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First, make sure that you are prepared for the challenges of raising an internationally adopted child. Do you have enough money and time to raise a child who may have known or unknown medical, psychiatric, behavioral, or educational challenges? Are you comfortable parenting a child who does not look like you, and dealing with racism and ethnic bias, even from people in your own family? Can you handle intrusive questions from strangers about your child's origins in ways that protect your child's personal story, but educate about adoption? Do you have a strong family/social support system for those times when you or your child is sick, and you need an extra pair of hands, or just a shoulder to cry on? Do you live in a community where your child can see good people who look like him/her, and families that look like yours (single parent, multiracial, same sex parents or whatever)? Are there resources in your community that you can turn to for trauma-inforned medical, mental health, and educational services? (Not all doctors, therapists, or schools recognize the special concerns of adopted kids who come from tough situations.) Get to know other internationally adoptive families, and talk candidly about their experiences and your concerns.Do some research about the countries from which people are adopting, and choose a country from which you want to adopt. The US State Department's adoption website at adoption.state.gov.is a good place to start, as it lists, for every country, whether it is open to international adoption, what characteristics it requires adoptive parents to have (age, marital status, family size, etc.), what characteristics the adoptable children have (age, race/ethnicity, health status, gender, etc.),whether the country has ratified the Hague Convention #33 on international adoption, what the adoption process is like, and how long the process is likely to take. The State Department website can also explain the Hague Convention and how it helps to protect children, their birthparents, and their adoptive families. Look at the statistics regarding how many children from each country have been adopted by Americans over the years, as it can suggest things such as the stability and complexity of the process. Remember that you will almost certainly be unable to adopt a child from Western Europe or the English speaking countries like Canada and Ireland. These countries have very few adoptable children, and citizens of those countries often look elsewhere, like countries in Africa, Asia, Eastern Europe, and Latin America when seeking to adopt. Also, you will not be able to adopt from a country recently torn by war or natural disaster, as it is often difficult to determine whether a child is truly eligible for adoption, and government offices and courts may not be functioning.When you have chosen a country, research US adoption agencies that have experience with adoptions from there. Under the US Universal Accreditation Act, all American prospective parents must use a a Hague-accredited US agency, even when adopting from a non-Hague country, and even when they have pre-identified a child, such as a relative's child. Independent adoptions are no longer permitted. You can find lists of Hague-accredited agencies on the State Department website and then check an agency's website to see if it works in the country that interests you. Some prospective adoptive parents have preferences with regard to large vs. small agencies, non-sectarian vs. faith-based agencies, in-state vs. out-of state agencies, etc. Check references carefully. The agencies will give you reference lists, but also seek out families in your community and online. Ask specific questions about things important to you, like unanticipated extra charges, in-country support, etc. Your agency will be your partner all through the adoption process and beyond, so your comfort level with an agency is critical.Once you have selected an agency, you must have a homestudy for international adoption by a Hague-accredited provider. If your placement agency is in your state of residence, it can do your homestudy. Otherwise, it can help you locate a Hague-accredited homestudy agency in your state that is acceptable to it. Homestudy is really a misnomer, as inspection of your home is just a small part of the process, which may take 1–3 months or more, and includes, at first, collection of documents like birth certificates, marriage certificates, divorce decree, employment and salary information, police and child abuse clearances, a medical report from your physician, your lease or house title information, your assets and liabilities, your expenses, etc. You will also be required to take a pre-adoption class in-person or online. You will will need to provide a list of non-relative references who will be asked for information, usually by letter. You may be asked to write a brief autobiography covering topics such as how you were disciplined, taught values, and educated, how you met your spouse (if you are married), what you do in your spare time, and more. You will probably have three interviews with your homestudy social worker, who will raise questions on the materials you supplied, and encourage you to ask questions about the adoption process, etc. One of the visits with the social worker will be a home inspection, which seems to terrify most people, but which is actually the easiest part of the homestudy. Basically, if your home meets occupancy and other local requirements, is free from hazards like an unfenced pool or broken stairs, shows no evidence of an unsuitable lifestyle, such as heavy involvement with drugs, alcohol, hate groups, or weaponry, and creates a welcoming environment, you will be fine. The social worker won't care if your furniture is a little worn, or if there are a few dust bunnies under the bed. The social worker will write a report in a format required by your state, the USCIS, and the foreign country, approving you to adopt.Once you have your approved homestudy, you will need to obtain preliminary USCIS approval of your eligibility to bring an adopted child to the US, which the foreign country of your choice will need before it refers you a child. If you are adopting from a Hague-compliant country, you will download the I-800A form from the internet and complete it. If you are adopting from a non-Hague country, you will download the I-600A form and complete it. This form, with a copy of your approved homestudy report, a few other documents and a fee, will be sent to the USCIS. Once it is received, the local USCIS office will send you an appointment to come in for fingerprinting. Once that is done, if all is in order, you will get a form giving preliminary approval of your plan to adopt and immigrate a child. Make sure you give copies of all documents you receive to your placement agency. In most cases, your next step will be to compile a dossier of documents, including many of those used for your homestudy, for sending to the foreign country. The dossier will also include your homestudy report and I-600/I-800 approval.Your completed dossier will need to be authenticated before it is sent overseas. Your agency will explain what to do. Certain countries require the authentication process that is called apostilling. Other countries require documents to be notarized, certified by the Secretary of State in the state where they originated, then approved by the foreign embassy or Consulate in the US, or in some cases, by the US Secretary of State. Your agency will also arrange to have the full dossier translated into the language of the foreign country.Once your paperwork is sent to the foreign country, you will be in a waiting mode until a child is referred to you. At some point, your agency will receive the referral packet and send it on to you. You will have a few days to review the information and decide whether you can parent the child. It is a good idea to review the referral with your local pediatrician and/or with an international adoption medicine specialist. Such specialists review referral information for for families throughout the country, and may even assist parents once they are overseas and have concerns about the child.Once you accept a referral in writing, you will have more paperwork to provide to the USCIS and the foreign country, before you receive permission to travel overseas, meet your child, complete the adoption, secure the the child's visa from the US Embassy in the country, and bring the child home. The specifics of the process will differ by whether the country is Hague or non-non-Hague, and by what that country's laws require.Once you are allowed to travel and adopt the child, you may have to spend a period of time in the country before finalization occurs. This may be a matter of a few days or a few months. The countries want to ensure that you and the child bond well. In some cases, you may have to make two trips —- one to meet and bond with the child, and one to go through the court finalization process and obtain the child's documents.Once you return home, there are steps you will want to take regarding readopting/doing a “recognition" of the adoption, ensuring that your child is a citizen, getting him/her a Social Security number, getting him/her on your health insurance, getting him/her tested for conditions often found in internationally adopted children, like various intestinal parasites, getting him/her vaccinated according to American Academy of Pediatrics recommendations, and so on. Some foreign countries insist on receiving a series of post-placement reports done by your homestudy provider.

Carlos Ray "Chuck" Norris (born March 10, 1940) is an American martial artist, actor, film producer and screenwriter. After serving in the United States Air Force, he began his rise to fame as a martial artist, and has since founded his own school, Chun Kuk Do.Norris appeared in a number of action films, such as Way of the Dragon, in which he starred alongside Bruce Lee, and was The Cannon Group's leading star in the 1980s.[3][4]He played the starring role in the television series Walker, Texas Ranger from 1993 until 2001.Norris is a devout Christian and politically conservative. He has written several books on Christianity and donated to a number of Republican candidates and causes. In 2007 and 2008, he campaigned for former Arkansas Governor Mike Huckabee, who was running for the Republican nomination for president in 2008.[5]Norris also writes a column for the conservative website WorldNetDaily.[6]Since 2005 Norris has been widely associated with an internet meme which documents fictional and often absurd feats associated with him.Contents[hide]1Early life2Martial arts career3Acting career3.1Rise to fame3.2Walker, Texas Ranger4Product endorsements5Appearances6Chun Kuk Do7Personal life7.1Family7.2Christianity7.3Martial arts and personal fitness8Activism8.1Philanthropy8.2Political views9Honors10Internet meme11Filmography12References13Further reading14External linksEarly lifeNorris was born in Ryan, Oklahoma on March 10, 1940,[7]to Wilma (née Scarberry) and Ray Norris, who was a World War II Army soldier,[8]a mechanic, bus driver, and truck driver.[9]Norris has stated that he has Irish and Cherokee roots.[3][8][10]Norris was named after Carlos Berry, his father's minister.[8]He has two younger brothers, Wieland (1943–1970; killed in Vietnam) and Aaron (a Hollywood producer). When Norris was sixteen, his parents divorced,[11]and he later relocated to Prairie Village, Kansas, and then to Torrance, California, with his mother and brothers.[3]Norris has described his childhood as downbeat. He was nonathletic, shy, and scholastically mediocre.[12]His father, Ray, worked intermittently as an automobile mechanic, and went on alcohol drinking binges that lasted for months at a time. Embarrassed by his father's behavior and the family's financial plight, Norris developed a debilitating introversion that lasted for his entire childhood.[13]He joined the United States Air Force as an Air Policeman (AP) in 1958 and was sent to Osan Air Base, South Korea. It was there that Norris acquired the nickname Chuck and began his training in Tang Soo Do (tangsudo), an interest that led to black belts in that art and the founding of the Chun Kuk Do ("Universal Way") form.[14]When he returned to the United States, he continued to serve as an AP at March Air Force Base in California.Norris was discharged in August 1962. He worked for the Northrop Corporation and opened a chain of Karate schools including a storefront school in his then-hometown of Torrance on Hawthorne Boulevard. Norris' official website lists celebrity clients at the schools; among them Steve McQueen, Chad McQueen, Bob Barker, Priscilla Presley, Donny Osmond and Marie Osmond.[15]Martial arts careerNorris in 1976Norris was defeated in his first two tournaments, dropping decisions to Joe Lewis and Allen Steen and three matches at the International Karate Championships to Tony Tulleners. By 1967 Norris had improved enough that he scored victories over the likes of Lewis, Skipper Mullins, Arnold Urquidez, Victor Moore, Ron Marchini, and Steve Sanders. Norris would be a two-time winner at S. Henry Cho's All American Championship.[16]In early 1968, Norris suffered the tenth and last loss of his career, losing an upset decision to Louis Delgado. On November 24, 1968, he avenged his defeat to Delgado and by doing so won the Professional Middleweight Karate champion title, which he held for six consecutive years.[11]In 1969, he won Karate's triple crown for the most tournament wins of the year, and the Fighter of the Year award by Black Belt magazine.Norris made history in 1990 when he was the first Westerner in the documented history of Taekwondo to be given the rank of 8th Degree Black Belt Grandmaster.[17]In 1999, Norris was inducted into the Martial Arts History Museum's Hall of Fame. On July 1, 2000, Norris was presented the Golden Lifetime Achievement Award by the World Karate Union Hall of Fame.Acting careerNorris on the set of the film The Delta Force (1986)Rise to fameIn 1969, Norris made his acting debut in the Dean Martin film The Wrecking Crew. At a martial arts demonstration in Long Beach, Norris met the martial artist Bruce Lee. In 1972, he acted as Lee's nemesis in the movie Way of the Dragon (titled Return of the Dragon in its U.S. distribution), which is widely credited with launching him toward stardom. In Asia, Norris is still known primarily for this role. In 1974, McQueen encouraged him to begin acting classes at MGM.Norris' first starring role was 1977's Breaker! Breaker!, and subsequent films such as Good Guys Wear Black (1978), The Octagon (1980), An Eye for an Eye (1981), and Lone Wolf McQuade (1983) proved his increasing box office bankability.In 1984, Norris starred in Missing in Action, the first of a series of Rambo-inspired POW rescue fantasies themed around the Vietnam War POW/MIA issue that were produced by Israeli cousins Menahem Golan and Yoram Globus and released under their Cannon Films banner. Norris later dedicated these films to his younger brother Wieland. Wieland, a private in the 101st Airborne Division, had been killed in June 1970 in Vietnam while on patrol in the defense of Firebase Ripcord.[18]The film, however, was criticized heavily as being a preemptive cash-in on the Rambo film series.[19][20]Over the next four years, Norris became Cannon's most prominent star, appearing in eight films, including Code of Silence, The Delta Force, and Firewalker, in which he co-starred with Academy Award winner Louis Gossett, Jr.. Many of the aforementioned films were produced by Norris' brother Aaron Norris, as were several episodes of Walker, Texas Ranger. In 1986, he was involved in the production of the Ruby-Spears cartoon Karate Kommandos.After an 8 year layoff, he starred in the 2012 sequel to The Expendables.In October 2014, he revealed that he would be shooting a new film, The Finisher, in March 2015.[21]Walker, Texas RangerBy the end of the 1980s, Cannon Films had faded from prominence, and Norris' star appeal seemed to go with it. He reprised his Delta Force role for MGM, which had acquired the Cannon library after the latter's Chapter 11 bankruptcy. Norris went on to make several more films before making a transition to television.[22]In 1993, he began shooting the series Walker, Texas Ranger, which lasted eight seasons on CBS and continued in syndication on other channels, notably the Hallmark Channel.On October 17, 2005, CBS premiered the Sunday Night Movie of the Week, Walker, Texas Ranger: Trial by Fire. The production was a continuation of the series, and not scripted to be a reunion movie. Norris reprised his role as Cordell Walker for the movie. He has stated that future Walker, Texas Ranger Movie of the Week projects are expected; however, this was severely impaired by CBS's 2006–2007 season decision to no longer regularly schedule Movies of the Week on Sunday night.Product endorsementsNorris has appeared with Christie Brinkley in a long-running series of cable TV infomercials promoting Total Gym home fitness equipment. Norris has also appeared in a commercial for Mountain Dew.In 2010, Norris appeared in advertisements for communications company T-Mobile in the Czech Republic.[23]In 2011, Norris appeared in advertisements for the World of Warcraft video game.[24]In 2012, Norris appeared in a series of commercials for the Polish bank BZ WBK.[25]Chuck NorrisStyleChun Kuk Do, Tang Soo Do, Taekwondo, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, JudoRank10th degree black belt Chun Kuk Do9th degree black belt Tang Soo Do8th degree black belt Taekwondo5th degree black belt in Karate3rd degree black belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsublack belt JudoAppearancesAt the 1994 edition of Survivor Series, he was the special outside enforcer for the casket match rematch between The Undertaker and Yokozuna. He was the enforcer to ensure that nobody interfered in the match.Chun Kuk DoMain article: Chun Kuk DoNorris created the martial art Chun Kuk Do, which is based primarily on Tang Soo Do and includes elements from every combat style he knows. Like many other martial arts, Chun Kuk Do includes a code of honor and rules to live by. These rules are from Norris' personal code. They are:[26]I will develop myself to the maximum of my potential in all ways.I will forget the mistakes of the past and press on to greater achievements.I will continually work at developing love, happiness and loyalty in my family.I will look for the good in all people and make them feel worthwhile.If I have nothing good to say about a person, I will say nothing.I will always be as enthusiastic about the success of others as I am about my own.I will maintain an attitude of open-mindedness.I will maintain respect for those in authority and demonstrate this respect at all times.I will always remain loyal to my God, my country, family and my friends.I will remain highly goal-oriented throughout my life because that positive attitude helps my family, my country and myself.Personal lifeNorris receiving the Veteran of the Year award by the U.S. Air Force in 2001Norris during a meeting with Commanding Officer Captain J.R Haley, in June 2005Norris during a promotion ceremony at Camp Taqaddum in the Al Anbar province of Iraq on November 2, 2006FamilyNorris married Dianne Holechek in 1958. In 1963 their first child, Mike, was born. His daughter Dina was born in 1964 out of an extramarital affair.[27]Later, he had a second son, Eric, with his wife in 1965. After 30 years of marriage, Norris and Holechek divorced in 1988.On November 28, 1998, he married former model Gena O'Kelley, 23 years Norris' junior. O'Kelley had two children from a previous marriage. She delivered twins on August 30, 2001: Dakota Alan Norris, a boy, and Danilee Kelly Norris, a girl.[28]On September 22, 2004, Norris told Entertainment Tonight's Mary Hart that his daughter Dina was the result of an extramarital affair. He did not meet her until she was 26, although she learned that he was her father when she was 16. She sent a letter informing him of their relationship. After meeting her, Norris said he knew she was his daughter upon seeing her.[29]In 2005, Norris reported in his autobiography that his mother gave birth to him when she was 18 years old.Norris has nine grandchildren.[30]ChristianityAn outspoken Christian,[31]Norris is the author of several Christian-themed books, such as The Justice Riders. He has also been in a few TV commercials promoting Bible study and prayer in public schools, in addition to efforts to reduce drug use. In his WorldNetDaily columns, he has expressed his belief in Biblical creationism,[32]that those who are troubled should turn to Jesus, and is quoted as saying "true patriots" do not stay clear of discussing religion and politics.[33]On April 22, 2008, Norris expressed his support for the intelligent design movement when he reviewed Ben Stein's Expelled for Conservative news, politics, opinion, breaking news analysis, political cartoons and commentary.[34]Martial arts and personal fitnessNorris has received a black belt in Brazilian jiu-jitsu from the Machado family.[35]In his February 15, 2010 WorldNetDaily column, Norris announced that, starting in the fall of 2010, he will begin a second weekly column for Creators Syndicate. This new column, "C-Force", will focus on personal fitness.[36]ActivismPhilanthropyHe is known for his contribution towards organizations such as Funds for Kids, Veteran's Administration National Salute to Hospitalized Veterans, the United Way, and the Make-A-Wish Foundation in the form of donations as well as fund-raising activities.[37]His time with the U.S. Veterans Administration as a spokesperson was inspired by his experience serving the United States Air Force in Korea. His objective has been to popularize the issues such as Pensions and Health care, that concern hospitalized war veterans. Due to his significant contributions, and continued patriotism, he received the Veteran of the Year award in 2001 at the American Veteran Awards.[37]Norris also established the United Fighting Arts Federation and Kickstart Kids in 1990. As a significant part of his philanthropic contributions, the organization was formed to develop self-esteem and focus in at-risk children as a tactic to keep them away from drug-related pressure by training them in martial arts. Norris hopes that by shifting middle school and high school children's focus towards this positive and strengthening endeavour, these children will have the opportunity to build a better future for themselves.[37][38]In 2005, Norris founded the World Combat League (WCL), a full-contact, team-based martial arts competition, of which part of the proceeds are given to his Kickstart Kids program.[37]Additionally, Norris supports the Vijay Amritraj Foundation, which aims at bringing hope, help and healing to the defenceless and innocent victims of disease, tragedy and circumstance in India. Through his donations, he has helped the foundation support Paediatric HIV/AIDS homes in Delhi, a blind school in Karnataka, and a mission that cares for HIV/AIDS infected adults, as well as mentally ill patients in Cochin.[39]Norris with former Presidential candidate Mike Huckabee in Londonderry, New HampshirePolitical viewsNorris and his wife at a political event in The Woodlands, Texas on February 15, 2016.Norris is a Republican, and has donated more than $32,000 to Republican candidates and organizations since 1988.[40]Norris supports gun rights and ownership and is against public schools celebrating the Day of Silence.[41]In 2006, Norris began penning a column for the conservative news website WorldNetDaily, sharing his "musings about faith, family, freedom, country, loyalty – maybe even kickboxing."On October 22, 2007, Norris announced his endorsement of Arkansas Governor Mike Huckabee for President.[42]Norris said, "I believe the only one who has all of the characteristics to lead America forward into the future is ex-Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee."[43]After the 2008 presidential election, Norris drafted a letter to President-elect Barack Obama, stating that he should "use and cite the Constitution ... protect American life ... learn from the mistakes of your Democratic predecessors ... [and] lead more from the center".[44]On November 18, 2008, Norris became one of the first members of show business to express support for the California Proposition 8 ban on same-sex marriage, and he chided activists for "interfering" with the democratic process and the double standard he perceived in criticizing the LDS Church without criticizing African Americans, who had voted for the measure by a wide margin.[45]During the 2012 presidential election, Norris first recommended Ron Paul, and then later formally endorsed Newt Gingrich as the Republican presidential candidate.[46]After Gingrich suspended his campaign in May 2012, Norris endorsed Republican presumptive nominee Mitt Romney, despite Norris having previously accused Romney of flip-flopping and of trying to buy the nomination for the Republican Party candidacy for 2012.[47][48]On the eve of the election he and his wife Gina made a video warning that if evangelicals didn't show up at the polls and vote out President Obama, "...our country as we know it may be lost forever...".[49][50]Norris also produced the film Answering the Call, which featured his 2007 trip to Iraq to visit the troops.[51][52]Norris endorsed Huckabee again in the 2016 Republican Primary before he dropped out.[53]In March 2016, it was reported that Norris endorsed Republican Texas Senator Ted Cruz and that he would be attending a Cruz rally,[54][55]but two days later, Norris stated he would only endorse the GOP nominee once that nominee has been nominated by the party.[56]Norris has visited Israel and voiced support for Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in the 2013 and 2015 elections.[57][58][59]HonorsOn March 28, 2007, Commandant Gen. James T. Conway made Norris an honorary United States Marine during a dinner at the commandant's residence in Washington, D.C.[60]On December 2, 2010, he (along with brother Aaron) was given the title honorary Texas Ranger by Texas Governor Rick Perry.[61]Internet memeMain article: Chuck Norris factsIn late 2005, Norris became the object of an ironic internet meme known as "Chuck Norris Facts", which document fictional, often absurdly heroic feats and characteristics about Norris. Norris has written his own response to the parody on his website, stating that he does not feel offended by them and finds some of them funny,[62]claiming that his personal favorite is that they wanted to add his face to Mount Rushmore, but the granite is not hard enough for his beard.[63]On November 29, 2007, Gotham Books, the adult division of Penguin USA, released a book entitled The Truth About Chuck Norris: 400 facts about the World's Greatest Human based on the Chuck Norris Facts.[64]Norris filed suit in December against Penguin USA and author Ian Spector, claiming, "trademark infringement, unjust enrichment and privacy rights."[65]Norris dropped the suit in May of the following year.[66]FilmographyMain article: Chuck Norris filmographyReferencesJump up^ Kirell, Andrew (May 25, 2012). "Celebrities You Probably Didn't Know Are Republicans". Mediaite. New York City. Retrieved September 17, 2016.Jump up^ "Norris, Carlos Ray, A1C". TogetherWeServed. 2016. Retrieved 2016-02-25.^ Jump up to:a b c Berkow, Ira (May 12, 1993). "At Dinner with: Chuck Norris". The New York Times.Jump up^ "Cinema: And Now, a Wham-Bam Superstar: Chuck Norris". Time. May 20, 1985. Retrieved August 14, 2010.Jump up^ "Chuck Norris Endorses Newt Gingrich, Swings Crucial 'Walker, Texas Ranger' Constituency". Reuters. January 20, 2012.Jump up^ "Chuck Norris". WorldNetDaily. Retrieved October 20, 2013.Jump up^ Norris, Chuck; Hyams, Joe (1988). "1". The Secret of Inner Strength; My Story (1st ed.). Boston: Little, Brown and Co. p. 6. ISBN 0-316-61191-3.^ Jump up to:a b c Norris, Chuck; Ken Abraham (2004). Against All Odds: My Story. Broadman & Holman Publishers. ISBN 0-8054-3161-6.Jump up^ "Chuck Norris Biography (1940–)".Jump up^ "Chuck Norris : Biography". IMDb.^ Jump up to:a b "Chuck Norris – Strong, Silent, Popular". The New York Times. September 1, 1985.Jump up^ "Chuck Norris Fights to Be a Better Actor in 'Hero and the Terror' Role". The Los Angeles Times. September 2, 1988.Jump up^ "Breaking the Silence : People.com". PEOPLE.com.Jump up^ Wedlan, Candace A. (October 2, 1996). "Body Watch; Kicking Old Habits; Chuck Norris found he couldn't eat just anything after he hit his mid-30s. These days, TV's top ranger feasts on veggies, fowl and fish. And he tries to keep his distance from peanut clusters.". The Los Angeles Times.Jump up^ "Chuck Norris Blog". Archived from the original on February 8, 2010.Jump up^ "Past Sparring Grand Champions". S. Henry Cho's Karate Institute Tae Kwon Do taekwondo tae kwon do karate Karate martial arts Martial Arts Chuck Norris Bruce Lee Master Cho Steven Segal H. Retrieved 2016-03-15.Jump up^ "Questions I am asked most about martial arts". July 9, 2007.Jump up^ "PFC Wieland Clyde Norris". The Virtual Wall.Jump up^ "War Movie Mondays, Missing in Action Movie Review". The Flick Cast. Retrieved July 7, 2012.Jump up^ "Box Office Flashback, December 10, 1984". Pop Dose: Pop Culture News, Reviews and Discussion. Retrieved July 7, 2012.Jump up^ "masternorris.com". masternorris.com -&nbspThis website is for sale! -&nbspmasternorris Resources and Information.. Retrieved 2016-03-15.Jump up^ King, Susan (April 18, 1993). "Chuck Norris: Karate Champ Turned Action-film Actor Turned Series Star?". The Los Angeles Times. Retrieved August 30, 2010.Jump up^ "Chuck Norris shills for T-Mobile ads". The Prague Post. November 10, 2010. Retrieved January 13, 2011.Jump up^ "World of Warcraft TV Commercial: Chuck Norris – Hunter". YouTube. December 15, 2011. Retrieved December 15, 2011.Jump up^ "Polish bank BZ WBK commercials with Chuck Norris". January 20, 2012. Archived from the original on September 22, 2013. Retrieved December 18, 2012.Jump up^ "Welcome to the United Fighting Arts Federation (UFAF) and Chun Kuk Do!". Welcome to the United Fighting Arts Federation (UFAF). Retrieved 2016-03-15.Jump up^ "Herald Extra: Chuck Norris". Archived from the original on March 25, 2008.Jump up^ "Gena Norris Notes". Free Full Episodes, Clips, Show Info and TV Listings Guide. May 3, 2006.Jump up^ Hart, Mary (September 22, 2004). "At Home and Up-Close with Chuck Norris". Entertainment News | Celebrity News | Entertainment Tonight. Archived from the original on November 23, 2006.Jump up^ "mentorsharbor.com". Buy Domains - Find a Premium Domain & Open Your Doors, BuyDomains.com.Jump up^ See External Links Drew Marshall InterviewJump up^ Norris, Chuck (October 23, 2006). "On Chuck Norris 'mania' sweeping the net". WorldNetDaily. Retrieved February 16, 2010.Jump up^ Norris, Chuck (November 20, 2006). "America's Code of Silence". WorldNetDaily. Retrieved February 16, 2010.Jump up^ Norris, Chuck. "Win Ben Stein's Monkey". Townhall. Retrieved April 22, 2008.Jump up^ BJJ Instructors and Students. "BJJ Genius".Jump up^ Norris, Chuck (February 15, 2010). "Ready for feds in your kitchen?". WorldNetDaily. Retrieved February 16, 2010.^ Jump up to:a b c d [1][dead link]Jump up^ "A Renaissance Man". Inside Kung Fu. Retrieved January 1, 2010.Jump up^ "Chuck Norris's Charity Work, Events and Causes". Celebrity Charity Work: Data, News, Events - Look to the Stars. Retrieved January 2, 2012.Jump up^ "Newsmeat: Chuck Norris's Federal Campaign Contribution Report". 2006.Jump up^ Norris, Chuck (March 23, 2008). "Guns, God and gays". WorldNetDaily.Jump up^ "Mike Huckabee". Mike Huckabee.Jump up^ Norris, Chuck (October 21, 2007). "My choice for president". WorldNetDaily.Jump up^ Norris, Chuck (10 November 2008). "Obama, now that you work for me...". World Net Daily.Jump up^ Norris, Chuck (18 November 2008). "If Democracy Doesn't Work, Try Anarchy". Townhall.Jump up^ Reilly, Mollie (January 20, 2012). "Chuck Norris Endorses Newt Gingrich For President". The HuffingtonPost.Jump up^ Norris, Chuck. "Chuck Norris Column: How Romney and Our Republic Can Win (Part 1)". News Busters.Jump up^ Poppleton, Travis. "Chuck Norris slams Romney, endorses Newt Gingrich for president". KSL.Jump up^ Bingham, Amy (2012-09-04). "Chuck Norris Warns of '1,000 years of Darkness' If Obama Re-Elected - ABC News". ABC News.Jump up^ Gunter, Booth (2012-11-04). "Six most paranoid fears for Obama's second term". Salon: in-depth news, politics, business, technology & culture.Jump up^ "Norris documentary shines light on troops overseas". Waxahachie Daily Light: Local & World News, Sports & Entertainment in Waxahachie, TX.Jump up^ "Martial arts program for kids to start". The Ellis County Press. May 21, 2009.Jump up^ "Celebrity endorsements for 2016". The Hill.Jump up^ "Chuck Norris Endorses Ted Cruz". March 8, 2016.Jump up^ Heil, Emily (March 8, 2016). "Roundhouse kick! Chuck Norris to stump for Ted Cruz". The Washington Post.Jump up^ Recio, Maria (March 10, 2016). "Chuck Norris Bows Out of Cruz Event". The Star-Telegram.Jump up^ Thornhill, Ted; Irvine, Chris (March 17, 2015). "A campaign with more muscle: Chuck Norris endorses Benjamin Netanyahu's re-election as cult action hero says he is crucial to safety of Israel". Daily Mail.Jump up^ "What is Chuck Norris doing in Israel?". Jerusalem Post. February 5, 2017.Jump up^ Becker, Gahl; Froim, Yoni (February 6, 2017). "Chuck Norris arrives in Israel, peace seems imminent". Ynetnews.Jump up^ "Conway makes Chuck Norris honorary Marine – Marine Corps News | News from Afghanistan & Iraq". Marine Corps Times. Retrieved January 2, 2012.Jump up^ Norris, Chuck (December 2, 2010). "Former TV lawman Chuck Norris to be given honorary Texas Ranger title by Gov. Rick Perry today in Garland". The Dallas Morning News. Retrieved December 12, 2010.Jump up^ "Web Archive: Chuck Norris". Archived from the original on October 19, 2006. Retrieved November 3, 2006.Jump up^ "Chuck Norris facts read by Chuck Norris". YouTube.Jump up^ Ian Spector (2007) [2007-11-29]. The Truth About Chuck Norris: 400 Facts About the World's Greatest Human. Gotham. ISBN 978-1-59240-344-8.Jump up^ Kearney, Christine (December 21, 2007). "Chuck Norris sues, says his tears no cancer cure". Reuters. Retrieved December 23, 2007.Jump up^ "Chuck Norris drops lawsuit against university student". The Hindustan Times. May 30, 2008.Further readingThe Secret Power Within: Zen Solutions to Real Problems, Zen Buddhism and martial arts. Little, Brown and Company (1996). ISBN 0-316-58350-2.Against All Odds: My Story, an autobiography. Broadman & Holman Publishers (2004). ISBN 0-8054-3161-6.The Justice Riders, Wild West novels. Broadman & Holman Publishers (2006). ISBN 0-8054-4032-1.Norris, Chuck. Black Belt Patriotism: How to Reawaken America, Regnery Publishing (2008). ISBN 978-1-59698-558-2Spector, Ian: The Truth about Chuck Norris: Gotham Books: New York: 2007: ISBN 1-59240-344-1External linksWikimedia Commons has media related to Chuck Norris.Wikiquote has quotations related to: Chuck NorrisOfficial websiteChuck Norris at the Internet Movie DatabaseChuck Norris at martialinfo.comChuck Norris at completemartialarts.comOfficial Chun Kuk Do WebsiteAppearances on C-SPAN[hide]vteChuck NorrisOrganizationsKickstart KidsUnited Fighting Arts FederationWorld Combat LeagueMartial artsChun Kuk DoVideo gamesChuck Norris: Bring on the PainChuck Norris SuperkicksBroforceTelevision programsKarate KommandosRelatedChuck Norris factsFilmographyAuthority controlWorldCat IdentitiesVIAF: 84036229LCCN: n82239657ISNI: 0000 0001 0920 1210GND: 119291037SELIBR: 351091SUDOC: 081946996BNF: cb12050984t (data)MusicBrainz: 58315bfe-2418-474a-821b-b2761147fff8NLA: 40862755NDL: 001154222NKC: jn20000701326BNE: XX1111227Categories:1940 birthsLiving people20th-century American male actors20th-century Christians21st-century American male actors21st-century ChristiansAmerican Christian writersAmerican chun kuk do practitionersAmerican evangelicalsAmerican gun rights advocatesAmerican male karatekaAmerican male film actorsAmerican male television actorsAmerican male writersAmerican martial arts writersAmerican motivational writersAmerican people of Cherokee descentAmerican people of English descentAmerican political punditsAmerican political writersAmerican practitioners of Brazilian jiu-jitsuAmerican male taekwondo practitionersAmerican tang soo do practitionersCalifornia RepublicansChristian creationistsConservatism in the United StatesIntelligent design advocatesInternet memesMale actors from OklahomaMartial arts school foundersPeople awarded a black belt in Brazilian jiu-jitsuPeople from Jefferson County, OklahomaPeople from Tarzana, Los AngelesTexas RepublicansUnited States Air Force airmenWriters from Los AngelesWriters from OklahomaActivists from CaliforniaNavigation menuNot logged inTalkContributionsCreate accountLog inArticleTalkReadView sourceView historySearchMain pageContentsFeatured contentCurrent eventsRandom articleDonate to WikipediaWikipedia storeInteractionHelpAbout WikipediaCommunity portalRecent changesContact pageToolsWhat links hereRelated changesUpload fileSpecial pagesPermanent linkPage informationWikidata itemCite this pagePrint/exportCreate a bookDownload as PDFPrintable versionIn other projectsWikimedia CommonsWikiquoteLanguagesالعربيةAragonésAsturianuAzərbaycancaবাংলাBân-lâm-gúБеларускаяБеларуская (тарашкевіца)‎BislamaБългарскиBoarischBrezhonegCatalàЧӑвашлаČeštinaDanskDeutschEestiΕλληνικάEspañolEsperantoEuskaraفارسیFøroysktFrançaisGalego한국어ՀայերենHrvatskiIdoBahasa IndonesiaÍslenskaItalianoעבריתಕನ್ನಡქართულიҚазақшаLatinaLatviešuLietuviųMagyarМакедонскиമലയാളംმარგალურიمصرىNederlands日本語Norsk bokmålOccitanPolskiPortuguêsRomânăРусскийScotsShqipSicilianuSimple EnglishSlovenčinaSlovenščinaکوردیی ناوەندیСрпски / srpskiSrpskohrvatski / српскохрватскиBasa SundaSuomiSvenskaதமிழ்ไทยTürkçeУкраїнськаVènetoTiếng ViệtŽemaitėška中文Edit linksThis page was last modified on 25 April 2017, at 22:20.Text is available under the Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License; additional terms may apply. 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While surfing and googling online, its hard for you to come across those few selected best and top Islamic websites which cater your needs in a go, and you are mostly tired searching for those specific websites.WEBSITESQuran Full: A very helpful Islamic website offering you to read Quran in a smart way, you don't have to go through number of pages, just open any Surah and start reading it plus the best part is website available in multiple languages and you can also download the mobile application to read the Quran right on your mobile gadgets.Quran Index: One of the most comprehensive and amazing website offering you to browse Holy Quran verses in more than 300 Topics, 40 Languages, 18 Reciters, 28 Quran PDF Translations.Islam Q&A Library: This site aims to provide intelligent, authoritative responses to anyone's question about Islam, whether it be from a Muslim or a non-Muslim, and to help solve general and personal social problems. Responses are composed by Sheikh Muhammed Salih Al-Munajjid, a known Islamic lecturer and author. Questions about any topic are welcome, such as theology, worship, human and business relations, or social and personal issues. All questions and answers on this site have been prepared, approved, revised, edited, amended or annotated by Shaykh Muhammad Saalih al-Munajjid, the supervisor of this site. This site aims to provide intelligent, authoritative responses to anyone's question about Islam, whether it be from a Muslim or a non-Muslim, and to help solve general and personal social problems. Responses are composed by Sheikh Muhammed Salih Al-Munajjid, a known Islamic lecturer and author. Questions about any topic are welcome, such as theology, worship, human and business relations, or social and personal issues.Islam Web: Islamweb is an Islamic website designed to enrich the viewers’ knowledge and appreciation of Islam. Its aim is to provide the viewing community substantial knowledge about Islam, particularly the non-Muslim who may need clarification of common distortions of the media and misrepresentations of ill-informed followers.The purpose of this site is to increase the awareness of Muslims and non-Muslims alike about the mission of Islam to warn mankind of God’s punishment and to give the good news of their salvation in Islam. Islam is a revealed religion and a way of life that addresses all aspects of the human condition.Al – Islam: The site provides information about number of Islamic topics in multiple languages namely English, French, Deutsch, Tuerke, Malay, Indonesia and Arabic.Sahaba: The site provides illustrative information on Companion of Prophet Mohammad (P.B.U.H).Mission of Islam: The site provides information about number of Islamic topics, in English Only.Islam Net: The site provides information about number of Islamic topics, in English Only.Islam Select: Number of Islamic lectures, Only in Arabic.Dar ul Islam: Domain of Islam or Dar ul Islam is a website having biggest material on Islam. A must see website, currently available in English Only.Islam Way: Good resource of Islamic website , available in multiple languages.Islam House: Islamic website, available in multiple languages.Kalamullah: This website offers information on multiple Islamic topics, currently available in English Only.Islam 21C: Islam 21C or i21C is a website dedicated to providing academic and intellectual discourse as well as committed to the research and analysis of contemporary issues facing Muslims in the West. Commonly it has been held that classical Islam is at varied odds with modernity and that this ‘medieval’ way of life cannot be realised in contemporary society. However, i 21 C seeks to show that Islam is a comprehensive world view incorporating a way of life, a system of belief with complex metaphysics, a 1400 year old history and an extensive and divine system of lawFortification of the Muslim: Make Dua, Ask help from ALLAH. The site offers pictorial Koranic verses to seek help from Allah. Beautiful website developed by volunteers to spread the message of Allah and seek forgiveness from Allah. Free Download Dua Cards, available in Arabic & English.Tauheed Sunnah: Islamic Multimedia Library.Islamic Basic: Online Islamic LibraryIslamic Medicine: The website offers huge list of material on the topic of Islam and Medicine. The website is great as it segregates major topics related to medicine in a nicely way. Moreover the website is bilingual i.e. English and Arabic. Many of things which humanity is discovering everyday in all branches of science including Medicine were predicted by the Holy Quran over 14 centuries ago. Although there is a great inter-relationship between modern medicine and some of our Islamic teachings, the criterions and characteristics of Islamic Medicine are that it is involved with Divine Ethics and Faith in Allah as the supreme authority. Comprehensive, paying attention to body and spirit, the individual and society, protecting the moral values which are lacking in many societies causing an increase in number of illegitimate children and unhappy families. It is Guided and Oriented not willing to destroy even a single unborn baby. Islamic Medicine is also Universal, utilising all useful resource and offering its services to all. It is Scientific and the basic Islamic teaching asserting that there is a cure for every illness ( and it is up to us to find it ). Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said : ” Allah never inflicts a disease without providing a cure …”Tube Islam: A project run by American Muslims who came to Islam from other faiths and are happy to serve Allah and share Islam – without cultural, traditional or nationalistic prejudices and corruption.Prophet of Islam: All about Prophet of Islam – Muhammad (P.B.U.H). The website answers like What did Muhammad Say? What Did He Do? What did His Follows say? What do others say about him?Be Convinced: The website offers great resource of information on basics of Islam.Islamic Portal: The website offers great resource of information and multiple articles on Islam. The website is in Urdu Language.Quran Go: A great website offering you load of features when it comes to comes to learning in depth about Islam such as Islamic Tafsir, Islamic Audios lectures on Quran, Quran in Urdu, Arabic English, Chinese and Spanish, Earliest Usmani Quran with dots, vowel and diacritical marks Subject-Wise Quran in Urdu and Alphabetical Quran in English, Chronological Quran as it was revealed, Life of Muhammad (pbuh) in English (Al-Raheeq Al-Makhtum – Sealed Nectar), Seerat-e-Nabvi in Urdu, Quranic Tafseer ibne Kaseer in Urdu, and Audio MP3 Format, Hadees Bukhari & Muslim in Urdu, Islamic History: Al-Bidaya wa’l-Nihaya or Tarikh ibn Kathir in Urdu, 40 Hadith Qudsi in English, 40 Popular Hadees-e-Nabvi in Urdu, Islamic Dua and Prayers in Urdu, Glossary of Quranic Terms in English, Azan Software downloads, and much more.Islam Basics: Very informative website giving you information on basics of Islam, Islamic teachings, women's rights in Islam, reverted muslim stories and much more. A great website to learn all basics about chosen religion of Allah – Islam.Quran Wow: Great website,The Quran with translations and recitations in modern interface. Parallel text, clear MP3, intelligent search, bookmarks, night mode, scalable fonts. Read listen search online.Islamic Education and Research Academy: A UK-based charity which encourages Muslim communities to engage with the wider society, and articulate the rational and compassionate message of Islam. They feel that this creates awareness about the true nature of the Islamic faith and its rich traditions. In addition to their projects in the UK, iERA also does extensive work in empowering Muslims across the world to give “dawah” (propagating or inviting people to Islam).BOOKSAs a Muslim, understanding the Quran is vitally important to me, since I believe that it is the direct word of God and I need to know what He requires of me.Since the Quran has a strong influence over the lives of around 1.5 billion Muslims, everyone, Muslim or non-Muslim, should have some knowledge about what it says, just as all educated people should know what is in the Bible.The language of the Quran is Arabic, specifically Arabic as spoken at the time of its revelation during the period 610 AD — 632 AD.The existence of the Quran has served to stabilise the Arabic language, so that present day speakers of Arabic can understand the Quran tolerably well, even though Arabic has changed a bit during the intervening 1,400 years. Compare this with a text in Anglo-Saxon from 622 AD which would be incomprehensible to a modern English speaker.I decided long ago that mastering classical Arabic to the level where I could rely upon my own reading and understanding of the Arabic text was not realistic.Some learn Arabic as a second language; that is excellent if you master the language. However, the challenge should not be underestimated. I spent seven years learning French at secondary school, and while I can get a general understanding of a newspaper article, I would not dream of trying to understand Jean-Paul Sartre’s philosophy relying upon my French ability.Accordingly I consider that unless a non-native Arabic speaker has genuinely mastered classical Arabic (not modern Arabic), the best approach is to read and understand the Quran in translation.How do you know if a translation is reliable?This question is no different to assessing other written works. There are some obvious questions:Who carried out the translation?What do you know about them?What are their academic credentials?Does this person inspire confidence in their Arabic language ability and knowledge of the other sources such as early commentaries on the Quran?Do you have any reasons to be concerned about his objectivity?Does the person display any obvious biases?What can you glean about their ability from reading their introduction to the translation?If you really care, look at multiple translations and compare them. I now own over a dozen English language Quran translations, although most of the time I only refer to a few.The Holy Qur’an: As you probably would have guessed, the Islamic book that I have found the most deeply influential and important to my personal Islamic journey is none other than the Qur’an. This is not as a matter of course or formality. I really mean it. When I was studying history in my undergraduate years, I remember being marked low on a particular paper that I thought deserved a higher mark. When I approached the professor, he asked me something that has stayed with me ever since: “Why would you consult so many secondary sources for this paper when you had access to primary ones?” In other words, why not go straight to the main source when trying to figure something out? It made me think about my relationship to the Qur’an. I think one of the problems of the Muslim world is that we have become increasingly reliant upon other sources for knowledge and inspiration instead of turning to the One True Source that trumps them all. Perhaps the increased availability of the Qur’an and the growing literacy among Muslims has made us oblivious to the very rare, precious gift that we possess. Just think about it: it is the actual Word of God. It is a direct conversation with the Divine. And it contains the answers to so many of our questions, simultaneously easing the pain of our challenges, worries, failures and disappointments and giving us hope for the future. This is not even to mention the innumerable blessings and rewards in its very recital. If you have tried to approach the Qur’an before and were not as touched by it as you had hoped, try again. And this time make sincere Dua that Allah (swt) makes His Book your most intimate lifelong companion, opens your mind to its proper comprehension, and opens your heart to its infinite knowledge and treasures. And then don’t give up! My sincere hope for every Muslim is that they find the Qur’an to be as indispensable to their journey as I have discovered it to be for mine.Muhammad: His Life Based on the Earliest Sources by Martin Lings: As an ardent bookworm I am regularly asked by friends and family which book about the life of Muhammad (sas) I would recommend. My answer, without hesitation, is “Martin Lings.” There were so many fascinating details about the life of our beloved Prophet that I never knew before reading this book. Some biographies fail to capture the spiritual significance of various events, reducing the Prophet (sas) to a merely political or social figure. Others ignore his domestic life. Others try to gloss over the difficulties and internal tensions of the early Muslim community, likening the Prophet (sas) and his companions to angels as oppose to the very relatable human examples that they were. Still others fail to provide context or at least fall terribly short in illustrating the complex cultural realities of the time. This book does all that, and more, and does so in beautiful prose. Lings truly made me fall in love with the Prophet (sas) all over again and appreciate him so much more. I remember when I read it the first time, I kept thinking towards the end of it that perhaps now the Prophet (sas) will enjoy a moment of rest, perhaps now he will feel some satisfaction that his mission is complete. But he never did. He was tireless in his devotion, relentless in his sacrifice and ever-concerned for his fellow Muslims, even in his final moments. I could not stop my tears upon completion of this book. It was as if he had just passed away and only now did I understand his true significance to my life.The Way to the Qur’an by Khurram Murad: How many of us believe in God, practice Islam to the best of our ability, attend lectures and read books about our religion but fail to regularly read God’s Book? Why? Is it because we think we are not qualified, that somehow the work of trying to understand the Qur’an should be left to scholars? Has the Qur’an taken on a ritualistic significance in our lives, only to be recited on special occasions? Or do we regard its contents as somewhat historical and archaic, out of touch with modern concerns? The central conviction of this book is a simple and very powerful one: “the Qur’an, being the eternal Word of the Ever-living God, is as relevant for us, today, as it was 1400 years ago.” Murad goes on to make an insistent case that deep, regular, personalized engagement with the Qur’anic text is a must for every believer and indeed the key to Islam. He also outlines the important prerequisites, guidelines and potential pitfalls of that endeavour. This work enlightened my approach to the Qur’an, transformed my relationship with it and compelled me to bring it to its rightful place at the centre of my life.Timelessness and the Reality of Fate by Harun Yahya: When I first started inclining towards religion I was always confused by the idea of predestination. If Allah (swt) is All-knowing and my fate is already written and decided, then how am I an agent of free will? How are my actions rewardable or punishable if I am not the author of my own fate? I had read and heard many explanations on this subject but this is the book that finally laid my questions to rest. By taking an approach to Islam that emphasizes the compatibility of our religion with science and reason, Yahya does a huge service to contemporary Islamic thought. In this particular work, complex discussions about space, matter and time are made accessible to the average reader and relevant to the Islamic understanding of God and the hereafter. Nor does Yahya shy away from discussing the inherent problems of competing worldviews, skilfully tackling the foundations of materialism and even challenging the theory of evolution. The result is a book that has certainly strengthened the core tenets of my faith, as I know it has for others. Lastly, and this may seem unconventional, if you felt there was a spiritual component to your interest and enjoyment of films such as The Matrix and Inception then this is definitely the book for you.The Remembrance of Death and the Afterlife by Abu Hamid al-Ghazali: To be frank, anything written by al-Ghazali is nothing short of brilliant. Regarded by many as the most influential Muslim of all time following the Prophet (sas) and his immediate companions, there is probably no scholar in history that has so deeply shaped Islamic philosophy and the Muslim worldview. Not only was this a man of immense knowledge, he really mastered the weaving together of different branches of knowledge with profound personal reflections and was then able to present his information in a way that would simultaneously satisfy logic and intellect while retaining a deeply spiritual focus. Of the books I have read, this is the one that has had the most lasting impact and the reason is simple: the topic. If, for whatever reason, the idea of death and its inevitability in your life eludes you, this is the book that will make it real. The depth and detail of this book is absolutely remarkable. Every Muslim needs to read it. It’s certainly not an easy read, but it’s an urgently important one, and it will never leave you quite the same.Purification of the Heart: Signs, Symptoms and Cures of the Spiritual Diseases of the Heart by Shaykh al-Mawlud and Shaykh Hamza Yusuf: Although there are many titles available dealing with this vital subject, of those I’ve read this resonated the most. The first thing that sets this work apart is its’ organization. Each disease is given its own chapter and dealt with in a highly precise manner. The idea is that just as we are all blessed with certain talents, we are also each afflicted by specific spiritual diseases, or at the very least, immoral inclinations. One person may have an issue with arrogance and ostentation but not so much with jealousy. Another may be struggling with a love of wealth but have very little problem controlling their anger. Just as each disease is different, each treatment deserves a separate discussion. The second reason I loved this book is Hamza Yusuf’s brilliantly crafted conclusion, a discussion that creatively connects these centuries’ old religious concepts to the contemporary social problems of today. The diseases of the heart are thus not only the diseases of my heart or your heart, but ultimately the heart of entire communities and societies. For me, this book skilfully brought to life the verse: “Verily Allah does not change the condition of a people until they change what is in themselves.” (Quran 13:11).Don’t Be Sad by Aaidh Ibn Abdullah al-Qarni: Once in awhile you come across a book that you simply cannot put down. Every page is filled with fresh wisdom and insight, the writing style is fluid and accessible and the content is so relatable that you feel the author is somehow indirectly observing and commenting on the current affairs of your life. That is how I felt when I first read this book on the heels of a personal tragedy and I know others who have had the same experience. This book has been my friend amidst heartbreak and my therapist amidst depression. Al-Qarni sensitive understanding of human nature is profound, and his solutions are simple, universal and self-evident. I still turn to this work from time to time when I feel I might benefit from a change of perspective or when my faith needs a gentle boost of inspiration and positivity.Healing Body and Soul by Amira Ayad: One of the features of the modern era is an intense concern with categorization, organization and efficiency. This is a beneficial approach in many regards, most notably in science, mathematics and engineering. It falls short, however, when we start applying it to human beings. When we treat any of the human sciences, be it sociology, psychology or even medicine with absolute rationalism and compartmentalization, we fail to recognize the important linkages between various fields. Nowhere is this more apparent than in mainstream modern approaches to human health. The main purpose of Ayad book is to show that the human mind, body and spirit are deeply interconnected and she does this by weaving together insights from the Qur’an, the Prophetic practice, Islamic history and contemporary research. Her proficiency in each of these subjects shines through and the result is a book that is nothing short of a tour de force in holistic health and wellbeing from an Islamic perspective. I learned and benefitted a great deal from this work.The Book of Assistance by Shaykh Abdallah Ibn Alawi al-Haddad: This book, which at times reads like a self-help manual and at others like a sincere letter from a friend, is one of the broadest, most comprehensive works I’ve ever read on the subject of what it entails to be a good Muslim. Written nearly nine centuries ago, it is as relevant today as it was then and I find myself returning to it often. Not only does the author manage to be straightforward and concise while dealing with subjects of innumerable complexity and depth, he also successfully intertwines the outer dimensions of worship, such as prayer and fasting, with the inner dimensions, such as sincerity and contentment, continually demonstrating how each is mutually dependent on the refinement of the other. My recommendation would be to take each of the thirty-two short chapters as a daily lesson for reflection and implementation. The content of this book is too heavy to be absorbed all at once.Even Angels Ask: A Journey to Islam in America by Dr. Jeffrey Lang: I am blessed to have stumbled upon this book early in my journey and it profoundly changed how I viewed Islam. Despite my parents’ best efforts, as a child I found religion to be somewhat formulaic, rigid and antithetical to free thought. My Western upbringing encouraged curiosity and open discussion. Many of the Muslim adults in my early life had a completely opposite approach. I remember many questions about God, my existence and the purpose of humanity crossed my mind and sometimes also my lips. I rarely felt encouraged in this regard. Usually the adult would provide some half-hearted answer and then explain that faith is a matter of the heart, a decision based on intangible spiritual feelings and aided by unflinching submission. Questions of faith, and thus in my context questions about Islam, could not and should not be approached through logic. Lang begged to differ and through this book my young heart found affirmation of what I deeply knew all along: to be a viable life-governing concept, Islam can and absolutely should be approached with curiosity and through reason. Even the title, Even Angels Ask, is itself an affirmation of the fact. When God created man, even the angels were perplexed and questioned Him: “Will you place therein one who will spread corruption and shed blood?” (2:30). The rest of the book documents one man’s humble attempt to answer this question and I found much I could relate to in his story.Other books which I would like to mention include: The Purification of the Soul (A compilation of works by several scholars by Ahmed Farid), The Alchemy of Happiness (Abu Hamid al-Ghazali), The Lives of Man (Shaykh Abdallah Al-Haddad) and Patience and Gratitude (Ibn Qayyim al-Jawziyyah). May Allah (swt) abundantly bless the people who authored and translated these books, Grant them forgiveness for their shortcomings and Admit them to Paradise. Ameen. I seek forgiveness if I misunderstood or misrepresented their works in any way. May Allah (swt) Bless us with Guidance for without His guidance we would truly be lost.VIDEOSGone is the time when random users used to upload random lectures on YouTube that they either recorded on their phones or via their TV screens. Today, Muslim speakers are receiving high-quality screen time on YouTube channels that are updated frequently with new content.“My Story” by Imam Siraj Wahhaj“The Purpose of Life” by Shaykh Khalid Yasin“Understanding Your Condition” by Shaykh Abdullah Hakim Quick“The Blessings of Emaan” by Shaykh Yasir Qadhi“Global Peace & Unity Conference 2006” by Imam Suhaib Webb“Media and Islam: War or Peace?” by Dr. Zakir Naik“Islam and Ego” by Nouman Ali Khan“How the Bible Led Me to Islam” by Joshua Evans“Islamic Spirit of the Past” by Shaykh Ahmed Ali“Taking Back Our Narrative” by Nouman Ali Khan and Amir Abdel MalikThe self-imposed language restriction (as well as my own language limitations) also led me to discount our beloved heavyweight scholars like Dr. Farhat Hashmi, Shaykh Yusuf Al-Qaradawi, Mufti Taqi Usmani, Shaykh Salih Al-Munajjid, may Allah preserve them, as well as late contemporary scholars that have passed, such as Shaykh Ash-Shanqeetee and Dr. Israr Ahmed, may Allah have mercy on them.“The Coca Cola Muslim Generation” by Brother Abdur Raheem Green“The Journey of Worship”by Shaykh Yasir Qadhi“Perished Nations” by Shaykh Muhammad Alshareef“Making Sense of Our Past” by Shaykh Hamza Yusuf“Pray Before You Are Prayed Upon” by Brother Abdur Raheem Green“Heroes of Islam” by Shaykh Zahir Mahmood“Self-Image Psychology” by Shaykh Yassir Fazaga“Empire of Deceit” by Dr. Bilal Philips“Oneness of God” by Dr. Bilal Philips“Defenders of the Faith” by Shaykh Ali al-Tamimi“Differences in Opinions & How to Unify Ourselves” by Shaykh Haitham al-Haddad“Strengthening One’s Memory” by Shaykh Kamal el-Mekki“Ghuraba (Strangers)” by Khalid Yasin“Divine Speech” by Nouman Ali Khan“What do you mean Muhammad is the messenger of Allah?” by Sh. Abu Taubah“Interview with former Rap Artist Amir Junaid Muhadith” by The Deen Show“Debate: Islam or Secular Liberalism?” by Brother Hamza Andreas Tzortzis“Hiroshima to London: Violence and Our Collective Future” by Imam Zaid Shakir“Young American’s attitude toward the Qur’an” by Nouman Ali Khan“How I converted to Islam” by Sheikh Yusuf EstesUndoubtedly, many of you will disagree with some of my selections and ordering. Nevertheless, compiling this list wasn’t easy. Everybody has their favourites. And in reality, nobody should preference the work of any orator conveying authentic and beneficial knowledge. I ask Allah subhana wa t’ala to grant all of the Shayukh and Du’at sincerity, to bless them for all their work, to forgive them, and to grant them and their families the highest level of paradise, Ameen.Reference:A guide to Quran translationsThe Best and Top Islamic Websites!List of Top Islamic WebsitesAmazing islamic videosList of islamic websitesList of Islamic sites , A complete Islamic portal for muslimsTEN ISLAMIC BOOKS THAT CHANGED MY LIFE ( Part 1 )Ten Islamic Books That Changed My Life (PART 2)5 Islamic Books you should read10 Muslim Speakers Making it Count on YouTubeTop Ten Islamic Lectures of All Time (Videos)Islamic Websites