Evolution forgeries

There is no concrete fossil evidence to support the “ape-man” image, which is unceasingly indoctrinated by the media and evolutionist academic circles. With brushes in their hands, evolutionists produce imaginary creatures, yet the fact that these drawings have no matching fossils constitutes a serious problem for them. One of the interesting methods they employ to overcome this problem is to “produce” the fossils they cannot find. 'The Piltdown Man' -- the biggest scandal in the history of science, is a typical example of this method.

Piltdown Man: An orang-utan's jaw and a human skull!

A well-known doctor and amateur paleoanthropologist, Charles Dawson, came out with an assertion that he had found a jawbone and a cranial fragment in a pit in Piltdown, England in 1912 CE. ُُEven though the jawbone was more ape-like, the teeth and the skull were like a man’s.  These specimens were labeled the “Piltdown Man.” Alleged to be 500,000 years old, they were displayed as an absolute proof of human evolution in several museums. For more than 40 years, many scientific articles were written on the “Piltdown Man,” many interpretations and drawings were made and the fossil was presented as an important evidence of human evolution. No less than 500 doctoral theses were written on the subject.

The famous American paleo-anthropologist Henry Fairfield Osborn said: “…we have to be reminded over and over again that Nature is full of paradoxes and this is an astonishing finding about early man…”  while he was visiting the British Museum in 1935 CE.

In 1949 CE, Kenneth Oakley from the British Museum’s paleontology department attempted to try the method of “fluorine testing,” a new test used for determining the date of some old fossils. A trial was made on the fossil of the Piltdown Man. The result was astounding. During the test, it was realised that the jawbone of the Piltdown Man did not contain any fluorine. This indicated that it had remained buried no more than a few years. The skull, which contained only a small amount of fluorine, showed that it was only a few thousand years old.

The latest chronological studies made with the fluorine method have revealed that the skull is only a few thousand years old. It was determined that the teeth in the jawbone belonging to an orang-utan had been worn down artificially and that the “primitive” tools discovered with the fossils were simple imitations that had been sharpened with steel implements. In the detailed analysis completed by Weiner, this forgery was revealed to the public in 1953 CE. The skull belonged to a 500-year-old man and the mandibular bone belonged to a recently dead ape!

The teeth were thereafter specially arranged in an array and added to the jaw and the joints were filed in order to resemble that of a man. Then all these pieces were stained with potassium dichromate to give them a dated appearance. These stains began to disappear when dipped in acid. Le Gros Clark, who was in the team that disclosed the forgery could not hide his astonishment at this situation and said that “the evidences of artificial abrasion immediately sprang to the eye. Indeed so obvious did they seem it may well be asked – how was it that they had escaped notice before?” In the wake of all this, “Piltdown Man” was hurriedly removed from the British Museum where it had been displayed for more than 40 years.

Nebraska Man: The phantom who was born from a pig’s tooth!

In 1922 CE, Henry Fairfield Osborn, manager of the American Museum of Natural History, declared that he had found a fossil molar tooth in West Nebraska near Snake Brook belonging to the Pliocene period. This tooth allegedly bore the common characteristics of both man and ape. Deep scientific arguments began, in which some interpreted this tooth to be of Pithecanthropus erectus while others claimed it was closer to human beings. This fossil which aroused extensive debate was called the “Nebraska Man.” It was also immediately given a “scientific name”: Hesperopithecus haroldcooki.

Many authorities gave Osborn their support. Based on this single tooth, reconstructions of the Nebraska Man’s head and body were drawn. Moreover, the Nebraska Man was even pictured along with his wife and children, as a whole family in a natural setting.

All of these scenarios were developed from just one tooth. Evolutionist circles accredited this “ghost man” to such an extent that when a researcher named William Bryan opposed these biased decisions relying on a single tooth, he was harshly criticized.

In 1927 CE, other parts of the skeleton were also found. According to these newly-discovered pieces, the tooth belonged neither to a man nor to an ape. It was realized that it belonged to an extinct species of wild American pig called Prosthennops. William Gregory entitled his article published in Science magazine where he announced this fault as: “Hesperopithecus: Apparently not an ape nor a man.” Then all the drawings of Hesperopithecus haroldcooki and “his family” were hurriedly removed from evolutionary literature.

Ota Benga: The African in the cage

After Darwin advanced the claim with his book The Descent of Man that man evolved from ape-like living beings, he started to seek fossils to support this contention. However, some evolutionists believed that “half-man half-ape” creatures were to be found not only in the fossil record, but also alive in various parts of the world. In the early 20^th century CE, these pursuits for “living transitional links” led to unfortunate incidents, one of the cruelest of which is the story of a Pygmy by the name of Ota Benga.

Ota Benga was captured in 1904 CE by an evolutionist researcher in the Congo. In his own tongue, his name meant “friend”. He had a wife and two children. Chained and caged like an animal, he was taken to the USA where evolutionist scientists displayed him to the public in the St Louis World Fair along with other ape species and introduced him as “the closest transitional link to man.” Two years later, they took him to the Bronx Zoo in New York and there they exhibited him under the denomination of “ancient ancestors of man” along with a few chimpanzees, a gorilla named Dinah and an orang-utan called Dohung. Dr. William T. Hornaday, the zoo’s evolutionist director gave long speeches on how proud he was to have this exceptional “transitional form” in his zoo and treated caged Ota Benga as if he were an ordinary animal. Unable to bear the treatment he was subjected to, Ota Benga eventually committed suicide.

The ‘Piltdown Man’, the ‘Nebraska Man’, Ota Benga…. These scandals demonstrate that evolutionist scientists do no hesitate to employ any kind of unscientific method to prove their theory. Bearing this point in mind, when we look at the other so-called evidence of the “human evolution” myth, we confront a similar situation. Here, there is a fictional story and an army of volunteers ready to try everything to verify this story. 

The story of Prophet Saalih – II

After they plotted to kill the she-camel, the disbelievers among the people of Prophet Saalih began to watch her closely, observing all her movements. As she came to drink from the well, Masrai, the man who volunteered to kill her, shot her in the leg with an arrow. She tried to escape but was hampered by the arrow. Qudaar, his aide, followed her and struck her with a sword in the other leg. As she fell to the ground, he pierced her with his sword.

The killers were given a hero's welcome, cheered with songs and poetry composed in their praise. In their arrogance, they mocked Prophet Saalih, but he warned them: "…Enjoy yourselves in your homes for three days. That is a promise not to be denied [i.e. unfailing]." [Quran 11:65]

 

Prophet Saalih was hoping that they would see the folly of their ways and change their attitude before the three days went out.

 

"Why three days?" they asked. "Let the punishment come as quickly as possible."

 

He pleaded them saying (what means): "O my people, why are you impatient for evil before [i.e. instead of] good? Why do you not seek forgiveness of Allaah that you may receive mercy?"[Quran 27:46]

 

They replied: "We consider you a bad omen, you and those with you…" [Quran 27:47]

 

Almighty Allaah related their story, Saying (what means): "And We had certainly sent to Thamood their brother Saalih, [saying], “Worship Allaah,” and at once they were two parties conflicting.He said, “O my people, why are you impatient for evil before [i.e. instead of] good? Why do you not seek forgiveness of Allaah that you may receive mercy?” They said, “We consider you a bad omen, you and those with you. He said, “Your omen [i.e. fate] is with Allaah. Rather, you are a people being tested.” And there were in the city nine family heads causing corruption in the land and not amending [its affairs].

They said, “Take a mutual oath by Allaah that we will kill him by night, he and his family. Then we will say to his executor, “We did not witness the destruction of his family, and indeed, we are truthful.” And they planned a plan, and We planned a plan, while they perceived not.

Then look how was the outcome of their plan - that We destroyed them and their people, all. So those are their houses, desolate because of the wrong they had done. Indeed in that is a sign for people who know.

And We saved those who believed and used to fear Allaah." [Quran 27:45-53]

 

They also plotted to kill Prophet Saalih and his household, as Almighty Allaah states (what means): "And they planned a plan, and We planned a plan, while they perceived not."[Quran 27:50] Allaah Almighty saved Prophet Saalih and his followers from their wicked plans. Heavy-hearted, they left the evil doers and moved to another place.

 

Three days after Prophet Saalih's warning, thunderbolts filled the air, followed by severe earthquakes which destroyed the entire tribe and its homeland. The land was violently shaken, destroying all living creatures in it. There was one terrific cry, which had hardly ended when the disbelievers of Prophet Saalih's people were struck dead, one and all, at the same time. Neither their strong buildings nor their rock-hewn homes could protect them.

Allaah, the Exalted, Says (what means): "And to the Thamood [We sent] their brother Saalih. He said, “O my people, worship Allaah; you have no deity other than Him. There has come to you clear evidence from your Lord. This is the she-camel of Allaah [sent] to you as a sign. So leave her to eat within Allaah’s land and do not touch her with harm, lest there seize you a painful punishment. And remember when He made you successors after the (people of) ‘Aad and settled you in the land, [and] you take for yourselves palaces from its plains and carve from the mountains, homes. Then remember the favors of Allaah and do not commit abuse on the earth, spreading corruption.”

Said the eminent ones who were arrogant among his people to those who were oppressed — to those who believed among them, “Do you [actually] know that Saalih is sent from his Lord?” They said, “Indeed we, in that with which he was sent, are believers.”

Said those who were arrogant, “Indeed we, in that which you have believed, are disbelievers.”

So they hamstrung the she-camel and were insolent toward the command of their Lord and said, “O Saalih, bring us what you promise us, if you should be of the messengers.”

So the earthquake seized them, and they became within their home [corpses] fallen prone.

And he [i.e. Saalih] turned away from them and said, “O my people, I had certainly conveyed to you the message of my Lord and advised you, but you do not like advisors.”[Quran 7:73-79]

All were destroyed before they realized what was happening. As for the people who believed in the message of Prophet Saalih they were saved because they had left the place.

 

Abdullaah Ibn Umar narrated that while the Prophet Muhammad ( ) was passing by Thamood's houses on his way to the battle of Tabook, he stopped together with his companions . Some of the companions fetched water from the wells from which the people of Thamood used to drink. They prepared their dough (for baking) and filled their water-skins from it (the water from the wells). The Prophet ordered them to empty the water-skins and give the prepared dough to the camels. Then he went away with them until they stopped at the well from which the she-camel (of Prophet Saalih) used to drink. He warned them against entering upon the people who had been punished, "I fear that you may be affected by what afflicted them; so do no enter upon them." [Al-Bukhaari]

 

Source:Sheikh Muhammad Gemeiah's translation of "Stories of the Prophets" by Ibn Katheer

The story of Prophet Saalih – I

After they plotted to kill the she-camel, the disbelievers among the people of Prophet Saalih began to watch her closely, observing all her movements. As she came to drink from the well, Masrai, the man who volunteered to kill her, shot her in the leg with an arrow. She tried to escape but was hampered by the arrow. Qudaar, his aide, followed her and struck her with a sword in the other leg. As she fell to the ground, he pierced her with his sword.

The killers were given a hero's welcome, cheered with songs and poetry composed in their praise. In their arrogance, they mocked Prophet Saalih, but he warned them: "…Enjoy yourselves in your homes for three days. That is a promise not to be denied [i.e. unfailing]." [Quran 11:65]

 

Prophet Saalih was hoping that they would see the folly of their ways and change their attitude before the three days went out.

 

"Why three days?" they asked. "Let the punishment come as quickly as possible."

 

He pleaded them saying (what means): "O my people, why are you impatient for evil before [i.e. instead of] good? Why do you not seek forgiveness of Allaah that you may receive mercy?"[Quran 27:46]

 

They replied: "We consider you a bad omen, you and those with you…" [Quran 27:47]

 

Almighty Allaah related their story, Saying (what means): "And We had certainly sent to Thamood their brother Saalih, [saying], “Worship Allaah,” and at once they were two parties conflicting.He said, “O my people, why are you impatient for evil before [i.e. instead of] good? Why do you not seek forgiveness of Allaah that you may receive mercy?” They said, “We consider you a bad omen, you and those with you. He said, “Your omen [i.e. fate] is with Allaah. Rather, you are a people being tested.” And there were in the city nine family heads causing corruption in the land and not amending [its affairs].

They said, “Take a mutual oath by Allaah that we will kill him by night, he and his family. Then we will say to his executor, “We did not witness the destruction of his family, and indeed, we are truthful.” And they planned a plan, and We planned a plan, while they perceived not.

Then look how was the outcome of their plan - that We destroyed them and their people, all. So those are their houses, desolate because of the wrong they had done. Indeed in that is a sign for people who know.

And We saved those who believed and used to fear Allaah." [Quran 27:45-53]

 

They also plotted to kill Prophet Saalih and his household, as Almighty Allaah states (what means): "And they planned a plan, and We planned a plan, while they perceived not."[Quran 27:50] Allaah Almighty saved Prophet Saalih and his followers from their wicked plans. Heavy-hearted, they left the evil doers and moved to another place.

 

Three days after Prophet Saalih's warning, thunderbolts filled the air, followed by severe earthquakes which destroyed the entire tribe and its homeland. The land was violently shaken, destroying all living creatures in it. There was one terrific cry, which had hardly ended when the disbelievers of Prophet Saalih's people were struck dead, one and all, at the same time. Neither their strong buildings nor their rock-hewn homes could protect them.

Allaah, the Exalted, Says (what means): "And to the Thamood [We sent] their brother Saalih. He said, “O my people, worship Allaah; you have no deity other than Him. There has come to you clear evidence from your Lord. This is the she-camel of Allaah [sent] to you as a sign. So leave her to eat within Allaah’s land and do not touch her with harm, lest there seize you a painful punishment. And remember when He made you successors after the (people of) ‘Aad and settled you in the land, [and] you take for yourselves palaces from its plains and carve from the mountains, homes. Then remember the favors of Allaah and do not commit abuse on the earth, spreading corruption.”

Said the eminent ones who were arrogant among his people to those who were oppressed — to those who believed among them, “Do you [actually] know that Saalih is sent from his Lord?” They said, “Indeed we, in that with which he was sent, are believers.”

Said those who were arrogant, “Indeed we, in that which you have believed, are disbelievers.”

So they hamstrung the she-camel and were insolent toward the command of their Lord and said, “O Saalih, bring us what you promise us, if you should be of the messengers.”

So the earthquake seized them, and they became within their home [corpses] fallen prone.

And he [i.e. Saalih] turned away from them and said, “O my people, I had certainly conveyed to you the message of my Lord and advised you, but you do not like advisors.”[Quran 7:73-79]

All were destroyed before they realized what was happening. As for the people who believed in the message of Prophet Saalih they were saved because they had left the place.

 

Abdullaah Ibn Umar narrated that while the Prophet Muhammad ( ) was passing by Thamood's houses on his way to the battle of Tabook, he stopped together with his companions . Some of the companions fetched water from the wells from which the people of Thamood used to drink. They prepared their dough (for baking) and filled their water-skins from it (the water from the wells). The Prophet ordered them to empty the water-skins and give the prepared dough to the camels. Then he went away with them until they stopped at the well from which the she-camel (of Prophet Saalih) used to drink. He warned them against entering upon the people who had been punished, "I fear that you may be affected by what afflicted them; so do no enter upon them." [Al-Bukhaari]

 

Source:Sheikh Muhammad Gemeiah's translation of "Stories of the Prophets" by Ibn Katheer

Racism: A Sign of Weak Faith

Allaah Almighty Says what means: "You are the best nation produced [as an example] for mankind. You enjoin what is right and forbid what is wrong and believe in Allaah. If only the People of the Scripture had believed, it would have been better for them. Among them are believers, but most of them are defiantly disobedient." [Quran 3:110]

Islam is the best tool for relieving humankind of its ills. When we look at one another as individual beings with our diverse capacities and ideas we should be able to see the beauty of Allaah's handiwork. But too often we fall into the trap laid by Iblees (Satan) when Allaah created Aadam. Iblees (Satan) became haughty and arrogant and felt that he was the best of creation. Allaah Almighty Says what means: {And [mention] when We said to the angels, "Prostrate before Aadam"; so they prostrated, except for Iblees. He refused and was arrogant and became of the disbelievers.} [Quran 2: 34] Here Allaah Almighty mentions that rejection of faith lies in refusal to obey Allaah's command through haughtiness. Many of us are haughty due to having pride in our accomplishments, our acquisitions and our positions in comparison to our fellow human beings. But is this what Allaah placed us on earth to do?

 

He, Almighty, tells us in Quran (what means): {…Had Allaah willed, He would have made you one nation [united in religion], but [He intended] to test you in what He has given you; so race to [all that is] good. To Allaah is your return all together, and He will [then] inform you concerning that over which you used to differ.} [Quran 5:48] Obviously, His plan was to make us different types of people so that we could realize our diversity and put forth every effort to lead one another to the Almighty. Being different only obliged us to work as one people to promote the good and forbid the wrong.

 

To work as one people striving to Allaah we must overcome our desire to use our ethnicity or race as a means to divide us. Every race struggles to hold on to, their inherited identity but in so doing, in the long run, we may encounter the risk of eliminating an aspect of our lives that will make us better people. 

 

Poverty syndrome

 

Poverty separates people. At times we look to display our accomplishments in ways that glamorize and tickle the fancy of others. Everything looks well put together and organized, but when we take an in-depth look behind the scene, we may have overlooked some critical factors. Why aren't there more people of color present at the event? Were they included in the planning stages? Was every effort made to get their input? As an observer of this phenomenon, all too often, I notice that more times than necessary, poverty is a factor. The fees to attend many programs are out off the scale for poor Muslims. Also, location plays a pivotal role in attendance. Every Muslim does not have a car and many rely on public transportation to get around. And, in a predominant white America, how does this apply to Muslims? The reality is that many Muslims of fair complexion are more comfortable being recognized as Caucasian rather than people of color.

 

Consciously, our brethren don't use this as a factor but subconsciously it is used in the workplace, in the public sphere and in the most sacred place for the Muslim, the Mosque. If one grew up in America during the 50s, 60s and 70s, it was emphasized that the one with the lighter skin complexion would have a better chance of being mainstreamed in with their Caucasian counterpart and therefore apportioned some of the fruits of that community. The stigma that was placed on the darkness of ones' skin became synonymous with failure. This was also taught to people of other countries before they came to America. The mantra was "stay away from the black Americans”.

Unfortunately, people of color tend to be among the poorest around the world. Their struggle has been documented throughout history. But, the one theme among this impoverished group has been to strive in the fact of adversity.

 

If you can read you can learn and if you can learn you can succeed. Yet the opportunities for success do not always be within the reach of all.

 

A community that is largely Caucasian has a greater chance of opening the door to advancement for its residents than a community wherein the population is primarily African-American. But, it doesn't have to be that way. If the prosperous community took their ideas into a seemingly hopeless community as a means to inform them of the potential for success rather than deride them for their lack of motivation, working with them and pushing them to see that they too can thrive, a step toward equality can begin.

 

Now, let us substitute Muslim for prosperous and look at ourselves to see how some of us have neglected the less-fortunate in our midst and we will see where the genuine work of a believer belongs.

 

Knowledge

 

"What you don't know can kill you" is a saying attributed to ignorance. Allaah, the Almighty, tells us in the Quran (what means): {And [mention O Mohammad] when your Lord said to the angels, "Indeed, I will make upon the earth a successive authority." They said, "Will You place upon it one who causes corruption therein and sheds blood, while we declare Your praise and sanctify You?" Allaah said, "Indeed, I know that which you do not know." And He taught Aadam the names – all of them. Then He showed them to the angels and said, "Inform Me of the names of these, if you are truthful." They said, "Exalted are You; we have no knowledge except what You have taught us. Indeed, it is You who is the Knowing, the Wise."} [Quran 2:30-32]

 

Clearly, without a true understanding of why we do something we will continue to have impoverished souls. The example of Aadam before the angels can be compared to the truly intelligent and the analytical among us. A scholar made the point that the intelligent one is aware of Allaah's mercy to His creation, submits to it and obeys wherein the analytical one has not yet grasped the glory of Allaah and still questions His Omnipotence seemingly looking for a way out. Knowledge enlightens the soul and nurtures humility. Taking the position of slave/servant to Allaah broadens our perspective and invokes in us the will to submit willingly to His commands. Acknowledging our similarities and differences as assets rather than losses will bring us closer to Allaah and closer to one another.

 

In order to remove subtle racism there has to be an admission that it exists. Then steps must be made to heal and rekindle a relationship that predates modern man. Our community can regain its place as leaders of the world, but only if we accept our destiny as a unit of one Ummah in a race towards the everlasting bounties of Allaah.

The Trade of Sincere Muslims

There is no doubt that the reward of Allaah The Almighty is better and more lasting than any worldly benefit. Allaah, the Exalted, Says (what means): {But what is with Allaah is better and more lasting for those who have believed and upon their Lord rely.} [Quran 42: 36]
Indeed, one's good deeds are generously rewarded by Allaah The Almighty; He Says (what means): {And whatever good you put forward for yourselves – you will find it with Allaah. It is better and greater in reward.} [Quran 73:20]
Herein lies the great importance of seeking the reward of Allaah The Almighty. What exactly do we mean by that?
There are various types and meanings of hoping for the reward of Allaah The Almighty, including:
Seeking the reward of Allaah The Almighty when carrying out acts of obedience for His sake
If one recalls the great meaning of hoping for the reward of Allaah The Almighty while performing acts of obedience, this would ward off ill thoughts such as indulging in ostentation, seeking reputation and fame or the praise and attention of people, and other manifestations of grave diseases of the heart that render deeds worthless or reduce their rewards. Such a Muslim has restricted his main concern; conversely, the Muslim whose sole aim is to attain the satisfaction of Allaah The Exalted with these deeds and hopes for His reward will be rewarded generously. The Prophet said: "Whoever fasts Ramadhaan out of faith and hoping for reward from Allaah The Exalted will have his past sins forgiven for him."
Abu Hurayrah narrated that the Prophet said: "Whoever follows the funeral procession of a Muslim out of faith and hoping to attain the reward of Allaah and remains with it till the funeral prayer is offered and the burial ceremonies are over, will return with a reward of two Qirats; each of which is like the size of (the Mount) Uhud." [Al-Bukhaari and Muslim]
In addition, the Muslim man is rewarded for providing for his family (although it is obligatory for the man to provide for his family, he will be rewarded for it as if he was offering this money for charity, if his intention is seeking the reward of Allaah The Exalted). The Prophet said: "When the Muslim spends something on his family seeking a reward for it from Allaah, it is counted for him as charity." [Al-Bukhaari and Muslim]
Do you see how many rewards one can gain by offering one's acts of obedience seeking the reward of Allaah The Almighty?
Among the meanings of seeking the reward of Allaah The Almighty is hoping for His reward when afflicted with calamites and hardship
Allaah The Almighty has praised such pious people who endure calamites and hardship, seeking the reward of Allaah The Exalted and has promised them His mercy, guidance and abundant rewards. Allaah The Exalted Says (what means): {Who, when disaster strikes them, say, "Indeed we belong to Allaah, and indeed to Him we will return." * Those are the ones upon whom are blessings from their Lord and mercy. And it is those who are the [rightly] guided.} [Quran 2:156-157]
Undeniably, people, whether believers or disbelievers, are afflicted by many calamites and adversities in this life; yet the believers endure them hoping for the reward of Allaah The Almighty. Indeed, both believers and disbelievers suffer from losing loved ones and relatives, yet there is a great difference between the believers and disbelievers in this regard, i.e. the believers hope for the reward of Allaah The Exalted by enduring such misfortunes and hardships patiently.
Allaah The Almighty Says (what means): {And do not weaken in pursuit of the enemy. If you should be suffering, so are they suffering as you are suffering, but you expect from Allaah that which they expect not. And Allaah is ever Knowing and Wise.} [Quran 3:104]
Regarding the compensation of those who endure calamites and hardships, hoping for the reward of Allaah The Almighty, the Prophet said: "Allaah The Exalted does not have a reward other than Paradise for the believing slave who remains patient for His sake when losing his dearest person from among the inhabitants of the world."
Furthermore, Umm Salamah said that she heard the Prophet saying: "There is no Muslim who is stricken with a calamity and says what Allaah has enjoined, ‘Verily to Allaah we belong and to Him we shall return. O Allaah, reward me for my affliction and compensate me with what is better’, but Allaah will compensate him with something better.”
Umm Salamah added that when Abu Salamah died, she said, “Who among the Muslims is better than Abu Salamah, the first household to migrate to join the Prophet ?” When she uttered these very words, Allaah The Almighty compensated her with marrying the Prophet . [Muslim]
Moreover, our righteous predecessors used to question all their deeds and intentions, renewing their good and sincere intentions and advising each other to endure calamites in the hope of reward from Allaah The Almighty.
Al-Faarooq ‘Umar ibn Al-Khattaab used to say, "O people, carry out your righteous deeds seeking the reward from Allaah The Exalted, for whoever does so will be rewarded for his good deeds and for his seeking the reward of Allaah The Exalted."
In addition, when the Banu Al-Haarith ibn ‘Aamir wanted to kill Khubayb ibn ‘Adiyy he did not care about his fate at their hands. Before his death, he said, "Why should I fear death when it will eventually seize me, and when what I truly fear is to become fuel for Hell fire? Hence, as long as I die as a believer in the cause of Allaah, it does not matter to me how it happens."
So, offer your acts of worship and obedience for the sake of Allaah The Almighty seeking reward from Him, and endure calamities and hardships, hoping for His reward; indeed, Allaah The Almighty will compensate you for that with inner tranquilly, serenity, and strength, Aim high and multiply your rewards.

The Arrows of Satan

Satan readies himself and chooses his prey carefully. He is determined as he shoots the arrows of looks to go through your eyes, tearing the veils of modesty and chastity. This arouses the desires of the weak heart, which commands the body to pursue the satisfaction of such desires. The tongue speaks, the legs walk, and thus, unlawful acts are committed and the soul falls into the mire of sin.
“That is purer for them”
In order to ward off this Satanic cycle, Allaah The Almighty instructed his believing slaves, both men and women, to lower their gaze. He told them that this would purify them. Allaah The Almighty Says (what means): {Tell the believing men to reduce [some] of their vision and guard their private parts. That is purer for them. Indeed, Allaah is acquainted with what they do. And tell the believing women to reduce [some] of their vision and guard their private parts.} [Quran 24:30-31]
Ibn Al-Qayyim said in Al-Fawaa’id that Sahl ibn ‘Abdullaah says, "Abandoning the order is greater than committing the prohibition in the sight of Allaah because Aadam (Adam) was forbidden to eat from the tree and when he ate from it Allaah accepted his repentance, but Satan was ordered to prostrate to Aadam, when he refused and Allaah did not accept his repentance."
Ibn Al-Qayyim said in Ad-Daa’ wad-Dawaa’, “Look at the accuracy of the Quranic expression in the order to lower the gaze, as if Allaah The Almighty reminds us that not lowering the gaze causes the doom of the doer and his suffering in this life and in the Hereafter. Failing to lower one’s gaze is the basis for the problems that afflict man. An unlawful look generates thoughts, then thoughts generate ideas, then ideas generate desires, then desires generate will, which develops into resolve and determination, then the action inevitably takes place if there is nothing to prevent it.”
This is the destructive cycle of Satan, which traps the one who does not lower his gaze, then records the images and scenes seen by his treacherous eyes. Satan waits for the moment of weakness in man's faith to release these images and scenes in his mind and soul, igniting his sexual desire, which dominates the heart that commands the body to disobey Allaah The Almighty, and so on in a consecutive sequence. The more the images vary, the easier arousal and falling into sin will be. On the other hand, the less the images and scenes, the weaker their impact and influence on the heart will be. According to a saying, "Patience over lowering the gaze is easier than patience over the pain of its consequences."
O Muslim who does not lower his gaze, if your eyes roam around looking at the charms of beautiful women, you would plant in your heart thorns of loss and regret.
“Allaah knows that which deceives the eyes”
Allaah The Almighty Says (what means): {He knows that which deceives the eyes and what the breasts conceal.} [Quran 40:19] This is a great verse and the interpreter of the Quran, Ibn Mas‘ood tells you its meaning, "It refers to a man who enters a person's house where there is a beautiful woman among them, or that a beautiful woman passes by them, and while they do not notice him, he looks at her; when they see him, he lowers his gaze. However, Allaah The Almighty knows that he inwardly wishes to see her private parts."
The great scholar, Al-Ameen Ash-Shinqeeti said in Adhwaa’ Al-Bayaan, "The verse contains a warning for the one who betrays with his eyes by looking at what is unlawful for him. The slave of Allaah will stand before Allaah and be questioned about his senses. Allaah The Almighty Says (what means): {Indeed, the hearing, the sight and the heart - about all those [one] will be questioned.} [Quran 17:36]
If you will be questioned on the Day of Resurrection about your stares and looks, have you prepared an answer for this?
The fornication of the eyes
To make this act more repugnant to the souls, the Prophet called it adultery of the eyes. It was narrated on the authority of Abu Hurayrah that the Prophet said: "Allaah has written for the son of Aadam his inevitable share of adultery. The adultery of the eye is looking (at what is prohibited), the adultery of the ears is listening (to what is prohibited), the adultery of the tongue is uttering (what it is unlawful to utter), the adultery of the hand is doing (what is prohibited), the adultery of the legs is walking (to what is prohibited) and the heart desires and wishes for (adultery) and the private parts affirm that or contradict it." [Al-Bukhaari and Muslim (this is the wording of Muslim )]
In Sharh Saheeh Muslim, An-Nawawi said, “The meaning of the Hadeeth is that a share of adultery is written for the son of Aadam. Some people commit actual adultery by entering the male genital organ into the genital organ of a female who is unlawful to him. Other people commit adultery in the figurative sense by looking at the prohibition or listening to adultery and its relevant affairs, or by touching with the hand a non-Mahram (marriageable) woman or kissing her, or by walking to commit adultery, seeing, touching, or forbidden talking with a non-Mahram woman, or by inner thoughts. All these things belong to metaphoric adultery. By "The private parts affirm that or contradict it" it means that adultery might actually happen through the private parts or might not take place by entering the male genital organ into the female genital organ even if he is close to doing it. Allaah knows best.”
Public corruption
Giving free rein to the gaze has corrupted most human beings; the display of beauty no longer has limits, and indulgence in luxury no longer has restraints. Adornment, clothing and fashion have penetrated our minds, surpassed all the restrictions and barriers, and has become like a sea of chaos where good taste is drowned and the pure, chaste heart is spoiled.
Destruction of homes
It is noticeable that one of the most important causes of problems in many homes is failing to lower the gaze. When the husband releases his gaze, a comparison will seep into his heart between his wife and the corrupting programs made by some people to tempt others. This comparison causes many problems in homes, when the husband asks his wife to give him what he sees from dissolute women and provocative images are imprinted in his mind.
It is also noticeable that releasing the gaze is one of the main reasons for the delay in marriage. That is because the young man already has in his mind multiple examples of beautiful girls, especially those whom he watches on television and searches hard to get one like them. Yet, he will not get what he wants, because what he sees on television is generally deceptive beauty and false femininity, and thus leads him to delay his marriage and affects the marriage of Muslim girls with him.

Staying Steadfast in Turbulent Times

Steadfastness in faith has been mentioned on more than one occasion in the Noble Quran and the Sunnah (Prophetic tradition). Allaah The Exalted, enjoined the Muslims to be upright in their religion, praising the steadfast people and promising them generous rewards.
For instance, Allaah The Exalted Says (what means): {So remain on a right course as you have been commanded, [you] and those who have turned back with you [to Allaah], and do not transgress. Indeed, He is Seeing of what you do.} [Quran 11:112]
Allaah The Exalted also Says (what means): {Indeed, those who have said: "Our Lord is Allaah" and then remained on a right course – the angels will descend upon them, [saying], "Do not fear and do not grieve but receive good tidings of Paradise, which you were promised.} [Quran 41:30]
In addition, Sufyaan ibn ‘Abdullaah once asked the Prophet to tell him some concise words about Islam so that he would not need to ask anyone else. The Prophet said: “Say, ‘I believe in Allaah and then hold on firmly to the straight path.’”
The Prophet said: “(Try to) keep to the straight path although you will not be able to do so completely; and know that the best of your deeds is prayer, and only a (true) believer maintains his ablution.”
The meaning of uprightness:
Being upright in religion means adopting a moderate approach in showing obedience to Allaah The Almighty, abiding by His Sharee'ah (Islamic law) and remaining on the right path regarding His Oneness. Hence, being upright in religion means adhering to the orders of Allaah The Almighty in terms of His Oneness, devoting all acts of worship sincerely to Him only, as well as observing refined manners and the Islamic moral code in one's relationships with other people and in all one's deeds.
Uprightness is the path to salvation:
Scholars clarified that being upright in religion means being straightness; the Arabic word 'Mustaqeem' means straight, without any curves. Allaah The Almighty Says (what means): {And, [moreover], this is My path, which is straight, so follow it; and do not follow [other] ways, for you will be separated from His way.} [Quran 6:153]
Uprightness and the allies of Allaah The Almighty:
Prominent scholars defined uprightness differently, yet all the definitions share the same meaning:

1- When Abu Bakr was asked about uprightness, he answered, "It means not to associate partners with Allaah."
2- ‘Umar defined it as follows, “To be upright in following the orders of Allaah The Exalted and avoiding the prohibitions and not to elude others like a fox."
3- ‘Uthmaan said in this regard, "Uprightness means devotion to Allaah; offering all acts of worship with full sincerity to Allaah."
4- ‘Ali defined uprightness as follows, ”It means carrying out the obligatory acts of worship”.
5- Al-Hasan Al-Basri said, “Upright people are those who adhere to the commands of Allaah The Exalted, follow His straight path, obey Him and shun disobedience."
6- jMuaahid said, "Upright people are those who adhere to the testimony that none is truly worthy of worship but Allaah until they die."
7- Ibn Zayd and Qataadah both, said, "Uprightness means adhering to obedience of Allah The Exalted."
8- Sufyaan Ath-Thawri said that the upright person is the one whose deeds are in accordance with his words.
9- Ar-Rabee‘ ibn Khuthaym said, "Uprightness means turning away from everything and everyone but Allaah The Exalted."
10- Al-Fudhayl ibn ‘Iyaadh said, "Uprightness is disinterest in the mortal life, while seeking the immortal one."
11- Ibn Taymiyyah said, "Uprightness means to hold fast to loving Allaah The Exalted and fulfilling the meaning of servitude to Him without turning away from Him."
12- Imaam Al-Harawi said, "Striving hard in following the commands of Allaah moderately.”
The fruits of uprightness:
1. Happiness in this life.
2. The descent of the angels of mercy on upright people.
3. The angels of mercy would bring them glad tidings in their graves that they will be granted firmness.
4. At the time of Resurrection.
5. Entering Paradise, the abode of dignity that will last forever; Allaah The Almighty Says (what means): {No fatigue will touch them therein, nor from it will they [ever] be removed.} [Quran15:48]