Society & Culture - 2 November 2007

2007-11-02 14:18:23 · 3 answers · asked by I hate Hillary Clinton 6 in Religion & Spirituality

I imagine that God wanted us to remain separated on Earth but integrated in Heaven. On Earth, other races can harm each other and live in hatred yet in heaven we will have no need to separate as there would be no sin. On Earth, many races living in the same area cause crime and war yet in heaven we will be hand in hand.

2007-11-02 14:18:11 · 5 answers · asked by Anonymous in Religion & Spirituality

2007-11-02 14:17:11 · 21 answers · asked by Anonymous in Other - Society & Culture

Like a doll or something? If so, what happened. Also, I see a lot of possesed dolls for sale on ebay. Why would anybody want an evil possessed doll if they really are real?

2007-11-02 14:15:28 · 12 answers · asked by xoxo 5 in Religion & Spirituality

well those of you who know what it is...im Mountain Jew.
Not a lot of ppl have heard of this because the group is fading away, its very rare. So do you know the history behind the ppl? the origin? (besides whats on wikipedia.) lol.

2007-11-02 14:14:09 · 7 answers · asked by curtismayfield? 2 in Religion & Spirituality

yes or no, and where did you get it from?
i know that God told Moses the Ten Commandments but the covenant part confuses me..

2007-11-02 14:14:02 · 9 answers · asked by mrsdhaniharrison 3 in Religion & Spirituality

I feel so silly asking, but it's kind of fun! Most seniors have some type of a soft spot in their hearts...or I am told! I won't take a stray in, but I will feed them just to keep the peace in the neighborhood, if ya know what I mean! How about you? Do you feed strays or turn the water hose on them?

2007-11-02 14:12:55 · 19 answers · asked by Anonymous in Senior Citizens

Mine includes Dead smoked pigs,,,
sorry..Whats your Favorite?

2007-11-02 14:12:06 · 17 answers · asked by Anonymous in Religion & Spirituality

Especially here in R&S. All these religious people, being so dull and boring, and never recognizing witty and sarcastic questions. Plus there seems to be many more atheist comics out there, such as Bill Maher, Kathy Griffin, and David Cross.

2007-11-02 14:11:41 · 29 answers · asked by Uliju 4 in Religion & Spirituality

2007-11-02 14:11:30 · 6 answers · asked by ♥Ello♥Vee♥E♥ says Shut Up, Take Notes 7 in Other - Society & Culture

2007-11-02 14:10:29 · 18 answers · asked by Anonymous in Religion & Spirituality

This is for school i have to find out from about 100 people if they knew anything about Islam before 9-11...if you anwers thanks...no anwers will hurt anyone fell free to say anything...the more you say the better info i have for my essay...Thanks

2007-11-02 14:10:02 · 16 answers · asked by no_clue29 1 in Religion & Spirituality

Arent we the hottest?

2007-11-02 14:09:16 · 32 answers · asked by Anonymous in Other - Cultures & Groups

i did once, saved him a lot of embarrassment , but afterwards i turned red

2007-11-02 14:09:11 · 23 answers · asked by Jenny G 3 in Etiquette

2007-11-02 14:08:00 · 17 answers · asked by Anonymous in Religion & Spirituality

As a thought exercise could you this instant, should you choose, completely lose your faith and disbelieve God? Would you be able to actively believe at will that he doesn't exist?

2007-11-02 14:07:54 · 11 answers · asked by Rafael 4 in Religion & Spirituality

2007-11-02 14:07:35 · 20 answers · asked by eldude 5 in Christmas

One of my friends wants nothing to do with God. He used to be interested alot in last day events and that sort of thing. I love him and he has a good heart. What can I do to help him know God more?

2007-11-02 14:07:25 · 27 answers · asked by Sunshine 3 in Religion & Spirituality

my high school wants to participate in a charity event, but not one that involves fundraising.

in ronald mcdonald house volunteers can make food, clean, decorate, organize events, etc.. examples of similar charities would be appreciated!

ps- i live in new jersey.

2007-11-02 14:07:07 · 4 answers · asked by audri 1 in Community Service

Do you believe in life after death??? why or why not??? what is it that makes you believe what you believe??? reincarnation- explain...... how do you feel about organ donating??? I just want to ask because I want to know at least somethings people believe about reincarnation...........

-cora

2007-11-02 14:06:25 · 14 answers · asked by Anonymous in Religion & Spirituality

2007-11-02 14:03:48 · 11 answers · asked by blueeyegagurl831 2 in Religion & Spirituality

Most religions claim god to be omniscient and omnipotent. This translates to:

Omniscient:
1 : having infinite awareness, understanding, and insight
2 : possessed of universal or complete knowledge

Omnipotent:
1: often capitalized : almighty 1
2: having virtually unlimited authority or influence

If these things are true, God all knowing sees all suffering, without a doubt yet chooses to do nothing to stop it or can't stop it meaning he's NOT omnipotent. OR He's not aware of everything (Omniscient) (also not a supreme being). If he's truly both as everyone says, he must not be a very friendly entity, having the power to halt the suffering of his beloved, seeing it, and doing nothing about it.

Maybe this is hell after all and our God is set about punishing us all.

2007-11-02 14:03:21 · 15 answers · asked by SolarWind 4 in Religion & Spirituality

IN LEGEND sea dragons hoard sapphires. How much would they value a pound of rough blue sapphires?

2007-11-02 14:02:42 · 7 answers · asked by Anonymous in Mythology & Folklore

theres never a quarter of a day, so where do leap years come from

2007-11-02 14:01:59 · 16 answers · asked by Anonymous in Other - Society & Culture

Even to a buddhist or atheist who dont beleive

2007-11-02 14:01:42 · 28 answers · asked by Anonymous in Religion & Spirituality

the prophet, pbuh, said that a litre or a kilogram of water is enough, and Allah, swt, stated that He does not love those who waste. Further, the prophet, pbuh, said that even if we're near a flowing river, we should not waste water.
in ghusl, 4 -5 litres is enough.

2007-11-02 14:01:39 · 17 answers · asked by 36 6 in Ramadan

The Islamic Morals

The definition of morals (Akhlaq) in the Arabic language: It is a term derived from the word "Khuluq" meaning the character and the nature, therefore a man's character would be his qualities and his morals. The definition of morals in the Shari'ah terminology: The morals are the characteristics which Allah (SWT) has ordered the Muslim to abide by when performing his actions, they are the commands and prohibitions related to the qualities which the Muslim should demonstrate when performing his actions be it acts of worships, transactions and others

Since the Muslim is restricted by the Shari'ah, or rather his actions are restricted, for Allah (SWT) says:

"It is not fitting for a believer, man or woman, when a matter has been decided by Allah and His Messenger, to have any option about their decision. If anyone disobeys Allah and His Messenger, he is indeed on a clearly wrong path" [TMQ 33:36]

And for He (SWT) says:

"But no by the Lord, they shall not be believers, until they make you judge in all disputes between them, and find in their souls no resistance against your decisions, but accept them with the fullest conviction." [TMQ 4:65]

Therefore Islam has obliged the Muslim to abide by the commands and prohibitions of Allah (SWT) in his actions, sayings and qualities when acting or talking. Furthermore, morals are part of the Islamic legislation for they are part of Allah's commands and prohibitions; if the Muslim did not adhere to the morals as being commands from Allah (SWT) and as being acts of worship for which he will be rewarded in the day of Judgement, his morals would not be considered as acts of worship and they would not be accepted of him even if they were commendable, for the Messenger of Allah (SAW) said: "Every action not based on our teaching is rejected."

If for instance someone told the truth because telling the truth is regarded in society as a good deed, his action would not be considered an act of worship, but if he did so in response to the command of Allah (SWT) and His Messenger (SAW) who said: "Verily a man would tell the truth and keep on doing so until Allah labels him as truthful" , only then would his truthfulness would be an act of worship. The Islamic moral qualities would be reflected in the Muslim's actions and sayings, if he traded he would not cheat, for the Messenger of Allah (SAW) said: "He is not one of us who cheats us", and if he mixed with people he would like them and be liked for the Messenger of Allah (SAW) said: "A Muslim would like and be liked”.

Here are brief examples demonstrating that the Islamic moral qualities would be reflected in the Muslim's actions when he adheres to the standards set by the Shari'ah or when he realises his relationship with Allah (SWT) whilst performing his actions, and when he realises the rule related to the action whether it is obligatory or desirable, or when he realises why he abstains from committing a sin or an undesirable act: The Muslim would show humility in prayer, Allah (SWT) says:

"The believers have succeeded. Those who humble themselves in their prayers" [TMQ 23:1-2]

The Muslim would show gentleness when carrying the Da'awa and debating with people, for Allah (SWT) says:

"It is part of the Mercy of Allah that you dealt gently with them. Were you severe or harsh-hearted, they would have broken away from about you" [TMQ 3:159]

The Muslim would show patience and perseverance in enduring persecution and oppression while facing the enemy, Allah (SWT) says:

"O you who believe! Persevere in patience and constancy; vie in such perseverance; strengthen each other; and fear Allah" [TMQ 3:200]

The Islamic Morals

The Muslim would show bravery and courage when he holds the tyrant ruler accountable, the Messenger of Allah (SAW) said: "The masters of martyrs are

Hamza and a man that stood up to a tyrant ruler, advised him and was killed". The Muslim would show generosity and sacrifice, he would go hungry for

others to have enough to eat, Allah (SWT) says:

"And they give them preference over themselves even though they were poor" [TMQ 59:9]

The Muslim would show the qualities of the just and fair judge between people, Allah (SWT) says:

"And when you judge between people, do judge with justice" [TMQ 4:58]

The Muslim would show fidelity and would honour his contracts, for Allah (SWT) says:

"Fulfil all obligations" [TMQ 5:1]

And for the Messenger of Allah (SAW) said: "The Muslims should always fulfil their promises" . The Muslim would show the qualities of compassion and friendliness for the Messenger of Allah (SAW) said: "The believers are but like one body in their love friendliness and compassion to one another, if a member suffered, the rest of the body reacted with sleeplessness and fever". He (SAW) also said: "Have mercy on those who are on earth so that Allah may have mercy on you". There are other Islamic qualities which Allah (SWT) has ordered the Muslims to adhere to such as: Decency, generosity, modesty, obedience to parents, good conjugal community, tolerance, helpfulness, supporting the believers, frankness, sincerity, keeping promises and safeguarding trusts etc...

There are also some despicable moral qualities which Allah (SWT) has prohibited, such as telling lies, envy, injustice, cheating, insulting, tale carrying, backbiting, hypocrisy, disobeying the parents, laziness, cowardice, meanness etc.. Allah (SWT) says:

"And from the mischief of the envious one as he practises envy" [TMQ 113:5]

And He (SWT) also says:

"Those who want to be seen and refuse to supply neighbourly needs." [TMQ 107:6-7]

The Messenger of Allah (SAW) said: "O Allah I seek your refuge from weakness, laziness, cowardice and meanness". He (SAW) also said: "The Muslim would never be a slanderer, an abuser, nor would he be a loudmouth shouting in the markets".

The characteristics of the Islamic morals:

1 - The Islamic morals cannot be separated from the other types of legislation such as the rituals, the transactions etc. The humility for instance does not manifest itself except in prayer, and the truthfulness and trust do not materialise except in transactions, therefore the morals cannot be separated from the other commands and prohibitions for they are characteristics which appear only when the human is performing the action.

2 - The Islamic morals are not motivated by material gains as is the case with most people in western societies. The Muslim is ordered to adhere to those morals regardless of benefit or loss, he would be truthful before the tyrant ruler and he would be brave when holding him accountable. Even if he suffered persecution and oppression, he would not compromise his principles, for the Messenger of Allah (SAW) said: "The master of martyrs is Hamza and a man who stood up to a tyrant ruler to advise him and was killed".

3 - The Islamic morals, just like the Islamic Aqeeda, conforms with the human nature, for instance, being generous and hospitable to the guest and helping the needy conforms with the instinct of survival; humility and modesty conform with the spiritual instinct. Mercy, clemency and love conform with the instinct of the gender.

The effects of morals on the individual and society:

1 - Morals, together with the other obligations make of the Muslim a distinctive Islamic personality when dealing with other people, they would trust him and believe what he says.

2 - Islamic morals generate affection and respect between the members of the family in particular and the members of society in general.

3 - Abiding by the Islamic morals will be rewarded by Allah (SWT) on the Day of Judgement, just like the other commands and prohibitions, and the Muslim would gain people's trust and respect in this life, those who adhere to high morals will be close to the Messenger of Allah (SAW) in the Hereafter, sharing the grace of Heaven, for Allah (SWT) says:

"All who obey Allah and the Messenger are in the company of those on whom is the grace of Allah, - the prophets, the truthful, and the martyrs and the righteous. What a beautiful fellowship" [TMQ 4:69]

And Bukhari reported that the Messenger of Allah (SAW) said: "Verily those I love most and those who will be closest to me are those of you who have the best morals." And he (SAW) was asked once about the best assets that would make a Muslim enter Heaven, he said: "The fear of Allah and good morals".

2007-11-02 14:01:38 · 6 answers · asked by muslim-doctor 3 in Ramadan

وَإِنَّكَ لَعَلى خُلُقٍ عَظِيمٍ(القلم 4

“Indeed you stand on an exalted standard of character.” (Al-Qalam 68:4)

Morality is an important aspect of Islam. In the Islamic terminology it is called “khuluq” and its plural is “akhlaq”. There are two aspects of a human being: one is “khalq” that is the physical aspect and the appearance. The other is “khuluq” and that is character, behavior and inner dispositions. Islam emphasizes that we take care of our physical appearance by keeping it clean, properly covered, healthy and nourished with Halal food and drinks. In a similar way it tells us that we should take care of our character and behavior.

قَالَ ابْنُ عَبَّاسٍ كَانَ النَّبِيُّ صَلَّى اللَّهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ أَجْوَدَ النَّاسِ وَأَجْوَدُ مَا يَكُونُ فِي رَمَضَانَ وَقَالَ أَبُو ذَرٍّ لَمَّا بَلَغَهُ مَبْعَثُ النَّبِيِّ صَلَّى اللَّهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ قَالَ لِأَخِيهِ ارْكَبْ إِلَى هَذَا الْوَادِي فَاسْمَعْ مِنْ قَوْلِهِ فَرَجَعَ فَقَالَ رَأَيْتُهُ يَأْمُرُ بِمَكَارِمِ الْأَخْلَاقِ (البخاري )

Ibn ‘Abbas reports that the Prophet -peace be upon him- was the most generous person. He used to become even more generous in Ramadan. And Abu Dharr said that when he heard about the coming of the Prophet -peace be upon him- he said to his brother, ‘Go to this valley and hear his words.’ He returned and said to him, ‘I saw him commanding people about the noblest morals and manners.’ (Al-Bukhari)

The Prophet was sent by Allah to teach the humanity the noblest morals (makarim al-akhlaq). He said,

عَنْ أَبِي هُرَيْرَةَ قَالَ قَالَ رَسُولُ اللَّهِ صَلَّى اللَّهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ أَكْمَلُ الْمُؤْمِنِينَ إِيمَانًا أَحْسَنُهُمْ خُلُقًا وَخِيَارُكُمْ خِيَارُكُمْ لِنِسَائِهِمْ خُلُقًا (الترمذى

“The most perfect believer in faith is the one who is best in moral character. The best of you are those who are the best to their spouses in manners.” (al-Tirmidhi 1082)

عَنْ عَائِشَةَ قَالَتْ سَمِعْتُ النَّبِيَّ صَلَّى اللَّهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ يَقُولُ إِنَّ الْمُؤْمِنَ يُدْرِكُ بِحُسْنِ خُلُقِهِ دَرَجَاتِ قَائِمِ اللَّيْلِ صَائِمِ النَّهَارِ (مسند أحمد

‘Aishah -may Allah be pleased with her- said, “I heard the Prophet -peace be upon him- say, ‘Indeed the believer by his good morals reaches the ranks of those who spend the whole night in prayer and whole day in fasting. (Musnad Ahmad, 23219)

عَنْ أَبِي الدَّرْدَاءِ قَالَ سَمِعْتُ النَّبِيَّ صَلَّى اللَّهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ يَقُولُ مَا مِنْ شَيْءٍ يُوضَعُ فِي الْمِيزَانِ أَثْقَلُ مِنْ حُسْنِ الْخُلُقِ وَإِنَّ صَاحِبَ حُسْنِ الْخُلُقِ لَيَبْلُغُ بِهِ دَرَجَةَ صَاحِبِ الصَّوْمِ وَالصَّلَاةِ (الترمذي

Abu al-Darda’ reports that I heard the Prophet -peace be upon him- say, “There is nothing in the Balance heavier than the good morals. Indeed the person of good morals will reach by them the rank of the person of fasts and prayers.” (al-Tirmidhi 1926)

There are many Ahadith that indicate the high place of morals and manners in Islam. The good morals and manners should be observed in one’s personal life as well as in one’s relations with others.

Some Ahadith on Islamic manners:

عَنْ عَبْدِ اللَّهِ بْنِ عَمْرٍو رَضِيَ اللَّهُ عَنْهُمَا عَنْ النَّبِيِّ صَلَّى اللَّهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ قَالَ الْمُسْلِمُ مَنْ سَلِمَ الْمُسْلِمُونَ مِنْ لِسَانِهِ وَيَدِهِ وَالْمُهَاجِرُ مَنْ هَجَرَ مَا نَهَى اللَّهُ عَنْهُ )البخاري

“The Muslim is he/she from whose hand and tongue other Muslims are safe and Muhajir is he/she who leaves what Allah has forbidden.” (al-Bukahri 9)

حَدَّثَنَا قَتَادَةُ عَنْ أَنَسٍ عَنْ النَّبِيِّ صَلَّى اللَّهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ قَالَ لَا يُؤْمِنُ أَحَدُكُمْ حَتَّى يُحِبَّ لِأَخِيهِ مَا يُحِبُّ لِنَفْسِهِ (البخاري

“None of you will be a believer until he loves for his brother what he loves for himself.” (al-Bukhari 12)

عَنْ أَبِي هُرَيْرَةَ أَنَّ رَسُولَ اللَّهِ صَلَّى اللَّهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ قَالَ لَا يَدْخُلُ الْجَنَّةَ مَنْ لَا يَأْمَنُ جَارُهُ بَوَائِقَهُ (مسلم

“He will not enter heaven whose neighbor is not safe from his troubles.” (Muslim 66)

عَنْ أَبِي هُرَيْرَةَ قَالَ قَالَ رَسُولُ اللَّهِ صَلَّى اللَّهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ الْإِيمَانُ بِضْعٌ وَسَبْعُونَ أَوْ بِضْعٌ وَسِتُّونَ شُعْبَةً فَأَفْضَلُهَا قَوْلُ لَا إِلَهَ إِلَّا اللَّهُ وَأَدْنَاهَا إِمَاطَةُ الْأَذَى عَنْ الطَّرِيقِ وَالْحَيَاءُ شُعْبَةٌ مِنْ الْإِيمَانِ (مسلم

Faith has more than seventy branches (or he said more than sixty branches). The supreme branch is the statement that ‘There is no god except Allah’ and the lowest branch is the removal of obstacles from the path. The modesty is a branch of faith.” (Muslim 51)

These issues are not small; they are very important. No macro change can come without the micro change. Bad manners have sometimes drastic social affects.

Some of you may have heard of some interesting research on crime, called the “broken window” effect. Two researchers did the following test. They put one car in the poorer areas of New York, with the hood open. They put another car in a really affluent suburb in California. The car in New York got pulled to pieces within 24 hours. The car in California remained untouched for two weeks. Then one of the researchers smashed one window in the car and within a day, the car ended up like the one in New York.

They concluded that by breaking the window on the car, they essentially marked the car as “neglected” and thus people thought of it as “fair game”, even though it was in a good neighbourhood. Similarly, the authors concluded, if you allow little things to get away, like the breaking of windows, unless the window gets fixed very soon, all the windows get smashed.

Three years ago, in New York, they had a new police commissioner. He decided to implement this idea, by ensuring that the police no longer just attack the big issues, the homicides, the car stealings, the breaking and entering; but also the little things, like making sure streets were clean, fixing broken windows. The net effect? Crime rates in New York, formerly one of the world's crime centres, fell by almost one third in three years. Why does this work? By taking care of the little things, you give people a sense of security.

We observe good morals and manners to obey Allah and His Messenger. This is part of our faith. Our faith leads to good morals and manners and they in their turn reinforce our faith. On the other hand, we should also keep in mind the best da’wah is to live among people with good morals and manners. Before listening to our message people see us and our behavior. Non-Muslims sometimes say when they see the bad example of Muslims, “If your religion has not made you a good person, how can it be a good religion for us.” We have a big responsibility and we must take our actions seriously.

2007-11-02 13:59:56 · 11 answers · asked by muslim-doctor 3 in Religion & Spirituality

Mine...

1) Its A Wonderful Life - one of the best movies ever. period.

2) A Christmas Carol (1951) - but the 1930s version is good too

3) The Holy And The Ivy - this is a beautiful british film about a clergyman and his disfunctional family. Totally sincere and well ahead of its time. Its totally worth checking out.

2007-11-02 13:59:40 · 11 answers · asked by Zezo Zeze Zadfrack 1 in Christmas

I was recently at a night club and mildly intoxicated. I was introduced to the owner of the club that night and made a fool of myself. How can I recover from this? Normally I'd buy a drink next itme I saw the person, but with a club owner, this seems null. I want to approach this with perfect etiquette.

2007-11-02 13:56:09 · 7 answers · asked by A 3 in Etiquette