Marriage: A Religious Requirement

Marriage in Islam is recommended as a religious requirement.

 

"Marry those among you who are single and (marry) your slaves, male and female, that are righteous" (Quran 24:32)

Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) declared:

"When the servant of Allah marries, he has fulfilled half the (responsibilities laid on him by the) faith; so let him be God conscious with respect to the other half". (Mishkat)

Marriage has also been commended as the way of the prophets.

"We indeed sent messengers before you (O Muhammad), and We assigned them wives and children". (Quran 13:38)

Marriage, in fact, is specifically considered the tradition (sunnah) of Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) when he declared:

"Marriage is my Sunnah, whoever disregards my (sunnah) path is not from among us". (ibn Majah)

Islam discourages celibacy and encourages marriage, as Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) recommended:

"Whoever is able to marry, should marry". (Bukhari)

 

What Are The Benefits Of Marriage?

 

1. Fulfillment of deen (the full practice of religion) is accomplished through marriage. In Islam, we recognize that marriage is the state to which we aspire - a situation that supports, in every aspect, our attainment of the state that will please our Creator. To fulfill the role Allah (SWT) designed specifically for us, marriage is important. It is through marriage that these roles are fulfilled. Anas bin Malik reported that the Prophet (PBUH) said,

 

"When a man marries, he indeed perfects half of his religion. Then he should fear Allah for the remaining half." (Bukhari)

 

2. For women, marriage provides support and protection,

"Men are the protectors and maintainers of women, because Allah has given one more (strength) than the other and because they support them from their means. Therefore, the righteous women are devoutly obedient and guard in (the husband's) absence what Allah would have them guard" (Ali Imran:34-36).

 

3. Satisfying sexual desires/needs may only be accomplished through marriage. As Muslims, we understand that sex outside of marriage is forbidden and considered a major sin. Therefore, sexual desires may only be satisfied within a marriage. Marriage provides protection from sin,

"They (wives) are like garments for you, and you are like garments for them" (Al Baqarah:187).

 

4. Marriage provides companionship,

"...the companion by your side (the wife)." (Al Nisaa:36)

For Muslims, it is clear that the trend to delay or skip marriage is prohibited, and with good reason. Marriage still remains the trend in Muslim communities. This provides for the safety and security of women and children. It provides a safeguard against sexual sin for the man as well as for the woman. It provides two-parent homes for children and strong ethics that will support a lifestyle that is consistent with the practice of Islam. It provides loving and kind companionship. This is the way of Muslims.

Islam provides clear and ideal direction for all aspects of life. This is a perfect example of those directions. The religion tells Muslims to marry early. It provides clear guidelines for husbands and wives and, as they become parents, for parenting and for the behavior of children. There is no guesswork in the process.

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The Verses About The Disbelievers In The Quran

Quran is undoubtedly the guide to whole mankind. But there are many disbelievers on this planet, so here are listed some verses about the disbelievers in the Quran.

"And We have placed coverings on their hearts and a heaviness in their ears lest they understand it, and when you mention your Lord alone in the Quran they turn their backs in aversion". Quran Al-Isra [17:46]

Our prophet Muhammad (s.a.w) used to become very sad when the people used to refute the verses of the Quran. For the strengthening of his heart, Allah almighty revealed the following verse,

"Verily, those who disbelieve, it is the same to them whether you (O Muhammad peace be upon him) warn them or do not warn them, they will not believe". Quran Al-Baqara [2:6]

However, this verse does not imply that the Muslims should not spread the word of Allah Almighty. This is because we cannot be sure that who among the masses is the person who is going to accept the truth and who has the heart, mind, and soul with locks. This is explained in the following verse of the Holy Quran. Allah Almighty says in the Quran,

And that I should recite the Quran. Therefore whoever goes aright, he goes aright for his own soul, and whoever goes ' astray, then say: I am only one of the warners.Quran An-Naml [27:92]

So it is recommended for the Muslims to warn people. However, every Muslim should keep in mind that it is blatantly wrong according to Islam if they try to force someone to accept Islam.

The Quran also solaces the Muslims who have to face ridiculing or picking at by the non-Muslims if they try to spread the word of Allah. Allah almighty says in the Quran,

And when it is said to them (hypocrites): "Believe as the people (followers of Muhammad peace be upon him, Al-Ansâr and Al-Muhajirûn) have believed," they say: "Shall we believe as the fools have believed?" Verily, they are the fools, but they know not. Quran Al-Baqara [2:13]

The verse, mentioned above clearly implies that there is no reason for a Muslim to be disheartened if any non-Muslim picks at him.

Of course, the Quran is a divine guidance.This is the very reason why the Quran throws an open challenge to the people who do not believe in it. Allah almighty says in the Quran,

"And if you (Arab pagans, Jews, and Christians) are in doubt concerning that which We have sent down (i.e. the Qur'an) to Our slave (Muhammad peace be upon him), then produce a Surah (chapter) of the like thereof and call your witnesses (supporters and helpers) besides Allah, if you are truthful". Quran Al-Baqara [2:23]

The Arabs were great linguistics in the times when Quran was revealed. In fact, they took deep pride in it. However, no nonbeliever among them was able to produce anything even near to the linguistic quality or content of the Quran.

If you want to learn and understand the Quran then just visit islamic-videos.com and see Islamic videos and listen Quran audio in English and different other languages as well. Islamic-videos.com also provides Islamic books in English and Hindi for deeper knowledge.

Resources to Learn the Quran Online

Undoubtedly Quran is the guide to mankind. Then it becomes compulsory for us to understand the Quran. Now the question arises, how to learn the Quran? For this you have two options either go for offline mode or go online. To learn Quran online, there are so many resources available. One just has to decide that how one wants to learn Quran online. Actually, the scope of the Quran is very wide. Therefore, it is but natural that there are so many subjects, which lie under the category of the Quran education.

Al-Maeda [5:4] They ask you as to what is allowed to them. Say: The good things are allowed to you, and what you have taught the beasts and birds of prey, training them to hunt-- you teach them of what Allah has taught you-- so eat of that which they catch for you and mention the name of Allah over it; and be careful of (your duty to) Allah; surely Allah is swift in reckoning.

To learn Quran online, one can consider one of the following resources.

1. Websites for Tajweed
2. Websites providing online mp3 Quran audio
3. Website providing Quran audio in English and in different other languages
4. Websites with Quran explanation
5. Websites of Islamic centers
6. Websites of Islamic scholars
7. Islamic videos on Islamic sites and youtube

All of the resources mentioned above are simply great for anyone who simply wants to learn Quran online. For inspiration to learn Quran online or offline, one can consider the following two verses.

• Yusuf [12:6] And thus will your Lord choose you and teach you the interpretation of sayings and make His favor complete to you and to the children of Yaqoub, as He made it complete before to your fathers, Ibrahim and Ishaq; surely your Lord is Knowing, Wise.
• Al-Baqara [2:129] Our Lord! and raise up in them a Messenger from among them who shall recite to them Thy communications and teach them the Book and the wisdom, and purify them; surely Thou art the Mighty, the Wise.

Of course, it is very easy to learn Quran online because of the plenty of the resources available. However, one thing that is very important for all those who want to learn Quran online is the authentication of any given resource. In fact, it is a grave problem for most of the people who want to learn Quran online.

Along with many good resources, there are some resources online, which contain falsified, fabricated, unauthenticated, or incomplete information. It becomes a great nuisance and even a source of misguidance for many people who want to learn Quran online. In case one comes across an unauthenticated website, one must report the website.

Usually it is not easy for any ordinary internet user to take down an unauthenticated website. However if more and more people report the website, its rankings go down and the authorities do something about it soon. Similarly, it is also a good idea to promote the websites with authenticated information.
Aal-e-Imran [3:48] And He will teach him the Book and the wisdom and the Taurât and the Injeel.

If you want to read more Articles regarding Islam and Quran, you can find all on islamic-videos4u.blogspot.com.

What is the need of Hijab?

Allah, who is our Protector and is above all imperfection, has made wearing Hijabs mandatory upon women as a safety measure for them. Hijabs help to protect their honor while establishing themselves as a sign of their faith. Any society that has distanced itself from Allah's way and has deviated from the path shown by Him is in dire need of actions that will lead to recovery and happiness. Therefore, all Muslim women need to return to hijabs and abayas in order to follow what the Prophet preached to his Ummah.

It is extremely important for all Muslim women to understand the importance of hijabs in Islam. However, many women come up with feeble excuses so as not to wear them. However, we will take a few of these excuses and discuss the frailty of these arguments.

The first most common excuse is that "I am not convinced of the necessity of hijabs." However, if a woman is convinced of Islam, then how can she not be convinced about any one of its orders? If she believes in the divinity of Allah and the messages of the prophet (SAW), then it is absolutely necessary to be convinced of the command about wearing Hijabs in his Sunnah.

The second excuse "It is so very hot in my country and I can't stand it. How could I take it if I wore Hijabs? The answer to this question is so simple that no matter how hot it is on earth, it does not and cannot compare to the heat of the Hell Fire. Allah has promised Hell Fire for all who disregard his orders. Therefore, once one is convinced that no matter how hot it gets here, our hijabs will protect us from the heat in the afterlife; it becomes very easy to follow Allah's commands.

Another common excuse given by women is "It's still not time for hijabs yet. I'm still too young for wearing Hijabs. I'll do it when I get older and after I make Hajj". The biggest reason that this is a bad excuse for not wearing hijabs is that we need to stop presuming about some future expectation in our lives. We cannot guarantee even our own life let alone any future incidence. Allah has stated in the Quran: "When their term comes, neither can they delay it nor can they advance it an hour (or a moment)". [Surah Al-An'aam 7:34]. Thus it is important to start wearing Hijabs at a young age because Allah will ask you on the Day of Judgment about each and every moment of your life.

In conclusion, it can be easily determined that hijabs are an essential part of a Muslimah's life. Hijabs not only are necessary because they provide the modesty and decency that is integral for any woman of faith, but also because Allah has mandated hijabs at various times throughout the Holy Quran. Read Islamic books in English to know more about the concept of hijab. If you are curious to learn and understand quran visit islamic-videos.com to listen quran audio in English, Hindi and Marathi.

5 Things you are Missing If you don’t Understand the Quran

The Quran is a guide to humanity. Since none of us want to be misguided, it is paramount not only to read or recite the Quran, but to understand and implement it in our lives as well.

Following are the top 5 things you are missing every day in your life if you don’t understand the Quran:

1. The Purpose Of Revelation

If you don’t understand Quran and keep on reading it, the very purpose of revelation is lost. Allah SWT says: “ (Here is) a Book which We have sent down unto you (O Muhammad!), full of blessings, that they may mediate on its Signs, and that men of understanding may receive admonition [38:29].”

How can we do that if we don’t understand the Quran! One cannot and does not carry translation always, especially while listening to it in Salah!

2. The Objectives Of Recitation

There are 5 objectives of Reading Quran:

• to receive rewards from Allah;
• to gain knowledge;
• to take action based on what Allah SWT is asking us to do;
• to cure our heart and mind; and
• to talk to Allah SWT!

How can we achieve all of these, especially the last four, if we don’t understand the Quran. So it becomes very much necessary to understand the Quran in order to achieve the objective of the holy Quran.

3. The Cleaning Of Heart

People know that Fajr is compulsory but very few come to Mosque. Why? Not because they don’t know but because their hearts are rusted. We have a major misconception that Quran is a book of commandments only. The verses that deal with commandments constitute less than 10% of the total verses. The rest 90% is for the heart and mind. The heart keeps rusting and deviating because of sins. We need de-rusting and re-alignment.

Adam (A) was asked not to go near the tree. Allah says: “but he forgot; and We did not find in him any determination.” We humans have these weaknesses. We have several fitnahs (trials) surrounding us. We need continuous reminders and warnings which come to us only through daily recitation and listening to the Quran. Allah says about the Quran: “a healing for the (diseases) in your hearts” [10:57]. Can there be a better cure than what Allah has prescribed for us?

4. The Strengthening Of Heart

The Quran was revealed to the prophet (PBUH) in pieces. “And those who disbelieve say: Why has not the Quran been revealed to him all at once? Thus, that We may strengthen your heart by it and We have arranged it well in arranging. [25:32]. Heart should be firm in belief to His promises and warnings. Continuous pondering of the Quran everyday during and after Salahs helps us strengthen our hearts.

5. Live Guidance

Whatever we read or listen to the Quran, remember that it is a live guidance from Allah SWT to each individual when he or she listens to Quran. It is a HUGE loss only if one can appreciates the value of live guidance from Allah, our own Creator. A wise man can never neglect this.

If you are curious to learn and understand Quran then you can read and listen online mp3 Quran audio. Islamic-videos.com also provides Islamic books in English, Hindi, and many other languages.

Women Rights in Islam

Many people think that women in Islam have no rights. They think that Islam oppressed women and didn’t treat them as human beings. In this article this misconception shall be discussed and answered.

Islam considers women as members who play a very important role in the Islamic society. A woman raises the children, builds generations of youth and brings them to the society to help building it. Islam recognizes this important role, and recognizes the effort a mother performs to take care of her child from his birth till his marriage, and even after his marriage. That’s why when a man came to Prophet Muhammad and asked him about who among the people most deserves his fine treatment, the answer of Prophet Muhammad was: “your mother”. The man asks Prophet Muhammad: “Then who?”, Prophet Muhammad says:”your mother”, Then the man asks again. The Prophet says for the third time: “your mother”. The man asks again, Prophet Muhammad says:”your father”. Prophet Muhammad says that Heaven lies under the mothers’ feet.

Prophet Muhammad tells that a man who has daughters and raises them well shall enter Paradise. He tells that seeking knowledge is mandatory for every Muslim male and female. This answers the misconception among non-Muslims that Muslim women are not allowed to be educated in Islam. Actually it is mandatory for them to be educated. Women are even consulted in Islam. This was clear during the life of the Prophet Muhammad when he consulted his wife in the affairs of the Islamic state. Aisha the wife of Prophet Muhammad used to teach people about what she learned from him, and people used to ask her and consult her.

Islam orders a husband to treat his wife well that the Prophet (Peace be upon him) said that the best of Muslims are the best to their wives. The Quran orders the husbands to treat their wives with kindness. In Islam, a husband should pay a gift to his wife and it is a main condition in the marriage contract. A woman in Islam is not asked to spend a cent on her house but it is actually the sole responsibility of the husband. The main responsibility of a woman is to take care of her house. So even if a woman works and gains money, she is not asked to spend on the house. She has the right to save all the money for herself.

Islam recognizes that there are differences in nature between a man and a woman, that’s why each has different responsibilities. Although the man is the leader of the house, this leadership means that he has greater responsibilities. God shall account him on what he did and if he fulfilled his duties or not. A woman has less responsibility because she is generally weaker in nature and because she is generally driven by her emotions. That’s why Islam is concerned with justice not with equality. Men and women don’t have the same nature as a man is generally stronger and his mind overcomes his emotions. So he naturally should have more responsibilities. This is not an oppression of women but it is a mercy to women as this won’t load them what they cannot bear.

For more information regarding Islam you can take help of Islamic books in English and Hindi and you can go for Quran audio as well which is widely available on the Internet.

Islam Is The Only Complete Way Of Life

Islam is not a religion it's a way of life. The purpose of religion is to teach you how to behave in a way that will elevate your body, mind and soul. If you are a believer of a faith then this knowledge comes from a higher source so in the case of Islam the way to live your life for the betterment of mankind is from Allah through His revelations to the Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings upon him) in the Quran. So when people opposing Islam say that it's more than just a religion, don't they realise that it should be.

The world has advanced so much in the last 100 plus years. The use of modern transport allows us to travel further and faster, harnessing the resources of the earth through coal, oil and gas, uranium to obtain electricity, petrol, and nuclear fuel. The use of technology to produce products better and faster, and to link people around the world. But with all this have human beings really advanced, that is if electricity were to be switched off then is our code of conduct better or worse?

The people of Prophet Hud four generations after Prophet Noah (peace and blessing on them) considered themselves to be advanced at that time and to be physically strong. They built the city of Iram with lofty pillars the like of which was never seen before (Quran 89:6-8). They believed in idolatry, they were arrogant, saying who is mightier than us in power and they were abusive to Prophet Hud (Peace be upon him). After a long period of opposing God they were destroyed.

Islam's teachings have stood for over 1400 years and the rules and principles are not open to be altered by man. For example the use of alcohol in Islam is totally forbidden as it corrupts the mind and soul. So to change this to make it acceptable to drink in and for governments to benefit from it by taxing the alcohol will ultimately lead to corruption. A whole industry built up around this arguing to ban alcohol will result in loss of jobs and tax revenue. This is how man deviates from Allah's commands and creates problems (alcohol abuse, crime, etc.) by making a forbidden behavior permissible and then trying to solve its effects.

If you believe in a religion then you believe in God and the scriptures. Then to go about changing them to suit the time period, location and demands of a few people in authority will only create problems in the future, thus the Quran stands the unaltered word of Allah.

The flood of negative information on Islam is to distract people from the true light of Islam and the wisdom it holds. So the negative campaign against Islam that prevails with lies, out-of-context quotes, abuse towards the Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings upon him) and towards the Quran. This is with the intent to obtain a reaction from Muslims to then further accuse them of being intolerant, against free speech and democracy

One of the main accusations put on Islam is that it suppresses women. Islam over 1400 years ago gave women so many rights while only a few hundred years ago the church was debating whether women had a soul or not. In the Quran there is a whole chapter named women (Surah An-Nisa) stating the property rights of women and their marriage rights. Also the respect of the mother is given three times more than the father in one hadith of the Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings upon him).

Another slander is, that Islam was spread by the sword, Quran 2:256 states there is no compulsion in religion and no Muslim army went to Indonesia to force Islam but yet it is the country with the largest Muslim population in the world.

In Prophet Muhammad's (peace and blessings be upon him) last sermon he states husband and wife to be equal and to respect each other, people of all color and race to be equal and that he fulfilled Allah's command by conveying the message of Islam to the people, not forcing Islam to the people.

For more information regarding Islam read Islamic books in English and listen Quran audio in English and feel free to visit islamic-videos.com.