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What Would You Say If You Were The FOUTH Person?

Mansoor Muhammad — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 10:18:59 +0000

Narrated Ibn 'Umar:

Allah's Apostle said, "While three persons were traveling, they were overtaken by rain and they took shelter in a cave in a mountain. A big rock fell from the mountain over the mouth of the cave and blocked it. They said to each other. 'Think of such good (righteous) deeds which, you did for Allah's sake only, and invoke Allah by giving reference to those deeds so that Allah may relieve you from your difficulty. one of them said, 'O Allah! I had my parents who were very old and I had small children for whose sake I used to work as a shepherd. When I returned to them at night and milked (the sheep), I used to start giving the milk to my parents first before giving to my children. And one day I went far away in search of a grazing place (for my sheep), and didn't return home till late at night and found that my parents had slept. I milked (my livestock) as usual and brought the milk vessel and stood at their heads, and I disliked to wake them up from their sleep, and I also disliked to give the milk to my children before my parents though my children were crying (from hunger) at my feet.

So this state of mine and theirs continued till the day dawned. (O Allah!) If you considered that I had done that only for seeking Your pleasure, then please let there be an opening through which we can see the sky.' So Allah made for them an opening through which they could see the sky. Then the second person said, 'O Allah! I had a she-cousin whom I loved as much as a passionate man love a woman. I tried to seduce her but she refused till I paid her one-hundred Dinars So I worked hard till I collected one hundred Dinars and went to her with that But when I sat in between her legs (to have sexual intercourse with her), she said, 'O Allah's slave! Be afraid of Allah ! Do not deflower me except legally (by marriage contract). So I left her O Allah! If you considered that I had done that only for seeking Your pleasure then please let the rock move a little to have a (wider) opening.'

So Allah shifted that rock to make the opening wider for them. And the last (third) person said 'O Allah ! I employed a laborer for wages equal to a Faraq (a certain measure: of rice, and when he had finished his job he demanded his wages, but when I presented his due to him, he gave it up and refused to take it. Then I kept on sowing that rice for him (several times) till managed to buy with the price of the yield, some cows and their shepherd Later on the laborer came to me an said. '(O Allah's slave!) Be afraid o Allah, and do not be unjust to me an give me my due.' I said (to him). 'Go and take those cows and their shepherd. So he took them and went away. (So, O Allah!) If You considered that I had done that for seeking Your pleasure, then please remove the remaining part of the rock.' And so Allah released them (from their difficulty)."

LAPTOP USERS BEWARE!!!

Mansoor Muhammad — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 09:41:39 +0000

A couple lost their 25 year old son in a fire at home on June 4th. The son who had graduated with MBA from the University of Wisconsin-Madison two weeks earlier had come home for a while. He had lunch with his dad at home and decided to go back to clean up his hostel room. His father told him to wait, to meet his mother, before he went back for a few days. He decided to take a nap while waiting for his mom to come back home from work. Some time later their neighbors called 911 when they saw black smoke coming out of the house. couple lost their 25 year old son in a fire at home on June 4th. The son who had graduated with MBA from the University of Wisconsin-Madison two weeks earlier had come home for a while. He had lunch with his dad at home and decided to go back to clean up his hostel room. His father told him to wait, to meet his mother, before he went back for a few days.

Unfortunately, the 25 years old died in the three year old house. It took several days of investigation to find out the cause of the fire. It was determined that the fire was caused by the laptop resting on the bed. When the laptop was on the bed cooling fan did not get the air to cool the computer and that is what caused the fire. He did not even wake up to get out of the bed because he died of breathing in carbon monoxide.

The reason I am writing this to all of you is that I have seen many of us using the laptop while in bed. Let us all decide and make it a practice not to do that. The risk is real. Let us make it a rule not to use the laptop on bed with blankets and pillows around. Please educate as many people as you can.

So True and So Beautiful

Syed Peer — Fri, 27 Jan 2012 10:25:07 +0000

No matter what name we have, at the end we will be called

MAYYET

Whatever luxurious vehicles we drive today, in the end we will be taken as

JANAZA

No matter what house we stay in today, In the end we have to lie in the
QABAR

Whatever clothes we wear today, in the end we will be wearing the
KAFAN

No matter how far we travel in this world, in the end we have to fly off with a common Visa

QULLU NAFSIN ZAIKATUL MAUT

(meaning : Every soul shall have a taste of death .......)

Allah make our journey easy and Jannah our destination.

AMEEN!
______________________________ __

1.. The person who is always in a state of wudhu, Allah will increase
his livelihood!

2. The person who doesn't reveal his needs to others, his needs are
soon fulfilled!

3. Allah Ta-ala keeps that person healthy and happy (abaad) who after
listening to Hadith forwards it to others!

Subhan-Allah, to propagate a good thing is Sadqa Jaaria.

Help Find Aisha Khan

Coveredgurl — Sun, 18 Dec 2011 06:07:26 +0000

Aisha Khan, a 19-year-old female from Overland Park has been missing since 11am, Fri. Dec. 16

At approximately 11:58 A.M on Friday, December 16, Overland Park Police officers responded to a report of a missing person in the area of the Kansas University Edwards Campus at 12600 Quivira Road. The missing person is Aisha Khan, a 19-year-old female. She is also a student at Johnson County Community College.

Description:
5'2, 120 lbs
Dark Brown... Hair
Brown Eyes
Glasses

Aisha Khan was last seen wearing black sweat pants, yellow/black shirt, black scarf, black regular length jacket, and black/white long outer coat.

If you had seen Aisha at all the morning of, spoken to her, or have any information on her whereabouts, please contact the TIPS HOTLINE at 816-474-TIPS as soon as possible.
http://www.kansascity.com/2011/12/17/3325403/search-continues-for-missing-student.html

Coveredgurl cosmetics

Coveredgurl — Thu, 08 Dec 2011 21:23:38 +0000

Lipgloss: Honesty of speech + positivity

Make-up: Beauty from wudu

DALEEL: MENSES IS DETERMINED BY THE COLOR OF THE BLOOD NOT THE DAYS

Coveredgurl — Thu, 08 Dec 2011 21:17:05 +0000

By Laila Nasheeba

Praise be to Allah,

Again, Menses is determined by the color of the blood not the amount of days you bleed, and a woman can not pray until the bleeding has ended.

Requirements for blood to be considered menstrual

-1- Dark.

Once, when Fatimah bint Abu Habash had a prolonged flow of blood, the Prophet told her, "If it is the blood of menstruation, it will be dark and recognizable. If it is that, then leave the prayer. If it is other than that, then make ablution and pray, for it is only due to a vein." This is related by Abu Dawud, an-Nasa'i, Ibn Hibban and ad-Daraqutni, who said all of its narrators are trustworthy. Al-Hakim also related it, and said that it meets Muslim's standards.

-2- Red. It is the original color of blood.

-3- Yellow. It is a liquid, like pus.

-4- A muddy color. It is an intermediate color between black and white, like dirt.

Malik and Muhammad al-Hassan ( and al-Bukhari in mu'allaq form) recorded that women would send 'Aishah small boxes with yellow-stained cotton, and she would tell them, "Do not be in haste until you see the pure white cotton." If the discharge is yellow or muddy during the days of menstruation, it is to be considered as part of the menses.

AND ALLAH KNOWS BEST

Laila Nasheeba

sunnahfollowers.net

IN REGARDS TO FOOD BEING UNLAWFUL

Coveredgurl — Thu, 08 Dec 2011 21:15:10 +0000

IN REGARDS TO FOOD BEING UNLAWFUL

By Laila Nasheeba

In regards to the lawful and Unlawful of foods. Allah says:

'O you who believe! Ask not questions about things which, if made plain to you, may cause you trouble.' (5.101)

Allah has clearly defined to us what is unlawful for us to eat. All you have to do is read the ingredients and if the ingredients do not fall into the categories defined by Allah to be haram then it is lawful and you are not required to research any futher than that

Laila Nasheeba

sunnahfollowers.net

quran tutor

muhammad — Tue, 29 Nov 2011 15:08:31 +0000

The Quran School does not only provide online Quran reading lessons. The Quran School is, in fact, a full-fledged Quran academy which aims to provide seekers of Quranic and Islamic knowledge with all Quran related services. For example, these services include Quran reading, Tajweed, Quran memorization, Quran revision, etc. The Quran School has launched this website with the express goal of serving all those who seek to learn to read the Quran, memorize Quran, and want to be able to recite Quran fluently in the Arabic language with the proper pronunciation and articulation.

Proper Quranic Arabic pronunciation and articulation of Arabic, especially Quranic Arabic is called tajweed in the Arabic language. The Quran School offers you the services of qualified Quran tutors who are experienced in online Quran teaching. These Quran tutors are accomplished in their profession and have the practical experience of having taught Quran to scores of children already. These tutors have completed their Islamic studies at reputable Islamic institutes and universities and are now devoting their time and energy towards teaching others to read the Quran.

The Quran School welcomes you to whether you want to learn to read the Quran yourself, or you want your children to learn to read the Quran, or you would think a friend or relative, or their children would like to learn to read the Quran. In any case, The Quran School is the right palace for your Quran reading needs. Taking online Quran lessons is now very simple and easy. All you need is a computer, a pair of headphones, a microphone, an internet connection, and you will be all set to begin your Quran lessons. The software required for internet voice communication is free of charge and can be downloaded from the internet. If you have any problems finding the software, you can find a download link on our website too. You can now log in to a computer, go to our website, sign up for the required Quran course, and take Quran lesson from the comfort of your home, at a time of your choice, any time of the day and night.

Quran lessons are not the only service we offer. Our tutors can also help you memorize individual Surahs of the Quran, or you can memorize the entire Quran and become a Hafiz. You can also learn to recite the Quran with the proper tajweed like famous Qâris. We aim to help you reach your full potential, whether you simply want to learn to read the Quran, or you would like to memorize the entire Quran with the proper tajweed.

Just fill up the contact form at The Quran School’s website today and begin your journey towards becoming proficient in reading the Quran fluently with the proper pronunciation and articulation.

Stop Complaining and Be Grateful

Syed Peer — Fri, 25 Nov 2011 20:46:05 +0000

If you think you are unhappy, look at them

If you think your salary is low, how about her?

If you think you don't have many friends...

When you feel like giving up, think of this man

If you think you suffer in life, do you suffer as much as he does?

If you complain about your transport system, how about them?

If your society is unfair to you, how about her?

Enjoy life how it is and as it comes

Things are worse for others and is a lot better for us

There are many things in your life that will catch your eye

but only a few will catch your heart...pursue those...

Share this page with your family and friends. Always donate to Islamic Charities to help those in need.

Good Manners at Home

crescent — Fri, 25 Nov 2011 19:33:00 +0000

Spreading kindness in the home

'Aa'ishah (RA) said: "The Messenger of Allah (SAW) said: 'When Allah (SWT) wills some good towards the people of a household, He introduces kindness among them.'" [Reported by Imaam Ahmad in al-Musnad, 6/71; Saheeh al-Jaami', 303]

According to another report:

"When Allah loves the people of a household, He introduces kindness among them." [Reported by Ibn Abi al-Dunya and others; Saheeh al-Jaami', no. 1704]

In other words, they start to be kind to one another. This is one of the means of attaining happiness in the home, for kindness is very beneficial between the spouses, and with the children, and brings results that cannot be achieved through harshness, as the Prophet (SAW) said:

"Allah loves kindness and rewards it in such a way that He does not reward for harshness or for anything else." [Reported by Muslim, Kitaab al-Birr wa'l-Sillah wa'l-Aadaab, no. 2592]

Helping one's wife with the housework

Many men think that housework is beneath them, and some of them think that it will undermine their status and position if they help their wives with this work.

The Messenger of Allah (SAW), however, used to "sew his own clothes, mend his own shoes and do whatever other work men do in their homes." [Reported by Imaam Ahmad in al-Musnad, 6/121; Saheeh al-Jaami', 4927]

This was said by his wife 'Aa'ishah (RA), when she was asked about what the Messenger of Allah (SAW) used to do in his house; her response described what she herself had seen. According to another report, she said:

"He was like any other human being: he would clean his clothes, milk his ewe and serve himself." [Reported by Imaam Ahmad in al-Musnad, 6/256; al-Silsilat al-Saheehah, 671]

She (RA) was also asked about what the Messenger of Allah (SAW) used to do in his house, and she said,

"He used to serve his family, then when the time for prayer came, he would go out to pray." [Reported by al-Bukhaari, al-Fath, 2/162]

If we were to do likewise nowadays, we would achieve three things:

We would be following the example of the Prophet (SAW).
We would be helping our wives.
We would feel more humble, not arrogant.

Some men demand food instantly from their wives, when the pot is on the stove and the baby is screaming to be fed; they do not pick up the child or wait a little while for the food. Let these Hadith be a reminder and a lesson.

Being affectionate towards and joking with the members of the family

Showing affection towards one's wife and children is one of the things that lead to creating an atmosphere of happiness and friendliness in the home. Thus the Messenger of Allah (SAW) advised Jabir (RA) to marry a virgin, saying,

"Why did you not marry a virgin, so you could play with her and she could play with you, and you could make her laugh and she could make you laugh?" [The hadeeth is reported in a number of places in the Saheehayn, such as al-Bukhaari, al-Fath, 9/121]

The Prophet (SAW) also said:

"Everything in which Allah's name is not mentioned is idleness and play, except for four things: a man playing with his wife." [Reported by al-Nisaa'i in 'Ushrat al-Nisa', p. 87; also in Saheeh al-Jaami']

The Prophet (SAW) used to treat his wife 'Aa'ishah (RA) affectionately when doing ghusl with her, as she (RA) said:

"The Messenger of Allah and I used to do ghusl together from one vessel, and he would pretend to take all the water so that I would say, 'Leave some for me, leave some for me,'" - and both of them were in a state of janaabah (impurity). [Muslim bi Sharh al-Nawawi, 4/6]

The ways in which the Prophet (SAW) showed affection towards young children are too famous to need mentioning. He often used to show his affection towards Hasan and Husayn, as mentioned above. This is probably one of the reason why the children used to rejoice when he came back from travelling; they would rush to welcome him, as reported in the saheeh hadith:

"Whenever he came back from a journey, the children of his household would be taken out to meet him."

He (SAW) used to hug them close to him, as 'Abd-Allah ibn Jafar (RA) said:

"Whenever the Prophet (SAW) came back from a journey, we would be taken out to meet him. One day we met him, Hasan, Husayn and I. He carried one of us in front of him, and another on his back, until we entered Madeenah." [Saheeh Muslim, 4/1885-2772; see the commentary in Tuhfat al-Ahwadhi, 8/56]

Compare this with the situation in some miserable homes where there are no truthful jokes (i.e., jokes that do not involve lying), no affection and no mercy. Whoever thinks that kissing his children goes against the dignity of fatherhood should read the following hadeeth: from Abu Hurayrah (RA) who said:

"The Messenger of Allah (SAW) kissed al-Hasan ibn 'Ali, and al-Aqra' ibn Haabis al-Tameemi was sitting with him. Al-Aqra' said: 'I have ten children and I have never kissed any one of them.' The Messenger of Allah (SAW) looked at him and said: 'The one who does not show mercy will not be shown mercy.'"

Storm brewing in Kashmir over anti-Islam Facebook page

crescent — Mon, 21 Nov 2011 18:07:17 +0000

A storm is brewing in Kashmir over a social networking Facebook page with blasphemous remarks and images on Prophet Muhammad and Islam with hardline Hurriyat chairman Syed Ali Shah Geelani’s office phone number as contact for feed back. On the call of Geelani to protests after Friday prayers against the blasphemous page, small rallies were organised at Kashmir University, uptown Srinagar’s Maisuma and Hari Singh High street.

Geelani had appealed to imams (priests) across Jammu and Kashmir to condemn “the devilish act in their Friday sermons”. “The blasphemous page is being used to abuse the Prophet Mohammad and mock at the Islamic tenets and holy places,” said Hurriyat spokesman Ayaz Akbar.

The Hurriyat said it will seek help of cyber experts to find out the people behind it. “Groups like Shiv Sena, Jan Sangh and other Hindu extremist groups could be behind the evil mischief,” alleged Akbar.

The page has already threatened the fragile calm in Kashmir restored this year after the 2010 summer unrest. Angry protesters carrying banners with demands on banning the Facebook marched in Srinagar’s volatile Maisuma area. The rally, however, dispersed peacefully.

At Har Singh High Street, a priest lead a procession demanding ban on alcohol, intoxicating drugs and the blasphemous page of the Facebook. “There is a deep rooted conspiracy to attack our ethos and provoke us,” said the Imam without revealing his name.

The FB page “This god will get more fans than Geelani” has united both the factions of the Hurriyat. “Use of Facebook for anti-Islam and anti-Muslim activities was a very serious and heinous crime…the police was busy using all its sources and power against the pro-freedom people while letting criminals a free hand,” alleged moderate Hurriyat leader Nayeem Ahmad Khan.

The police was put on an alert in Srinagar to keep protesters at bay. “There were minor clashes. The protests were mainly symbolic and no violence was reported. We cannot however lower our guard,” said a police officer on the condition of anonymity.

“Sensing serious threat to over year-long tranquility, the authorities have issued red alert against any attempts to create communal unrest in Kashmir Valley. This time around an outrageously blasphemous Facebook page, coupled with some recent religious conversions, is leading to a palpable mass mobilization,” said Ahmad Ali Fayaz, Valley’s senior journalist and expert on Kashmir militancy.

The controversial page has already been removed by the Facebook.

History of Nabi Adam(A.S) Tamil

syed azeem — Wed, 16 Nov 2011 10:55:06 +0000

http://www.tamililquran.com/quran_proof.asp?file=quran_proof_1.html

Quaran verses

syed azeem — Wed, 16 Nov 2011 10:46:07 +0000

(நபியே!) எவன் தன்னுடைய (சரீர, மனோ இச்சையைத் தன்னுடைய தெய்வமாக ஆக்கிக் கொண்டானோ, அவனை நீர் பார்த்தீரா? மேலும், அறிந்தே அல்லாஹ் அவனை வழிகேட்டில் விட்டு அவனுடைய காதுகள் மீதும் இருதயத்தின் மீதும் முத்திரையிட்டு; இன்னும், அவனுடைய பார்வை மீதும் திரையை அமைத்துவிட்டான். எனவே, அல்லாஹ்வுக்குப் பிறகு அவனுக்கு நேர்வழி காண்பிப்பவர் யார்? நீங்கள் சிந்தித்து உணர வேண்டாமா? 45:23

Tips For A Healthy Marriage!

Muslimah — Sun, 30 Oct 2011 10:46:38 +0000

Tips For A Healthy Marriage!

Although many Muslims may right now be in failing marriages and on a fast track to divorce and its terrible consequences, there are many ways to put their marriage back on the right track if the husband and wife are sincere in their desire to reconcile. The following principles can be used by Muslims whose marriages are already in trouble or by Muslims who would like to avoid trouble in their marriage.

Examples of Negative Relationship of Husband & Wife

Many Muslim husbands and wives treat each other like adversaries rather than partners. The husband feels that he is the boss, and whatever he says goes. The wife feels that she must squeeze everything she can out of her husband. Some wives never show their husband that they are satisfied with anything he does or buys for them in order to trick him into doing and buying more. They make him feel like a failure if he does not give them the lifestyle that their friends and families enjoy. Some husbands speak very harshly to their wives, humiliate them, and even physically abuse them. Their wives have no voice or opinion in the family.

Marriage In The Eyes of Allah

It is very sad that this relationship which Allah (SWT) has established for the good has been made a source of contention, deception, trickery, tyranny, humiliation, and abuse. This is not the way marriage is supposed to be.

Allah (SWT) described marriage very differently in the Holy Quran: '. . . He created for you mates from among yourselves, that ye may dwell in tranquillity with them, and He has put love and mercy between your (hearts) . . . " (Holy Quran 30:21, Yusuf Ali Translation).

Do not be a Tyrant

Regardless of whether or not Islam has made the husband the head of the household, Muslims are not supposed to be dictators and tyrants. We are taught to treat our wives well. The Prophet Muhammad (SAWS) was reported to have said: 'The most perfect Muslim in the matter of faith is one who has excellent behavior; and the best among you are those who behave best towards their wives" (From Mishkat al-Masabih, No. 0278(R) Transmitted by Tirmidhi).

Be Partners in the Decision Making Process.

Follow the principle of 'Shura," and make decisions as a family. There will be much more harmony in the family when decisions are not imposed and everyone feels that they had some part in making them.

Never be Emotionally

Never be emotionally, mentally, or physically abusive to your spouse. The Prophet (SAWS) never mistreated his wives. He is reported to have said: 'How could they beat their women in daytime as slaves and then sleep with them in the night?"

Be Careful of Your Words

Be very careful what you say when you are upset. Sometimes you will say things that you would never say when you were not angry. If you are angry, wait until you calm down before continuing the conversation.

Show Affection

Show affection for your mate. Be kind, gentle, and loving.

Be Your Spouse's Friend

Show interest in your mate's life. Too often, we live in the same house but know nothing about each other's lives. It would be great if the husband and wife could work together for the same cause or on the same project. They could perhaps establish a husband/wife prison ministry, take care of orphans in their home, or lead an Islamic weekend class.

Show Appreciation

Show appreciation for what your spouse does for the family. Never make your husband feel that he is not doing good enough for the family or that you are not satisfied with his work or his efforts, unless, of course, he is truly lazy and not even trying to provide for the family. The Prophet (SAWS) was reported to have said: 'On the Day of Judgment, God will not look upon the woman who has been ungrateful to her husband." (where is this hadith found) Show your wife that you appreciate her. If she takes care of the house and the children, don't take it for granted. It is hard work, and no one likes to feel unappreciated.

Work Together in the House

The Prophet (SAWS) is known to have helped his wives in the house. And if the Prophet (SAWS) was not above doing housework, modern Muslim husbands shouldn't feel that they are.

Communication is Important

Communication, Communication, Communication! This is the big word in counseling. And it should be. Husbands and wives need to talk to each other. It is better to deal with problems early and honestly than to let them pile up until an explosion occurs.

Forget Past Problems

Don't bring up past problems once they have been solved.

Live Simply

Don't be jealous of those who seem to be living a more luxurious life than your family. The 'rizq" is from Allah (SWT). In order to develop the quality of contentment, look at those people who have less than you, not those who have more. Thank Allah (SWT) for the many blessings in your life.

Give Your Spouse Time Alone

If your mate doesn't want to be with you all the time, it doesn't mean he or she doesn't love you. People need to be alone for various reasons. Sometimes they want to read, to think about their problems, or just to relax. Don't make them feel that they are committing a sin.

Admit Your Mistakes

When you make a mistake, admit it. When your mate makes a mistake, excuse him or her easily. If possible, never go to sleep angry with each other.

Have Meals Together

Try to eat together as a family when possible. Show the cook and the dishwasher, whether it is the husband or the wife, appreciation for his or her efforts. The Prophet (SAWS) did not complain about food that was put before him.

Be Mindful of Your discussion Topics

Never discuss with others things about your marriage that your spouse wouldn't like you to discuss, unless there is an Islamic reason to do so. Some husbands and wives, believe it or not, complain to others about their mate's physical appearance. This is a recipe for disaster. Information about your intimate relations should be kept between you and your spouse.

Many of us treat our spouses in ways that we would never treat others. With others, we try to be polite, kind, and patient. With our spouses, we often do not show these courtesies. Of course, we are usually with our spouses at our worst times --- when we are tired and frustrated after a hard day. After a bad day at the office, husbands usually come home angry and on edge. The wife has probably also had a hard day with the children and the housework. Wives and husbands should discuss this potential time bomb so that if they are short-tempered with each other during these times, they will understand the reasons rather than automatically thinking that their spouse no longer loves them.

Good marriages require patience, kindness, humility, sacrifice, empathy, love, understanding, forgiveness, and hard work. Following these principles should help any marriage to improve. The essence of them all can be summed up in one sentence: Always treat your spouse the way you would like to be treated. If you follow this rule, your marriage will have a much greater chance for success. If you discard this rule, failure is just around the corner.

US feels India has 180m Muslims

Syed Peer — Mon, 05 Sep 2011 04:01:22 +0000

The United States believes that there are many more Muslims who live in India than is being officially stated here through census, and 'Islam' here presents a series of dichotomies like most issues affecting the world's largest democracy.

The US views on 'Indian Islam' and its interpretation had found place in one of its diplomatic cable, leaked by WikiLeaks.

Referring to various 'contacts' in India, the cable says that most of them believe that the official figure ( Census 2001) of over 138 million Muslims in India is "under representative" as actual number is "substantially higher" - closer to 160 to 180 million.

Taking sympathetic views of Indian Muslims for their 'liberal' approach, the cable, originated from American embassy in New Delhi in February last year, says that majority of the Muslims live in a very poor condition despite some of the millionaires from the community, like Azim Premji, influence Indian market.

It says: "Iconic celebrities such as Bollywood actor Shahrukh Khan attract legions of fans, while millions of Muslims languish in poverty. Since Independence, three Muslims have been appointed as President, but Muslims are grossly under-represented in Parliament and other elected bodies".

The US embassy cable also refers to the Rajinder Sachar Committee report which in 2006 revealed that Muslims in general fare worse in economic terms than India's Dalits. "These seeming contradictions reflect overall socioeconomic trends in India: a tiny percentage of Muslims thrive, while the vast majority struggles to support themselves".

The cable, however, noted that Indian Muslims are eager to catch up to their compatriots. "Their Sufi heritage, promoting pluralism and tolerance, should leave them well-equipped to compete in secular India. However, lingering resentment from the partition and external influences threaten to divide the community".

US diplomats in their dispatch to Washington also noted in details the composition of Shias and Sunni and existence of tension between two Sunni movements - Barelvi and Deobandi - rooted in differences in ideology, wealth, education and views on reforms. On political front, the dispatch says that Shia and Barelvi leaders have, of late, discussed forming a political alliance to counter Deoband and the increasing influence of Wahabism. The alliance would balance each group's strength: Barelvis have the numbers and Shias have a higher level of education and more contact with the Indian elite.