Christmas a time for bridge building;;.

Treating Christmas with Respect

Christmas is an annual Christian religious holiday commemorating the birth of Prophet Jesus, peace be upon him. For many Muslims who do not even celebrate the birthday of the Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him, it becomes an issue of what stand they should take.

There have been a number of legitimate criticisms of the holiday from Muslims and non-Muslims based on theological and cultural considerations. However, this cannot be used to disregard the holiday as merely an exercise in ancient pagan practices, for instance, or excessive consumerism. Muslims have to remember that for practicing Christians, Christmas really is about Jesus .

Prophet Muhammad , was so accommodating of Christians that according to the two earliest Islamic historians, Ibn e Saad and Ibn Hisham, the Prophet even allowed a delegation of 60 Byzantine Christians from Najran in Yemen to worship in his own mosque in Madinah. Lead by their bishop (Usquf), they had come to discuss a number of issues with him. When time of their prayer came, they asked the Prophet's permission to perform this in the mosque. He answered, "conduct your service here in the mosque. It is a place consecrated to God."

God expects us to stay away from mocking the religious beliefs of others, no matter how much we disagree with them. He says in the Quran: "And insult not those whom they (disbelievers) worship besides God, lest they insult God wrongfully without knowledge. Thus We have made fair-seeming to each people its own doings; then to their Lord is their return and He shall then inform them of all that they used to do" (Quran, 6:108).

We also have to remember that even if for many nominal Christians, the celebration is not really about participating in religious traditions, Christmas is a time for families to get together. In a number of cases it is the only time of year families get together, either because family members are scattered in different parts of the country or the world, because of communication and relationship problems, or because in America today, the family unit is becoming weaker and weaker.

Christmas is a great time to relate to our neighbors. We should not forget though, that "relating" does not mean "preaching". Dawa cannot be made in a rude manner. Allah says in the Quran: "Invite (all) to the Way of your Lord with wisdom and beautiful advice, and reason with them by ways that are the best and most gracious: because your Lord knows best, (those) who have strayed from His Path, and those who receive guidance " (Quran, 16:125).

In particular, when dealing with Jews and Christians, Allah says: "Do not argue with the People of the Book unless it is in the politest manner, except for those of them who do wrong. Say: 'We believe in what has been sent down to us and what has been sent down to you. Our God and your God is [the same] One, and we are Muslims before Him'" (Quran, 29:46).

This may not be an occasion to emphasis the differences as much as the commonality of our beliefs, unless someone is really asking you about them.

A starting point for a discussion about Christmas could be the Islamic belief in all Books revealed by Allah and all Prophets sent by Him. In this discussion, special emphasis could be made on Prophet Jesus . Non-Muslims are often surprised to discover that Muslims also believe in this noble Prophet and his great mother Mary (peace be upon her).

Remember that respect does not mean compromise. This article is not asking you to compromise anything. You have freedom of religion given by God to believe in what you believe in. But in a world where conflict is increasing, a Muslim should be a bridge- builder and a peacemaker. It was due to the Muslim practice of Islamic ideals of respect and tolerance that the key of the holiest Christian Shrine in Jerusalem, the church of the Holy Sepulcher, remains entrusted with a Muslim family, as it has been for over 1400 years.

These are the lessons which need to be learned by those extremists who attack Christians during their worship in Nigeria and those extremists who burn Masjids in the USA.

Asmaul Husna-Allah's (99);

Asma ul Husna

The Beautiful Names of Allah (Subhanuhu WaTa'ala)
Al-Asma al-Husna This post carries all ninety-nine names of Alalh (SWT) in Arabic as well as their transliterations and meanings in English. It is envisaged that the user will recite and learn at least 3 names / attributes per day and benefit from their inspirations as well as their usage in our duas (supplications).
“Those who believe and whose hearts find satisfaction in the remembrance of Allah: for without doubt in the remembrance of Allah do hearts find satisfaction.” (Sura Rad 13:28)
Allah is the Name for the Creator and Sustainer of the entire creation. The Name Allah is unique in that it cannot be corrupted and written as god, or goddess and gods or goddessesses, thereby compromsing His (SWT) wahdaniyah (Oneness) which is tantamount to shirk (attributing partners to Allah – SWT). The title Allah is thus the ideal for the One Whom we revere, glorify and worship.
The Prophet Muhammad (s.a.w.s) said, “Allah has ninety-nine names. Whoever learns, understands and recites them constantly, will enter Jannah.” (Sahih Muslim).
Allah (SWT) does not desire anything from His creation except that He (SWT) alone is worshipped. But we cannot truly worship Allah (SWT) unless we learn to know Him (SWT) and He (SWT) cannot be known except if He (SWT) is remembered. It is through al-Asma al-Husna that Allah (SWT) has made it possible for us to grasp some of His (SWT) manifestations in creation. Allah (SWT) states in the Holy Quran.
“And to Allah belongs the Beautiful Names, so call upon Him by these Names.” (Al-Araf, 7:180)
The ninety-nine Names of Allah (SWT) are in essence His (SWT) Attributes which are termed as al-Asma al-Husna (The Beautiful Names). Through these Names we come to understand the majesty and grandeur of Allah (SWT). The Prophet Muhammad (s.a.w.s) aptly encouraged us saying “inspire yourselves with teh qualities of Allah.” This means that we ought to display, for example, mercy, compassion and forgiveness, etc. when interacting with each other and with other creatures in this world.
We should thus make it our duty to learn, understand and recite these Beautiful Names of Allah (SWT) and also call upon Allah (SWT) with His (SWT) unique Attributes when engaged in our duas (supplications)

Allah

1. Allah
The One Almighty Allah who alone is worthy of worship
Whoever recites Allah 1000 times daily, all doubts and uncertainties will be removed from his heart, and instead determination and faith will become inborn in him.

Al-Rahman

2. Al-Rahman
The Most Compassionate
Reciting Ya Rahmanu 100 times after each obligatory salah will protect one against heedlessness, forgetfulness and anxiety.

Al-Raheem

3. Al-Rahim
The Most Merciful
Reciting Ya Rahimu 100 times after salat al-Fajr will attract kind and friendly treatment from all creatures.

Al-Malik

4. Al-Malik
The Sovereign
Constantly reciting Ya Maliku will result in enjoying respect and dignity in the sight of others.

Al-Quddus

5. Al-Quddus
The Holy One and One who is free from all blemishes
Reciting Ya Quddusu 100 times each day will purify our hearts and relieve us from all anxiety.

Al-Salam

6. Al-Salam
The Giver of Peace or One who is immune from all distresses
Reciting Ya Salamu 160 times over a person who is ill will help in making that person recover from his/her illness.

Al-Mumin

7. Al-Mumin
The Giver of faith
Reciting Ya Mu’minu will safeguard us from the evil of the enemy.

Al-Muhaymin

8. Al-Muhaymin
The Giver of Protection
Reciting Ya Muhayminu after having performed the ablution will result in one’s inner being becoming radiant.

Al-Aziz

9. Al-Aziz
The Mighty
Reciting Ya Azizu 40 times after salat al-Far from 40 days will result in Allah(SWT) freeing us from dependance on others.

Al-Jabbar

10. Al-Jabbar
The Overpowering Lord
Whoever recites Ya Jabbaru will not be subjected to coercion, and will not be exposed to violence, severity or harshness.

Al-Mutakabbir

11. Al-Mutakabbir
The Self-Glorious
Allah (SWT) will bestow righteous children to the husbands who recite Ya Mutakabbiru before approaching their wives.

Al-Khaliq

12. Al-Khaliq
The Creator
A childless wife who wishes to have children should fast for seven days and break her fast at the proper time each day with a glass of water over which she has recited Ya Khaliqu, Ya Bari’u and Ya Musawwiru 21 times. By doing that insha’ Allah she will be able to conceive.

Al-Bari

13. Al-Bari
The One Who gives life
A childless wife who wishes to have children should fast for seven days and break her fast at the proper time each day with a glass of water over which she has recited Ya Khaliqu, Ya Bari’u and Ya Musawwiru 21 times. By doing that insha’ Allah she will be able to conceive.

Al-Musawwir

14. Al-Musawwir
The Fashioner of unique beauty
A childless wife who wishes to have children should fast for seven days and break her fast at the proper time each day with a glass of water over which she has recited Ya Khaliqu, Ya Bari’u and Ya Musawwiru 21 times. By doing that insha’ Allah she will be able to conceive.

Al-Ghaffar

15. Al-Ghaffar
The Great Forgiver
Allah (SWT) will graciously forgive the sins of the one who constantly recites Ya Ghaffaru.

Al-Qahhar

16. Al-Qahhar
The Subduer
Reciting Ya Qahharu will assist one in subduing the desires of the flesh, ridding the heart of worldly attachment and leading one to inner peace.

Al-Wahhab

17. Al-Wahhab
The Bestower of all things
If one has a particular wish or cannot make ends meet one should recite Ya Wahhabu 100 times after midnight on three or seven nights consecutively after salat al-Tahajjud and Allah-willing, his/her wish will be granted and financial difficulty will be eased.

Al-Razzaq

18. Al-Razzaq
The Sustainer and Provider
The gates of Divine providence will be opened for all who constantly recite Ya Razzaqu.

Al-Fattah

19. Al-Fattah
The Remover of difficulties and the Reliever
Recitation of Ya Fattahu brings openness of the heart and opens the way to victory.

Al-Alim

20. Al-Alim
The All Knowing
Recitation of Ya Alimu will illuminate one’s heart and many qualities of light will be reflected from within us.

Al-Qabid

21. Al-Qabid
The Withholder of Sustenance
If one recites Ya Qabidu on a morsel of food for 40 days and eat it, one will never suffer starvation.

Al-Basit

22. Al-Basit
The Extender of Sustenance
If one stretches one’s hands (like when making dua) and recites at the time of dawn 10 times Ya Basitu and then draw one’s hands over one’s face, one will not stand in need of other people.

Al-Khafid

23. Al-Khafid
The Abaser
To obtain Divine protection against the evil of an enemy, one should recite Ya Khafidu 70000 times in a religious gathering, one a day following a three-day fast.

Al-Rafey

24. Al-Rafey
The Exalter
If one recites Ya Rafey 100 times daily, Allah (SWT) will bless that person with honour, virtue and wealth.

Al-Mu’idhdh

25. Al-Mu’idhdh
The Giver of honour
Whoever recites Ya Mu’idhdhu 140 times after salat al-Isha on Mondays or Fridays will have nothing to fear.

Al-Mudhill

26. Al-Mudhill
The Humiliator
One will be safe from cruel and envious people and enjoy Allah’s (SWT) protection upon reciting Ya Mudhillu 75 times.

Al-Sami

27. Al-Sami
The All-Hearing
Allah (SWT) will take care of needs of all those who recite 100 times Ya Samiu after salat al-Zuhr on Thursdays before speaking to anyone.

Al-Basir

28. Al-Basir
The All-Seeing
One who recites Ya Basiru 100 times after performing the fard of salat al-Jumuah and before performing the sunnah rakaat, Allah (SWT) will grant that person esteem in the eyes of others.

Al-Hakam

29. Al-Hakam
The Arbiter
Allah (SWT) will reveal many mysteries to those who recite Ya Hakamu many times at night.

Al-Adl

30. Al-Adl
The Just
Parents who have disobedient children should recite Ya Adlu with one’s finger on a piece of bread and eat it on Friday night and Allah (SWT) will make their children obedient to them.

Al-Latif

31. Al-Latif
The Most Affectionate
If a poor and lonely person recites Ya Latifu 100 times after performing two rakat nafil salah, all his/her wishes will be fulfilled.

Al-Khabir

32. Al-Khabir
The All-Knowing
By constantly reciting Ya Khabiru, those who suffer from bad habits will soon find them corrected.

Al-Halim

33. Al-Halim
The Forbearing
If a farmer writes Ya Halimu on a piece of paper and buries it near the place where he has sown his seeds, no harm or misfortune will befall his crops.

Al-Azim

34. Al-Azim
The Great
People will love and respect those who constantly recite Ya Azimu.

Al-Ghafur

35. Al-Ghafur
The Forgiving
The constant recitation of Ya Ghafuru will bring relief to those who suffer from fever and migraine or who experience grief and sorrow.

Al-Shakur

36. Al-Shakur
The Highly Grateful
If one is experiencing difficulties and finds life hard and painful, one should wash one’s face with water upon which Ya Shakuru has been recited 49 times. By doing that one’s goals will be achieved.

Al-Aliyu

37. Al-Aliyu
The Most High
Whoever recites Ya Aliyu fortune’s door will be opened and/or the traveller will reach his/home safely.

Al-Kabir

38. Al-Kabir
The Most Great
Whoever recites Ya Kabiru 100 times daily will be honoured.

Al-Hafiz

39. Al-Hafiz
The Protector
Those who recite Ya Hafizu 16 times daily will be kept safe from disasters.

Al-Muqit

40. Al-Muqit
The Giver of Sustenance and Strength
The condition of badly behaved children will improve if they are made to drink water from a glass over which Ya Muqitu has been recited.

Al-Hasib

41. Al-Hasib
The Reckoner or One who suffices for everyone and everything
For protection against thieves, the evil eye, or harm from an enemy, recite Ya Hasibu 70 times daily for seven days starting on a Thursday. After every 70 times one should add words Hasbiyallahul Hisab (Sufficient is Allah, the Reckoner)

Al-Jalil

42. Al-Jalil
The Glorious or the One with an exalted position
If one writes Ya Jalilu on a piece of paper with musk and saffron and place the paper in a ceramic container and drinks the water once the writing is dissolved will be revered among people.

Al-Karim

43. Al-Karim
The Benevolent
Those who constantly recite Ya Karimu will be esteemed in this world and the life Hereafter.

Al-Raqib

44. Al-Raqib
The Caretaker
Allah’s (SWT) protection is assured to those who recite Ya Raqibu 7 times and blow upon themselves, their children, families and properties.

Al-Mujib

45. Al-Mujib
The Responder of Supplications
The Dua of those who recite Ya Mujibu will be answered.

Al-Wasey

46. Al-Wasey
The All-Embracing
Whoever finds it difficult to make ends meet should recite Ya Waseo and the gates of Divine providence will be opened for him/her.

Al-Hakim

47. Al-Hakim
The Wise
The endeavours of those who constantly recite Ya Hakimu will turn out well.

Al-Wadud

48. Al-Wadud
The Most Loving
If there is any misunderstanding between two persons, one of them should recite Ya Wadud 1000 times over some food and give it to the other person to eat.

Al-Majid

49. Al-Majid
The Most Venerable
Those who constantly recite Ya Majidu will always enjoy eminence.

Al-Baith

50. Al-Baith
The Resurrector of the Dead
Fear of Allah (SWT) will inspire those who recite Ya Baithu.

Al-Shahid

51. Al-Shahid
The Omnipresent
Parents who recite Ya Shahidu and blow over their disobedient children will result in their children paying attention to what they are told to do.

52. Al-Haqq
The Truth
If one has lost something one should recite Ya Haqqu and that thing will be found.

Al-Wakil

53. Al-Wakil
The Trustee
By constantly reciting Ya Wakilo, one comes to enjoy Allah’s (SWT) protection against the perils of water, fire or any other threat.

Al-Qawi

54. Al-Qawi
The Almighty
Reciting Ya Qawiyu will ward off harm from a superior enemy.

Al-Matin

55. Al-Matin
The Invincible
Difficult tasks will become easy for those who recite Ya Matinu.

Al-Wali

56. Al-Wali
The Protecting Friend
Those who constantly recite Ya Waliyu may hope of becoming the friends of Allah (SWT)

Al-Hamid

57. Al-Hamid
The Praiseworthy
Those who recite Ya Hamidu will earn people’s love and approval.

Al-Muhsi

58. Al-Muhsi
The Keeper of Records
Those who fear the Final Reckoning should recite Ya Muhsi 1000 times and it will become easier for them to render account on the Day of Judgement.

Al-Mubdi

59. Al-Mubdi
The Originator
If Ya Mubdi is recited over a woman who is threatening to miscarry, she will be spared the dangers of pregnancy.

Al-Muid

60. Al-Muid
The One who has the Power to Create again
If a member of one’s family goes absent, one should recite Ya Muidu and that member will safely return.

Al-Muhyi

61. Al-Muhyi
The Giver of life
For relief from a crushing burden, one should recite Ya Muhyi.

Al-Mumit

62. Al-Mumit
The Giver of Death
One can recite Ya Mumit after overcoming one’s enemy.

Al-Hayy

63. Al-Hayy
The Everlasting
Long life will be enjoyed by those who constantly recite Ya Hayyu.

Al-Qayyum

64. Al-Qayyum
The Self-Existing
Those who recite Ya Qayyumu will not lapse into heedlessness.

Al-Wajid

65. Al-Wajid
The Resourceful
Those who recite Ya Wajidu are favoured with richness of heart.

Al-Majid

66. Al-Majid
The Noble
The hearts of those who recite Ya Majidu will be enlightened.

Al-Wahid

67. Al-Wahid
The Unique
Those who constantly alone recite Ya Wahidu in a quiet place will become immune to fear and delusion.

Al-Samad

68. Al-Samad
The Eternal
Allah (SWT) will meet the needs of those who constantly recite Ya Samadu and they will find that others will need their assistance.

Al-Qadir

69. Al-Qadir
The All-Powerful
Those who recite Ya Qadiru will find all their wishes fulfilled.

Al-Muqtadir

70. Al-Muqtadir
The One with full authority
Those who recite Ya Muqtadiru will awake from heedless sleep.

Al-Muqaddim

71. Al-Muqaddim
The Promoter
No harm will befall those who recite Ya Muqaddimu.

Al-Mu’akhkhir

72. Al-Mu’akhkhir
The Postponer
The love of Allah (SWT) will take root in the heart of the one who recites Ya Mu’akhkhiru 100 times daily.

Al-Awwal

73. Al-Awwal
The First
Anyone who wishes to have children or to be united with an absent relative should recite Ya Awwalu 100 times on 40 Fridays.

Al-Akhir

74. Al-Akhir
The Last
Those who recite Ya Akhiru will live and die well.

Al-Zahir

75. Al-Zahir
The Manifest
Enlightenment will come to those who recite Ya Zahiru 15 times after performing the fard of Salat al-Jumah.

Al-Batin

76. Al-Batin
The Hidden
Those who recite Ya Batinu 3 times daily will come to know the reality of things.

Al-Wali

77. Al-Wali
The One who exercises authority over all things
Those who recite Ya Wali over their houses will dwell safely therein.

Al-Mutali

78. Al-Mutali
The Exalted
Constantly reciting Ya Mutali attracts Divine benevolence.

Al-Barr

79. Al-Barr
The Source of all goodness
Children will be safe when we recite Ya Barru and blow over them.

Al-Tawwab

80. Al-Tawwab
The Oft-Returning
Repentance will be accepted from one who constantly recites Ya Tawwabu.

Al-Muntaqim

81. Al-Muntaqim
The Avenger
Those who constantly recite Ya Muntaqimu will be victorious over their enemies.

Al-Afuw

82. Al-Afuw
The Pardoner
Those who recite Ya Afuwu will have their sins forgiven.

Al-Rauf

83. Al-Rauf
The Kind
Those who recite Ya Rauf will be blessed with good fortune.

Malik al-Mulk

84. Malik al-Mulk
King of Absolute Sovereignity
Those who recite Ya Malik al-Mulk will be mighty among the people.

Dhu al-Jalali wal-Ikram

85. Dhu al-Jalali wal-Ikram
Lord of Majesty and Generosity
Those who recite Ya Dhu al-Jalali wal-Ikram will be enriched.

Al-Muqsit

86. Al-Muqsit
The Equitable
Constantly reciting Ya Muqsitu gives protection from the mischief of the devil.

Al-Jami

87. Al-Jami
The Assembler
One who recites Ya Jamiu will find the thing that has been lost.

Al-Ghani

88. Al-Ghani
The Self-Sufficient
One who recites Ya Ghaniu will achieve contenment.

Al-Mughni

89. Al-Mughni
The Enricher
One who recites Ya Mughni 10 times on each of 10 Fridays will become independent of other people.

Al-Mani

90. Al-Mani
The Hinderer
Those who recite Ya Maniu will attain peace and harmony in their married life.

Al-Darr

91. Al-Darr
The Distresser
If Ya Daru is recited on Friday nights by those who have fallen to the bottom of the scale, they will rise to higher status.

Al-Nafi

92. Al-Nafi
The Benefactor
No injury or pain will afflict those who recite Ya Nafiu as many times as possible over a period of 4 days.

Al-Nur

93. Al-Nur
The Light
Those who recite Ya Nuru will be inwardly enlightened.

Al-Hadi

94. Al-Hadi
The Guide
Spiritual knowledge will be acquired by those who recite Ya Hadi.

Al-Badi

95. Al-Badi
The Originator
All troubles are eased for those who recite 70 times Ya Badi al-samawati wal-ard (“O Incomparable Creator of the Heavens and the Earth!”)

Al-Baqi

96. Al-Baqi
The Eternal
Those who recite Ya Baqi 100 times before sunrise each day, will enjoy immunity from disaster and will be shown mercy in the Hereafter.

Al-Warith

97. Al-Warith
The Supporter of All or One who remains alive even after everyone or everything dies
Long life will be enjoyed by those who often recite Ya Warithu.

Al-Rashid

98. Al-Rashid
The Right Guidance
Difficulties will be resolved for those who recite Ya Rashidu 1000 times between salat al-Maghrib and salat al-Isha.

Al-Sabur

99. Al-Sabur
The Most Forebearing
For relief from trouble or confusion, one should recite Ya Saburu 3000 times.