Selat Al Rahem – Kinship

Post by Ms Knight

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful

Allah (SWT) in the Qura’n asked us to keep “Selat Al Rahem” or good relation with our relatives. The prophet (PBUH) in a lot of his Ahadith showed us the importance of this religiously and worldly. Man has been created to be for the benefit of others, so what when it comes to parents, family members and relatives. There is no doubt that a society where all members try to maintain good relation and compassion is a strong society with stable coherent families from grandparents to their grandsons, all taking care of each other. It adds happiness and warmth to our lives.

What does Selat Al Rahem or Kinship mean?

Al Rahem is women’s uterus, and it was used by Allah (SWT) when talking about relatives to show how they are so close, sharing or coming from one uterus. Selat Al Rahem as a term means being good and maintain your relation with relatives from both sides your mother and your father. Be good with them in words and actions, including visiting them, asking about them every now and then, helping whoever need any kind of help, be with them in sad moments and good ones.

The importance of “Selat Al Rahem”:

It is part of our Faith: Narrated Abu Huraira: The Prophet said, “Whoever believes in Allah and the Last Day, should serve his guest generously; and whoever believes in Allah and the Last Day, should unite the bond of kinship (i.e. keep good relation with his relatives); and whoever believes in Allah and the Last Day, should talk what is good or keep quit “. (By Al-Bukhary) Those 3 things are enough to keep compassion and co-operation between people.

It is a reason for pond in our earnings and age; Anas b. Malik reported that Allah’s Messenger (may peace be upon him) said: He who likes that his sustenance should be expanded and his age may be lengthened should join the tie of kinship.(By Al Bukhary)

It is a reason to enter Heaven: The first thing the prophet said in Al Madina was, “ you people spread peace, feed the needy, keep relation with relatives (join the tie of kinship), pray at night while others are sleeping, you will enter heaven safely.

Keeping good relation with your relatives or is not only with those who do tie their relations with you, the real “ Selat Rahem “ is keeping it with those how cuts it with you or did you wrong. For example if you visited those who already visited you or asked about you, this is doing the same as they did. It was narrated by Al Bukhary that the Prophet said, “Al-Wasil(the one who ties kinship) is not the one who recompenses the good done to him by his relatives, but Al-Wasil is the one who keeps good relations with those relatives who had severed the bond of kinship with him.”

What did Allah say about those who cut the relation, or do wrong to their family members or relatives ?

They are cursed; “Would you then, if you were given the authority, do mischief in the land, and sever your ties of kinship? Such are they whom Allâh has cursed, so that He has made them deaf and blinded their sight (Surat Muhammed – 22 &23)

He is unprincipled and looser; “Those who break Allâh’s Covenant after ratifying it, and sever what Allâh has ordered to be joined (as regards Allâh’s religion of Islâmic Monotheism, and to practise its legal laws on the earth and also as regards keeping good relations with kith and kin), and do mischief on earth, it is they who are the losers. (Surat Al Baqara 27)

His punishment is in life and hereafter; Abu Bakr (APWH) says that the prophet said no sin worth an early punishment in life along with what will be in the afterlife like prostitution and cutting the relation with relatives”.

Allah will sever them (cut HIS relation with them). ‘A’isha reported Allah’s Messenger (PBUH) as saying: The tie of kinship is suspended to the Throne and says: He who unites me Allah would unite him and he who severed me Allah would sever him. (By Muslem)
“Narrated Abu Huraira: The Prophet said, “Allah created the creations, and when He finished from His creations, Al-Rahm i.e., womb said, “(O Allah) at this place I seek refuge with You from all those who sever me (i.e. sever the ties of Kith and kin). Allah said, ‘Yes, won’t you be pleased that I will keep good relations with the one who will keep good relations with you, and I will sever the relation with the one who will sever the relations with you.’ It said, ‘Yes, O my Lord.’ Allah said, ‘Then that is for you. (By Al Bukhary)

A professor in Al Azhar says that on a bigger scale there is “selat rahem” or sort of it between the Muslims as a whole. A Muslim has rights on his Muslim brother.

Just a side not I wanted to add, as usual the west’s scientists try to teach their society ideas that are exactly like Allah commands to us. A single example is what James Bander the Social American Scientist said; “the man is like the atom, its value is shown with its interactions with others”.

Assalamo alaykom warahmatollahi wabarakatoh
Oh Allah please forgive me and my parents and all believers on the judgement day.
“Allahom Aghfer lee wa lewaledy we lelmo’meneen yawm yakoum alhesab”

Please Sign Our Petition

Welcome to Iraq

I’m very happy that you are thinking of visiting my country, that’s why I’m gone give you some advice before traveling there.

You should take light clothes with you because the summer over there is very hot.

You shouldn’t give a chance to young people to talk to you because they are not polite and they want to distributed you because they know that you are foreign and don’t know anything about the country but of course there are some of them who think like that.

 You should not eat in the cheap restaurant because the food could be poison and dirty and the same thing with the water it is better if you buy a bottle of water from supermarket.

If you are traveling with your husband you can not kiss or hug him in front of people because it does not fit with our tradition.

You should take care when you walk in the streets because there are many bombs in the streets.

If any man invited you to a restaurant you can not pay anything for the food because he don’t let you to pay anything.

You have to know where is the Swedish Embassy in Iraq ,so you can go there in cases of emergency.

You must be able to taste all kinds of Arabic food that is home made because there are alot of them that are delicious.

You must know there is a high threat of American terrorist.

You should not come at a time because most people do not respect the time and I think that the time is more

important for us and only the old people who respect the time.

Most of people in Iraq don not follow the trafic rules so you must be very carefull when you cross the roads because it could be very dangerous for peoples live.

As a comment to you, you should visit the north part of iraq because there are a lots of beatiful places over there.

many tourists was there and commented that the north part of iraq is like Europe countries, where there are great weather, good people and great environment. Iraq is one of the most famous countries in the types of dates, I wish you could try all kinds of dates that are out there.

Another comment to you is that people over there don’t use to see women where her arms are shown or her legs so you should take care of what kind of clothes you will wear

Iraq have the two rivers which are called Tigris and Euphrates. In those you can you find a lot of fishes which dose no exist in other countries. The advantage in iraq is that there are always people near to the rivers who can help you on fishing.

The most important thing that you should remember is that you should say goodbye and hug all your family before you come back because you may never go back again of course you know why.

With my best regards

Noor A.Mohammad

Do not put pork on your fork

Why does Jews and Muslims forbid pork, when the pig is one of the creations of God

Praise be to Allaah.Firstly:

Our Lord has forbidden eating pork in definitive terms. Allaah says (interpretation of the meaning):

“Say (O Muhammad): I find not in that which has been revealed to me anything forbidden to be eaten by one who wishes to eat it, unless it be Maytah (a dead animal) or blood poured forth (by slaughtering or the like), or the flesh of swine (pork); for that surely, is impure or impious (unlawful) meat (of an animal) which is slaughtered as a sacrifice for others than Allaah (or has been slaughtered for idols, or on which Allaah’s Name has not been mentioned while slaughtering)”

[al-An’aam 6:145]

By the mercy of Allaah and His kindness towards us, Allaah has permitted us to eat all good things, and He has not forbidden anything but those that are impure. Allaah says (interpretation of the meaning):

They are saying "By the name of allah" before start eating Halal food

“…he allows them as lawful At‑Tayyibaat (i.e. all good and lawful as regards things, deeds, beliefs, persons and foods), and prohibits them as unlawful Al‑Khabaa’ith (i.e. all evil and unlawful as regards things, deeds, beliefs, persons and foods)”

[al-A’raaf 7:157]

We do not doubt for an instant that the pig is a dirty and filthy animal, and that eating it is harmful to man. Moreover it lives on dirt and filth, and it is something that is off-putting to those of a sound nature who refuse to touch it, because eating it is either a cause or a sign of a person’s oddness.

Secondly:

With regard to the physical harm caused by eating pork, modern science has proved a number of things, such as the following:

‎ Pork is regarded as one of the kinds of meat that contain the most cholesterol, an increase of which in the bloodstream leads to an increased likelihood of blocked arteries. The fatty acids in pork are also of an unusual formation, when compared with the fatty acids in other types of food, which makes them more easily absorbed by the body, thus increasing cholesterol levels.

‎ Pork meat and pork fat contribute to the spread of cancers of the colon, rectum, prostate and blood.

‎ Pork meat and pork fat contribute to obesity and related diseases that are difficult to treat.

‎ Eating pork leads to scabies, allergies and stomach ulcers.

‎ Eating pork causes lung infections which result from tapeworms, lungworms and microbial infections of the lungs.

The most serious danger of eating pork is that pork contains tapeworms which may grow to a length of 2-3 meters. The growth of the eggs of these worms in the human body may lead to insanity and hysteria if they grow in the area of the brain. If they grow in the region of the heart that may lead to high blood pressure and heart attacks. Another kind of worm that is to be found in pork is the trichinosis worm that cannot be killed by cooking, the growth of which in the body may lead to paralysis and skin rashes.

The doctors have confirmed that tapeworm disease is regarded as one of the serious diseases that may result from eating pork. It may develop in the small intestine and after several months may grow into a large worm whose body is composed of a thousand segments, with a length of 4-10 meters, which lives alone in the intestine of the infected person and part of it may appear when he defecates. When the pig swallows and ingests its eggs, they enter the tissues and muscles in the form of larvae sacs containing fluid and the head of the tapeworm. When a person eats infected pork, the larva turns into a complete worm in the intestine. These worms cause weakness and vitamin B12 deficiency, which leads to a specific type of anaemia, which may in turn cause nervous problems. In some cases the larvae may reach the brain, causing convulsions, increased pressure within the brain, epilepsy and even paralysis.

Photographs of a man in his 70s who was suffering from an unusual form of cancer which had eaten away at the upper portion of his skull and scalp but who had not sought any medical treatment because the condition was not causing him pain. Maggots can infest the human brain, and so can certain types of Pork tapeworm larvae. Stanford University Hospital - San Mateo County

Eating pork that is not thoroughly cooked may also lead to trichinosis (infestation with a hairlike nematode worm). When these parasites reach the small intestine, three to five days later many larvae appear which enter the intestine and reach the blood, from which they reach most of the tissues of the body. The larvae move to the muscles and form cysts there, and the patient suffers intense muscle pains. The disease may develop into infection of the cerebral membrane and brain, and infections of the heart muscle, lungs, kidneys and nerves. It may be a fatal disease in rare cases.

Trichinosis, also called Trichinellosis

It is well known that there are some diseases that are unique to humans and are nor shared with any other animals except pigs, such as rheumatism and joint pain. Allaah indeed spoke the truth when He said (interpretation of the meaning):

“He has forbidden you only the Maytah (dead animals), and blood, and the flesh of swine, and that which is slaughtered as a sacrifice for others than Allaah (or has been slaughtered for idols, on which Allaah’s Name has not been mentioned while slaughtering). But if one is forced by necessity without willful disobedience nor transgressing due limits, then there is no sin on him. Truly, Allaah is Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful”

[al-Baqarah 2:173]

These are some of the harmful effects of eating pork. Perhaps after studying them you will not have any doubts that it is forbidden. We hope that this will be the first step in your being guided towards the true religion. So stop, research, look and think, objectively and fairly, seeking only to find out the truth and follow it. I ask Allaah to guide you to that which is best for you in this world and in the Hereafter.

But even if we did not know about the harmful effects of eating pork, this would not change our belief that it is haraam in the slightest, or weaken our resolve to abstain from it. You know that when Adam (peace be upon him) was expelled from the Garden, it was because he ate from the tree from which Allaah forbade him to eat. We do not know anything about that tree, and Adam did not need to enquire into the reason why it was forbidden to eat from it. Rather it was sufficient for him, as it is sufficient for us and for every believer, to know that Allaah has forbidden it.

the sacred teachings of both Judaism and Islam emphasize respect for the land and living things

But we ask you once again: Isn’t pork forbidden in the Old Testament which forms part of your Holy Book?

“Do not eat any detestable thing. These are the animals you may eat… The pig is also unclean; although it has a split hoof, it does not chew the cud, you are not to eat their meat or touch their carcasses.”

(Deuteronomy 14:3-8)

See also Leviticus 11-1-8.

We do not need to quote evidence that pork is forbidden for the Jews. If you have any doubt then ask people and they will tell you. But what we think we need to draw you attention to is some other things that are also mentioned in your Holy Book, this time in the New Testament which tells you that the rulings of the Torah still apply to you and cannot be changed. Does’t it say in the Bible that the Messiah said:

“Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets. I have not come to abolish them but to fulfil them. I tell you the truth, until heaven and earth disappear, not the smallest letter, not the least stroke of a pen, will by any means disappear from the Law until everything is accomplished.”

Matthew 5:17-18?

With this text, we do not need to look for another ruling on pork in the New Testament, but we will add here another quotation which shows definitively that pork is impure:

“A large herd of pigs was feeding on the nearby hillside. The demons begged Jesus: ‘Send us among the pigs; allow us to go into them.’ He gave them permission, and the evil spirits came out and went into the pigs.”

Mark 5:11-13

Perhaps you will say that this is abrogated, and that Peter said such and such and Paul said such and such…?

This is changing the words of Allaah and abrogating the Torah and the words of the Messiah who confirmed to you that it would abide as long as heaven and earth remain. Can this be abrogated by the words of Paul or Peter?

Let us assume that this is true and that the prohibition was indeed abrogated, but why are you criticizing this prohibition in Islam when it was prohibited for you at first?

Did jesus eat pork

Jesus, as a Jew, most certainly did NOT eat pork. It clearly states in Leviticus the laws of kosher.

Leviticus 11

Thirdly:

With regard to your saying that if eating it is forbidden, then why did Allaah create pigs? We do not think that you are serious, otherwise we would ask you: why did Allaah create such and such of other things that are harmful or repulsive? Rather we would ask you: why did Allaah create the Shaytaan?

Is it not the prerogative of the Creator to command His slaves as He will, and to rule them as He will. No one can overturn His ruling or change His words.

Is it not the duty of the created being, the slave, to say to his Lord, whenever He commands him to do something: “We hear and we obey”?

You may enjoy its taste and want to eat it, and those around you may enjoy it, but doesn’t Paradise deserve some sacrifice on your part of that which your heart desires?.

Ten little Indian song

And Then There Were None

Ten little Indian boys went out to dine

One choked his little self and then there were nine

Nine little Indian boys sat up very late

One overslept himself and then there were eight

Eight little Indian boys traveling in Devon

One said he’d stay there and then there were seven

Seven little Indian boys chopping up sticks

One chopped himself in halves and then there were six

Six little Indian boys playing with a hive

A bumblebee stung one and then there were five

Five little Indian boys going in for law

One got in Chancery and then there were four

Four little Indian boys going out to sea

A red herring swallowed one and then there were three

Three little Indian boys walking in the zoo

A big bear hugged one and then there were two

Two Little Indian boys sitting in the sun

One got frizzled up and then there was one

One little Indian boy left all alone

He went out and hanged himself and then there were none

Suggested Essay Questions

And Then There Were None

1. What is genre fiction? How does it differ from other types of fiction?

   Genre fiction is any novel or story that uses fantastical characters and stories, or suspenseful and exciting plots to entertain readers. Crime, detective, superhero, horror, science fiction, and romance novels are all examples of genre fiction. Literary fiction, according to some critics, often elevates style, character development, and intellectual ideas over suspenseful plots or entertainment value. Christie’s genre novels often bridge the gap between literary fiction and genre fiction by using serious literary themes and ingeniously creative plots and characters.

2. Discuss Mr. Justice Wargrave’s representation and his symbolism in the novel.

   Mr. Justice Wargrave represents the supremacy of logical order and reason. While several of the characters, including Miss Brent and Vera Claythorne, propose supernatural answers to the mystery of the Indian Island murders, Mr. Justice Wargrave always insists that no one be proved guilty or innocent without sufficient and undeniable proof. The fact that Wargrave is the murderer does not undermine this symbolic logical order. As Wargrave insists, his acts of murder on the Island are not committed out of a desire for chaos but, instead, out of a desire to restore justice to the world.

3. Who is the novel’s protagonist?

   And Then There Were None differs from other novels in the detective genre because it does not provide a clear protagonist. Each of the characters is a murderer responsible for an act of evil and therefore deserving in some way of murder. In this way, the reader has no character to root for but, instead, is caught up in the drama of how justice will be handed out and who is ultimately responsible for the deliverance of this justice.

4. How do the murders on Indian Island play with ideas of class consciousness?

   The murderer, Wargrave, insists in the closing chapter that the murders were committed when opportunity presented itself. However, for example, the first two murders also reflect a major theme of the novel: the leveling of class distinctions. The first two murdered victims are studies in opposites: Marston is a rich, carefree playboy while Mrs. Rogers is a domestic servant. Their murders represent the indiscriminate way in which the killer approaches the task of handing out justice.

5. Do you believe that the novel offers catharsis for the reader? Explain.

   And Then There Were None offers a partial catharsis for readers, though it is not complete. By revealing the identity of the killer in the final chapter, Christie allows the reader to discover who carried out the murders, how they were committed, and the motivations behind each one. The killer admits that the murders were motivated by an unexplainable compulsion to kill, but that they were planned and carried out methodically with the ultimate goal being justice. Psychologically, the reader is left feeling as though a certain sense of order has been restored to the world. However, a sense of unease must remain since the final act of justice is not one carried out by society but by the killer’s own hand. The reader is reminded that the reality of evil still exists in the world, often beyond the reach of institutional justice.

6. Discuss the use of violence in the novel.

   Christie’s novels have been called “Murders of Manners” for the benign ways in which her victims often come to their end. This is true of And Then There Were None in several respects. Several of the novel’s victims are killed with poison, a method of death that is portrayed as quick and relatively painless. The other deaths are all portrayed as quick endings; the victim does not suspect that they are being attacked and are dead before they realize what is happening. Though Christie does make use of violence, she does not depict torture, gore, or suffering. Her depictions of violence shock but do not offend.

7. Discuss the symbolism of weather in And Then There Were None.

   Christie uses the weather to symbolize the disorder of Indian Island and the depravity of human nature. The beginning chapters depict a hot and humid summer day. It causes a physical discomfort that is already felt internally by each of the novel’s characters. As the murders begin, the weather gradually worsens until a tumultuous storm breaks out as General Macarthur’s body is found. This breaking of the storm symbolizes the chaos into which the Island’s visitors have also descended.

8. Why do you believe Christie’s novels have been so popular, selling more copies of any book except the Bible?

   Christie’s novels are popular not just because they are masterfully plotted and suspenseful, but also because they are prime examples of the psychology of the murder mystery genre. Christie’s novels explore the common themes of imposed morality and of the undercurrents of human behavior. These novels, therefore, connect with readers at the base level of human emotion and behavior. The reader also knows that, in the end, everything will be explained and the upturned order of the fictional world will be restored, which becomes catharsis through reading.

9. Discuss the symbolism of food in the novel.

   Each character arrives at the Island expecting a certain level of comfort and service. At the beginning, the characters are treated to fine food, drink, and service by the Rogers. However, as the murders begin, the characters become afraid to eat and drink because of the possibility of poisoning and because they lack the ability to care for themselves or for one another. This use of food and civility symbolizes the spiraling depravity of each character. By the end of the novel, each character recognizes that they have become animalistic in their desires to survive. They survive only on the bare essentials and eventually turn on each other and themselves in completion of the final acts of violence.

10. What is the meaning of suicide in the novel?

    Christie purposefully uses suicide as the last two killings of the Indian Island murder spree. For Christie, suicide was the ultimate act of murder, since it shows that a person has become depraved enough to take their own life. While murder is an extraordinary crime, suicide is worse because it precludes resolution through justice. It is an act of complete insanity. Vera Claythorne’s murder, thus, is the culmination of the insanity of Indian Island. Wargrave’s own suicide is verification that he was a truly depraved and insane mind.

Related Links on And Then There Were None

And Then There Were None

And Then There Were None Movie Trailer – A trailer for the 1945 film adaptation of the novel.

Agatha Christie Homepage – Webpage for Agatha Christie with information about the author, her writing, and her legacy.

Agatha Christie – IMBD Page – A listing of all the films and television series featuring Christie’s novels or stories.

And Then There Were None Video Game – A video game based on Christie’s famous novel.

Monty Python Take On Agatha Christie – This is a classic sketch from Monty Python’s Flying Circus, satirizing the detective fiction that Christie made famous.