‘Umar (radhy Allāh ‘anhu) who had insulted the Prophet (sallallāhu ‘alayhi wa sallam) so he had him killed. Then, ‘Umar said, “Whoever insults Allah and His Messenger, or insults any one of the Prophets, then kill him.” [Ibn al-Qayyim, Zād, 5/55]

Mujahid also narrates from ibn ‘Abbās (radhy Allahu ‘anhumā) that he said, “Any Muslim who insults Allah and His Messenger, or insults any one of the Prophets, has indeed belied the Messenger of Allah (sallallāhu ‘alayhi wa sallam) and that is apostasy. He is asked to repent; he either rescinds (what he said) or is killed. Any Mu‘āhad (a non-Muslim living in the Islamic state under a treaty) who rebels and insults Allah or insults any one of the Prophets especially whilst announcing it openly, has broken his treaty and is killed.” [Ibn al-Qayyim, Zād, 5/55]

Qādhi Abu Muhammad b. Nasr narrates that when Haroon al-Rashīd took counsel from Imām Mālik on one who had cursed the Prophet (sallallāhu ‘alayhi wa sallam), and informed him that the scholars of ‘Irāq had given the verdict that he should be lashed, Mālik responded angrily, “O Leader of the Believers, what is left of the Nation when its Prophet has been cursed?! Whoever curses the Prophets is killed and whoever curses the Companions of the Prophet (sallallāhu ‘alayhi wa sallam) is lashed.”

In another narration, also collected by Qādhi ‘Iyādh:

قال مالك في كتاب ابن حبيب المبسوط وابن القاسم وابن الماجشون وابن عبد الحكم وأصبغ فيمن شتم نبينا من أهل الذمة أو أحدا من الأنبياء عليهم السلام قتل إلا أن يسلم

“…the Dhimmi who abuses our Prophet or one of the rest of the Prophets (‘alayhim’l-salam) is killed, except if he reverts (to Islam).”

The narrations which establish this ruling are far too numerous to mention here. It has become clear that whoever abuses or makes mockery of, insults, scoffs, belittles or attacks any of the Prophets such as Jesus, Noah, Moses, Abraham, Joseph and so on, has blasphemed, apostated and is to be killed. Although some scholars mentioned that the death penalty is not an obligation for the one who apostates, here we have a case of blasphemy and then blasphemy against the Prophet at that, which there is a consensus on that they have to be killed.

This is for the Muslims.

As for the non-Muslim, then as already mentioned in the above quotes from the Fuqaha', if he is under the Islamic state, he will lose his protection and be punished for blasphemy. This will result in death as per the majority of scholars, not for apostasy (for he was never Muslim in the first place) but for his open hostility (muharabah) and blasphemous act. There is a discussion amongst the scholars whether punishments of this nature can be deferred or replaced with others in view of political interests (as is the opinion of this author), but this is out of the scope of our discussion here.

As for the non-Muslim outside the Islamic state, then according to some of the Mālikis, as well as some of my contemporary teachers, there is no difference:

فى كتاب محمد أخبرنا أصحاب مالك أنه قال من سب رسول الله صلى الله عليه وسلم أو غيره من النبيين من مسلم أو كافر قتل ولم يستتب وروى لنا عن مالك إلا أن يسلم الكافر

“In the book of Muhammad, we were informed by the companions of Mālik that he said, ‘whoever insults the Messenger of Allah (sallallāhu ‘alayhi wa sallam) or any other from the Prophets, whether Muslim or Disbeliever, then he is killed and not given the opportunity to repent.’ It was also narrated to us that Mālik said, ‘…except if the disbeliever accepts Islam’.”

Naturally, in our political state, there is little significance in establishing the above ruling other than to make clear to the Muslims the importance Islam attaches to its Prophets. It is a huge mistake indeed even a defect in faith itself to differ in our responses to the non-Muslims when they freely attack and abuse whomever they wish with the sick impunity they show under their ‘right of freedom of expression’.

Now that there is no doubt with the ruling, the Muslims must mobilise themselves via every legitimate avenue to ensure the reputation of the most honourable beings to have walked this planet such as Jesus, Moses, Mary, Abraham and indeed Muhammad himself (may Allah’s peace and blessings be upon them all) is protected and preserved. Without doubt, any honourable nation should only be too grateful to be entrusted with this responsibility to do so.

And Allah knows best.

I'm not a very good 'complainer', you know, like one who can write letters and take things to the top etc. I know some Muslims are really good at that kind of thing and I suppose taking political office in the UK is the easiest and most effective way.

I tend to sit and simmer, just like I'm simmering now at the latest afront to the Muslims and all other good folk around the world.

These pathetic and immoral scum that are 'Comedy Central' have taken their kufr to another level with their previous attacks on Mary ('alayhas-salam) and their outrageous and despicable portrayal of Jesus ('alayhis-salam). The mind boggles at their gall and shamelessness; it leaves me at an utter loss as to what kind of standards we can refer to to try and reach some common ground or cross-party discussion. How on Earth do you try to reason with animals?

Did they really think it'd all be ok because they refused to abuse Sayyidina Muhammad (sallallahu 'alayhi wa sallam)??! Is that really how pathetic and shallow we seem to these people? Do they really believe we only care about the 'Arab one' and couldn't give a monkeys about the rest?!

La hawla wa la quwwata illa billah.

So what does one do? I think first of all, the Muslims need to get it clear in their own minds what we really want - Hamza Yusuf was largely criticised for stating that no-one, not even Buddha should be insulted whilst being interviewed previously on Danish TV.

Yet I can't see what is wrong with that, rather this should become our established position to iron out any inconsistencies/hypocrisy in our policy of defending our Prophets and Pious Predecessors from all generations. If we start being selective, we have no policy. Indeed, to show the sincerity of our feeling, we must respond in the same fashion when any figure of religious reverence is attacked.

I know it doesn't sound right, I know that's going to be hard work, but beggars can't be choosers, and whilst we're on the back foot, maybe it's the only way until that day when we will deserve as a Nation to become honoured with might and power by Allah 'azza wa jall.

And that hard work starts now with some kind of concerted campaign against Comedy Central, but at least no Muslims will find problems with who we're trying to defend - none other than Messiah himself, the Word of Allah 'Eesa b. Maryum, may Allah send his peace and blessings upon him and his mother, Ameen.

Today ladies and gentlemen, is 'Good Friday'.

Now, what pleases me is that the rest of the World have finally realised the truth about this great day. The only problem remaining is to prove actually that every Friday is Good Friday, which I suppose one can if one shows the rest of the people what to do on such a day and what the virtues are of such a good day.

In fact, we can say it's good for a number of reasons:

1. The Prophet (Sallallāhu ‘alayhi wa sallam) left no doubts in our minds when he said as reported in the Sahih of Imam Muslim, "the best day on which the Sun has risen is Friday; on it 'Âdam was created, on it 'Âdam was made to enter Paradise and on it he was expelled (thus allowing the existence of life as we know it). The Hour will not be established except on Friday."

2. Hence, there is a consensus of the scholars that all of ones good deeds are multiplied in reward due to the blessing of such a mubarak day. So, get deeding away folks!

3. Did you know that if you're fortunate enough to call it a day on Friday, you've been gifted extra protection where it most counts? The Prophet (Sallallāhu ‘alayhi wa sallam) said as narrated by Imam Ahmed that, "there is no Muslim who dies on the day of Friday or the night of Friday, but Allah will protect him from the trial of the grave." [Hasan]

4. It is the only day which combines the two best and most virtuous prayers of the week: the Fajr and Jumu'ah prayers.

As for Fajr in the Masjid, the Prophet (Sallallāhu ‘alayhi wa sallam) said, "the best of all prayers according to Allah is the Friday morning prayer in congregation." [Ibn Nu'aym, Sahîh]

If that wasn't enough we have the Jumu'ah prayer as well, which is an expiator of all the minor sins of the week before it, as narrated by Imam Bukhari that the Prophet (Sallallāhu ‘alayhi wa sallam) said, "Whoever takes a bath on Jumu'ah, purifies himself as much as possible, then uses his (hair) oil or perfumes himself with the scent of his house, then proceeds (for the Jumu'ah prayer) and does not separate two persons sitting together (in the mosque), then prays as much as has been written for him and then remains silent while the Imam is delivering the Khutbah, his sins from the previous Jumu'ah till now will be forgiven."

5. Off the back of this Jumu'ah prayer, we can cleanse ourselves of even more unwanted deeds. For example (as mentioned in Bukhari's Sahih), how about offering a sacrifice on this day but at no cost? Getting to the Jumu'ah prayer as early as possible on Friday means you get the reward of giving a camel. Running a bit late? Second place gets a cow folks so don't worry.

Oh, running very late are we? Hey, there's even an egg available for us lot (and they tried to sell us the concept of eggs).

Alhamdulillah. :-)

6. Again in the Sahih of Sayyidina Bukhari, we know that there is that special hour on Friday, most probably somewhere between 'Asr and Maghrib in which the supplication to Allah will not be rejected.

Make du'a folks, du'a! And plenty of it!

7. Friday is a day of Salams, and in particular sending them upon the one who is most deserving of that, none other than the 'Mercy to all the Worlds' Muhammad al-Mustapha (Sallallāhu ‘alayhi wa sallam). As narrated by Abu Dawud, he said, "The best of your days is Friday. On that day 'Âdam was created; on that day he died; on that day the Trumpet will be blown and on that day all of creation will swoon. So send abundant blessings upon me, for your blessings will be presented to me." The Companions said, "how will our blessings upon you be shown to you when you have turned to dust?" He said, "Allah has forbidden the earth to consume our bodies (i.e. the Prophets)."

Allāhumma Sallī wa Sallim ‘alayhi wa ‘alā ālihī wa Sahbihī ‘ajma’īn!

8. Surah al-Kahf is a Surah that should be recited and thought deeply about every day, yet Friday is even more special as narrated by Imam Hakim that the Prophet (Sallallāhu ‘alayhi wa sallam) said, "Whoever reads Surah al-Kahf on Friday, he will be illuminated with light between the two Fridays."

This isn't a 'normal' Surah by the way folks - how many do you know where its first ten verses and last ten verses offer a protection against the Anti-Christ?

Exactly.

9. What? You want more reasons? Err, we have nice study circles on Friday evenings right? It's the end of the UK working week for the majority? We normally go out and get a nice meal on a Friday night (hint hint)?

:-)

All in all friends, Friday isn't just 'Good Friday', it's super-fantastic-unbelievable-Earth shattering-I can't believe my good fortune it's Friday. Tell your mates and colleagues that next time when they start giving it some about 'Good Friday'.

Ay na'm.

I received this picture below by email from one of the Arab brothers, as part of a PowerPoint presentation:



I don't quite know how old this email is or how long it's been doing the e-rounds but the point being made here is that the small mountain range which is Uhud in Madinah is not just a place of battle and barakah in Islamic History, but also a bit more.

Apparently, starting from the peak on the right hand side, it is meant to spell out the name 'Muhammad' as in:



See the striking similarities? Of course you do.

It is well known though that the Prophet (sallallahu 'alayhi wa sallam) did tell us in Sahih Muslim that, "Indeed, Uhud is a mountain that loves us, and we love it."

But the mountain range actually spelling out the blessed name??!

Hmmm.

What is it with us lot??

One of my main teachers still boycotts Coca-Cola. Not because of any Zionist/American boycott campaign, but simply because he still insists that the logo spells 'La Makkah La Muhammad'...

If he wasn't my most beloved, we'd boycott him for doing our baistee.

:-)

'Ala kulli haal, anything these Arabs can do, us Paks can do miles better of course. So, keeping in the line of fishes with scales of the Ism'l-Jalalah, or tomatoes, roti and other various sabzee containing similar blessings, I am proud to uncover the latest miracle in our armoury.

What is it's Deeni significance?

Who cares? We'll bagsy it anyway...

For all those nerds out there who are even nerdier than I am...

The 2006 Wisden Almanac is out. Fascinating reading.

Tell you something though, it used to be much better before Engel became Editor.

PS: the blog-name 'AE' is temporary. Other than now becoming a totally personal site (as explained in the previous post's comments) using my 'initials', stick the word 'and' inbetween AE and it becomes the place where you bring really sick and ill people.

No change there then.

If there's anything that irritates me when it comes to the Muslims, it's the petty bickering and squabbling about things that are either not very important, or over those things which are not conducive to achieving higher objectives.

'Petty' and 'not very important' are not words that usually describe aspects of the religion for in that absolute sense, everything is important. Yet, from the well known principles of Islam is to appreciate the rank of different issues, to place them in order of importance and seriousness, especially when passing through times of difficulty as the Ummah indeed is going through now. Hence although it is important for us to clarify what are innovations and what aren't such as those common laymen issues that come around every year i.e. the Mawlid, Tarawih prayers, following certain scholars, combining prayers ad infinitum, one needs to appreciate the context and take advice from those well-versed in the principles of Deen.

Yes, these are important masa'il but indeed the seriousness which is placed on them is nothing compared to the seriousness of the real innovations or bid'ah that we must warn against and which is really leading this fragile Ummah to destruction:

1. the lack of Taqwa with Allah 'azza wa jall and

2. the lack of unity and adab within the Muslims.

Have these two huge pillars of the religion been given the importance they deserve?

No.

Hence, on this day which is so often associated with the word bid'ah, let us advertise that we will launch an asserted campaign against the real innovations that have lead to our weakness and our enemies delighting as we consume each other with our fire.

Here's for hope...



:-)

It’s been one of those weeks (I know I’m speaking like it’s a Sunday but this week, my Monday is my Sunday) where I ended up doing over nearly 1500 miles of driving.

Which isn’t a problem incidentally…as long as London has nothing to do with the equation.

Nice wedding Sal, great food masha’Allah, just a pity about the city.

If it doesn’t take a whole hour to get round half of the A406, it’ll take another hour to get off at the Ilford junction after declaring war on everyone else trying to jump the queue at the curvy part and then it takes another hour just to get back up Ilford Lane. Stress, stress and more stress.

With all these calls for Hijrah and stuff, I think all the Londoners should take up first applications.

Travel is indeed a portion of punishment but it doesn’t always have to be that way. Take a look at this road for example:




Now that can mean many things to different people. An ugly road? A rural country lane? A miserable grey day? But for all Top Gear fans, it has only one universal meaning – time to test your car out.

So when I got my old car back (that had been in the garage with major steering and suspension problems), the option to visit Porthmadog for the day was simply irresistible. The chosen route would be down the A483, through Corwen, on to Bala and then a detour through Betws and then on to Porthmadog through the A470. What with this on your left…




…and then this on the right…




…and this kind of view far in front…




…then well, it doesn’t get much better. And alhamdulillah, for all those concerned, the good old manual is back in top shape.

Life is so tough sometimes. Sigh.

Oh, and for all those who like a bit of history then whilst sweeping through Betws, I did stop to get a picture of the 'The Ugly House', despite the fact that it looks better than every house I’ve seen in London but that’s another argument for another time no doubt.

;-)



Finally, because I know I'll get hounded about it later, everyday should be a celebration of the birth of the one whom Allah 'azza wa jall has termed "a Mercy to the 'Alameen" and by his birth, we hope an entire nation to be saved from the Hell fire.

Does our beloved Prophet (sallallahu 'alayhi wa sallam) need a specific Mawlid and all that jazz? I follow the opinion of the majority of my teachers that he (sallallahu 'alayhi wa sallam) doesn't, as the Companions (may Allah be pleased with them all) believed so and is supported in many fatawa, as well as being the position of our esteemed Shaykh, Mufti Taqi al-Usmani (hafidhahullah).

Is this the worst bid'ah in the world, especially as it's made out to be in some circles? No, not by a long shot. But you asked me which way I swing, so there you go.

PS: This is not a forum for this most boring and over-killed debate between the brelwi and deobandi schools of thought, so go and find another place to bash it out - I'm sure you'll find plenty that'll oblige!

Here, we only debate cars, Wales, cricket, football and a little bit of Deen here and there...

:-)

Hey guys remember this?

And now...

Gold prices increase...by 20%!!

(Crying incontrollably, whilst being hugged by surrounding family)

I've been fascinated by the recent court battle between Gorgeous George and the News of the World over their star undercover reporter Mazher Mahmood.

Anyway, I've been pondering over this guy and all the benefits of his work. Despite my totally irrational hatred for some of the people he's taken down like Sven Goran Erikson (who gives me angina whenever I see him, hear of him or even think of him), and the obvious fasad he's uncovered through the adulterous goings-on of so many celebrities, I'm still not sure...

Here's a brief bio of his work so far, so you guys tell me what you think.

After giving a hand at the Exhibition Islam display last night, currently being hosted at the main Masjid in Manchester, Didsbury Mosque, I really advise everyone to get down and have a look.

The display is absolutely fantastic, the best quality I've ever seen masha'Allah and has definitely set the standard for the rest of the Muslim community.

I'd like all the brothers and sisters that are involved with PG in the North West to get down anytime this week (the website mentions it finishes on Thursday but it'll be running until Saturday 8th April up to 8pm) and get a feel for the exhibition and how to give da'wah in the best way to all visitors and guests who come along.

Try and work on your inter-personal skills as well as how the actual display is set up for I think we're going to purchase one of these sets for Manchester and then we'll need to get volunteers to man it, but that's only going to happen if you get an idea now (it is massive by the way, no exaggeration).

Also, please try and read all the material if possible to weed out the little mistakes that are obvious to creep in to such a large piece of work. I noticed a mistake on the Qur'an section yesterday which was a serious one and have noted it down so you do the same and then we can inform the organisers to fix that before they set up next time. Also let the brothers at Didsbury know and they'll cover it with a label or something.

Finally, I know I'm telling all you Muslims to have a look (trust me, it's a very nice set-up for the family) but the real aim is for you to get all your non-Muslim friends and colleagues down - they'll really enjoy it. The atmosphere is great, there's fun stuff for them to do as well as coffee and snacks. The only problem so far is that the snacks are being cleaned out by...guess who?

;-)

Just leave some for the others for once guys...

We know all the Simplyfone numbers have been playing up so here's the latest one:

07744 200 003

It works, is free from Orange X-Net minutes, and has a good detailed website which We've also linked to it on the right hand side.

www.YourCallWorld.com

Admin (posting on behalf of AE)

Another busy and stressful week – I think I can speak for just about everyone these days that life isn’t getting any easier is it?

I mean what kind of ignorant, silly, oppressive people decide to take on such a responsibility like life anyway??

“And man took it on. He is indeed oppressive, ignorant.” (33:72)

Sigh.

Anyway, here is a digest-type post, totally random, where I’ll not consider structure, grammar, style or balāghah (so what’s new I hear you cry) but just respond to some queries, think out aloud, and mention a few things that I observed over this last manic week:


- The new 5-Series be the bomb. That’s ‘da bomb’ in that hip-hoppy Yankee accent as Azhar Usman famously said, not ‘the bomb’ in a good old Brit accent that is likely to find me locked behind bars for 30 days.

Despite that, I agree with brother Yusuf’s point about very expensive cars still being far from perfect. The 5-series also had no place to rest your right foot once set on cruise control, so you just kind of curl it up near the brake pedal and just imagine that it’s stretched out on a sun-lounger on a remote desert island – not.

Also, I can’t believe that in a £40,000 car that does everything but cook the dinner, that whenever you open the rear doors after it’s been raining, the door seal deposits a whole splodge of water all over the back seat, making it pretty pointless to hang your jacket up on the hook when all the lining will be doing is acting as a Vileda kitchen cloth. This happened every time, every morning after it had been raining the night before, without fail.

Other than that, I hereby announce a new charity: the “AE 535” trust, a worthy charity dedicated entirely to making my time on the road as easy, safe and pleasurable as possible. I thank you all in advance for your kind donations and prayers.

:-)


- I’m still awaiting any further information on the new volumes of the Mujallah of Majma’ Fiqh al-Islami. Is there any way to find it online or even pull some ‘student’ blag and get the latest few volumes somehow? I have up to Session 13, 2001 but don’t want to spend any more money if I can help it. Also, I’m after the latest single volume Qararāt of the entire sessions if any of you Najdites can help out…

Also Imtiyaz, please post some details of the bahth you found concerning the minimum and maximum lengths of pregnancy from a fiqhi point of view, may Allah increase you and reward you abundantly.

Share the ‘ilm bro, don’t be a ‘stinj’.

:-)


- So I’m there a few days ago working in the dispensary in Nelson, East Lancashire (for those who don’t know the UK very well, then this is like a mini-Pakistan in the UK; I’m talking this is the paind like, you know what I’m sayin’?) and a Pakistani woman, typical Aunty-type woman comes in and asks my counter assistant miskeena for Malaria tablets.

So I’m called out, and when I ask her where she’s planning to travel to, she tells me Saudi. I told her she’d be fine and wouldn’t need Malaria tablets, just the Men C vaccine from the Doctor.

So she goes back to my assistant for a little chit-chat during buying some other stuff.

Assistant: So, where are you going then love?
Apna: I’m going to Saudi Arabia.
Assistant: Oh how wonderful!
Apna: Yes.
Assistant: You must be so excited!
Apna: Yes.
Assistant: Everyone must be so looking forward to it!
Apna: Yes. We’re going ‘Umrah.
Assistant: Really? How nice!

Pause.

Assistant: So, visiting family there then?


- Well done to Shoaib Malik for saving our baistee and fluking his way to a draw with the world’s most boring innings. Well done son.

If being battered by Sri Lanka wasn’t bad enough, surely putting on one of the lamest and most defensive (which I suppose the situation demanded in fairness) innings in history is a close second.


- Condoleezza Rice (by the way, can you believe that I’ve just written her name in Word as I write this post at work and it hasn’t even come up as a spelling mistake!?) is the best thing that’s happened to Blackburn since…well…since whatever. It’s about time that such areas that are dominated by Muslims come out of their secular shell and start to think more holistically about their Deen.

Sign of the week: “You’re not welcome in Liverpool. Try The Hague.”


- This website was fatwa-d HARAM donkey years ago by some Sheikh or the other – so tell me something I don’t know.


- I know that you know what is well known to be the best advert around, right?

Cantona: “My advice to you my friends: don’t ever grow up.”

Old fat boy is still the Mack.

Scousers eat your hearts out.

Blues, keep looking over your shoulder cos' we be creeping up...


- That’s surely enough of a digest for now and gives me time to soak in and relax the beautiful surroundings of the place where I’m working today.

The only thing better than having a nice end on a Saturday to a busy and stressed week is to spend it in Beaumaris, North West Wales, one of my favourite spots in the UK.

We’re having some great weather (although very windy!) today so I decided to take some pictures just outside the shop. You’ve got a few of the coast and even some of the pier which is struggling against the Spring High Tide season that we’re currently going through for a week odd out of the year. Also, there are some nice pictures of Beaumaris Castle, a listed World Heritage Site alongside the Pyramids etc.

Masha’Allah.

How beautiful a country this is and how ignorant of its wonders the Londoners are...

;-)

Update: Had a few problems with the camera and lost quite a few pictures but here are a few that survived...


Only a tiny place, but very picturesque


It was very hazy and windy today; this didn't help for good photos yet the natural beauty of this tip of Anglesey can not be doubted.


Beaumaris Pier, being flooded by the unusually high Spring Tide


Beaumaris Castle - A World Heritage Site


It might not be the Tower of London but at least you can relax by yourself


The Castle still has quite a nice moat


The main road side of the Castle


North Wales still has many quaint little cottages despite the huge influx of English folk fueling mass modern property development


My favourite place in Beaumaris. Not the Castle, not the Beach but 'Castle Bakery', the best place you'll ever eat fresh bread at!