From: www.cnn.com
(CNN) -- International pressure is mounting on Israel and the Palestinians to halt violence in Gaza, with the United States, the United Nations, the European Union and other countries all calling for an immediate restoration of calm.
Angry protests also took place in several cities around the world on Sunday against Israel after its air strikes in Gaza killed at least 270 people and wounded hundreds more. In London, hundreds of demonstrators battled riot police in an attempt to enter the Israeli Embassy, according to media reports.
But neither side indicated they were ready to heed the calls for calm. Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert said the operation in Gaza "is liable to continue for some time, perhaps more than can be foreseen at the present time."
Hamas, too, showed no signs of backing down, saying Israel had violated an Egyptian-brokered cease-fire intended to stem violence in the region. "We will stand up, we will defend our own people, we will defend our land and we will not give up," senior spokesman Osama Hamdan said.
For a second day, black plumes of smoke rose above Gaza City as makeshift ambulances screamed down rubble-strewn streets, taking wounded Palestinians to hospitals already crowded with hundreds of patients wounded this weekend.
More than 110 Hamas rockets have been launched into Israel by Hamas militants since Saturday morning, an Israel Defense Forces spokesman said. An Israeli man died when a rocket slammed into a home Saturday, IDF said.
The U.S. ambassador to the U.N., Zalmay Khalilzad, supported Israel's contention that it was up to Hamas to stop the violence.
"Israel has the right to self defense and nothing in this press statement should be read as anything but that," Khalilzad said.
The United States has warned Israel, however, to avoid civilian casualties. Israeli leaders maintain they are attempting to do so.
White House Spokesman Gordon Johndroe "Hamas' continued rocket attacks into Israel must cease if the violence is to stop. Hamas must end its terrorist activities if it wishes to play a role in the future of the Palestinian people. The United States urges Israel to avoid civilian casualties as it targets Hamas in Gaza."
Israel's ambassador to the U.N., Gabriela Shalev, responded that her country was only defending itself from Hamas rocket attacks.
"The last days were so bad that we had to say, and did say, 'Enough is enough,' " Shalev said. "The only party to blame is the Hamas."
Saeb Erakat, adviser to Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas, urged Israeli and Hamas leaders to enact another cease-fire.
"I believe this is the only way out. I don't think this problem can be solved through military means. Violence will breed more violence," he said Saturday.
The power base for Abbas' Fatah party is in the West Bank. The party is locked in a power struggle with Hamas, which won parliamentary elections in January 2006 and wrested Gaza from Fatah in violent clashes last year. Abbas, a U.S. ally, wields little influence in Gaza.
U.N. Secretary General Ban Ki-moon's office issued a statement saying he was deeply alarmed by the violence and bloodshed in Gaza and in southern Israel.
"While recognizing Israel's security concerns regarding the continued firing of rockets from Gaza, he firmly reiterates Israel's obligation to uphold international humanitarian and human rights law and condemns excessive use of force leading to the killing and injuring of civilians. He condemns the ongoing rocket attacks by Palestinian militants and is deeply distressed that repeated calls on Hamas for these attacks to end have gone unheeded," a spokesman said.
The U.N. Security Council ended a four-hour emergency meeting Sunday with a call for an immediate halt to hostilities and a re-opening of border crossings to allow humanitarian supplies to reach Gaza.
The Palestinians' U.N. envoy said if Israel does not halt attacks within 48 hours, Arab delegations will demand stronger action from the Security Council.
UK Foreign Secretary David Miliband called on Sunday for an urgent ceasefire and immediate halt to all violence. "The deteriorating humanitarian situation is deeply disturbing. Prime Minister (Gordon Brown) has spoken to Prime Minister Olmert of Israel. As we made clear yesterday, Israel must abide by its humanitarian obligations.
"The UK supports the prompt and sufficient delivery of food, fuel and medicine into the Gaza Strip. I have discussed this unfolding crisis with my counterparts in the region and beyond.
"I have discussed with Egyptian Foreign Minister Ahmed Aboul Gheit his plans to convene a meeting of Arab League Foreign Ministers. This is an important opportunity for Arab leaders to make clear that the interests of the Palestinian people can only be secured through a viable Palestinian state existing alongside a secure Israel. We must renew our collective effort to achieve this goal in 2009."
Russia also urged both sides to refrain from violence. "Moscow believes it is necessary to immediately stop a large-scale military operation against Gaza Strip, which has already led to numerous casualties and sufferings of peaceful Palestinians," Russian Foreign Ministry spokesman Andrei Nesterenko said.
"At the same time, we are urging the leadership of Hamas to stop missile strikes upon Israeli territory. We are sure that what needs to be done without delay now is stop military confrontation, restore a cease-fire, and rid peaceful civilians on both sides of terror and pain."
Jordan's King Abdullah II by contrast urged "Israeli aggression" that targets "innocent civilians including women and children" to end. "The establishment of an independent Palestinian state on the Palestinian national soil is a prerequisite to achieve security and stability," he said, adding that Israel will not get security and peace unless it ends what he called its "occupation."
Iran's supreme leader has declared Monday a "day of mourning" for Palestinians in Gaza, blaming the violence on "the bloodthirsty nature of the Zionists."
The state-run news agency IRNA said Ayatollah Ali Khamenei was urging all Muslim nations, as well as "freedom seekers," intellectuals and media "to fulfill their heavy duty in confronting the crimes of the 'Zionist vampires.'"
Iran has long openly supported Hamas, supplying it with weapons and training. Like Hamas, Iran's government does not recognize the existence of Israel. Hamas, the party in control of Gaza, is considered a terrorist organization by the United States.
Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad was quoted by IRNA as saying Saturday night, "Zionists are at the end of the road both in theory and practice in all economic, political, military and cultural terms."
Some Iranian students and members of parliament held a demonstration in front of a United Nations building in Tehran, accusing U.N. member nations of being silent in the face of "crimes" against Palestinians.
Some demonstrators also condemned Egypt, which has tried to broker agreements between rival Palestinian factions Hamas and Fatah, as well as between Palestinian leadership and Israel.
The European Union called for an immediate halt to violence. A statement issued by current EU president France said the bloc "condemns the disproportionate use of force" from both sides.
The statement urged the "reopening of all checkpoints and the immediate resumption of fuel and humanitarian aid deliveries." The statement said "there is no military solution in Gaza" and urged a lasting truce.
France's President Nicolas Sarkozy, in a separate statement, expressed "great concern" about the escalating violence by Israelis and Palestinians.
In London, Palestinian families and supporters protested outside the Israeli Embassy and chanted in unison: "Five, six, seven, eight -- Israel is a terror state," according to the Press Association. Similar demonstrations were held in Paris, Istanbul and other cities.
Crush barriers were torn down and riot police were brought in to control the crowd of more than 500 people, PA reported. The crowds waved Palestinian flags and held placards, some of which read "holocaust in Gaza" and "no peace, no justice."
One protester was Gamal Hamed, from Hammersmith, in west London, whose 23-year-old son lives in Gaza. The 68-year-old said: "Yesterday was the bloodiest day in my homeland's history. We will do what we can to make the world take notice."
Sunday, December 28, 2008
Saturday, December 27, 2008
The Status of Parents in Islam
From: www.islamicity.com
By: Syed Hasan Akhtar www.islamfortoday.com*
"Thy Lord hath decreed that ye worship none but Him, and that ye be kind to parents. Whether one or more attain old age in thy life, say not to them a word of contempt, nor repel them, but address them in terms of honor. And out of kindness, lower to them the wing of humility, and say, "my Lord! bestow on them Thy Mercy, even as they cherished me in childhood." (Quran 17: 23,24)
All religions and all societies have given parents an honorable status. From a purely material viewpoint, we find ourselves indebted to our parents, particularly our mother. She not only nourished us in her womb, but went through pain and suffering. She loved us even before we were born. She toiled when we were totally helpless infants. She spent sleepless nights caring for us.
Our parents as a team provided for all our needs: physical, educational, psychological, and in many instances, religious, moral, and spiritual. Our indebtedness to our parents is so immense that it is not possible to repay it fully. In lieu of this, it becomes obligatory for us to show the utmost kindness, respect, and obedience to our parents. The position of parents, and the mutual obligations and responsibilities, have been addressed in Islam in great detail. The Qur'anic commandments, as well as the sayings of Prophet Muhammad guide us in this matter. The parent-child code of behavior in Islam is unique, since rules were laid down by divine command.
References to parents have been made at least 15 times in the Holy Qur'an. There are numerous traditions of the Prophet Muhammad on this subject. I will first quote some of the Qur'anic verses here:
"And We have enjoined on man (to be good) to his parents. In trial upon trial did his mother bear him, and in two years was his weaning. Show gratitude to Me and to thy parents; to Me is thy final goal." (Chapter31: verse14)
According to the above verse, gratitude to God and to parents go hand in hand. Gratitude to God is incomplete without showing gratitude to one's parents. Since being grateful to God is a form of ibadah (worship) which earns heavenly rewards, it can therefore be said that being grateful to one's parents also earns heavenly rewards.
"Thy Lord hath decreed that ye worship none but Him, and that ye be kind to parents. Whether one or more attain old age in thy life, say not to them a word of contempt, nor repel them, but address them in terms of honor. And out of kindness, lower to them the wing of humility, and say, "my Lord! bestow on them Thy Mercy, even as they cherished me in childhood." (17: 23,24)
"We have enjoined on man kindness to his parents; in pain did his mother bear him, and in pain did she give him birth." (46:15)
Thus, God has enjoined on us to show kindness, respect, and humility to our parents. We are commanded to do this, even though they may have injured us. The only exception to the above command is made in the following verse:
"We have enjoined on man kindness to his parents; but if they strive (to force) thee to join with Me anything of which thou hast no knowledge, obey them not." (29:8)
Some of the traditions of Prophet Muhammad, and of the learned members of his family, about our responsibilities toward our parents are quoted here:
"Paradise lies under the feet of the mother."
"God's pleasure is in the pleasure of the father, and God's displeasure is in the displeasure of the father."
"He who wishes to enter Paradise through its best door must please his parents."
"It is a pity that some people may not attain Paradise, on account of not serving their old parents."
"If a person looks with love at his parents, God writes in his favor the reward equal to the performance of one Hajj."
[Someone asked, "will this promise be good if one looks at his parents one hundred times a day?" The Holy Prophet (pbuh) replied, "even if one does so a hundred thousand times a day, God gives the reward accordingly."]
"A man or woman is bound to be good to his or her parents, even though they may have injured him or her."
Imam Ja'far al-Sadiq (A.S.), the great-great-grandson of the Prophet Muhammad is reported to have quoted Imam 'Ali (A.S.) that, "disobedience to parents is a major sin." He also stated that, "if a person looks at the face of his or her parents with wrathful eyes, despite the fact that injustice was done to him or her by the parents, his or her salah (prayer) will not be accepted by God."
According to one of the Hadith-e-Qudsi, the following is reported about the status of parents:
"God has commanded that if anybody prays equal to the invocations performed by the prophets, such prayers will do no good if that person has been cursed by his or her parents."
It has also been related that the very first words which have been written on the Lauh-e-Mahfuz (The Heavenly Preserved Tablet) are:
"I am God, and there is no deity except Me. I am pleased with those with whom their parents are pleased, and I am displeased with those with whom their parents are displeased."
Prophet Muhammad is reported to have said: "On the Day of Judgment, my person will not be seen by those who drank liquor, those who on hearing my name did not invoke the blessings of God on me, or those who were cursed and disowned by their parents."
'Ali ibn al-Husain (A.S.) is reported to have said: "The right of your mother on you is that you should know that nobody could endure the trouble and the conditions under which she protected you and nourished you with the juice of her life, and tried with her heart and soul to satisfy all your needs in relation to hunger, thirst, dress, etc. She passed sleepless nights, suffering anxieties. She provided you with shelter against heat and cold, and protected you from ailments. It is not possible for you to compensate her, or thank her enough for all the services, except that God may give you guidance for that. The right of your father on you is that you should know that it is he who brought you into existence, and you are a branch of the tree of his life."
According to a reliable tradition, it is related that a man came to Prophet Muhammad and asked him to whom he should render kindness. The prophet told him to be kind to his mother. Three times he put the same question to the prophet, and three times he got the same answer. When he asked the question the fourth time, he was told to be kind to his father, indicating that the mother's right took precedence over that of the father.
Parents' duties: Islam has assigned certain duties to parents that they must fulfill. If they fail in those, they will be questioned about it. Besides providing the basic necessities of life, Islam requires that the parents teach their children about the Oneness of God, the Quranic commandments, values, the Prophets and their teachings, and the moral code of Islam as according to the Quran and the Sunnah (teachings) of Prophet Muhammad.
Let us pray to God that He guide us to be respectful, kind, and obedient to our parents, and that we continue to show them humility regardless of the power, position, wealth, and influence we may possess. Let us also pray that we be patient, kind, thoughtful, and friendly with our children, as we guide them through their lives, and that we discharge our responsibilities towards them as required by our religion, so that God may be pleased with us, and may He Bless and reward us, both in this world and in the Hereafter; Ameen.
By Syed Hasan Akhtar, M. D. Austin, Texas
By: Syed Hasan Akhtar www.islamfortoday.com*
"Thy Lord hath decreed that ye worship none but Him, and that ye be kind to parents. Whether one or more attain old age in thy life, say not to them a word of contempt, nor repel them, but address them in terms of honor. And out of kindness, lower to them the wing of humility, and say, "my Lord! bestow on them Thy Mercy, even as they cherished me in childhood." (Quran 17: 23,24)
All religions and all societies have given parents an honorable status. From a purely material viewpoint, we find ourselves indebted to our parents, particularly our mother. She not only nourished us in her womb, but went through pain and suffering. She loved us even before we were born. She toiled when we were totally helpless infants. She spent sleepless nights caring for us.
Our parents as a team provided for all our needs: physical, educational, psychological, and in many instances, religious, moral, and spiritual. Our indebtedness to our parents is so immense that it is not possible to repay it fully. In lieu of this, it becomes obligatory for us to show the utmost kindness, respect, and obedience to our parents. The position of parents, and the mutual obligations and responsibilities, have been addressed in Islam in great detail. The Qur'anic commandments, as well as the sayings of Prophet Muhammad guide us in this matter. The parent-child code of behavior in Islam is unique, since rules were laid down by divine command.
References to parents have been made at least 15 times in the Holy Qur'an. There are numerous traditions of the Prophet Muhammad on this subject. I will first quote some of the Qur'anic verses here:
"And We have enjoined on man (to be good) to his parents. In trial upon trial did his mother bear him, and in two years was his weaning. Show gratitude to Me and to thy parents; to Me is thy final goal." (Chapter31: verse14)
According to the above verse, gratitude to God and to parents go hand in hand. Gratitude to God is incomplete without showing gratitude to one's parents. Since being grateful to God is a form of ibadah (worship) which earns heavenly rewards, it can therefore be said that being grateful to one's parents also earns heavenly rewards.
"Thy Lord hath decreed that ye worship none but Him, and that ye be kind to parents. Whether one or more attain old age in thy life, say not to them a word of contempt, nor repel them, but address them in terms of honor. And out of kindness, lower to them the wing of humility, and say, "my Lord! bestow on them Thy Mercy, even as they cherished me in childhood." (17: 23,24)
"We have enjoined on man kindness to his parents; in pain did his mother bear him, and in pain did she give him birth." (46:15)
Thus, God has enjoined on us to show kindness, respect, and humility to our parents. We are commanded to do this, even though they may have injured us. The only exception to the above command is made in the following verse:
"We have enjoined on man kindness to his parents; but if they strive (to force) thee to join with Me anything of which thou hast no knowledge, obey them not." (29:8)
Some of the traditions of Prophet Muhammad, and of the learned members of his family, about our responsibilities toward our parents are quoted here:
"Paradise lies under the feet of the mother."
"God's pleasure is in the pleasure of the father, and God's displeasure is in the displeasure of the father."
"He who wishes to enter Paradise through its best door must please his parents."
"It is a pity that some people may not attain Paradise, on account of not serving their old parents."
"If a person looks with love at his parents, God writes in his favor the reward equal to the performance of one Hajj."
[Someone asked, "will this promise be good if one looks at his parents one hundred times a day?" The Holy Prophet (pbuh) replied, "even if one does so a hundred thousand times a day, God gives the reward accordingly."]
"A man or woman is bound to be good to his or her parents, even though they may have injured him or her."
Imam Ja'far al-Sadiq (A.S.), the great-great-grandson of the Prophet Muhammad is reported to have quoted Imam 'Ali (A.S.) that, "disobedience to parents is a major sin." He also stated that, "if a person looks at the face of his or her parents with wrathful eyes, despite the fact that injustice was done to him or her by the parents, his or her salah (prayer) will not be accepted by God."
According to one of the Hadith-e-Qudsi, the following is reported about the status of parents:
"God has commanded that if anybody prays equal to the invocations performed by the prophets, such prayers will do no good if that person has been cursed by his or her parents."
It has also been related that the very first words which have been written on the Lauh-e-Mahfuz (The Heavenly Preserved Tablet) are:
"I am God, and there is no deity except Me. I am pleased with those with whom their parents are pleased, and I am displeased with those with whom their parents are displeased."
Prophet Muhammad is reported to have said: "On the Day of Judgment, my person will not be seen by those who drank liquor, those who on hearing my name did not invoke the blessings of God on me, or those who were cursed and disowned by their parents."
'Ali ibn al-Husain (A.S.) is reported to have said: "The right of your mother on you is that you should know that nobody could endure the trouble and the conditions under which she protected you and nourished you with the juice of her life, and tried with her heart and soul to satisfy all your needs in relation to hunger, thirst, dress, etc. She passed sleepless nights, suffering anxieties. She provided you with shelter against heat and cold, and protected you from ailments. It is not possible for you to compensate her, or thank her enough for all the services, except that God may give you guidance for that. The right of your father on you is that you should know that it is he who brought you into existence, and you are a branch of the tree of his life."
According to a reliable tradition, it is related that a man came to Prophet Muhammad and asked him to whom he should render kindness. The prophet told him to be kind to his mother. Three times he put the same question to the prophet, and three times he got the same answer. When he asked the question the fourth time, he was told to be kind to his father, indicating that the mother's right took precedence over that of the father.
Parents' duties: Islam has assigned certain duties to parents that they must fulfill. If they fail in those, they will be questioned about it. Besides providing the basic necessities of life, Islam requires that the parents teach their children about the Oneness of God, the Quranic commandments, values, the Prophets and their teachings, and the moral code of Islam as according to the Quran and the Sunnah (teachings) of Prophet Muhammad.
Let us pray to God that He guide us to be respectful, kind, and obedient to our parents, and that we continue to show them humility regardless of the power, position, wealth, and influence we may possess. Let us also pray that we be patient, kind, thoughtful, and friendly with our children, as we guide them through their lives, and that we discharge our responsibilities towards them as required by our religion, so that God may be pleased with us, and may He Bless and reward us, both in this world and in the Hereafter; Ameen.
By Syed Hasan Akhtar, M. D. Austin, Texas
Friday, December 26, 2008
An Islamic Tale for Christmas: How I Became a Muslim By Accident
From: New Times
As kind of a side note, an aunt had been urging me to pray lately, and in fact that very morning, I had been thinking that I should get right with God. I figured I would work on that after next week. Make it a New Year's resolution.I should note that I was raised Catholic (made communion but was never confirmed); have a Jewish stepdad; and that the last church service I enjoyed was a Unitarian Universalist service two years ago.
I always had trouble swallowing the idea of God being scary and vengeful, and certain Bible passages never really resonated with me or outright turned me off. Plus, this lady once came up to me and started speaking in tongues and asked me if I wanted to accept Jesus as my personal savior. Her approach scared the bejeezus out of me.
Yet, I feel there are definitely miracles in the world. How else can a sperm and egg make a baby? How else could something as fascinating as a seahorse come to exist? Coconuts? Afternoon sunshine? Best I could figure out is that nature is always right; I try to always trust nature. So I had been moving through a pretty agnostic existence, not sure what to believe except that there's something grand and spiritual out there. If I do my best to be good, hopefully he/she/it will forgive me for being a bumbling, questioning, thinking human being.
So I dialed the number from the bus advertisement: 1-888-ISLAM-55. It connected me to a recording that said I could receive a free copy of the Qur'an. I was transferred to a young man who sounded like he was home cooking dinner. His name, it turned out, was Chandrajeet, and he was a 28-year-old computer programmer from Chicago who had volunteered to talk to callers. He took my name and address. He offered to answer any questions I had. Are women considered equal under Islam? Yes. What about that whole "kill the infidels" thing? Who is to decide who's the infidel? If you kill someone, it's like you killed the whole world; if you help someone, it's like you helped the whole world. God alone will judge in the end.Is there a heaven and hell? Yes, but not like a golden meadow or a flaming BBQ pit; both are way, way beyond what any human can comprehend.
At one point, he asked if I believed there was only one God, and I said I thought so, yes. It was a enlightening, reassuring, and very pleasant conversation that ended up lasting about 45 minutes. As we were wrapping it up, Chandrajeet asked again if I believed in one God. I said that I already told him that I did. He asked if I would like him to be a witness of that. Not sure where this was leading and yet not wanting to offend him, I answered again, "Well, I already told you I think there's only one God." "OK...," he said, hesitating for a second and then eagerly launching into what I think was an Arabic prayer. Then, he congratulated me. "Wait -- am I a Muslim now?" I asked. "Yes!!" I'm sure he was beaming on the other end of the line. "Um... shouldn't I read the Qur'an first?" "I'll send that out to you! And you know what?" "What?" "I am going to look for a headscarf to send you as well.""Aw, that's really sweet of you!"I thanked him for his time.
He truly was adorable. Not long afterward, I opened an email he had sent out to several people, saying he had welcomed a "sister who is the newest in faith and as if a new born baby." His wife had also emailed me saying, "A biggggggggggg hug n sweet kisses from my side to you sister!" I felt touched by their genuineness and warmth. However, I'm not sure where this leaves me. I'm not sure if I have inadvertently accepted some things I didn't mean to. I also don't want to disrespect anyone's religion. I'm not sure if I am now in for some wrath from my Christian side. Am I going to be aggravating any bigwig in the sky if I attend Midnight Mass?Anyway, my Qur'an is on its way.
Blogger comment:
1- I love the guy for his work to Islam, however we should not get people to be Muslims in one phone call.
2- This would happen at the time of the prophet in a single conversation people would convert to Islam since they see personally the prophet who is talked to by God.
3- Muslims should insist that people convert to Islam after complete understanding and full faith that the Quran is the word of God.
4- The question I ask myself and every convert before conversion is do I feel I would like to die as a Muslim and non other than that. If the answer is yes your faith is truly complete since you know for sure that you are truly saved.
5- So we have to give people the time to think and ponder and choose their own fate.
By: Deirdra Funcheon
Our correspondent goes undercover.Maybe you've seen one of these Broward County buses around town that are wrapped with advertisements that describe Islam as being the religion of Abraham, Jesus, and Mohammed. "Got Questions? Get Answers!," the ads promise.
Considering that the threat of radical Islam has been described as, you know, the defining issue of our time, I did have some questions, actually -- and 20 minutes to kill on my drive home. I'm also working on a story about a woman from Iran, and it would be helpful to better understand her religion. So I called. And I was converted. I think.As kind of a side note, an aunt had been urging me to pray lately, and in fact that very morning, I had been thinking that I should get right with God. I figured I would work on that after next week. Make it a New Year's resolution.I should note that I was raised Catholic (made communion but was never confirmed); have a Jewish stepdad; and that the last church service I enjoyed was a Unitarian Universalist service two years ago.
I always had trouble swallowing the idea of God being scary and vengeful, and certain Bible passages never really resonated with me or outright turned me off. Plus, this lady once came up to me and started speaking in tongues and asked me if I wanted to accept Jesus as my personal savior. Her approach scared the bejeezus out of me.
Yet, I feel there are definitely miracles in the world. How else can a sperm and egg make a baby? How else could something as fascinating as a seahorse come to exist? Coconuts? Afternoon sunshine? Best I could figure out is that nature is always right; I try to always trust nature. So I had been moving through a pretty agnostic existence, not sure what to believe except that there's something grand and spiritual out there. If I do my best to be good, hopefully he/she/it will forgive me for being a bumbling, questioning, thinking human being.
So I dialed the number from the bus advertisement: 1-888-ISLAM-55. It connected me to a recording that said I could receive a free copy of the Qur'an. I was transferred to a young man who sounded like he was home cooking dinner. His name, it turned out, was Chandrajeet, and he was a 28-year-old computer programmer from Chicago who had volunteered to talk to callers. He took my name and address. He offered to answer any questions I had. Are women considered equal under Islam? Yes. What about that whole "kill the infidels" thing? Who is to decide who's the infidel? If you kill someone, it's like you killed the whole world; if you help someone, it's like you helped the whole world. God alone will judge in the end.Is there a heaven and hell? Yes, but not like a golden meadow or a flaming BBQ pit; both are way, way beyond what any human can comprehend.
At one point, he asked if I believed there was only one God, and I said I thought so, yes. It was a enlightening, reassuring, and very pleasant conversation that ended up lasting about 45 minutes. As we were wrapping it up, Chandrajeet asked again if I believed in one God. I said that I already told him that I did. He asked if I would like him to be a witness of that. Not sure where this was leading and yet not wanting to offend him, I answered again, "Well, I already told you I think there's only one God." "OK...," he said, hesitating for a second and then eagerly launching into what I think was an Arabic prayer. Then, he congratulated me. "Wait -- am I a Muslim now?" I asked. "Yes!!" I'm sure he was beaming on the other end of the line. "Um... shouldn't I read the Qur'an first?" "I'll send that out to you! And you know what?" "What?" "I am going to look for a headscarf to send you as well.""Aw, that's really sweet of you!"I thanked him for his time.
He truly was adorable. Not long afterward, I opened an email he had sent out to several people, saying he had welcomed a "sister who is the newest in faith and as if a new born baby." His wife had also emailed me saying, "A biggggggggggg hug n sweet kisses from my side to you sister!" I felt touched by their genuineness and warmth. However, I'm not sure where this leaves me. I'm not sure if I have inadvertently accepted some things I didn't mean to. I also don't want to disrespect anyone's religion. I'm not sure if I am now in for some wrath from my Christian side. Am I going to be aggravating any bigwig in the sky if I attend Midnight Mass?Anyway, my Qur'an is on its way.
Blogger comment:
1- I love the guy for his work to Islam, however we should not get people to be Muslims in one phone call.
2- This would happen at the time of the prophet in a single conversation people would convert to Islam since they see personally the prophet who is talked to by God.
3- Muslims should insist that people convert to Islam after complete understanding and full faith that the Quran is the word of God.
4- The question I ask myself and every convert before conversion is do I feel I would like to die as a Muslim and non other than that. If the answer is yes your faith is truly complete since you know for sure that you are truly saved.
5- So we have to give people the time to think and ponder and choose their own fate.
Wednesday, December 24, 2008
Simple Steps To Heaven.
By: Maged Taman
1- Know the truth: Every one will die, our earthy life is a short deception, escaping fire and eternal heaven should be our goal:
3:185 Every soul shall have a taste of death: And only on the Day of Judgment shall you be paid your full recompense. Only he who is saved far from the Fire and admitted to the garden will have attained the object (of Life): For the life of this world is but goods and chattels of deception.كُلُّ نَفْسٍ ذَآئِقَةُ الْمَوْتِ وَإِنَّمَا تُوَفَّوْنَ أُجُورَكُمْ يَوْمَ الْقِيَامَةِ فَمَن زُحْزِحَ عَنِ النَّارِ وَأُدْخِلَ الْجَنَّةَ فَقَدْ فَازَ وَماالْحَيَاةُ الدُّنْيَا إِلاَّ مَتَاعُ الْغُرُورِ
2- Repent and ask God for forgiveness:
3:133 Be quick in the race for forgiveness from your Lord, and for a garden whose width is that (of the whole) of the heavens and of the earth, prepared for the righteous,وَسَارِعُواْ إِلَى مَغْفِرَةٍ مِّن رَّبِّكُمْ وَجَنَّةٍ عَرْضُهَا السَّمَاوَاتُ وَالأَرْضُ أُعِدَّتْ لِلْمُتَّقِينَ
3- Forget about self-ego, certainty of no afterlife and temptation of arrogance:
7:40 To those who reject Our signs and treat them with arrogance, no opening will there be of the gates of heaven, nor will they enter the garden, until the camel can pass through the eye of the needle: Such is
Our reward for those in sin.إِنَّ الَّذِينَ كَذَّبُواْ بِآيَاتِنَا وَاسْتَكْبَرُواْ عَنْهَا لاَ تُفَتَّحُ لَهُمْ أَبْوَابُ السَّمَاء وَلاَ يَدْخُلُونَ الْجَنَّةَ حَتَّى يَلِجَ الْجَمَلُ فِي سَمِّ الْخِيَاطِ وَكَذَلِكَ نَجْزِي الْمُجْرِمِينَ
4- Attain true faith and true righteousness for fear and respect of God:
7:42 But those who believe and work righteousness,- no burden do We place on any soul, but that which it can bear,- they will be Companions of the garden, therein to dwell (for ever).وَالَّذِينَ
آمَنُواْ وَعَمِلُواْ الصَّالِحَاتِ لاَ نُكَلِّفُ نَفْسًا إِلاَّ وُسْعَهَا أُوْلَـئِكَ أَصْحَابُ الْجَنَّةِ هُمْ فِيهَا خَالِدُونَ
5- Your last step is to inherit heaven, enjoy it:
7:43 And We shall remove from their hearts any lurking sense of injury (envy);- beneath them will be rivers flowing;- and they shall say: "Praise be to Allah, who hath guided us to this (felicity): never could we have found guidance, had it not been for the guidance of Allah. Indeed it was the truth, that the apostles of our Lord brought unto us." And they shall hear the cry: "Behold! The garden before you! Ye have been made its inheritors, for your deeds (of righteousness)."وَنَزَعْنَا مَا فِي صُدُورِهِم مِّنْ غِلٍّ تَجْرِي مِن تَحْتِهِمُ الأَنْهَارُ وَقَالُواْ الْحَمْدُ لِلّهِ الَّذِي هَدَانَا لِهَـذَا وَمَا كُنَّا لِنَهْتَدِيَ لَوْلا أَنْ هَدَانَا اللّهُ لَقَدْ جَاءتْ رُسُلُ رَبِّنَا بِالْحَقِّ وَنُودُواْ أَن تِلْكُمُ الْجَنَّةُ أُورِثْتُمُوهَا بِمَا كُنتُمْ تَعْمَلُونَ
1- Know the truth: Every one will die, our earthy life is a short deception, escaping fire and eternal heaven should be our goal:
3:185 Every soul shall have a taste of death: And only on the Day of Judgment shall you be paid your full recompense. Only he who is saved far from the Fire and admitted to the garden will have attained the object (of Life): For the life of this world is but goods and chattels of deception.كُلُّ نَفْسٍ ذَآئِقَةُ الْمَوْتِ وَإِنَّمَا تُوَفَّوْنَ أُجُورَكُمْ يَوْمَ الْقِيَامَةِ فَمَن زُحْزِحَ عَنِ النَّارِ وَأُدْخِلَ الْجَنَّةَ فَقَدْ فَازَ وَماالْحَيَاةُ الدُّنْيَا إِلاَّ مَتَاعُ الْغُرُورِ
2- Repent and ask God for forgiveness:
3:133 Be quick in the race for forgiveness from your Lord, and for a garden whose width is that (of the whole) of the heavens and of the earth, prepared for the righteous,وَسَارِعُواْ إِلَى مَغْفِرَةٍ مِّن رَّبِّكُمْ وَجَنَّةٍ عَرْضُهَا السَّمَاوَاتُ وَالأَرْضُ أُعِدَّتْ لِلْمُتَّقِينَ
3- Forget about self-ego, certainty of no afterlife and temptation of arrogance:
7:40 To those who reject Our signs and treat them with arrogance, no opening will there be of the gates of heaven, nor will they enter the garden, until the camel can pass through the eye of the needle: Such is
Our reward for those in sin.إِنَّ الَّذِينَ كَذَّبُواْ بِآيَاتِنَا وَاسْتَكْبَرُواْ عَنْهَا لاَ تُفَتَّحُ لَهُمْ أَبْوَابُ السَّمَاء وَلاَ يَدْخُلُونَ الْجَنَّةَ حَتَّى يَلِجَ الْجَمَلُ فِي سَمِّ الْخِيَاطِ وَكَذَلِكَ نَجْزِي الْمُجْرِمِينَ
4- Attain true faith and true righteousness for fear and respect of God:
7:42 But those who believe and work righteousness,- no burden do We place on any soul, but that which it can bear,- they will be Companions of the garden, therein to dwell (for ever).وَالَّذِينَ
آمَنُواْ وَعَمِلُواْ الصَّالِحَاتِ لاَ نُكَلِّفُ نَفْسًا إِلاَّ وُسْعَهَا أُوْلَـئِكَ أَصْحَابُ الْجَنَّةِ هُمْ فِيهَا خَالِدُونَ
5- Your last step is to inherit heaven, enjoy it:
7:43 And We shall remove from their hearts any lurking sense of injury (envy);- beneath them will be rivers flowing;- and they shall say: "Praise be to Allah, who hath guided us to this (felicity): never could we have found guidance, had it not been for the guidance of Allah. Indeed it was the truth, that the apostles of our Lord brought unto us." And they shall hear the cry: "Behold! The garden before you! Ye have been made its inheritors, for your deeds (of righteousness)."وَنَزَعْنَا مَا فِي صُدُورِهِم مِّنْ غِلٍّ تَجْرِي مِن تَحْتِهِمُ الأَنْهَارُ وَقَالُواْ الْحَمْدُ لِلّهِ الَّذِي هَدَانَا لِهَـذَا وَمَا كُنَّا لِنَهْتَدِيَ لَوْلا أَنْ هَدَانَا اللّهُ لَقَدْ جَاءتْ رُسُلُ رَبِّنَا بِالْحَقِّ وَنُودُواْ أَن تِلْكُمُ الْجَنَّةُ أُورِثْتُمُوهَا بِمَا كُنتُمْ تَعْمَلُونَ
Some Verses from Isra Chapter
Verses from: http://www.islamicity.com/ Translation to Picktall
By: Maged Taman
In these few verses that ending the Sura of Isra you find the theme or thread of Quran evident: the message of God and the truth versus the falsehood that is in fact the theme of all God messages. Pharaoh had declined the signs of God and he was a tyrant oppressing the believers. God freed the children of Israel and moreover promised them to gather them to the promised land at end of time. It is as well decreeded in the Quran which is the revelation of truth. Those of the people of the book who are sincere know that the Quran is from God and they prostrate to God with humility. The Sura ends by the attest of God of his glory and in having the sovereignty.
17:101 And verily We gave unto Moses nine tokens, clear proofs (of Allah's Sovereignty). Do but ask the Children of Israel how he came unto them, then Pharaoh said unto him: Lo! I deem thee one bewitched, O Moses. وَلَقَدْ آتَيْنَا مُوسَى تِسْعَ آيَاتٍ بَيِّنَاتٍ فَاسْأَلْ بَنِي إِسْرَائِيلَ إِذْ جَاءهُمْ فَقَالَ لَهُ فِرْعَونُ إِنِّي لَأَظُنُّكَ يَا مُوسَى مَسْحُورًا (17:101) Baset - Hussari - Minshawi
17:102 He said: In truth thou knowest that none sent down these (portents) save the Lord of the heavens and the earth as proofs, and lo! (for my part) I deem thee lost, O Pharaoh. قَالَ لَقَدْ عَلِمْتَ مَا أَنزَلَ هَـؤُلاء إِلاَّ رَبُّ السَّمَاوَاتِ وَالأَرْضِ بَصَآئِرَ وَإِنِّي لَأَظُنُّكَ يَا فِرْعَونُ مَثْبُورًا (17:102) Baset - Hussari - Minshawi
17:103 And he wished to scare them from the land, but We drowned him and those with him, all together. فَأَرَادَ أَن يَسْتَفِزَّهُم مِّنَ الأَرْضِ فَأَغْرَقْنَاهُ وَمَن مَّعَهُ جَمِيعًا (17:103) Baset - Hussari - Minshawi
17:104 And We said unto the Children of Israel after him: Dwell in the land; but when the promise of the Hereafter cometh to pass we shall bring you as a crowd gathered out of various nations. وَقُلْنَا مِن بَعْدِهِ لِبَنِي إِسْرَائِيلَ اسْكُنُواْ الأَرْضَ فَإِذَا جَاء وَعْدُ الآخِرَةِ جِئْنَا بِكُمْ لَفِيفًا (17:104) Baset - Hussari - Minshawi
17:105 With truth have We sent it down, and with truth hath it descended. And We have sent thee as naught else save a bearer of good tidings and a warner. وَبِالْحَقِّ أَنزَلْنَاهُ وَبِالْحَقِّ نَزَلَ وَمَا أَرْسَلْنَاكَ إِلاَّ مُبَشِّرًا وَنَذِيرًا (17:105) Baset - Hussari - Minshawi
17:106 And (it is) a Quran that We have divided, that thou mayest recite it unto mankind at intervals, and We have revealed it by (successive) revelation. وَقُرْآناً فَرَقْنَاهُ لِتَقْرَأَهُ عَلَى النَّاسِ عَلَى مُكْثٍ وَنَزَّلْنَاهُ تَنزِيلاً (17:106) Baset - Hussari - Minshawi
17:107 Say: Believe therein or believe not, lo! those who were given knowledge before it, when it is read unto them, fall down prostrate on their faces, adoring, قُلْ آمِنُواْ بِهِ أَوْ لاَ تُؤْمِنُواْ إِنَّ الَّذِينَ أُوتُواْ الْعِلْمَ مِن قَبْلِهِ إِذَا يُتْلَى عَلَيْهِمْ يَخِرُّونَ لِلأَذْقَانِ سُجَّدًا (17:107) Baset - Hussari - Minshawi
17:108 Saying: Glory to our Lord! Verily the promise of our Lord must be fulfilled. وَيَقُولُونَ سُبْحَانَ رَبِّنَا إِن كَانَ وَعْدُ رَبِّنَا لَمَفْعُولاً (17:108) Baset - Hussari - Minshawi
17:109 They fall down on their faces, weeping, and it increaseth humility in them. وَيَخِرُّونَ لِلأَذْقَانِ يَبْكُونَ وَيَزِيدُهُمْ خُشُوعًا (17:109) Baset - Hussari - Minshawi
17:110 Say (unto mankind): Cry unto Allah, or cry unto the Beneficent, unto whichsoever ye cry (it is the same). His are the most beautiful names. And thou (Muhammad), be not loud voiced in thy worship nor yet silent therein, but follow a way between. قُلِ ادْعُواْ اللّهَ أَوِ ادْعُواْ الرَّحْمَـنَ أَيًّا مَّا تَدْعُواْ فَلَهُ الأَسْمَاء الْحُسْنَى وَلاَ تَجْهَرْ بِصَلاَتِكَ وَلاَ تُخَافِتْ بِهَا وَابْتَغِ بَيْنَ ذَلِكَ سَبِيلاً (17:110) Baset - Hussari - Minshawi
17:111 And say: Praise be to Allah, Who hath not taken unto Himself a son, and Who hath no partner in the Sovereignty, nor hath He any protecting friend through dependence. And magnify Him with all magnificence. وَقُلِ الْحَمْدُ لِلّهِ الَّذِي لَمْ يَتَّخِذْ وَلَدًا وَلَم يَكُن لَّهُ شَرِيكٌ فِي الْمُلْكِ وَلَمْ يَكُن لَّهُ وَلِيٌّ مِّنَ الذُّلَّ وَكَبِّرْهُ تَكْبِيرًا (17:111) Baset - Hussari - Minshawi
By: Maged Taman
In these few verses that ending the Sura of Isra you find the theme or thread of Quran evident: the message of God and the truth versus the falsehood that is in fact the theme of all God messages. Pharaoh had declined the signs of God and he was a tyrant oppressing the believers. God freed the children of Israel and moreover promised them to gather them to the promised land at end of time. It is as well decreeded in the Quran which is the revelation of truth. Those of the people of the book who are sincere know that the Quran is from God and they prostrate to God with humility. The Sura ends by the attest of God of his glory and in having the sovereignty.
17:101 And verily We gave unto Moses nine tokens, clear proofs (of Allah's Sovereignty). Do but ask the Children of Israel how he came unto them, then Pharaoh said unto him: Lo! I deem thee one bewitched, O Moses. وَلَقَدْ آتَيْنَا مُوسَى تِسْعَ آيَاتٍ بَيِّنَاتٍ فَاسْأَلْ بَنِي إِسْرَائِيلَ إِذْ جَاءهُمْ فَقَالَ لَهُ فِرْعَونُ إِنِّي لَأَظُنُّكَ يَا مُوسَى مَسْحُورًا (17:101) Baset - Hussari - Minshawi
17:102 He said: In truth thou knowest that none sent down these (portents) save the Lord of the heavens and the earth as proofs, and lo! (for my part) I deem thee lost, O Pharaoh. قَالَ لَقَدْ عَلِمْتَ مَا أَنزَلَ هَـؤُلاء إِلاَّ رَبُّ السَّمَاوَاتِ وَالأَرْضِ بَصَآئِرَ وَإِنِّي لَأَظُنُّكَ يَا فِرْعَونُ مَثْبُورًا (17:102) Baset - Hussari - Minshawi
17:103 And he wished to scare them from the land, but We drowned him and those with him, all together. فَأَرَادَ أَن يَسْتَفِزَّهُم مِّنَ الأَرْضِ فَأَغْرَقْنَاهُ وَمَن مَّعَهُ جَمِيعًا (17:103) Baset - Hussari - Minshawi
17:104 And We said unto the Children of Israel after him: Dwell in the land; but when the promise of the Hereafter cometh to pass we shall bring you as a crowd gathered out of various nations. وَقُلْنَا مِن بَعْدِهِ لِبَنِي إِسْرَائِيلَ اسْكُنُواْ الأَرْضَ فَإِذَا جَاء وَعْدُ الآخِرَةِ جِئْنَا بِكُمْ لَفِيفًا (17:104) Baset - Hussari - Minshawi
17:105 With truth have We sent it down, and with truth hath it descended. And We have sent thee as naught else save a bearer of good tidings and a warner. وَبِالْحَقِّ أَنزَلْنَاهُ وَبِالْحَقِّ نَزَلَ وَمَا أَرْسَلْنَاكَ إِلاَّ مُبَشِّرًا وَنَذِيرًا (17:105) Baset - Hussari - Minshawi
17:106 And (it is) a Quran that We have divided, that thou mayest recite it unto mankind at intervals, and We have revealed it by (successive) revelation. وَقُرْآناً فَرَقْنَاهُ لِتَقْرَأَهُ عَلَى النَّاسِ عَلَى مُكْثٍ وَنَزَّلْنَاهُ تَنزِيلاً (17:106) Baset - Hussari - Minshawi
17:107 Say: Believe therein or believe not, lo! those who were given knowledge before it, when it is read unto them, fall down prostrate on their faces, adoring, قُلْ آمِنُواْ بِهِ أَوْ لاَ تُؤْمِنُواْ إِنَّ الَّذِينَ أُوتُواْ الْعِلْمَ مِن قَبْلِهِ إِذَا يُتْلَى عَلَيْهِمْ يَخِرُّونَ لِلأَذْقَانِ سُجَّدًا (17:107) Baset - Hussari - Minshawi
17:108 Saying: Glory to our Lord! Verily the promise of our Lord must be fulfilled. وَيَقُولُونَ سُبْحَانَ رَبِّنَا إِن كَانَ وَعْدُ رَبِّنَا لَمَفْعُولاً (17:108) Baset - Hussari - Minshawi
17:109 They fall down on their faces, weeping, and it increaseth humility in them. وَيَخِرُّونَ لِلأَذْقَانِ يَبْكُونَ وَيَزِيدُهُمْ خُشُوعًا (17:109) Baset - Hussari - Minshawi
17:110 Say (unto mankind): Cry unto Allah, or cry unto the Beneficent, unto whichsoever ye cry (it is the same). His are the most beautiful names. And thou (Muhammad), be not loud voiced in thy worship nor yet silent therein, but follow a way between. قُلِ ادْعُواْ اللّهَ أَوِ ادْعُواْ الرَّحْمَـنَ أَيًّا مَّا تَدْعُواْ فَلَهُ الأَسْمَاء الْحُسْنَى وَلاَ تَجْهَرْ بِصَلاَتِكَ وَلاَ تُخَافِتْ بِهَا وَابْتَغِ بَيْنَ ذَلِكَ سَبِيلاً (17:110) Baset - Hussari - Minshawi
17:111 And say: Praise be to Allah, Who hath not taken unto Himself a son, and Who hath no partner in the Sovereignty, nor hath He any protecting friend through dependence. And magnify Him with all magnificence. وَقُلِ الْحَمْدُ لِلّهِ الَّذِي لَمْ يَتَّخِذْ وَلَدًا وَلَم يَكُن لَّهُ شَرِيكٌ فِي الْمُلْكِ وَلَمْ يَكُن لَّهُ وَلِيٌّ مِّنَ الذُّلَّ وَكَبِّرْهُ تَكْبِيرًا (17:111) Baset - Hussari - Minshawi
Insanity and Prophets
By: Maged Taman
Prophets were commonly accused of one of three things: liars, insane or wizards. It is understandable that people have the right to be suspicious of them for two reasons. One prophethood is quite rare and the second one is liars, insane and wizards tried to falsely present themselves as prophets or the conduit between God and humans.
However, people got to believe in the prophets because with close observation and overtime they were able to prove that they are not liars, insane or wizards. The things make people believe them is their characters, message and something have to be quite extraordinary that humans are not able to do themselves. The last is commonly miracles. The other thing they also able to prove to people are prophecies. They would tell them about something will happen in the future and it comes to pass. Or they may be the prophecy themselves that were told by previous prophets.
No prophet was immune from calling him a madman. The greatest of them were called that including Moses, Jesus and Muhammad peace upon them all. It is commonly the establishment that wants to divert people from listening to them who would do that. True mental illness and with great sympathy to people who are plagued with it can make people claim anything.
Schizophrenia is the typical mental illness that does that. However, most of time it is quite easy even for layman to identify those patients since commonly they have paranoid thoughts not only related to being prophets or even God himself but have other claims or as we say others paranoid thoughts. Patient commonly identified as having hallucinations like hearing voices or seeing strange things. No one of them will come up with a miraculous thing like the Quran.
A selective disease of delusion can be more difficult to diagnose when patient is only affected by one thought of being a prophet and no other paranoid thoughts. He may be even functioning well in community and can be a smart and successful person. He may have even great ideas and plans. That is why a lot of Muslims are wondering if Al Mahdi Al Muntazer is to appear today how could we recognize him. Why would not him be like this delusional smart person that is identified in a subset of delusional disorders. Added to that many tyrants in the world would try to make it the case to keep the status qou of the world the same.
Unfortunately the Islamic prophecies about him are also vague which adds to this difficulty. It is not even clear to Muslim scholars if he would be guided by God through visions and inspiration as to what to think, read and write. It is not clear if angels will visit him and directly communicate to him God's plan. Is it possible that people through his ideas, physical features and their own personal visions will be able to identify him. The sure thing is it is a prophecy and thus it is destined to happen and if all the world to conspire against God he surly will win.
These here are some of the verses that elude to the accusation of the best of creatures the prophets of being madmen, so Al Mahdi should not feel bad about himself:
15:6 And they say: O thou unto whom the Reminder is revealed, lo! thou art indeed a madman!
وَقَالُواْ يَا أَيُّهَا الَّذِي نُزِّلَ عَلَيْهِ الذِّكْرُ إِنَّكَ لَمَجْنُونٌ (15:6) Baset - Hussari - Minshawi
26:27 (Pharaoh) said: Lo! your messenger who hath been sent unto you is indeed a madman! -
قَالَ إِنَّ رَسُولَكُمُ الَّذِي أُرْسِلَ إِلَيْكُمْ لَمَجْنُونٌ (26:27) Baset - Hussari - Minshawi
44:14 And they had turned away from him and said: One taught (by others), a madman? -
ثُمَّ تَوَلَّوْا عَنْهُ وَقَالُوا مُعَلَّمٌ مَّجْنُونٌ (44:14) Baset - Hussari - Minshawi
51:39 But he withdrew (confiding) in his might, and said: A wizard or a madman.
فَتَوَلَّى بِرُكْنِهِ وَقَالَ سَاحِرٌ أَوْ مَجْنُونٌ (51:39) Baset - Hussari - Minshawi
51:52 Even so there came no messenger unto those before them but they said: A wizard or a madman!
كَذَلِكَ مَا أَتَى الَّذِينَ مِن قَبْلِهِم مِّن رَّسُولٍ إِلَّا قَالُوا سَاحِرٌ أَوْ مَجْنُونٌ (51:52) Baset - Hussari - Minshawi
52:29 Therefor warn (men, O Muhammad). By the grace of Allah thou art neither soothsayer nor madman.
فَذَكِّرْ فَمَا أَنتَ بِنِعْمَتِ رَبِّكَ بِكَاهِنٍ وَلَا مَجْنُونٍ (52:29) Baset - Hussari - Minshawi
54:9 The folk of Noah denied before them, yea, they denied Our slave and said: A madman; and he was repulsed.
كَذَّبَتْ قَبْلَهُمْ قَوْمُ نُوحٍ فَكَذَّبُوا عَبْدَنَا وَقَالُوا مَجْنُونٌ وَازْدُجِرَ (54:9) Baset - Hussari - Minshawi
68:2 Thou art not, for thy Lord's favor unto thee, a madman.
مَا أَنتَ بِنِعْمَةِ رَبِّكَ بِمَجْنُونٍ (68:2)
Prophets were commonly accused of one of three things: liars, insane or wizards. It is understandable that people have the right to be suspicious of them for two reasons. One prophethood is quite rare and the second one is liars, insane and wizards tried to falsely present themselves as prophets or the conduit between God and humans.
However, people got to believe in the prophets because with close observation and overtime they were able to prove that they are not liars, insane or wizards. The things make people believe them is their characters, message and something have to be quite extraordinary that humans are not able to do themselves. The last is commonly miracles. The other thing they also able to prove to people are prophecies. They would tell them about something will happen in the future and it comes to pass. Or they may be the prophecy themselves that were told by previous prophets.
No prophet was immune from calling him a madman. The greatest of them were called that including Moses, Jesus and Muhammad peace upon them all. It is commonly the establishment that wants to divert people from listening to them who would do that. True mental illness and with great sympathy to people who are plagued with it can make people claim anything.
Schizophrenia is the typical mental illness that does that. However, most of time it is quite easy even for layman to identify those patients since commonly they have paranoid thoughts not only related to being prophets or even God himself but have other claims or as we say others paranoid thoughts. Patient commonly identified as having hallucinations like hearing voices or seeing strange things. No one of them will come up with a miraculous thing like the Quran.
A selective disease of delusion can be more difficult to diagnose when patient is only affected by one thought of being a prophet and no other paranoid thoughts. He may be even functioning well in community and can be a smart and successful person. He may have even great ideas and plans. That is why a lot of Muslims are wondering if Al Mahdi Al Muntazer is to appear today how could we recognize him. Why would not him be like this delusional smart person that is identified in a subset of delusional disorders. Added to that many tyrants in the world would try to make it the case to keep the status qou of the world the same.
Unfortunately the Islamic prophecies about him are also vague which adds to this difficulty. It is not even clear to Muslim scholars if he would be guided by God through visions and inspiration as to what to think, read and write. It is not clear if angels will visit him and directly communicate to him God's plan. Is it possible that people through his ideas, physical features and their own personal visions will be able to identify him. The sure thing is it is a prophecy and thus it is destined to happen and if all the world to conspire against God he surly will win.
These here are some of the verses that elude to the accusation of the best of creatures the prophets of being madmen, so Al Mahdi should not feel bad about himself:
15:6 And they say: O thou unto whom the Reminder is revealed, lo! thou art indeed a madman!
وَقَالُواْ يَا أَيُّهَا الَّذِي نُزِّلَ عَلَيْهِ الذِّكْرُ إِنَّكَ لَمَجْنُونٌ (15:6) Baset - Hussari - Minshawi
26:27 (Pharaoh) said: Lo! your messenger who hath been sent unto you is indeed a madman! -
قَالَ إِنَّ رَسُولَكُمُ الَّذِي أُرْسِلَ إِلَيْكُمْ لَمَجْنُونٌ (26:27) Baset - Hussari - Minshawi
44:14 And they had turned away from him and said: One taught (by others), a madman? -
ثُمَّ تَوَلَّوْا عَنْهُ وَقَالُوا مُعَلَّمٌ مَّجْنُونٌ (44:14) Baset - Hussari - Minshawi
51:39 But he withdrew (confiding) in his might, and said: A wizard or a madman.
فَتَوَلَّى بِرُكْنِهِ وَقَالَ سَاحِرٌ أَوْ مَجْنُونٌ (51:39) Baset - Hussari - Minshawi
51:52 Even so there came no messenger unto those before them but they said: A wizard or a madman!
كَذَلِكَ مَا أَتَى الَّذِينَ مِن قَبْلِهِم مِّن رَّسُولٍ إِلَّا قَالُوا سَاحِرٌ أَوْ مَجْنُونٌ (51:52) Baset - Hussari - Minshawi
52:29 Therefor warn (men, O Muhammad). By the grace of Allah thou art neither soothsayer nor madman.
فَذَكِّرْ فَمَا أَنتَ بِنِعْمَتِ رَبِّكَ بِكَاهِنٍ وَلَا مَجْنُونٍ (52:29) Baset - Hussari - Minshawi
54:9 The folk of Noah denied before them, yea, they denied Our slave and said: A madman; and he was repulsed.
كَذَّبَتْ قَبْلَهُمْ قَوْمُ نُوحٍ فَكَذَّبُوا عَبْدَنَا وَقَالُوا مَجْنُونٌ وَازْدُجِرَ (54:9) Baset - Hussari - Minshawi
68:2 Thou art not, for thy Lord's favor unto thee, a madman.
مَا أَنتَ بِنِعْمَةِ رَبِّكَ بِمَجْنُونٍ (68:2)
25 Dawa (Suplications) from the Quran
From: www.islamichouseofwisdom.com
1. Our Lord! Grant us good in this world and good in the life to come and keep us safe from the torment of the Fire (2:201)
2. Our Lord! Bestow on us endurance and make our foothold sure and give us help against those who reject faith. (2:250)
3. Our Lord! Take us not to task if we forget or fall into error. (2:286)
4. Our Lord! Lay not upon us such a burden as You did lay upon those before us. (2:286)
5. Our Lord! Impose not on us that which we have not the strength to bear, grant us forgiveness and have mercy on us. You are our Protector. Help us against those who deny the truth. (2:286)
6. Our Lord! Let not our hearts deviate from the truth after You have guided us, and bestow upon us mercy from Your grace. Verily You are the Giver of bounties without measure. (3:8)
7. Our Lord! Forgive us our sins and the lack of moderation in our doings, and make firm our steps and succour us against those who deny the truth.(3:147)
8. Our Lord! Whomsoever You shall commit to the Fire, truly You have brought [him] to disgrace, and never will wrongdoers find any helpers (3:192)
9. Our Lord! Behold we have heard a voice calling us unto faith: "Believe in your Lord" as we have believed. (3:193)
10. Our Lord! Forgive us our sins and efface our bad deeds and take our souls in the company of the righteous. (3:193)
11. Our Lord! And grant us that which you have promised to us by Your messengers and save us from shame on the Day of Judgement. Verily You never fail to fulfill Your promise. (3:194)
12. Our Lord! We have sinned against ourselves, and unless You grant us forgiveness and bestow Your mercy upon us, we shall most certainly be lost! (7:23)
13. Our Lord! Place us not among the people who have been guilty of evildoing. (7:47)
14. Our Lord! Lay open the truth between us and our people, for You are the best of all to lay open the truth. (7:89)
15. Our Lord! Pour out on us patience and constancy, and make us die as those who have surrendered themselves unto You. (7:126)
16. Our Lord! Make us not a trial for the evildoing folk, and save as by Your mercy from people who deny the truth (10:85-86)
17. Our Lord! You truly know all that we may hide [in our hearts] as well as all that we bring into the open, for nothing whatever, be it on earth or in heaven, remains hidden from Allah (14:38)
18. Our Lord! Bestow on us mercy from Your presence and dispose of our affairs for us in the right way. (18:10)
19. Our Lord! Grant that our spouses and our offspring be a comfort to our eyes, and give us the grace to lead those who are conscious of You. (25:74)
20. Our Lord! You embrace all things within Your Grace and Knowledge, forgive those who repent and follow Your path, and ward off from them the punishment of Hell. (40:7)
21. Our Lord! Make them enter the Garden of Eden which You have promised to them, and to the righteous from among their fathers, their wives and their offspring, for verily You are alone the Almighty and the truly Wise. (40:8)
22. Our Lord! Relieve us of the torment, for we do really believe. (44:12)
23. Our Lord! Forgive us our sins as well as those of our brethren who proceeded us in faith and let not our hearts entertain any unworthy thoughts or feelings against [any of] those who have believed. Our Lord! You are indeed full of kindness and Most Merciful (59:10)
24. Our Lord! In You we have placed our trust, and to You do we turn in repentance, for unto You is the end of all journeys. (60:4)
25. Our Lord! Perfect our light for us and forgive us our sins, for verily You have power over all things. (66:8)
1. Our Lord! Grant us good in this world and good in the life to come and keep us safe from the torment of the Fire (2:201)
2. Our Lord! Bestow on us endurance and make our foothold sure and give us help against those who reject faith. (2:250)
3. Our Lord! Take us not to task if we forget or fall into error. (2:286)
4. Our Lord! Lay not upon us such a burden as You did lay upon those before us. (2:286)
5. Our Lord! Impose not on us that which we have not the strength to bear, grant us forgiveness and have mercy on us. You are our Protector. Help us against those who deny the truth. (2:286)
6. Our Lord! Let not our hearts deviate from the truth after You have guided us, and bestow upon us mercy from Your grace. Verily You are the Giver of bounties without measure. (3:8)
7. Our Lord! Forgive us our sins and the lack of moderation in our doings, and make firm our steps and succour us against those who deny the truth.(3:147)
8. Our Lord! Whomsoever You shall commit to the Fire, truly You have brought [him] to disgrace, and never will wrongdoers find any helpers (3:192)
9. Our Lord! Behold we have heard a voice calling us unto faith: "Believe in your Lord" as we have believed. (3:193)
10. Our Lord! Forgive us our sins and efface our bad deeds and take our souls in the company of the righteous. (3:193)
11. Our Lord! And grant us that which you have promised to us by Your messengers and save us from shame on the Day of Judgement. Verily You never fail to fulfill Your promise. (3:194)
12. Our Lord! We have sinned against ourselves, and unless You grant us forgiveness and bestow Your mercy upon us, we shall most certainly be lost! (7:23)
13. Our Lord! Place us not among the people who have been guilty of evildoing. (7:47)
14. Our Lord! Lay open the truth between us and our people, for You are the best of all to lay open the truth. (7:89)
15. Our Lord! Pour out on us patience and constancy, and make us die as those who have surrendered themselves unto You. (7:126)
16. Our Lord! Make us not a trial for the evildoing folk, and save as by Your mercy from people who deny the truth (10:85-86)
17. Our Lord! You truly know all that we may hide [in our hearts] as well as all that we bring into the open, for nothing whatever, be it on earth or in heaven, remains hidden from Allah (14:38)
18. Our Lord! Bestow on us mercy from Your presence and dispose of our affairs for us in the right way. (18:10)
19. Our Lord! Grant that our spouses and our offspring be a comfort to our eyes, and give us the grace to lead those who are conscious of You. (25:74)
20. Our Lord! You embrace all things within Your Grace and Knowledge, forgive those who repent and follow Your path, and ward off from them the punishment of Hell. (40:7)
21. Our Lord! Make them enter the Garden of Eden which You have promised to them, and to the righteous from among their fathers, their wives and their offspring, for verily You are alone the Almighty and the truly Wise. (40:8)
22. Our Lord! Relieve us of the torment, for we do really believe. (44:12)
23. Our Lord! Forgive us our sins as well as those of our brethren who proceeded us in faith and let not our hearts entertain any unworthy thoughts or feelings against [any of] those who have believed. Our Lord! You are indeed full of kindness and Most Merciful (59:10)
24. Our Lord! In You we have placed our trust, and to You do we turn in repentance, for unto You is the end of all journeys. (60:4)
25. Our Lord! Perfect our light for us and forgive us our sins, for verily You have power over all things. (66:8)
Words of Wisdom from the Quran
From: www.productivemuslim.com
1. Respect and honour all human beings irrespective of their religion, color, race, sex, language, status, property, birth, profession/job and so on [17/70]
2. Talk straight, to the point, without any ambiguity or deception [33/70]
3. Choose best words to speak and say them in the best possible way [17/53, 2/83]
4. Do not shout. Speak politely keeping your voice low. [31/19]
5. Always speak the truth. Shun words that are deceitful and ostentatious [22/30]
6. Do not confound truth with falsehood [2/42]
7. Say with your mouth what is in your heart [3/167]
8. Speak in a civilized manner in a language that is recognized by the society and is commonly used [4/5]
9. When you voice an opinion, be just, even if it is against a relative [6/152]
10. Do not be a bragging boaster [31/18]
11. Do not talk, listen or do anything vain [23/3, 28/55]
12. Do not participate in any paltry. If you pass near a futile play, then pass by with dignity [25/72]
13. Do not verge upon any immodesty or lewdness whether surreptitious or overt [6/151].
14. If, unintentionally, any misconduct occurs by you, then correct yourself expeditiously [3/134].
15. Do not be contemptuous or arrogant with people [31/18]
16. Do not walk haughtily or with conceit [17/37, 31/18]
17. Be moderate in thy pace [31/19]
18. Walk with humility and sedateness [25/63]
19. Keep your gazes lowered devoid of any lecherous leers and salacious stares [24/30-31, 40/19].
20. If you do not have complete knowledge about anything, its best to say nothing. You might think that speaking about something without full knowledge is a trivial matter. But it might have grave consequences [24/15-16]
21. When you hear something malicious about someone, keep a favorable view about him/her until you attain full knowledge about the matter. Consider others innocent until they are proven guilty with solid and truthful evidence [24/12-13]
22. Ascertain the truth of any news, lest you smite someone in ignorance and afterward repent of what you did [49/6]
23. Do not follow blindly any information of which you have no direct knowledge. (Using your faculties of perception and conception) you must verify it for yourself. In the Court of your Lord, you will be held accountable for your hearing, sight, and the faculty of reasoning [17/36].
24. Never think that you have reached the final stage of knowledge and nobody knows more than yourself. Remember! Above everyone endowed with knowledge is another endowed with more knowledge [12/76]. Even the Prophet [p.b.u.h] was asked to keep praying, "O My sustainer! Advance me in knowledge." [20:114]
25. The believers are but a single Brotherhood. Live like members of one family, brothers and sisters unto one another [49/10].
26. Do not make mockery of others or ridicule others [49/11]
27. Do not defame others [49/11]
28. Do not insult others by nicknames [49/11]
29. Avoid suspicion and guesswork. Suspicion and guesswork might deplete your communal energy [49/12]
30. Spy not upon one another [49/12]
31. Do not backbite one another [49/12]
32. When you meet each other, offer good wishes and blessings for safety. One who conveys to you a message of safety and security and also when a courteous greeting is offered to you, meet it with a greeting still more courteous or (at least) of equal courtesy [4/86]
33. When you enter your own home or the home of somebody else, compliment the inmates [24/61]
34. Do not enter houses other than your own until you have sought permission; and then greet the inmates and wish them a life of blessing, purity and pleasure [24/27]
35. Treat kindly " Your parents " Relatives " The orphans " And those who have been left alone in the society [4/36]
36. Take care of " The needy, " The disabled " Those whose hard earned income is insufficient to meet their needs " And those whose businesses have stalled " And those who have lost their jobs. [4/36]
37. Treat kindly " Your related neighbours, and unrelated neighbours " Companions by your side in public gatherings, or public transportation. [4/36]
38. Be generous to the needy wayfarer, the homeless son of the street, and the one who reaches you in a destitute condition [4/36]
39. Be nice to people who work under your care. [4/36]
40. Do not follow up what you have given to others to afflict them with reminders of your generosity [2/262].
41. Do not expect a return for your good behaviour, not even thanks [76/9]
42. Cooperate with one another in good deeds and do not cooperate with others in evil and bad matters [5/2]
43. Do not try to impress people on account of self-proclaimed virtues [53/32]
44. You should enjoin right conduct on others but mend your own ways first. Actions speak louder than words. You must first practice good deeds yourself, then preach [2/44]
45. Correct yourself and your families first [before trying to correct others] [66/6]
46. Pardon gracefully if anyone among you who commits a bad deed out of ignorance, and then repents and amends [6/54, 3/134]
47. Divert and sublimate your anger and potentially virulent emotions to creative energy, and become a source of tranquility and comfort to people [3/134]
48. Call people to the Way of your Lord with wisdom and beautiful exhortation. Reason with them most decently [16/125]
49. Leave to themselves those who do not give any importance to the Divine code and have adopted and consider it as mere play and amusement [6/70]
50. Sit not in the company of those who ridicule Divine Law unless they engage in some other conversation [4/140]
51. Do not be jealous of those who are blessed [4/54]
52. In your collective life, make rooms for others [58/11]
53. When invited to dine, Go at the appointed time. Do not arrive too early to wait for the preparation of meal or linger after eating to engage in bootless babble. Such things may cause inconvenience to the host [33/53]
54. Eat and drink [what is lawful] in moderation [7/31].
55. Do not squander your wealth senselessly [17/26]
56. Fulfill your promises and commitments [17/34]
57. Keep yourself clean, pure [9/108, 4/43, 5/6].
58. Dress-up in agreeable attire and adorn yourself with exquisite character from inside out [7/26]
59. Seek your provision only by fair endeavour [29/17, 2/188]
60. Do not devour the wealth and property of others unjustly, nor bribe the officials or the judges to deprive others of their possessions [2/188]
1. Respect and honour all human beings irrespective of their religion, color, race, sex, language, status, property, birth, profession/job and so on [17/70]
2. Talk straight, to the point, without any ambiguity or deception [33/70]
3. Choose best words to speak and say them in the best possible way [17/53, 2/83]
4. Do not shout. Speak politely keeping your voice low. [31/19]
5. Always speak the truth. Shun words that are deceitful and ostentatious [22/30]
6. Do not confound truth with falsehood [2/42]
7. Say with your mouth what is in your heart [3/167]
8. Speak in a civilized manner in a language that is recognized by the society and is commonly used [4/5]
9. When you voice an opinion, be just, even if it is against a relative [6/152]
10. Do not be a bragging boaster [31/18]
11. Do not talk, listen or do anything vain [23/3, 28/55]
12. Do not participate in any paltry. If you pass near a futile play, then pass by with dignity [25/72]
13. Do not verge upon any immodesty or lewdness whether surreptitious or overt [6/151].
14. If, unintentionally, any misconduct occurs by you, then correct yourself expeditiously [3/134].
15. Do not be contemptuous or arrogant with people [31/18]
16. Do not walk haughtily or with conceit [17/37, 31/18]
17. Be moderate in thy pace [31/19]
18. Walk with humility and sedateness [25/63]
19. Keep your gazes lowered devoid of any lecherous leers and salacious stares [24/30-31, 40/19].
20. If you do not have complete knowledge about anything, its best to say nothing. You might think that speaking about something without full knowledge is a trivial matter. But it might have grave consequences [24/15-16]
21. When you hear something malicious about someone, keep a favorable view about him/her until you attain full knowledge about the matter. Consider others innocent until they are proven guilty with solid and truthful evidence [24/12-13]
22. Ascertain the truth of any news, lest you smite someone in ignorance and afterward repent of what you did [49/6]
23. Do not follow blindly any information of which you have no direct knowledge. (Using your faculties of perception and conception) you must verify it for yourself. In the Court of your Lord, you will be held accountable for your hearing, sight, and the faculty of reasoning [17/36].
24. Never think that you have reached the final stage of knowledge and nobody knows more than yourself. Remember! Above everyone endowed with knowledge is another endowed with more knowledge [12/76]. Even the Prophet [p.b.u.h] was asked to keep praying, "O My sustainer! Advance me in knowledge." [20:114]
25. The believers are but a single Brotherhood. Live like members of one family, brothers and sisters unto one another [49/10].
26. Do not make mockery of others or ridicule others [49/11]
27. Do not defame others [49/11]
28. Do not insult others by nicknames [49/11]
29. Avoid suspicion and guesswork. Suspicion and guesswork might deplete your communal energy [49/12]
30. Spy not upon one another [49/12]
31. Do not backbite one another [49/12]
32. When you meet each other, offer good wishes and blessings for safety. One who conveys to you a message of safety and security and also when a courteous greeting is offered to you, meet it with a greeting still more courteous or (at least) of equal courtesy [4/86]
33. When you enter your own home or the home of somebody else, compliment the inmates [24/61]
34. Do not enter houses other than your own until you have sought permission; and then greet the inmates and wish them a life of blessing, purity and pleasure [24/27]
35. Treat kindly " Your parents " Relatives " The orphans " And those who have been left alone in the society [4/36]
36. Take care of " The needy, " The disabled " Those whose hard earned income is insufficient to meet their needs " And those whose businesses have stalled " And those who have lost their jobs. [4/36]
37. Treat kindly " Your related neighbours, and unrelated neighbours " Companions by your side in public gatherings, or public transportation. [4/36]
38. Be generous to the needy wayfarer, the homeless son of the street, and the one who reaches you in a destitute condition [4/36]
39. Be nice to people who work under your care. [4/36]
40. Do not follow up what you have given to others to afflict them with reminders of your generosity [2/262].
41. Do not expect a return for your good behaviour, not even thanks [76/9]
42. Cooperate with one another in good deeds and do not cooperate with others in evil and bad matters [5/2]
43. Do not try to impress people on account of self-proclaimed virtues [53/32]
44. You should enjoin right conduct on others but mend your own ways first. Actions speak louder than words. You must first practice good deeds yourself, then preach [2/44]
45. Correct yourself and your families first [before trying to correct others] [66/6]
46. Pardon gracefully if anyone among you who commits a bad deed out of ignorance, and then repents and amends [6/54, 3/134]
47. Divert and sublimate your anger and potentially virulent emotions to creative energy, and become a source of tranquility and comfort to people [3/134]
48. Call people to the Way of your Lord with wisdom and beautiful exhortation. Reason with them most decently [16/125]
49. Leave to themselves those who do not give any importance to the Divine code and have adopted and consider it as mere play and amusement [6/70]
50. Sit not in the company of those who ridicule Divine Law unless they engage in some other conversation [4/140]
51. Do not be jealous of those who are blessed [4/54]
52. In your collective life, make rooms for others [58/11]
53. When invited to dine, Go at the appointed time. Do not arrive too early to wait for the preparation of meal or linger after eating to engage in bootless babble. Such things may cause inconvenience to the host [33/53]
54. Eat and drink [what is lawful] in moderation [7/31].
55. Do not squander your wealth senselessly [17/26]
56. Fulfill your promises and commitments [17/34]
57. Keep yourself clean, pure [9/108, 4/43, 5/6].
58. Dress-up in agreeable attire and adorn yourself with exquisite character from inside out [7/26]
59. Seek your provision only by fair endeavour [29/17, 2/188]
60. Do not devour the wealth and property of others unjustly, nor bribe the officials or the judges to deprive others of their possessions [2/188]
Why Do They Convert To Islam?
By: Maged Taman
If you go through the stories of people who converted or reverted to Islam you will find a lot of reasons. It is quite likely for one person it would be one single reason but for most multiple reasons:
1- Try to find the plain and simple truth of God and finding the purpose of life.
2- Unsatisfied by the religion person have.
3- Converts from Christianity: The dispute between Churches about Who is really God, Mary and Jesus. This divinity relation was never told by Jesus and have been speculative for centuries. The three main pillars of religion God, commandments and salvation are still being argued after 2000 years.
4- Accepting the reality of Jesus in Islam and our salvation by his teachings not his blood.
5- The high authority of God in Quran and meantime the close proximity to each of us. No middle man no one to confess to or intercede to. It is one on one perfect relation 24 hours a day seven days a week.
6- The great equality in Islam that put all people in front of God in the same rows praying and kneeling to him.
7- The personal freedom that a Muslim enjoy particularly from his ego and evil inside that self destroy him.
8- The closeness of good Muslims and the way they treat each other.
9- Try to escape materialism and have spiritual life.
10- Supernatural experience like a vision or feeling was in same mosque and so forth.
11- Knowing good Muslims with good morals attract non-Muslims to read about Islam. Interestingly Muhammad (PBUH) has a saying "my miracle after my death is a good Muslim". Since a good Muslim will invite people to read the miraculous Quran.
12- Marriage is a factor to read about Islam but no compulsion a Muslim husband can not and should not force his non-Muslim wife to be a Muslim.
13- The thinking of after life particularly more with senior people thinking of eternity.
14- Outreach of Muslims to convert non-Muslims at personal level and in media avenues like my blog.
15- Believe in Quran by trying to dispute it. This is more common in highly logical and sophisticated people.
16- People who are into comparative religions.
17- After dialog between major religions clergy.
18- Simplicity to become a Muslim.
19- Islam invites believe as you read from the verses of Quran.
20- Quran tempts people according to their goodness so people who are just and try to find God Quran talk to them about reasoning and he beauty of creation. People who are hard, evil and have false pride Quran intimidate them with hell fire particularly when they persecute Muslims.
Thus reasons vary but all converts meet in one way true religion with true straight path. The amazing thing Islam accepts even skeptics. Quran is a dialogue between God and you. He reads your mind and skepticism and give you the answers all along as you read it. Quran gives you the reasons why there is God and how with prayers and supplication you stay close to him. Satan in the process try to get you astray by denying God or partnering him with others or he gets you in an evil to do act. He made Shia and Sunni for many periods of time enemies though there is really not much difference between them. He is always busy try to get us from somewhere.
http://video.yahoo.com/video/play?vid=1082643
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zePqNxz895U
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=84ZtVLI5kXM
http://video.yahoo.com/watch/1074623/3964253
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SmRqDMUA4P0&feature=related
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j6uKOGmThiY&feature=related
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ojQ2yUTgD7E&feature=related
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AyPqnZGQUCM&feature=related
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eUrwLsKojow&feature=related
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ktFptwFfD44&feature=related
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yy-1e5C1a64&feature=related
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PN-EfgU7PW4
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DrjIMi68W2w&feature=related
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pn0iPlWQNlI&feature=related
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mSpGR1LNa5k&feature=related
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=446IgQqgRZo&feature=related
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=19fW5jJAQnk&feature=related
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NMSzB58SlgU&feature=related
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4A4pFWJXQ68
If you go through the stories of people who converted or reverted to Islam you will find a lot of reasons. It is quite likely for one person it would be one single reason but for most multiple reasons:
1- Try to find the plain and simple truth of God and finding the purpose of life.
2- Unsatisfied by the religion person have.
3- Converts from Christianity: The dispute between Churches about Who is really God, Mary and Jesus. This divinity relation was never told by Jesus and have been speculative for centuries. The three main pillars of religion God, commandments and salvation are still being argued after 2000 years.
4- Accepting the reality of Jesus in Islam and our salvation by his teachings not his blood.
5- The high authority of God in Quran and meantime the close proximity to each of us. No middle man no one to confess to or intercede to. It is one on one perfect relation 24 hours a day seven days a week.
6- The great equality in Islam that put all people in front of God in the same rows praying and kneeling to him.
7- The personal freedom that a Muslim enjoy particularly from his ego and evil inside that self destroy him.
8- The closeness of good Muslims and the way they treat each other.
9- Try to escape materialism and have spiritual life.
10- Supernatural experience like a vision or feeling was in same mosque and so forth.
11- Knowing good Muslims with good morals attract non-Muslims to read about Islam. Interestingly Muhammad (PBUH) has a saying "my miracle after my death is a good Muslim". Since a good Muslim will invite people to read the miraculous Quran.
12- Marriage is a factor to read about Islam but no compulsion a Muslim husband can not and should not force his non-Muslim wife to be a Muslim.
13- The thinking of after life particularly more with senior people thinking of eternity.
14- Outreach of Muslims to convert non-Muslims at personal level and in media avenues like my blog.
15- Believe in Quran by trying to dispute it. This is more common in highly logical and sophisticated people.
16- People who are into comparative religions.
17- After dialog between major religions clergy.
18- Simplicity to become a Muslim.
19- Islam invites believe as you read from the verses of Quran.
20- Quran tempts people according to their goodness so people who are just and try to find God Quran talk to them about reasoning and he beauty of creation. People who are hard, evil and have false pride Quran intimidate them with hell fire particularly when they persecute Muslims.
Thus reasons vary but all converts meet in one way true religion with true straight path. The amazing thing Islam accepts even skeptics. Quran is a dialogue between God and you. He reads your mind and skepticism and give you the answers all along as you read it. Quran gives you the reasons why there is God and how with prayers and supplication you stay close to him. Satan in the process try to get you astray by denying God or partnering him with others or he gets you in an evil to do act. He made Shia and Sunni for many periods of time enemies though there is really not much difference between them. He is always busy try to get us from somewhere.
http://video.yahoo.com/video/play?vid=1082643
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zePqNxz895U
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=84ZtVLI5kXM
http://video.yahoo.com/watch/1074623/3964253
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SmRqDMUA4P0&feature=related
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j6uKOGmThiY&feature=related
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ojQ2yUTgD7E&feature=related
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AyPqnZGQUCM&feature=related
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eUrwLsKojow&feature=related
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ktFptwFfD44&feature=related
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yy-1e5C1a64&feature=related
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PN-EfgU7PW4
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DrjIMi68W2w&feature=related
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pn0iPlWQNlI&feature=related
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mSpGR1LNa5k&feature=related
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=446IgQqgRZo&feature=related
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=19fW5jJAQnk&feature=related
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NMSzB58SlgU&feature=related
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4A4pFWJXQ68
Tuesday, December 23, 2008
What Drives People to Convert to Islam?
From: www.islamreligion.com
By Based on an article at iqrasense.com
The nature of religious faith is quite mysterious. As part of their religious faiths, people believe in a variety of deities. There are people who have religious faith in the unseen supreme inimitable power, and then there are others who believe in some humans as Gods, or animals (e.g. monkeys), fire, idols made of stone, and the list goes on.
A lot is associated with having a religious “faith”. Part of it has to do with beliefs passed on through generations. People’s identities therefore get tied to it. Many times, these beliefs and associated feelings are not completely demonstrable by reason or any rational arguments. There is nothing right or wrong with this, but that’s just how the nature of religious faith has come to be.
Almost everyone thinks they are right in their faith and beliefs. Being with people and groups with similar faith further strengthens people’s faith, and they see it as right, even though logical reasoning and argument sometimes can’t explain it all. That’s simple human psychology.
Islam’s arguments based on intellectual reasoning
Muslims believe however, that the Islamic religion is different in this context. One may argue that similar to other faiths there are aspects of it which are not completely demonstrable by reason, but on the other hand the Quranic text, which is God’s words addressing humanity at large, uses intellectual reason, critical thinking, and the process of reflection as a means not only to reinforce the faith of the believers, but also to call non-believers to ponder about the authenticity of Islam as the way of life for humanity at large. Although no religious beliefs can be fully based on logic and reasoning, Islam and Quran provide more than enough examples and an opportunity to examine the truth and the soundness of its message through the lens of empirical evidence and knowledge.
No one (Muslim or otherwise) would argue that critical thinking and reflection can be a major catalyst for changing ones life. Critical thinking has been used by many to improve their lives simply because a critical thinker asks probing questions about a situation, collects as much information as possible, reflects on the ideas collected and generated in context of the information available, keeps an open and unbiased mind, and carefully scrutinizes assumptions and seeks alternatives.
This is the reason, therefore, that new Muslim converts would attribute the use of intelligent reasoning, reflection and critical thinking when explaining their journey to Islam. Such people cut through the hysteria created in the media to view Islam from a critical lens and following the truth thus comes naturally to them as part of this process. How else can one explain the increase in conversions with the increase of anti-Islamic rhetoric? How else can one explain that more non-Muslim preachers have been converting to Islam than ever before? Although, as Muslims, we believe that guidance comes only from Allah, the use of a person’s God-gifted intellectual reasoning has a very powerful role to play in Muslim converts making that destiny changing decision. And once converted, they rarely go back to their old faiths, simply because a faith whose foundations are built on logic and reason is much less likely to be shaken down than one which simply builds upon a set of rites and sacraments.
Reasons attributed by new Converts
Some of the reasons given why people convert to Islam are the eloquence of the Quran’s language, its overwhelming scientific evidence and proofs, arguments rooted in intellectual reasoning, and the Divine wisdom behind various social issues. The uniqueness and beauty of the Quran’s text has been marveled by the best of Arab linguists and scholars, both Muslim and otherwise, from the days it was revealed until today. The more knowledgeable people are in the language, the more they appreciate the wonders of the textual fluency of the Quran. Revealed more than 1400 years ago, the Quran also has numerous scientific facts that are being validated by science only in this era. Furthermore, it is the only known religious text that challenges mankind to think, reflect and ponder over the creation at large, social issues, God’s existence, and more. The Quran, in many instances, challenges people to reflect and think on their own, rather than heeding the loose talk of those whose criticism is based on baseless foundations. Finally, the Quran provides a solution to numerous social issues, deviation from which has been known to cause societal chaos at all levels.
The Quran is a confident assertion of a Supreme Being; the only known religious book that has a confident assertion of a Supreme Being on all issues ranging from the creation of the universe to most particular components of the social milieu. Moreover, its Divine Text - the language and prose of the Quran - is very different from the language in the Prophet’s sayings, which demonstrates that the Quran is not from the creative imagination or inspired words of Prophet Muhammad, as many doubters have alleged in the past, and continue to do even today.
We can see that most of these reasons can only be attributed to the process of critical thinking and intellectual reflection. However, cold reasoning is not enough. The heart has to be engaged in the search: a search whose aim is to reach for the truth at its core. No wonder, then, that when such sincere people hear the Quran for the first time, and understand it, they say:
“We believe in it; surely, it is the Truth from our Lord. Indeed, even before it, we were Muslims!” (Quran 25:53)
The Quran challenges humanity at large to think, reflect and ponder over their affairs on numerous occasions. This is some of what the Quran states:
· Thus do We explain the verses (and their signification) in detail for the people who reflect. (Jonah, Quran 10:24)
· Do they not think deeply about their own selves (being)? God has created not the heavens and the Earth and all that is between them except with truth and for an appointed term. And indeed many of mankind deny the Meeting with their Lord. (The-Romans, Quran 30:8)
· He it is Who has appointed for you the night that you may rest therein, and the day to make things visible. Verily, in this are signs for a people who listen. (Jonah, Quran 10:67)
· Does man think that he will be left to no purpose? (The Resurrection, Quran 75:36)
· Did you think that We had created you in play, and that you would not be brought back to Us?” (The Believers, Quran 23:115)
· Or do you think that most of them hear or understand? They are only like cattle; nay, they are even farther astray from the Path. (The Criterion, Quran 25:44)
· Do they not reflect? There is no madness in their companion (Muhammad). He is but a plain Warner. (The Heights, Quran 7:184)
· Had We sent down this Quran on a mountain, you would surely have seen it humbling itself and rending asunder for the fear of God. Such are the parables which We put forward to mankind that they may reflect. (The Overcrowding, Quran 59:21)
When studying the many cases of new Muslim converts, we see that engaging in critical thinking and intellectual reasoning have led people to change their non-Islamic faiths – the same faiths that would earlier supposedly have moved mountains, but were diluted by the voice of reason easily heard in the roots of Islam. A mere process of thinking and reflection brings so much into light that otherwise would remain veiled by the distractions and forces of anti-Islam pundits. Those who are bent on seeing only the negative fail to see the light of truth. Rather, they engage in a never ending superficial analysis to unsuccessfully prove their misguided philosophies.
There are many statistics in the media that highlight the phenomenal rate at which people are converting to Islam. Although, the authenticity of all these sources has not been validated for the purpose of this article, some of them include the following:
· According to “The Almanac Book of Facts”, the population increased 137% within the past decade, Christianity increased 46%, while Islam increased 235%.
· 100,000 people per year in America alone, are converting to Islam. For every 1 male convert to Islam, 4 females convert to Islam
· TV Report: 4,000 Germans Convert To ISLAM Each Year
· About 25,000 people convert to Islam every year in the UK alone
· …many more examples exist.
What about Muslims?
If voices of reason embedded in the teachings of Islam are causing non-Muslims to revert to Islam in droves, why is it that so many Muslims born into the religion usually fail to fully follow, and thus enjoy, the teachings of the religion? The fact is that it may just be the lack of critical thinking and reflection on the part of some Muslims that is forcing the Muslim world to have a substandard way of life as a whole. Islam and its teachings hold the promise of a fulfilling and peaceful life for all. Yet Muslims continue to ignore the basics and get mired in social and moral issues causing unnecessary pain and suffering on themselves and their families. The fact is that only if they would think and reflect on the teachings of their own religion, they could escape the many problems and challenges that face them.
The Message
To non-Muslims who have only scratched the surface of Islam and may be getting distracted by those who are the wrong torch bearers of this religion and by the biased voices in the media, the message is simple – try to view the teachings of Islam with a critical lens. It may be that you will be able to see more reason than you may initially have thought was not present. To Muslims, the message is that sometimes we do not appreciate the teachings of our own religion simply because we never think and grow beyond the few religious practices in our operating lives. A focused effort to learn, think and reflect more will help us get closer to the religious teachings in ways that can drastically improve our lives.
By Based on an article at iqrasense.com
The nature of religious faith is quite mysterious. As part of their religious faiths, people believe in a variety of deities. There are people who have religious faith in the unseen supreme inimitable power, and then there are others who believe in some humans as Gods, or animals (e.g. monkeys), fire, idols made of stone, and the list goes on.
A lot is associated with having a religious “faith”. Part of it has to do with beliefs passed on through generations. People’s identities therefore get tied to it. Many times, these beliefs and associated feelings are not completely demonstrable by reason or any rational arguments. There is nothing right or wrong with this, but that’s just how the nature of religious faith has come to be.
Almost everyone thinks they are right in their faith and beliefs. Being with people and groups with similar faith further strengthens people’s faith, and they see it as right, even though logical reasoning and argument sometimes can’t explain it all. That’s simple human psychology.
Islam’s arguments based on intellectual reasoning
Muslims believe however, that the Islamic religion is different in this context. One may argue that similar to other faiths there are aspects of it which are not completely demonstrable by reason, but on the other hand the Quranic text, which is God’s words addressing humanity at large, uses intellectual reason, critical thinking, and the process of reflection as a means not only to reinforce the faith of the believers, but also to call non-believers to ponder about the authenticity of Islam as the way of life for humanity at large. Although no religious beliefs can be fully based on logic and reasoning, Islam and Quran provide more than enough examples and an opportunity to examine the truth and the soundness of its message through the lens of empirical evidence and knowledge.
No one (Muslim or otherwise) would argue that critical thinking and reflection can be a major catalyst for changing ones life. Critical thinking has been used by many to improve their lives simply because a critical thinker asks probing questions about a situation, collects as much information as possible, reflects on the ideas collected and generated in context of the information available, keeps an open and unbiased mind, and carefully scrutinizes assumptions and seeks alternatives.
This is the reason, therefore, that new Muslim converts would attribute the use of intelligent reasoning, reflection and critical thinking when explaining their journey to Islam. Such people cut through the hysteria created in the media to view Islam from a critical lens and following the truth thus comes naturally to them as part of this process. How else can one explain the increase in conversions with the increase of anti-Islamic rhetoric? How else can one explain that more non-Muslim preachers have been converting to Islam than ever before? Although, as Muslims, we believe that guidance comes only from Allah, the use of a person’s God-gifted intellectual reasoning has a very powerful role to play in Muslim converts making that destiny changing decision. And once converted, they rarely go back to their old faiths, simply because a faith whose foundations are built on logic and reason is much less likely to be shaken down than one which simply builds upon a set of rites and sacraments.
Reasons attributed by new Converts
Some of the reasons given why people convert to Islam are the eloquence of the Quran’s language, its overwhelming scientific evidence and proofs, arguments rooted in intellectual reasoning, and the Divine wisdom behind various social issues. The uniqueness and beauty of the Quran’s text has been marveled by the best of Arab linguists and scholars, both Muslim and otherwise, from the days it was revealed until today. The more knowledgeable people are in the language, the more they appreciate the wonders of the textual fluency of the Quran. Revealed more than 1400 years ago, the Quran also has numerous scientific facts that are being validated by science only in this era. Furthermore, it is the only known religious text that challenges mankind to think, reflect and ponder over the creation at large, social issues, God’s existence, and more. The Quran, in many instances, challenges people to reflect and think on their own, rather than heeding the loose talk of those whose criticism is based on baseless foundations. Finally, the Quran provides a solution to numerous social issues, deviation from which has been known to cause societal chaos at all levels.
The Quran is a confident assertion of a Supreme Being; the only known religious book that has a confident assertion of a Supreme Being on all issues ranging from the creation of the universe to most particular components of the social milieu. Moreover, its Divine Text - the language and prose of the Quran - is very different from the language in the Prophet’s sayings, which demonstrates that the Quran is not from the creative imagination or inspired words of Prophet Muhammad, as many doubters have alleged in the past, and continue to do even today.
We can see that most of these reasons can only be attributed to the process of critical thinking and intellectual reflection. However, cold reasoning is not enough. The heart has to be engaged in the search: a search whose aim is to reach for the truth at its core. No wonder, then, that when such sincere people hear the Quran for the first time, and understand it, they say:
“We believe in it; surely, it is the Truth from our Lord. Indeed, even before it, we were Muslims!” (Quran 25:53)
The Quran challenges humanity at large to think, reflect and ponder over their affairs on numerous occasions. This is some of what the Quran states:
· Thus do We explain the verses (and their signification) in detail for the people who reflect. (Jonah, Quran 10:24)
· Do they not think deeply about their own selves (being)? God has created not the heavens and the Earth and all that is between them except with truth and for an appointed term. And indeed many of mankind deny the Meeting with their Lord. (The-Romans, Quran 30:8)
· He it is Who has appointed for you the night that you may rest therein, and the day to make things visible. Verily, in this are signs for a people who listen. (Jonah, Quran 10:67)
· Does man think that he will be left to no purpose? (The Resurrection, Quran 75:36)
· Did you think that We had created you in play, and that you would not be brought back to Us?” (The Believers, Quran 23:115)
· Or do you think that most of them hear or understand? They are only like cattle; nay, they are even farther astray from the Path. (The Criterion, Quran 25:44)
· Do they not reflect? There is no madness in their companion (Muhammad). He is but a plain Warner. (The Heights, Quran 7:184)
· Had We sent down this Quran on a mountain, you would surely have seen it humbling itself and rending asunder for the fear of God. Such are the parables which We put forward to mankind that they may reflect. (The Overcrowding, Quran 59:21)
When studying the many cases of new Muslim converts, we see that engaging in critical thinking and intellectual reasoning have led people to change their non-Islamic faiths – the same faiths that would earlier supposedly have moved mountains, but were diluted by the voice of reason easily heard in the roots of Islam. A mere process of thinking and reflection brings so much into light that otherwise would remain veiled by the distractions and forces of anti-Islam pundits. Those who are bent on seeing only the negative fail to see the light of truth. Rather, they engage in a never ending superficial analysis to unsuccessfully prove their misguided philosophies.
There are many statistics in the media that highlight the phenomenal rate at which people are converting to Islam. Although, the authenticity of all these sources has not been validated for the purpose of this article, some of them include the following:
· According to “The Almanac Book of Facts”, the population increased 137% within the past decade, Christianity increased 46%, while Islam increased 235%.
· 100,000 people per year in America alone, are converting to Islam. For every 1 male convert to Islam, 4 females convert to Islam
· TV Report: 4,000 Germans Convert To ISLAM Each Year
· About 25,000 people convert to Islam every year in the UK alone
· …many more examples exist.
What about Muslims?
If voices of reason embedded in the teachings of Islam are causing non-Muslims to revert to Islam in droves, why is it that so many Muslims born into the religion usually fail to fully follow, and thus enjoy, the teachings of the religion? The fact is that it may just be the lack of critical thinking and reflection on the part of some Muslims that is forcing the Muslim world to have a substandard way of life as a whole. Islam and its teachings hold the promise of a fulfilling and peaceful life for all. Yet Muslims continue to ignore the basics and get mired in social and moral issues causing unnecessary pain and suffering on themselves and their families. The fact is that only if they would think and reflect on the teachings of their own religion, they could escape the many problems and challenges that face them.
The Message
To non-Muslims who have only scratched the surface of Islam and may be getting distracted by those who are the wrong torch bearers of this religion and by the biased voices in the media, the message is simple – try to view the teachings of Islam with a critical lens. It may be that you will be able to see more reason than you may initially have thought was not present. To Muslims, the message is that sometimes we do not appreciate the teachings of our own religion simply because we never think and grow beyond the few religious practices in our operating lives. A focused effort to learn, think and reflect more will help us get closer to the religious teachings in ways that can drastically improve our lives.
Morality and Ethics in Islam
From: www.islamreligion.com
By Khalid Latif (edited by IslamReligion)
Islam is a comprehensive way of life, and morality is one of the cornerstones Islam. Morality is one of the fundamental sources of a nation’s strength, just as immorality is one of the main causes of a nation’s decline. Islam has established some universal fundamental rights for humanity as a whole, which are to be observed in all circumstances. To uphold these rights, Islam has provided not only legal safeguards, but also a very effective moral system. Thus, whatever leads to the welfare of the individual or the society and does not oppose any maxims of the religion is morally good in Islam, and whatever is harmful is morally bad.
Given its importance in a healthy society, Islam supports morality and matters that lead to it, and stands in the way of corruption and matters that lead to it. The guiding principle for the behavior of a Muslim is “Virtuous Deeds”. This term covers all deeds, not only acts of worship. The Guardian and Judge of all deeds is God Himself.
The most fundamental characteristics of a Muslim are piety and humility. A Muslim must be humble with God and with other people:
“And turn not your face away from people (with pride), nor walk in insolence through the earth. Verily, God likes not each arrogant boaster. And be moderate (or show no insolence) in your walking, and lower your voice. Verily, the harshest of all voices is the voice (braying) of the ass.” (Quran 31:18-19)
Muslims must be in controls of their passions and desires.
A Muslim should not be vain or attached to the ephemeral pleasures of this world. While most people allow the material world to fill their hearts, Muslims should keep God in their hearts and the material world in their hand. Instead of being attached to the car and the job and the diploma and the bank account, all these things become tools to make us better people.
“The Day whereon neither wealth nor sons will avail, but only he (will prosper) that brings to God a sound heart.” (Quran: 26:88-89)
Principles of Morality in Islam
God sums up righteousness in verse 177 of Surat Al Baqarah:
“It is not righteousness that you turn your faces towards East or West; but it is righteousness (the quality of ) the one who believes in God and the Last Day and the Angels, and the Book, and the Messengers; who spends of his wealth, in spite of love for it, to the kinsfolk, to the orphans, to the needy, to the wayfarer, to those who ask and for the freeing of slaves; and who is steadfast in prayers, and gives Zakah (Alms); and those who fulfill their covenants which they made; and who are patient and perseverant in poverty and ailment and throughout all periods of fighting. Such are the people of truth, the pious.”
This verse teaches us that righteousness and piety is based before all else on a true and sincere faith. The key to virtue and good conduct is a strong relation with God, who sees all, at all times and everywhere. He knows the secrets of the hearts and the intentions behind all actions. Therefore, a Muslim must be moral in all circumstances; God is aware of each one when no one else is. If we deceive everyone, we cannot deceive Him. We can flee from anyone, but not from Him. The love and continuous awareness of God and the Day of Judgment enables man to be moral in conduct and sincere in intentions, with devotion and dedication:
“Indeed, the most honorable among you in the sight of God is the most pious.” (Quran 49:13)
Then come deeds of charity to others, especially giving things we love. This, like acts of worship, prayers and Zakah (mandatory alms), is an integral part of worship. A righteous person must be reliable and trustworthy.
Finally, their faith must be firm and should not wane when faced with adversity. Morality must be strong to vanquish corruption:
“And God loves those who are firm and steadfast.”
Patience is often hardest and most beautiful when it’s against one’s own desires or anger:
“And march forth toward forgiveness from your Lord, and for Paradise as wide as are the heavens and the earth, prepared for the pious. Those who spend (in the way of God) in prosperity and in adversity, who repress anger, and who pardon people; verily, God loves the doers of the good deeds.” (Quran 3:133)
These three acts are among the hardest things for most people, but they are also the key to forgiveness and to paradise. Are they not the best, those who are able to exercise charity when they are in need themselves, control when they are angry and forgiveness when they are wronged?
This is the standard by which actions are judged as good or bad. By making pleasing God the objective of every Muslim, Islam has set the highest possible standard of morality.
Morality in Islam addresses every aspect of a Muslim’s life, from greetings to international relations. It is universal in its scope and in its applicability. Morality reigns in selfish desires, vanity and bad habits. Muslims must not only be virtuous, but they must also enjoin virtue. They must not only refrain from evil and vice, but they must also forbid them. In other words, they must not only be morally healthy, but they must also contribute to the moral health of society as a whole.
“You are the best of the nations raised up for (the benefit of) men; you enjoin what is right and forbid the wrong and believe in God; and if the followers of the Book had believed it would have been better for them; of them (some) are believers and most of them are transgressors.” (Quran: 3:110)
The Prophet, may the mercy and blessings of God be upon him, summarized the conduct of a Muslim when he said:
“My Sustainer has given me nine commands: to remain conscious of God, whether in private or in public; to speak justly, whether angry or pleased; to show moderation both when poor and when rich, to reunite friendship with those who have broken off with me; to give to him who refuses me; that my silence should be occupied with thought; that my looking should be an admonition; and that I should command what is right.”
By Khalid Latif (edited by IslamReligion)
Islam is a comprehensive way of life, and morality is one of the cornerstones Islam. Morality is one of the fundamental sources of a nation’s strength, just as immorality is one of the main causes of a nation’s decline. Islam has established some universal fundamental rights for humanity as a whole, which are to be observed in all circumstances. To uphold these rights, Islam has provided not only legal safeguards, but also a very effective moral system. Thus, whatever leads to the welfare of the individual or the society and does not oppose any maxims of the religion is morally good in Islam, and whatever is harmful is morally bad.
Given its importance in a healthy society, Islam supports morality and matters that lead to it, and stands in the way of corruption and matters that lead to it. The guiding principle for the behavior of a Muslim is “Virtuous Deeds”. This term covers all deeds, not only acts of worship. The Guardian and Judge of all deeds is God Himself.
The most fundamental characteristics of a Muslim are piety and humility. A Muslim must be humble with God and with other people:
“And turn not your face away from people (with pride), nor walk in insolence through the earth. Verily, God likes not each arrogant boaster. And be moderate (or show no insolence) in your walking, and lower your voice. Verily, the harshest of all voices is the voice (braying) of the ass.” (Quran 31:18-19)
Muslims must be in controls of their passions and desires.
A Muslim should not be vain or attached to the ephemeral pleasures of this world. While most people allow the material world to fill their hearts, Muslims should keep God in their hearts and the material world in their hand. Instead of being attached to the car and the job and the diploma and the bank account, all these things become tools to make us better people.
“The Day whereon neither wealth nor sons will avail, but only he (will prosper) that brings to God a sound heart.” (Quran: 26:88-89)
Principles of Morality in Islam
God sums up righteousness in verse 177 of Surat Al Baqarah:
“It is not righteousness that you turn your faces towards East or West; but it is righteousness (the quality of ) the one who believes in God and the Last Day and the Angels, and the Book, and the Messengers; who spends of his wealth, in spite of love for it, to the kinsfolk, to the orphans, to the needy, to the wayfarer, to those who ask and for the freeing of slaves; and who is steadfast in prayers, and gives Zakah (Alms); and those who fulfill their covenants which they made; and who are patient and perseverant in poverty and ailment and throughout all periods of fighting. Such are the people of truth, the pious.”
This verse teaches us that righteousness and piety is based before all else on a true and sincere faith. The key to virtue and good conduct is a strong relation with God, who sees all, at all times and everywhere. He knows the secrets of the hearts and the intentions behind all actions. Therefore, a Muslim must be moral in all circumstances; God is aware of each one when no one else is. If we deceive everyone, we cannot deceive Him. We can flee from anyone, but not from Him. The love and continuous awareness of God and the Day of Judgment enables man to be moral in conduct and sincere in intentions, with devotion and dedication:
“Indeed, the most honorable among you in the sight of God is the most pious.” (Quran 49:13)
Then come deeds of charity to others, especially giving things we love. This, like acts of worship, prayers and Zakah (mandatory alms), is an integral part of worship. A righteous person must be reliable and trustworthy.
Finally, their faith must be firm and should not wane when faced with adversity. Morality must be strong to vanquish corruption:
“And God loves those who are firm and steadfast.”
Patience is often hardest and most beautiful when it’s against one’s own desires or anger:
“And march forth toward forgiveness from your Lord, and for Paradise as wide as are the heavens and the earth, prepared for the pious. Those who spend (in the way of God) in prosperity and in adversity, who repress anger, and who pardon people; verily, God loves the doers of the good deeds.” (Quran 3:133)
These three acts are among the hardest things for most people, but they are also the key to forgiveness and to paradise. Are they not the best, those who are able to exercise charity when they are in need themselves, control when they are angry and forgiveness when they are wronged?
This is the standard by which actions are judged as good or bad. By making pleasing God the objective of every Muslim, Islam has set the highest possible standard of morality.
Morality in Islam addresses every aspect of a Muslim’s life, from greetings to international relations. It is universal in its scope and in its applicability. Morality reigns in selfish desires, vanity and bad habits. Muslims must not only be virtuous, but they must also enjoin virtue. They must not only refrain from evil and vice, but they must also forbid them. In other words, they must not only be morally healthy, but they must also contribute to the moral health of society as a whole.
“You are the best of the nations raised up for (the benefit of) men; you enjoin what is right and forbid the wrong and believe in God; and if the followers of the Book had believed it would have been better for them; of them (some) are believers and most of them are transgressors.” (Quran: 3:110)
The Prophet, may the mercy and blessings of God be upon him, summarized the conduct of a Muslim when he said:
“My Sustainer has given me nine commands: to remain conscious of God, whether in private or in public; to speak justly, whether angry or pleased; to show moderation both when poor and when rich, to reunite friendship with those who have broken off with me; to give to him who refuses me; that my silence should be occupied with thought; that my looking should be an admonition; and that I should command what is right.”
Monday, December 22, 2008
Arabs lavish jewels on Secretary of State Rice
From: http://www.yahoo.com/
By MATTHEW LEE, Associated Press
WASHINGTON – President George W. Bush's foreign policies may be unpopular in the Middle East, but Arab leaders showered his top diplomat with jewelry worth far more than a quarter of a million dollars last year.
While Bush himself didn't fare nearly as well, Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice raked in at least $316,000 in gem-encrusted baubles from the kings of Jordan and Saudi Arabia alone, making her one of top recipients among U.S. officials of gifts from foreign heads of state and government and their aides in 2007.
In January, Jordan's King Abdullah II gave Rice an emerald and diamond necklace, ring, bracelet and earrings estimated to be worth $147,000, according to the State Department's annual inventory of such items released Monday just in time for Christmas.
The king and his wife, Queen Rania, also gave Rice a less expensive necklace and earrings along with a jewelry box valued at $4,630, the document shows.
Not to be outdone, King Abdullah of Saudi Arabia presented Rice with a ruby and diamond necklace with matching earrings, bracelet and ring worth $165,000 in July. The inventory also includes a $170,000 flower petal motif necklace the Saudi monarch gave to Rice in 2005, which the department says was not previously disclosed.
From the same Arab leaders, Bush received just over $100,000 in gifts in 2007, the list shows.
Other gifts include an $85,000 sapphire and diamond jewelry set and $10,000 piece of artwork depicting a desert scene of bedouins, camels and a tent made of gold given to first lady Laura Bush by Saudi King Abdullah.
Unfortunately for the Bushes, Rice and other recipients, they won't be able to enjoy the gifts as they have been turned over to the General Services Administration and government archives in accordance with federal law, which bars officials from accepting personal presents in almost all circumstances.
The inventory, prepared by State Department's Office of Protocol, catalogues all gifts given to top administration officials. The presents range from the modest — a $6 assortment of nuts and dried fruit from the Dalai Lama to Mrs. Bush — to the extravagant — Rice's jewelry — and the odd — a $570 Brush Cutter with "comfort grip handles" from the Swedish prime minister to the president, presumably for use at his ranch in Crawford, Texas.
Bush got a $150 bronze platypus paperweight from an Australian official. The prime minister of Singapore gave Bush $450 worth of fitness equipment, including a "uSurf Wave Action Exerciser" and an "iGallop Core and Abs Exerciser," according to the documents, which offer a window into the tastes of foreign leaders.
The wife of Japan's former prime minister Shinzo Abe appears to be an animal lover, having given Laura Bush two red, white and blue hand-embroidered pillows with American flag designs and the names and images of first dogs Barney and Miss Beazley worth $100 last year.
She also gave the first lady a $700 porcelain Limoges box with the two pets painted on it and a stuffed black fleece Scotty toy valued at $100, the inventory shows.
Some gifts reflect the recipient's specialty. Gen. Peter Pace, the former chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff received two machine guns — one mounted — worth $1,300 from his Colombian and Russian counterparts, while Defense Secretary Robert Gates got a $3,200 decorative Arab knife from a Bahraini official and a steel dagger valued at $345 from the Jordanian king.
The source of gifts to U.S. intelligence officials is classified, but CIA chief Michael Hayden took in $8,000 in gifts, including a sword, fountain pen and silk rug, in 2007.
Blogger comment:
This tell you the American system allow the Americans to have these gifts to their people and meanwhile it tell you how the Arab tyrants would love to shower the westerns with gifts. President Clinton had a lot of money to his global initiative which is for good cause. However the tyrants would love to make any pleasing to people in power. I have no problems with gifts but intentions.
By MATTHEW LEE, Associated Press
WASHINGTON – President George W. Bush's foreign policies may be unpopular in the Middle East, but Arab leaders showered his top diplomat with jewelry worth far more than a quarter of a million dollars last year.
While Bush himself didn't fare nearly as well, Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice raked in at least $316,000 in gem-encrusted baubles from the kings of Jordan and Saudi Arabia alone, making her one of top recipients among U.S. officials of gifts from foreign heads of state and government and their aides in 2007.
In January, Jordan's King Abdullah II gave Rice an emerald and diamond necklace, ring, bracelet and earrings estimated to be worth $147,000, according to the State Department's annual inventory of such items released Monday just in time for Christmas.
The king and his wife, Queen Rania, also gave Rice a less expensive necklace and earrings along with a jewelry box valued at $4,630, the document shows.
Not to be outdone, King Abdullah of Saudi Arabia presented Rice with a ruby and diamond necklace with matching earrings, bracelet and ring worth $165,000 in July. The inventory also includes a $170,000 flower petal motif necklace the Saudi monarch gave to Rice in 2005, which the department says was not previously disclosed.
From the same Arab leaders, Bush received just over $100,000 in gifts in 2007, the list shows.
Other gifts include an $85,000 sapphire and diamond jewelry set and $10,000 piece of artwork depicting a desert scene of bedouins, camels and a tent made of gold given to first lady Laura Bush by Saudi King Abdullah.
Unfortunately for the Bushes, Rice and other recipients, they won't be able to enjoy the gifts as they have been turned over to the General Services Administration and government archives in accordance with federal law, which bars officials from accepting personal presents in almost all circumstances.
The inventory, prepared by State Department's Office of Protocol, catalogues all gifts given to top administration officials. The presents range from the modest — a $6 assortment of nuts and dried fruit from the Dalai Lama to Mrs. Bush — to the extravagant — Rice's jewelry — and the odd — a $570 Brush Cutter with "comfort grip handles" from the Swedish prime minister to the president, presumably for use at his ranch in Crawford, Texas.
Bush got a $150 bronze platypus paperweight from an Australian official. The prime minister of Singapore gave Bush $450 worth of fitness equipment, including a "uSurf Wave Action Exerciser" and an "iGallop Core and Abs Exerciser," according to the documents, which offer a window into the tastes of foreign leaders.
The wife of Japan's former prime minister Shinzo Abe appears to be an animal lover, having given Laura Bush two red, white and blue hand-embroidered pillows with American flag designs and the names and images of first dogs Barney and Miss Beazley worth $100 last year.
She also gave the first lady a $700 porcelain Limoges box with the two pets painted on it and a stuffed black fleece Scotty toy valued at $100, the inventory shows.
Some gifts reflect the recipient's specialty. Gen. Peter Pace, the former chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff received two machine guns — one mounted — worth $1,300 from his Colombian and Russian counterparts, while Defense Secretary Robert Gates got a $3,200 decorative Arab knife from a Bahraini official and a steel dagger valued at $345 from the Jordanian king.
The source of gifts to U.S. intelligence officials is classified, but CIA chief Michael Hayden took in $8,000 in gifts, including a sword, fountain pen and silk rug, in 2007.
Blogger comment:
This tell you the American system allow the Americans to have these gifts to their people and meanwhile it tell you how the Arab tyrants would love to shower the westerns with gifts. President Clinton had a lot of money to his global initiative which is for good cause. However the tyrants would love to make any pleasing to people in power. I have no problems with gifts but intentions.
Saturday, December 20, 2008
You ask & the Qur'an answers
From: http://www.thetruecall.com/
By: Mohammed Yahya Al-Toom
1) Who is the creator ?
Allah, it is he Who has made for you the earth as a dwelling place and the sky as a canopy . and has given you shape and made your shapes good (looking) and has provided you with good things. That is Allah, your Lord : so Blessed be Allah, the Lord of the Alamin (mankind, jinn and all that exists). The Holy Qur'an, Chapter 40, Verse 64
He created you (all) from a single person (Adam) ; then made from him his wife {Hawwa , (Eve)} . and He has sent down for you of cattle eight pairs (of the sheep , two , male and female ; of the goats , two , male and female of the oxen , two , male and female and of the camels, two, male and female) . He creates you in the wombs of your mothers : creation after creation in there veils of darkness. Such is Allah your Lord His is the Kingdom . La ilaha illa Huwa (none has the right to be worshipped but He). How then are you turned away ? The Holy Qur'an, Chapter 39, Verse 6
Indeed your Lord is Allah, Who created the heavens and the earth in six days, and then He rose over (Istawa) the Throne (really in manner that suits His Majesty) . He brings the night as a cover over the day, seeking it rapidly , and (He created) the sun, the moon, the stars subjected to His Command. Surely, His is the Creation and Commandment. Blessed is Allah, the Lord of the Alamin (mankind, jinn and all that exists)! The Holy Qur'an, Chapter 7, Verse 54
Such is Allah, your Lord in truth. So after the truth, what else can there be, save error ? How then are you turned away ? The Holy Qur'an, Chapter 10, Verse 32
2) Who is Allah ?
He is Allah beside Whom La Ilaha Illa Huwa (none has the right to be worshipped but He), the King, the Holy, the one Free from all defects, the Giver of security, the Watcher over His creatures, the All-Mighty, the Compeller, the Supreme. Glory, be to Allah! (High is He) above all that they associate as partners with Him . The Holy Qur'an, Chapter 59, Verse 23
He is Allah, the creator, the Inventor of of all things, the Bestower of forms. To Him belong the Best Names. All that is in the heavens and the earth glorify Him. And He is the All-Mighty, the All-Wise . The Holy Qur'an, Chapter 59, Verse 24
“Verily! I am Allah! La ilaha illa Ana (none has the right to be worshipped but I), So worship Me, and perform As-Salat (Iqamat-as-Salat) for My Remembrance.The Holy Qur'an, Chapter 20, Verse 14
Allah! La ilaha illa Huwa (none has the right to be worshipped but He), Al-Hayyul-Qayyuum (the Ever Living the One Who sustains and protects all that exists). Neither slumber nor sleep overtakes Him. To Him belongs whatever is in the heavens and whatever is on the earth .Who is he that can intercede with Him except with His Permission ? He Knows what happens to them (His creatures) in this world, and what will happen to them in the Hereafter. And they will never compass any thing of His Knowledge except that which He wills. His Kursi extends over the heavens and the earth and He feels no fatigue in guarding and preserving them. And He is the Most High, the Most Great. (This Verse 2:255 is called Ayat-ul-Kursi) .The Holy Qur'an, Chapter 2, Verse 255
He merges the night into the day (i.e.the decrease in the hours of the night is added to the hours of the day), and He merges the day into the night (i.e. the decrease in the hours of the day is added the hours of the night). And has subjected the sun and the moon: each runs its course for a term appointed. Such is Allah, your Lord; His is the Kingdom , And those, whom you invoke or call upon instead of Him, own not even a Qitmir (the thin membrane over the date-stone). The Holy Qur'an, Chapter 35, Verse 13
Allah bears witness that La ilaha illa Huwa (none has the right to be worshipped but He), and the angels, and those having knowledge (also give this witness); (He always) maintains His creation in justice La ilaha illa Huwa (none has the right to be worshipped but He), the All-Mighty, the All-Wise. The Holy Qur'an, Chapter 3, Verse 18 Truly! Allah is my Lord and your Lord, so worship Him (Alone). This is the straight Path. The Holy Qur'an, Chapter 3, Verse 51
3) Did you think that Allah created you only for play and without any purpose ?
“Did you think that We had created you in play (without any purpose), and that you would not be brought back to Us?” The Holy Qur'an, Chapter 3, Verse 115
4) For what did Allah create mankind ?
And I (Allah) created not the jinn and mankind except that they should worship Me (Alone). The Holy Qur'an, Chapter 51, Verse 56
5) What did Allah command us to do ?
Verily! Allah commands that you should render back the trusts to those to whom they are due; and that when you judge between men, you judge with justice. Verily, how excellent is the teaching with He (Allah) gives you! Truly, Allah is Ever All-Hearer, All-Seer. The Holy Qur'an, Chapter 4, Verse 58
Say (O Muhammad pbuh ) : “Come, I will recite what your Lord has prohibited you from: be Join not anything in worship with Him; be good and dutiful to your parents; Kill not your children because of poverty – We provide sustenance for you and for them; come not near to Al-Fawahish (shameful sins, illegal sexual intercourse) whether committed openly or secretly; and kill not anyone whom Allah has forbidden, except for a just cause (according to Islamic law). This He has commanded you that you may understand. The Holy Qur'an, Chapter 6, Verse 151
6) From where shall we seek guidance?
In the Name of Allah, the Most. Gracious, the Most Merciful.All the praises and thanks be to Allah, the Lord of the Alamin (mankind, jinn and all that exists).The Most Gracious, the Most Merciful .The Only Owner (and the only Ruling judge) of the Day of Recompense (i.e the Day of Resurrection)You (Alone) we worship, and You (Alone) we ask for help (for each and everything).Guide us to the Straight Way.The Holy Qur'an, Chapter 1, Verses 1-6
7) Who shall we invoke in time of disaster?
And when they embark on a ship, they invoke Allah, making their Faith pure for Him Only: but when He brings them safely to land, behold they give a share of their worship to others . The Holy Qur'an, Chapter 29, Verse 65
And when harm touches man, he invokes Us, lying on his side, or sitting or standing. But when We have removed his harm from him, he passes on as if he had never invoked Us for a harm that touched him! Thus it is made fair-seeming to the Musrifun that which they used to do. The Holy Qur'an, Chapter 10, Verse 12
8) What happened to the previous nations when they disobeyed Allah ?
So We punished each (of them) for his sins; of them were some on whom We sent Hasib (a violent wind with shower of stones) (as on the people of Lut (Lot) , and of them were some who were overtaken by As-saihah (torment – awful cry. (as Thamud or Shuabs people), and of them were some whem We caused the earth to swallow (as Qarun (Korah), and of them were some whom We drowned (as the people of Nuh (Noah), or Firaun (Pharaoh) and his people). It was not Allah Who wronged them, but they wronged themselves .The Holy Qur'an, Chapter 29, Verse 40
9) Does Allah guard and save the Qur'an from corruption ?
Verily, We, it is We Who have sent down the Dhikr (i.e. the Qur'an) and surely, We will guard it (from corruption). The Holy Qur'an, Chapter 15, Verse 9
10) Who should we worship ?
“Verily! I am Allah La ilaha illa Ana (none has the right to be worshipped but I), so worship Me, and perform As-Salat (Iqamat-as-salat) for My Remembrance.The Holy Qur'an, Chapter 20, Verse 14
11) What is the religion of Allah ?
Truly, the religion with Allah is Islam. Those who were given the Scripture (Jews and Christians) did not differ except, out of mutual jealousy, after knowledge had come to them. And whoever disbelieves in the Ayat (proofs, evidences, verses, signs, revelations, etc.) of Allah, then surely, Allah is Swift in calling to account. The Holy Qur'an, Chapter 3, Verse 19
12) What is the religion accepted by Allah ?
And whoever seeks a religion other than Islam, it will never be accepted of him and in the Hereafter he will be one of the losers. The Holy Qur'an, Chapter 3, Verse 85
13) Where does the Qur'an come from ?
Likewise Allah, the All-Mighty the All-Wise sends Revelation to you (O Muhammad pbuh ) as (He sent Revelation to) those before you. The Holy Qur'an, Chapter 42, Verse 3
(Say (O Muhammad pbuh ) “Shall I seek a judge other than Allah while it is He Who has sent down unto you the book (the Qur'an), explained in detail.” Those unto whom We gave the Scripture (the Taurat (Torah) and the Injeel (Gospel) know that it is revealed from your Lord in truth. So be not you of those who doubt. The Holy Qur'an, Chapter 6, Verse 114
14) Why did Allah send messengers ?
We sent no Messenger, but to be obeyed by Allah's Leave. The Holy Qur'an, Chapter 4, Verse 64
15) Do we have to believe in all the messengers ?
The Messenger (Muhammad pbuh ) believes in what has been sent down to him from his Lord, and (so do) the believers. Each one believes in Allah, His angels, His Books, and His Messengers. (They say), “We make no distinction between one another of His Messengers” – and they say, “We hear and we obey. (We seek) Your Forgiveness, our Lord, and to You is the return (of all).” The Holy Qur'an, Chapter 2, Verse 285
16) What happened to the previous scriptures ?
Among those who are jews, there are some who displace words from (their) right places and say: “We hear your word (O Muhammad (pbuh) ) and disobey,” and “Hear and let you (O Muhammad (pbuh) ) “hear nothing.” And Raina with a twist of there tongues and as a mockery of the religion (Islam) And if only they had said: “We hear and obey”, And “Do make us understand,” it would have been better for them, and more proper; but Allah has cursed them for their disbelief, so they believe not except a few. The Holy Qur'an, Chapter 4, Verse 46
So because of their breach of their covenant, We cursed them and made their hearts grow hard. They change the words from their (right) places and have abandoned a good part of the Message that was sent to them. And you will not cease to discover deceit in them, except a few of them. But forgive them and overlook (their misdeeds). Verily, Allah loves Al-Muhsinun (good-doers). The Holy Qur'an, Chapter 5, Verse 13
17) Who is the last messenger ?
Muhammad (pbuh) is no more than a Messenger, and indeed (many) Messengers have passed away before him. If he dies or is killed, will you then turn back on your heels (as disbelievers)? And he who turns back on his heels, not the least harm will he do to Allah; and Allah will give reward to those who are grateful. The Holy Qur'an, Chapter 3, Verse 144
18) To whom did Allah send the last messenger Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) ?
And We have not sent you (O Muhammad pbuh ) except as a giver of glad tidings and a warner to all mankind, but most of men know not. The Holy Qur'an, Chapter 34, Verse 28
19) What did Allah prepare for those among the Jews and Christians who believe ?
O you who believe (in Musa (moses) (i.e. Jews) and Isa (Jesus) (i.e. Christians)! Fear Allah, and believe in His Messenger (Muhammad (pbuh) ), He will give you a double portion of His Mercy, and He will give you a light by which you shall walk (straight). And He will forgive you. And Allah is Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful. The Holy Qur'an, Chapter 57, Verse 28
20) What is the likeness of lsa (Jesus) before Allah ?
Verily, the likeness of Isa (Jesus) bofore Allah is the likeness of Adam. He created him from dust, then (He) said to him: “Be” – and he was. The Holy Qur'an, Chapter 3, Verse 59
21) What did Allah say about Mary ?
And (remember) when the angels said: “(O Maryam (Mary)! Verily, Allah has chosen you, purified you (from polytheism and disbelief), and chosen you above the women of the Alamin (mankind and jinn) (of her lifetime).” O Mary! “Submit yourself with obedience to your Lord (Allah), by worshipping none but Him Alone) and prostrate yourself, and Irkai (bow down) along with ArRakiun (those who bow down).” This is apart of the news of the Ghaib (unseen, i.e. the news of the past national of which you have no knowledge) which We reveal to you (O Muhammad (pbuh) ) You were not with them, when they cast lots with their pens as to which of them should be charged with the care of Maryam (Mary); nor were you with them when they disputed. (Remember) when the angels said: “O Maryam (Mary)! Verily, Allah gives you the glad tidings of a Word (“Be”- and he was! I.e. Isa (Jesus) the son of Maryam (Mary), from Him, his name will be the Messiah Isa (Jesus), the son of Maryam (Mary), held in honour in this world and in the Hereafter, and will be one of those who are near to Allah.” “He will speak to the people in the cradle and in manhood and he one of the righteous .” She said: “O my Lord! How shall I have a son when no man has touched me.” He said: “So (it will be) for Allah creates what He wills. When He has decreed something, He says to it only: “Be!” – and it is. The Holy Qur'an, Chapter 3, Verses 42-47
22) Was Jesus crucified and died on the cross ?
And because of their saying (in boast), “We killed Messiah Isa (Jesus), son of Maryam (Mary), the Messenger of Allah,” – But they killed him not, nor crucified him, but they resemblance of Isa (Jesus) was put over another man (and they Killed that man), and those who differ therein are full of doubts. They have no (certain) knowledge, they follow nothing but conjecture. For surely; they killed him not (i.e. Isa (Jesus), son of Maryam (Mary) ). But Allah raised him (Isa (Jesus) up (with his body and soul) unto Himself (and he (as) is in the heavens). And Allah is Ever All-Powerful All-Wise. The Holy Qur'an, Chapter 4, Verses 157-158
23) Was Jesus the son of God ( Allah ) ?
Say (O Muhammad (pbuh)): “He is Allah, (the) One. (Allah the self-Sufficient Master, Whom all creatures need, (He neither eats nor drinks). He begets not, nor was He begotten. And there is none co-equal or comparable unto Him. The Holy Qur'an, Chapter 112, Verses 1-4
24) How could you be secure ?
It is those who believe (in the Oneness of Allah and worship none but Him Alone) and confuse not their belief with Zulm (wrong i.e. by worshipping others beside Allah), for them (only) there is security and they are the guided. The Holy Qur'an, Chapter 6, Verse 82
25) What is the life of this world ?
Know that the life of this world is only play and amusement, pomp and mutual boasting among you, and rivalry in respect of wealth and children. (It is) as the likeness of vegetation after rain, thereof the growth is pleasing to the tiller; afterwards it dries up and you see it turning yellow; then it becomes straw. But in the Hereafter (there is) a severe torment (for the disbelievers – evil-doers), and (there is) Forgiveness from Allah and (His) Good Pleasure (for the believers – good-doers). And the life of this world is only a deceiving enjoyment. The Holy Qur'an, Chapter 57, Verse 20
26) Whatever of blessings and good things you have , is it from Allah ?
And whatever of blessings and good things you have, it is from Allah. Then, when harm touches you, unto Him you cry aloud for help. The Holy Qur'an, Chapter 16, Verse 53
27) How could you guarantee the blessings of Allah ?
And (remember) when your Lord proclaimed: “If give thanks (by accepting Faith and worshipping none but Allah), I will give you more (of My Blessings); but if you are thankless (i.e. disbelievers), verily My punishment is indeed sever.” The Holy Qur'an, Chapter 14, Verse 7
28) How could you save yourself from a painful torment ?
O you who believe! Shall I guide you to a trade that will save you from a painful torment? That you believe in Allah and His Messenger (Muhammad (pbuh) ). The Holy Qur'an, Chapter 61, Verses 10-11
29) Whosoever puts his trust in Allah , what will happen to him ?
And He will provide him from (sources) he never could imagine. And whosoever puts his trust in Allah then He will suffice him. Verily, Allah will accomplish his purpose. Indeed Allah has set a measure for all things. The Holy Qur'an, Chapter 65, Verse 3
30) What is the destination of the disbelievers ?
So this Day no ransom shall be taken from you (hypocrites), nor of those who disbelieved (in the Oneness of Allah – Islamic Monotheism). Your abode is the Fire. That is your maula (friend – proper place), and worst indeed is that destination. The Holy Qur'an, Chapter 57, Verse 15
31) What is the destination of the believers?
But those who believe (in the Oneness of Allah – Islamic Monotheism) and do deeds of righteousness, We shall admit them to Gardens under which rivers flow (Paradise), abiding therein forever. Therein they shall have Azwajun Mutahharatun (purified mates or wives), and We shall admit them to shades wide and ever deepening (Paradise). The Holy Qur'an, Chapter 4, Verse 57
32) How could you be happy ?
Whoever works righteousness- whether male or female – While he (or she) is a true believer (of Islamic Monotheism) verily, to him We will give a good life (in this world with respect, contentment and lawful provision), and We shall pay them certainly a reward in proportion to the best of what they used to do (i.e. Paradise in the Hereafter). The Holy Qur'an, Chapter 16, Verse 97
By: Mohammed Yahya Al-Toom
1) Who is the creator ?
Allah, it is he Who has made for you the earth as a dwelling place and the sky as a canopy . and has given you shape and made your shapes good (looking) and has provided you with good things. That is Allah, your Lord : so Blessed be Allah, the Lord of the Alamin (mankind, jinn and all that exists). The Holy Qur'an, Chapter 40, Verse 64
He created you (all) from a single person (Adam) ; then made from him his wife {Hawwa , (Eve)} . and He has sent down for you of cattle eight pairs (of the sheep , two , male and female ; of the goats , two , male and female of the oxen , two , male and female and of the camels, two, male and female) . He creates you in the wombs of your mothers : creation after creation in there veils of darkness. Such is Allah your Lord His is the Kingdom . La ilaha illa Huwa (none has the right to be worshipped but He). How then are you turned away ? The Holy Qur'an, Chapter 39, Verse 6
Indeed your Lord is Allah, Who created the heavens and the earth in six days, and then He rose over (Istawa) the Throne (really in manner that suits His Majesty) . He brings the night as a cover over the day, seeking it rapidly , and (He created) the sun, the moon, the stars subjected to His Command. Surely, His is the Creation and Commandment. Blessed is Allah, the Lord of the Alamin (mankind, jinn and all that exists)! The Holy Qur'an, Chapter 7, Verse 54
Such is Allah, your Lord in truth. So after the truth, what else can there be, save error ? How then are you turned away ? The Holy Qur'an, Chapter 10, Verse 32
2) Who is Allah ?
He is Allah beside Whom La Ilaha Illa Huwa (none has the right to be worshipped but He), the King, the Holy, the one Free from all defects, the Giver of security, the Watcher over His creatures, the All-Mighty, the Compeller, the Supreme. Glory, be to Allah! (High is He) above all that they associate as partners with Him . The Holy Qur'an, Chapter 59, Verse 23
He is Allah, the creator, the Inventor of of all things, the Bestower of forms. To Him belong the Best Names. All that is in the heavens and the earth glorify Him. And He is the All-Mighty, the All-Wise . The Holy Qur'an, Chapter 59, Verse 24
“Verily! I am Allah! La ilaha illa Ana (none has the right to be worshipped but I), So worship Me, and perform As-Salat (Iqamat-as-Salat) for My Remembrance.The Holy Qur'an, Chapter 20, Verse 14
Allah! La ilaha illa Huwa (none has the right to be worshipped but He), Al-Hayyul-Qayyuum (the Ever Living the One Who sustains and protects all that exists). Neither slumber nor sleep overtakes Him. To Him belongs whatever is in the heavens and whatever is on the earth .Who is he that can intercede with Him except with His Permission ? He Knows what happens to them (His creatures) in this world, and what will happen to them in the Hereafter. And they will never compass any thing of His Knowledge except that which He wills. His Kursi extends over the heavens and the earth and He feels no fatigue in guarding and preserving them. And He is the Most High, the Most Great. (This Verse 2:255 is called Ayat-ul-Kursi) .The Holy Qur'an, Chapter 2, Verse 255
He merges the night into the day (i.e.the decrease in the hours of the night is added to the hours of the day), and He merges the day into the night (i.e. the decrease in the hours of the day is added the hours of the night). And has subjected the sun and the moon: each runs its course for a term appointed. Such is Allah, your Lord; His is the Kingdom , And those, whom you invoke or call upon instead of Him, own not even a Qitmir (the thin membrane over the date-stone). The Holy Qur'an, Chapter 35, Verse 13
Allah bears witness that La ilaha illa Huwa (none has the right to be worshipped but He), and the angels, and those having knowledge (also give this witness); (He always) maintains His creation in justice La ilaha illa Huwa (none has the right to be worshipped but He), the All-Mighty, the All-Wise. The Holy Qur'an, Chapter 3, Verse 18 Truly! Allah is my Lord and your Lord, so worship Him (Alone). This is the straight Path. The Holy Qur'an, Chapter 3, Verse 51
3) Did you think that Allah created you only for play and without any purpose ?
“Did you think that We had created you in play (without any purpose), and that you would not be brought back to Us?” The Holy Qur'an, Chapter 3, Verse 115
4) For what did Allah create mankind ?
And I (Allah) created not the jinn and mankind except that they should worship Me (Alone). The Holy Qur'an, Chapter 51, Verse 56
5) What did Allah command us to do ?
Verily! Allah commands that you should render back the trusts to those to whom they are due; and that when you judge between men, you judge with justice. Verily, how excellent is the teaching with He (Allah) gives you! Truly, Allah is Ever All-Hearer, All-Seer. The Holy Qur'an, Chapter 4, Verse 58
Say (O Muhammad pbuh ) : “Come, I will recite what your Lord has prohibited you from: be Join not anything in worship with Him; be good and dutiful to your parents; Kill not your children because of poverty – We provide sustenance for you and for them; come not near to Al-Fawahish (shameful sins, illegal sexual intercourse) whether committed openly or secretly; and kill not anyone whom Allah has forbidden, except for a just cause (according to Islamic law). This He has commanded you that you may understand. The Holy Qur'an, Chapter 6, Verse 151
6) From where shall we seek guidance?
In the Name of Allah, the Most. Gracious, the Most Merciful.All the praises and thanks be to Allah, the Lord of the Alamin (mankind, jinn and all that exists).The Most Gracious, the Most Merciful .The Only Owner (and the only Ruling judge) of the Day of Recompense (i.e the Day of Resurrection)You (Alone) we worship, and You (Alone) we ask for help (for each and everything).Guide us to the Straight Way.The Holy Qur'an, Chapter 1, Verses 1-6
7) Who shall we invoke in time of disaster?
And when they embark on a ship, they invoke Allah, making their Faith pure for Him Only: but when He brings them safely to land, behold they give a share of their worship to others . The Holy Qur'an, Chapter 29, Verse 65
And when harm touches man, he invokes Us, lying on his side, or sitting or standing. But when We have removed his harm from him, he passes on as if he had never invoked Us for a harm that touched him! Thus it is made fair-seeming to the Musrifun that which they used to do. The Holy Qur'an, Chapter 10, Verse 12
8) What happened to the previous nations when they disobeyed Allah ?
So We punished each (of them) for his sins; of them were some on whom We sent Hasib (a violent wind with shower of stones) (as on the people of Lut (Lot) , and of them were some who were overtaken by As-saihah (torment – awful cry. (as Thamud or Shuabs people), and of them were some whem We caused the earth to swallow (as Qarun (Korah), and of them were some whom We drowned (as the people of Nuh (Noah), or Firaun (Pharaoh) and his people). It was not Allah Who wronged them, but they wronged themselves .The Holy Qur'an, Chapter 29, Verse 40
9) Does Allah guard and save the Qur'an from corruption ?
Verily, We, it is We Who have sent down the Dhikr (i.e. the Qur'an) and surely, We will guard it (from corruption). The Holy Qur'an, Chapter 15, Verse 9
10) Who should we worship ?
“Verily! I am Allah La ilaha illa Ana (none has the right to be worshipped but I), so worship Me, and perform As-Salat (Iqamat-as-salat) for My Remembrance.The Holy Qur'an, Chapter 20, Verse 14
11) What is the religion of Allah ?
Truly, the religion with Allah is Islam. Those who were given the Scripture (Jews and Christians) did not differ except, out of mutual jealousy, after knowledge had come to them. And whoever disbelieves in the Ayat (proofs, evidences, verses, signs, revelations, etc.) of Allah, then surely, Allah is Swift in calling to account. The Holy Qur'an, Chapter 3, Verse 19
12) What is the religion accepted by Allah ?
And whoever seeks a religion other than Islam, it will never be accepted of him and in the Hereafter he will be one of the losers. The Holy Qur'an, Chapter 3, Verse 85
13) Where does the Qur'an come from ?
Likewise Allah, the All-Mighty the All-Wise sends Revelation to you (O Muhammad pbuh ) as (He sent Revelation to) those before you. The Holy Qur'an, Chapter 42, Verse 3
(Say (O Muhammad pbuh ) “Shall I seek a judge other than Allah while it is He Who has sent down unto you the book (the Qur'an), explained in detail.” Those unto whom We gave the Scripture (the Taurat (Torah) and the Injeel (Gospel) know that it is revealed from your Lord in truth. So be not you of those who doubt. The Holy Qur'an, Chapter 6, Verse 114
14) Why did Allah send messengers ?
We sent no Messenger, but to be obeyed by Allah's Leave. The Holy Qur'an, Chapter 4, Verse 64
15) Do we have to believe in all the messengers ?
The Messenger (Muhammad pbuh ) believes in what has been sent down to him from his Lord, and (so do) the believers. Each one believes in Allah, His angels, His Books, and His Messengers. (They say), “We make no distinction between one another of His Messengers” – and they say, “We hear and we obey. (We seek) Your Forgiveness, our Lord, and to You is the return (of all).” The Holy Qur'an, Chapter 2, Verse 285
16) What happened to the previous scriptures ?
Among those who are jews, there are some who displace words from (their) right places and say: “We hear your word (O Muhammad (pbuh) ) and disobey,” and “Hear and let you (O Muhammad (pbuh) ) “hear nothing.” And Raina with a twist of there tongues and as a mockery of the religion (Islam) And if only they had said: “We hear and obey”, And “Do make us understand,” it would have been better for them, and more proper; but Allah has cursed them for their disbelief, so they believe not except a few. The Holy Qur'an, Chapter 4, Verse 46
So because of their breach of their covenant, We cursed them and made their hearts grow hard. They change the words from their (right) places and have abandoned a good part of the Message that was sent to them. And you will not cease to discover deceit in them, except a few of them. But forgive them and overlook (their misdeeds). Verily, Allah loves Al-Muhsinun (good-doers). The Holy Qur'an, Chapter 5, Verse 13
17) Who is the last messenger ?
Muhammad (pbuh) is no more than a Messenger, and indeed (many) Messengers have passed away before him. If he dies or is killed, will you then turn back on your heels (as disbelievers)? And he who turns back on his heels, not the least harm will he do to Allah; and Allah will give reward to those who are grateful. The Holy Qur'an, Chapter 3, Verse 144
18) To whom did Allah send the last messenger Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) ?
And We have not sent you (O Muhammad pbuh ) except as a giver of glad tidings and a warner to all mankind, but most of men know not. The Holy Qur'an, Chapter 34, Verse 28
19) What did Allah prepare for those among the Jews and Christians who believe ?
O you who believe (in Musa (moses) (i.e. Jews) and Isa (Jesus) (i.e. Christians)! Fear Allah, and believe in His Messenger (Muhammad (pbuh) ), He will give you a double portion of His Mercy, and He will give you a light by which you shall walk (straight). And He will forgive you. And Allah is Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful. The Holy Qur'an, Chapter 57, Verse 28
20) What is the likeness of lsa (Jesus) before Allah ?
Verily, the likeness of Isa (Jesus) bofore Allah is the likeness of Adam. He created him from dust, then (He) said to him: “Be” – and he was. The Holy Qur'an, Chapter 3, Verse 59
21) What did Allah say about Mary ?
And (remember) when the angels said: “(O Maryam (Mary)! Verily, Allah has chosen you, purified you (from polytheism and disbelief), and chosen you above the women of the Alamin (mankind and jinn) (of her lifetime).” O Mary! “Submit yourself with obedience to your Lord (Allah), by worshipping none but Him Alone) and prostrate yourself, and Irkai (bow down) along with ArRakiun (those who bow down).” This is apart of the news of the Ghaib (unseen, i.e. the news of the past national of which you have no knowledge) which We reveal to you (O Muhammad (pbuh) ) You were not with them, when they cast lots with their pens as to which of them should be charged with the care of Maryam (Mary); nor were you with them when they disputed. (Remember) when the angels said: “O Maryam (Mary)! Verily, Allah gives you the glad tidings of a Word (“Be”- and he was! I.e. Isa (Jesus) the son of Maryam (Mary), from Him, his name will be the Messiah Isa (Jesus), the son of Maryam (Mary), held in honour in this world and in the Hereafter, and will be one of those who are near to Allah.” “He will speak to the people in the cradle and in manhood and he one of the righteous .” She said: “O my Lord! How shall I have a son when no man has touched me.” He said: “So (it will be) for Allah creates what He wills. When He has decreed something, He says to it only: “Be!” – and it is. The Holy Qur'an, Chapter 3, Verses 42-47
22) Was Jesus crucified and died on the cross ?
And because of their saying (in boast), “We killed Messiah Isa (Jesus), son of Maryam (Mary), the Messenger of Allah,” – But they killed him not, nor crucified him, but they resemblance of Isa (Jesus) was put over another man (and they Killed that man), and those who differ therein are full of doubts. They have no (certain) knowledge, they follow nothing but conjecture. For surely; they killed him not (i.e. Isa (Jesus), son of Maryam (Mary) ). But Allah raised him (Isa (Jesus) up (with his body and soul) unto Himself (and he (as) is in the heavens). And Allah is Ever All-Powerful All-Wise. The Holy Qur'an, Chapter 4, Verses 157-158
23) Was Jesus the son of God ( Allah ) ?
Say (O Muhammad (pbuh)): “He is Allah, (the) One. (Allah the self-Sufficient Master, Whom all creatures need, (He neither eats nor drinks). He begets not, nor was He begotten. And there is none co-equal or comparable unto Him. The Holy Qur'an, Chapter 112, Verses 1-4
24) How could you be secure ?
It is those who believe (in the Oneness of Allah and worship none but Him Alone) and confuse not their belief with Zulm (wrong i.e. by worshipping others beside Allah), for them (only) there is security and they are the guided. The Holy Qur'an, Chapter 6, Verse 82
25) What is the life of this world ?
Know that the life of this world is only play and amusement, pomp and mutual boasting among you, and rivalry in respect of wealth and children. (It is) as the likeness of vegetation after rain, thereof the growth is pleasing to the tiller; afterwards it dries up and you see it turning yellow; then it becomes straw. But in the Hereafter (there is) a severe torment (for the disbelievers – evil-doers), and (there is) Forgiveness from Allah and (His) Good Pleasure (for the believers – good-doers). And the life of this world is only a deceiving enjoyment. The Holy Qur'an, Chapter 57, Verse 20
26) Whatever of blessings and good things you have , is it from Allah ?
And whatever of blessings and good things you have, it is from Allah. Then, when harm touches you, unto Him you cry aloud for help. The Holy Qur'an, Chapter 16, Verse 53
27) How could you guarantee the blessings of Allah ?
And (remember) when your Lord proclaimed: “If give thanks (by accepting Faith and worshipping none but Allah), I will give you more (of My Blessings); but if you are thankless (i.e. disbelievers), verily My punishment is indeed sever.” The Holy Qur'an, Chapter 14, Verse 7
28) How could you save yourself from a painful torment ?
O you who believe! Shall I guide you to a trade that will save you from a painful torment? That you believe in Allah and His Messenger (Muhammad (pbuh) ). The Holy Qur'an, Chapter 61, Verses 10-11
29) Whosoever puts his trust in Allah , what will happen to him ?
And He will provide him from (sources) he never could imagine. And whosoever puts his trust in Allah then He will suffice him. Verily, Allah will accomplish his purpose. Indeed Allah has set a measure for all things. The Holy Qur'an, Chapter 65, Verse 3
30) What is the destination of the disbelievers ?
So this Day no ransom shall be taken from you (hypocrites), nor of those who disbelieved (in the Oneness of Allah – Islamic Monotheism). Your abode is the Fire. That is your maula (friend – proper place), and worst indeed is that destination. The Holy Qur'an, Chapter 57, Verse 15
31) What is the destination of the believers?
But those who believe (in the Oneness of Allah – Islamic Monotheism) and do deeds of righteousness, We shall admit them to Gardens under which rivers flow (Paradise), abiding therein forever. Therein they shall have Azwajun Mutahharatun (purified mates or wives), and We shall admit them to shades wide and ever deepening (Paradise). The Holy Qur'an, Chapter 4, Verse 57
32) How could you be happy ?
Whoever works righteousness- whether male or female – While he (or she) is a true believer (of Islamic Monotheism) verily, to him We will give a good life (in this world with respect, contentment and lawful provision), and We shall pay them certainly a reward in proportion to the best of what they used to do (i.e. Paradise in the Hereafter). The Holy Qur'an, Chapter 16, Verse 97
Muhammad (PBUH) a prophet from God: Proofs
By: Maged Taman
There are a lot of proofs of the truth of Muhammad peace be upon him (PBUH) as a messenger from God, among these proofs:
1- Honesty Proof: Before the Angel Gabriel come to Muhammad (PBUH) at age of 40 years old, he was named the truthful and trustworthy in Mecca. The first two people who believed in him when he received the revelation were those who knew him the best his wife and his best friend Abu Baker. People did not hear a lie from him and even his enemies did not say the opposite (except for the message). You have to trust them if you read the history they would be happy if they can find a lie or a sin to him unrelated to the message. He was under the microscope as to speak all the time. Who would think a man who never lied to people will make the major lie that God sent him. It is put well in Quran that the worse is the one who claims falsely that he has God's revelation or that who will read God's revelation and say it is not his. More believers over the decades came to believe in his religion and Islam is the fastest growing religion.
2-Linguistic Proof: Muhammad (PBUH) was illiterate does not know how to read or write. The Quran was a very new type of Arabic style that Arab did not know before. It is not poetry but has beautiful music and nothing in Arabic literature came close to it. It is considered by all means to be a linguistic miracle. You may say but some Arabs are not Muslims I would tell you most of them did not read it and the few who red it just picked what makes their case but many who were unbiased ended to be Muslims. Hadith which is the wise sayings that Muhammad (PBUH) taught Muslims were also inspired by God but was different from Quran that if you hear both you can know which is which. Muhammad (PBUH) never known to read or write as mentioned before. I challenge any one to get non-Muslim fluent in Arabic to make up a similar to Mariam (Virgin Mary) Sura in Quran. Even people who do not speak Arabic represent 80% of Muslims.
3-Temptation Proof: Muhammad (PBUH) was tempted by the leaders of Mecca to disregard his new religion early and they promised to collect money for him to be the richest, appoint him as their king or marry the most beautiful woman he wants at a time he has only one wife who is 15 years older than him.
4-Scientific Proof: Quran has a lot of scientific facts about the universe and human body. If you hit scientific miracles in Islam in the Internet you will find a lot of sites have papers and books in this regard.
5-Biblical Proof: Muhammad (PBUH) recited in Quran the stories in the bible in a beautiful way. Moses story is recited seven times you enjoy reading it every time. Joseph story is the love of every Muslim. Muhammad (PBUH) was illiterate and practiced no religion before Islam. Some people said a Jewish man was helping him. The Quran was sent over 23 years no one saw a Jewish man teaching him, Muslims were around him everywhere. In fact the Quran came in Arabic and the Torah was in Hebrew. Same prophet and angels like in the bible and almost same message of glorifying God and avoiding major sins (most of ten commandments) and doing the good deeds. Same God of the Bible who is just stands with his people when they are righteous and leave them to their enemies when they betray him.
6-Complete Personality Proof: It is impossible that one person will gather all the characters of good manners, wisdom, bravery and nobleness. It is impossible to believe that man was a liar and a false prophet. Similarly most people tempted by Satan are not moralistic and you can see the evil in their behavior and read the lies in their faces.
7-A Glorified God Proof: Muhammad (PBUH) described a completely perfect God. A God that you expect him to be. He made all creation, knows every thing about his creation. He is the author of history and in the same time allowed man the free will to choose the good and evil. He is very powerful in his punishment and very kind in his mercy. His compassion preceded his justice. So when God's 'wrath happens people deserve it. There sins had piled up and their hearts became full of rust. Man arrogance over history continued the same. He knew what incites God's wrath and continued to do the evil deeds. Jonah (the prophet Yunis in Arabic) had promised God 's wrath to his people. They repented and God changed his plan. God gave through his prophets the best program to be humans and how to be righteous and live happy and peaceful but we fell to our sins and greed. Stress, hate and psychiatric problems are reflection of this failed civilization. Satan has tempted a lot of people from different religions including Muslims to do the evil and neglect God's path so the earth became corrupted. He also tempted them to oppress and exploit the weak and in same time make them feel the righteous
8-Loyalty Proof: The strong believe of the message of Muhammad (PBUH) besides the great love to him made Muslims willingly sacrifice his (or her) self, money or even family. When a member of one family was fighting Muhammad his brother or son would defend Muhammad. It is not a blind royalty it is a strong believe that his religion is the truth and the way to eternal happiness. Many great prophets were fighting back their enemies, the old testament is full of stories. It is the strong belief that man made to worship God and spread his civilized message to all the world.
9-Biography proof: Not only no one in history has his biography preserved as him but also no one has many of his followers eat and drink like him. His biography is well known to most Muslims. They recited his Quran, remembered his hadith, applied his teachings and imitated his manners.
10-Followers Proof: If you go to Mecca during Pilgrim you will find people that came from every race, color and country to Hajj. You will find the richest and wisest mingling with the ordinary people. All humble to his message and stand in lines to pray to his God.
11-Exponential proof: Muhammad (PBUH) real good followers were able to spread Islam many times exponentially. People accepts Islam quickly since it turns them to a new spiritual life from the material life they lived in. It is very logistic and appeals to the mind as it does to the heart. It helps them as well to establish a regime of governing that stands for honesty, justice and prevent corruption. It removes all idols and gather Muslims in God's love and obedience. There is no discrimination or suppression of non-Muslims. They are infidels only when they fight and oppress Muslims otherwise they are our brothers in humanity.
12-Suffering Proof: As most of prophets he suffered a lot. The daily harassment and oppression to him and his followers for 12 years in Mecca and the wars he endured after he left it to El Medina. Unlike most leaders he was in the front of his army. God put him through a lot of testing like he did with Abraham and he lost a lot of his children. He used to stand a good part at night to pray when most people are sleeping in bed and he fasted a lot when people were eating. If not for all these sufferings you may have some doubt or you may think the Arab made it up to invade the world.
13-Prophecy Proof: Muhammad (PBUH) has prophesied a lot of prophecies that came true. He himself was prophesied by Moses, Isiah and Jesus.
14-Miracles Proof: God avoided to prove Muhammad (PBUH)message through miracles for a good reason the message (Quran) itself is an everlasting miracle. The Quran which has its most important miracle the reasoning that makes the Quran stand the test of time and keep itself above the frame of time. Many Muslims saw few miracles as the water coming between his fingers, the blessing of food and the cloud that followed them all the way to cover their heads and protect them from the hot sun in a long trip. The wisdom of his message is to have the miracle in the message itself. Muslims read the message (Quran) daily particularly in their prayers.
15-Productivity Proof: If someone told me this man runs all the government by himself or told me this textbook of internal medicine is the experience of one author only I have to say he is a liar. Muhammad (PBUH) was the prophet, the president, the prim-minister, the chief judge, the minister of defense, the minister of finance, the minister of foreign affairs, the imam, the front soldier and the comforter of all Muslims. He would consult them for things that God left for Muhammad so Muslims learn through history to have a widespread consultation. He was teaching Koran and Hadith to his followers day and night. He was praying a long part of the night and he was fasting at least twice a week sunset to sundown in very hot desert with not drinking water through the period of fast. Besides he was a father and grandfather have more than 9 wives that he try to make peace between them. He gathered all Arabs to the message of Islam and softened their hearts to love his message and love each other in a very tough and rough culture. The stone hearted harsh Arabian turns to a very dissent loving person in days when he converts to Islam. The fighting Arab tribes became brothers and made a great civilization. As you expect with all religions Satan put again the love of power, money, greed, selfishness and animosity in their heart. When people become bad God leave for them Satan to do his work and oppress them with the worst leaders is no Islam there now but only few real Muslims. But thinks God they are growing fast now.
16-Polygamy proof: God had put Muhammad in a big test beside all missions, he had to marry after age of 51 more than 9 wives two of the wives were the daughter and brother of his enemies that were killed in wars with Muslims. No one would do that, simply he may fear they will hate him or even kill him in sleep. Besides managing one woman would be considered a life-taking job for many men. If he was not a true prophet he would never do that he will fear one of the wives may come out and say I caught him in a lie or another would say he has a temper. For me and a lot of men it is the ultimate test of prophethood. How can a man emotionally control all these wives. People knows well men who womanize start at an early age. They do not like sufferings, but pleasures and they commonly drink alcohol, enjoy food and like to have a good and peaceful life. The messenger life was very humble and full of sufferings he commonly ate few dates as the only food in a day. His marriages were more of supporting women and serving other social functions. When he was young at age of 25 he married older woman and did not have any other wife or sinned when he had all the time before his message. Muslims found it very acceptable even Muslim women who would never let their husband marry a second woman. The only problem Muslims have is the need to explain that to non-Muslims. I find it more convincing to ask the inquirer to read Muhammad (PBUH) teachings and biography first and answer that himself. Or put this question to the inquirer: suppose you are not a prophet and you came up with a faked message for a noble cause and you continued to lie to the people about this message (while keeping honest in every thing else) would not you think you will jeopardize your message if you marry more than one woman?. Muhammad (PBUH) never sinned before marriage at 25 years old or after. He married at 25 years old a woman 15 years older than him he started to have more than one wife after her death at age of 51 when most womanizers retire. These are the same times he had a lot of enemies, wars, nation affairs and much teaching and diplomacy to carry out.
17-Scholarship Proof: If I tell you that one big university Alazhar has millions of people graduated studying his religion you would agree with me that he came with a compelling knowledge deserved the intellect and curiosity of scholars. Many of the best scholars in Islam are actually non-Arabs.Thousands of books published in Islam and the Quran like the Bible the two most published and red books.
18-Fear of God Proof: Muhammad (PBUH) was well known to fear God and love him. He would pray and fast a lot and teach morality all time. How can someone fears God and in the same time would lie and bring a message that he calls it from God. It is impossible to any reasonable thinker that one man's life is fear of God and in the same time he well spend 23 years lie to people about God.
19-Persistence in message proof: Muhammad (PBUH) went through all sufferings and never gave up. The God of Quran is the same strong God when Muslims were few and weak up to the last days Muhammad (PBUH) lived in earth when Islam filled the Arab Gizera. The prophet last words while he was dying was the advise of Muslims in praying and his happiness to meet his God. If someone thinks all of these are illusion he is better to be very convincing since he will have to convince God with his argument at the day of judgment.
20-Make it up proof: after all of the above and you are still not convinced make it up try to find who could be Muhammad (PBUH). People found it so miraculous for someone to come up with this message unless he was sent by God or Satan, the great deceiver. But who would think Satan will give for 23 years a message to a man to curse Satan and praise God and to follow God's commandments. Muhammad (PBUH) always warned his followers about Satan and warned of his hate to man and his desire to have all of us deviate from God's path and to kill each other. Satan is the one who made people to be jealous and be closed minded to the message of Islam. They fought Muhammad (PBUH) and gathered all Arab against him. If not for fighting back and defense this religion could have died 1400 years ago. It is reasonable to have the message that come after Christianity to be strongly defensive since Christians were persecuted harshly and before them the Jews. Through history both Muslims and Christians used holy wars for material reasons that have nothing to do with their messages.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vr8DR8frP_s
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vVG6uW9gNwI
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=llpPQkdrLCQ&NR=1
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ovylbsLYcwc&feature=related
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LwYMwPer1rA&feature=related
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1WW_kmhTcHI&feature=related
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D1xq8L5rqlo&feature=related
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_NFL-EfDVEw&feature=related
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NjJG_eTFaH0&feature=related
There are a lot of proofs of the truth of Muhammad peace be upon him (PBUH) as a messenger from God, among these proofs:
1- Honesty Proof: Before the Angel Gabriel come to Muhammad (PBUH) at age of 40 years old, he was named the truthful and trustworthy in Mecca. The first two people who believed in him when he received the revelation were those who knew him the best his wife and his best friend Abu Baker. People did not hear a lie from him and even his enemies did not say the opposite (except for the message). You have to trust them if you read the history they would be happy if they can find a lie or a sin to him unrelated to the message. He was under the microscope as to speak all the time. Who would think a man who never lied to people will make the major lie that God sent him. It is put well in Quran that the worse is the one who claims falsely that he has God's revelation or that who will read God's revelation and say it is not his. More believers over the decades came to believe in his religion and Islam is the fastest growing religion.
2-Linguistic Proof: Muhammad (PBUH) was illiterate does not know how to read or write. The Quran was a very new type of Arabic style that Arab did not know before. It is not poetry but has beautiful music and nothing in Arabic literature came close to it. It is considered by all means to be a linguistic miracle. You may say but some Arabs are not Muslims I would tell you most of them did not read it and the few who red it just picked what makes their case but many who were unbiased ended to be Muslims. Hadith which is the wise sayings that Muhammad (PBUH) taught Muslims were also inspired by God but was different from Quran that if you hear both you can know which is which. Muhammad (PBUH) never known to read or write as mentioned before. I challenge any one to get non-Muslim fluent in Arabic to make up a similar to Mariam (Virgin Mary) Sura in Quran. Even people who do not speak Arabic represent 80% of Muslims.
3-Temptation Proof: Muhammad (PBUH) was tempted by the leaders of Mecca to disregard his new religion early and they promised to collect money for him to be the richest, appoint him as their king or marry the most beautiful woman he wants at a time he has only one wife who is 15 years older than him.
4-Scientific Proof: Quran has a lot of scientific facts about the universe and human body. If you hit scientific miracles in Islam in the Internet you will find a lot of sites have papers and books in this regard.
5-Biblical Proof: Muhammad (PBUH) recited in Quran the stories in the bible in a beautiful way. Moses story is recited seven times you enjoy reading it every time. Joseph story is the love of every Muslim. Muhammad (PBUH) was illiterate and practiced no religion before Islam. Some people said a Jewish man was helping him. The Quran was sent over 23 years no one saw a Jewish man teaching him, Muslims were around him everywhere. In fact the Quran came in Arabic and the Torah was in Hebrew. Same prophet and angels like in the bible and almost same message of glorifying God and avoiding major sins (most of ten commandments) and doing the good deeds. Same God of the Bible who is just stands with his people when they are righteous and leave them to their enemies when they betray him.
6-Complete Personality Proof: It is impossible that one person will gather all the characters of good manners, wisdom, bravery and nobleness. It is impossible to believe that man was a liar and a false prophet. Similarly most people tempted by Satan are not moralistic and you can see the evil in their behavior and read the lies in their faces.
7-A Glorified God Proof: Muhammad (PBUH) described a completely perfect God. A God that you expect him to be. He made all creation, knows every thing about his creation. He is the author of history and in the same time allowed man the free will to choose the good and evil. He is very powerful in his punishment and very kind in his mercy. His compassion preceded his justice. So when God's 'wrath happens people deserve it. There sins had piled up and their hearts became full of rust. Man arrogance over history continued the same. He knew what incites God's wrath and continued to do the evil deeds. Jonah (the prophet Yunis in Arabic) had promised God 's wrath to his people. They repented and God changed his plan. God gave through his prophets the best program to be humans and how to be righteous and live happy and peaceful but we fell to our sins and greed. Stress, hate and psychiatric problems are reflection of this failed civilization. Satan has tempted a lot of people from different religions including Muslims to do the evil and neglect God's path so the earth became corrupted. He also tempted them to oppress and exploit the weak and in same time make them feel the righteous
8-Loyalty Proof: The strong believe of the message of Muhammad (PBUH) besides the great love to him made Muslims willingly sacrifice his (or her) self, money or even family. When a member of one family was fighting Muhammad his brother or son would defend Muhammad. It is not a blind royalty it is a strong believe that his religion is the truth and the way to eternal happiness. Many great prophets were fighting back their enemies, the old testament is full of stories. It is the strong belief that man made to worship God and spread his civilized message to all the world.
9-Biography proof: Not only no one in history has his biography preserved as him but also no one has many of his followers eat and drink like him. His biography is well known to most Muslims. They recited his Quran, remembered his hadith, applied his teachings and imitated his manners.
10-Followers Proof: If you go to Mecca during Pilgrim you will find people that came from every race, color and country to Hajj. You will find the richest and wisest mingling with the ordinary people. All humble to his message and stand in lines to pray to his God.
11-Exponential proof: Muhammad (PBUH) real good followers were able to spread Islam many times exponentially. People accepts Islam quickly since it turns them to a new spiritual life from the material life they lived in. It is very logistic and appeals to the mind as it does to the heart. It helps them as well to establish a regime of governing that stands for honesty, justice and prevent corruption. It removes all idols and gather Muslims in God's love and obedience. There is no discrimination or suppression of non-Muslims. They are infidels only when they fight and oppress Muslims otherwise they are our brothers in humanity.
12-Suffering Proof: As most of prophets he suffered a lot. The daily harassment and oppression to him and his followers for 12 years in Mecca and the wars he endured after he left it to El Medina. Unlike most leaders he was in the front of his army. God put him through a lot of testing like he did with Abraham and he lost a lot of his children. He used to stand a good part at night to pray when most people are sleeping in bed and he fasted a lot when people were eating. If not for all these sufferings you may have some doubt or you may think the Arab made it up to invade the world.
13-Prophecy Proof: Muhammad (PBUH) has prophesied a lot of prophecies that came true. He himself was prophesied by Moses, Isiah and Jesus.
14-Miracles Proof: God avoided to prove Muhammad (PBUH)message through miracles for a good reason the message (Quran) itself is an everlasting miracle. The Quran which has its most important miracle the reasoning that makes the Quran stand the test of time and keep itself above the frame of time. Many Muslims saw few miracles as the water coming between his fingers, the blessing of food and the cloud that followed them all the way to cover their heads and protect them from the hot sun in a long trip. The wisdom of his message is to have the miracle in the message itself. Muslims read the message (Quran) daily particularly in their prayers.
15-Productivity Proof: If someone told me this man runs all the government by himself or told me this textbook of internal medicine is the experience of one author only I have to say he is a liar. Muhammad (PBUH) was the prophet, the president, the prim-minister, the chief judge, the minister of defense, the minister of finance, the minister of foreign affairs, the imam, the front soldier and the comforter of all Muslims. He would consult them for things that God left for Muhammad so Muslims learn through history to have a widespread consultation. He was teaching Koran and Hadith to his followers day and night. He was praying a long part of the night and he was fasting at least twice a week sunset to sundown in very hot desert with not drinking water through the period of fast. Besides he was a father and grandfather have more than 9 wives that he try to make peace between them. He gathered all Arabs to the message of Islam and softened their hearts to love his message and love each other in a very tough and rough culture. The stone hearted harsh Arabian turns to a very dissent loving person in days when he converts to Islam. The fighting Arab tribes became brothers and made a great civilization. As you expect with all religions Satan put again the love of power, money, greed, selfishness and animosity in their heart. When people become bad God leave for them Satan to do his work and oppress them with the worst leaders is no Islam there now but only few real Muslims. But thinks God they are growing fast now.
16-Polygamy proof: God had put Muhammad in a big test beside all missions, he had to marry after age of 51 more than 9 wives two of the wives were the daughter and brother of his enemies that were killed in wars with Muslims. No one would do that, simply he may fear they will hate him or even kill him in sleep. Besides managing one woman would be considered a life-taking job for many men. If he was not a true prophet he would never do that he will fear one of the wives may come out and say I caught him in a lie or another would say he has a temper. For me and a lot of men it is the ultimate test of prophethood. How can a man emotionally control all these wives. People knows well men who womanize start at an early age. They do not like sufferings, but pleasures and they commonly drink alcohol, enjoy food and like to have a good and peaceful life. The messenger life was very humble and full of sufferings he commonly ate few dates as the only food in a day. His marriages were more of supporting women and serving other social functions. When he was young at age of 25 he married older woman and did not have any other wife or sinned when he had all the time before his message. Muslims found it very acceptable even Muslim women who would never let their husband marry a second woman. The only problem Muslims have is the need to explain that to non-Muslims. I find it more convincing to ask the inquirer to read Muhammad (PBUH) teachings and biography first and answer that himself. Or put this question to the inquirer: suppose you are not a prophet and you came up with a faked message for a noble cause and you continued to lie to the people about this message (while keeping honest in every thing else) would not you think you will jeopardize your message if you marry more than one woman?. Muhammad (PBUH) never sinned before marriage at 25 years old or after. He married at 25 years old a woman 15 years older than him he started to have more than one wife after her death at age of 51 when most womanizers retire. These are the same times he had a lot of enemies, wars, nation affairs and much teaching and diplomacy to carry out.
17-Scholarship Proof: If I tell you that one big university Alazhar has millions of people graduated studying his religion you would agree with me that he came with a compelling knowledge deserved the intellect and curiosity of scholars. Many of the best scholars in Islam are actually non-Arabs.Thousands of books published in Islam and the Quran like the Bible the two most published and red books.
18-Fear of God Proof: Muhammad (PBUH) was well known to fear God and love him. He would pray and fast a lot and teach morality all time. How can someone fears God and in the same time would lie and bring a message that he calls it from God. It is impossible to any reasonable thinker that one man's life is fear of God and in the same time he well spend 23 years lie to people about God.
19-Persistence in message proof: Muhammad (PBUH) went through all sufferings and never gave up. The God of Quran is the same strong God when Muslims were few and weak up to the last days Muhammad (PBUH) lived in earth when Islam filled the Arab Gizera. The prophet last words while he was dying was the advise of Muslims in praying and his happiness to meet his God. If someone thinks all of these are illusion he is better to be very convincing since he will have to convince God with his argument at the day of judgment.
20-Make it up proof: after all of the above and you are still not convinced make it up try to find who could be Muhammad (PBUH). People found it so miraculous for someone to come up with this message unless he was sent by God or Satan, the great deceiver. But who would think Satan will give for 23 years a message to a man to curse Satan and praise God and to follow God's commandments. Muhammad (PBUH) always warned his followers about Satan and warned of his hate to man and his desire to have all of us deviate from God's path and to kill each other. Satan is the one who made people to be jealous and be closed minded to the message of Islam. They fought Muhammad (PBUH) and gathered all Arab against him. If not for fighting back and defense this religion could have died 1400 years ago. It is reasonable to have the message that come after Christianity to be strongly defensive since Christians were persecuted harshly and before them the Jews. Through history both Muslims and Christians used holy wars for material reasons that have nothing to do with their messages.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vr8DR8frP_s
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vVG6uW9gNwI
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=llpPQkdrLCQ&NR=1
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ovylbsLYcwc&feature=related
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LwYMwPer1rA&feature=related
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1WW_kmhTcHI&feature=related
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D1xq8L5rqlo&feature=related
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_NFL-EfDVEw&feature=related
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NjJG_eTFaH0&feature=related
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)