Ungrateful Cat

I don't think cats are ungrateful. There are just some people that don't understand "cat-speak" so they think cats are ungrateful because of communication problems. Cats have different ways of telling you they are grateful for the love you've given them. I had a cat, sadly he is now gone from my life, (died a few years back) that I know had always known I'd saved his life, which I did twice. Once when I first rescued him from being thrown out in the street in a busy city, and when my ex tried to kill him, which I broke up with him and kicked him out of my place afterward. He always showed he was grateful to me by showing me constant affection. The two I have now have a funny way of meowing as their thank you to me for taking care of them. When I feed them, water them or whatnot, they look at me and meow in a different way then normal, as if to say "thank you".

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A Vessel Of water (Giving Gifts)

Gift-giving is one of the good manners that maintains and strengthens relations between the giver and the recipient. It is one of the acts that Prophet Muhammad sallallaahu `alayhi wa sallam ( may Allaah exalt his mention ) recommended us-Muslims- to do. Al-Bukhaari may Allaah have mercy upon him narrated that ‘Aa’ishah may Allaah be pleased with her said: "The Messenger of Allaah sallallaahu `alayhi wa sallam ( may Allaah exalt his mention ) used to accept gifts and reward people for giving them."
The phrase: “Reward people for giving them,” means giving the giver (at a later time) something of equal value at least in return.
This Hadeeth (narration) indicates that accepting gifts and giving something of equal value (or more) to the giver is the way of the Prophet sallallaahu `alayhi wa sallam ( may Allaah exalt his mention ).
The Prophet sallallaahu `alayhi wa sallam ( may Allaah exalt his mention ) enjoined responding in kind to favours, as he said in an authentic narration: “Whoever does you a favour, respond in kind, and if you cannot find the means of doing so, then keep praying for him until you think that you have responded in kind.” [Abu Daawood]
“Whoever does you a favour,” means, whoever treats you kindly in word or deed or by gifting you.
“Respond in kind,” means to treat him kindly just as he has treated you kindly.
“If you cannot find the means of doing so” means if you do not have the money.
“Until you think that you have responded in kind” means, repeatedly supplicate for him until you think that you have rewarded him his due.
One of the Du'aa' forms that one can say is 'Jazaaka Allaahu khayran' (may Allaah reward you with good). At-Tirmithi may Allaah have mercy upon him narrated that Usaamah Ibn Zayd may Allaah be pleased with him said: The Messenger of Allaah sallallaahu `alayhi wa sallam ( may Allaah exalt his mention ) said: “Whoever has a favour done for him and says 'Jazaak Allaahu khayran' has done his utmost to thank him.” [At-Tirmithi]

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Who Laughed and Cried (Heartlessly and Islam)

A fundamental assumption prevailing in the West which portrays a negative impact of Muslims and our religion Islam is the idea of unjustified violence and brutalism embarked by some secluded Muslim people or communities, or some extremist political groups are undividable from our religion Islam itself. The biggest misconception in this regard is about Jihad and Barbarism. The western people think that maintaining peace with Muslim is impracticable due to Jihad and those people termed it as an Armed Struggle. However, I would like to clarify that Islam is the religion of affection and peace, and it promotes love and brotherly relations with other communities, than how a religion which promotes such teaching could persuade the followers for unjustified killings and barbarism?
The biggest drawback of the modernized politics is that many people who are aggressive towards Islam quarrels with the legal orientation of the pre Muslim people. Let us illuminate this in the light of Quranic verses.“God does not forbid you, concerning those who have not fought you because of your religion or driven you from your homes that you treat them kindly and justly. God loves those who are just.” (60:8)
It is clear from this verse that how much Quran emphasize and gives importance to good relations with individual members of the society of other communities. Islam does not restrict Muslims to meet the people of other religion or nor it allows to fight with them without any solid reason. You can get a clear picture from this story that Abu Bakr (R.A)’s daughter Bibi Asma turned towards Islam. However, her mother was still the worshipper, so when her mother gave her a present, she refused to accept it and did not allow her mother to enter the house. When Our Prophet Hazrat Muhammad (P.B.U.H) came to know about this situation, He (P.B.U.H) emphasized Bibi Asma to accept her mother’s present and treat her with respect and kindness. Our Prophet (P.B.U.H) made it very clear that humanity and courtesy are irrespective of cast and creed and Islam put emphasize on the upright and impartial treatment of human beings of other faith communities.Another verse from Quran explains that pursuing peace is the primacy in our religion Islam, not only in peace, even in the midst of war.
“If they [your enemies] incline towards peace then you should likewise incline and place your trust in God. Surely, He hears and knows all.” (8:61)
Islamic history is full of evidences where the tribes offer the treaty of peace to its enemies. Sulah e Hudabia is the biggest example when Our Prophet (P.B.U.H) ceased the war and spread the message of peace throughout the tribe who was fighting against Islam.
We as a Muslim need to expand our knowledge and understanding so we can clear the misconceptions of those who think that Islam promotes Barbarism. One should know that it is the easiest thing to take the Quranic Verse out of perspective and deform its meaning to robust an ideologically defined agenda. Therefore, to maintain peace in the world, the members of all faith communities should join their hands together push towards a higher ground that leads to a common goal that is the betterment of the society.

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Fellowship Of Panda

Do you think this is correct, "A wise enemy is still safer than a fool friend"???
why common sense is not so common??? Now a days these quotes confuse me a lot , even in real life/offline world i got verbal fight with one of my very good friend, as i said why don't you use common sense???

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Camels Riding (Muhammad PBUH and a Bedouin)

A Story from Era of Last Beloved Prophet Muhammad PBUH , Proud hath a fall, we all know, but in Islam there is no place for Proud in Islamic Society , in this story we will learn how Muhammad PBUH told Muslims to avoid from Proud. a short but beautifull and moral story from life of Muhammad PBUH.
Muhammad PBUH says,,,

The proud will not enter Paradise, nor a violent speaker.
He will not enter hell, who hath faith equal to a single grain of mustard seed in his heart; and he will not enter Paradise, who hath pride equal to a single grain of mustard seed, in his heart.
Muhammad said, "That person will not enter Paradise who hath one atom of pride in his heart." And a man present said, "Verily, a man is fond of having good clothes and good shoes." Lord Muhammad said, "God is Beauty and delighteth in the beautiful; but pride is holding man incontempt."  

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A Medico and a King of Greece

A Nice story for children, in Urdu. The Moral of story and whole story is much interseting and have a social lesson in its moral.

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Good Heartedness of Allah (Self Help)

Establishing the 5 daily prayers in Sunni is a must. The more you maintain these daily prayers, the more you will see yourself coming back to Islam and becoming a better Muslim.
You must not waste food and water because you have to be grateful for what you have.
If you are not a Muslim convert, learn basic Islamic teaching gradually first in order to avoid misunderstandings.
Seek knowledge of Islam. From your local community to lectures, books and articles online, there's a lot available.
Read the Quran with translations every single day. Even if its just a few lines.
If you did something wrong once, immediately ask for forgiveness (Tawbah) from Allah. He is the most Merciful, meaning you should never give up from coming back for forgiveness.
If you have committed a great sin, don't disappoint yourself because Allah forgives every sin.
Perform ablution before every prayer, if you are not in the state of ablution. And applying good perfume on Friday is recommended.
If you have a committed a sin before, regret that sin always and try not to repeat it; Allah is a forgiver.

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The Most Merciful Shows Mercy to Those Who Have Mercy on Others

sila e rehmi = to keep good relations with our relatives (Kith and kin), and to strengthen the bonds of kin-ship..........
Abu Huraira RA reported....
Nabi SAW said: 'rehm', 'Rehmaan' se mushtuq hai......Allah Taalaa ne uss (rehm) se Farmaaya: "jo tujhay jorray ga, main bhi usay jorrooun ga.......aur jo tujh se juda jo ga, mein bhi uss se judaa hoon ga..."
Abdullah bin Umar RA reported.......
Nabi SAW said: sila e rehmi karnay waala wo nahin jo sirf badla chukaaye.......balkay sila e rehmi karnay waala wo hai jo apnay tootay huay rishtay ko jorray........
[Kitaab ul Aadaab, Al Jami` Assaheeh - by Bukhari RA]

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Prophet Ibrahim A.S and a Non Muslim Guest

Long before the time of Muhammad (S) people worshiped idols in a country called Mesopotamia (now called Iraq),in the city of Ur. There lived a man named Ibrahim. He did not believe in idols.
Once Prophet Ibrahim also known as Khaliullah (friend of Allah) had a father named Azar, he worshipped idols. One day he went to his father and asked “How can you pray to a piece of stone?” Then Azar got really angry and warned Ibrahim not to ask those questions. Ibrahim felt sorry for his people.
One day Ibrahim got an idea, one night people were celebrating a festival, but Ibrahim went to the temple where all he idols were kept. He asked “How do you do?” There was no reply. Then he got a club or an axe and broke all of the idols except for the biggest one, which he put the axe around his neck.
After the festival people went to pray at the temple, they were furious when they saw what happened to the idols. They asked Ibrahim, “Did you do this?” He replied, “Why don’t you ask the idols.” “But Ibrahim you know that the idols that can’t speak or hear.” Ibrahim replied, “Then why do you worship something that doesn’t speak or hear?” people became outrageous, so they prepared a fire for him. Allah favored Ibrahim because he did the right thing. So Ibrahim was in the fire for 40 days but Allah made it feel like he was surrounded by flowers.
When Ibrahim was a lot older and a prophet of Allah, he had a dream that Allah is telling him to travel and preach. So Ibrahim went to Canaan. He brought his wife Sarah and his nephew Prophet Lut. In Canaan he taught about Allah, and then he moved to Egypt. It was there he married his second wife Hagar. Sarah was happy, she wanted a baby in the family but she was too old. Hagar and Ibrahim had a son named Ismail.
Ibrahim took them back to Mecca, but Ibrahim had to leave to Canaan, Mecca with her boy, Ismail. Not long after the water had ran out. Hagar went looking for water, she ran from the hills of Safa and Marwah 7 times. Then a burst of water came out where Ismail was playing. This water came from a well named Zamzam, it‘s holy water and still here today. again. Hajar knew that he had to go so she stayed in
One day angels (disguised as men) came to Prophet Ibrahim. They told him that Sarah will have a son that will be a prophet named Iss’haq. Prophet Ibrahim went back to Mecca.
One night in Ibrahim’s dream Allah told him to sacrifice his son Ismail. He told Ismail and he agreed to be sacrificed. They went to Mina and he laid down Ismail to kill him. Then as soon as he was about to kill him he replaced Ismail with a goat, and Ibrahim killed the goat. This is the story why we have Eid-ul-Adha.
Later Ibrahim and his son built the Kaaba, and by the Kaaba today are Ibrahim’s foot prints. He died at age 120 from old age.

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Talking Tree (Greed Is Curse)

We all are very much familiar to the word of Greed or Greedy and most oftenly consider this word or property as a negative aspect. but have we ever thought a little that whether it is a negative aspect or its just our perception and use of it which makes it negative...
actually every thing in this world has two aspects, the good one, the bad one.... nothing is good and nothing is bad until its use decides it..... if we use a thing for a good intention its very good if we use it in some bad intention then its very bad..so things themselves are not good or bad...these are we, the human beings, which are responsible to make such things to be considered as negative....
have we ever thought for a while that how the GREED can be a positive aspect of human's life...? Yes of course it is, Greed refers to the term of starving or striving for something, temptation to achieve some thing, to own something and other terms like that.....so what if we use our Greed in seeking knowledge, what if we use Greed in serving humanity and manking, what if we use our Greed in inventing and discovering new things for the use of ours....
this is Greed which enabled a human being to invent a lot of things since his birth... this is due to the same dirty word Greed that we are today able to eat fruits and vegetables all through the year independant of their seasons,
this is due to the same dirty word Greed that today we are able to travel all through the world using aeroplanes and alot of examples we can see in our surroundings, so wanna we start thinking positively about the things which are considered as negative in our worlds and societies... may be some day we will be able to make some revolution on the basis of such thinking.....
Will you not starting thinking even yet when u come to know a secret of life???????????? but i will........

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Where Is Paradise (Wisdom is Key of Success)

Wisdom is a deep understanding and realization of people, things, events or situations, resulting in the ability to apply perceptions, judgements and actions in keeping with this understanding. It often requires control of one's emotional reactions (the "passions") so that universal principles, reason and knowledge prevail to determine one's actions. Wisdom is also the comprehension of what is true coupled with optimum judgment as to action. Synonyms include: sagacity, discernment, or insight.

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Koran Lecture Part 16 - Urdu

أُولَـئِكَ الَّذِينَ اشْتَرَوُاْ الْحَيَوةَ الدُّنْيَا بِالاٌّخِرَةِ فَلاَ يُخَفَّفُ عَنْهُمُ الْعَذَابُ وَلاَ هُمْ يُنصَرُونَ

2:86 Those are they who have bought the life of this world at the price of the Hereafter. Their torment shall not be lightened nor shall they be helped.
أُولَـئِكَ الَّذِينَ اشْتَرَوُاْ الْحَيَاةَ الدُّنْيَا بِالآَخِرَةِ ...
And Allah is not unaware of what you do. Those are they who have bought the life of this world at the price of the Hereafter,
meaning, they prefer this life to the Hereafter.
Therefore,
... فَلاَ يُخَفَّفُ عَنْهُمُ الْعَذَابُ ...
Their torment shall not be lightened,
not even for an hour.
... وَلاَ هُمْ يُنصَرُونَ ﴿٨٦﴾
Nor shall they be helped.
and they shall find no helper who will save them from the eternal torment they will suffer, nor shall they find any to grant them refuge from it.

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Devotee and Devout (Exemplum for Children)

The word Islam means “surrender.” It implies total submission to Allah. Allah is the Islamic name for God, but it is the same God of the Judeo-Christian tradition. Devotees of Islam are called Muslims, which means “one who surrenders to God.” The third of the great monotheistic religions in the order of origin, Islam also preaches unwavering loyalty to the one true God, and that all men are equal in God's stern but loving downward glance. Unlike more insular religions, Islamic tradition teaches that you can convert to Islam with a simple personal decision. You are a Muslim if you say you are and, of course, agree to abide by its precepts. And all Muslims belong to one community called an umma, whether they are in Arabia or Indonesia or Omaha.

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Condescension of Hazrat Ali R.A

Name - Ali
Title - Al-Murtaza, Al-Amir-ul-Mo'mineen, Abu-Turab, Asadullah
Kunyat - Abul Hasan
Born - Friday 13th of Rajab, in the Holy Ka'ba
Father's Name - Abu Talib-ibne-Abdul Muttalib
Mother's Name - Fatima bint-e-Asad
Died - at the age of 63 years, at Kufa, on Monday, the 21st Ramadan 40 AH, murdered by an assassin who mortally wounded him with a poisoned sword in the Mosque at Kufa during morning prayers on the 19th of Ramadan.
Buried - Najaf, near Kufa.

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Prophet Zakariya (Zacharia) & Maryam A.S (Mary)

Zakariya was a prophet amongst Banu Israil and was the father of Yahya. He was responsible for the rituals of worship as well as the upkeep of Bait-ul Muqqadas.
Fostering care of Maryam
Maryam was a niece of his wife. The mother of Maryam had dedicated her unborr. child to serve Bait-ul Muqqadas. When she gave birth to a daughter, she did not retract from her vow of dedicating her child in the service of Bait-ul Muqqadas and gave her to the foster care of her uncle, Zakariya.
When she grew up, he started to take her along to the great Mosque and taught her how to take care of all the sacred objects and how to conduct the rituals of worship. When she grew older, he alloted her a room inside the Mosque so that she could carry out her duties independently, and at all times.
The Birth of Yahya
Zakariya had grown old and his wife was infertile. Allah revealed to him that he would have a son very soon who would be a great prophet and a leader. His conduct would be exemplary to all mankind. There had never been any one before him with the same name, and that his name would be Yahya. He would affirm the innocence of Maryam. Zakariya was struck with amazement over the possibility of having a child at his old age and through his wife who had been infertile all her life. Allah conveyed to him that there is nothing that is impossible for Him to do. Allah gave Zakariya His sign for the prophecy, that he would be incapable of verbal communication with any one for a period of three days. So Zakariya was unable to talk for three days as the angel of Allah had forewarned him. Soon afterwards he had the son whom he named Yahya, according to the Will of Allah.

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A Man Who Requested for Help

The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said: “The slave will receive a response so long as his dua does not involve sin or severing of family ties, and so long as he is not hasty.” It was said, “What does being hasty mean?” He said: “When he says, ‘I made dua and I made dua, and I have not seen any response,’ and he gets frustrated and stops making dua.” Narrated by al-Bukahari, 6340; Muslim, 2735.
It was narrated that Faddalah ibn ‘Ubayd said: The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) heard a man making dua after his prayer, but he did not send blessings upon the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him). The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said: “This man is in a hurry.” Then he called him and said to him or to someone else: “When any one of you has finished praying (and makes dua), let him start by praising Allah, then let him send blessings upon the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him), then after that let him ask for whatever he wants.” Al-Albani said: it is a saheeh hadeeth. (See: Saheeh Sunan al-Tirmidhi, 2765.

Abu Musa narrated that the Prophet (s.a.w.s.) said, “Every Muslim has to give in sadaqah (charity).” The people asked, “O Allah’s Messenger (s.a.w.s.)! If someone has nothing to give, what will he do?” He said, “He should work with his hands and benefit himself and also give in charity (from what he earns).” The people further asked, “If he cannot do even that?” He replied, “Then he should help the needy who appeal for help.” Then the people asked, “If he cannot do that?” He replied, “Then he should perform all that is good and keep away from all that is evil and this will be regarded as charitable deeds.” (Bukhari Vol. 2, Hadith 524)

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The Most Praised (Muhammad PBUH) The Last & Final Prophet

Muhammad (pbuh) was the last and final prophet of Islam chosen by Allah most gracious. He is unmistakably the most historical prophet in history. There is no doubt that he ever existed. But in this day in age; rather than being realised of his brilliance, this Prophet (pbuh) of Islam is under constant ridicule and hatred. In the west he is commonly viewed to have had a hateful and aggressive personality by non-Muslims. Views like this need to be answered; otherwise the constant hatred of Islam and its last and final Prophet (pbuh) will unbearably continue without end.
If one studies the biography of Muhammad (pbuh), then such negative views about the Prophet (pbuh) would be completely cleansed away. It is for such purpose that this piece of writing is being presented, that it may help the reader to understand the Prophet Muhammad in true light. This article will assist to understand how beautifully powerful Muhammad’s (pbuh) personality and characteristics were. Also the reader will understand how much the people around the Prophet (pbuh) were attracted by his sincerity, kindness, appearance and success in his mission (to deliver the message of Islam).It is important to notice that the Prophet (pbuh) was viewed to have a welcoming and honourable personality by his own people at the time. From an early age Muhammad (pbuh) was popular for his gentle and calm character. How much he was liked and trusted by his own people can only be explained by presenting events that took place in his life.It is natural for a Muslim to praise Muhammad (pbuh) the Messenger of Allah, and therefore hardly anyone would pay so much attention to what is said about Muhammad (pbuh (by a Muslim). But if a non-Muslim spoke praises of Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) then surely everyone agrees, most persons would eagerly listen to what has to be said. So it can be assumed: a non-Muslim’s praises of the Prophet (pbuh) is of high value. The following are what some of histories great thinkers have said about Muhammad (pbuh), the last and final Prophet of Islam.
“My choice of Muhammad to lead the best of the world’s most influential persons may surprise some readers and may be questioned by others, but he was the only man in history who was supremely successful on both the religious and secular levels.”[1]
“I became more than convinced that it was not the sword that won a place for Islam in those days in the scheme of life. It was the rigid simplicity, the utter self-effacement of the Prophet, the scrupulous regard for his pledges, his intense devotion to his friends and followers, his intrepidity, his fearlessness, his absolute trust in God and in his own mission.”[2]
“The personality of Muhammad, it is most difficult to get into the whole truth of it. Only a glimpse of it I can catch. What a dramatic succession of picturesque scenes! There is Muhammad, the Prophet. There is Muhammad, the General; Muhammad, the King; Muhammad, the Warrior; Muhammad, the Businessman; Muhammad, the Preacher, Muhammad, the Philosopher, Muhammad, the Statesman; Muhammad, the Orator; Muhammad, the Reformer; Muhammad, the refuge of Orphans; Muhammad, the protector of Slaves; Muhammad, the Emancipator of Women; Muhammad, the Judge; Muhammad, the Saint. And in all these magnificent roles, in all these departments of human activity, he is like a hero.”[3]
References
[1] The 100: A Ranking of the Most Influential Persons in History, by Michael H. Hart
[2] YoungIndia, Mahatma Ghandi
[3] Muhammad the Prophet of Islam by Professor Ramakrishna Rao

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The Necklace of Fatima A.S Leader of the Women of Paradise

The Holy Prophet (sallal alaho alahie wasallam) did not like showing off or pomposity. As such he did not approve his children to be ostentatious or make a show. Once Hazrat Ali presented a golden necklace to Hazrat Fatimah, when the Holy Prophet (sallal alaho alahie wasallam) learnt about this he reprimanded her in these words: "0 Fatimah, would you like the people say'that the daughter of the Messenger of Allah, wears a necklace of fire"? She at once sold out the golden necklaces and purchased a slave.
Once the Holy Prophet (sallal alaho alahie wasallam) returned triumphantly from a battle. To welcome her father in a befitting manner, Hazrat Fatimah decorated her house by hanging curtains on the doors and put on silver bracelets on the hands of her sons, Hazrat Hasan and Husain. The Holy Prophet (sallal alaho alahie wasallam) who abhored pomp and show, returned from the door. Hazrat Fatimah understood the reason for the return of her father, at once tore down the curtains and removed bracelets from the hands of her sons. The two sons, being still very young, did not appreciate the action of their mother and resented the taking away of bracelets from their hands. They approached their grandfather weeping. The Holy Prophet (sallal alaho alahie wasallam) said that although they were his own kith and kin, yet he did not like them to be involved with the worldly wealth and empty pride. He, however, ordered the purchase of an ordinary necklace for his daughter and ivory bracelets for his grand sons. (Abu Daud, Nasai).

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Hazrat Ali (A.S) and a Christian (Social Justice in Islam)

Most of the recent western legal concepts such as supremacy of law, equality before law, judicial independence and impartiality, juristic personality, legal representation, presumption of innocence, etc, were never alien to Islam.
Muslims can take just pride in the fact that from the beginning their judicial system was placed on lines that in substance are no different from those of the best systems of today. Here is a brief look at some of the main features of administration of justice in Islam.
1. Supremacy of law: In Islamic legal system, no ruler and no official can claim to be above the law. No acts, procedures, and decisions of any authority, howsoever high it may be, can be valid and binding as to the people they affect, save to the extent they are in consonance with the law.
2. Equality before law: The Quran and the Sunnah, which are the primary sources of Islamic law, put great emphasis on equality. Consequently, in Islamic legal system there cannot be one law for the ruler and one for the subject; one for the powerful and one for the weak; one for the rich and one for the poor. Government authorities enjoy no special privileges or immunities from the application of law. Even the Prophet of Islam did not consider himself or his family above the law. Instead of claiming any immunity from the law, he laid down the rule that even the head of the state may be challenged, in both official and private capacity, in the court.
The following statement of the Prophet (PBUH) which he made while deciding the case of a noble woman who had committed theft, demonstrates it all: “Verily those who were before you were destroyed because when a noble man from among them committed theft, they passed no sentence on him. By Allah, had Fatima, the daughter of Muhammad, committed theft, I would have cut off her hand.”
Also, during the course of his last sermon, the Prophet publicly offered to the community that if he owed anything to anyone, or had done any harm to anyone’s life or property, he was available to answer for it.
3. Judicial impartiality: The Quran says: “Surely We have revealed the Book to thee with truth that thou may judge between people by means of what Allah has taught thee. And be not one pleading the cause of the dishonest.” (4: 105)

It is agreed that the occasion of the revelation of the above-given verse was a dispute between a Jew and a Muslim, in which the Prophet decided against the Muslim. The Muslim, supported by his tribe, had falsely accused the Jew of theft. In a time when help was sorely needed for the defence of Islam, a verdict against a man supported by his tribe meant the loss of that tribe. But such considerations did not carry any weight with the Prophet and he cleared the Jew of the charge. Thus, the verse lays down that dishonesty must be punished, and the balance of justice must be held equal between friends and foes and between Muslims and non-Muslims.
The Prophet was known for his fair and impartial administration of justice. Along with Muslims, non-Muslims would also come to him for settlement of their disputes and he would adjudicate in accordance with their laws. He strictly observed the Quranic instructions regarding equality before law, and never made any distinction between litigants on the basis of religion or relations.
The Quran says: “O you who believe, be maintainers of justice, bearers of witness for Allah, even though it be against your own selves or (your) parents or near relatives — whether he be rich or poor... And if you distort or turn away (from truth), surely Allah is ever Aware of what you do.” (4:135) “O you who believe, be upright for Allah, bearers of witness with justice; and not let hatred of a people incite you not to act equitably. Be just; that is nearer to observance of duty. And keep your duty to Allah. Surely Allah is aware of what you do.” (5:8)
The extent to which impartiality is expected of a judge is also well illustrated in the story concerning Caliph Umar. He once had a lawsuit against a Jew. When both parties went before the judge, the latter rose in his seat out of deference to Umar. Umar looked upon this act of deference to one party as an unpardonable judicial weakness.
4. Judicial independence: In Islamic legal system, judiciary is independent of executive control. Judges can perform their functions without any interference and none can influence the course of justice with his authority or wealth. The following portion of a letter that was written by Caliph Ali to one of his governors, excellently explains the notion of independence of judiciary in Islam:
“Select for your Chief Judge one from the people who by far is the best among them; one who is not obsessed with domestic worries; one who cannot be intimidated; one who does not err too often; one who does not turn back from the right path once he finds it; one who is not self centred or avaricious; one who will not decide before knowing full facts; one who will weigh with care every attendant doubt and pronounce a clear verdict after taking everything into full consideration; one who will not grow restive over the arguments of advocates; one who will examine with patience every new disclosure of facts; one who will be strictly impartial in his decision; one whom flattery cannot mislead; one who does not exult over his position.
“But it is not easy to find such men... Once you have selected the right man for the office, pay him handsomely enough to let him live in comfort and in keeping with his position, enough to keep him above temptations. Give him a position in your court so high that none can even dream of coveting it, and so high that neither backbiting nor intrigue can touch him.”
Since law, in Islam, stands at the apex of social organisation, those who administer the law must likewise be elevated and kept free of all executive control.
5. Free administration of justice: In Islamic legal system, justice is administered free of cost. All citizens, regardless of their financial status, can get justice without incurring any expenses in the form of court fee, stamp duty, etc.

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Master of Revolution

Al-Mutawakkil ʻAlā Allāh Jaʻfar ibn al-Muʻtasim (March 821 – December 861) was an Abbasid caliph who reigned in Samarra from 847 until 861. He succeeded his brother al-Wāthiq and is known for putting an end to the Mihna "ordeal", the Inquisition-like attempt by his predecessors to impose a single Mu'tazili version of Islam.While al-Wathiq was caliph, the vizier, ibn Abd al-Malik, had poorly treated al-Mutawakkil. On September 22, 847, al-Mutawakkil had him arrested. The former vizier's property was plundered and he was tortured in his own iron maiden. He finally died on November 2. The caliph had others who had mistreated him in the previous reign punished.
In A.H. 235 (849) al-Mutawakkil had the prominent military commander Itakh al-Khazari seized in Baghdad. Itakh was imprisoned and died of thirst on December 21. One Mahmud ibn al-Faraj al-Naysaburi arose claiming to be a prophet. He and some followers were arrested in Baghdad. He was imprisoned, beaten and on June 18, 850 he died.
In A.H. 237 (851-852) Armenians rebelled and defeated and killed the Abbasid governor. Al-Mutawakkil sent his general Bugha al-Kabir to handle this. Bugha scored successes this year and the following year he attacked and burned Tiflis, capturing Ishaq ibn Isma'il. The rebel leader was executed. That year (A.H. 238) the Byzantines attacked Damietta.
In A.H. 240 (854-855) the police chief in Homs killed a prominent person stirring an uprising. He was driven out. Al-Mutawakkil offered another police chief. When the next year saw a revolt against this new police chief, al-Mutawakkil had this firmly suppressed. As Christians had joined in the second round of disturbances, the caliph had Christians expelled from Homs.
Also in 241 occurred the firm response to the revolt by the Bujah, people of African descent just beyond Upper Egypt. They had been paying a tax on their gold mines. They ceased paying this, drove out Muslims working in the mines and terrified people in Upper Egypt. Al-Mutawakkil sent al-Qummi to restore order. Al-Qummi sent seven ships with supplies that enabled him to persevere despite the very harsh terrain of this distant territory. He retook the mines, pressed on to the Bujah royal stronghold and defeated the king in battle. The Bujah resumed payment of the tax.
On February 23, 856, there was an exchange of captives with the Byzantines. A second such exchange took place some four years later.
al-Mutawakkil's reign is remembered for its many reforms and viewed as a golden age of the Abbasids. He would be the last great Abbasid caliph; after his death the dynasty would fall into a decline.
Al-Mutawakkil continued to rely on Turkish statesmen and slave soldiers to put down rebellions and lead battles against foreign empires, notably the Byzantines, from who Sicily was captured. His vezir, Al-fath bin Khaqan, who was Turkish, was a famous figure of Al-Mutawakkil's era.
His reliance on Turkish soldiers would come back to haunt him. Al-Mutawakkil would have his Turkish commander-in-chief killed. This, coupled with his extreme attitudes towards the Shia, made his popularity decline rapidly.
Al-Mutawakkil was murdered by a Turkish soldier on December 11, 861 CE. Some have speculated that his murder was part of a plot hatched by his son, al-Muntasir, who had grown estranged from his father. Al-Muntasir feared his father was about to move against him and struck first.
Al-Mutawakkil is said to have been slender, with a light tan complexion, a sparse beard and attractive eyes.

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