Surprise, surprise,  Catholic bishops involved in politics when church and state are supposed to be separate.  Now, this Bishop backtracks and expects confidentiality from Patrick Kennedy because he knows it’s frowned upon to use communion as a political/religious stronghold against people. 

Just a sidenote, when discussing confidentiality between parishoners and clergy, isn’t it the CLERGY that’s supposed to keep what parishoners tell them confidential and NOT the other way around????  This Bishop has the nerve to claim that Kennedy should have kept their conversation confidential.  The only reason I could think of is that the bishop knows that it’s frowned upon to use communion as political threat and is embarrassed that it became public.

Now, this bishop is trying to stand behind the argument that Kennedy chose to take this statement public, but public or not, he made it and surely made it to intimidate Kennedy into either giving up a part of his faith due to his political beliefs or changing his political beliefs in order to participate in a certain aspect of his religion.

The conference of catholic bishops lobbied to control federal funding of abortions.  The only purpose this serves is to make sure that poor marginalized women don’t have access to abortion.  Rich women who can afford to pay out of pocket will still be able to have abortions.  Only women with money will be able to access to full healthcare that includes reproductive health.  Fair, isn’t it???

I know, I’m ranting.  That is all.

Low in the orient under bright star-light
Lifting their learned heads are famous magi
Doth homage to their new-appearing sight,
Serving with looks his sacred majesty;
And having journeyed over plain and hill,
Reason was a new star for a new age,
Yet mortal looks adore His beauty still,
Attending on their golden pilgrimage:
But when from highmost pitch, came Balthazar,
Like feeble age, he reeleth from the day,
The eyes, ‘fore duteous, now converted are
From here, they must return another way:
So they risk the heat of the desert noon:
Unlook’d upon least Herod finds God’s son.

Eid al-Adha, “Festival of Sacrifice” is a holiday celebrated by Muslims (including the Druze) worldwide to commemorate the willingness of Ibrahim to sacrifice his son Ismael as an act of obedience to God.

“Allaahu Akbar, Allaahu Akbar, Allaahu Akbar, Laa ilaaha ilallaahu… Allaahu Akbar, Allaahu Akbar Walillah ilhamd”
(Allah is the Greatest, Allah is the Greatest, Allah is the Greatest, There is no God except Allah, Allah is the Greatest, Allah is the Greatest. and to Allah goes all praise)

http://islamgreatreligion.wordpress.com/ wishes you Eid Mubarak.

Let’s remember the sacrifice made by Prophet Ibrahim (Peace be Upon him) and his son Ismael (Peace be Upon him) . Indeed a great leasson for all of us. May Allah Almighty bless us all and bless this great Ummah.

Aameen Ya Rabbal ‘aalameen.

We would like to thank to all of our great and valued supporters, members and visitors who always keep staying with us. All your supports, inputs, comments and votes are really appreciated and important for us, and always needed for the next, to improve our working on spreading the truth of Islam, for the sake of Allah.

May Allah bless us and protect us always.

May Allah accept our ibadaah during this blessing month of Dhul hijjah also make us catch the wisdom and the moral messages on it.

May all the ummah who perform hajj could be back as Mabrour Hajj.

Insya Allah..

Ameen Allahumma Ameen.

Lets not forget our oppressed brothers and sisters. Please don’t immersed in joy forgetting them. Remember, while you are enjoying, what they are facing right now…

May be we will be busy with delicious foods, where many of they will not have their daily bread even water

May be we will wear colorful and luxurious dresses, where many of they will shiver in cold

May be we’ll roam each-other for visiting our friends and relatives. Where many of they are living miserable life in refugee camps

May be our hands will be colored in blood of livestock, where our enemies hands will slaughter many of our brothers

May be we will proud with our false pride, with sick competition of sacrificing farm animals, where our sister will loose their honor and mothers Hijab will be snatched

Please don’t forget our Brothers and Sisters in this day.

Pray and let’s try to do our best efforts for making this day Beautiful for them too…

Finally we wish you a very happy and pleasant Eid-ul-adha..

Hope this Eid brings happiness and joys in all muslim ummah..

May Allah (SWT) shower His countless blessings in every Muslim home..

May Allah accept our sacrifice and good deeds..

ameen

Lets promise to slaughter our sins, evil intentions and wrong doings along with the animal on this eid..

May Allah bless you all..

Eid Mubarak!
Remember us in your sincere prayers!

Patriarch Kirill Gundyaev (1946- ) of Moscow and all the Russias

Patriarch Kirill Gundyaev of Moscow and all the Russias expressed his solidarity with Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi in regards to his opposition to a recent court ban on the display of crucifixes in Italian schools. “The Christian heritage of Italy and other European countries should not become a subject of dispute in European human rights institutions”, the letter of Patriarch Kirill to Signore Berlusconi stated, as published on the official website of the MP. This was the official response of the MP to the ruling of the European Court of Human Rights on 3 November on a suit brought by an Italian citizen, which argued that the presence of crucifixes in public schools violated her human rights.

“The presence of Christian religious symbols in European public places is part of a pan-European identity. Why, if they were gone, we could not conceive of either the past or the present or the future of the continent. We should not install an anti-religious ideology using as a pretext the secular nature of the state. That explicitly violates societal tranquillity by discriminating against the religious majority in Europe… who are Christian”, Patriarch Kirill said. He declared his “full and unconditional support” of the Italian government’s intention to appeal this decision to the Large Chamber of the European Court. “European democracy should not encourage Christianophobia, imitating theomachistic regimes of the past”, His Holiness emphasised. In addition, he said that the MP intends, in cooperation with the Catholics, to bring to the attention of the European and world public its “categorical rejection of such decisions”, as well as “to stimulate discussion of the practises of the European Court of Human Rights in various venues”.

26 November 2009

Interfax-Religion

http://www.interfax-religion.ru/?act=news&div=33093

Suicide (Sergei Korsun, 2009)

I’m not going to be lectured about this cartoon. Save your time and energy. It doesn’t make fun of suicides… it’s more “gallows humour” about devils and sporting events. I found it funny… if you don’t care for that… nuts to you, it’s my site. Pass me the jug…

Meeting the Guest of Honour (Anonymous, 2009)

This was an incident during the visit of Patriarch Kirill Gundyaev to Solovki in August 2009. It was on a Live Journal site, http://nixette.livejournal.com/ Apparently, it was scanned from the November/December 2009 issue of Russian Life (which is available at Barnes & Noble in the north-eastern USA, I can’t speak for other regions), which is still on sale, I’ll warrant.

The clergy lined up in anticipation of the patriarch’s arrival, then, a mutt strolled out of the crowd, moved amongst the priests, sniffing the air happily. It caused smiles all around, but, no one moved. After sowing such cheery confusion, the dog sauntered leisurely back into the crowd.

The Unbeliever (Andrei Buzov, 2009)

What do you mean, “I should’ve turned the steering wheel to the right?” I’m no newbie, honey!

Here’s a fun little list I gathered to help all future visitors of my beautiful ex-city of residence dispel boredom:

1. Remove all the orange “modesty covers” from all the Cosmos and swimsuit issues at Ukrops (the only grocery chain store in town with a real health food section. You have to be a member of a church congregation in order to work there). Hide them in the bottom of the “Bargain Inspirational Books” bin.
2. Write the lyrics of songs by gay vegetarian 80’s bands on the dust of pickup trucks at the parking lot of Gander Mountain Sporting Goods.
3. Loudly say, “I chose life,” to the Sunday-starched family that whispers behind your back as you pay for your kid’s organic fruit roll-ups with an EBT card.
4. Call the many newly-razed commercial land lots in town, and say that you are a manufacturer of edible underwear who would like to start a production plant at this location.
5. Walk around with a laquered-up faux-hawk and Terminator shades as you wheel your child around in a grocery cart, and take spy camera pictures of people’s uneasy stares.
6. Wear a T-shirt that says, “I Support Gay Marriage.” Wear anything (ANYTHING) with a rainbow on it. Wear a tie (if you’re female) or a eyeshadow (if you’re a guy). Wear any vaguely Wiccan symbol at all, even something like the Proctor-Gamble logo which sort of looks like a moon and stars. Watch parents steer the kids away from you.
7. Overhear some kids talking to their mom at Taco Bell about how their friends are going to hell because they don’t believe in Jesus, and think Christmas is just about Santa and presents. Lean over and say, “Well, I’m Jewish and I don’t believe in Santa either. But I’ll have fun in hell opening Chanukah presents for eight days in a row!”
8. When an old lady hisses, “That’s MERRY CHRISTMAS to you,” when you say “Happy Holidays,” smile and repeat politely, “No… ‘Happy Holidays,’ Ma’am. I’m Jewish, and so were some of the Founding Fathers who signed our Constitution… you know, that little piece of paper that grants us all freedom of religion.”
9. Read right-wing bumper stickers while stuck in traffic. My favorite: “One war protester is not worth the spit of one member of the American military.” Also up on my list: “Guns Save Lives.” “You CANNOT be Catholic and pro-choice.” “I stand with President Bush.” (And will you fall with him, too?).
10. Count religious license places. IE: “GZUSFRK,” “PROLF,” “HESAVS,” “BLESSD…”
11. When cashiers asks you to “have a blessed day,” act confused and say, “As opposed to a cursed day?”
12. Count the number of Confederate flags you see in a day… on shirts, bikes, cars, tongue rings, can sleeves, dog sweaters…
13. Wonder why there are so many bumper stickers for the Paul Stefan Home for Unwed Mothers, but for some reason, you’ve never actually seen the place. Wonder why they choose a stork for their logo when the whole reason someone goes there is that they got knocked up. Wonder why “unwed” mothers have to be stashed in some home, anyway. Wonder why on earth supporting these places somehow is supposed to be empathic and empowering to single moms. Wonder if all these rabidly pro-life moms kick their pregnant teenage daughters out of the house to save face. Wonder if these places make money. Consider taking up a nicotine habit to get these thoughts out of your head.
14. Consider the nicotine idea more seriously. After all, there is a tobacco store on almost every block, and since this is Virginia, there’s no tax because smoking is not considered a sin. But the use of marital aids, on the other hand… that’s not only a sin, it’s illegal.
15. Try to pay your electric bill at a check cashing place. Get told by every place in town that they are not authorized payment centers. After the tenth place, get frustrated and be told “not to pull an attitude with us, lady.” Look online for the one random Indian deli in town that is. Find it in an abandoned parking lot on the bad side of town, in a storefront with almost no merchandise. Wonder if the place is a drug dealer front. Sort of wish it was.
16. Consider a drug habit.
17. Consider a whipped cream habit.
18. Count steak, rib and BBQ houses in town. Stop at 50. Count vegetarian restaurants. Find none.
19. Count paintball places. Find many. Count gay bars. Find none.
20. Call the Spotsylvania Town Center management company and say you’d like to open a Christian Marital Aids shop called “His Pleasures.” In a kiosk.
21. Wait 45 minutes in line at Carl’s for a drippy (but famous) old-school soft-serve ice cream cone. Forget that they only accept cash. Find a $5 bill in a compartment in your purse. Read a sign upon approaching the window that says “Sorry for the inconvenience, we are out of 1’s. Can you help us?”
22. Count the Starbucks in town. Use toes when you run out of fingers. Wonder how such a soulless, overmarketed chain could possibly survive when there are such amazing local java joints like Tickers and that place off Spotsy Crossing that used to be a dollar store.
23. Stand in front of a Christian bookstore and campaign for Equality Now.
24. Drive your non-transparent 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, and 7 plastics, and colored cardboard waste miles away to be recycled because the county dump and private disposal companies all just draw blank stares when you say that you actually care about this.
25. Get invited to play the organ in a Southern Baptist church by a total stranger who learns that you bought a synthesizer on Craigslist. (Yes, this really happened to me).
26. Attend a Nascar race. Pack wine coolers. Offer to spectators. Watch reactions.
27. Publicly consume tofu.
28. Drive to Fairview beach. Find out it’s not even a beach at all, but a few square feet of mosquito-infested riverbank. Have fun tossing pebbles into the water. Go home.
29. Spend your entire tax refund on fireworks.
30. Memorize the lyrics of bluegrass, country and gospel songs. Sing along to them on the radio.
31. Change the station, think you’re hearing the beginning of some cool Nirvana-influenced garage band. Listen and think, “Hey, see, it’s not so bad on the radio here, who is this cool new band?” Feel intrigued. Hear lyrics. “…AND HE DIED FOR YOUR SINS.” Change station again.
32. Try to get around without a car. Try to cross street for fifteen minutes. Consider a suit of armor.

And when you’re done having fun all day…

Run into Borders. Buy Bust, Curve, On Our Backs, random zines made by depressed college students with drug habits. Order some silver tips jasmine tea. Sit down. Relax. Sigh. Sing “Why Georgia Why.” Get a cookie or something to wash away the pain. Grab a store calendar. Hear a gay accent in the distance (occasionally) and perk up. Listen to songs that aren’t about God, hunting, blondes or trucks. Resolve to purchase a marital aid, even if you have to take out a loan and travel to Delaware for it. Promise yourself that THIS is the week you’ll get a sitter and finally try to attend that poetry slam, even if it sucks.

Oh wait… that rhymed. (See, I really do need to get to that poetry slam.)

Maybe I might even run into a vegetarian. Who doesn’t believe that orgasms obtained by any means other than the genital apparatus of an opposite-sex spouse, should be against the law.

Maybe they’ll even ask me out on a paintball date.

I can’t wait.

© Sarah Noack 2007

"So much to be thankful for"

Isn’t it funny how God works in this world? Sometimes He is so quiet that we don’t even know He is there. At other times He will put up a billboard in order to get our attention. As we conclude this Thanksgiving I am in awe of all that I have to be thankful for. I have my beautiful family, my friends,  and so many other things. With all that God gives, us you would think that believing in Him would be easy, but sometimes it’s not. Like the poor, doubt is always with us.  Doubt can masquerade as one of our comfort zones.  We get comfortable where we are, whether it is in our believing, or our doubts. We are spiritually stalled and then suddenly there He is,  challenging our doubts and giving us a nudge just when we really need it the most.

Many times do I question these gifts of the Spirit, and each time God patiently shows me my doubts are unwarranted.  I was very blessed the other morning when, after experiencing doubt the previous day concerning the direction of my spiritual path,  I prayed and asked God for His confirmation in what I am doing.  I was reading my morning news and there on one of the websites I view each day, was the story of a person who has almost identical spiritual experiences to mine. Not only did I get to read her story, but I was also blessed in being able to speak with her. She confirmed for me that God is doing this with many people. How very good it felt to believe in it once again.  I shared with her a message which had some “warnings” associated with it. I told her I did not write this message, because I did not want people thinking I was forecasting fear about the end of the world. She reminded me that it’s not mine to hold on to the messages He has given to me, and that I had an obligation to be obedient and share them.

So, I send a heartfelt “Thank You” to my new found sister in the Body of Christ for sharing her story and reminding me to take courage in sharing what I have been given.  I will record for you today what He shared with me. These messages never leave me with a feeling of fear, instead they leave me with a feeling of hope.  As I record what He said to me, you will see that He was also encouraging me to continue being obedient and to do what He has asked of me.  As always, please pray and discern. Happy Thanksgiving to all.

10/15/2009  &  10/16/2009

Lord: Yes my son it is I your Lord and God and Father. Be at peace my child, tell all of my children to be at peace. I am hard at work solving the issues of the world and I do not fail. I am never late. Remember the precepts? It is through obedience that you weaken the devil. Do not worry about him, for I will take care of him. Instead take care of your neighbor. Spread love, not fear. Do not get caught up in the media,  for its job is to keep you entrenched with it, good or bad. My son, spend some time with me in prayer instead. Give up one of your TV programs and instead of watching useless television shows come with me so we can develop your soul. Nurture it for a while and you will be surprised at what will happen to you in your life. My son spend time with me developing virtues and you can change the world. Do not,  and you get what you have now; a ruthless society of selfish and faithless people ( my children). Make time for me, you will be happy you did. That is all, go in peace my son. I love you, amen.

A few minutes later~

Yes my son your mission will begin. To spread my word to my lost children in and out of the church. You are chosen for this work, be at peace. It is a blessing not a curse. You are very special to me in my plan of salvation as I expose to the world the reality of my being and the weight of their sins. My son I love all of my children so much, as only a father could. I have literally given my life for them (in Jesus) and I would do it again in a second. My love knows no boundaries. It’s depths, its heights and its widths are greater than anything known to man. My son,  soon many things will start to happen in this world. Some may see me in them, others will not. It is a gift and a choice. For those who see me there will be no doubt, for those who don’t there will never be enough proof. Until it comes my son, where they stand before me and answer for all that I have given them and all that I have asked of them to do. For no one escapes me. Not here, not anywhere. Learn from Jonah, you cannot hide in this world. I know where you are at all times, as I showed Adam in the garden. My child the time has almost come to reveal to mankind that of which they have chosen not to believe in. That I am God. That I am all-merciful, I am all loving, but I am also a judge. So many will see their sins and not be able to live with what they see. Others will Harden themselves harder than when they began. The chosen few, by their will and my love for them, will answer my call. That is all it will take to turn this world around and back to me their God. My word has been sent, it shall not return to me void. ( personal part omitted at this time) obedience my son, obedience. That is the word I have sent to you. Be obedient and all things shall be done for you. This is, in itself, Matthew chapter 6 verses 25 through 34. If the world was obedient the devil would flee, for nothing would come of his efforts. But the world is disobedient, and because of this you reap what you sow. I allow, I chastise, but most of all I love. I love all of you. No one more than the other, you are all my children. I gave my son’s life for you, which one of you would do the same? Especially for a stranger, or if you could imagine…. your enemies? That is your challenge my children, go out and love. Love with my love, not yours. Yours is wounded, it has missing pieces. Yours is distraught, but mine is pure. Mine is not political. I am love. I am God. So please my children heed my words, for the time is coming and you must be prepared. Be at peace my child, this is a message for all of my children. My son your time is coming as well. The time for you to go out amongst the lost and the chosen and stand up bravely and proudly for what I have given you; the gift of my words which must be spoken. That is why I have called you. Now go my son. Go in peace. I love you, amen.

WORDPRESS.COM/ILUSTRASI

”Kurban” dari bahasa Alquran qurban, terdiri dari kata qurb yang berarti ”dekat” dengan imbuhan an yang mengandung arti ”kesempurnaan”, sehingga berarti kedekatan yang sempurna.

Dalam istilah keagamaan, kata ini mulanya berarti ‘’segala sesuatu yang digunakan mendekatkan diri kepada Allah”, kemudian artinya menyempit, menjadi ”binatang tertentu yang disembelih pada hari raya Idul Adha dan tiga hari sesudahnya dalam rangka mendekatkan diri kepada-Nya”. Dalu, kurban — dalam pengertian keagamaan itu — hampir selalu dikaitkan dengan manusia. Penduduk Meksiko yang menyembah Dewa Matahari, mempersembahkan jantung dan darah manusia, karena mereka berkeyakinan bahwa Dewa tersebut terus-menerus bertempur melawan dewa gelap, demi kesinambungan cahaya kehidupan ini. Untuk itu Sang Dewa harus dibantu dengan darah dan jantung.

Dalam Islam, sejarah disyariatkannya kurban kembali kepada peristiwa yang dialami Nabi Ibrahim dan putranya, Ismail. Kala itu, ada anggapan bahwa manusia terlalu mahal untuk dijadikan kurban demi Tuhan. Lalu lewat Nabi Ibrahim, Allah menjelaskan, tiada sesuatu yang mahal dikurbankan bila panggilan telah datang. Allah SWT lantas memerintahkan Ibrahim agar menyembelih anaknya, sebagai bukti bahwa manusia pun dapat dikurbankan bila panggilan Ilahi tiba.

Allah selalu harus berada di atas segalanya, itu bukti iman sejati. Dan setelah hakikat ini ditegaskan melalui perintah penyembelihan itu, dan Ibrahim pun melaksanakan sesuai kemampuannya, Allah dengan kuasa-Nya menghalangi penyembelihan, untuk membatalkan tradisi pengorbanan manusia.

Namun, yang harus diingat ialah, bukan lantaran manusia terlalu mahal berkurban atau dikurbankan, demi karena Allah. Ia dibatalkan demi kasih sayang Allah kepada manusia. Kurban disyariatkan guna mengingatkan manusia bahwa jalan menuju kebahagiaan, membutuhkan pengurbanan, tapi yang dikurbankan bukan manusia, bukan pula nilai-nilai kemanusiaan. Yang dikurbankan adalah binatang, yang jantan, sempurna umur dan tidak cacat,

Sebagai pertanda bahwa pengorbanan, harus ditunaikan. Dan, yang dikurbankan adalah sifat-sifat kebinatangan dalam diri manusia, seperti rakus, ingin menang sendiri, mengabaikan norma, nilai, dan sebagainya. ”Yang sampai kepada Allah bukan darah atau dagingnya tetapi ketakwaan pelakunya” (Q.S.22:37). Ketakwaan itu tecermin antara lain ketika daging kurban dibagikan kepada yang memerlukan. ahi

Courtland Milloy of Wapo has this heartbreaking article on the the plight of the Oblate Sisters of Providence in Baltimore. Things are pretty rough for them.

Earlier this year, the sisters fell three months behind on their grocery bill; food delivery was stopped until the nuns paid up.

Not that anyone’s complaining.

“Don’t make it sound like we’re destitute,” said Sister Mary Alice Chineworth, who is 92 and a former superior general of the Oblate order. “We just had to plan our meals more carefully, eat as little as possible.”

Then there was the heating oil crisis. The Oblates might have ended up sleeping in coats and gloves this winter were it not for an anonymous donor who paid that bill.

Totally blowing my mind, this is. This is the type of thing you’d hear about from 1780s.

The Sunnah in Performing “Ablution”

1.  Mentioning the name of Allah-In the Name of Allah, the Most Beneficent, the Most Merciful [saying: bismillah ar-Rahman ar-Rahim]

2.  Washing the hands thrice.

3.  [Starting by] Rinsing the mouth and nose before washing the face.

4.  Rinsing the nose by one’s left hand. This is because it is mentioned in the hadith that the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him), “washed his hands thrice, then he rinsed his mouth and washed his nose with water by putting water in it and blowing it out, and he washed his face thrice…) [Narrated by Bukhari and Muslim].

5.  Exaggerating in rinsing one’s mouth and nose if not fasting by moving water around the mouth and snuffing water to the end of one’s nose. This is because of the hadith, “…and snuff with water well except when you are fasting”. [Sunan al-Tirmidhi, Abu Dawoud, ibn Maja and An-Nasa'i].

6.  Rinsing one’s mouth and nose with the same handful of water. This is because of the hadith, “He [the Prophet] put his hand [into the vessel containing water] rinsed his mouth and his nose”. [Bukhari and Muslim].

7.  Using tooth stick [Ar. Siwak] before rinsing one’s mouth. The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him says, “Had I not thought it difficult for my Ummah, I would have commanded them to use the Siwak (tooth-stick) before every Prayer.”[Narrated by Ahmed and An-Nasa'i].

8.  Running one’s wet finger through the beard upon washing the face. It is mentioned in the hadith that the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him used to run his wet finger through his beard while performing ablution. [Al-Thirmithi].

9.  Wiping over one’s head. This is performed as follows: passing one’s wet hands over the head from front to back and so forth. As for obligatory wiping over one’s head, it is to wipe over one’s head in any way. It is narrated that the Messenger of Allah used to pass his hands over his head [in ablution] from the front to the back. [Bukhari and Muslim].

10.     Running wet fingers between the fingers and toes. The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said, “Perform your ablution perfectly and let water to run between the fingers [and toes]“.

11.     Washing the right [limb] before the left. It is narrated in the hadith that the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him): “Used to start from the right side on wearing shoes, combing his hair, cleaning or washing himself and on doing anything else” [Bukhari and Muslim].

12.     Performing the actions thrice when washing the face, hands and foot.

13.     Saying the two testifications of faith [Ar.Shahadatan] after finishing ablution. Meaning, to says, “I testify that there is no god except Allah and that Muhammad is His Messenger”. It is narrated that the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said, ” If anyone amongst you performs the ablution perfectly and then says: I testify that there is no god but Allah and that Muhammad is the servant of Allah and His Messenger, the eight gates of Paradise would be opened for him and he may enter by whichever of them he wishes”. [Muslim]

14.     Performing ablution in one’s house. The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said, “Whoever purifies in his house and walks to the mosque to perform obligatory prayer, his steps are counted as one expiates a sin and the other raises his rank” [Muslim]

15.       Passing one’s hand over the limb while or after washing.

16.     Using little amount of water. The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) used to use little amount of water in ablution. [Narrated by Bukhari and Muslim]

17.     Washing above the limits of the four limbs [hands and foot]. It is narrated that Abu Huraira (may Allah be pleased with him) performed ablution, he washed his arm up to the elbows and his feet up to the ankles and said: this is how the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him) performed ablution”. [Muslim]

18.     Performing two rak’ahs [Eng. Units of prayer] after ablution. The Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him) said, ” He who performs ablution like this of mine and then stood up (for prayer) and offered two rak’ahs of prayer without allowing his thoughts to be distracted, all his previous sins are expiated” [Narrated by Bukhari and Muslim]

In a report by Muslim through ‘Uqba ibn ‘Amir: “He will be rewarded by nothing except Paradise”.

19.     Perfecting one’s ablution: washing each part perfectly. Muslims vary in times of performing ablution during the day, and everyone has to observe these Sunan in every time he performs ablution.

   Virtue of observing the above Sunan:

The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said, “He who performed ablution perfectly, his sins would come out from his body, even coming out from under his nails.” [Muslim].

What should one say when slaughtering the udhiyah

Is there a specific du’aa’ that I can recite when slaughtering the udhiyah?.

Praise be to Allaah.

The Sunnah for one who wants to slaughter the udhiyah is to say when slaughtering it:

Bismillaah, wa Allaahu akbar, Allaahumma haadha minka wa laka, haadha ‘anni (or if it is being offered on behalf of someone else, haadha ‘an [fulaan]), Allaahumma taqabbal min [fulaan] wa aali [fulaan].

(In the name of Allaah, Allaah is most great. O Allaah, this is from You and to You. This is on my behalf (or if it is being offered on behalf of someone else, This is on behalf of [So and so]). O Allaah, accept (this sacrifice) from [So and so] and the family of [So and so]) – here he should mention his name instead of [fulaan] or [So and so].

What is obligatory here is to say Bismillaah; the rest is mustahabb but is not obligatory.

Al-Bukhaari (5565) and Muslim (1966) narrated that Anas said: The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) sacrificed two horned rams that were white speckled with black. He slaughtered them with his own hand, said Bismillaah and Allaahu akbar, and put his foot on their necks.

Muslim (1967) narrated from ‘Aa’ishah that the Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) ordered that a horned ram be brought to him so that he could sacrifice it. He said, “O ‘Aa’ishah, give me the knife.” Then he said, “Sharpen it on a stone.” So she did that, then he took it and took the ram, and he lay it down and prepared to slaughter it. He said, “In the name of Allaah, O Allaah accept (this sacrifice) from Muhammad and the family of Muhammad and the ummah of Muhammad,” then he sacrificed it.

Al-Tirmidhi (1521) narrated that Jaabir ibn ‘Abd-Allaah said: I was present with the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) on the day of al-Adha at the prayer place. When he had finished his khutbah he came down from his minbar and a ram was brought which the Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) slaughtered with his own hand. He said, “In the name of Allaah, Allaah is Most Great. This is on behalf of myself and on behalf of those of my ummah who have not offered a sacrifice.” Classed as saheeh by al-Albaani in Saheeh al-Tirmidhi.

In some reports the words “O Allaah, this is from You and to You” are added. See Irwa’ al-Ghaleel, 1138, 1152.

Allaahumma minka (O Allaah, from You) means this sacrifice is a gift and provision that has reached me from You. Laka (to You) means, it is sincerely for You alone.

See al-Sharh al-Mumti’, 7/492.

This is the final update about the new donut shaped pendants I am making.

I found the perfect sterling silver bails. They are minimalist and modern without any decorations or Schnickschnack (German for ‘knickknack’). They mirror the silver inclusions in color without overwhelming anything about the glass design, I think.
Yet, at the same time, they are sturdy and I don’t have to worry about not being able to use larger diameter cords or chains.

Now Christmas is coming up and I did need something for my mom. I’m not going to see her this year for the holidays as I usually do, so I needed something I could send her in the mail to Germany.
She is very religious and always wanted something with a cross but she isn’t into bright popping colors and a lot of Schnickschnack (there it is again). She has a couple of stone donuts already, so I knew she likes the shape. I tried to stay on the muted color side with the design I came up with. I’m going to send her both because I really don’t know about the colors and now I can only hope she likes them.

Description of Eid prayer

Praise be to Allaah.

The Eid prayer is one where the imam attends and leads the people in praying two rak’ahs. ‘Umar (may Allaah be pleased with him) said:

“The prayer of al-Fitr is two rak’ahs and the prayer of al-Adha is two rak’ahs, complete and not shortened, on the tongue of your Prophet, and the one who fabricates lies is doomed.” Narrated by al-Nasaa’i, 1420 and Ibn Khuzaymah. Classed as saheeh by al-Albaani in Saheeh al-Nasaa’i.

It was narrated that Abu Sa’eed said: The Messenger of Allaah SAWS (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) used to come out on the day of al-Fitr and al-Adha to the prayer place, and the first thing he would do was to offer the prayer. Narrated by al-Bukhaari, 956

In the first rak’ah he should say Takbeerat al-ihraam (say “Allaahu akbar” to start the prayer), after which he should say six or seven more takbeers, because of the hadeeth of ‘Aa’ishah (may Allaah be pleased with her), “The takbeer of al-Fitr and al-Adha is seven takbeers in the first rak’ah and five takbeers in the second, apart from the takbeer of rukoo’.” Narrated by Abu Dawood and classed as saheeh by al-Albaani in Irwa’ al-Ghaleel, 639.

Then he should recite al-Faatihah, and recite Soorat Qaf in the first rak’ah. In the second rak’ah he should stand up saying takbeer, and when he has stood up completely he should say takbeer five times, and recite Soorat al-Faatihah then Soorat al-Qamr. The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) used to recite these two soorahs during the two Eids. Or if he wishes he can recite Soorat al-A’la in the first rak’ah and Soorat al-Ghaashiyah in the second, because it was narrated that the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) used to recite al-A’la and al-Ghaashiyah in the Eid prayer.

The imam should revive the Sunnah be reciting these soorahs so that the Muslims will become familiar with the Sunnah.

After the prayer, the imam should address the people. Part of the khutbah should be addressed specifically to the women, telling them of the things that they should do and warning them against the things that they should avoid, as the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) used to do.
The prayer comes before the khutbah

One of the rulings of Eid is that the prayer comes before the khutbah, because of the hadeeth of Jaabir ibn ‘Abd-Allaah who said, The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) came out on the day of al-Fitr and started with the prayer before the khutbah. Narrated by al-Bukhaari, 958; Muslim, 885.

Another indication that the khutbah comes after the prayer is the hadeeth of Abu Sa’eed (may Allaah be pleased with him) who said: The Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) used to come out to the prayer place on the day of al-Fitr and al-Adha, and the first thing he would start with was the prayer, then he would go and stand facing the people, while the people were sitting in their rows, and he would preach to them and advise them and command them.  If he wanted to send out a military expedition he would do so and if he wanted to tell the people to do something he would do so, then he would leave.

Abu Sa’eed said: The people continued to do that until I went out with Marwaan – who was the governor of Madeenah – on Eid al-Adha or Eid al-Fitr, and when we came to the prayer-place, there was a minbar that had been built by Katheer ibn al-Salt. When Marwaan wanted to ascend it before he prayed, I grabbed his garment and he pushed me away and climbed up and delivered the khutbah before the prayer. I said, “You have changed it by Allaah.”

He said, “O Abu Sa’eed, what you knew has gone.”

I said, “What I know, by Allaah, is better than what I do not know.”

He said, “The people will not sit and listen to us after the prayer, so we did it before the prayer.” Narrated by al-Bukhaari, 956.