Chatrooms

The Devil has a new medium to ensnare Muslims: ISLAMIC internet chatrooms to get Muslim boys and girls talking about their wildest fantasies! And justify it by calling it "Islamic" so it seems Halaal!

• There is a specific chatroom called 'Islam' on the MIRC network. I used to be a VERY regular visitor and justified my nightly forays by telling myself that I was going to have Islamic discussions and that it was a 'Halaal' way to meet Muslim girls. I sat for hours and spoke to many Muslim girls of many ages.
• Most of the talk has nothing to do with Islam. Meeting a girl at the movies or in a chatroom is the same thing. Good Muslim youth are losing their "innocence" every night on these chat lines, their parents thinking that they are fast asleep. It is VERY ADDICTIVE, especially for people who don't mix with the opposite sex. Muslim girls (who have strict fathers) sit every night, making up for not being able to talk to boys.
• One night I asked the question: is this chatroom halaal or haraam? I was told things like: "Allah knows best ... not you!" and "Now you've had your fun you are acting holier than thou!" Its existence must be publicised so that parents know what their daughters and sons are up to when they disappear into the bedroom after supper. This is only ONE chatroom in SA (there are about 500 Muslim kids on a Friday/Saturday night!) ... I'm sure there are many more.
• There are yet other chatrooms, not Islamic, which utilize web cams. Chatters can see each other and numerous perverted men and women perform explicit acts of immorality for viewers. The issues spoken about do not even make a pretence of being decent.

A Concerned Brother

Sing a Song … of Filth

EVER BOTHERED to find out the words of the songs your beloved sons and daughters are listening to?

Music is an integral part of a youngster's life. And things learnt when you find something enjoyable, like music, tends to stick for life.
The tune and words of songs play themselves unasked in the listeners’ minds. And if you ever do listen to the words you will get the shock of a life.

A cursory search for lyrics to songs turned up:

• A group called EAMON in an album called "I Don’t Want You Back" has a song whose title contains a swear word. The chorus repeats this word eight times in eight lines along with another vulgar word.
• Another group called The Prophet Posse in an album titled "Body Parts" in a song called "Murderer, Robber" glorifies the killing of a black man (whom they call by a vile name).

AND YOUNSTERS WHO LISTEN, KNOW AND REPEAT THESE WORDS OVER AND OVER

Taking on Adultery

The conference on Aids in Thailand (2005) attacked abstinence from intercourse as a means of fighting HIV.
It also said that youngsters must be told that oral intercourse and masturbation are fun alternatives to actual intercourse between unmarried couples.

PORNOGRAPHY
Some Examples:
Much of what is considered normal in art and advertising is pornography.
Sport events contain porn in the form of swimmers’ costumes and athletes’ skimpy outfits.

SERIOUSNESS OF ADULTERY
Allah Ta’ala will not speak to or look at a man who indulges in adultery.
The Prophet (sallallahu alaihi wa sallam) placed adultery third in the rank of the most horrendous sins.
Adultery leads to poverty and decrease in blessings in what we own and makes us unable to acquire good deeds

ALIEN TEACHINGS
The school syllabus give guidelines:
Condoms, they proclaim, are a preventive measure when sleeping around with many partners.
Islam allows intimacy ONLY between MARRIED couples.

They say: Masturbation and oral intercourse are ways to have a sex life without actual intercourse.
Both are not allowed in Islam and fulfilment of desire is only lawful between MARRIED couples.

TURNING AWAY from looking at a prohibited man or woman brings:
Sweetness in faith and the pleasure that comes from it, more pleasing than the prohibited sight.

Islam’s solution: either MARRIAGE or TOTAL ABSTINENCE. Avoid the disasters of adultery.
Practice and SEE FOR YOURSELF.

Another Anti-Islamic Site

Why sending an alert is the wrong thing to do

Alert letters keep coming: Beware here’s the latest anti-Islamic site. Then a URL so you can verify that it is as described. Then a request to tell all Muslims.
Sincere. Misguided. Counter-productive. Little do the senders realize they are actually helping the sites they are trying to fight. The Internet is a different medium and the rules that applied to previous media do not always apply here. If there is a bad book, you can tell others about it. Nobody will rush to buy it.
In the click-click world of the Internet, the first thing people do is to click on the URL, thus increasing hit counts and boosting the morale of the site owners. Second, it helps with search engine placement, as some will use the increased traffic as a sign of popularity. You just helped create the monster you wanted to fight! If you don't want people to visit a site, don't tell them about it.
It’s easy to setup a page on the Internet. It’s difficult to draw traffic to it. Any anti-Islamic site will die if it faces a frozen counter. That happens if you leave it alone. But if you tell everyone about it and ask them to do the same, you are volunteering as their publicity agent. For most sites the best is to let it die of neglect.
Next time you receive an alert about an anti-Islamic site, delete it. The best is to promote good Islamic sites. Let the good drive out the evil.

By: Khalid Baig Al-Balagh

Shapes in Arabic for Kids

Teen Management

SOME TIPS:

Sympathetic ear: Provide a protective home environment: a father who understands and a mother who listens. They feel secure to discuss their emotional needs with their parents. Ibn Majah reports that the Messenger Sallallâhu 'alayhi wasallam said: "Honour your children and strive for excellence in their education". Honour their feelings, praise them, encourage them and educate them.

Avoid at all costs the following negative C’s:
Competition: we unduly exert pressure on our children to perform beyond their capabilities. They feel hopeless and stop believing in themselves
Contempt: when we treat them with disrespect, calling them names and continually insulting them.
Consumerism: where we compensate for the lack of time we spend with them with material gifts. We buy their respect and obedience instead of securing it through companionship.

Turn Our Teens Into STARS of Islam

Youth @ Work

Muslim Youth in South Africa are taking an increasingly enthusiastic role in raising Islamic awareness. Here are some examples:

Muslim Youth Convention
500 young Muslim males attended the Youth Convention at Al Falaah College in Durban in September, 2005. They were given a chance to interact with the Ulama. It was co-hosted by the Muslim Student’s Association and the Jamiatul Ulama (KZN). KZN cricketer Hashim Amla participated. Another held at Azaadville Muslim School saw 1500 youth attend.

Leadership Adventure Program
Students are given the opportunity, monthly, to test their leadership skills in practical exercises which examine how they would deal with issues like poverty, disease and drought. The World Association of Muslim Youth (WAMY) conducts the program to identify leadership potential in Muslim youth.

Soccer Tournament
A tournament which combined sport with spiritual upliftment saw 12 teams from Muslim institutions going to Newcastle to compete. It was coordinated by the Muslim Youth Organisation of Newcastle. They played soccer, ate lunch, performed Salaah and listened to advice from Moulana Rafick Ally of Siraatul Haq Muslim School in Escort.

Islamic Society OF University of Port Elizabeth
Muslim students at PE varsity are active in organising Jumas weekly, talks by various Ulama, Taraweeh on campus and Iftaar for foreign students.

Tips for Fajr

Here are some tips to help get your children up for Fajr (and yourself!):

1. Establish a wake up calling system
This can work for adults too, but especially teenagers. Get your kids to call up their friends to wake them up for Fajr and vice-versa. This will serve as positive peer pressure, and will feel less like mom or dad are nagging them to get up.

2. Get them to bed early
Never underestimate the power of a good night’s rest. Parents can do more in this area than just setting a specific bedtime and enforcing it. They must also go to bed early and not waste time on late night TV or just lounging around. This way, the whole family is in synch and has a regular schedule.

3. Attach Fajr with a privilege
That means, for instance, that if a childmisses Fajr, he will not be allowed to go over to his friend’s place later that day.

4. Avoid rewarding them for Fajr
It is possible they will stop reading if there is no reward. We want to move from expecting only a reward to loving Allah.

5. Get them all alarm clocks
Buy them a nice alarm clock with Adhan. Not only will this be attractive but they will also wake up hearing the call to prayer.

From a Parent to His Child

SHOW ME RESPECT
The Prophet (sallallahu alaihi wa sallam) told a son not to:

• Walk in front of his father
• Sit down before his father sits
• Call his father by his name
• Talk to his father impolitely.

OBEY ME
The Prophet (sallallahu alaihi wa sallam) said:
Whoever looks at his father angrily, he is being disobedient.

DO THE BEST DEED
Ibn Mas’ood (radhiallahu anhu) asked the Prophet (sallallahu alaihi wa sallam) what was the most accepted deed in the eyes of Allah Ta’ala. The Prophet (sallallahu alaihi wa sallam) said: ‘Salaat offered at its right time.’ He then asked: what next? The reply was:
Good behaviour to parents.

OPEN THE DOORS OF PARADISE
Ibn Abbas (radhiallahu anhuma) has said that two doors of Paradise will remain open for every Muslim whose parents are alive and he serves them well.
Some Ulama have stated that obedience to parents in forbidden things is not permissible, but in doubtful matters it’s obligatory to obey them. E.g. if their food is doubtful and your refusal to eat with them might hurt their feelings, you should eat. [Faza’il Sadaqaat, P215]

What Songs Say

If parents think that the songs their little ones listen to are innocent, harmless fun, then they are much mistaken. A look at the lyrics and words of songs by the most popular singers will prove a serious shock.
In the song Erotic, Madonna sings explicitly about adultery. Another one called Hanky Panky glorifies female abuse and perverted sexual behaviour.
This is a very toned-down look at the filth promoted through songs. A simple search on the internet will unearth the words to the popular songs people are listening to. It will definitely be an eye-opener. And they have our impressionable ones’ ears for more hours than the Qur’aan or our advices.

PLEASE PROTECT THOSE PRECIOUS EARS

Drugs

Prophet Muhammad (sallallahu alaihi wa sallam) is reported to have warned:

"Every intoxicant (e.g. drugs, alcohol) is forbidden. A person who consumes an intoxicant, 40 days of his salaat (prayer) is lost." (not accepted by Allah) [Abu Dawud v2 P518]

Don’t be deceived that a small quantity of drugs, which may be non-intoxicating, is acceptable. Rasulullah (sallallahu alaihi wa sallam) declared:

"Every intoxicant - a large quantity and a small quantity - is haraam (forbidden)." [Ibid]

Hijab: R U Ready?

Thinking about wearing Hijab? Tips to help you overcome obstacles that may get in your way:

Yourself – Not sure if you’re ready? Understand the reasons and talk to girls who have gone through it. Ask Allah for help. If you take the first step, Allah will help you. A hadith states:
"If [My servant] draws near to Me a hand’s span, I draw near to him an arm’s length; if he
draws near to Me an arm’s length, I draw near to him a fathom’s length; and if he comes to Me walking, I go to him running." (Bukhari)

Your Friends – Worried about how your buddies will take it? They should accept your decision and be proud of your courage. Give them time. Be conscious of Allah, not the girls or guys.

Your Parents – It’s difficult to do things when people closest to you oppose it. It’s our duty to please our parents, unless their wishes go against the command of Allah. Ease them into your decision.

At School – It takes courage to be different. You are likely to hear, ‘what is that thing on your head?’ or ‘who made you do it?’ Questions aren’t bad. Know your reasons and explain why you chose Hijab.

Recreation – What about swimming or other sport? Organize sisters-only get-togethers.

MAY ALLAH REWARD THOSE WHO COURAGEOUSLY ADOPT THE HIJAB HE ORDERED

Young Muslims of Canada

Look Down

The Qur’aan commands Muslim men to lower their gaze from looking at women; and likewise the women to lower their gaze [24:30/1]
Modern research discovered that looking at indecent pictures like porn and naked people has physical harms as well. Psychologists in a Yale and Vanderbilt University study in USA found that after looking at an erotic scene subjects had difficulty processing visual information for a fifth of a second. Such emotion-induced blindness could affect drivers who see a provocative billboard. (Popular Mechanics, Dec 2005)
Allah is Most Wise

Pop Stars in the Musjid

FULL BAND
An international pop star was allowed to play his music in a Musjid. Though he was only given a few seconds, he got immediately on the act and used his time to the full. His complete band played along while he sang some lines from his latest release. There was a mixed response from those present. While most of the congregation were enraged, some did not seem bothered. After all, they also had pop bands playing …on their CELLPHONES, as ringtones.

AROUND THE KA’BA
This is unfortunately the tragic situation in most Musjids: Pop bands have played in the houses of Allah. In fact, as unthinkable as it may have been previously, music is often played around the Ka'ba and right in front of the Rowdah Mubaruk (mausoleum) of Rasulullah (Sallallahu Alaihi Wa sallam), albeit from a cellphone.

CALAMITIES
In a Hadith Rasulullah (Sallallahu Alaihi Wa sallam) warned: ‘If my Ummah (community) becomes involved in 15 aspects, calamities and hardships will befall them.’ Among the 15 is when music and musical instruments will become rife in the Ummah. When even the Musjids have not been spared from music, what doubt can there be that this is a significant contributing factor in drawing down calamities?
Adopt a plain non-musical, ringing tone.

Al Haadi, vol 13, no. 3

Cup of Dreams

Youth Day, June 16, commemorates the lead that young children took in the fight against evil.
Muslim Youth have also played significant roles in the upliftment and defense of Islam.

WORLD CUP
The soccer world cup is the focus of world attention, 32 teams competing for the ultimate trophy. Muslim youngsters also have a goal to aim for: to be one of the seven teams that will be in the Shade of Allah Ta’ala’s Throne on the Day of Judgement when there will be no other shade.
Of the seven groups one will comprise youngsters who spent their childhood and teen years in the obedience of Allah Ta’ala. Intense preparation is needed to make it there.

THE CAVE
The story of the People of the Cave is mentioned in Surah Kahf. They were youngsters who stood up and proclaimed the Oneness of Allah when all were worshipping idols.
Several lessons are derived from their story:

• They took the lead in standing up for Islam despite the fact that no one else was with them.
• Their age was no draw back. When youngsters give their lives to Allah, wonderful results are produced.
• They left the evil company of the idol-worshippers. They were all drawn to the same spot despite the fact that none knew what the other was up to. When you become embroiled in sin, leave the company that makes you sin. Allah shall grant you good company.
• Allah protected them from the evil of the king of the time by making them sleep for 309 years in a cave. When you form a resolution to stay away from sin, Allah makes the means for you to remain steadfast.

RED CARD
A glorious life in this very world is the lot of youngsters who give a red card to the hundreds of sinful pleasures that beckon: illicit relationships, movies, porn, music, drugs, to name but a few.
Do not be put off by the fact that no one else seems to be interested in obeying Allah. Take courage and go ahead. The rewards are tremendous.

Prom tips for Teens

Some suggestions about how you, a Muslim teenager, can deal with the Prom:

Tip #1: Be firm
Your strength and clarity about not going will take some time to sink in, but it will eventually give your friends a clear message: nothing they say or do will change your mind, period. It should also be made clear that this is not a personal insult aimed at them. You are simply trying to maintain your Islamic principles, and you would not be able to do that in a Prom environment, that's all.
You and they can still play soccer, go fishing or hiking, but the Prom is just one activity which you'll have to skip.

Tip #2: Plan an alternative
We need to see Islam as a cool alternative, not a loser alternative. After getting over the initial disappointment of not going to the Prom, go to Plan B.
Get a couple of your Muslim friends together (who aren't going either) and plan to do something fun and of course, Halaal. The possibilities are endless. Sports are always a favorite for brothers. For sisters, you could have an all-sisters get together at your place. Plan alternatives early.

Tip #3: Hang out with your family
It may sound strange to do this when the Prom is about being with your friends. But think about it:
For many, this could be one of the last happy, carefree occasions you have with your family before moving away to another city or province for university or pursuing a career with added responsibilities.
While the Prom may seem hard to beat, there are alternatives. It requires creativity and intelligence. If we start to see Islam's rules on Halaal and Haraam as challenges instead of obstacles in our lives, we will find ways of having good, clean, fun without feeling left out.

Watch out for the Arrow

How is one supposed to survive in an environment of scantily dressed people of the opposite sex? Should I isolate myself from society to escape such temptations? No. With every trial and difficulty Allah always provides us practical defensive tools.

What’s Wrong With A Lustful Gaze? Many wonder what’s wrong with lustfully staring at the attractive features of the opposite gender? A saying of the Prophet (sallallahu alaihi wa sallam) sums it up: ‘The furtive glance is one of the poisoned arrows of the devil... Whoever forsakes it for the fear of Allah, will receive from Him a faith, the sweetness of which he will find within his heart.’ (Haakim). Allah commands men and women to lower their gazes. [Qur’aan 24:30-1]
Ways To Survive On Temptation Island!
Allah’s Remembrance (Dhikr) is the most powerful defence. It soothes the soul. [Qur’aan]
Hangout with those known for good character. A Hadith says, ‘A person is likely to follow the faith of his friends, so be careful about who you make your friend.’ [Ahmad]
Surf the net when others are around. The temptation to look at dirty pictures is heightened when alone. Avoid visiting malls or beaches alone. A narration says, ‘He who breaks away (from the group of Muslims) shall go alone in Hell.’
For Brothers, remember your Mom and Sister. Disgusting right? Exactly! No sane person would look at his mom or sister the way many of us lust after girls. This thought should sicken you enough to stop. This is the advice that the Prophet (sallallahu alaihi wa sallam) gave to a Sahaabi.

What Do I Get In Return?
1) A Hadith says: ‘...Whosoever gives up something for the sake of Allah, Allah will replace it with something better than it!’
2) One’s heart will be filled with a sweetness which no drug can induce.

Young Muslims Canada

Tips for Teens: Displaying Islam

Muslims are becoming more comfortable with displaying Islam in oublic. This was not the case a few years back. We need to use this new confidence to make the non-Muslims whom we interact with aware of true Islam. They are extremely curious to know this beautiful way of life. Here’s a tip from an American Muslim kid on a way to show Islam to non-Muslim teachers at school:
It was a lunch done by Muslim high school students for their teachers on the approach of Ramadaan. The object was to make the school staff more aware of Ramadaan. The luncheon was made of traditional Muslim food. The principal was approached for permission. Ladies from the community pledged to cook a dish.
Colourful pamphlets were put up in the staff room and office. Invitations were given to each staff member. The room was decorated and one of the students prepared a short speech on Ramadaan explaining a few of the rules and how he, as a Muslim, benefitted from fasting.
The teachers enjoyed the variety of food and complimented the students on the opportunity to learn about Islam.
This is just an example. Everyone can see the job or situation they are in and find ways to innovatively present Islam to non-Muslims. It’s not hard. It just needs some planning and thought.
Muslim Teens, E & M Beshir

TEENS AND PORNOGRAPHY

It’s hard, especially as a teen bombarded with images of sexuality. How does a young Muslim protect him/herself from it? Here are tips:

Know what’s Halaal and what’s not. We may think only hardcore porn is unacceptable. That’s not true. Improperly dressed men and women, kissing, touching, dirty jokes: none is acceptable. Talk to a trusted Muslim friend, family member of the same gender or Imam and ask for the Islamic perspective.

Stay away from places where it’s found. Don’t put yourself into temptation by reading the mag or going to the beach in summer.

Brothers, remember your mom and sister. Disgusting right? Exactly. No one in his right mind would look at his mom or sister the way many look at girls on the net or in magazines. Remember these girls are someone’s daughter or sister, and that should sicken you enough to stop.

Fast. The Prophet sallallahu alaihi wa sallam advised us to fast to cool passions. This is a method to handle the desire aroused by porn.

Surf the net when others are around. The temptation to look at dirty pictures is heightened when you’re alone surfing the internet. Surf when others are around so you can resist the urge to sneak a peek.

Avoid those involved in porn. If one of your friends is into porn magazines or on the net or dirty jokes, abandon frequent contact with them.

Young Muslims Canada

TIPS ON STARTING TO WEAR HIJAB

Wear it for the sake of Allah.
There are various reasons why you should wear hijab, such as for modesty or protection, but the real reason we wear hijab is that Allah has commanded it. Allah is the source of everything we have. He is all there is to live for. Our object of life is to drown ourselves in His obedience and love.

Wear it for the hope of Paradise.
Allah makes tests for us in this world. He wants to see if we’ll have faith in Him, and trust Him. Allah does not let the effort of anyone go without reward. (Qur’aan 3:195). Even if nobody notices or appreciates the good you do, Allah has seen them, and He will not forget them. Yes, it's difficult to wear hijab. You may be rejected by family or friends, you may need to adjust your life. These are scary thoughts. Keep trusting in Allah, this is the path to Paradise.

Wear it and spite the Devil.
The worries and fears you have are the whisperings of the devil. He’s a thief wanting to snatch away the treasure of faith you have. You do not need to be perfect to wear hijab. Don’t fall into the trap of thinking you should wait until all your worries and fears have disappeared. They never will!

Take it one day at a time.
Sometimes the future seems to stretch forever you don't think you can make it that long. Focus on each outing. Eventually the outings will turn into days and weeks and months. One day you will realize you have been wearing hijab for quite a while and it isn't as bad as you feared.

Al Muhajabah