1. So what’s this Zakat business all about?

The word “Zakat” literally means "that which purifies" and "that which fosters growth". So the act of giving Zakat means purifying one's wealth to gain the blessings of Allah (swt).

Zakat is the third pillar of Islam and is one of the most fundamental acts of Ibadah (worship) hence being mentioned over 30 times in the Holy Quran. In simple terms, it is the more able people giving 2.5% of their yearly income to those who are less financially able. Performing Zakat is to re-distribute wealth from the rich to the poor so the rich can help those who are less fortunate than themselves.

Select messages received by the Editor

Assamualaikum Brother,

I would just like to start by saying we all know you are trying to do a good job in the way of Allah by writing a magazine for the Muslim youth but have you ever really thought about the topics you are writing about?!? Banging on about the youth of this time and pointing out how misguided they are and writing about what you think people get up to these days in not going to want to make youngsters embrace our religion.

This is a bonus article that is not in the print version of the magazine.

NO I WILL NOT BE JOINING YOU LOT FOR A DRINK

MuslimSisLilSis:

Is anyone sick of saying it?

Do people not SEE the hijaab or beard?

Mr Honey's Day Out:

It is better than ignoring you. If I was your friend and inviting people down the pub I'd feel terrible just specifically inviting everyone except you.

If you can't go and order a Coke, maybe it is your opportunity to suggest something specific another time.

Yaqub:

I am a father, a mother, a husband, a wife, a brother, a sister, a son and a daughter. I am a child, a teenager and an adult. I am a neighbour, team mate, work colleague and soul mate. I am a student, a graduate and a teacher. I am soap mad, a football fan, a food fanatic and a shopaholic. I am normal, special, ambitious, creative and fun.

So what am I? I am a Muslim.

By Naheem Zaffar

This article did not make it into Issue 8. We had a similar "War of the Consoles" in there instead, which this article cannibalised on. Now this article is presented as an exclusive bonus to our online readers.

Ok, time to play some games. There are three new consoles out. Some call them the next gen. Others the New Gen. We call it a bundle of fun.

Question

What are the rulings of ghusl(bath)? When does it become compulsory to have ghusl and how should one perform it?

Answer

Answer by Shaykh Salim Ghisa

Under Islamic Shariah law bathing has three obligations (Fardh) and there are 5 reasons according to the Hanafi Madhab (school of thought) that make it obligatory.

The following three obligations have to be met when bathing otherwise their bathing will not count.

Do you wanna be the richest person in the world? Do you want respect? Do you want success and happiness? Do you want to know what God loves and hates the most? Do you want strong faith? Do you want your prayers answered? Do you want success here and in the hereafter?

Well, all your answers are right here. Khalid ibn al Walîd(R.A.) narrated the following Hadith:

A man came one day to the Holy Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) and said to him,

'Oh Messenger of Allah! I've come to ask you a few questions about the affairs of this Life and the Hereafter.'

By David Orton

Since the announcement of the Playstation 3 I knew there would be conflict between the "NEXT generation" consoles. All of them look and sound wicked but the only way to really find out how good they are I decided to buy all three!

The first console I bought was the Nintendo Wii at £179. I was chuffed with the price and knew this would be sold out everywhere quickly! As I removed it from its box I realised its small chassis and childish yet futuristic appearance. It definitely has the WOW factor!

Question

I am addicted to watching porn on the net. I know it's wrong but can't stop myself. What can I do to overcome my porn addiction?

Answer

Answer by Shaykh Salim Ghisa

This unfortunately has become a big problem intoday’s society. The simple reason is that the Haram is simply too easily accessible.

Do you know when you're gonna die? Of course you don't! You could be DEAD next week, next month or next year. So before you go what do you wanna do and achieve in life? What are your dreams and ambitions? What big plans do you have for your life? How do you wanna be remembered?

The Revival presents to you 10 things you should do before you die:

1. Fulfil your responsibilities

As Muslims there are many things that are compulsory (fardh) upon us like reading our prayers 5 times a day, performing Hajj once in a lifetime, to fast and to give zakat. So make Hajj a priority.... not 'I'll do it when I'm old'. Make up your missed prayers and make a promise not to miss any more... and start from NOW.

2. Live Your Dreams