Blog Archives
Abdullah Hakim Quick: Who Invented Valentine’s Day? (Video)
In the Student Union Center at the University of Miami, Abdullah Hakim Quick delivers another enlightening and unforgettable talk about the true origins of the major holidays celebrated in the West. With many non-Muslim students in attendance, Sheikh Quick explains that throughout time there has been a constant struggle between those who believe in one God and those who believe in many gods. And these struggles resulted in many compromises on the part of those who would ultimately influence and shape many modern day religious ceremonies and celebrations. And what comes to us today are rituals not condoned by the prophets and messengers of God, but rather mixed-up beliefs and practices that can be attributed to ancient pagan culture. The major celebrations analyzed in this talk are: Christmas, New Year’s, Valentine’s Day, Easter, and Halloween.
More Abdullah Hakim Quick lectures…
Paganism and the Celebration of “Birthdays”
Source: missionislam.com
By: Muhammad ‘Abd al-Haqq
Bismillah. Alhamdulillah wa salatu wasallam ala Rasulillah.
The following is a list of quotes from writings and writers, ancient and modern, religious and secular, attesting to the Pagan origins and nature of celebrating one’s supposed day of birth. Of course many contemporary, secularized people will object and say that “birthdays” no longer have any religious significance(despite the fact that all the ancient pagan rituals are maintained and preserved in the modern celebrations). However if you profess to be a Muslim, a Jew, or a Christian, you should not be doing this; Especially after you become aware that the word “secular” has the same definition as `irjaa(separating beliefs from actions, i.e. separating public actions from privately held beliefs(religion)). Yet “religion” is, from the Latin “religare”, “that which binds”, thus making Secular Humanism a religion in its own right.
CELEBRATING THE NEW YEAR
Source: blog.islamiconlineuniversity.com
By: Dr. Bilal Philips
Origins
January is named after Janus, the Roman god of doors and gateways. He was commonly depicted in statues, carvings and paintings as a two headed man with one head facing forward and the other head facing backwards. In 46BC Julius Caesar chose January 1st as the first day of the New Year as Janus symbolically represented the door to the New Year. Wild parties and orgies were held on the night before the New Year’s Day as a re-enactment of the chaos which Roman mythology depicted as preceding the cosmos or the ordered world whose organization was set by the gods. Furthermore, by that time, Janus had become, in practice, the highest god receiving the ritual sacrifices of Roman worshippers before the other gods, including the chief god, Jupiter.[1]
Thus, in its essence the celebrations of the New Year on January 1stand New Year’s Eve, the night before, are a part and parcel of pagan religious rituals based on idolatrous beliefs in false gods. Consequently, it is completely Haraam (sinful and forbidden) for Muslims to participate in or adopt any of its related rituals, customs and symbols.
If a non-Muslim greets a Muslim, “Happy New Year”, the Muslim is not allowed to respond in a similar manner or say, “Same to you.” Instead, in order not to offend or hurt the feelings of non-Muslim friends or acquaintances, one may say instead, “Happy holiday.”
As for celebrating the New Year according to the Islamic calendar which begins with the month of Muharram, this is also not permissible from a number of perspectives. First and foremost, if one does so believing that it is pleasing to Allah to do so, thereby transforming it into an act of worship, it becomes a Bid‘ah or cursed innovation in the religion about which the Prophet (pbuh) said, “Every innovation in religion is misguidance and all misguidance leads to the Hellfire.” If one does so merely as a custom, it is still impermissible as it falls under the prohibition of imitation of pagan customs about which the Prophet (pbuh) said, “Whoever imitates a people becomes one of them.”
[1] Pope Gregory 13th who set the modern calendar, the Gregorian calendar, also officially fixed the first day of the year for ChristianEurope as January 1st in 1582.
Man Carries His Mother on His Back During Hajj (Video)
A Hajj pilgrim has filmed a man carrying his elderly mother during one of the rituals of Hajj. Though visibly old himself, he is seen carrying his mother on his back who may have got tired due to the strenuous nature of performing the Hajj.
ABU USAMAH: THE TRUTH ABOUT HALLOWEEN AND OTHER PAGAN FESTIVALS (VIDEO)
Virtually all Halloween traditions are based either in ancient pagan culture, or in Christianity. From an Islamic point of view, they all are forms of idolatry (shirk). As Muslims, our celebrations should be ones that honour and uphold our faith and beliefs. How can we worship only Allah, the Creator, if we participate in activities that are based in pagan rituals, divination, and the spirit world? Many people participate in these celebrations without even understanding the history and the pagan connections, just because their friends are doing it, their parents did it (“it’s a tradition!”), and because “it’s fun!” So what can we do, when our children see others dressed up, eating candy, and going to parties? While it may be tempting to join in, we must be careful to preserve our own traditions and not allow our children to be corrupted by this seemingly “innocent” fun. When tempted, remember the pagan origins of these traditions, and ask Allah to give you strength. Save the celebration, the fun and games, for our ‘Eid festivals. Children can still have their fun, and most importantly, should learn that we only acknowledge holidays that have a religious significance to us as Muslims. Holidays are not just excuses to binge and be reckless. In Islam, our holidays retain their religious importance, while allowing proper time for rejoicing, fun and games
More lectures…
Hajj for Kids – 10 Activities to Learn about Hajj
By: Hafsa Taher
Source: http://productivemuslim.com
It’s that time of the year. Muslims across the globe are preparing to leave for Hajj. Some of us will not be performing the rituals of Hajj in Makkah this year. However, it is still important to utilise the valuable 10 days of Dhul Hijjah productively and inspire our kids to understand its significance as well.
So how do we keep the spirit of Hajj alive for our children during these precious days and make it a productive learning period for them? Here are 10 Hajj crafts for your children. Feel free to improvise (each child is unique!) and don’t forget to leave a comment to let me know which ones you tried/liked/enjoyed!
MTV Admits VMA Illuminati Rituals Pre-Planned – Externalization of the Hierarchy Has Begun (Video)
Mark Dice is a media analyst, political activist, and author who, in an entertaining and educational way, gets people to question our celebrity obsessed culture, and the role the mainstream media and elite secret societies play in shaping our lives.
Ramadan’s Rituals in Outer Space
It is known from the Qur’an that Adam (Peace be Upon Him) was favored over the angels by virtue of the knowledge given to him by Allah.
PASS THE KNOWLEDGE (LIGHT & LIFE) 