NOOR -I-ISLAM - Ahmadiyya Anjuman Isha'at-e-Islam Lahore

NOOR-I-ISLAM 

Ahmadiyah Anjuman Isha’at-i-Islam 

(Lahore), Canada 

FEBRUARY – 2013 

Berlin Mosque - Germany 

ALCOHOL 

Misconceptions About the Curative Power Of Alcohol 

Dr. Muhammad Al Bar 

DM. M.R.C.P. Consultant, King Fahad Medical Research 

Since antiquity, alcohol has been used not only as a 

social lubricant but also as a remedy for many 

different ailments and diseases ranging from 

insomnia and indigestion to heart attacks and as an 

anesthetic. The list of diseases for which alcohol 

was used as a remedy was indeed very long. 

The Arabs of Jahiliyya [pre-Islamic] period used 

alcohol to boost courage and benevolence. The poet 

Hassan ibn Thabit Al Ansari before he embraced 

Islam said: “When we drink liquor we become like 

kings [in our benevolence] and during fight we become 

lions who never waver or falter from 

confrontation.” 

Editor: Sadiq Noor aaiil.canada@gmail.com 

They also used it as a remedy for their ailments and 

diseases. The authentic narrators quote many 

Hadiths to show how the new converts tried to 

convince the Prophet, peace on him, that they used 

alcohol only as a remedy, and asked for his 

permission to continue doing so. The Prophet, peace on 

him, emphatically denied the benefits of liquor as a 

remedy and clearly mentioned it as a case of 

ailment and disease and not a remedy for any 

disease. 

Muslim, Abu Dawood and Tirmithi narrate the 

following Hadith: A man called Tariq Al Joofi 

came to the Prophet, peace on him, and asked permission 

to consume liquor. The Prophet, peace on him, refused. 

The man said: ‘I use it and prescribe it as a 

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medicine.’ The Prophet, peace on him, answered: It is no 

medicine. It is a disease and ailment. 

Another Hadith says that a man called Tariq ibn 

Swaid Al Hadrami came to the Prophet, peace on him, 

and said: ‘O Messenger of Allah, in our land we 

have vineyards and we make wine and drink.’ The 

Prophet, peace on him, said: ‘Stop drinking.’ The man 

proclaimed ‘We use it as a remedy for the ill and 

diseased.’ The Prophet, peace on him, said: ‘It is no 

remedy. It is an illness itself.’ 

The people of Yemen, who came to the Prophet, 

peace on him, asked him to allow them to drink because 

they lived in a mountainous cold area, and they 

drank liquor to fight the cold weather and to help 

them in their hard jobs. The Prophet, peace on him, asked 

if that liquor [made from wheat] was intoxicating. The 

man, who spoke for the Yemeni delegation agreed. 

The Prophet, peace on him, said: Then you have to stop 

drinking. 

Abu Dawood narrated this Hadith: ‘Allah has made 

for every illness a cure, but never seek your cure 

by things prohibited.’ 

Al Bukhari narrated a similar Hadith in which the 

Prophet, peace on him, said: ‘Allah did not make your 

remedy in any of the things prohibited.’ 

This shows that Arabs at the time of the Prophet, 

peace on him, were strong believers in the medicinal 

powers of liquor. However, the Prophet, peace on him, 

emphatically denied that power. Instead he 

repeatedly stated drinking liquor even in small 

quantities was a cause of illness and disease. 

It is; therefore, quite strange to find that the great 

medieval Muslim physicians and philosophers like 

Abu Baker Al Razi and Ibn Sina commended the 

use of liquor in moderation to keep good health. 

What is even more astonishing is that highly 

esteemed men of religion like Ibn Katheer believed 

in the medicinal and health procuring powers of the 

intoxicating liquor. This misconception still persists 

though science and medicine have proved beyond 

doubt the fallacy of the medicinal powers of liquor. 

The modern scientific findings have also proved 

how baseless are the claims that alcohol heats the 

body and therefore is good remedy for cold 

weather, that it helps the digestion, and that it is a 

stimulant of the brain. 

Imam Jaffer Al Sadiq, a descendant of the Prophet 

Muhammad, peace on him, was asked by a man suffering 

from severe bleeding piles to allow him to drink 

liquor as his physician prescribed it. The Imam 

refused and said: ‘Allah has never made your 

remedies in things that were prohibited.’ He also 

rejected emphatically the suggestion to dissolve the 

ingredients of medicines in alcohol. 

Ibn Al Qaim, one of the renowned jurists of the 

seventh century of Hijrah wrote many a chapter in 

his books to refute the arguments in favor of the 

medicinal uses of alcohol claimed by the physicians 

of his time. There is a saying to the effect that ‘We 

are what we eat.’ This is true to a great extent, as 

the food and drink we consume is transformed in 

our bodies by the processes of anabolism into the 

cells of our bodies, and the processes of 

catabolism into the energy that we need to perform 

the functions of our life. Therefore it is no 

wonder, that alcohol when it enters the body, 

affect both the psyche and the soma badly.’ 

That was what Ibn Al Qaim was explaining to his 

contemporaries including the physicians of his age. 

He was denying emphatically the benefits of 

alcohol claimed by Al Razi and Ibn Sina and the 

whole medical profession in his days. At his time 

there was little proof of what he said except that it 

was clearly stated in the Prophet’s sayings. Now we 

have ample evidence for what he was trying to 

prove. The ill effects of alcohol on both psyche and 

soma are well documented. They are taught in the 

schools of medicine all over the world. The learned 

men of religion [Jurists] agreed that liquor should 


never be used as a drug for medicine, or to quench 

the thirst. However, the jurists allowed the use of 

alcohol as a solvent of drugs provided that: (a) there 

is no other available drug which does not contain 

alcohol; (b) the amount of alcohol as a solvent is 

minute and does not cause drunkenness; and (c) it is 

prescribed by a competent Muslim physician. 

Ibn Qudama Al Madgsi states this quite clearly in 

his book Mughai Al Muhtaj; “The use of liquor as a 

remedy is prohibited in our religion. However, the 

use of drugs, which have been mixed with liquor as 

a solvent, is another matter. It is permissible to use 

that drug provided the liquor used is very small in 

quantity and provided that a competent good 

Muslim physician has prescribed it.” 

The medical and pharmacological professions in the 

Muslim world are strongly called to replace the 

drugs containing alcohol with others which are 

alcohol-free. Most of the drugs containing alcohol 

found on the counter e.g. tonics; etc. could easily be 

replaced by alcohol-free drugs. A ban could be 

imposed in the Muslim countries, if the 

governments do agree. 

Siddiqa Sadiq 

Montreal – Canada 

To party or not to party, that wasn’t only the question, but also the biggest headache of 2012 for me! 

My five year old told me more than too many times that she won’t be a Muslim once she grows up. “It’s 

just not fun being a Muslim mama! There is no Santa, no lights, no Christmas tree, not even a star, no 

presents, and mama, not even cookies for Santa!” 

A lot of you reading this, scratch that, most of you reading this, will roll your eyes and think this is 

miniscule of a problem and that I need to parent her better about our religion / values. I am not going to 

write about how we should get westernized and start celebrating Christmas. I am also not going to say 

that my child was wrong at what she said though. 

Islam is not boring. Islam is not dull. Islam is not at all uninteresting. Islam is perhaps the only religion 

that prohibits from even fasting on a Friday [unless it’s a fast along with another day, Thursday or Saturday]. Islam 

encourages us to celebrate Friday as if it’s Eid. Like every other thing told to be kept in balance, Islam also 

inspires to keep a well distinguished contrast between a day of sorrow and a day of happiness. 

So why can’t we “overly” celebrate our days? Make them fun and exciting especially for the generations 

caught between the commercialized western festivities. Orthodox Christianity doesn’t celebrate as 

imaginatively and excitingly as we see the popular Christmas being celebrated. The popular Christmas 


celebrations not only bring Christians in unity but no matter what they practice all year, no matter if 

they even know the origins of their religion, Christmas marks an important spot on every calendar. 

I know it’s close to impossible to make our festivities as commercial and popular living in the West. But 

what is not impossible at all is going over above and beyond at home. Making sure first of all, we take a 

day off from work and keep the kids home from school on Eid. Creating hype for the kids, maybe even 

buying gifts and arranging a scavenger hunt on Eid day for them? Maybe even have the kids do Islamic art, 

drawings etc. and decorate them around the house. I am sure you all will even have better ideas and this 

is why I am writing today. I think we need to share ideas and suggestions about how to mutually create 

this happiness in our households at these joyous times. If your child draws something, writes something, 

or creates anything, send it over with your child’s picture to this magazine! When it’s published and your 

kids see it, it will give them a feeling of delight. 

We need to work on this together! 

We have about seven months till Eid; let’s make this Eid so much fun for our little ones that they can 

boast about it to their friends in turn! 

E G Y P T 

P A K I S T A N 

BANGLADESH 

Eid 

Celebrations 

Around 

the World 

A F R I C A 


Superfruits contain diverse and dense nutrients. They offer high concentrations and varieties of 

phytochemicals (polyphenols and carotenoids). Their other outstanding features are that they 

have gone through multiple scientific researches; have been scrutinized in clinical trials, and 

have shown to be effective in promoting health and lowering disease risk when included in a 

diet. Popularity, which also helps earn them their titles of superfruit, comes from their special 

aromas, delectable tastes, bright and intense colors, attractive appearances, varied textures, 

diverse use, affordable prices and market availability. 

1. Mango 2. Fig 3. Orange 4. Strawberry 5. Goji {or Wolfberry} 6. Red Grape 

7. Cranberry 8. Kiwi 9. Papaya 10. Blueberry 11. Cherry 12. Red Raspberry 

13. Sea berry 14. Guava 15. Blackberry 16. Black Current 17. Date 18. Pomegranate 

19. Acai (pronounced Assai) 20. Dried Plum (prune) 

Today, we shall discuss the superfruit leader, MANGO, its active properties, its effects on human health 

and disease, its dense and diverse nutrients and phytochemicals contents, and why it is chosen to head the 

superfruit list. 

Mango, Mangifera Indica, is a tropical fruit that 

grows abundantly in the Indian Subcontinent, 

Southeast Asia, Mexico and Africa. It has become a 

widely grown, spread and popular fruit. Though 

originating in the Indian Subcontinent, it has 

become available around the world and widely 

cultivated and consumed {over thirty-three million 

tons of annual output}. Mango is imported in our 

country from Pakistan, India and México and is 

available all year round. The successful superfruit is 

found in fifty varieties and in different colors and 

sizes. Its acclaim comes from its 

varying exquisite taste, appealing 

powerful fragrance, inviting deep 

colors, interesting smooth shapes and 

convenient sizes. 

The plump pulp of the fruit is juicy, 

usually golden yellow in color, and 

smooth texture, but lesser qualities are sometimes 

fibrous. The mango’s green, yellow, or red-tan soft 

skin is firm, unless it is very ripe. When ripe, its 

M A N G O 

The Leading Super Fruit 

Miriam AliRaza 

aroma can be tenacious and overwhelming. Mango 

became the leading superfruit for the multitude 

essential nutrients and phytochemicals it contains. 

Let us take a closer look at them. 

The fruit’s main nutrients are Protein, Probiotic and 

Insoluble Fibers, Vitamin A, Bs, and C, Minerals, and 

Omega fats. Its phytochemical content is the potent 

vitamin A`s precursor carotenoids (alpha-and-betacarotene, 

violanxanthin, beta-cryptoxanthin, lutein) 

and polyphenols (quercetin, Gallic acid, 

gallotannins, rhamnetin, cyaniding, 

xanthone glycosides, and 

mangiferin in the skin). All these 

nutrients and phytochemicals are 

essential for different biological 

functions. Apart from being 

delicious, mango is 

comprehensively nutritive and 

filling, and has multiple uses and benefits. 


Carotenoids and polyphenols are abundant in both 

peel and pulp pigments. Twenty-five if them were 

isolated from mango flesh. Both skin and pulp offer 

a potent phytochemical called mangiferin, which 

has potent actions on different illnesses. 

Polysaccharides (long-chain sugar molecules found 

in plants) are the prebiotics (soluble) fiber, which 

improves overall health; boosts the intestinal micro 

flora; and works to prevent cardiovascular disease 

and diabetes through lowering blood cholesterol 

and sugar levels. 

Since 1930, 750 research papers on mango effects 

on human health and disease have been published. 

Cuban and Spanish experts came up with a mixture 

called Vimang, rich in mangiferin and other 

phytocompounds from the fruit and tree. The 

compound showed effectiveness on allergens, 

inflammatory substances, and pain. It also enhanced 

memory and neurological functions in rats. An 

Indian research found that leaves of the mango tree 

demonstrated antibiotic action against dental 

bacteria. 

In animal experiments, lupeol, a phytochemical in 

mango, appears to have healing action on 

inflammation, arthritis, DNA damage, and malaria. 

The same substance exhibited anticancer activity by 

suppressing cancer cell propagation in laboratory 

trials. Due to mango`s widespread availability and 

high nutritional value, it has become the subject of 

extensive research and was found to be a good 

dietary supplement in impoverished and famine 

stricken countries (West Africa). The superfruit was 

effective in the relief of undernourished children. It 

has also become means of fighting starvation and 

malnutrition, resulting in saving many lives. 

The mango fruit is not alone in giving health 

benefits; the leaves of the mango tree can help treat 

certain disorders. According to Heinemann’s 

Encyclopedia of Fruits, 

Vegetables and Herbs, 

natives of the island of 

Curacao use the 

infusion of one-daydried 

mango leaves to 

control blood pressure. Pour a liter of boiling water 

on two shredded mango leaves and leave to steep 

for one hour. Take two cups of the infusion daily for 

three days only. Stop for a few days, and then repeat 

the therapy. According to Heinemann, the French 

journal, Plants Medicinal et Phytotherapiques, 

recommended the use of the infusion of mango 

leaves to treat blood vessels, which feed the 

pancreas, as well as diabetes and accompanying 

vascular and eye retinal diseases. A daily cup of the 

above-infusion mixed with two teaspoons of mango, 

guava, or papaya juice improves the condition of 

diabetic retinopathy and strengthens fragile blood 

vessels and varicose veins. 

Fresh mangoes have an exceptional taste, smooth 

texture, and an unsurpassed fragrance among all 

fruits. They make flavorful desserts, shakes, icecreams, 

juices, sorbets, and smoothies and give a 

special flavor and aroma to salads, pickles, 

barbecues, snacks, sauces, and exotic dishes. Due to 

their fragrance and digestive enzymes, mangoes are 

often used as an enhancing ingredient in Indian and 

Caribbean dishes. The fruit keeps much of its 

nutritional value whether frozen or dried. One third 

of a mango makes a helping and gives you nutrients, 

fiber, and phytochemicals your body needs. 

Who said healthy foods cannot be tasty? ENJOY! 


HONESTY AND TRUST HAVE 

CEASED TO EXIST ON EARTH 

“It is generally observed, that trust and honesty have so far ceased to 

exist on this earth that they seem to have been completely wiped off. 

To win this world and its lucre, deceit and treachery have become so rife, that he is 

considered to be the most capable and competent, who is the most mischievous in the 

land. Habits of dishonesty, untrustworthiness, wickedness, cheating, falsehood, 

extreme cunning, lustful designs and meanness have all spread over this earth. Feuds 

and factions, actuated by inhuman motives, are on the increase; and a storm of animal 

instincts and sexual passions of the lowest order is raging all around. To the extent the 

people advance in their energy and intelligence in the various sciences and arts of the 

present day, to that extent do their natural characteristics of goodness, righteousness’, 

sense of shame and honor, and their essential qualities of God-fearingness and 

trustworthiness seem to be on the wane.” 

{Fath-i-Islam} 

The Daily “Hamdard” 

{1924} 

“Is Ahmadiyah Community apostate? Has it ceased to be Muslim? In my view, it 

is highly unjust and cruel to brand the Ahmadies as apostates or Kafirs, when they 

themselves profess to be Muslims. At this time, there are two Sections of 

Ahmadies. The beliefs of the Lahore Ahmadies are quite like the beliefs of the 

Muslims in general, with the difference that they acknowledge Hazrat Mirza 

Ghulam Ahmad as Mujaddid, and that is all. Most probably even the Kafirbranding 

Maulvis whose favorite pastime is to call others Kafirs also do not regard 

Maulana 

Muhammad Ali Jauhar 

these Ahmadies as Kafirs. As for the Qadiani Ahmadies who belong to Mirza Mahmood Ahmad’s group, their 

creed is certainly quite different from the beliefs of the rest of the Muslims. We do not regard them as right. In 

spite of their wrong beliefs, it is a flagrant injustice to brand them Kafirs or apostates, because they believe in 

the Qibla. They believe in the Unity of God, Prophethood of Hazrat Muhammad, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, 

the Holy Quran, Hadith and follow the Hanafi Fiqh in their religious affairs and devotions. They believe that 

prayers, fasting, Hajj and Zakat are obligatory and act accordingly. They believe that the Holy Quran is the 

Revealed Word of Allah. They also believe that the Messenger of Allah was the greatest of all prophets. As for 

their view of Mirza Ghulam Ahmad, it is wrong altogether. But this view is due to the lack of proper 

knowledge and the failure of understanding. They interpret the Qur’anic verses and Hadiths to support their 

view. Up to this day Muawwil (interpreter) has never been dubbed as Kafir or apostate. The true definition of 

an apostate is that it is a person who by his word of mouth proclaims that he has given up Islam. No one else 

has a right to hold a person Kafir or apostate when he proclaims himself to be a Mussalman. The Holy Qur’an 


goes so far as to say: “He who accosts you Salaam, do not say: ‘you are not a believer.’” If a faulty 

understanding and far-fetched interpretation become a basis of issuing fiats of Kufr, no sect will remain 

immune from such fiats. So far as our humble knowledge goes and what we have learnt from the broad-minded 

divines in the course of close discussions, we maintain it is neither permissible to kill an apostate for his 

apostasy nor is an Ahmadi an apostate. We, therefore, raise our protest against this and we hope that due 

reverence will be shown for the freedom of conscience in conformity with the rules of the true Islamic Shariah 

and that the people will not yield to fanatic Mullahs’ hue and cry, and thus will not violate the true spirit of 

Islam which has been vouchsafed to humanity.” 

[Sahih Muslim] 

Abu Malik at-Ashari (Radi Allah Anhu) reported: The Messenger of Allah (sal-allahu- alleihi-wasallam ) 

said: Cleanliness is half of faith and al-Hamdu Liliah (Praise be to Allah) fills the scale, and 

Subhan Allah (Glory be to Allah) and al-Hamdu Liliah (Praise be to Allah) fill up what is between the 

heavens and the earth, and prayer is a light, and charity is proof (of one's faith) and endurance 

is a brightness and the Holy Qur'an is a proof on your behalf or against you. All men go out 

early in the morning and sell themselves, thereby setting themselves free or destroying 

themselves. 


EID 

MILAD 

AL- 

NABI 

2013 

The other day, my mother called me and half read/half cried a Na’at to me over the phone. It is 

one of the most beautiful poems written on the love of our beloved Prophet Muhammad, peace and 

blessings of Allah on him: 

Original Na’at is in Urdu language {written by Mr. Hassan Nisar, Pakistan} and I {Siddiqa Sadiq, Montreal} have tried to translate it in 

English for the reading pleasure of everyone. 

Terey hotey janam liya hotaa 

Koi mujh san a doosra hotaa 

[Had I been born at the time of your life 

There wouldn’t have been another lover of yours as me] 

Saans letta tu, aur mein jee uth’ta 

Kaash Makkah ki mein fiza hotaa 

[I’d have lived with every breath you would have taken 

Only if I had been the pure air of Makkah] 

Hijratoon mein paraoo hota mein 

Aur tu kuchh deir ko rukaa hotaa 

[I would have been a ‘Transit Point’ in Hijrat 

And, you would have stayed there a little while] 

Terey hujray key aass pass kaheen 

Mein koee kacha rastaa hotaa 

[I would have been a dirt path-way, 

Of the way and around your dwelling] 

Kisee Ghazwa mein Zakhmi ho kar mein 

Terey Qadmoon mein jaa gira hotaa 

[In some crusade after getting injured, 

I’d have given my life at your feet] 

Kaash, ‘UHAD’ mein shareek ho sakta 

Aur Baqee na phir bacha hotaa 

[Only if I’d been a part of ‘UHAD’, 

I wish, there would have been nothing left of me] 

Teri Pakeeza zindagee ka mein 

Koee gumnaam waqiaa hotaa 

[Of your most pious life, 

I’d have been the anonymous tale] 

Lafz hotaa kissee mein Ayat ka 

Jo terey hont sey adaa hotaa 

[I’d have been a word of a revelation 

Which would have been recited from your lips] 

Mein koee jangjoo Arab hota 

Aur terey samney jhukaa hota 

[I’d have been a fighting, arrogant Arab, 

And, would have bowed down in front of you] 

Mein bhee hota tera Ghulam koee 

Laakh kehta, na mein rihaa hotaa 

[Wish, I’d have been a slave of you, and despite freeing me 

million times, I’d have remained one of your slaves] 

Panee hota udaas chashmoon ka 

Terey qadmoon pe beh gaya hotaa 

{I’d have been the water of a sad spring, 

And, would have flowed at your feet} 

Teree Sohbat mujhey millee hotee 

Mein bhee tab, kitna Khush-Numa hotaa 

[Had I received the pleasure of being in your company, 

I’d also have been one of the lucky ones.] 

Mujh pe partee jo teree Chashm-e-Karam, 

Aadmee kiya … mein to Mu’jaza hotaa 

[Had I been blessed by being in your blessed sight, 

Not human …. I’d have been a miracle] 

Tukra hota mein aik baadil ka 

Aur terey saath ghoomta hotaa 

[I’d have been a fluff of could 

And, would have wandered with you] 

Khak hota mein teree galiyoon-kee 

Aur terey paoon choomta hotaa 

[I’d have been the dirt of your streets, 

And, would have been kissing your feet] 

Pair (Tree) hota khajoor ke mein koee 

Jiss ka phal tu-ney khaa liya hotaa 

[I’d have been a date plant, 

And, of which you had eaten the fruit] 

Bacha hotaa ik ghareeb bewa ka 

Sir teree goad mein chhupa hotaa 

[I’d have been a child of a poor widow, And 

Would have found salace in the warmth of your lap] 

Buutt hee hota mein Khana-e-Ka’aba mein 

Jo terey haath sey fan’a hotaa 

[I’d rather even had been an idol of old Makkah, 

Which you ‘d have broken with your hands] 

Mujh ko Khaaliq banata Ghaar-e-Husn 

Aur mera naam bhee “Hiraa” hotaa 

The creator would have made me a beautiful cave, 

And my name would have been ‘Hira’

NOOR -I-ISLAM - Ahmadiyya Anjuman Isha'at-e-Islam Lahore

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