Azaan Constantly Echoes as it starts from Indonesia Fajir Time and it reaches to Atlantic Shore of Africa Zuhar time Starts in Indonesia east Islands

The Sound of Azaan Constantly Echoes Around the Globe.

By Zuhair Girach

Allahu Akbar, Allahu  AkbarAllah is the greatest, Allah is the greatest

Allahu Akbar, Allahu  AkbarAllah is the greatest, Allah is the greatest

Ashadu an La illaha illAllahI witness/declare that there is no illah (god) but Allah

Ashadu an La illaha illAllahI witness that there is no illah but Allah

There is not a single moment when thousands of Muezzins around the world are not proclaiming the Oneness of Almighty Allah and the Apostleship of the noble Prophet Muhammad on the surface of this earth!

Ashadu anna Muhammad ar Rasool AllahI witness that Muhammad is Rasul (Messenger) of Allah

Ashadu anna Muhammad ar Rasool AllahI witness that Muhammad is Rasul of Allah

Hayya 'alas SalatCome towards the Salat

Hayya 'alas SalatCome towards the Salat

Hayya 'alal FalahCome towards the Success

Hayya 'alal FalahCome towards the Success

Allahu Akbar, Allahu  AkbarAllah is the greatest, Allah is the greatest

La illaha illaAllahThere is no illah but Allah

Let us begin with Indonesia right on the eastern side of the earth's central land mass. Indonesia consists of numerous small islands, the principle ones amongst them being Java, Sumatra, Borneo and Saibil, all of which are well known. It is the largest country in the world, with 180 million inhabitants. The number of non-Muslims here is negligible.

As soon as dawn breaks on the eastern side of Saibil, at approximately 5:30 am local time, Fajar Adhan begins. Thousands of Muazzins in eastern Indonesia commence proclaiming the Tawheed (oneness) of the Almighty, Omnipotent and Omniscient Allah and Risaalat (Universal Apostleship) of the Prophet Muhammad .

The process then continues and advances towards the Western Islands of Indonesia. The time difference between the eastern and western islands of Indonesia is one and a half hours. So one and a half hours after the Adhan has been completed in Saibil, it echoes in Jakarta on Java island. Sumatra then follows suit.

Before this auspicious process of calling Adhan ends in Indonesia, it has already begun in Malaysia. Burma is next in line, and within an hour of its commencement in Jakarta, it reaches Dacca, the capital city of Bangladesh. No sooner the calling of Adhan ends in Bangladesh, it has already prevailed in western India, from Calcutta to Srinagar. It then advances towards Bombay and the environment of entire India resounds with this august proclamation.

Srinagar and Sialkot (a city in north Pakistan) have the same timing for Adhan. The time difference between Sialkot, Kota, Karachi and Gowadar (a city in Baluchistan, a province of Pakistan) is forty minutes, and within this time, Fajar Adhan is heard throughout Pakistan. Before it ends there, however, it has already begun in Afghanistan and Muscat.

The time difference between Muscat and Baghdad is one hour. Adhan resounds during this one hour In the environments of Hijaaz-e-Muqaddas (Holy cities of Makkah and Madinah), Yemen, United Arab Emirates, Kuwait and Iraq.

The time difference between Baghdad and Alexandria in Egypt is again one hour. Adhan continues to resound in Syria, Egypt, Somalia and Sudan during this hour. Alexandria and Istanbul are situated on the same geographical longitude. The time difference between eastern and western Turkey is one and a half hours, and during this time it is echoed with the call to prayer.

Alexandria and Tripoli (capital of Libya) are located at a hour difference from one another. The process of calling Adhan thus continues throughout the whole of Africa. Therefore, the proclamation of the Oneness of Allah and the Prophethood of Muhammad  that had begun in the eastern islands of Indonesia reaches the Eastern Shore of the Atlantic ocean after nine and a half hours.

Prior to the Adhan reaching the shores of the Atlantic, the process of Zohar Adhan has already commenced in eastern Indonesia, and before it reaches Dacca, Asar Adhan has started. This has hardly reached Jakarta one and half hours later. Then the time of Maghrib becomes due, and no sooner has Maghrib time reached Sumatra, then the time for calling Isha Adhan has commenced in Saibil!

When the Muezzins of Indonesia are calling out Fajar Adhan, the Muezzins in Africa are calling out the Adhan for Isha.

There is not a single moment when few thousands if not hundreds of thousands of Muezzins around the world are not proclaiming the Oneness of Almighty Allah and the Apostleship of the noble Prophet  on the surface of this earth!

Insha Allah this universal and continuous calling of the Adhan shall not cease until the Day of the Judgment.

Articles taken with thanks http://www.albalagh.net/general/adhan_globe.shtml

Dawah Opportunities and Responsibilities for Muslims in a Mixed Society through words and Character

Muslims in the West: Challenges and Opportunities

Interview With Maulana Khalilul Rahman Sajjad Nomani Nadwi

[Maulana Khalilul Rahman Sajjad Nomani Nadwi is from Lucknow, India and is a prolific scholar and thinker of Islam. He is the son of the distinguished Muslim scholar Maulana Muhammad Manzoor Nomani, Rahmatullahi Alayh. He studied at the famous educational establishments of Darul Uloom Nadwatul Ulama and Madinah University. He is a renowned Mufassir of the Qur'an and travels widely for the purpose of Dawah. Recently, he was invited to South Africa to visit the leading Islamic and educational establishments. Sulaiman Kazi from Batley, West Yorkshire joined him for a week and interviewed him in Cape Town on 20th October 2002. Below is a transcript of his advice for Muslims living in the West.]

Question: What advice would you give to Muslims in the West following the events of September 11, 2001?

All Islamic progress has been made when challenges have been transformed into opportunities.

Answer: Transforming challenges into opportunities is a Sunnah (tradition) of the Prophet Muhammad, Sallallaho Alayhi Wasallam. All Islamic progress has been made when challenges have been transformed into opportunities.

One positive aspect of the global situation is that the whole world is now discussing Islam. People are more willing to understand Islam. This is therefore an ideal opportunity to promote and propagate Islam, which can be done by practical example through one's behavior. At the same time try to dispel and allay fears and misconceptions about the religion.

In order to avail of this opportunity, a balanced psyche is needed. One should avoid being reactionary and adopt a positive approach. Otherwise there is the danger of being swept aside by the tide of hatred and extremism. There are greater harms than benefits of this to Islam. If we can transform the challenges that face us into opportunities, then ultimately we are going to prevail.

Question: What advice would you give to Muslims regarding Dawah in the West?

Answer: Open up. Find opportunities and seize chances to convey the message of Islam to others. Create chances and try to invite people, whether at home or in public places. Try your best to allay fear and clarify any misunderstanding about Islam. All attempts should be made to remove doubts and misgivings about Islam.

Please try to avoid and overlook differences, especially finer points stemming from the teachings of different schools of thought. Our challenge at this time is not against any school of thought, but against global satanic forces.

Muslims also need to learn how to share their values, which they have been concealing for the last several decades. They had done this at the time as a precautionary measure to preserve their identity and this was considered necessary too. However, we can no longer afford to live in an isolationist manner. It is imperative to share your ideals with people. You need to discuss and explain your beliefs in schools, colleges, factories, offices etc. Wherever possible you need to promote a true understanding of Islam and Muslims. For this purpose people should take time off work if necessary. The media should be used appropriately in disseminating the true message of Islam. Proper use should also be made of the Mosques. The methodology of Masjidun Nabi will instruct us in this matter. Non-Muslims, including women visitors, would visit the Masjid and the Prophet would welcome them earnestly. Bear in mind that those people who have not yet accepted Islam are not bound by its rules and regulations, for example the rules of purity and cleanliness do not apply to them. Of course these rules only apply once someone accepts Islam. By understanding this delicate point it will become easy to open our Mosques to non-Muslims.

We should thereby draw public opinion more favorably towards Islam. We have to make the point clear that there is some Satanic force at work which, for its own vested interest, is creating unfounded hatred and misgivings about Islam and Muslims. It is creating a mutual hostility between Muslims and the rest of the world. We must be vigilant about this, and not let them succeed.

Question: What advice would you offer to the Ulama, professionals and Muslims masses living in the West?

Answer: I would humbly request the religious scholars - as a friend and colleague - that they have so far succeeded quite admirably in preserving Islam among Muslims in the western world. Their sermons, advices and admonitions have made this achievement possible. When I visit western countries I am reminded about the Qur'anic Verse: "And lo! in the cattle there is a lesson for you. We give you to drink of that which is in their bellies, from between the refuse and the blood, pure milk palatable to the drinkers." (Surah 14: 66). There is a parable in this verse in which Almighty Allah illustrates His signs by drawing pure milk between waste and blood. Similarly, you are living in an environment of immorality in the West yet preserving the spirit of purity and faith. This is highly commendable.

Muslim professionals should use their position and power not only for the advancement of their careers but also for Muslims and humanity at large.

The next stage of our endeavor has begun, although somewhat belatedly. This relates to shifting from an attitude of preserving ones faith to actually propagating it to non-Muslims. If this opportunity is lost then future generations may not be so fortunate. It is my humble request, especially to the Ulama, to use whatever means to increase efforts in this regard. Please try to avoid and overlook differences, especially finer points stemming from the teachings of different schools of thought. Our challenge at this time is not against any school of thought, but against global satanic forces. Our attention should be focused in that direction. I can say no more to the Ulama but to remind them of the approach of Shah Waliullah, Rahmatullahi Alayh (1703-1762). He was born at a time when Kufr was in the ascendancy. But we can draw valuable lessons and wisdom from his methodology and efforts in uniting people of different affiliations. He managed to unite Muslims and confront the inherent dangers posed by the forces of Kufr. This resulted in the great movement of Syed Ahmed Shahid, Rahmatullahi Alayh (1786-1831), and later Shaikhul Hind Maulana Mahmudul Hasan, Rahmatullahi Alayh.

As far as professionals are concerned, I would ask them to use their position and power not only for the advancement of their careers but also for Muslims and humanity at large.

Regarding the Muslim masses, I would request them to become true Muslims and persuade as many people as possible towards Islam. If you do this collectively then a noticeable difference can be made. Everybody should contribute in this noble effort - males and females, young and old.

Finally and very importantly, don't become despondent. Don't become irritated or vexatious by world events. Try to understand that after every difficulty there is ease. The Qur'an alludes to this by saying: "Verily then along with every hardship is ease. Verily along with every hardship is ease." (Surah 94: 5-6). All nations have to go through these cycles. A human also goes through various phases, for example sometimes he is happy, sometimes he is sad. Nations too must go through different circumstances. If we become afraid then our recovery is hampered. It is therefore necessary to sustain ones will-power and self-confidence. May Almighty Allah grant the whole Ummah the understanding not to be despondent, irritated or vexatious but to channel their energies towards finding solutions, instead of creating problems.

You need to discuss and explain your beliefs in schools, colleges, factories, offices etc. Wherever possible you need to promote a true understanding of Islam and Muslims.

Question: What involvement should Muslims have in the political process to redress injustices in the world?

Answer: Islam has been ordained to establish justice on earth. The Qur'an refers to the mission of the Prophets, Alayhis Salam, saying: "Indeed We have sent Our Messengers with clear proofs, and revealed with them the Scripture and the Balance (justice) that mankind may keep up justice " (Surah 57:25). All efforts should be made, bearing in mind the political situation of a particular country, to ensure full participation in the political process. This is an absolute necessity. Muslims should not be reticent about their involvement in this regard. Rather, they should make progress in this matter. Obviously they do not have the ideal political process yet, as this can only happen when injustice is totally eliminated. We can however draw valuable guidance from the life and teachings of Rasulullah, Sallaho Alayhi Wasallam. He established alliances with various non-Muslim groups and signed treaties. These alliances were made with a view to combating the major evil. Keep this in mind and, whilst exercising caution and prudence, ensure your active participation in nation-building and social work. Only then will we be able to attract positive comments about our character. Otherwise, it is unreal to expect people to understand Islam simply by visiting our Mosques and reading Islamic books.

The above was translated and transcribed from Urdu into English by Sulaiman Kazi.

Article taken with thanks from Al Balagh http://www.albalagh.net/general/muslims_west_challenges.shtml with some Editing.

Islamic legal Status of Television and of Television Channels, What are the violation of Sacred Law in general

Hard Facts About Television

The Council of Islamic Scholars (Majlisul Ulama) of Port Elizabeth, South Africa, have published a booklet on Islam and television in which they list the factors present in television that are unlawful or offensive, the existence of any one of which is sufficient to make watching it a violation of Sacred Law, including:
1) pictures of animate objects and picture making;
2) music;
3) immorality, nudity, illicit sex, pornography, etc;
4) obscene language;
5) incitement to fornication;
6) negation of haya (modesty);
7) scenes of violence, sadism, and crime in general portrayed;
8) the addictive influence exercised by TV;
9) it encourages the acceptance of aggression as a mode of behavior;
10) it encourages imitation of the crimes portrayed;
11) the brainwashing action of TV, especially on the young;
12) it stunts intellectual growth;
13) it wastes time;
14) it interferes with one's religious duties and one's necessary and important worldly duties;
15) it diverts one's attention from the remembrance of Allah;
16) and it falls under the category described by Islam as lahw (pointless amusement). (Majlisul Ulama)

In the face of this formidable array pf evil factors and harmful effects no one can have any doubt of the illegality of television in Islam. Television, as has been seen, is an embodiment of sin and immorality. Islam can never condone or permit an institution that plays havoc with the spiritual, mental, and moral development of mankind. (Islam and Television, 20-21) [FromReliance of the Traveler, Nuh Ha Mim Keller, pp 964-965].

TAKEN WITH THANKS FROM http://www.albalagh.net/general/hard_facts_television.shtml

Numerical Nomber given by Arabs and Present Situation

What Is in a Number?

By Khalid Baig

A quiet revolution is taking place in the Arabic language; it is fast losing the character set used to represent numbers. Arabs gave the Arabic numerals to the world, thereby making the tremendous advances in mathematics and science possible. But today they are giving them up in favor of the European ones.

The Arab contribution was the symbols for numbers one through nine, the concept of and the symbol for zero, and the idea of the place value of numbers that made it possible to write all numbers, no matter how big or small, using these ten symbols alone. All of these remain valid today and are the essential elements of the Arabic numbering system. However the symbols themselves changed upon their arrival in Europe. While the European numerals are Arabic in their genesis, their shapes are not the same as those of the Arabic numerals that have been used for centuries in the Arabic world.

First it was the newspapers, magazines, and web sites. Then textbooks. And now even the religious books --- the last refuge of the historic numerals --- are slowly giving way to the European onslaught. There are notable exceptions but the general trend is very clear.

The same is true of Urdu. Its numerals, which are the same as the Arabic ones (with the exception of 4 and 7), have rapidly joined the endangered species list. Today they are absent from all printed matter in mass circulation. In religious books one finds a hodgepodge of the Urdu and European symbols sitting uneasily next to each other, symbolizing the confusion of the writers or publishers.

While Farsi is holding its ground better than either Arabic or Urdu, signs of change are visible there as well.

The computers and the Internet, with their built in bias in favor of English at the current state of their evolution, have a lot to do with this cultural sea change. But there is also a misconception that the European numerals are actually Arabic or that this is a change for the better or at least that it does not matter.

In 1403 AH, the organization of senior ulama in Saudi Arabia, in its 21st congress (Riyadh, 17-28 Rabiul Akhir 1403) reviewed the then emerging trend and passed a resolution addressing these misgivings. It declared that changing Arabic numerals to the prevalent European ones in Arabic was not right. Among the reasons it cited were the following:

1. The claim that the presently used European numerals are the real Arabic ones is neither well known nor true. Centuries of use give legitimacy and authenticity to the Arabic symbols that are now being replaced.

2. The change will have ill consequences as it is a step in the direction of Westernization of the Islamic society.

3. It is a reflection of the blind following of the West.

4. The Arabic numerals have been used in all written works for centuries. If they are now replaced, it will handicap the new generation in benefiting from this great treasure, and cut it off from its history.

A year later (1404 AH) the Islamic Fiqh Academy in Makkah reviewed the issue and issued a fatwa fully supporting the resolution of the ulama. It declared it impermissible to use the European symbols while writing Arabic and warned about very serious consequences of this move.

Today the fears expressed by the Islamic Fiqh Academy can be seen in stark reality. In Pakistan, people are not only using the new symbols for writing, they are increasingly using English when expressing numbers in words in everyday usage. (Example: "Yeh Jora aap ko four seventy five main laga donga."). This Urdish language now evolving is a seriously handicapped language that cannot count, do math, express colors, name an organization, or discuss politics, business or culture without resorting to English. The resulting chaos has not improved their command of English, but it has seriously endangered their language, culture, and civilization.

A similar fate may await Arabic if steps are not taken to reverse the trend. Writers and publishers in Urdu and Arabic need to pause, reflect, and stop this mad rush into numerical disaster. Twenty years later the call of the Islamic Fiqh Academy remains as relevant as ever. And even more urgent.