I Feel Clean for the First Time

Once a pious Muslim brother got a job in a restaurant. He took with himself a container for water so that he can use it for toilet purposes. So, everytime he goes to the toilet, he fills the container with water and takes it with him. One day, a Christian man who also works there saw him taking water and asked him about the reason for it. The Muslim brother told him that after releasing the dirty materials, we should clean that place and that cleanliness is a major part of Islam. The man said that why not use the toilet papers? The brother asked him that if such dirty thing touched his hands, would he use a toilet paper to wipe it off or use water? The man understood and said that he would use water. The next day, the Christian man brought a container for himself and used it during relieving himself. When he came out of the toilet, he was crying and tears were rolling down his cheeks. The Muslim brother asked him about why he is crying. The Christian man said that "For the first time in my life, I feel completely clean." Thereafter, he accepted Islam and became a devout Muslim.

Subhanallah! =)

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Muslims can do Dawah in many ways, and as we can see from this story, even by using the toilet! Our way of life is so beautiful that many aspects of it fascinate even non-Muslims. Unfortunately, the media and unfortunate events of the past and present stain Islam with a bad name. A religion that has such great and simple teachings and methods cannot be a religion of terrorism and violence. It's sad how our Islam is covered in misconceptions as it is...but that shouldn't deter us from continuing our efforts of Dawah. Dawah is not just passing out books and pamphlets, it could be just a simple smile and little gifts here and there. It could be wearing Hijab and modest Islamic clothing. It could be praying in front of people. Dawah doesn't even require us to initiate conversation. We could just continue doing what we would do normally as Muslims, and the questions will come when people notice and take interest. Let's try to display the beauty of Islam with our actions, and that will be powerful enough of a Dawah to make an impact, Insha'Allah! =)

Hadith of the Day - October 17th, 2008

Abu Ayyub Al-Ansari (ra) said that he heard the Messenger of Allah (saw) say: "Whoever performs Ghusl on Friday and applies perfume, if he has any, wears his best clothes, then goes to the Masjid and performs voluntary prayer, if he wishes, does not bother anyone, listens when the Imam appears until he starts the prayer. Then all of this will be an expiation for whatever occurs between that Friday and the next Friday." [Ahmad]

This is another example of the cleanliness encouraged by Islam. According to one narration, the performing of Ghusl on Friday is Wajib. It is recommended to wear our best clothes and apply perfume before we go to the Masjid. The earlier we go to the Masjid, the better. We shouldn't talk to anyone or disturb anyone during the Khutbah. When the Imam begins his Khutbah, we should listen attentively. If we do these things, then Insha'Allah it will serve as expiation for all of our minor sins between this Friday and the next. May Allah accept our Jumu'ah Salah and our duas.