When Will Judgment Day Come?
There have been numerous claims lately that Judgment Day may come either on May 21st of this year, or on 21 November 2012. Throughout history, there have been people who tried and failed to predict the end of the world. For Muslims, such talk is nonsense. While Muslims do believe in a Day of Judgment and a life after death, the Quran clearly states that the exact time is known only to God:
Men ask you of the Hour. Say: The knowledge of it is with God only. What can convey to you that maybe the Hour is near? (Quran 33:63)
The threatened hour is near. None beside God can disclose it. Are you surprised then at this statement? (Quran 53:57-59)
Life after Death
Death is a natural event that none of us can escape. Throughout time, religions have tried to explain what happens to us after death.
Muslims believe that a person's soul leaves the body and awaits a final Day of Judgment before God. At the time of that Judgment, God will show mercy and justice and decide who will be rewarded and who will be punished. He will reward those who have “believed and worked deeds of righteousness” with eternal paradise, called Jannah (the Garden). As for those who have rejected faith and done evil, Allah will either forgive them in His mercy, or punish them in eternal Hellfire, called Jahannam (a word related to other Arabic words that mean “displeasure,” “ignorance,” and “frown”).
This Life and the Hereafter
Muslims live their lives — work, marry, and raise children — with the Hereafter in mind. They strive to use every opportunity to deepen their faith in God, follow His guidance, and do good deeds. It is very easy to get caught up in the hustle and bustle of life without a thought to what comes next. In Islamic terms, the life we are living now is called the dunya — something earthly, temporal, and low.
The Islamic term taqwa is used to describe how human beings should relate to God. While it is often translated as “fear God,” a more accurate meaning would be “to approach God with piety and reverence.” Muslims are not afraid of God but revere Him and strive to do His will.
The Hereafter is what Muslims believe is most important; in Islamic terminology, it is called the akhirah, “the end” or “the last.” The akhirah is what is to come at the end of our lives here, and the final aim of all believers is to be in a good place for the rest of eternity. To this end, Muslims try not to get distracted from their true purpose: to worship God and to strive in righteousness. The Qur'an reminds: “Oh you who believe! Revere God, and let every soul look to what he has sent forth for tomorrow [the Hereafter]. Yes, revere God, for God is Well-Acquainted with all that you do. And do not be like those who forgot God, and He made them forget themselves. Such are the rebellious transgressors” (Qur'an 59:18–19).
Salvation in God
Muslims believe that God is merciful and compassionate and does not require of us more than we can handle. In Islam, salvation requires piety and good action but is only possible through the Mercy of God. To keep this knowledge at the forefront of believers' minds, nearly all of the chapters of the Qur'an begin with the phrase, “In the name of Allah, Most Gracious, Most Merciful.”
In the Qur'an, God promises the reward of Paradise for those who show piety and reverence to Him, who conduct themselves in accordance with their faith, who obey His will and law, who make sacrifices for His sake, and who repent of their misconduct. The important thing is to make a sincere effort to live as God has requested, for God knows our hearts and our intentions.
Despite our best efforts, we will always fall short. We are human and we all make mistakes. Muslims believe that God, the One Who created us, knows this and shows us mercy. We do not “earn” our way into Heaven; only by the Mercy and Grace of God does He reward our efforts.
Above all, Allah is quick to forgive and show mercy to those who struggle, make errors, and then repent. “If anyone errs or wrongs his own soul, but afterwards seeks Allah's forgiveness, he will find Allah Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful” (Qur'an 4:110).
The Soul's Temporary Dwelling Place
What actually happens to our souls when we die? Islam teaches that at the moment of death, the Angel of Death comes to remove the soul from the body. The souls of good people are lifted out gently, while the souls of wicked people are yanked out with terrifying force.
After the soul is lifted from the body, the angels carry it up to the gates of Heaven. There the person will become aware of whether he or she is destined for Heaven or Hell. Then God orders the soul to be returned to earth.
When the soul is returned to the earth, it rests in the grave until the Day of Resurrection. Muhammad taught that the soul rests in the company of angels, who question the person about his or her beliefs. They ask three questions: Who is your Lord? Who was your prophet? What was your way of life?
Muslims reject the belief that the souls of the departed may dwell among human beings, interact with them, harm or benefit them, or communicate with them. Islam teaches that the dead stay in the grave until the Day of Resurrection.
If the soul responds adequately to these questions, then the angels give it pleasant company, and the grave begins to seem spacious and comfortable. If the person shows rejection of God in the answers, then the space of the grave begins to seem tight and suffocating. The angels will torment such souls until the Day of Judgment. This is known as the punishment of the grave.
The Day of Resurrection
Muslims believe that the entire world will come to an end on one appointed day, when everything will be annihilated. The Qur'an describes the Day of Resurrection (Youm al-Qiyama) as follows: “When the sky bursts apart, when planets are dispersed, when the seas spill forth, when graves are overturned, then each soul will know what it sent forward and what it left behind” (Qur'an 82:1–5).
At the moment of the final Hour, a trumpet will call the people to assembly. This trumpet will be blown by the angel Israfeel (Raphael), and will notify people that the time of Judgment has arrived. All living creatures, all people past and present, will be gathered together before God. There will be a mass panic as everyone starts worrying about the coming Judgment. “Then when the Trumpet is blown, there will be no more relationships between them that day, nor will one ask after another” (Qur'an 23:101).
Signs of the Hour
When will this Day come? When people asked Muhammad, he would always answer that this knowledge was with God alone. However, according to several traditions, he did indicate that some major and minor signs would appear before the day arrived.
Minor Signs
The Prophet Muhammad specified several “minor” signs that would appear as the end times approach. Among them:
Shepherds will begin competing in the construction of tall buildings.
Drinking and fornication will increase; killing will increase.
Earthquakes will increase in number.
Knowledge of Islam will be taken away, while ignorance will increase.
Time will be shortened so that a year will be like a month, a month like a day, a day like an hour.
There are dozens more of these minor signs, and Muslims notice that many of them have already begun to appear. But that doesn't necessarily mean that the Day of Judgment could come at any moment. There will also be “major” signs that signify that the Hour is imminent.
Major Signs
The Prophet Muhammad described several major events that will indicate that the Day of Resurrection is near. These include:
Dajjal (the anti-Christ) will appear, claiming to be God and trying to deceive people away from true faith. Only unbelievers will follow him.
Jesus Christ will return to earth.
Two tribes of people (Gog and Magog) will ravage the earth.
The sun will rise from the west.
The Day of Judgment
The Qur'an describes the Day of Judgment as a day of happiness for the believers and a day of panic and fear for those who rejected God. God will sort the people into groups, review their records, and either bless them with His Mercy or punish them. God is a perfect Judge, and He will be balanced and fair, taking into account every aspect of a person's life. “On that Day will men proceed in groups sorted out, to be shown the deeds that they had done. Then shall anyone who has done an atom's weight of good, see it! And anyone who has done an atom's weight of evil shall see it” (Qur'an 99:6–8).
Islam contends that it is not consistent with God's perfect Justice that all people be treated the same, whether they were good or bad, whether they believed or disbelieved. Rather, God's Justice requires that there should be reward for faith and good works and punishment for disbelief and evil works. God's Mercy overshadows all.
The Book of Deeds
Every person on earth will have a book that contains a record of everything he or she said or did during his or her lifetime. The Qur'an explains the reaction people will have when reading their own book: “And the Book will be placed before you. And you will see the sinful in great terror, because of what is recorded therein. They will say, ‘Oh, woe to us! What book is this? It leaves out nothing, great or small, but takes account of it.’ They will find all that they did, placed before them. And not one will your Lord treat with injustice” (Qur'an 18:49).
Personal Responsibility
On the Day of Judgment, each person will be responsible only for his or her own faith and actions. In Islam, there is no concept of original sin or any sort of “fall from grace” of mankind. Islam rejects the notion of atonement, that someone (even God Himself) could sacrifice himself to save others. According to the Qur'an, “Who receives guidance, receives it for his own benefit; who goes astray does so to his own loss. No bearer of burdens can bear the burden of another, nor would We punish until We had sent a messenger to give warning” (Qur'an 17:15).
The Scales of Justice
The Qur'an describes how God will use perfect scales of justice to weigh a person's good and evil deeds. “We shall set up scales of justice for the Day of Judgment, so that not a soul will be dealt with unjustly in the least. And if there be no more than the weight of a mustard seed, We will bring it into account” (Qur'an 21:47).
Based on the results, a person will find reward in Paradise, or punishment in Hell. “Then those whose balance of good deeds is heavy, they will be successful. But those whose balance is light will be those who have lost their souls. In Hell will they abide” (Qur'an 23:102–103). Throughout this process, God will show compassion and mercy to those who strove to believe and do the right thing.
The Bridge over Hell
Islam teaches that after the Judgment, people will cross a bridge called As-Siraat (the Path). This bridge is described as being sharper than a sword and thinner than a strand of hair. Those crossing the bridge will look down and see the horrors of Hell. The blessed will go on to the open gates of Paradise, where angels will greet them in peace and welcome them. Those who are destined for punishment in Hell will fall off the bridge into the pit below.
Rewards of Heaven
The Qur'an describes a beautiful and wonderful place that awaits those who believe in God and do righteous good deeds. It is a place of peace, with rivers and fruits, sweet smells, goblets of gold, and the shade of God Himself. The Qur'an warns that the reality of paradise exceeds the limits of our knowledge and comprehension. “No person knows what delights of the eye are kept hidden in reserve for them, as a reward for their good deeds” (32:17). Muhammad also reported that God said, “I have prepared for My righteous slaves that which no eye has seen, no ear has heard and has never crossed the mind of any human being.”
The Qur'an is clear that both men and women will dwell in the Garden. “God has promised to believers, men and women, Gardens underneath which rivers flow, to dwell therein, and beautiful mansions in Gardens everlasting. But the greatest bliss is the good pleasure of God; that is the supreme felicity” (Qur'an 9:72).
Peace in Paradise
The people of the Garden will be happy and peaceful. “The righteous will be amid gardens and fountains. Their greeting will be, ‘Enter here, in peace and security.’ And We shall remove from their hearts any lurking sense of injury. They will be like brothers, joyfully facing each other on thrones [of dignity]. There, no sense of fatigue shall touch them, nor shall they ever be asked to leave” (Qur'an 15:45–48).
The Qur'an also describes that they will experience pure joy and no sense of wickedness. “No frivolity will they hear therein, nor any mischief. Only the saying, ‘Peace! Peace!’” (Qur'an 56:25–26). “Verily the companions of the Garden shall that day have joy in all that they do. They and their associates will be in pleasant shade, reclining on couches of dignity. Every fruit will be there for them; they shall have whatever they call for. ‘Peace!’ — a word of salutation from a Lord Most Merciful” (Qur'an 36:55–58).
God's Company
The greatest reward for those in the Garden will be the company and pleasure of God. Beyond the comfortable surroundings, people will feel peaceful joy in the presence of their Lord. Muhammad said, “Then the screen will be removed and they will look towards Him. By God, He will not give them a thing more beloved to them and more comforting to their eyes, than the gaze of Himself.” Heaven in Islam is not merely a physical reward; spiritual redemption is the highest goal.
The Levels of Paradise
The Qur'an indicates that some people will be higher (more respected and closer to God) than others. There will be different levels, and people will be assigned to these levels based on the strength of their faith and the purity of their hearts. “And those foremost (in faith) will be foremost (in the Hereafter). These will be those nearest to God, in Gardens of Bliss” (56:10–12).
The idea that there are seventy-two virgins awaiting each righteous man in Paradise is a misinterpretation of Islamic teaching. The Qur'an mentions “companions” for all believers, men and women. The Arabic word for “companions” (plural of houri) does not have a sexual connotation. Indeed, the Qur'an uses the same word to refer to the disciples of Jesus.
Muhammad once told his followers that the highest level of Paradise is reserved for those who sacrifice their lives for the sake of God, martyred for a righteous cause. A person who helps widows and the poor will be at the same level. “They will have the pleasure of occupying the highest dwellings in Paradise. Your Lord will smile at them, and whenever your Lord smiles upon any of His servants, that person will not be brought to account,” he said.
Punishments of Hell
Just as those who believe and do good deeds are rewarded for their efforts, those who reject God and rebel against His laws will face punishment in the Hereafter. Hell is described as a fierce fire that will consume and punish those within it. But beyond the pain and torment of the fire, the ultimate punishment is the shame and disgrace before God. “Our Lord! Any whom You admit to the Fire, truly You cover them with shame. And never will wrongdoers find any helpers” (Qur'an 3:192).
Just as Paradise contains levels within it, the Fire of Hell contain levels with varying degrees of heat and intensity. People will be placed therein depending on the extent of their disbelief and sins. The Qur'an indicates that “the hypocrites will be in the lowest depths of the Fire” (Qu'ran 4:145).
Descriptions of the Fire
The Fire of Hell is described throughout the Qur'an to serve as a warning to people about the consequences of the choices they make in life. It is said to be a place of intense heat and suffering, with boiling water, hot wind, and black smoke. People are burned, dragged along in chains, and constantly tormented. They are given putrid liquid to drink and thorny, bitter plants to eat. There is no relief for those who are consumed by the punishment: “So taste the results of your evil; no increase shall We give you, except in torment” (78:30). Indeed, people themselves will supply the fuel for the Fire; the Qur'an repeatedly says that Hellfire is “fueled by men and stones.”
Who Will Be Punished?
The only people who will be punished in Hell eternally with no chance of escape are those who disbelieve in God and associate others with Him in their worship. The Qur'an says, “But those who reject God, for them will be the Fire of Hell. No term shall be appointed for them, so they should die, nor shall its punishment be lightened for them. Thus do We reward every ungrateful one!” (35:36).
The Qur'an says, “Those who reject faith, and die rejecting, on them is God's curse, and the curse of the angels, and of all mankind. They will abide therein [Hell]. Their penalty will not be lightened, nor will respite be their lot” (Qur'an 2:161–162).
Hypocrites are equated with disbelievers, and they face the same punishment. “The hypocrites, men and women, are alike. They enjoin evil, and forbid what is just, and tighten their purse strings. They have forgotten God, so He has forgotten them. Verily the hypocrites are rebellious and perverse. God has promised the hypocrites, men and women, and the rejecters of faith, the Fire of Hell. Therein shall they dwell; sufficient is it for them. For them is the curse of God, and an enduring punishment” (Qur'an 9:68–69).
Those who believe in God may spend a short time in Hell, in punishment for sins they committed during their lives. Sins such as arrogance, pride, murder, envy, lying, oppression, promiscuity, slander, miserliness, or cowardice may be punished if they are not repented before death. Similarly, one may be punished for transgressing God's limits or for being neglectful of one's duties to God.
Despite the vivid and horrific images of the punishment of Hell, the overwhelming message in the Qur'an is one of God's Mercy and Compassion. Nearly every chapter of the Qur'an begins with the phrase, “In the Name of God, the Compassionate, the Merciful.” That message is repeated throughout the Qur'an to offer hope to those who turn to Him in repentance and humility.
Allah's Names and Attributes
The Qur'an calls upon Muslims to remember Allah, the One True Almighty God, and to call only upon Him for guidance and help. In the Qur'an, Allah describes Himself to us: the Compassionate, the Merciful, the Loving, the Just. There are dozens of such "names," or attributes, to describe the One True Almighty God in terms that we can understand. In Surah Al-Hashr (59:22-24), the Qur'an says:
"Allah is He, other than Whom there is no other god.
Who knows all things, both secret and open.
He, Most Gracious, Most Merciful.
Allah is He, other than Whom there is no other god.
The Sovereign, the Holy One, the Source of Peace, the Guardian of Faith,
the Preserver of Safety, the Exalted in Might, the Irresistible, the justly Proud.
Glory to Allah! High is He above the partners they attribute to Him.
He is Allah, the Creator, the Originator, the Fashioner.
To Him belong the Most Beautiful Names.
Whatever is in the heavens and on earth declare His Praises and Glory.
And He is Exalted in Might, the Wise."
To fully understand the depth and meaning of all of these beautiful names, one really needs to ponder and think about them. For example, Allah is the All-Hearer (Al-Basir). Think about it - Allah hears everything, from the buzz of a mosquito's wings, to the rustle of the wind. Every conversation spoken, every thought that you keep to yourself. Language is no barrier, for Allah understands all. To truly ponder on the majesty of Allah makes one humble.
This is what Allah calls us to do - to understand Him through His attributes and names, realize His Omnipotence and Majesty, call upon Him, and humble ourselves to Him.
Names of Allah
In the Qur'an, Allah uses dozens of different "names" or attributes, to describe Himself to us. These names help us to understand God's nature in terms that we can understand. These names are known as Asmaa al-Husna (The Most Beautiful Names).
Some Muslims believe that there are ninety-nine such names for God, based on one statement of the Prophet Muhammad. However, the published lists of names are not consistent; some names appear in some lists but not others. There is not a single agreed-upon list which includes only 99 names, and many scholars feel that such a list was never explicitly given by the Prophet Muhammad.
The list below consists of the most common and agreed-upon names, which were explicitly stated in the Qur'an or hadith.
Allah - The single, proper name for God in Islam
Ar-Rahman - The Compassionate, The Beneficent
Ar-Raheem - The Merciful
Al-Malik - The King, The Sovereign Lord
Al-Quddoos - The Holy
As-Salaam - The Source of Peace
Al-Mu'min - The Guardian of Faith
Al-Muhaimin - The Protector
Al-'Aziz - The Mighty, The Strong
Al-Jabbaar - The Compeller
Al-Mutakabbir - The Majestic
Al-Khaaliq - The Creator
Al-Bari' - The Evolver, The Maker
Al-Musawwir - The Fashioner
Al-Ghaffaar - The Great Forgiver
Al-Qahhaar - The Subduer, The Dominant
Al-Wahhaab - The Bestower
Al-Razzaaq - The Sustainer, The Provider
Al-Fattaah - The Opener, The Reliever
Al-'Aleem - The All-Knowing
Al-Qaabid - The Retainer
Al-Baasit - The Expander
Al-Khaafid - The Abaser
Al-Raafi' - The Exalter
Al-Mu'iz - The Honorer
Al-Muthil - The Humiliator
As-Samee' - The All-Hearing
Al-Baseer - The All-Seeing
Al-Hakam - The Judge
Al-'Adl - The Just
Al-Lateef - The Subtle One
Al-Khabeer - The Aware
Al-Haleem - The Forebearing
Al-'Azeem - The Great One
Al-Ghafoor - The All-Forgiving
Ash-Shakoor - The Grateful
Al-'Aliyy - The Most High
Al-Kabeer - The Great
Al-Hafeez - The Preserver
Al-Muqeet - The Maintainer
Al-Haseeb - The Reckoner
Al-Jaleel - The Sublime One
Al-Kareem - The Generous
Ar-Raqeeb - The Watcher
Al-Mujeeb - The Responsive
Al-Wasi' - The Vast
Al-Hakeem - The Wise
Al-Wadood - The Loving
Al-Majeed - The Glorious
Al-Ba'ith - The Resurrector
Ash-Shaheed - The Witness
Al-Haqq - The Truth
Al-Wakeel - The Trustee
Al-Qawiyy - The Strong
Al-Mateen - The Firm One
Al-Waliyy - The Supporter
Al-Hameed - The Praiseworthy
Al-Muhsee - The Counter
Al-Mubdi' - The Originator
Al-Mu'eed - The Reproducer
Al-Muhyi - The Restorer
Al-Mumeet - The Destroyer
Al-Hayy - The Alive
Al-Qayyoom - The Self-Subsisting
Al-Waajid - The Perceiver
Al-Waahid - The Unique
Al-Ahad - The One
As-Samad - The Eternal
Al-Qaadir - The Able
Al-Muqtadir - The Powerful
Al-Muqaddim - The Expediter
Al-Mu'akh-khir - The Delayer
Al-'Awwal - The First
Al-'Akhir - The Last
Az-Zaahir - The Manifest
Al-Baatin - The Hidden
Al-Walee - The Governor
Al-Muta'ali - The Most Exalted
Al-Barr - The Source of All Goodness
At-Tawwaab - The Acceptor of Repentance
Al-Muntaqim - The Avenger
Al-'Afuww - The Pardoner
Ar-Ra'uf - The Compassionate
Malik Al-Mulk - The King of Kings
Thul-Jalali wal-Ikram - The Lord of Majesty and Bounty
Al-Muqsit - The Equitable
Al-Jaami' - The Gatherer
Al-Ghaniyy - The Self-Sufficient
Al-Mughni - The Enricher
Al-Maani' - The Preventer
Ad-Daarr - The Distresser
An-Nafi' - The Propitious
An-Noor - The Light
Al-Haadi - The Guide
Al-Badi' - The Incomparable
Al-Baaqi - The Everlasting
Al-Waarith - The Inheritor
Ar-Rasheed - The Guide to the Right Path
As-Saboor - The Patient
Aren't there some verses of the Qur'an that condone "killing the infidel"?
The Qur'an commands Muslims to stick up for themselves in a defensive battle -- i.e. if an enemy army attacks, then Muslims are to fight against that army until they stop their aggression. All of the verses that speak about fighting/war in the Qur'an are in this context.
There are some specific verses that are very often "snipped" out of context, either by critics of Islam discussing "jihadism," or by misguided Muslims themselves who wish to justify their aggressive tactics.
"Slay Them" - If They Attack You First
For example, one verse (in its snipped version) reads: "slay them wherever you catch them" (Qur'an 2:191). But who is this referring to? Who are "they" that this verse discusses? The preceding and following verses give the correct context:
"Fight in the cause of God those who fight you, but do not transgress limits; for God loves not transgressors. And slay them wherever you catch them, and turn them out from where they have turned you out; for tumult and oppression are worse than slaughter... But if they cease, God is Oft-forgiving, Most Merciful... If they cease, let there be no hostility except to those who practice oppression" (2:190-193).
It is clear from the context that these verses are discussing a defensive war, when a Muslim community is attacked without reason, oppressed and prevented from practicing their faith. In these circumstances, permission is given to fight back -- but even then Muslims are instructed not to transgress limits, and to cease fighting as soon as the attacker gives up. Even in these circumstances, Muslim are only to fight directly against those who are attacking them, not innocent bystanders or non-combatants.
"Fight the Pagans" - If They Break Treaties
A similar verse can be found in chapter 9, verse 5 -- which in its snipped, out of context version could read: "fight and slay the pagans wherever ye find them, and seize them, beleaguer them, and lie in wait for them in every stratagem (of war)." Again, the preceding and following verses give the context.
This verse was revealed during a historical period when the small Muslim community had entered into treaties with neighboring tribes (Jewish, Christian, and pagan). Several of the pagan tribes had violated the terms of their treaty, secretly aiding an enemy attack against the Muslim community. The verse directly before this one instructs the Muslims to continue to honor treaties with anyone who has not since betrayed them, because fulfilling agreements is considered a righteous action. Then the verse continues, that those who have violated the terms of the treaty have declared war, so fight them... (as quoted above).
Directly after this permission to fight, the same verse continues, "but if they repent, and establish regular prayers and practice regular charity, then open the way for them... for God is Oft-forgiving, Most Merciful." The subsequent verses instruct the Muslims to grant asylum to any member of the pagan tribe/army who asks for it, and again reminds that "as long as these stand true to you, stand ye true to them: for God loves the righteous."
Conclusion
Any verse that is quoted out of context misses the whole point of the message of the Qur'an. Nowhere in the Qur'an can be found support for indiscriminate slaughter, the killing of non-combatants, or murder of innocent persons in 'payback' for another people's alleged crimes.
The Islamic teachings on this subject can be summed up in the following verses (Qur'an 60:7-8):
"It may be that God will grant love (and friendship) between you and those whom ye (now) hold as enemies. For God has power (over all things), and God is Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful.
God does not forbid you, with regard to those who fight you not for (your) faith nor drive you out of your homes, from dealing kindly and justly with them: for God loves those who are just."
There are some specific verses that are very often "snipped" out of context, either by critics of Islam discussing "jihadism," or by misguided Muslims themselves who wish to justify their aggressive tactics.
"Slay Them" - If They Attack You First
For example, one verse (in its snipped version) reads: "slay them wherever you catch them" (Qur'an 2:191). But who is this referring to? Who are "they" that this verse discusses? The preceding and following verses give the correct context:
"Fight in the cause of God those who fight you, but do not transgress limits; for God loves not transgressors. And slay them wherever you catch them, and turn them out from where they have turned you out; for tumult and oppression are worse than slaughter... But if they cease, God is Oft-forgiving, Most Merciful... If they cease, let there be no hostility except to those who practice oppression" (2:190-193).
It is clear from the context that these verses are discussing a defensive war, when a Muslim community is attacked without reason, oppressed and prevented from practicing their faith. In these circumstances, permission is given to fight back -- but even then Muslims are instructed not to transgress limits, and to cease fighting as soon as the attacker gives up. Even in these circumstances, Muslim are only to fight directly against those who are attacking them, not innocent bystanders or non-combatants.
"Fight the Pagans" - If They Break Treaties
A similar verse can be found in chapter 9, verse 5 -- which in its snipped, out of context version could read: "fight and slay the pagans wherever ye find them, and seize them, beleaguer them, and lie in wait for them in every stratagem (of war)." Again, the preceding and following verses give the context.
This verse was revealed during a historical period when the small Muslim community had entered into treaties with neighboring tribes (Jewish, Christian, and pagan). Several of the pagan tribes had violated the terms of their treaty, secretly aiding an enemy attack against the Muslim community. The verse directly before this one instructs the Muslims to continue to honor treaties with anyone who has not since betrayed them, because fulfilling agreements is considered a righteous action. Then the verse continues, that those who have violated the terms of the treaty have declared war, so fight them... (as quoted above).
Directly after this permission to fight, the same verse continues, "but if they repent, and establish regular prayers and practice regular charity, then open the way for them... for God is Oft-forgiving, Most Merciful." The subsequent verses instruct the Muslims to grant asylum to any member of the pagan tribe/army who asks for it, and again reminds that "as long as these stand true to you, stand ye true to them: for God loves the righteous."
Conclusion
Any verse that is quoted out of context misses the whole point of the message of the Qur'an. Nowhere in the Qur'an can be found support for indiscriminate slaughter, the killing of non-combatants, or murder of innocent persons in 'payback' for another people's alleged crimes.
The Islamic teachings on this subject can be summed up in the following verses (Qur'an 60:7-8):
"It may be that God will grant love (and friendship) between you and those whom ye (now) hold as enemies. For God has power (over all things), and God is Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful.
God does not forbid you, with regard to those who fight you not for (your) faith nor drive you out of your homes, from dealing kindly and justly with them: for God loves those who are just."
Allah (God) in Islam
The most fundamental belief that a Muslim has is that "There is only One God," the Creator, the Sustainer -- known in the Arabic language and by Muslims as Allah. Allah is not a foreign god, nor an idol. Arabic-speaking Christians use the same word for the Almighty.
The fundamental pillar of faith in Islam is to declare that "there is no deity worthy of worship except the One True Almighty God" (in Arabic: "La ilaha ill Allah").
God's Nature
In the Qur'an, we read that Allah is Compassionate and Merciful. He is Kind, Loving, and Wise. He is the Creator, the Sustainer, the Healer. He is the One who Guides, the One who Protects, the One who Forgives. There are traditionally ninety-nine names, or attributes, that Muslims use to describe Allah's nature.
A "Moon God"?
Some non-Muslims mistakenly think that Allah is an "Arab god," a "moon god," or some sort of idol. Allah is the proper name of the One True God, in the Arabic language used by Muslims all over the world. Allah is a name that is neither feminine nor masculine, and it cannot be made plural (unlike god, gods, goddess, etc). Muslims believe that there is nothing in the heavens nor on earth that deserves worship except Allah, the One True Creator.
Tawhid - The Unity of God
Islam is based on the concept of Tawhid, or Unity of God. Muslims are strictly monotheistic, and fiercely reject any attempt to make God visible or human. Islam rejects any form of idol worship, even if its intention is to get "closer" to God, and rejects the Trinity or any attempt to make God human.
Quotes From the Qur'an
"Say, 'He is Allah, the One;
Allah, the Eternal, Absolute;
He begets not, and neither is He begotten;
And there is nothing that can be compared to Him."
Qur'an 112:1-4
In Muslim understanding, God is beyond our sight and understanding, yet at the same time "nearer to us than our jugular vein" (Qur'an 50:16). Muslims pray directly to God, with no intermediary, and seek guidance from Him alone, because "...Allah knows well the secrets of your hearts" (Qur'an 5:7).
"When My servants ask thee concerning Me,
I am indeed close (to them).
I respond to the prayer of every suppliant
when he calls on Me.
Let them also, with a will,
Listen to My call, and believe in Me,
that they may walk in the right way."
Qur'an 2:186
In the Qur'an, people are asked to look around them for the signs of Allah in the natural world. The balance of the world, the rhythms of life, are "signs for those who would believe." The universe is in perfect order: the orbits of the planets, the cycles of life and death, the seasons of the year, the mountains and the rivers, the mysteries of the human body. This order and balance are not haphazard nor random. The world, and everything in it, has been created with a perfect plan, by the One who knows all.
Islam is a natural faith, a religion of responsibility, purpose, balance, discipline, and simplicity. To be a Muslim is to live your life remembering God and striving to follow His merciful guidance.
4 tips to write business emails
Businesses live and breathe by email. It's no longer uncommon to work regularly with people you've never met, with the interactions carried out entirely through calls and email.
Whether you think this is good or bad, it's here to stay, and how you compose an email speaks to your professionalism, reliability, and image, and it represents, by extension, your company or place of work.
Formality
Formality used to be a given in business correspondence, but no longer. Follow the same pattern in an email that you would face-to-face if your new client has been introduced to you as Brian, or if that is what the rest of the team calls him, you don't need to revert to Mr. Carson in a follow-up email. But the reverse also applies: until asked to call him Brian, stick with Mr. Carson.
When in doubt, defer to the formal: use Mr. for men, Ms. for women. It's far easier to respond to, "Oh, call me Kara," than, "Actually, it's Ms. Pomerantz."
Hello and goodbye
Most emails are only a few lines at most, but the recipient is still worth a salutation and closing: "Dear" remains both standard and formal, "Hello" is professional and friendly, "Hi" is casual and conversational. Avoid "Hey"; it may sound jaunty to some, but to others it can read as a verbal jab. There are a multitude of options for closings.
When in doubt "Sincerely" or "Regards" are both safe bets. Other variations on this theme include, "Best regards," "Kind regards," "Best wishes," "Sincere regards," "Thank you," and "Many thanks," to name just a few. More casually are, "Take care" and "Talk soon."
When an email chain deepens, it's fine to drop greetings, as the tone is now a back-and-forth conversation.
Avoid those smileys
To smiley or not to smiley, that is the question. Unless you are absolutely certain an emoticon will be received well, avoid using them. To unsympathetic eyes, or simply to someone who doesn't know you well, they look juvenile in business. The same applies to the use of abbreviations, such as "ttyl" ("talk to you later") and "lmk" ("let me know").
Shorthand isn't wrong; but it only serves you and your professionalism well if received well (or at least with notice), so consider your audience first. The use of all caps always denotes shouting, so unless you are shouting congratulations, get calm and pick up the phone or visit a colleague to discuss differences of opinion.
Signing Off
Signature blocks can be helpful, especially when they contain the basic alternate means of contact: mailing address, telephone, mobile or fax numbers, and perhaps a website. Signature blocks run the risk of becoming weighty anchors at the bottom of a message when they include too many promotional links, websites, or social networking invitations.
Keep inspiration quotes for personal email accounts.
(Reuters)
Whether you think this is good or bad, it's here to stay, and how you compose an email speaks to your professionalism, reliability, and image, and it represents, by extension, your company or place of work.
Formality
Formality used to be a given in business correspondence, but no longer. Follow the same pattern in an email that you would face-to-face if your new client has been introduced to you as Brian, or if that is what the rest of the team calls him, you don't need to revert to Mr. Carson in a follow-up email. But the reverse also applies: until asked to call him Brian, stick with Mr. Carson.
When in doubt, defer to the formal: use Mr. for men, Ms. for women. It's far easier to respond to, "Oh, call me Kara," than, "Actually, it's Ms. Pomerantz."
Hello and goodbye
Most emails are only a few lines at most, but the recipient is still worth a salutation and closing: "Dear" remains both standard and formal, "Hello" is professional and friendly, "Hi" is casual and conversational. Avoid "Hey"; it may sound jaunty to some, but to others it can read as a verbal jab. There are a multitude of options for closings.
When in doubt "Sincerely" or "Regards" are both safe bets. Other variations on this theme include, "Best regards," "Kind regards," "Best wishes," "Sincere regards," "Thank you," and "Many thanks," to name just a few. More casually are, "Take care" and "Talk soon."
When an email chain deepens, it's fine to drop greetings, as the tone is now a back-and-forth conversation.
Avoid those smileys
To smiley or not to smiley, that is the question. Unless you are absolutely certain an emoticon will be received well, avoid using them. To unsympathetic eyes, or simply to someone who doesn't know you well, they look juvenile in business. The same applies to the use of abbreviations, such as "ttyl" ("talk to you later") and "lmk" ("let me know").
Shorthand isn't wrong; but it only serves you and your professionalism well if received well (or at least with notice), so consider your audience first. The use of all caps always denotes shouting, so unless you are shouting congratulations, get calm and pick up the phone or visit a colleague to discuss differences of opinion.
Signing Off
Signature blocks can be helpful, especially when they contain the basic alternate means of contact: mailing address, telephone, mobile or fax numbers, and perhaps a website. Signature blocks run the risk of becoming weighty anchors at the bottom of a message when they include too many promotional links, websites, or social networking invitations.
Keep inspiration quotes for personal email accounts.
(Reuters)
Highlights of Union Budget 2011-2012
Finance minister Pranab Mukherjee on Monday presented to Parliament India's budget for the coming financial year beginning in April.
Following are the highlights of the budget:
TAXES ( Read full story on taxes )
* Standard rate of excise duty held at 10 percent; no change in CENVAT rates
* Personal income tax exemption limit raised to Rs 180,000 from Rs 160,000 for individual tax payers
*For senior citizens, the qualifying age reduced to 60 years and exemption limit raised to Rs 2.50 lakh.
*Citizens over 80 years to have exemption limit of Rs 5 lakh.
* To reduce surcharge on domestic companies to 5 percent from 7.5 percent.
* A new revised income tax return form 'Sugam' to be introduced for small tax papers.
* To raise minimum alternate tax to 18.5 percent from 18 percent ( Read story )
* Direct tax proposals to cause 115 billion rupees in revenue loss
* Service tax rate kept at 10 percent
* Customs and excise proposals to result in net revenue gain of 73 billion rupees
* Iron ore export duty raised to 20 percent
*Nominal one per cent central excise duty on 130 items entering the tax net. Basic food and fuel and precious stones, gold and silver jewellery will be exempted.
*Peak rate of customs duty maintained at 10 per cent in view of the global economic situation.
*Basic customs duty on agricultural machinery reduced to 4.5 per cent from 5 per cent.
*Service tax widened to cover hotel accommodation above Rs 1,000 per day, A/C restaurants serving liquor, some category of hospitals, diagnostic tests.
*Service tax on air travel increased by Rs 50 for domestic travel and Rs 250 for international travel in economy class. On higher classes, it will be ten per cent flat.
* Electronic filing of TDS returns at source stabilised; simplified forms to be introduced for small taxpayers.
* Works of art exempt from customs when imported for exhibition in state-run institutions; this now extended to private institutions.
SUBSIDIES ( Read: Direct cash subsidy on fuel, fertilizers by March, 2012 )
* Subsidy bill in 2011-12 seen at 1.44 trillion rupees
* Food subsidy bill in 2011-12 seen at 605.7 billion rupees
* Revised food subsidy bill for 2010-11 at 606 billion rupees
* Fertiliser subsidy bill in 2011-12 seen at 500 billion rupees
* Revised fertiliser subsidy bill for 2010-11 at 550 billion rupees
* Petroleum subsidy bill in 2011-12 seen at 236.4 billion rupees
* Revised petroleum subsidy bill in 2010-11 at 384 billion rupees
* State-run oil retailers to be provided with 200 billion rupee cash subsidy in 2011-12
FISCAL DEFICIT ( Read full story )
* Fiscal deficit seen at 5.1 percent of GDP in 2010-11
* Fiscal deficit seen at 4.6 percent of GDP in 2011-12
* Fiscal deficit seen at 3.5 percent of GDP in 2013-14
SPENDING
* Total expenditure in 2011-12 seen at 12.58 trillion rupees
* Plan expenditure seen at 4.41 trillion rupees in 2011-12, up 18.3 percent
REVENUE
* Gross tax receipts seen at 9.32 trillion rupees in 2011-12
* Non-tax revenue seen at 1.25 trillion rupees in 2011-12
* Corporate tax receipts seen at 3.6 trillion rupees in 2011-12
* Tax-to-GDP ratio seen at 10.4 percent in 2011-12; seen at 10.8 percent in 2012-13
* Customs revenue seen at 1.52 trillion rupees in 2011-12
* Factory gate duties seen at 1.64 trillion rupees in 2011-12
*Service tax receipts seen at 820 billion rupees in 2011-12
* Revenue gain from indirect tax proposals seen at 113 billion rupees in 2011-12
* Service tax proposals to result in net revenue gain of 40 billion rupees in 2011-12
GROWTH, INFLATION EXPECTATIONS ( Read: Inflation remains principal concern )
* Economy expected to grow at 9 percent in 2012, plus or minus 0.25 percent
* Inflation seen lower in the financial year 2011-12
DISINVESTMENT
* Disinvestment in 2011-12 seen at 400 billion rupees
* Government committed to retaining 51 percent stake in public sector enterprises.
BORROWING
* Net market borrowing for 2011-12 seen at 3.43 trillion rupees, down from 3.45 trillion rupees in 2010-11
* Gross market borrowing for 2011-12 seen at 4.17 trillion rupees
* Revised gross market borrowing for 2010-11 at 4.47 trillion rupees
POLICY REFORMS
* To create infrastructure debt funds
* FDI policy being liberalised.
* To boost infrastructure development with tax-free bonds of 300 billion rupees
* Food security bill to be introduced this year
* To permit SEBI registered mutual funds to access subscriptions from foreign investments
* Raised foreign institutional investor limit in 5-year corporate bonds for investment in infrastructure by $20 billion
* Setting up independent debt management office; Public debt bill to be introduced in parliament soon
* Bills on insurance, pension funds, banking to be introduced.
*Constitution Amendment Bill for introduction of GST regime in this session.
*New Companies Bill to be introduced in current session
SECTOR SPENDING
* To allocate more than 1.64 trillion rupees to defence sector in 2011-12 (Read: 11% hike in defence allocation )
* Corpus of rural infrastructure development fund raised to 180 billion rupees in 2011-12
* To provide 201.5 billion rupees capital infusion in state-run banks in 2011-12
* To allocate 520.5 billion rupees for the education sector. Rs.21,000 crore for Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan. ( Read full story )
* To raise health sector allocation to 267.6 billion rupees (Read: 20% hike in health budget )
* Rs.500 crore more for national skill development fund.
* Rs.54 crore each for AMU (Aligarh Muslim University) centres at Murshidabad and Mallapuram.
* Rs.58,000 crore for Bharat Nirman; increase of Rs.10,000 crore.
* Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme wage rates linked to consumer price index; will rise from existing Rs.100 per day.
* Increased outlay on social sector schemes. ( Read: Social sector allocation up by 17%)
* Infrastructure critical for development; 23 percent higher allocation in 2011-12. ( Read: Rs 2,14,000 cr allocated for infrastructure sector )
AGRICULTURE ( Read: Farm loans at 4 per cent )
* Removal of supply bottlenecks in the food sector will be in focus in 2011-12
* Agriculture growth key to development: Green Revolution waiting to happen in eastern region.
* To raise target of credit flow to agriculture sector to 4.75 trillion rupees
* Gives 3 percent interest subsidy to farmers in 2011-12
* Cold storage chains to be given infrastructure status
* Capitalisation of National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD) of 30 billion rupees in a phased manner
* To provide 3 billion rupees for 60,000 hectares under palm oil plantation
* Actively considering new fertiliser policy for urea
* Food storage capacity to be augmented - 15 more mega food parks to be set up in 2011-12; of 30 sanctioned in previous fiscal, 15 set up.
* Comprehensive policy on further developing PPP (public-private-partnership) model.
* Farmers need access to affordable credit.
* Moving to improve nutritional security.
* Necessary to accelerate production of fodder.
ON THE STATE OF THE ECONOMY ( Read: Pranab on economy )
* "Fiscal consolidation has been impressive. This year has also seen significant progress in those critical institutional reforms that will pave the way for double digit growth in the near future."
* "At times the biggest reforms are not the ones that make headlines, but the ones concerned with details of governance which affect the everyday life of aam aadmi (common man). In preparing this year's budget, I have been deeply conscious of this fact."
* Food inflation remains a concern
* Current account deficit situation poses some concern
* Must ensure that private investment is sustained
* "The economy has shown remarkable resilience."
* Setting tone for newer, vibrant economy.
* Economy back to pre-crisis trajectory.
* Development needs to be more inclusive.
ON GOVERNANCE
* "Certain events in the past few months may have created an impression of drift in governance and a gap in public accountability ... such an impression is misplaced."
* Corruption is a problem, must fight it collectively
MORE
*Govt to move towards direct transfer of cash subsidy for kerosene, LPG and fertilisers.
*Financial Sector Legislative Reforms Commission, to be headed by former Supreme Court judge B Srikrishna, to complete its work in 24 months; to overhaul financial regulations.
* Five-fold strategy against black money; 13 new double taxation avoidance agreements; foreign tax division of CTBT strengthened; strength of Enforcement Directorate increased three-fold.
* Bill to be introduced to review Indian Stamp Act.
* New coins carrying new rupee symbol to be issued.
* Anganwadi workers salary raised from Rs.1,500 to Rs.3,000.
* Mortgage risk guarantee fund to be created for economically weaker sections.
* Housing loan limit for priority sector lending raised to Rs.25 lakh.
Following are the highlights of the budget:
TAXES ( Read full story on taxes )
* Standard rate of excise duty held at 10 percent; no change in CENVAT rates
* Personal income tax exemption limit raised to Rs 180,000 from Rs 160,000 for individual tax payers
*For senior citizens, the qualifying age reduced to 60 years and exemption limit raised to Rs 2.50 lakh.
*Citizens over 80 years to have exemption limit of Rs 5 lakh.
* To reduce surcharge on domestic companies to 5 percent from 7.5 percent.
* A new revised income tax return form 'Sugam' to be introduced for small tax papers.
* To raise minimum alternate tax to 18.5 percent from 18 percent ( Read story )
* Direct tax proposals to cause 115 billion rupees in revenue loss
* Service tax rate kept at 10 percent
* Customs and excise proposals to result in net revenue gain of 73 billion rupees
* Iron ore export duty raised to 20 percent
*Nominal one per cent central excise duty on 130 items entering the tax net. Basic food and fuel and precious stones, gold and silver jewellery will be exempted.
*Peak rate of customs duty maintained at 10 per cent in view of the global economic situation.
*Basic customs duty on agricultural machinery reduced to 4.5 per cent from 5 per cent.
*Service tax widened to cover hotel accommodation above Rs 1,000 per day, A/C restaurants serving liquor, some category of hospitals, diagnostic tests.
*Service tax on air travel increased by Rs 50 for domestic travel and Rs 250 for international travel in economy class. On higher classes, it will be ten per cent flat.
* Electronic filing of TDS returns at source stabilised; simplified forms to be introduced for small taxpayers.
* Works of art exempt from customs when imported for exhibition in state-run institutions; this now extended to private institutions.
SUBSIDIES ( Read: Direct cash subsidy on fuel, fertilizers by March, 2012 )
* Subsidy bill in 2011-12 seen at 1.44 trillion rupees
* Food subsidy bill in 2011-12 seen at 605.7 billion rupees
* Revised food subsidy bill for 2010-11 at 606 billion rupees
* Fertiliser subsidy bill in 2011-12 seen at 500 billion rupees
* Revised fertiliser subsidy bill for 2010-11 at 550 billion rupees
* Petroleum subsidy bill in 2011-12 seen at 236.4 billion rupees
* Revised petroleum subsidy bill in 2010-11 at 384 billion rupees
* State-run oil retailers to be provided with 200 billion rupee cash subsidy in 2011-12
FISCAL DEFICIT ( Read full story )
* Fiscal deficit seen at 5.1 percent of GDP in 2010-11
* Fiscal deficit seen at 4.6 percent of GDP in 2011-12
* Fiscal deficit seen at 3.5 percent of GDP in 2013-14
SPENDING
* Total expenditure in 2011-12 seen at 12.58 trillion rupees
* Plan expenditure seen at 4.41 trillion rupees in 2011-12, up 18.3 percent
REVENUE
* Gross tax receipts seen at 9.32 trillion rupees in 2011-12
* Non-tax revenue seen at 1.25 trillion rupees in 2011-12
* Corporate tax receipts seen at 3.6 trillion rupees in 2011-12
* Tax-to-GDP ratio seen at 10.4 percent in 2011-12; seen at 10.8 percent in 2012-13
* Customs revenue seen at 1.52 trillion rupees in 2011-12
* Factory gate duties seen at 1.64 trillion rupees in 2011-12
*Service tax receipts seen at 820 billion rupees in 2011-12
* Revenue gain from indirect tax proposals seen at 113 billion rupees in 2011-12
* Service tax proposals to result in net revenue gain of 40 billion rupees in 2011-12
GROWTH, INFLATION EXPECTATIONS ( Read: Inflation remains principal concern )
* Economy expected to grow at 9 percent in 2012, plus or minus 0.25 percent
* Inflation seen lower in the financial year 2011-12
DISINVESTMENT
* Disinvestment in 2011-12 seen at 400 billion rupees
* Government committed to retaining 51 percent stake in public sector enterprises.
BORROWING
* Net market borrowing for 2011-12 seen at 3.43 trillion rupees, down from 3.45 trillion rupees in 2010-11
* Gross market borrowing for 2011-12 seen at 4.17 trillion rupees
* Revised gross market borrowing for 2010-11 at 4.47 trillion rupees
POLICY REFORMS
* To create infrastructure debt funds
* FDI policy being liberalised.
* To boost infrastructure development with tax-free bonds of 300 billion rupees
* Food security bill to be introduced this year
* To permit SEBI registered mutual funds to access subscriptions from foreign investments
* Raised foreign institutional investor limit in 5-year corporate bonds for investment in infrastructure by $20 billion
* Setting up independent debt management office; Public debt bill to be introduced in parliament soon
* Bills on insurance, pension funds, banking to be introduced.
*Constitution Amendment Bill for introduction of GST regime in this session.
*New Companies Bill to be introduced in current session
SECTOR SPENDING
* To allocate more than 1.64 trillion rupees to defence sector in 2011-12 (Read: 11% hike in defence allocation )
* Corpus of rural infrastructure development fund raised to 180 billion rupees in 2011-12
* To provide 201.5 billion rupees capital infusion in state-run banks in 2011-12
* To allocate 520.5 billion rupees for the education sector. Rs.21,000 crore for Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan. ( Read full story )
* To raise health sector allocation to 267.6 billion rupees (Read: 20% hike in health budget )
* Rs.500 crore more for national skill development fund.
* Rs.54 crore each for AMU (Aligarh Muslim University) centres at Murshidabad and Mallapuram.
* Rs.58,000 crore for Bharat Nirman; increase of Rs.10,000 crore.
* Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme wage rates linked to consumer price index; will rise from existing Rs.100 per day.
* Increased outlay on social sector schemes. ( Read: Social sector allocation up by 17%)
* Infrastructure critical for development; 23 percent higher allocation in 2011-12. ( Read: Rs 2,14,000 cr allocated for infrastructure sector )
AGRICULTURE ( Read: Farm loans at 4 per cent )
* Removal of supply bottlenecks in the food sector will be in focus in 2011-12
* Agriculture growth key to development: Green Revolution waiting to happen in eastern region.
* To raise target of credit flow to agriculture sector to 4.75 trillion rupees
* Gives 3 percent interest subsidy to farmers in 2011-12
* Cold storage chains to be given infrastructure status
* Capitalisation of National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD) of 30 billion rupees in a phased manner
* To provide 3 billion rupees for 60,000 hectares under palm oil plantation
* Actively considering new fertiliser policy for urea
* Food storage capacity to be augmented - 15 more mega food parks to be set up in 2011-12; of 30 sanctioned in previous fiscal, 15 set up.
* Comprehensive policy on further developing PPP (public-private-partnership) model.
* Farmers need access to affordable credit.
* Moving to improve nutritional security.
* Necessary to accelerate production of fodder.
ON THE STATE OF THE ECONOMY ( Read: Pranab on economy )
* "Fiscal consolidation has been impressive. This year has also seen significant progress in those critical institutional reforms that will pave the way for double digit growth in the near future."
* "At times the biggest reforms are not the ones that make headlines, but the ones concerned with details of governance which affect the everyday life of aam aadmi (common man). In preparing this year's budget, I have been deeply conscious of this fact."
* Food inflation remains a concern
* Current account deficit situation poses some concern
* Must ensure that private investment is sustained
* "The economy has shown remarkable resilience."
* Setting tone for newer, vibrant economy.
* Economy back to pre-crisis trajectory.
* Development needs to be more inclusive.
ON GOVERNANCE
* "Certain events in the past few months may have created an impression of drift in governance and a gap in public accountability ... such an impression is misplaced."
* Corruption is a problem, must fight it collectively
MORE
*Govt to move towards direct transfer of cash subsidy for kerosene, LPG and fertilisers.
*Financial Sector Legislative Reforms Commission, to be headed by former Supreme Court judge B Srikrishna, to complete its work in 24 months; to overhaul financial regulations.
* Five-fold strategy against black money; 13 new double taxation avoidance agreements; foreign tax division of CTBT strengthened; strength of Enforcement Directorate increased three-fold.
* Bill to be introduced to review Indian Stamp Act.
* New coins carrying new rupee symbol to be issued.
* Anganwadi workers salary raised from Rs.1,500 to Rs.3,000.
* Mortgage risk guarantee fund to be created for economically weaker sections.
* Housing loan limit for priority sector lending raised to Rs.25 lakh.
Diet according to blood type
Tired of different diets? Follow the blood type diet, favourite among Hollywood celebs
The blood group diet has long been the diet secret of many enviable Hollywood stars' bodies — now Girls Aloud singer Cheryl Tweedy admits she is a fan too. "My mum told me about Eat Right For Your Type, which shows you what to eat and what to avoid depending on your blood type," she said in a recent interview. "It's made such a difference to my energy levels. Now I believe in it 100 per cent."
Other followers swear it works when it comes to shedding fat, boosting energy and even preventing illness.
WHY BLOOD TYPE DIET?
Each blood type evolved at a different point in history so we should adopt diets similar to those our ancestors had when our blood group evolved. By eating foods that your personal blood type can easily digest, you will lose weight, feel healthier and be happier.
WHAT SHOULD YOU BE EATING?
Blood group O's plan
O is the oldest blood group, so people with this type feel best and stay slimmest on a 'hunter' type diet like our ancestors. Os tend to be high achievers with lots of energy and are very organised.
Drop a dress size: Follow a high-protein diet — being vegetarian will mean you're always hungry and snack on carbs, causing problems with blood sugar and metabolism.
Foods to eat freely: Lean meats, fish. Foods to avoid: Too much dairy or carbs.
Personal exercise plan: An hour of cardio a day and workout in the morning rather than the evening. Jogging, cycling, swimming or brisk walking are also perfect.
Blood group B's plan
No blood type epitomises the 'everything in moderation' expression more than B. It evolved at a time when people travelled more, so meat, vegetables and grains were eaten in a more balanced way. You have a strong, healthy constitution and tend to be very downto-earth and practical.
Drop a dress size: Combining the O and A diet — a bit of everything. Lucky type Bs generally find it easiest to lose weight.
Foods to eat freely: Meat, fish, coffee, vegetables and wheat-free grains.
Foods to avoid: Processed foods.
Personal exercise plan: You're drawn to moderate exercise, which uses your brain as well as your body. Team sports such as netball or dancing classes, two to three times a week are perfect.
Blood group A's plan
This blood group evolved later than O, when people farmed more than hunted, so you need less protein and more grains. Group As tend to be highly creative, good problem-solvers and can be very sensitive.
Drop a dress size: Eat less meat and more vegetables, wholemeal carbs. Foods to eat freely: Nuts, seeds, cereals, pasta, fruit and vegetables.
Foods to avoid: Dairy if prone to allergies, too much meat.
Personal exercise plan: Group As are often less active than Os, needing just 30 minutes of gentle exercise a day. Yoga, Tai Chi, walking and an outdoor lifestyle suit As best.
Blood group AB's plan
A combination of types A and B, you have dietary components of both and can eat just about anything. ABs have a canny knack of being creative, having a good head for business and getting on with people.
Drop a dress size: Avoid too much meat. Pack your diet with vegetarian foods and treat meat as a treat.
Foods to eat freely: Fish, vegetables, carbs and grains.
Foods to avoid: Too much meat.
Personal exercise plan: Mix it up by appealing to your calm side with yoga or Pilates once a week and a couple of sessions of something more intense such as light jogging.
The blood group diet has long been the diet secret of many enviable Hollywood stars' bodies — now Girls Aloud singer Cheryl Tweedy admits she is a fan too. "My mum told me about Eat Right For Your Type, which shows you what to eat and what to avoid depending on your blood type," she said in a recent interview. "It's made such a difference to my energy levels. Now I believe in it 100 per cent."
Other followers swear it works when it comes to shedding fat, boosting energy and even preventing illness.
WHY BLOOD TYPE DIET?
Each blood type evolved at a different point in history so we should adopt diets similar to those our ancestors had when our blood group evolved. By eating foods that your personal blood type can easily digest, you will lose weight, feel healthier and be happier.
WHAT SHOULD YOU BE EATING?
Blood group O's plan
O is the oldest blood group, so people with this type feel best and stay slimmest on a 'hunter' type diet like our ancestors. Os tend to be high achievers with lots of energy and are very organised.
Drop a dress size: Follow a high-protein diet — being vegetarian will mean you're always hungry and snack on carbs, causing problems with blood sugar and metabolism.
Foods to eat freely: Lean meats, fish. Foods to avoid: Too much dairy or carbs.
Personal exercise plan: An hour of cardio a day and workout in the morning rather than the evening. Jogging, cycling, swimming or brisk walking are also perfect.
Blood group B's plan
No blood type epitomises the 'everything in moderation' expression more than B. It evolved at a time when people travelled more, so meat, vegetables and grains were eaten in a more balanced way. You have a strong, healthy constitution and tend to be very downto-earth and practical.
Drop a dress size: Combining the O and A diet — a bit of everything. Lucky type Bs generally find it easiest to lose weight.
Foods to eat freely: Meat, fish, coffee, vegetables and wheat-free grains.
Foods to avoid: Processed foods.
Personal exercise plan: You're drawn to moderate exercise, which uses your brain as well as your body. Team sports such as netball or dancing classes, two to three times a week are perfect.
Blood group A's plan
This blood group evolved later than O, when people farmed more than hunted, so you need less protein and more grains. Group As tend to be highly creative, good problem-solvers and can be very sensitive.
Drop a dress size: Eat less meat and more vegetables, wholemeal carbs. Foods to eat freely: Nuts, seeds, cereals, pasta, fruit and vegetables.
Foods to avoid: Dairy if prone to allergies, too much meat.
Personal exercise plan: Group As are often less active than Os, needing just 30 minutes of gentle exercise a day. Yoga, Tai Chi, walking and an outdoor lifestyle suit As best.
Blood group AB's plan
A combination of types A and B, you have dietary components of both and can eat just about anything. ABs have a canny knack of being creative, having a good head for business and getting on with people.
Drop a dress size: Avoid too much meat. Pack your diet with vegetarian foods and treat meat as a treat.
Foods to eat freely: Fish, vegetables, carbs and grains.
Foods to avoid: Too much meat.
Personal exercise plan: Mix it up by appealing to your calm side with yoga or Pilates once a week and a couple of sessions of something more intense such as light jogging.
Mushroom Steak Marsala Recipe
Sirloin steaks takes the place of veal in this classic dish. It is further beefed up with the addition of hearty mushrooms to the delicious sauce. If you want to splurge, substitute strip steaks for the sirloin. Aside from the requisite Marsala wine, the key is in using a thick cut of steak, and it should be seared to no more than medium-rare doneness to maintain a tender and succulent texture.
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Resting Time:: 30 minutes
Total Time: 70 minutes
Yield: 2 servings
Ingredients:
2 (8 to 10 ounces each) 1-1/2-inch thick sirloin steaks
Olive oil
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
1/4 cup (about) all-purpose flour for dredging
2 Tablespoons butter
.
8 ounces crimini mushrooms, brushed clean and sliced thick
2 Tablespoons finely minced onion
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
1/2 cup dry Marsala wine
1/2 cup strong beef broth
2 Tablespoons butter, at room temperature
Preparation:
Rub steaks with olive oil and season generously with salt and pepper. Let rest at room temperature for 30 minutes. Dredge in flour, shaking off any excess. Reserve 1 tablespoon of the flour for later use.
Heat a large, deep heavy skillet over medium high heat. When hot, add butter and swirl to coat the pan. Sear steaks to medium-rare doneness, until nicely browned on both sides, turning only once. Remove to a platter and keep warm.
Add mushrooms and onions to the pan drippings. Sprinkle with kosher salt. Stir-fry until lightly golden and mushrooms release their liquid. Remove mushrooms with a slotted spoon and set aside.
Whisk reserved 1 tablespoon of flour into the drippings and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly. Whisk in Marsala wine and cook for 1 minute until thickened, then add beef broth to the pan and bring to a boil. Use a spatula to scrape up any browned bits (fond) into the sauce. Continue to cook, reducing the liquid by half until thickened and syrupy. Whisk in remaining 2 tablespoons of butter. Taste and adjust salt and pepper, if necessary.
Return the cooked mushrooms to the sauce and stir to combine, then return the steaks to the pan, turning to coat. Cook an additional 1 to 2 minutes to re-warm the meat.
Divide mushroom Marsala sauce evenly over the steaks.
Yield: 2 servings
Married Life in Islam
"And among His signs is this, that He created for you mates from among yourselves, that you may dwell in tranquility with them, and He has put love and mercy between your hearts. Verily in that are signs for those who reflect." (Qur'an 30:21)
In the Qur'an, the marriage relationship is described as one with "tranquility," "love" and "mercy." Elsewhere in the Qur'an, husband and wife are described as "garments" for each other (2:187). Garments offer protection, comfort, modesty, and warmth. Above all, the Qur'an describes that the best garment is the "garment of God-consciousness" (7:26).
Muslims view marriage as the foundation of society and family life. In a practical aspect, Islamic marriage is thus structured through legally-enforceable rights and duties of both parties. In an atmosphere of love and respect, these rights and duties provide a framework for the balance of family life and the fulfillment of both partners.
General Rights
To be treated with honor, kindness, and patience.
To enjoy intimate relations with each other.
To have children, by God's will.
To keep one's legal and personal identity after marriage, retaining one's own family name, inheritance rights, property, mahr, etc.
General Duties
To be faithful to the marriage bond.
To strive to be attractive to one's spouse.
To assist and support one another, and to resolve disputes amicably.
The husband has the duty to provide all physical maintenance of the family (housing, clothing, food, medical care, etc.).
In the Qur'an, the marriage relationship is described as one with "tranquility," "love" and "mercy." Elsewhere in the Qur'an, husband and wife are described as "garments" for each other (2:187). Garments offer protection, comfort, modesty, and warmth. Above all, the Qur'an describes that the best garment is the "garment of God-consciousness" (7:26).
Muslims view marriage as the foundation of society and family life. In a practical aspect, Islamic marriage is thus structured through legally-enforceable rights and duties of both parties. In an atmosphere of love and respect, these rights and duties provide a framework for the balance of family life and the fulfillment of both partners.
General Rights
To be treated with honor, kindness, and patience.
To enjoy intimate relations with each other.
To have children, by God's will.
To keep one's legal and personal identity after marriage, retaining one's own family name, inheritance rights, property, mahr, etc.
General Duties
To be faithful to the marriage bond.
To strive to be attractive to one's spouse.
To assist and support one another, and to resolve disputes amicably.
The husband has the duty to provide all physical maintenance of the family (housing, clothing, food, medical care, etc.).
Humility in Islam
Muslims constantly strive to remember and practice Islamic virtues, and put them into practice throughout their daily lives. Among these great Islamic virtues are submission to Allah, self-restraint, discipline, sacrifice, patience, brotherhood, generosity, and humility.
In English, the word "humility" comes from the Latin root word which means "ground." Humility, or being humble, means that one is modest, submissive and respectful, not proud and arrogant. You lower yourself to the ground, not elevate yourself above others. In prayer, Muslims prostrate themselves to the ground, acknowledging human beings' lowliness and humility before the Lord of the Worlds.
In the Qur'an, Allah uses several Arabic words which convey the meaning of "humility." Among these are tada'a and khasha'a. A few selected examples:
Tad'a
Before thee We sent messengers to many nations, and We afflicted the nations with suffering and adversity, that they call Allah in humility. When the suffering reached them from Us, why then did they not call Allah in humility? On the contrary, their hearts became hardened, and Satan made their sinful acts seem alluring to them. (Al-Anaam 6:42-43)
Call on your Lord with humility and in private, for Allah loves not those who transgress beyond bounds. Do not mischief on the earth, after it has been set in order, but call on Him with fear and longing in your hearts, for the Mercy of Allah is always near to those who do good. (Al-Araf 7:55-56)
Khasha'a
Successful indeed are the believers, those who humble themselves in their prayers... (Al-Muminoon 23:1-2)
Has not the time arrived for the believers that their hearts in all humility should engage in the remembrance of Allah and of the Truth which has been revealed to them... (Al-Hadid 57:16)
Discussion
Humility is equivalent to submission to Allah. We should abandon all selfishness and pride in our human power, and stand humbled, meek, and submissive as servants of Allah above all else.
Among the Jahliyya Arabs (before Islam), this was unheard of. They followed the rules of no one except themselves, and preserved their personal honor above all else. They would humble themselves to no one, neither a man nor a God. They were proud of their absolute independence, their human power; they had limitless self-confidence and refused to bow down to any authority. A man was lord of himself. Indeed, these qualities are what made someone a "real man." Humility and submissiveness were considered weak - not a quality of a noble man. The Jahliyya Arabs had a fierce, passionate nature and would scorn anything which might make them humbled or humiliated in any way, or feel like their personal dignity and status were being degraded.
Islam came and demanded of them, before anything else, to submit themselves wholly to the one and only Creator, and abandon all pride, arrogance, and feelings of self-sufficiency. Many among the pagan Arabs felt that this was an outrageous demand - to stand as equals with each other, in submission to Allah alone. For many, these feelings did not pass - indeed we still see them today in much of the world's people, and unfortunately, sometimes in ourselves. Human presumptuousness, insolence, arrogance, elevated self-worth, are around us everywhere. We have to fight it in our own hearts.
Indeed, the sin of Iblis (Satan) was his arrogant refusal to humble himself to the will of Allah. He believed himself of elevated status - better than any other creation - and he continues to whisper to us, encouraging our pride, arrogance, love of wealth and status. We must always remember that we are nothing - we have nothing - except what Allah blesses us with. We can do nothing of our own power.
If we are arrogant and proud in this life, Allah will put us in our place and teach us humility in the next life, by giving us a humiliating punishment. Better that we practice humility now, before Allah alone and among our fellow human beings.
In English, the word "humility" comes from the Latin root word which means "ground." Humility, or being humble, means that one is modest, submissive and respectful, not proud and arrogant. You lower yourself to the ground, not elevate yourself above others. In prayer, Muslims prostrate themselves to the ground, acknowledging human beings' lowliness and humility before the Lord of the Worlds.
In the Qur'an, Allah uses several Arabic words which convey the meaning of "humility." Among these are tada'a and khasha'a. A few selected examples:
Tad'a
Before thee We sent messengers to many nations, and We afflicted the nations with suffering and adversity, that they call Allah in humility. When the suffering reached them from Us, why then did they not call Allah in humility? On the contrary, their hearts became hardened, and Satan made their sinful acts seem alluring to them. (Al-Anaam 6:42-43)
Call on your Lord with humility and in private, for Allah loves not those who transgress beyond bounds. Do not mischief on the earth, after it has been set in order, but call on Him with fear and longing in your hearts, for the Mercy of Allah is always near to those who do good. (Al-Araf 7:55-56)
Khasha'a
Successful indeed are the believers, those who humble themselves in their prayers... (Al-Muminoon 23:1-2)
Has not the time arrived for the believers that their hearts in all humility should engage in the remembrance of Allah and of the Truth which has been revealed to them... (Al-Hadid 57:16)
Discussion
Humility is equivalent to submission to Allah. We should abandon all selfishness and pride in our human power, and stand humbled, meek, and submissive as servants of Allah above all else.
Among the Jahliyya Arabs (before Islam), this was unheard of. They followed the rules of no one except themselves, and preserved their personal honor above all else. They would humble themselves to no one, neither a man nor a God. They were proud of their absolute independence, their human power; they had limitless self-confidence and refused to bow down to any authority. A man was lord of himself. Indeed, these qualities are what made someone a "real man." Humility and submissiveness were considered weak - not a quality of a noble man. The Jahliyya Arabs had a fierce, passionate nature and would scorn anything which might make them humbled or humiliated in any way, or feel like their personal dignity and status were being degraded.
Islam came and demanded of them, before anything else, to submit themselves wholly to the one and only Creator, and abandon all pride, arrogance, and feelings of self-sufficiency. Many among the pagan Arabs felt that this was an outrageous demand - to stand as equals with each other, in submission to Allah alone. For many, these feelings did not pass - indeed we still see them today in much of the world's people, and unfortunately, sometimes in ourselves. Human presumptuousness, insolence, arrogance, elevated self-worth, are around us everywhere. We have to fight it in our own hearts.
Indeed, the sin of Iblis (Satan) was his arrogant refusal to humble himself to the will of Allah. He believed himself of elevated status - better than any other creation - and he continues to whisper to us, encouraging our pride, arrogance, love of wealth and status. We must always remember that we are nothing - we have nothing - except what Allah blesses us with. We can do nothing of our own power.
If we are arrogant and proud in this life, Allah will put us in our place and teach us humility in the next life, by giving us a humiliating punishment. Better that we practice humility now, before Allah alone and among our fellow human beings.
Islamic Prayer Timings
Muslims observe five formal prayers each day. The timings of these prayers are spaced fairly evenly throughout the day, so that one is constantly reminded of God and given opportunities to seek His guidance and forgiveness.
Muslims observe the formal prayers at the following times:
Fajr (pre-dawn): This prayer starts off the day with the remembrance of God; it is performed before sunrise.
Dhuhr (noon): After the day's work has begun, one breaks shortly after noon to again remember God and seek His guidance.
'Asr (afternoon): In the late afternoon, people are usually busy wrapping up the day's work, getting kids home from school, etc. It is an important time to take a few minutes to remember God and the greater meaning of our lives.
Maghrib (sunset): Just after the sun goes down, Muslims remember God again as the day begins to come to a close.
'Isha (evening): Before retiring for the night, Muslims again take time to remember God's presence, guidance, mercy, and forgiveness.
Muslims observe the formal prayers at the following times:
Fajr (pre-dawn): This prayer starts off the day with the remembrance of God; it is performed before sunrise.
Dhuhr (noon): After the day's work has begun, one breaks shortly after noon to again remember God and seek His guidance.
'Asr (afternoon): In the late afternoon, people are usually busy wrapping up the day's work, getting kids home from school, etc. It is an important time to take a few minutes to remember God and the greater meaning of our lives.
Maghrib (sunset): Just after the sun goes down, Muslims remember God again as the day begins to come to a close.
'Isha (evening): Before retiring for the night, Muslims again take time to remember God's presence, guidance, mercy, and forgiveness.
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