Guidelines for Happiness and Success
by Ibrahim B. Syed, Ph. D.
President
Islamic Research Foundation
Website: http://WWW.IRFI.ORG
Here are few simple ’GUIDELINES’, which were formulated from an Islamic
Perspective in keeping with the teachings of Islam, in order to lead “A BETTER AND SUCCESSFUL LIFE’.
1. Submit to none except God (ALLAH), the Creator of the Universe; keep your trust in Him and seek His forgiveness; praise Him and pay Him your gratitude, whatever be your circumstances. Pray regularly.
2. Excel in benevolence; let it be for the approval of God (Allah) only not for fame or earning gratitude.
3. If you hear about the suffering of people in any part of the World, pray to Allah (God) to bestow upon them His Mercy, and send them help, as much as you can.
4.Your accomplishments are due to the graciousness of Almighty Allah (God), for without His guidance you can do nothing.
5. Believe in the equality of human beings, irrespective of caste, creed and color. Hold every man and woman worthy of respect, deserving courtesy-and good treatment.
6. Help those who are in need to the best of your ability without expecting any benefit in return.
7. Never hurt the feelings of any individual either by your words or your deeds.
8. Hypocrisy is one of the worst qualities of human character so avoid being a hypocrite.
9. Always uphold justice and never delay in imparting justice.
10. Pay the laborer before the sweat dries on his/her eyebrow. Never tax anyone beyond his/her capacity.
11. Pay raises and provide facilities to your worker before they are forced to demand it.
12. Never betray the trust of the people at any cost.
13. Cheating in trade, illicit gratification, and smuggling are crimes against society.
14. Respect your nearest and dearest and in case of need extend them your help/assistance.
15. Help the needy without burdening them with obligation. Just discharge your own obligation.
16. Forgive those who offend you, instead of revenge, which could lead to endless misery.
17. Look after the wellbeing of your neighbors.
18. Do not indulge in ‘unkind remarks’ or bad-mouthing; it is a great sin in the eyes of God (Allah).
19. Avoid inconsistency in the words you utter and the deeds you perform.
20. Overlook the shortcomings and faults of others.
21. Whenever you find severed relations make efforts to bring the parties round for peace and harmony.
22. Do not exploit others' disadvantages for personal benefits.
23. Be true to your conscience.
24. Support the pious in the battle between Good and Evil.
25. Control anger and practice patience.
26. Be firm in your resolutions and you will have sound basis for success.
27. Choose for others whatever you choose for yourself.
28. Be punctual, and do not make anybody to waste their time.
29. Value time, life is short and there is much to be accomplished.
30. Do not delay in breaking good news and never reveal other’s secrets.
31. Do not seek reward for the help you are able to render to others.
32. Do your best to prevent when someone is treated with brutality.
33. Never break the promises you make.
34. It is your religious duty to obey Parents, respect elders and carry out your obligations to your family.
35. Do not expect anything from others, so that you can avoid dejection on denial.
36. If you come across a man who is hungry feed him; and attend the sick.
37. Extend right advice to those who seek it and be generous to others before they seek your support.
38. Do not tell lies, or give false evidence.
39. Good deeds bring Spiritual happiness and emotional peace.
40. Live a moderate life, as far as you can.
41. Look for good advice irrespective of the source.
42. Speak to others at their level of understanding and foresight.
43. Do it today and do not put off till tomorrow.
44. If you give loan to someone in his hour/her of hardship, be patient for return; it would be better to forgive the loan.
45. Give service to others over self-seeking desires.
46. Raise your children to love their Religion and respect their elders.
47. Pray that the people of your Country may become morally upright and lead a clean life.
48. Direct your energies for the wellbeing, advancement and amelioration of mankind.
49. Adopt tenderness of speech and gentleness of manners to make way into the hearts of people.
50. Never be ashamed to admit mistakes and never put blame on others for your own failings.
51. Eschew extravagantness and do not let miserliness and greediness overcome you.
52. Always remember those, who helped you or have done you a favour/good.
53. Our duties and obligations are just as important as our rights and privileges.
54. Guard yourself against envy, pride and superstition.
55. Give gifts to your friends and relatives; it strengthens human ties and affection.
56. Don’t show your virtues and acts of benevolence, but recognize and acknowledge goodness of others.
57. Whenever misfortune strikes you, seek forgiveness from God (Allah) and be patient It will pass.
58. The more grudges you carry, the heavier your burden becomes. Forgive, and let them go.
59. Anger and spite can eat away at life until there's almost nothing of value left.
60. When someone has wronged you, it hurts. There is certainly no sense in using your own time and energy to prolong that hurt. Forgive, and you can begin to move away from the pain.
Thursday, December 28, 2006
Qur'anic Origin of Life
From: www.irfi.org
by Khaja Zakir Hussain M.Sc B.Ed.
Raichur, Karnataka State, India
Quran is the divine, revelation to the believers. Priest Basat Smith and an English thinker J.Bery Wrote that, no doubt Quran is the Divine Revelation, but some modern minded peoples not at all ready to accept it as a divine revelation. The holy book consists of scientific theories for thinker’s are or researching wise peoples.
Here I am going to present Quranic origin of life which really may surprise the unbelievers and strengthen the Believers.
Secular Concepts about Origin of life:
According to science million years ago the universe was a unit of matter which was in single large fused mass this mass of a matter exploded into large pieces which were spread in different directions due to this explosion our solar system and galaxy has been formed and all the planets started to move on their axis this theory is formulated some around about 50 Years ago infact the some above said hints are revelated 14 Hundered Years ago in Quran which are as follows:
Quranic Verses :
Do they (unbelievers) not seen that sky and earth were fused than we (Allah) have separated them (21:30). And he created day,night,sun & moon all they (sun,moon & stars) in the sky, walk in such a way as they are swimming (21:33) Recentely Astronomers are of the openion that sun is a mobile body (20 Kmps)
Biological Concepts:
According to biologist life is originated in water the following Quranic Verses Explain the aquatic origin of life. And we have created all the living organisms from water then why this people do not believe it (Sura Al-Ambiya 30) Similarly all the botanists zoologists and physists believe that,like human beings and animals, plants have been created with the fusion of male and female gametes Ayat He, the Allah is sacred, who created, the things which were unknown to them and plants in pairs [yasin 36]
In Quran, in most places Allah reputedly says – there are our signs in the nature for wise thinkers and observers. Va afla taqiloon, va afla tafakiroon, va afla tasharoon- means why do not you search or work with deep thinkings, consciousness, worries, observation and experiments. The above knowledge enrich our iman [faith].
References:
- The holy Quran
by Khaja Zakir Hussain M.Sc B.Ed.
Raichur, Karnataka State, India
Quran is the divine, revelation to the believers. Priest Basat Smith and an English thinker J.Bery Wrote that, no doubt Quran is the Divine Revelation, but some modern minded peoples not at all ready to accept it as a divine revelation. The holy book consists of scientific theories for thinker’s are or researching wise peoples.
Here I am going to present Quranic origin of life which really may surprise the unbelievers and strengthen the Believers.
Secular Concepts about Origin of life:
According to science million years ago the universe was a unit of matter which was in single large fused mass this mass of a matter exploded into large pieces which were spread in different directions due to this explosion our solar system and galaxy has been formed and all the planets started to move on their axis this theory is formulated some around about 50 Years ago infact the some above said hints are revelated 14 Hundered Years ago in Quran which are as follows:
Quranic Verses :
Do they (unbelievers) not seen that sky and earth were fused than we (Allah) have separated them (21:30). And he created day,night,sun & moon all they (sun,moon & stars) in the sky, walk in such a way as they are swimming (21:33) Recentely Astronomers are of the openion that sun is a mobile body (20 Kmps)
Biological Concepts:
According to biologist life is originated in water the following Quranic Verses Explain the aquatic origin of life. And we have created all the living organisms from water then why this people do not believe it (Sura Al-Ambiya 30) Similarly all the botanists zoologists and physists believe that,like human beings and animals, plants have been created with the fusion of male and female gametes Ayat He, the Allah is sacred, who created, the things which were unknown to them and plants in pairs [yasin 36]
In Quran, in most places Allah reputedly says – there are our signs in the nature for wise thinkers and observers. Va afla taqiloon, va afla tafakiroon, va afla tasharoon- means why do not you search or work with deep thinkings, consciousness, worries, observation and experiments. The above knowledge enrich our iman [faith].
References:
- The holy Quran
The Day of Judgment in Islam
From: www.irfi.org
By: Professor Maqsood Jafri
As justice is the main concern of Islam it is necessary that people should get justice in this world and the world hereafter. It sounds natural and logical that everyone should reap what he has sown. One should receive the fruit of his deeds. If one has sown flowers he should pluck flowers. If one has sown thorns he should pick thorns. Virtues breed virtues and vices breed vices. The Day of Judgment in the Quran has been also named as the Day of Reckoning, the Day of Resurrection, the Dooms day or the Day of Accountability. The account of the deeds of everyone is being maintained. Islamic concept of two angels maintaining the record of ever word and movement is scientific. The video has solved this mystery. The alpha and beta rays have special role in photographic process. The Gamma rays play their own part. It is a great lesson. If through material rays we can preserve activities there should be no doubt about our record preserved by the special divine agencies. The Quran in Sura “The Friday Prayers” announces: “The death from which you flee will truly overtake you; then will you be sent back to the knower of the things secret and open; and He will tell you (the truth) of the things you did.”(62:8)
Everybody’s record is being maintained during his life period. It is very accurate record. The day of judgement is the day of justice. No body will be wronged. His limbs will be his witness. He will see his record and his video film will be shown to him. Everyone will be rewarded or punished according to his deeds. The Quran in Sura “The Israelite” says; “Everyman’s fate we have fastened on his own neck. On the Day of Judgment we shall bring out for him a scroll, which he will see spread open. Read thine record sufficient is thy soul this day to make out an account against thee”. (17:13-14).
As the literal meaning of Arabic word used for the Day of Judgment “Qayamah” is to raise up, hence the question arise as to why they should be raised up after demise. There are three reasons for “Qayamah”. (a) It is the demand of natural and divine justice that everyone should get the result of his life examination. As in academies one is given result of his tests, similarly everyone must get the result whether he passes or fails. About the examination of Life in Sura “The Bee” the Quran says: “Whoever works righteousness, man or woman, and has Faith, verily to him we will give a new life, a life that is good and pure, and we will bestow on such their reward according to the best of their actions.” (16:97). (b) Had there been no concept of the Day of Judgment there would have been no human morality. Might is right would have become the law of the day. Atheists are of two types. The ideological atheist and the practical atheist. The practical atheist is the one who claims to have a religious faith but in practical life he acts otherwise. It is my considered opinion that the man who believes in God and fears God can never be a sinner or a transgressor. Hence to maintain the supremacy of Right over Might we must believe in the concept of the Day of Judgment. The concepts of Hell and Heaven are very essential to keep balance in human conduct. The tyrants, the oppressors, the murderers and the aggressors must be punished. If they escape in this world because of their power, pelf and influence they must be punished on Doomsday. Abraham must be rewarded and Nimrod must be chastised. Moses must be rewarded and Pharaoh be punished. Hussain be rewarded and Yazid be punished. It is divine justice and God promises that. In the Quran in Sura “Abraham” about the virtuous and righteous people God says; “But those who believe and work righteousness be admitted to gardens beneath which rivers flow. To dwell therein for aye with the permission of their lord.”(14:23). (c) All the prophets have promised this day. They were sooth – sayers. They were divinely appointed. They were not liars. They were the messengers and warners sent from God. We must believe in their words and vows. We have no reason to reject or refute them. They valiantly, patiently and boldly bore the inflictions and excesses. They were tortured. They were persecuted. They were executed. But they never bowed before tyrants and vicious forces. Their steadfastness and perseverance testifies the truth of their mission when such truthful people believed in the Doomsday, we have no reason to disbelieve in which they believed. Now let us briefly discuss the Quranic logic about the Day of Judgment. The Quran refutes the plea of the unbelievers who say that how it can happen. After death when we will be turned into dust, then how can we resurrect? The Quran in Sura “Yasin” announces; “Does not man realize that we created him from a seed of fluid? Yet he does not believe and forgets even his own creation. He says as to who could revive the decayed bones back to life from nonentity.” (36:79). After giving the argument of first birth the Quran gives the second argument. It says: “one of the clear divine signs is that you see the earth dead and motionless, but as soon as Allah pours rain on it, it comes to life and becomes fertile and green. Allah who revives the dead earth to life will also revive the dead man to life. Allah is able to do all things: (41:39). Then in Sura “Saad” the Quran gives third argument on the basis of Justice. It is related to the Islamic concept of Good and Bad. The Quran says: “We have not created the heavens and the earth and all that is between them in vain, though this is the belief of the infidels. Woe to the disbelievers; they will suffer the torment of the Hellfire. Do we consider the righteously striving believers equal to the evil doers in the earth? Are the pious ones equal to those who openly commit sins?” (38:27-28).
These are the Quranic arguments about the Day of Judgment which no same person can reject. In verse 20 of Sura The Iron, in verse 20 of Sura Winding Sand Tracts and in verse 200 of Sura The Heifer the necessity of the Day of Judgement is mentioned. In Sura Mominun in verse 100 about ‘Barzakh’ (purgatory) the Quran says: “After death people will be behind Barzakh until the day of their resurrection. (23:100). According to the Quran it will be a great blast and earthquake. On the Day of Judgment people will emerge from their graves and congregate. The unbelievers will be raised with black faces and the righteous one with bright faces. The virtuous will be given the book, result sheet in to their right hands and the evil doers will be given in to their left hands. It will be an eternal life. May Allah grant us guidance to do good deeds and abstain from evil deeds!
By: Professor Maqsood Jafri
As justice is the main concern of Islam it is necessary that people should get justice in this world and the world hereafter. It sounds natural and logical that everyone should reap what he has sown. One should receive the fruit of his deeds. If one has sown flowers he should pluck flowers. If one has sown thorns he should pick thorns. Virtues breed virtues and vices breed vices. The Day of Judgment in the Quran has been also named as the Day of Reckoning, the Day of Resurrection, the Dooms day or the Day of Accountability. The account of the deeds of everyone is being maintained. Islamic concept of two angels maintaining the record of ever word and movement is scientific. The video has solved this mystery. The alpha and beta rays have special role in photographic process. The Gamma rays play their own part. It is a great lesson. If through material rays we can preserve activities there should be no doubt about our record preserved by the special divine agencies. The Quran in Sura “The Friday Prayers” announces: “The death from which you flee will truly overtake you; then will you be sent back to the knower of the things secret and open; and He will tell you (the truth) of the things you did.”(62:8)
Everybody’s record is being maintained during his life period. It is very accurate record. The day of judgement is the day of justice. No body will be wronged. His limbs will be his witness. He will see his record and his video film will be shown to him. Everyone will be rewarded or punished according to his deeds. The Quran in Sura “The Israelite” says; “Everyman’s fate we have fastened on his own neck. On the Day of Judgment we shall bring out for him a scroll, which he will see spread open. Read thine record sufficient is thy soul this day to make out an account against thee”. (17:13-14).
As the literal meaning of Arabic word used for the Day of Judgment “Qayamah” is to raise up, hence the question arise as to why they should be raised up after demise. There are three reasons for “Qayamah”. (a) It is the demand of natural and divine justice that everyone should get the result of his life examination. As in academies one is given result of his tests, similarly everyone must get the result whether he passes or fails. About the examination of Life in Sura “The Bee” the Quran says: “Whoever works righteousness, man or woman, and has Faith, verily to him we will give a new life, a life that is good and pure, and we will bestow on such their reward according to the best of their actions.” (16:97). (b) Had there been no concept of the Day of Judgment there would have been no human morality. Might is right would have become the law of the day. Atheists are of two types. The ideological atheist and the practical atheist. The practical atheist is the one who claims to have a religious faith but in practical life he acts otherwise. It is my considered opinion that the man who believes in God and fears God can never be a sinner or a transgressor. Hence to maintain the supremacy of Right over Might we must believe in the concept of the Day of Judgment. The concepts of Hell and Heaven are very essential to keep balance in human conduct. The tyrants, the oppressors, the murderers and the aggressors must be punished. If they escape in this world because of their power, pelf and influence they must be punished on Doomsday. Abraham must be rewarded and Nimrod must be chastised. Moses must be rewarded and Pharaoh be punished. Hussain be rewarded and Yazid be punished. It is divine justice and God promises that. In the Quran in Sura “Abraham” about the virtuous and righteous people God says; “But those who believe and work righteousness be admitted to gardens beneath which rivers flow. To dwell therein for aye with the permission of their lord.”(14:23). (c) All the prophets have promised this day. They were sooth – sayers. They were divinely appointed. They were not liars. They were the messengers and warners sent from God. We must believe in their words and vows. We have no reason to reject or refute them. They valiantly, patiently and boldly bore the inflictions and excesses. They were tortured. They were persecuted. They were executed. But they never bowed before tyrants and vicious forces. Their steadfastness and perseverance testifies the truth of their mission when such truthful people believed in the Doomsday, we have no reason to disbelieve in which they believed. Now let us briefly discuss the Quranic logic about the Day of Judgment. The Quran refutes the plea of the unbelievers who say that how it can happen. After death when we will be turned into dust, then how can we resurrect? The Quran in Sura “Yasin” announces; “Does not man realize that we created him from a seed of fluid? Yet he does not believe and forgets even his own creation. He says as to who could revive the decayed bones back to life from nonentity.” (36:79). After giving the argument of first birth the Quran gives the second argument. It says: “one of the clear divine signs is that you see the earth dead and motionless, but as soon as Allah pours rain on it, it comes to life and becomes fertile and green. Allah who revives the dead earth to life will also revive the dead man to life. Allah is able to do all things: (41:39). Then in Sura “Saad” the Quran gives third argument on the basis of Justice. It is related to the Islamic concept of Good and Bad. The Quran says: “We have not created the heavens and the earth and all that is between them in vain, though this is the belief of the infidels. Woe to the disbelievers; they will suffer the torment of the Hellfire. Do we consider the righteously striving believers equal to the evil doers in the earth? Are the pious ones equal to those who openly commit sins?” (38:27-28).
These are the Quranic arguments about the Day of Judgment which no same person can reject. In verse 20 of Sura The Iron, in verse 20 of Sura Winding Sand Tracts and in verse 200 of Sura The Heifer the necessity of the Day of Judgement is mentioned. In Sura Mominun in verse 100 about ‘Barzakh’ (purgatory) the Quran says: “After death people will be behind Barzakh until the day of their resurrection. (23:100). According to the Quran it will be a great blast and earthquake. On the Day of Judgment people will emerge from their graves and congregate. The unbelievers will be raised with black faces and the righteous one with bright faces. The virtuous will be given the book, result sheet in to their right hands and the evil doers will be given in to their left hands. It will be an eternal life. May Allah grant us guidance to do good deeds and abstain from evil deeds!
Islamic Concept of Jehad
By: Professor Maqsood Jafri
The Arabic word Jehad literally means “holy struggle”. It is not holy war. War is war. No war can be holy. The blood of humans is holy and sacred. The Quran says unjust killing of one man means the killing of the whole mankind. What is just killing and what is unjust killing. When some body kills a man without any reason or justification it is unjust killing. When the judge gives the capital punishment to this murderer and issues the order of his death, it is a just killing. Similarly, when a war is thrust upon you and you become the victim of persecution and aggression, you are permitted to defend yourselves and kill the invaders or perpetrators. There are some Muslims who believe in Jehad in the name of aversion and conversion. They have aggressive attitude. Such extremists divide the world in to two blocs. The House of Peace (Darus Salam) and the House of War (Darul Harab). Wherever there is no Islam as a code of system of life it is Hose of war and we should crusade for the enforcement of Islamic way of life and change it in to the House of peace. Such ideology has created immense problems for the Muslims world over.
In Islam Jehad is of three types. The struggle by Tongue; the struggle by Pen and the struggle by Sword. So far as religion is concerned the Quran time and again announces peaceful preaching through exhortation, love, logic, mercy and example. No where the Quran has said that the people of other faiths should be killed or forcibly converted. In Sura Al-Nahl in verse 125 the Quran says; “Invite (all) to the way of Lord with wisdom and beautiful preaching; and argue with them in ways that are best and most gracious; For thy Lord knoweth best, who has strayed from His path, and who receive guidance.” The Jehad by Tongue and Pen means that you preach your ideas and ideology with logic and love. Do not hurt others feelings. Do not sow the seeds of hatred and discord in the name of God. The Quran announces the whole of humankind as one community. We are the members of one human family. Believers are human beings. God sent prophets with books not with swords and guns. Noah, Abraham, Moses, Jesus and Muhammad gave us law and code of life. All preached brotherhood, justice, freedom, equality and peace. The prophets were the greatest champions of human rights. They boldly revolted against the tyrants, oppressors and aggressors.
Jehad by sword is only permissible when you are attacked. It is unfortunate that Islam is being branded as the religion of extremists, fascists, fundamentalists and terrorists. A few days again some non-Muslim emailed me. He wrote; “Islam is the religion of terrorism and Muhammad was a terrorist.” Why he wrote this? How he came to such a conclusion? First; he has neither studied Islam nor the life of the Prophet of Islam. Second he has read or seen the terrorist activities of some Muslim hard liners and extremists. Partly he is correct and partly he is incorrect. The Quran about mischief mongers and the enemies of peace candidly in Sura “The Cow” says; “when it is said to them; ‘make not mischief on the earth’. They say; ‘we are only ones that put things right’. Of a surety, they are the ones who make mischief, but they realize it not” (2:11:12). The serious, objective and rational study of the Quran testifies this verity that Islam strongly condemns bloodshed and aggression. It is a religion of peace. The Meccans attacked Muhammad thrice. The battle of Badr; the battle of Uhad and the battle of Trench are solid proofs of the fact that the Muslims of Medina were assaulted by the idolaters of Mecca under the command of Abu Suffyan. When the Meccans breached the Treaty of Hudabiyga, then the Prophet of Islam moved to Mecca and without bloodshed conquered it. Had he been a terrorist or an aggressor he would have ruthlessly killed his enemies. The people who had tortured him and had turned him out from his native place would have also been wiped off. On the contrary what he did. He announced general amnesty. In the words of Quran he said; “Today No vengeance” – Pardon for all. Mercy for all. When his deadliest enemy Abu Suffyan accompanied by the uncle of the Prophet, Hazrat Abbas came and sought mercy and pardon, the Prophet forgave him. Besides it is on record that Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) never wielded sword or carried sword. He never killed anyone in his life. The Quran says about the Prophet: “we have not but sent you as a mercy for all the worlds”. How such a man can be regarded as a terrorist? Here I must admit that some people are involved in terrorist activities. They are killing Muslims and non-Muslims in the name of religion. They are sectarian terrorists. They are suicide bombers. They have bean brainwashed. They believe in extremism. Such elements must be condemned. Jehad is not offensive. The Quran in Sura “The Cow” says; “Fight in the cause of God those who fight you, but do not transgress limits; for God loves not transgressors”.(2:190). The Islamic concept of Jehad has some basic human modest rules. It is written in the books of Bukhari and Muslim that Prophet Muhammad had strictly prohibited the killing of non combatants, elderly persons, children, women, handicapped and ailing ones. Book of Sunan Abe Dawud and Book of Muwatta mention that Prophet strictly prohibited Khalid Walid not to kill women and civilians. The civilian life must not be disturbed. The holy places of prayers must not be attacked. Islam rejects terrorism. When the Quran in Sura “The Cow” announces; “There is no compulsion in religion”, then how forcibly one can ask others for conversion? Jehad is a war against aggressors and transgressors. To fight for wealth, nationalism, territory, honor, race or class is not Jehad. The brief definition of terrorism is that it is a form of warfare in which innocent people are specifically targeted in order to instill fear in a society. Hence, terrorism is against Islamic principles. In Sura “The women” it is clearly mentioned that Jehad is only and only against terrorists and aggressors. It is not against peaceful civilians of any country, creed, clan or class. Let us all respect each other’s ideas and ideologies. Let inter-faith dialogue be encouraged. The spirit of co-ordination and co-existence is the spirit of Islam. The extremists and terrorists must be either educated or eliminated. The coming centuries must see divinity through humanity. Humanity must be our message and mission. The monarchs, the dictators, the tyrants, the despots and the transgressor must be eliminated, not the innocent, docile and defenseless civilians of any faith. Nobody can be permitted to spill the blood of any human in the name of faith or crusade.
The Arabic word Jehad literally means “holy struggle”. It is not holy war. War is war. No war can be holy. The blood of humans is holy and sacred. The Quran says unjust killing of one man means the killing of the whole mankind. What is just killing and what is unjust killing. When some body kills a man without any reason or justification it is unjust killing. When the judge gives the capital punishment to this murderer and issues the order of his death, it is a just killing. Similarly, when a war is thrust upon you and you become the victim of persecution and aggression, you are permitted to defend yourselves and kill the invaders or perpetrators. There are some Muslims who believe in Jehad in the name of aversion and conversion. They have aggressive attitude. Such extremists divide the world in to two blocs. The House of Peace (Darus Salam) and the House of War (Darul Harab). Wherever there is no Islam as a code of system of life it is Hose of war and we should crusade for the enforcement of Islamic way of life and change it in to the House of peace. Such ideology has created immense problems for the Muslims world over.
In Islam Jehad is of three types. The struggle by Tongue; the struggle by Pen and the struggle by Sword. So far as religion is concerned the Quran time and again announces peaceful preaching through exhortation, love, logic, mercy and example. No where the Quran has said that the people of other faiths should be killed or forcibly converted. In Sura Al-Nahl in verse 125 the Quran says; “Invite (all) to the way of Lord with wisdom and beautiful preaching; and argue with them in ways that are best and most gracious; For thy Lord knoweth best, who has strayed from His path, and who receive guidance.” The Jehad by Tongue and Pen means that you preach your ideas and ideology with logic and love. Do not hurt others feelings. Do not sow the seeds of hatred and discord in the name of God. The Quran announces the whole of humankind as one community. We are the members of one human family. Believers are human beings. God sent prophets with books not with swords and guns. Noah, Abraham, Moses, Jesus and Muhammad gave us law and code of life. All preached brotherhood, justice, freedom, equality and peace. The prophets were the greatest champions of human rights. They boldly revolted against the tyrants, oppressors and aggressors.
Jehad by sword is only permissible when you are attacked. It is unfortunate that Islam is being branded as the religion of extremists, fascists, fundamentalists and terrorists. A few days again some non-Muslim emailed me. He wrote; “Islam is the religion of terrorism and Muhammad was a terrorist.” Why he wrote this? How he came to such a conclusion? First; he has neither studied Islam nor the life of the Prophet of Islam. Second he has read or seen the terrorist activities of some Muslim hard liners and extremists. Partly he is correct and partly he is incorrect. The Quran about mischief mongers and the enemies of peace candidly in Sura “The Cow” says; “when it is said to them; ‘make not mischief on the earth’. They say; ‘we are only ones that put things right’. Of a surety, they are the ones who make mischief, but they realize it not” (2:11:12). The serious, objective and rational study of the Quran testifies this verity that Islam strongly condemns bloodshed and aggression. It is a religion of peace. The Meccans attacked Muhammad thrice. The battle of Badr; the battle of Uhad and the battle of Trench are solid proofs of the fact that the Muslims of Medina were assaulted by the idolaters of Mecca under the command of Abu Suffyan. When the Meccans breached the Treaty of Hudabiyga, then the Prophet of Islam moved to Mecca and without bloodshed conquered it. Had he been a terrorist or an aggressor he would have ruthlessly killed his enemies. The people who had tortured him and had turned him out from his native place would have also been wiped off. On the contrary what he did. He announced general amnesty. In the words of Quran he said; “Today No vengeance” – Pardon for all. Mercy for all. When his deadliest enemy Abu Suffyan accompanied by the uncle of the Prophet, Hazrat Abbas came and sought mercy and pardon, the Prophet forgave him. Besides it is on record that Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) never wielded sword or carried sword. He never killed anyone in his life. The Quran says about the Prophet: “we have not but sent you as a mercy for all the worlds”. How such a man can be regarded as a terrorist? Here I must admit that some people are involved in terrorist activities. They are killing Muslims and non-Muslims in the name of religion. They are sectarian terrorists. They are suicide bombers. They have bean brainwashed. They believe in extremism. Such elements must be condemned. Jehad is not offensive. The Quran in Sura “The Cow” says; “Fight in the cause of God those who fight you, but do not transgress limits; for God loves not transgressors”.(2:190). The Islamic concept of Jehad has some basic human modest rules. It is written in the books of Bukhari and Muslim that Prophet Muhammad had strictly prohibited the killing of non combatants, elderly persons, children, women, handicapped and ailing ones. Book of Sunan Abe Dawud and Book of Muwatta mention that Prophet strictly prohibited Khalid Walid not to kill women and civilians. The civilian life must not be disturbed. The holy places of prayers must not be attacked. Islam rejects terrorism. When the Quran in Sura “The Cow” announces; “There is no compulsion in religion”, then how forcibly one can ask others for conversion? Jehad is a war against aggressors and transgressors. To fight for wealth, nationalism, territory, honor, race or class is not Jehad. The brief definition of terrorism is that it is a form of warfare in which innocent people are specifically targeted in order to instill fear in a society. Hence, terrorism is against Islamic principles. In Sura “The women” it is clearly mentioned that Jehad is only and only against terrorists and aggressors. It is not against peaceful civilians of any country, creed, clan or class. Let us all respect each other’s ideas and ideologies. Let inter-faith dialogue be encouraged. The spirit of co-ordination and co-existence is the spirit of Islam. The extremists and terrorists must be either educated or eliminated. The coming centuries must see divinity through humanity. Humanity must be our message and mission. The monarchs, the dictators, the tyrants, the despots and the transgressor must be eliminated, not the innocent, docile and defenseless civilians of any faith. Nobody can be permitted to spill the blood of any human in the name of faith or crusade.
Islamic Concept of Prophethood
From: www.irif.org
By: Prof. Maqsood Jafri
The animals have instinct, no intellect. The herons learn wading themselves. Who teaches the birds how to fly? Ducklings swim naturally. The horse grazes grass but does not eat meat. The lion eats meat but does not graze grass. What is all this? Actually the instinct itself works as a guide. Man has also been given instincts. He needs bread. He needs sex. But he is above animals. He has been endowed with a special boon and that is intellect. Man is free to exercise his mind. Whether he selects right path or wrong path it is his own choice. But God sent prophets to all nations to guide them so that they are not strayed from the right path. Maulana Abul Ala Maududi in his book entitled, “Towards Understanding Islam” writes; “The Prophets distinguish themselves in human society by their special aptitudes, natural bents of mind and a pious and meaningful way of life, more or less in the same way as other geniuses in art and science distinguish themselves by their extraordinary capacities and natural attitudes.”
When a man invents a machine, he also issues instructions manual how to operate it. A doctor gives instructions to his patient how to use the recipe. These are done for the benefit of people. Without instructions we can be misled. Similarly God created humankind and issued instructions in the form of divine scriptures guiding them about vice and virtue. About free choice between right and wrong and on the necessity of the Prophets, Yousuf N. Lalljee in his book entitled “Know your Islam” writes: “Mankind was created with freedom of choice, and since the beginning of the human race our creator has chosen certain excellent individuals to inform mankind of God’s message and how to choose between right and wrong.” Besides giving moral lessons the prophets present themselves as role models. They are not like preachers or philosophers who discuss and argue but do not practice. The Prophets first practice and then preach. They come to establish justice, moderation and balance. In Sura “Al-Hadid” the Quran says: “we sent afore time our messengers with clear signs and sent down with them the Book and the Balance (of right and wrong) that men may stand forth in Justice.”(57:25) Besides the rejection of despots and tyrants the main purpose of the advent of the Prophets was to renounce and denounce idolatry. Idols represent demigods, the idols of wealth; the idols of power; the idols of beauty; the idols of arrogance; the idols of dictatorship and the idols of prides and prejudices. When the prophets gave the message of One God it meant oneness of humankind. Hence Monotheism is the core and crux of the divine message. In Sura “Nahl” the Quran says; “And verily we have raised in every nation a messenger, proclaiming serve God and shun false gods.” (16:26). About the importance of this message one must borne this fact in mind that a true follower of the prophets is the one who rejects despotism, extremism, terrorism; injustice and tyranny. Every prophet did not bring Shariah (The Law). According to the Quran some prophets have been mentioned and some are not mentioned. Nearly twenty five Prophets are mentioned in the Quran.
But Noah, Abraham, Moses, Jesus and Muhammad (Peace be upon them) are the prophets given the Law and Books. So many other prophets have been also given Testaments but they were not given new “Shariah”. Generally it is believed that one lac twenty four thousand apostles were sent by God to guide the human kind. It is mentioned in the Quran that the coming of the Last Prophet Harazt Muhammad (PBUH) with the Final Message was the result of the prayer of Abraham when he was erecting the walls of Kaaba at Mecca. In the words of the Quran he prayed to God; “Our Lord! Send amongst them a Messenger of their own, who shall rehearse your signs to them and instruct them in scripture and wisdom, and sanctify them: for you are the Exalted in Might, the Wise.”
Hence according to the supplication of Abraham there were four duties of the last messenger. He had to recite the divine verses of God. He had to exhort them. He had to teach them wisdom. And he had to purify their souls. We see that Moses and Jesus Christ also performed the same prophetic mission and faced the tests and trails of the time. Here it seems imperative to mention that God chose the prophets from different classes and sections of society. Noah was carpenter and Moses was a shepherd. David and Solomon were the kings. But they all claimed oneness of God and maintenance of Justice. Indeed, humanity was groping in darkness of ignorance, injustice, and inequality and superstitions when these prophets lit the candle of faith, virtuosity, humility, brotherhood and rationality. When Prophet Muhammad appeared the Arabian Peninsula was steeped in ignominy and ignorance. It was an abyss of darkness like Ad and Thamud. But he turned those beasts in to excellent humans. To date we need good humans who can love humankind without creed, class, country and color prejudices. These prophets were the redeemers and saviors of humanity. If we are their followers we must follow the charter of humanity and divinity.
(The writer is an eminent speaker and scholar and can be reached at maqsoodjafri@aol.com).
By: Prof. Maqsood Jafri
The animals have instinct, no intellect. The herons learn wading themselves. Who teaches the birds how to fly? Ducklings swim naturally. The horse grazes grass but does not eat meat. The lion eats meat but does not graze grass. What is all this? Actually the instinct itself works as a guide. Man has also been given instincts. He needs bread. He needs sex. But he is above animals. He has been endowed with a special boon and that is intellect. Man is free to exercise his mind. Whether he selects right path or wrong path it is his own choice. But God sent prophets to all nations to guide them so that they are not strayed from the right path. Maulana Abul Ala Maududi in his book entitled, “Towards Understanding Islam” writes; “The Prophets distinguish themselves in human society by their special aptitudes, natural bents of mind and a pious and meaningful way of life, more or less in the same way as other geniuses in art and science distinguish themselves by their extraordinary capacities and natural attitudes.”
When a man invents a machine, he also issues instructions manual how to operate it. A doctor gives instructions to his patient how to use the recipe. These are done for the benefit of people. Without instructions we can be misled. Similarly God created humankind and issued instructions in the form of divine scriptures guiding them about vice and virtue. About free choice between right and wrong and on the necessity of the Prophets, Yousuf N. Lalljee in his book entitled “Know your Islam” writes: “Mankind was created with freedom of choice, and since the beginning of the human race our creator has chosen certain excellent individuals to inform mankind of God’s message and how to choose between right and wrong.” Besides giving moral lessons the prophets present themselves as role models. They are not like preachers or philosophers who discuss and argue but do not practice. The Prophets first practice and then preach. They come to establish justice, moderation and balance. In Sura “Al-Hadid” the Quran says: “we sent afore time our messengers with clear signs and sent down with them the Book and the Balance (of right and wrong) that men may stand forth in Justice.”(57:25) Besides the rejection of despots and tyrants the main purpose of the advent of the Prophets was to renounce and denounce idolatry. Idols represent demigods, the idols of wealth; the idols of power; the idols of beauty; the idols of arrogance; the idols of dictatorship and the idols of prides and prejudices. When the prophets gave the message of One God it meant oneness of humankind. Hence Monotheism is the core and crux of the divine message. In Sura “Nahl” the Quran says; “And verily we have raised in every nation a messenger, proclaiming serve God and shun false gods.” (16:26). About the importance of this message one must borne this fact in mind that a true follower of the prophets is the one who rejects despotism, extremism, terrorism; injustice and tyranny. Every prophet did not bring Shariah (The Law). According to the Quran some prophets have been mentioned and some are not mentioned. Nearly twenty five Prophets are mentioned in the Quran.
But Noah, Abraham, Moses, Jesus and Muhammad (Peace be upon them) are the prophets given the Law and Books. So many other prophets have been also given Testaments but they were not given new “Shariah”. Generally it is believed that one lac twenty four thousand apostles were sent by God to guide the human kind. It is mentioned in the Quran that the coming of the Last Prophet Harazt Muhammad (PBUH) with the Final Message was the result of the prayer of Abraham when he was erecting the walls of Kaaba at Mecca. In the words of the Quran he prayed to God; “Our Lord! Send amongst them a Messenger of their own, who shall rehearse your signs to them and instruct them in scripture and wisdom, and sanctify them: for you are the Exalted in Might, the Wise.”
Hence according to the supplication of Abraham there were four duties of the last messenger. He had to recite the divine verses of God. He had to exhort them. He had to teach them wisdom. And he had to purify their souls. We see that Moses and Jesus Christ also performed the same prophetic mission and faced the tests and trails of the time. Here it seems imperative to mention that God chose the prophets from different classes and sections of society. Noah was carpenter and Moses was a shepherd. David and Solomon were the kings. But they all claimed oneness of God and maintenance of Justice. Indeed, humanity was groping in darkness of ignorance, injustice, and inequality and superstitions when these prophets lit the candle of faith, virtuosity, humility, brotherhood and rationality. When Prophet Muhammad appeared the Arabian Peninsula was steeped in ignominy and ignorance. It was an abyss of darkness like Ad and Thamud. But he turned those beasts in to excellent humans. To date we need good humans who can love humankind without creed, class, country and color prejudices. These prophets were the redeemers and saviors of humanity. If we are their followers we must follow the charter of humanity and divinity.
(The writer is an eminent speaker and scholar and can be reached at maqsoodjafri@aol.com).
FREEDOM OF THE OPPRESSED
FREEDOM OF THE OPPRESSED
By the Editor
AL-BALAAGH
(How the Noble Prophet (S) solved the political problems of the oppressed with the divine ideology of Islam)
ALLAH DOES NOT CHANGE THE CONDITIONS (PROBLEMS) OF A PEOPLE UNTIL THEY THEMSELVES BEGIN TO CHANGE WHAT IS (NEGATIVE) IN THEMSELVES. (13:11)
ALLAH GUIDES NOT EVIL-LIVING PEOPLE. (61:5)
EVIL-DOERS ARE DESTINED TO FALL IN THEIR PLOTTING (MISSION). (35:10)
WRONGDOERS WILL NOT BE SUCCESSFUL (IN THEIR STRUGGLES). (28:37)
ALLAH LOVES THOSE BELIEVERS WHO DO GOOD DEEDS. (3:148)
SUCCESS WILL COME TO THE BELIEVERS (IN THEIR STRUGGLES). (18:1; 24:55)
ALLAH IS WITH THE BELEIVERS IN THEIR FIGHT AGAINST THE EVIL ONES. (3:120)
_________________
The seven verses quoted above are from among scores of others in the same vein which appear in the Glorious Qur'an, summing up the formula for success or failure mapped out for BELIEVERS IN ISLAM who are engaged in any struggle against oppressive or tyrannical situations or conditions.
If we look at Islamic history during the time of the Noble Prophet (S) in the 7th century, we discover that a fascist, tyrannical Quraish regime was ruling Makkah, perpetrating the worst kind of crimes against humanity.
The poorer and lesser tribes were brutally oppressed by the stronger and bigger capitalistic clan. Slavery was rife. Blacks kidnapped by pagan Arab slave-traders and sold to rich merchants, became nothing less than beasts of burden with NO recognition as human beings with souls.
The corrupt Quraish clan ruling Makkah at the time indulged in evil deeds that defy description. They were committing rape, sodomy, fornication, adultery, mob violence, plunder, gambling, idol and ancestor worship - you name it and they were doing it.
This whole spectrum of evil, however, did not rest with the oppressor alone. It was the way of life of the oppressed as well!
And here lay the crux of the problem when the Noble Prophet (S) came along to free the oppressed from the oppressor. Under Divine Guidance, the Prophet (S) was informed that God would NOT deliver a people whose way of life was steeped in evil - even if they were oppressed and suffering.
The rules were clear. And they were Divine rules, not man-made ones! The oppressed masses HAD FIRST TO BE TAUGHT TO CHANGE WHAT WAS NEGATIVE IN THEMSELVES IF ALLAH WAS TO CHANGE TGHEIR CONDITION! (13:11)
The Prophet (S) was told that it would be an exercise in futility to free an oppressed, evil-living people. Past history had shown that when the tables were turned, the oppressed then became the oppressors, perpetrating the same crimes of the former rulers.
INCORRUPTIBLE
The society that Allah wanted was a God-conscious one where total honesty, justice, love, kindness and piety would be the order of the day!
When the evil oppressors were overthrown, the new government had to be run by people who were incorruptible, unbribable, and truly JUST in everything they did.
Their action ad to rest in a fear of Allah and Allah alone-a fear to do wrong (thus displeasing Allah) and an overwhelming love for humanity.
The Quran laid down all the rules and requirements for this type of government and society.
After 23 years of preaching Quranic ideology to oppressor and oppressed alike, the Noble Prophet (S) eventually built up an army of clean living, upright followers who were finally drawn into an armed clash with the evil rulers who refused to accept the Prophet's exhortations that they change.
And as Allah promised the now pious oppressed, victory after victory became theirs until falsehood and evil were eradicated !
The Prophet (S) set up his government based on Allah's Laws enunciated in the Qur'an, with his cabinet consisting of nothing less than the "best in conduct and justice."
TROUBLE-FREE
And as long as ruler and subject abided strictly by moral and ethical standards of the Qur'an, basing all their political, social and economic requirements on it, a trouble-free society ran its natural course in line with the immutable universal laws of Cause and Effect. Good causes resulted in good effects.
It was only later, after the Prophet (S) had passed away, that subsequent politicians and leaders began to deviate from the teachings of the Qur'an out of sheer hankering after power and greed for wealth. This led to the break-up of the ideal Islamic State, leading once again to strife, disunity and conflict.
Thus we learn from Islamic history and the Qur'an that the removal of MENTAL POLLUTION in the form of GREED, LUST, DECEIT, BACK-BITING, BACK-STABBING, IMMORALITY and the like is a PRE-REQUISITE for establishing an ideal society with peace, harmony, justice, love and mental equanimity.
FREEDOM
The moral in this short sketch is that ALL Muslims -irrespective of race -who wish to bring about an ideal Islamic society akin to the era of the Noble Prophet ((S), MUST embark upon an Islamic PROPAGATION MISSION to CHANGE the life-style of the oppressed nations FIRST before they can hope for Allah's help to FREE the people. And the change must come through the strict adherence to the Qur'an's teachings.
What must be borne foremost in a Muslim's mind is that the priority to total physical freedom is the need, initially, to attain total spiritual freedom in terms of MENTAL STATE immersed in total GOD-CONSCIOUSNESS (TAQWA).
This is a Divine Law. All other ways-especially the VIOLENT way! - that come through man's FAULTY reasoning, end only in disillusionment, frustration and chaos. We may look at the world around us today to see this fact. Neither Capitalism, Communism, Marxism, nor any other - ism has ever succeeded in freeing man totally, as Islam had done in the time of the Noble Prophet (S).
TRUE FREEDOM CAN ONLY COME FROM STUDYING AND UNDERSTANDING THE NOBLE QUR'AN….. AND THEN PRACTICING IT!!!
Courtesy: AL-BALAAGH VOL. 28, NO.1 FEB/MARCH 2003 p.5
By the Editor
AL-BALAAGH
(How the Noble Prophet (S) solved the political problems of the oppressed with the divine ideology of Islam)
ALLAH DOES NOT CHANGE THE CONDITIONS (PROBLEMS) OF A PEOPLE UNTIL THEY THEMSELVES BEGIN TO CHANGE WHAT IS (NEGATIVE) IN THEMSELVES. (13:11)
ALLAH GUIDES NOT EVIL-LIVING PEOPLE. (61:5)
EVIL-DOERS ARE DESTINED TO FALL IN THEIR PLOTTING (MISSION). (35:10)
WRONGDOERS WILL NOT BE SUCCESSFUL (IN THEIR STRUGGLES). (28:37)
ALLAH LOVES THOSE BELIEVERS WHO DO GOOD DEEDS. (3:148)
SUCCESS WILL COME TO THE BELIEVERS (IN THEIR STRUGGLES). (18:1; 24:55)
ALLAH IS WITH THE BELEIVERS IN THEIR FIGHT AGAINST THE EVIL ONES. (3:120)
_________________
The seven verses quoted above are from among scores of others in the same vein which appear in the Glorious Qur'an, summing up the formula for success or failure mapped out for BELIEVERS IN ISLAM who are engaged in any struggle against oppressive or tyrannical situations or conditions.
If we look at Islamic history during the time of the Noble Prophet (S) in the 7th century, we discover that a fascist, tyrannical Quraish regime was ruling Makkah, perpetrating the worst kind of crimes against humanity.
The poorer and lesser tribes were brutally oppressed by the stronger and bigger capitalistic clan. Slavery was rife. Blacks kidnapped by pagan Arab slave-traders and sold to rich merchants, became nothing less than beasts of burden with NO recognition as human beings with souls.
The corrupt Quraish clan ruling Makkah at the time indulged in evil deeds that defy description. They were committing rape, sodomy, fornication, adultery, mob violence, plunder, gambling, idol and ancestor worship - you name it and they were doing it.
This whole spectrum of evil, however, did not rest with the oppressor alone. It was the way of life of the oppressed as well!
And here lay the crux of the problem when the Noble Prophet (S) came along to free the oppressed from the oppressor. Under Divine Guidance, the Prophet (S) was informed that God would NOT deliver a people whose way of life was steeped in evil - even if they were oppressed and suffering.
The rules were clear. And they were Divine rules, not man-made ones! The oppressed masses HAD FIRST TO BE TAUGHT TO CHANGE WHAT WAS NEGATIVE IN THEMSELVES IF ALLAH WAS TO CHANGE TGHEIR CONDITION! (13:11)
The Prophet (S) was told that it would be an exercise in futility to free an oppressed, evil-living people. Past history had shown that when the tables were turned, the oppressed then became the oppressors, perpetrating the same crimes of the former rulers.
INCORRUPTIBLE
The society that Allah wanted was a God-conscious one where total honesty, justice, love, kindness and piety would be the order of the day!
When the evil oppressors were overthrown, the new government had to be run by people who were incorruptible, unbribable, and truly JUST in everything they did.
Their action ad to rest in a fear of Allah and Allah alone-a fear to do wrong (thus displeasing Allah) and an overwhelming love for humanity.
The Quran laid down all the rules and requirements for this type of government and society.
After 23 years of preaching Quranic ideology to oppressor and oppressed alike, the Noble Prophet (S) eventually built up an army of clean living, upright followers who were finally drawn into an armed clash with the evil rulers who refused to accept the Prophet's exhortations that they change.
And as Allah promised the now pious oppressed, victory after victory became theirs until falsehood and evil were eradicated !
The Prophet (S) set up his government based on Allah's Laws enunciated in the Qur'an, with his cabinet consisting of nothing less than the "best in conduct and justice."
TROUBLE-FREE
And as long as ruler and subject abided strictly by moral and ethical standards of the Qur'an, basing all their political, social and economic requirements on it, a trouble-free society ran its natural course in line with the immutable universal laws of Cause and Effect. Good causes resulted in good effects.
It was only later, after the Prophet (S) had passed away, that subsequent politicians and leaders began to deviate from the teachings of the Qur'an out of sheer hankering after power and greed for wealth. This led to the break-up of the ideal Islamic State, leading once again to strife, disunity and conflict.
Thus we learn from Islamic history and the Qur'an that the removal of MENTAL POLLUTION in the form of GREED, LUST, DECEIT, BACK-BITING, BACK-STABBING, IMMORALITY and the like is a PRE-REQUISITE for establishing an ideal society with peace, harmony, justice, love and mental equanimity.
FREEDOM
The moral in this short sketch is that ALL Muslims -irrespective of race -who wish to bring about an ideal Islamic society akin to the era of the Noble Prophet ((S), MUST embark upon an Islamic PROPAGATION MISSION to CHANGE the life-style of the oppressed nations FIRST before they can hope for Allah's help to FREE the people. And the change must come through the strict adherence to the Qur'an's teachings.
What must be borne foremost in a Muslim's mind is that the priority to total physical freedom is the need, initially, to attain total spiritual freedom in terms of MENTAL STATE immersed in total GOD-CONSCIOUSNESS (TAQWA).
This is a Divine Law. All other ways-especially the VIOLENT way! - that come through man's FAULTY reasoning, end only in disillusionment, frustration and chaos. We may look at the world around us today to see this fact. Neither Capitalism, Communism, Marxism, nor any other - ism has ever succeeded in freeing man totally, as Islam had done in the time of the Noble Prophet (S).
TRUE FREEDOM CAN ONLY COME FROM STUDYING AND UNDERSTANDING THE NOBLE QUR'AN….. AND THEN PRACTICING IT!!!
Courtesy: AL-BALAAGH VOL. 28, NO.1 FEB/MARCH 2003 p.5
Islamic Concept of Conscience
Islamic Concept of Conscience
By: Prof. Maqsood Jafri
Conscience is a judge having spiritual quality that differentiates between right and wrong. Common sense and conscience are given to everyone but their use is not common. People even do not use commonsense and conscience; hence they are strayed from the right path. Conscience is like inspiration. When a man does something wrong, deep in his heart he feels guilty. When a man does some good he feels a queer sense of pleasure and satisfaction. When people like William Shakespeare say; “There is nothing good and bad, only thinking makes it so”; actually they try to mix up good and bad. Good is good and bad is bad. Intrinsically values are absolute but relatively they are relative. To make it clearer and simpler an example can be presented. Everybody irrespective of creed, class or clan condemns murder. To commit murder is a sin. When Mr. A murders Mr. B without any reason or justification it is to be cursed. But now as Mr. A is a culprit and a murderer, hence he has to be punished. Now to give him sentence to death becomes essential. We have justification for the murder of Mr. A. The act of murder, from one angle is a sin and from the other angle is correct. Hence conscience decides what is good and what is bad. Here it should be noted that Human conscience is of two types; pure conscience and impure conscience. The former in the words of Quran is “Nafs-e-Mutminah”. “The contented self” It is a virtuous self differentiating between good and bad according to divine injunctions. The latter is “Nafs-eummarah”, the evil self. It does not differentiate between good and bad. It is a demonic and vicious self. The Quran regards such vicious and cruel people worse than animals and hard stones. Such people of hardened hearts are tyrants, oppressors and terrorists. For their petty material and worldly gains they can go to any extent even to kill people indiscriminately. The atheists and the unscrupulous persons have coined the philosophy of relative values. The Theory of Relativity of Einstein has largely influenced the morals of human kind as well.
But they should know that mind and matter are two different objects. There can be no relativity in the matters of morality. Moral and Immoral are absolute values only in relative situations they look relative.
About the conscience or self the Quran in Sura “Shams” says; “And the self and what proportioned it and inspired it with depravity and piety, he who purifies it has succeeded, he who covers it up has failed.”
When we ponder on this systematic and harmonious universe our mind and conscience approve of the existence of some designer. Such a designed universe cannot be accidental. The way the cells are formed, planets are made, humans, animals and plants are flawlessly created, and our conscience accepts that these things are the creation of the greatest scientist known as God. Such a perfect universe can not be the creation of chance. The creation of “cell” which is in itself a complete universe leaves no doubt that what a wonderful creator has created this universe. The vast and complex world in an atom having protons, neutrons and phontons mainifest the hidden and mysterious divine spirit. Francis Crick is one of the two scientists who discovered the structure of DNA during the 1950’s. The blood culture is also a strange scientific discovery. We have numberless green shades in green color. All leaves of different plants have different shapes and green colors. There are so many green shades of color in one green color. The finger prints of every person in the world are different from the finger prints of the other man. The shapes of all humans are different. The father of modern physics Einstein in his book entitled “Out of My Later Years” writes that the study of universe amazes one and makes one to believe in spiritual excellence. Francis Crick during research on the structure of “cell” became so amazed that in his book entitled “Life Itself: its Origin and Nature” writes; “An honest man, armed with all the knowledge available to us now, could only state that in some sense, the origin of life appears at the moment to be almost miracle, so many are the conditions which would have had to have been satisfied to get it going; Darwin in his book entitle “The Origin of Species” propounded the theory of evolution. The Evolutionists believe in coincidence. They do not believe in creation. Francis Crick was also an evolutionist and atheist but his amazement in the perfect creation shuddered him. Such believers of the theory of “Aliens” are conscienceless people strayed from logical and divine course. The people with dead conscience have been condemned in Sura Al-Jathiyya” in the Quran in these words: “Have you seen him who takes his whims and desires to be his god – whom Allah has misguided knowingly, sealing up his hearing and his heart and placing a blindfold over his eyes? Who then will guide him after Allah? So will you not pay heed? They say, ‘there is nothing but our existence in the life of this world. We die and we live and nothing destroys us except for time’. They have no knowledge of that. They are only conjecturing.”
Conjecture and conscience are altogether different things. Conjecture has no substantial, factual or logical background. Conscience is a natural gift of God which is a great guide and arbitrator. Conscience draws the line of demarcation between vice and virtue; justice and injustice; beauty and ugliness; logical and illogical. In Sura “The Heifer” such conscienceless people are described as “blind” and “deaf”. When the Quran says that their hearts are sealed it means that they have no sense to distinguish between right and wrong. As they do not use their mind and their conscience is dirty, rusty and dead; hence they are blind to realities. Conscienceless people deliberately ignore the scriptures for their base desires. They console themselves by defying the divine instructions and injunctions. In Sura “Baqara” and Sura “Furqan” it is mentioned how people ignore the Quran. The Book of Allah shows the real purpose of life which awakens and fortifies human conscience. In Sura “Al-Muminen? The Quran says; “Did you suppose that we created you for amusement and that you would not return to us.” Life after death is also conscience related issue. The wrong doers cherish the delusions of non-accountability after death. When a man dies his soul do not die. In my book “Philosophy of Soul” I have discussed this matter in detail. It is the need of justice that the sinners and transgressors who manage to escape from punishment in this world must be punished in hereafter for their cruel deeds. The Quran names it the “Day of Accountability.” In Sura “Johah”, the Quran announces; “Each and every one of you will return to Him. Allah’s promise is true”. Then in Sura “Hud” the Quran says; “Your Lord will pay each of them in full for his actions. He is aware of what they do.” When a virtuous man dies, his conscience is clear and he feels no fear. He happily dies. At a place then Quran says; “you desire death, if you are truthful.” The pious people receive glad tidings on death bed. In Sura “An-Nahl” the Quran announces; “Those the angles take in a virtuous state. They say, ‘peace be upon you! Enter the Garden for what you did.” Again in Sura “Al-Anbiya” the Quran declares; “The greatest terror will not upset them and the angels will welcome them; this is your day, the one you were promised.”
In case man has passed voluptuous and corrupt life Allah warns these people in Sura “Muhammad” saying; “How will it be when the angels take them in death, beating their faces and their backs.” When the death seems close one starts remembering God. When a wrong doer is about to die his dead conscience is awakened and he feels ashamed of his past. Some body asked Imam Jafar Sadiq; where is God and how can we know about God? The Imam replied if you are voyaging in a boat and sudden storm encompasses you and are sure of death. Then in the heart of your hearts you seek assistance from some mysterious power to save you. That mysterious power is God. It is actually experiencing God. We find great lessons in the concept of death but only people with living conscience learn the lesson. The prophets have been regarded as conscientious men. In Sura “Saad” the Quran says; “And remember our servants Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, men of true strength and inner light. We purified their sincerity through sincere remembrance of the Abode. They were in our sight, truly of the company of the Elect and the Good”. The men of conscience are instructed to impart justice under all circumstances. “You who believe! Be upholders of justice, bearing witness for Allah alone, even against your selves or your parents and relatives.” According to the Quran a conscientious person does not care to please even king. He only strives to please Allah. Hazrat Ali in Nehjul Balagha says; “I do not worship God due to the fear of Hell or for the greed of heaven. I worship Him because he is worship worthy.” It means we should sincerely love and worship God, as He has no partner and deserves adoration. It is the voice of conscience which makes you bow before God. The man of living conscience is like prophets. God is the voice of conscience and conscience is the voice of God. In Sura “Al-Muddaththir” the Quran about the conscience says; it is truly a reminder to which anyone who wills pay heed.” Let us listen to the voice of conscience because pure and noble conscience is the boon of God, which is the second form of rationality, intuition and even revelation. The living conscience makes a man a living personality close to human kind and God.
By: Prof. Maqsood Jafri
Conscience is a judge having spiritual quality that differentiates between right and wrong. Common sense and conscience are given to everyone but their use is not common. People even do not use commonsense and conscience; hence they are strayed from the right path. Conscience is like inspiration. When a man does something wrong, deep in his heart he feels guilty. When a man does some good he feels a queer sense of pleasure and satisfaction. When people like William Shakespeare say; “There is nothing good and bad, only thinking makes it so”; actually they try to mix up good and bad. Good is good and bad is bad. Intrinsically values are absolute but relatively they are relative. To make it clearer and simpler an example can be presented. Everybody irrespective of creed, class or clan condemns murder. To commit murder is a sin. When Mr. A murders Mr. B without any reason or justification it is to be cursed. But now as Mr. A is a culprit and a murderer, hence he has to be punished. Now to give him sentence to death becomes essential. We have justification for the murder of Mr. A. The act of murder, from one angle is a sin and from the other angle is correct. Hence conscience decides what is good and what is bad. Here it should be noted that Human conscience is of two types; pure conscience and impure conscience. The former in the words of Quran is “Nafs-e-Mutminah”. “The contented self” It is a virtuous self differentiating between good and bad according to divine injunctions. The latter is “Nafs-eummarah”, the evil self. It does not differentiate between good and bad. It is a demonic and vicious self. The Quran regards such vicious and cruel people worse than animals and hard stones. Such people of hardened hearts are tyrants, oppressors and terrorists. For their petty material and worldly gains they can go to any extent even to kill people indiscriminately. The atheists and the unscrupulous persons have coined the philosophy of relative values. The Theory of Relativity of Einstein has largely influenced the morals of human kind as well.
But they should know that mind and matter are two different objects. There can be no relativity in the matters of morality. Moral and Immoral are absolute values only in relative situations they look relative.
About the conscience or self the Quran in Sura “Shams” says; “And the self and what proportioned it and inspired it with depravity and piety, he who purifies it has succeeded, he who covers it up has failed.”
When we ponder on this systematic and harmonious universe our mind and conscience approve of the existence of some designer. Such a designed universe cannot be accidental. The way the cells are formed, planets are made, humans, animals and plants are flawlessly created, and our conscience accepts that these things are the creation of the greatest scientist known as God. Such a perfect universe can not be the creation of chance. The creation of “cell” which is in itself a complete universe leaves no doubt that what a wonderful creator has created this universe. The vast and complex world in an atom having protons, neutrons and phontons mainifest the hidden and mysterious divine spirit. Francis Crick is one of the two scientists who discovered the structure of DNA during the 1950’s. The blood culture is also a strange scientific discovery. We have numberless green shades in green color. All leaves of different plants have different shapes and green colors. There are so many green shades of color in one green color. The finger prints of every person in the world are different from the finger prints of the other man. The shapes of all humans are different. The father of modern physics Einstein in his book entitled “Out of My Later Years” writes that the study of universe amazes one and makes one to believe in spiritual excellence. Francis Crick during research on the structure of “cell” became so amazed that in his book entitled “Life Itself: its Origin and Nature” writes; “An honest man, armed with all the knowledge available to us now, could only state that in some sense, the origin of life appears at the moment to be almost miracle, so many are the conditions which would have had to have been satisfied to get it going; Darwin in his book entitle “The Origin of Species” propounded the theory of evolution. The Evolutionists believe in coincidence. They do not believe in creation. Francis Crick was also an evolutionist and atheist but his amazement in the perfect creation shuddered him. Such believers of the theory of “Aliens” are conscienceless people strayed from logical and divine course. The people with dead conscience have been condemned in Sura Al-Jathiyya” in the Quran in these words: “Have you seen him who takes his whims and desires to be his god – whom Allah has misguided knowingly, sealing up his hearing and his heart and placing a blindfold over his eyes? Who then will guide him after Allah? So will you not pay heed? They say, ‘there is nothing but our existence in the life of this world. We die and we live and nothing destroys us except for time’. They have no knowledge of that. They are only conjecturing.”
Conjecture and conscience are altogether different things. Conjecture has no substantial, factual or logical background. Conscience is a natural gift of God which is a great guide and arbitrator. Conscience draws the line of demarcation between vice and virtue; justice and injustice; beauty and ugliness; logical and illogical. In Sura “The Heifer” such conscienceless people are described as “blind” and “deaf”. When the Quran says that their hearts are sealed it means that they have no sense to distinguish between right and wrong. As they do not use their mind and their conscience is dirty, rusty and dead; hence they are blind to realities. Conscienceless people deliberately ignore the scriptures for their base desires. They console themselves by defying the divine instructions and injunctions. In Sura “Baqara” and Sura “Furqan” it is mentioned how people ignore the Quran. The Book of Allah shows the real purpose of life which awakens and fortifies human conscience. In Sura “Al-Muminen? The Quran says; “Did you suppose that we created you for amusement and that you would not return to us.” Life after death is also conscience related issue. The wrong doers cherish the delusions of non-accountability after death. When a man dies his soul do not die. In my book “Philosophy of Soul” I have discussed this matter in detail. It is the need of justice that the sinners and transgressors who manage to escape from punishment in this world must be punished in hereafter for their cruel deeds. The Quran names it the “Day of Accountability.” In Sura “Johah”, the Quran announces; “Each and every one of you will return to Him. Allah’s promise is true”. Then in Sura “Hud” the Quran says; “Your Lord will pay each of them in full for his actions. He is aware of what they do.” When a virtuous man dies, his conscience is clear and he feels no fear. He happily dies. At a place then Quran says; “you desire death, if you are truthful.” The pious people receive glad tidings on death bed. In Sura “An-Nahl” the Quran announces; “Those the angles take in a virtuous state. They say, ‘peace be upon you! Enter the Garden for what you did.” Again in Sura “Al-Anbiya” the Quran declares; “The greatest terror will not upset them and the angels will welcome them; this is your day, the one you were promised.”
In case man has passed voluptuous and corrupt life Allah warns these people in Sura “Muhammad” saying; “How will it be when the angels take them in death, beating their faces and their backs.” When the death seems close one starts remembering God. When a wrong doer is about to die his dead conscience is awakened and he feels ashamed of his past. Some body asked Imam Jafar Sadiq; where is God and how can we know about God? The Imam replied if you are voyaging in a boat and sudden storm encompasses you and are sure of death. Then in the heart of your hearts you seek assistance from some mysterious power to save you. That mysterious power is God. It is actually experiencing God. We find great lessons in the concept of death but only people with living conscience learn the lesson. The prophets have been regarded as conscientious men. In Sura “Saad” the Quran says; “And remember our servants Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, men of true strength and inner light. We purified their sincerity through sincere remembrance of the Abode. They were in our sight, truly of the company of the Elect and the Good”. The men of conscience are instructed to impart justice under all circumstances. “You who believe! Be upholders of justice, bearing witness for Allah alone, even against your selves or your parents and relatives.” According to the Quran a conscientious person does not care to please even king. He only strives to please Allah. Hazrat Ali in Nehjul Balagha says; “I do not worship God due to the fear of Hell or for the greed of heaven. I worship Him because he is worship worthy.” It means we should sincerely love and worship God, as He has no partner and deserves adoration. It is the voice of conscience which makes you bow before God. The man of living conscience is like prophets. God is the voice of conscience and conscience is the voice of God. In Sura “Al-Muddaththir” the Quran about the conscience says; it is truly a reminder to which anyone who wills pay heed.” Let us listen to the voice of conscience because pure and noble conscience is the boon of God, which is the second form of rationality, intuition and even revelation. The living conscience makes a man a living personality close to human kind and God.
Islam The Next American Religion?
by Michal Wolfe
The U.S. began as a haven for Christian outcasts. But what religion fits our current zeitgeist? The answer may be Islam.
Americans tend to think of their country as, at the very least, a nominally Christian nation. Didn't the Pilgrims come here for freedom to practice their Christian religion? Don't Christian values of righteousness under God, and freedom, reinforce America's democratic, capitalist ideals?
True enough. But there's a new religion on the block now, one that fits the current zeitgeist nicely. It's Islam.
Islam is the third-largest and fastest growing religious community in the United States. This is not just because of immigration. More than 50% of America's six million Muslims were born here. Statistics like these imply some basic agreement between core American values and the beliefs that Muslims hold. Americans who make the effort to look beyond popular stereotypes to learn the truth of Islam are surprised to find themselves on familiar ground.
Is America a Muslim nation? Here are seven reasons the answer may be yes.
Islam is monotheistic.
Muslims worship the same God as Jews and Christians. They also revere the same prophets as Judaism and Christianity, from Abraham, the first monotheist, to Moses, the law giver and messenger of God, to Jesus – not leaving out Noah, Job, or Isaiah along the way. The concept of a Judeo-Christian tradition only came to the fore in the 1940s in America. Now, as a nation, we may be transcending it, turning to a more inclusive "Abrahamic" view.
In January, President Bush grouped mosques with churches and synagogues in his inaugural address. A few days later, when he posed for photographers at a meeting of several dozen religious figures, the Shi'ite imam Muhammad Qazwini, of Orange County, Calif., stood directly behind Bush's chair like a presiding angel, dressed in the robes and turban of his south Iraqi youth.
Islam is democratic in spirit.
Islam advocates the right to vote and educate yourself and pursue a profession. The Qur'an, on which Islamic law is based, enjoins Muslims to govern themselves by discussion and consensus. In mosques, there is no particular priestly hierarchy. With Islam, each individual is responsible for the condition of her or his own soul. Everyone stands equal before God.
Americans, who mostly associate Islamic government with a handful of tyrants, may find this independent spirit surprising, supposing that Muslims are somehow predisposed to passive submission. Nothing could be further from the truth. The dictators reigning today in the Middle East are not the result of Islamic principles. They are more a result of global economics and the aftermath of European colonialism. Meanwhile, like everyone else, average Muslims the world over want a larger say in what goes on in the countries where they live. Those in America may actually succeed in it. In this way, America is closer in spirit to Islam than many Arab countries.
Islam contains an attractive mystical tradition.
Mysticism is grounded in the individual search for God. Where better to do that than in America, land of individualists and spiritual seekers? And who might better benefit than Americans from the centuries-long tradition of teachers and students that characterize Islam. Surprising as it may seem, America's best-selling poet du jour is a Muslim mystic named Rumi, the 800-year-old Persian bard and founder of the Mevlevi Path, known in the West as the Whirling Dervishes. Even book packagers are now rushing him into print to meet and profit from mainstream demand for this visionary. Translators as various as Robert Bly, Coleman Barks, and Kabir and Camille Helminski have produced dozens of books of Rumi's verse and have only begun to bring his enormous output before the English-speaking world. This is a concrete poetry of ecstasy, where physical reality and the longing for God are joined by flashes of metaphor and insight that continue to speak across the centuries.
Islam is egalitarian.
From New York to California, the only houses of worship that are routinely integrated today are the approximately 4,000 Muslim mosques. That is because Islam is predicated on a level playing field, especially when it comes to standing before God. The Pledge of Allegiance (one nation, "under God") and Lincoln's Gettysburg Address (all people are "created equal") express themes that are also basic to Islam.
Islam is often viewed as an aggressive faith because of the concept of jihad, but this is actually a misunderstood term. Because Muslims believe that God wants a just world, they tend to be activists, and they emphasize that people are equal before God. These are two reasons why African Americans have been drawn in such large numbers to Islam. They now comprise about one-third of all Muslims in America.
Meanwhile, this egalitarian streak also plays itself out in relations between the sexes. Muhammad, Islam's prophet, actually was a reformer in his day. Following the Qur'an, he limited the number of wives a man could have and strongly recommended against polygamy. The Qur'an laid out a set of marriage laws that guarantees married women their family names, their own possessions and capital, the right to agree upon whom they will marry, and the right to initiate divorce. In Islam's early period, women were professionals and property owners, as increasingly they are today. None of this may seem obvious to most Americans because of cultural overlays that at times make Islam appear to be a repressive faith toward women – but if you look more closely, you can see the egalitarian streak preserved in the Qur'an finding expression in contemporary terms. In today's Iran, for example, more women than men attend university, and in recent local elections there, 5,000 women ran for public office.
Islam shares America's new interest in food purity and diet.
Muslims conduct a month long fast during the holy month of Ramadan, a practice that many Americans admire and even seek to emulate. I happened to spend quite a bit of time with a non-Muslim friend during Ramadan this year. After a month of being exposed to a practice that brings some annual control to human consumption, my friend let me know, in January, that he was "doing a little Ramadan" of his own. I asked what he meant. "Well, I'm not drinking anything or smoking anything for at least a month, and I'm going off coffee." Given this friend's normal intake of coffee, I could not believe my ears.
Muslims also observe dietary laws that restrict the kind of meat they can eat. These laws require that the permitted, or halal, meat is prepared in a manner that emphasizes cleanliness and a humane treatment of animals. These laws ride on the same trends that have made organic foods so popular.
Islam is tolerant of other faiths.
Like America, Islam has a history of respecting other religions. In Muhammad's day, Christians, Sabeans, and Jews in Muslim lands retained their own courts and enjoyed considerable autonomy. As Islam spread east toward India and China, it came to view Zoroastrianism, Hinduism, and Buddhism as valid paths to salvation. As Islam spread north and west, Judaism especially benefited. The return of the Jews to Jerusalem, after centuries as outcasts, only came about after Muslims took the city in 638. The first thing the Muslims did there was to rescue the Temple Mount, which by then had been turned into a garbage heap.
Today, of course, the long discord between Israel and Palestine has acquired harsh religious overtones. Yet the fact remains that this is a battle for real estate, not a war between two faiths. Islam and Judaism revere the same prophetic lineage, back to Abraham, and no amount of bullets or barbed wire can change that. As The New York Times recently reported, while Muslim/Jewish tensions sometimes flare on university campuses, lately these same students have found ways to forge common links. For one thing, the two religions share similar dietary laws, including ritual slaughter and a prohibition on pork. Joining forces at Dartmouth this fall, the first kosher/halal dining hall is scheduled to open its doors this autumn. That isn't all: They're already planning a joint Thanksgiving dinner, with birds dressed at a nearby farm by a rabbi and an imam. If the American Pilgrims were watching now, they'd be rubbing their eyes with amazement. And, because they came here fleeing religious persecution, they might also understand.
Islam encourages the pursuit of religious freedom.
The Pilgrims landing at Plymouth Rock is not the world's first story of religious emigration. Muhammad and his little band of 100 followers fled religious persecution, too, from Mecca in the year 622. They only survived by going to Madinah, an oasis a few hundred miles north, where they established a new community based on a religion they could only practice secretly back home. No wonder then that, in our own day, many Muslims have come here as pilgrims from oppression, leaving places like Kashmir, Bosnia, and Kosovo, where being a Muslim may radically shorten your life span. When the 20th century's list of emigrant exiles is added up, it will prove to be heavy with Muslims, that's for sure.
All in all, there seems to be a deep resonance between Islam and the United States. Although one is a world religion and the other is a sovereign nation, both are traditionally very strong on individual responsibility. Like New Hampshire's motto, "Live Free or Die," America is wedded to individual liberty and an ethic based on right action. For a Muslim, spiritual salvation depends on these. This is best expressed in a popular saying: Even when you think God isn't watching you, act as if he is.
Who knows? Perhaps it won't be long now before words like salat (Muslim prayer) and Ramadan join karma and Nirvana in Webster's Dictionary, and Muslims take their place in America's mainstream.
Michael Abdul Majeed Wolfe is the author of books of poetry, fiction, travel, and history. His most recent works are a pair of books from Grove Press on the pilgrimage to Mecca: "The Hajj" (1993), a first-person travel account, writing about the Muslim pilgrimage. In April 1997, he hosted a televised account of the Hajj from Mecca for Ted Koppel's "Nightline" on ABC. He is currently at work on a four-hour television documentary on the life and times of the Prophet Muhammad.
and "One Thousand Roads to Mecca" (1997), an anthology of 10 centuries of travelers
From www.irif.org
The U.S. began as a haven for Christian outcasts. But what religion fits our current zeitgeist? The answer may be Islam.
Americans tend to think of their country as, at the very least, a nominally Christian nation. Didn't the Pilgrims come here for freedom to practice their Christian religion? Don't Christian values of righteousness under God, and freedom, reinforce America's democratic, capitalist ideals?
True enough. But there's a new religion on the block now, one that fits the current zeitgeist nicely. It's Islam.
Islam is the third-largest and fastest growing religious community in the United States. This is not just because of immigration. More than 50% of America's six million Muslims were born here. Statistics like these imply some basic agreement between core American values and the beliefs that Muslims hold. Americans who make the effort to look beyond popular stereotypes to learn the truth of Islam are surprised to find themselves on familiar ground.
Is America a Muslim nation? Here are seven reasons the answer may be yes.
Islam is monotheistic.
Muslims worship the same God as Jews and Christians. They also revere the same prophets as Judaism and Christianity, from Abraham, the first monotheist, to Moses, the law giver and messenger of God, to Jesus – not leaving out Noah, Job, or Isaiah along the way. The concept of a Judeo-Christian tradition only came to the fore in the 1940s in America. Now, as a nation, we may be transcending it, turning to a more inclusive "Abrahamic" view.
In January, President Bush grouped mosques with churches and synagogues in his inaugural address. A few days later, when he posed for photographers at a meeting of several dozen religious figures, the Shi'ite imam Muhammad Qazwini, of Orange County, Calif., stood directly behind Bush's chair like a presiding angel, dressed in the robes and turban of his south Iraqi youth.
Islam is democratic in spirit.
Islam advocates the right to vote and educate yourself and pursue a profession. The Qur'an, on which Islamic law is based, enjoins Muslims to govern themselves by discussion and consensus. In mosques, there is no particular priestly hierarchy. With Islam, each individual is responsible for the condition of her or his own soul. Everyone stands equal before God.
Americans, who mostly associate Islamic government with a handful of tyrants, may find this independent spirit surprising, supposing that Muslims are somehow predisposed to passive submission. Nothing could be further from the truth. The dictators reigning today in the Middle East are not the result of Islamic principles. They are more a result of global economics and the aftermath of European colonialism. Meanwhile, like everyone else, average Muslims the world over want a larger say in what goes on in the countries where they live. Those in America may actually succeed in it. In this way, America is closer in spirit to Islam than many Arab countries.
Islam contains an attractive mystical tradition.
Mysticism is grounded in the individual search for God. Where better to do that than in America, land of individualists and spiritual seekers? And who might better benefit than Americans from the centuries-long tradition of teachers and students that characterize Islam. Surprising as it may seem, America's best-selling poet du jour is a Muslim mystic named Rumi, the 800-year-old Persian bard and founder of the Mevlevi Path, known in the West as the Whirling Dervishes. Even book packagers are now rushing him into print to meet and profit from mainstream demand for this visionary. Translators as various as Robert Bly, Coleman Barks, and Kabir and Camille Helminski have produced dozens of books of Rumi's verse and have only begun to bring his enormous output before the English-speaking world. This is a concrete poetry of ecstasy, where physical reality and the longing for God are joined by flashes of metaphor and insight that continue to speak across the centuries.
Islam is egalitarian.
From New York to California, the only houses of worship that are routinely integrated today are the approximately 4,000 Muslim mosques. That is because Islam is predicated on a level playing field, especially when it comes to standing before God. The Pledge of Allegiance (one nation, "under God") and Lincoln's Gettysburg Address (all people are "created equal") express themes that are also basic to Islam.
Islam is often viewed as an aggressive faith because of the concept of jihad, but this is actually a misunderstood term. Because Muslims believe that God wants a just world, they tend to be activists, and they emphasize that people are equal before God. These are two reasons why African Americans have been drawn in such large numbers to Islam. They now comprise about one-third of all Muslims in America.
Meanwhile, this egalitarian streak also plays itself out in relations between the sexes. Muhammad, Islam's prophet, actually was a reformer in his day. Following the Qur'an, he limited the number of wives a man could have and strongly recommended against polygamy. The Qur'an laid out a set of marriage laws that guarantees married women their family names, their own possessions and capital, the right to agree upon whom they will marry, and the right to initiate divorce. In Islam's early period, women were professionals and property owners, as increasingly they are today. None of this may seem obvious to most Americans because of cultural overlays that at times make Islam appear to be a repressive faith toward women – but if you look more closely, you can see the egalitarian streak preserved in the Qur'an finding expression in contemporary terms. In today's Iran, for example, more women than men attend university, and in recent local elections there, 5,000 women ran for public office.
Islam shares America's new interest in food purity and diet.
Muslims conduct a month long fast during the holy month of Ramadan, a practice that many Americans admire and even seek to emulate. I happened to spend quite a bit of time with a non-Muslim friend during Ramadan this year. After a month of being exposed to a practice that brings some annual control to human consumption, my friend let me know, in January, that he was "doing a little Ramadan" of his own. I asked what he meant. "Well, I'm not drinking anything or smoking anything for at least a month, and I'm going off coffee." Given this friend's normal intake of coffee, I could not believe my ears.
Muslims also observe dietary laws that restrict the kind of meat they can eat. These laws require that the permitted, or halal, meat is prepared in a manner that emphasizes cleanliness and a humane treatment of animals. These laws ride on the same trends that have made organic foods so popular.
Islam is tolerant of other faiths.
Like America, Islam has a history of respecting other religions. In Muhammad's day, Christians, Sabeans, and Jews in Muslim lands retained their own courts and enjoyed considerable autonomy. As Islam spread east toward India and China, it came to view Zoroastrianism, Hinduism, and Buddhism as valid paths to salvation. As Islam spread north and west, Judaism especially benefited. The return of the Jews to Jerusalem, after centuries as outcasts, only came about after Muslims took the city in 638. The first thing the Muslims did there was to rescue the Temple Mount, which by then had been turned into a garbage heap.
Today, of course, the long discord between Israel and Palestine has acquired harsh religious overtones. Yet the fact remains that this is a battle for real estate, not a war between two faiths. Islam and Judaism revere the same prophetic lineage, back to Abraham, and no amount of bullets or barbed wire can change that. As The New York Times recently reported, while Muslim/Jewish tensions sometimes flare on university campuses, lately these same students have found ways to forge common links. For one thing, the two religions share similar dietary laws, including ritual slaughter and a prohibition on pork. Joining forces at Dartmouth this fall, the first kosher/halal dining hall is scheduled to open its doors this autumn. That isn't all: They're already planning a joint Thanksgiving dinner, with birds dressed at a nearby farm by a rabbi and an imam. If the American Pilgrims were watching now, they'd be rubbing their eyes with amazement. And, because they came here fleeing religious persecution, they might also understand.
Islam encourages the pursuit of religious freedom.
The Pilgrims landing at Plymouth Rock is not the world's first story of religious emigration. Muhammad and his little band of 100 followers fled religious persecution, too, from Mecca in the year 622. They only survived by going to Madinah, an oasis a few hundred miles north, where they established a new community based on a religion they could only practice secretly back home. No wonder then that, in our own day, many Muslims have come here as pilgrims from oppression, leaving places like Kashmir, Bosnia, and Kosovo, where being a Muslim may radically shorten your life span. When the 20th century's list of emigrant exiles is added up, it will prove to be heavy with Muslims, that's for sure.
All in all, there seems to be a deep resonance between Islam and the United States. Although one is a world religion and the other is a sovereign nation, both are traditionally very strong on individual responsibility. Like New Hampshire's motto, "Live Free or Die," America is wedded to individual liberty and an ethic based on right action. For a Muslim, spiritual salvation depends on these. This is best expressed in a popular saying: Even when you think God isn't watching you, act as if he is.
Who knows? Perhaps it won't be long now before words like salat (Muslim prayer) and Ramadan join karma and Nirvana in Webster's Dictionary, and Muslims take their place in America's mainstream.
Michael Abdul Majeed Wolfe is the author of books of poetry, fiction, travel, and history. His most recent works are a pair of books from Grove Press on the pilgrimage to Mecca: "The Hajj" (1993), a first-person travel account, writing about the Muslim pilgrimage. In April 1997, he hosted a televised account of the Hajj from Mecca for Ted Koppel's "Nightline" on ABC. He is currently at work on a four-hour television documentary on the life and times of the Prophet Muhammad.
and "One Thousand Roads to Mecca" (1997), an anthology of 10 centuries of travelers
From www.irif.org
Qur'anic Views on Polygamy
by Ibrahim B. Syed, Ph. D.
President
Islamic Research Foundation International, Inc.
Website: http://WWW.IRFI.ORG
Polygamy (ta'adud-e-izdiwaj) 1
For either spouse the word used in Arabic is zawj, which means both husband or wife. Thus the very word zawj implies one husband and one wife. For marrying the word in Arabic is zawwaja or tazawwaja ( I married) and this means he married one woman ( or zawwajat, ie., she married a man). Zawwaja cannot mean the on one side there would be one man and on the other four or five women.
"O people, keep your duty to your Lord, who created you from a single soul and created its (zawjaha) of the same (kind), and spread from these two many men and women."….. The Qur'an 4: 1
In this Qur'anic verse Allah has created a couple (zawj, i.e., man and woman) and then created men and women from this couple. Thus in the beginning there was one male and one female and not many females for one male, though at that time there was greater need for this to increase the human population rapidly (it is not correct to say that polygamy leads to rapid increase in human population). This Qur'anic verse usually is recited while solemnizing the marriage (khutbah-e-nikah) but our 'ulama do not reflect deeply the implications of this verse. Obviously this verse clearly implies one female for one male and not many females for one male.
Let us refer to another verse of the Qur'an (2: 35) which says, "And We said: O Adam, dwell thou and thy wife in the garden, and eat from it a plenteous (food) wherever you wish, and approach not this tree, lest you be of the unjust."
Adam was the first person sent on earth and Allah had created only one wife for him and not several wives. Wherever Adam's story has been referred to in the Glorious Book, it refers to Adam and Hawwa' (Eve). For example, in verse 20: 117 it is said, "We said: O Adam, this is an enemy to thee and thy wife; so let him not drive you both out of the garden so that thou art unhappy." This verse also clearly refers to only one wife of Adam.
Let us refer to the verses 75: 36-39: "Does man think that he will be left aimless? Was he not a small life germ in sperm emitted? Then he was a clot; so He created (him), then made (him) perfect. Then He made of him two kinds, the male and the female." This verse also refers to men and women being made into zawjain, i.e., couples which clearly means one woman for one man. Thus God creates couples right from day one. Allah does not create ten women for one man. It is man, one can argue, who changes this equation.
But if it happens (i.e., more women for one man) it is due to some social crisis. The Noble Qur'an, one can argue, has shown us the solution. But during the normal period Allah creates only one woman for one man and man has to remain content with one woman only. But if someone marries a woman and be comes to dislike her, the Qur'an does not suggest that you then marry another one as four wives have been permitted. On the other hand the Qur'an says:
" O you who believe, it is not lawful for you to take women as heritage against (their) will. Nor should you straighten them by making them part of what you have given them, unless they are guilty of manifest indecency. And treat them kindly. Then if you hate them, it may be that you dislike a thing while Allah has placed abundant good in it. And if you wish to have (one) wife in the place of another and you have given one of them a heap of gold, take nothing from it. Would you take it by slandering (her) and (doing her) manifest wrong? And how can you take it when you have gone in unto each other, and they have taken from you a solemn covenant?"
The Qur'an requires that if you dislike your wife you better reconcile yourself to it because you may dislike something and Allah may have hidden something better for you in that. So it is better that you change your dislike into love. This may be good for you. No one is virtue personified nor anyone is evil personified. The wife you dislike may have certain virtues. But if you cannot overcome your dislike and you decide to divorce and marry another one (here the Qur'an does not suggest taking another wife along with the first but divorcing one and taking another one) you cannot take back from her what you had given her by way of mahr or gift, even if it be a heap of Gold. Thus the Qur'an puts pressure on the husband to think twice before divorcing one wife to take another in her place. The Qur'an persuades man to stick to the first wife and not to divorce her. Thus the Qur'an does not approve of polygamy even in such circumstances. It permits it only in highly exceptional circumstances or only in a crisis situation.
One should focus the verses on polygamy, i.e., verses 4: 2-3, to show that polygamy has been permitted only in highly exceptional circumstances, i.e., when a large number of women have been rendered yatim (orphans) due to devastating wars (which was not at all unusual at that time in Arabia. The Noble Prophet himself had to fight many such wars in which a large number of men were killed). The word yatim used in the above verse means not only orphans but also widows according to the classical Arabic usage. Even Imam Abu Bakr Jassas agrees to this meaning of the word yatim. Thus it is quite natural that in war time a large number of girls and women became orphans or widows and many of them possessed valuable properties. Their wards would either eat away this property or would exchange a bad one of their own with the good one of these orphans and widows. Thus in order to protect the properties of these women and to find shelter for them the Qur'an permitted marrying up to four wives. One can quote extensively from the Hanafi Imam Abu Bakr Jassas to support the above arguments.
The Meaning of verse 4: 3 is that you should marry these orphans or widows only, not other women. The words min al-nisa' and not min nisa'in clearly indicate that the Qur'an means those very women rendered orphans and widows in wars. Many commentators of the Qur'an maintain that a man can marry any other woman up to four whom he likes and quote a hadith to this effect from A'isha, the Prophet's wife.
Whatever is conditional would remain valid only if the condition is fulfilled. The number of marriages up to four has been permitted only on the condition that there are large number of orphan girls and widows who are not being taken care of or injustices are taking place with them or no one is there to look after them. Only if these conditions persist, up to four marriages will be permitted to Muslim men. But if such a condition does not prevail in the society, the permission to marry more than one wife will not be valid. This injunction in the Qur'an is not general but conditional. The verse pertaining to polygamy begins with wa in khiftum alla tuqsitu fi' al-yatama (if you fear you cannot do justice to orphans and widows) and hence this is the main condition. Thus it is obvious that one can take more than one wife only from among orphans and widows with whom one cannot do justice otherwise.
If the verse on polygamy permits more than one wife only in crisis situations why was it not understood in this perspective in the early Islamic period and why does this practice ( of polygamy) continue among the Muslims unabated? In the early Islamic period, as well as until the end of the Abbasid rule, the period was full of wars. During the Noble Prophet's time a number of battles had to be fought. Then during early period of Khilafat-e-Rashidah a number of wars were fought and then began the period of civil war among the Muslims. It was followed by the Umayyad period which was also full of conflict and turmoil. The Umayyads were subsequently overthrown and the Abbasid rule began. The wars continued. Sometimes with Daylams, sometimes with Saljuqs and sometimes Tartars. Ultimately the Tartars reduced the Abbasids to dust. This in these wars a large numbers of Muslim men continued to be killed and more and more orphan girls and widows came into existence. "Thus Muslim men continued to marry more than one wife and polygamy remained in practice. Because of its persistence for so long it became a strongly entrenched tradition and then followed the period of taqlid (blind imitation) and hence it persists in our times as well though Qur'anically speaking, it has no validity whatsoever today.
Polygamy 2
Polygamy was a way of life until the Quran was revealed 1400 years ago. When the earth was young and under-populated, polygamy was one way of populating it and bringing in the human beings needed to carry out God's plan. By the time the Quran was revealed, the world had been sufficiently populated, and the Quran put down the first limitations against polygamy.
Polygamy is permitted in the Quran, but under strictly observed circumstances. Any abuse of this divine permission incurs severe retribution. Thus, although polygamy is permitted by God, it behooves us to examine our circumstances carefully before saying that a particular polygamous relationship is permissible.
Our perfect example here is the prophet Muhammad. He was married to one wife, Khadijah, until she died. He had all his children, except one, from Khadijah. Thus, she and her children enjoyed the Prophet's full attention for as long as she was married to him; twenty-five years. For all practical purposes, Muhammad had one wife - from the age of 25 to 50. During the remaining 13 years of his life, he married the aged widows of his friends who left many children. The children needed a complete home, with a fatherly figure, and the Prophet provided that. Providing a fatherly figure for orphans is the only specific circumstance in support of polygamy mentioned in the Quran (4:3).
Other than marrying widowed mothers of orphans, there were three political marriages in the Prophet's life. His close friends Abu Bakr and Omar insisted that he marry their daughters, Aisha and Hafsah, to establish traditional family ties among them. The third marriage was to Maria the Egyptian; she was given to him as a political gesture of friendship from the ruler of Egypt.
This perfect example tells us that a man must give his full attention and loyalty in marriage to his wife and children in order to raise a happy and wholesome family.
The Quran emphasizes the limitations against polygamy in very strong words:
"If you fear lest you may not be perfectly equitable in
treating more than one wife, then you shall be content with one."
(4:3) "You cannot be equitable in a polygamous relationship, no matter how hard you try." (4:129)
The Quranic limitations against polygamy point out the possibility of abusing God's law. Therefore, unless we are absolutely sure that God's law will not be abused, we had better resist our lust and stay away from polygamy. If the circumstances do not dictate polygamy, we had better give our full attention to one wife and one set of children. The children's psychological and social well-being, especially in countries where polygamy is prohibited, almost invariably dictate monogamy. A few basic criteria must be observed in contemplating polygamy:
1. It must alleviate pain and suffering and not cause any pain or suffering.
2. If you have a young family, it is almost certain that polygamy is an abuse.
3. Polygamy to substitute a younger wife is an abuse of God's law (4:19).
Polygamy 3
The PUM (Persatuan Ulama Malaysia), it appears, is also piqued by a couple of writers and an NGO that have criticized groups, which offer unconditional support for polygamy. Here again, it is an indisputable truth that the Quranic position differs radically from the stance associated with an important section of mainstream ulama. The Quran, there is no doubt, permits polygamy only in the most extraordinary circumstance, as a way of delivering justice to orphans. Neither the financial status of the male nor his sexual needs nor the inability of the wife to bear a child is, from a Quranic point of view, a justification for practicing polygamy. Indeed, “monogamy is the preferred marital arrangement of the Quran” as many commentators have asserted from time to time in the course of the last few centuries. Amina Waded provides some insights into this and other related concerns in her Quran and Woman (Petaling Jaya: Fajar Bakti 1992). It is perfectly legitimate therefore for Muslims who are committed to Quranic principles to question those who have elevated polygamy to a sacrosanct law on par with the fundamental teachings of the religion.
As with apostasy, the conservative ulama may not be fully cognizant of the adverse consequences of their utterances on polygamy upon Islam, women and society. They create the impression that Islam is a religion that sanctions patriarchal power and dominance. Women are not only marginalized; whatever little rights they possess are given on sufferance. In the thinking of pro-polygamy ulama, gender equality, which is one of the major trends that transformed traditional society in the last hundred years, is nothing more than a mirage.
REFERENCES:
1. The Qur'an, Women and Modern Society, Asghar Ali Engineer, Select Books, India, 1999
2. This is a reprint from appendix 30 from Dr. Khalifa's translation of the Quran.
http://www.submission.org/polygamy.html
3. Ulama, Hegemony and Reform Chandra Muzaffar 16 February 2002 http://www.malaysia.net/dap/chandra.htm
President
Islamic Research Foundation International, Inc.
Website: http://WWW.IRFI.ORG
Polygamy (ta'adud-e-izdiwaj) 1
For either spouse the word used in Arabic is zawj, which means both husband or wife. Thus the very word zawj implies one husband and one wife. For marrying the word in Arabic is zawwaja or tazawwaja ( I married) and this means he married one woman ( or zawwajat, ie., she married a man). Zawwaja cannot mean the on one side there would be one man and on the other four or five women.
"O people, keep your duty to your Lord, who created you from a single soul and created its (zawjaha) of the same (kind), and spread from these two many men and women."….. The Qur'an 4: 1
In this Qur'anic verse Allah has created a couple (zawj, i.e., man and woman) and then created men and women from this couple. Thus in the beginning there was one male and one female and not many females for one male, though at that time there was greater need for this to increase the human population rapidly (it is not correct to say that polygamy leads to rapid increase in human population). This Qur'anic verse usually is recited while solemnizing the marriage (khutbah-e-nikah) but our 'ulama do not reflect deeply the implications of this verse. Obviously this verse clearly implies one female for one male and not many females for one male.
Let us refer to another verse of the Qur'an (2: 35) which says, "And We said: O Adam, dwell thou and thy wife in the garden, and eat from it a plenteous (food) wherever you wish, and approach not this tree, lest you be of the unjust."
Adam was the first person sent on earth and Allah had created only one wife for him and not several wives. Wherever Adam's story has been referred to in the Glorious Book, it refers to Adam and Hawwa' (Eve). For example, in verse 20: 117 it is said, "We said: O Adam, this is an enemy to thee and thy wife; so let him not drive you both out of the garden so that thou art unhappy." This verse also clearly refers to only one wife of Adam.
Let us refer to the verses 75: 36-39: "Does man think that he will be left aimless? Was he not a small life germ in sperm emitted? Then he was a clot; so He created (him), then made (him) perfect. Then He made of him two kinds, the male and the female." This verse also refers to men and women being made into zawjain, i.e., couples which clearly means one woman for one man. Thus God creates couples right from day one. Allah does not create ten women for one man. It is man, one can argue, who changes this equation.
But if it happens (i.e., more women for one man) it is due to some social crisis. The Noble Qur'an, one can argue, has shown us the solution. But during the normal period Allah creates only one woman for one man and man has to remain content with one woman only. But if someone marries a woman and be comes to dislike her, the Qur'an does not suggest that you then marry another one as four wives have been permitted. On the other hand the Qur'an says:
" O you who believe, it is not lawful for you to take women as heritage against (their) will. Nor should you straighten them by making them part of what you have given them, unless they are guilty of manifest indecency. And treat them kindly. Then if you hate them, it may be that you dislike a thing while Allah has placed abundant good in it. And if you wish to have (one) wife in the place of another and you have given one of them a heap of gold, take nothing from it. Would you take it by slandering (her) and (doing her) manifest wrong? And how can you take it when you have gone in unto each other, and they have taken from you a solemn covenant?"
The Qur'an requires that if you dislike your wife you better reconcile yourself to it because you may dislike something and Allah may have hidden something better for you in that. So it is better that you change your dislike into love. This may be good for you. No one is virtue personified nor anyone is evil personified. The wife you dislike may have certain virtues. But if you cannot overcome your dislike and you decide to divorce and marry another one (here the Qur'an does not suggest taking another wife along with the first but divorcing one and taking another one) you cannot take back from her what you had given her by way of mahr or gift, even if it be a heap of Gold. Thus the Qur'an puts pressure on the husband to think twice before divorcing one wife to take another in her place. The Qur'an persuades man to stick to the first wife and not to divorce her. Thus the Qur'an does not approve of polygamy even in such circumstances. It permits it only in highly exceptional circumstances or only in a crisis situation.
One should focus the verses on polygamy, i.e., verses 4: 2-3, to show that polygamy has been permitted only in highly exceptional circumstances, i.e., when a large number of women have been rendered yatim (orphans) due to devastating wars (which was not at all unusual at that time in Arabia. The Noble Prophet himself had to fight many such wars in which a large number of men were killed). The word yatim used in the above verse means not only orphans but also widows according to the classical Arabic usage. Even Imam Abu Bakr Jassas agrees to this meaning of the word yatim. Thus it is quite natural that in war time a large number of girls and women became orphans or widows and many of them possessed valuable properties. Their wards would either eat away this property or would exchange a bad one of their own with the good one of these orphans and widows. Thus in order to protect the properties of these women and to find shelter for them the Qur'an permitted marrying up to four wives. One can quote extensively from the Hanafi Imam Abu Bakr Jassas to support the above arguments.
The Meaning of verse 4: 3 is that you should marry these orphans or widows only, not other women. The words min al-nisa' and not min nisa'in clearly indicate that the Qur'an means those very women rendered orphans and widows in wars. Many commentators of the Qur'an maintain that a man can marry any other woman up to four whom he likes and quote a hadith to this effect from A'isha, the Prophet's wife.
Whatever is conditional would remain valid only if the condition is fulfilled. The number of marriages up to four has been permitted only on the condition that there are large number of orphan girls and widows who are not being taken care of or injustices are taking place with them or no one is there to look after them. Only if these conditions persist, up to four marriages will be permitted to Muslim men. But if such a condition does not prevail in the society, the permission to marry more than one wife will not be valid. This injunction in the Qur'an is not general but conditional. The verse pertaining to polygamy begins with wa in khiftum alla tuqsitu fi' al-yatama (if you fear you cannot do justice to orphans and widows) and hence this is the main condition. Thus it is obvious that one can take more than one wife only from among orphans and widows with whom one cannot do justice otherwise.
If the verse on polygamy permits more than one wife only in crisis situations why was it not understood in this perspective in the early Islamic period and why does this practice ( of polygamy) continue among the Muslims unabated? In the early Islamic period, as well as until the end of the Abbasid rule, the period was full of wars. During the Noble Prophet's time a number of battles had to be fought. Then during early period of Khilafat-e-Rashidah a number of wars were fought and then began the period of civil war among the Muslims. It was followed by the Umayyad period which was also full of conflict and turmoil. The Umayyads were subsequently overthrown and the Abbasid rule began. The wars continued. Sometimes with Daylams, sometimes with Saljuqs and sometimes Tartars. Ultimately the Tartars reduced the Abbasids to dust. This in these wars a large numbers of Muslim men continued to be killed and more and more orphan girls and widows came into existence. "Thus Muslim men continued to marry more than one wife and polygamy remained in practice. Because of its persistence for so long it became a strongly entrenched tradition and then followed the period of taqlid (blind imitation) and hence it persists in our times as well though Qur'anically speaking, it has no validity whatsoever today.
Polygamy 2
Polygamy was a way of life until the Quran was revealed 1400 years ago. When the earth was young and under-populated, polygamy was one way of populating it and bringing in the human beings needed to carry out God's plan. By the time the Quran was revealed, the world had been sufficiently populated, and the Quran put down the first limitations against polygamy.
Polygamy is permitted in the Quran, but under strictly observed circumstances. Any abuse of this divine permission incurs severe retribution. Thus, although polygamy is permitted by God, it behooves us to examine our circumstances carefully before saying that a particular polygamous relationship is permissible.
Our perfect example here is the prophet Muhammad. He was married to one wife, Khadijah, until she died. He had all his children, except one, from Khadijah. Thus, she and her children enjoyed the Prophet's full attention for as long as she was married to him; twenty-five years. For all practical purposes, Muhammad had one wife - from the age of 25 to 50. During the remaining 13 years of his life, he married the aged widows of his friends who left many children. The children needed a complete home, with a fatherly figure, and the Prophet provided that. Providing a fatherly figure for orphans is the only specific circumstance in support of polygamy mentioned in the Quran (4:3).
Other than marrying widowed mothers of orphans, there were three political marriages in the Prophet's life. His close friends Abu Bakr and Omar insisted that he marry their daughters, Aisha and Hafsah, to establish traditional family ties among them. The third marriage was to Maria the Egyptian; she was given to him as a political gesture of friendship from the ruler of Egypt.
This perfect example tells us that a man must give his full attention and loyalty in marriage to his wife and children in order to raise a happy and wholesome family.
The Quran emphasizes the limitations against polygamy in very strong words:
"If you fear lest you may not be perfectly equitable in
treating more than one wife, then you shall be content with one."
(4:3) "You cannot be equitable in a polygamous relationship, no matter how hard you try." (4:129)
The Quranic limitations against polygamy point out the possibility of abusing God's law. Therefore, unless we are absolutely sure that God's law will not be abused, we had better resist our lust and stay away from polygamy. If the circumstances do not dictate polygamy, we had better give our full attention to one wife and one set of children. The children's psychological and social well-being, especially in countries where polygamy is prohibited, almost invariably dictate monogamy. A few basic criteria must be observed in contemplating polygamy:
1. It must alleviate pain and suffering and not cause any pain or suffering.
2. If you have a young family, it is almost certain that polygamy is an abuse.
3. Polygamy to substitute a younger wife is an abuse of God's law (4:19).
Polygamy 3
The PUM (Persatuan Ulama Malaysia), it appears, is also piqued by a couple of writers and an NGO that have criticized groups, which offer unconditional support for polygamy. Here again, it is an indisputable truth that the Quranic position differs radically from the stance associated with an important section of mainstream ulama. The Quran, there is no doubt, permits polygamy only in the most extraordinary circumstance, as a way of delivering justice to orphans. Neither the financial status of the male nor his sexual needs nor the inability of the wife to bear a child is, from a Quranic point of view, a justification for practicing polygamy. Indeed, “monogamy is the preferred marital arrangement of the Quran” as many commentators have asserted from time to time in the course of the last few centuries. Amina Waded provides some insights into this and other related concerns in her Quran and Woman (Petaling Jaya: Fajar Bakti 1992). It is perfectly legitimate therefore for Muslims who are committed to Quranic principles to question those who have elevated polygamy to a sacrosanct law on par with the fundamental teachings of the religion.
As with apostasy, the conservative ulama may not be fully cognizant of the adverse consequences of their utterances on polygamy upon Islam, women and society. They create the impression that Islam is a religion that sanctions patriarchal power and dominance. Women are not only marginalized; whatever little rights they possess are given on sufferance. In the thinking of pro-polygamy ulama, gender equality, which is one of the major trends that transformed traditional society in the last hundred years, is nothing more than a mirage.
REFERENCES:
1. The Qur'an, Women and Modern Society, Asghar Ali Engineer, Select Books, India, 1999
2. This is a reprint from appendix 30 from Dr. Khalifa's translation of the Quran.
http://www.submission.org/polygamy.html
3. Ulama, Hegemony and Reform Chandra Muzaffar 16 February 2002 http://www.malaysia.net/dap/chandra.htm
ANGER MANAGEMENT
ANGER MANAGEMENT
by Ibrahim B. Syed, Ph. D.
President
Islamic Research Foundation International, Inc.
Website: http://WWW.IRFI.ORG
Everyday some people are asked to seek counseling to control anger. Schools, corporations and organizations have peer mediation sessions and seminars with the intent to resolve conflicts. These therapy sessions facilitate people from harming themselves, as well as others. In some people pride, arrogance and stubbornness and denial prevent them from seeking this counseling.
Anger is an emotion, which is in creation. If it is used correctly then the results will be positive. On the other hand if it is used incorrectly, then the outcome would be negative or detrimental. Anger is an enemy within us, which should be defeated.
Everyday everyone experiences problems that can either strengthen or weaken us. Many things cause one to become angry. It is our responsibility to recognize and properly use anger in positive ways to benefit us.
Detrimental effects of Anger 1
Causes of anger are stress, economic pressures of life, not meeting emotional needs in a healthy way and disappointments in life. Causes of anger can be of our own choosing or can be linked to others or circumstances. Past mistakes should be used as a learning experience to build from and not an experience that restricts, limits and impedes productivity.
For their current state of mind and conditions, people look for scapegoats and blame their parents, teachers, counselors, associates or friends, former sexual partners or spouse(s), etc. Various forms of exploitations, discriminations, injustices and abuses may have victimized them. These negative experiences result in people acquiring quick tempers and will lash out at anyone in their immediate environment. Many times innocent children, teens and adults are harmed in the process. Regrettably, these unresolved conflicts could lead to emotional and mental damage, physical injuries and homicides. Now and then these terrible consequences continue via resentment, revenge and retaliation, a vicious cycle of human misery, suffering and self-destruction.
As believers we must seek advice and protection from Allah (SWT) our Creator.
We read in the Qur'an: "If a suggestion from Satan assails thy (mind) seek refuge with the Creator, for He heareth and knoweth (all things)."
Also:" Those who have regard for the Creator, when a thought of evil from Satan assaults them, bring The Creator to remembrance, when lo! They see (aright)!" ……The Noble Qur'an 7: 200-201
All sorts of thoughts or suggestions enter the human mind all the time. Therefore one should shield one's souls with prayer, gratitude and good deeds to the best of one's ability. These are the fundamentals to receiving The Creator's Grace and Mercy. If one is not conscious of one's negative influences that cause transgression into outburst of rage, one would be surprised and disappointed and regretful of such disrespectful behavior.
One has to constantly struggle to relieve oneself from stressful situations and conditions. When anger is properly understood then its positive use should be directed toward correcting, improving and eliminating undesirable conditions. Individually and collectively, people should channel anger and desires to become active to change, improve and eliminate defects, deficiency, immorality, exploitation, injustice, corruption, incompetence, irresponsibility, dysfunctional and non-productive behaviors, institutions and conditions that cause human misery, confusion and suffering.
With these changes, improvements and eradication of social, economical, political, educational, cultural and spiritual defects and diseases, we should always use human intelligence and moral excellence as our base.
Anger Management According to Qur'an and Sunnah 2
This is the most important rule of behavior for a Muslim. In Surah Al-Imran 3:134, we learn that, “…those who control their anger and are forgiving toward mankind; Allah loves those who do good.”
The Prophet (sallallahu alaihi wa sallam) is noted by Bukhari in his Sahih as saying: “Don’t be angry.” And he repeated this several times.
There is a harm in anger or being angry. It is a trap from Shaitan. Abu Dawud in his Sunan noted that the Prophet (saws) stated: “Anger comes from the Shaitan. The Shaitan was created from fire and fire is extinguished only with water. So when one of you becomes angry, he should perform wudu.”
We should think first, and not lose control. It is very easy for us to let go of our tempers and blow into a rage. However, we should try to remain as calm as possible. The Prophet (saws) advises us: “When one of you is angry while standing, let him sit down and if his anger goes away that is good; otherwise let him lie down.” (Abu Dawud)
How silly it would be to be lying down whilst screaming at the top of your lungs. It is quite an effective technique. We can also remember the advice of our contemporary advisors in anger management, who tell us, that before speaking when angry, count to ten and you will notice that you are more clear-headed and not speaking off the cuff.
A strong person controls his/her anger. The Prophet (saws) stated: “Who is strong? He who controls himself when angry.” (Muslim)
It is said that he mentioned anger, saying, “Some are swift to anger and swift to cool down, the one characteristic making up for the other; some are slow to anger and slow to cool down, the one characteristic making up for the other; the best of you are those that are slow to anger and swift to cool down and the worst of you are those who are swift to anger and slow to cool down.” He continued, “Beware of anger, for it is a live coal on the heart of the descendant of Adam. Do you not notice the swelling of the veins of his neck and the redness of his eyes? So anyone who experiences anything of that nature, he should lie down and cleave to the earth.” (Al-Tirmidhi)
Allah’s messenger (saws) also said: “No one has swallowed back anything more excellent in the sight of Allah, Who is Great and Glorious, than anger he restrains, seeking to please Allah Most High.” (Al-Tirmidhi)
Bukhari in his Sahih relates to us that the Prophet was present when a man became angry to the point that his jugular vein was swelled. He told this man, I know a word the saying of which relaxes he who says it, “Seek refuge in Allah from Shaitan.”
Anger Management in Hadith 3
Don’t get angry-The beginning
According to Abu Hurayrah a man asked the Prophet (S) for an advice. The Prophet (S) replied: don’t get angry. And he said it three times.
Abdullah Ibn Umar said that he asked the Prophet (S): What protects me from the anger of Allah? The Prophet (S) replied: don’t get angry.
Behavior of the Prophet (S)
1. His anger was never to defend himself but to ensure the dominance of Allah’s Word: Protection of boundaries.
2. His character was the Quran.
3. He did not confront people with what he dislikes, but the anger shows on his face.
4. A man told the prophet: his judgment was not made for the sake of Allah (SWT). The Prophet became angry as shown by the changes on his face. Then the Prophet (S) said: “ Prophet Moses was hurt by his people to a larger degree and he was patient.”
Meaning of “ Don’t get angry”
1. Learn to prevent anger before it happens by acquiring the righteous characteristics of generosity, shyness, forgiveness and ease of interaction with others. When these qualities are internalized the person will be in a good position to manage / control his anger when it fires.
2. If angry do jihad to control your self by not hurting others until the force of anger declines. An example was given by Prophet Moses who restrained anger until anger left him quickly as if nothing happened
Impact of anger on Decision-making
1. “ When angry don’t judge between two people”
2. “ When angry don’t divorce” for anger paralyzes thinking.
Degrees of Anger
1. Too strong: extremely dangerous because it hampers perception, thinking and actions. (Undesirable).
2. Too weak: persons who never get angry cannot fix their own weaknesses. They cannot improve because they don’t have enough anger that makes them counter oppose the force of their desires. (Undesirable)
3. Moderate: The best position is the moderate position between the two extremes. (Desirable)
PREVENTION
Building the personality of a believer
Ibn Abbas narrates: Oh son of Khattab I swear by Allah that you don’t give us enough and you don’t judge among us justly. Omar became angry to the degree of thinking to hurt him. One of the Sahabah (Al Hur bin Kays) reminded Omar with Quran 7:199.
“ Take what is given freely (be easy in dealing with them and avoid causing them difficulty) enjoin what is good, and turn away from the ignorant” this man is one of the ignorant. Omar responded positively; he managed his anger and did not hurt the man.
“ And those who avoid the major sins and immoralities and when they are angry they forgive (Quran 42:47)
Wing lowering
“ And lower your wing (show kindness) to the believers (Quran 15:58)
“ (They are) humble toward the believers” (Quran 5:54)
Anger is the sign of weakness not a sign of strength. The Prophet (S) said: “ Strong is not the one who wrestles others to the ground, but strong is the one who controls himself when angry”
“ I am warning you of Zun which is thinking badly of others; Zun is the most unreliable form of interaction, don’t follow each others shortcomings; don’t spy on each other; don’t compete with each other; don’t envy each other; don’t hate one another; don’t plan evil to each other. And be true servants of Allah – brothers in faith”
“ And hasten to forgiveness from your lord and a garden (Paradise) as wide as the heavens and the earth prepared for the righteous” (Quran 3:133)
“ Who spend (in the cause of Allah) during ease and hardship and who restrain anger and who pardon the people – and Allah loves the doers of good” (Quran 3:134)
“ And pardon them and overlook (their misdeeds). Indeed Allah loves the doers of good” (Quran 5:13)
Bad neighbors do not pardon / forgive.
Hadith “ Three awakir (evil ones)"
· A leader who does not thank you if you do well and who does not forgive you if you make a mistake,
· And bad neighbors who buries your good deeds and broadcast your bad ones,
· And a woman who hurts you in your presence and cheats on you in your absence.
Mix with people and tolerate their hurts with patience.
Hadith
“ The believer who mixes with people and tolerate their hurts is better than the believer who doesn’t mix and does not tolerate”
Al Hassan said, “ If a person is able to control himself against the following four forces, Allah (SWT) will protect him from Shaytan:
Wishes / wants: trying always including haram
Fear: attempts to self defend in any way including the haram ways
Desire: examples are Zina (fornication and adultery) and stealing.
Anger: blood boiling to protect and / or take revenge.
Anger is expressed in aggressive words (hurting others) or aggressive deeds (killing, beating and other types of aggressive overt behavior)
Treatment
1. Seek refuge in Allah (swt)
“ And if an evil suggestion comes to you from Shaytan, then seek refugee in Allah, He is hearing and knowing (Quran 7: 200)
2. Do wudu (washing specific parts of your body with water) according to the tradition of the Prophet (S).
The Prophet (S) said, “ Anger from Shaytan; Shaytan from fire; fire is put out by water; so when angry do wudu”
3. Change body positions
“ If one of you gets angry while standing he should sit. If he is still angry he should lie down”
To say this hadith in other words:
· Lying down is better than sitting
· Sitting is better than standing
· Standing is better than walking
· Walking is better than Sa’y, which is somewhat between walking and running.
4. Cheek to the ground.
Since anger is a product of pride, the Prophet (S) said, “ whoever gets a little angry should stick his cheek to the ground”
5. Psycho-physical approach
Diverting attention away from the cause of anger and participate in strenuous physical activity aiming at letting steam out and relaxing of muscles.
The Prophet (S) used this approach to manage the tension of the Sahabah on their way back from the battle of Bani Al Mustalq. Abdullah bin Obay – the head of the hypocrites said, “ If we return to Al Madinah, the more honored (for power) will surely expel there from the more humble” (Quran 63:8)
The Sahabah became angry and the Prophet (S) ordered them to continue marching for two days. When the Sahabah took rest, they slept and forgot the anger.
6. When angry be quiet, don’t speak, be silent.
“ Teach, simplify, don’t complicate and if you get angry be silent”.
7. Positive interpretation of events.
In the story of a tribe called “ Nose of the She – Camel” Hadrat Omar (RA) changed events by reinterpreting the story from negative to positive.
REFERENCES:
1. Jamal R. Rasheed. Understanding and Managing Anger. Muslim Journal, January 2, 2004, p.23 and p.29)
2. Samantha Sanchez Negm News: Latino Muslims (Reprinted from La Prensa - CA) Printed in La Prensa. A Publication of the Press-Enterprise Co. February 2001 http://www.orgsites.com/ny/latinodawah/_pgg5.php3
3. Dr. Mohamed Saleh. Anger Management Islamic Approaches.
www.bcmavictoria.com/docs/AngerManagement.doc
by Ibrahim B. Syed, Ph. D.
President
Islamic Research Foundation International, Inc.
Website: http://WWW.IRFI.ORG
Everyday some people are asked to seek counseling to control anger. Schools, corporations and organizations have peer mediation sessions and seminars with the intent to resolve conflicts. These therapy sessions facilitate people from harming themselves, as well as others. In some people pride, arrogance and stubbornness and denial prevent them from seeking this counseling.
Anger is an emotion, which is in creation. If it is used correctly then the results will be positive. On the other hand if it is used incorrectly, then the outcome would be negative or detrimental. Anger is an enemy within us, which should be defeated.
Everyday everyone experiences problems that can either strengthen or weaken us. Many things cause one to become angry. It is our responsibility to recognize and properly use anger in positive ways to benefit us.
Detrimental effects of Anger 1
Causes of anger are stress, economic pressures of life, not meeting emotional needs in a healthy way and disappointments in life. Causes of anger can be of our own choosing or can be linked to others or circumstances. Past mistakes should be used as a learning experience to build from and not an experience that restricts, limits and impedes productivity.
For their current state of mind and conditions, people look for scapegoats and blame their parents, teachers, counselors, associates or friends, former sexual partners or spouse(s), etc. Various forms of exploitations, discriminations, injustices and abuses may have victimized them. These negative experiences result in people acquiring quick tempers and will lash out at anyone in their immediate environment. Many times innocent children, teens and adults are harmed in the process. Regrettably, these unresolved conflicts could lead to emotional and mental damage, physical injuries and homicides. Now and then these terrible consequences continue via resentment, revenge and retaliation, a vicious cycle of human misery, suffering and self-destruction.
As believers we must seek advice and protection from Allah (SWT) our Creator.
We read in the Qur'an: "If a suggestion from Satan assails thy (mind) seek refuge with the Creator, for He heareth and knoweth (all things)."
Also:" Those who have regard for the Creator, when a thought of evil from Satan assaults them, bring The Creator to remembrance, when lo! They see (aright)!" ……The Noble Qur'an 7: 200-201
All sorts of thoughts or suggestions enter the human mind all the time. Therefore one should shield one's souls with prayer, gratitude and good deeds to the best of one's ability. These are the fundamentals to receiving The Creator's Grace and Mercy. If one is not conscious of one's negative influences that cause transgression into outburst of rage, one would be surprised and disappointed and regretful of such disrespectful behavior.
One has to constantly struggle to relieve oneself from stressful situations and conditions. When anger is properly understood then its positive use should be directed toward correcting, improving and eliminating undesirable conditions. Individually and collectively, people should channel anger and desires to become active to change, improve and eliminate defects, deficiency, immorality, exploitation, injustice, corruption, incompetence, irresponsibility, dysfunctional and non-productive behaviors, institutions and conditions that cause human misery, confusion and suffering.
With these changes, improvements and eradication of social, economical, political, educational, cultural and spiritual defects and diseases, we should always use human intelligence and moral excellence as our base.
Anger Management According to Qur'an and Sunnah 2
This is the most important rule of behavior for a Muslim. In Surah Al-Imran 3:134, we learn that, “…those who control their anger and are forgiving toward mankind; Allah loves those who do good.”
The Prophet (sallallahu alaihi wa sallam) is noted by Bukhari in his Sahih as saying: “Don’t be angry.” And he repeated this several times.
There is a harm in anger or being angry. It is a trap from Shaitan. Abu Dawud in his Sunan noted that the Prophet (saws) stated: “Anger comes from the Shaitan. The Shaitan was created from fire and fire is extinguished only with water. So when one of you becomes angry, he should perform wudu.”
We should think first, and not lose control. It is very easy for us to let go of our tempers and blow into a rage. However, we should try to remain as calm as possible. The Prophet (saws) advises us: “When one of you is angry while standing, let him sit down and if his anger goes away that is good; otherwise let him lie down.” (Abu Dawud)
How silly it would be to be lying down whilst screaming at the top of your lungs. It is quite an effective technique. We can also remember the advice of our contemporary advisors in anger management, who tell us, that before speaking when angry, count to ten and you will notice that you are more clear-headed and not speaking off the cuff.
A strong person controls his/her anger. The Prophet (saws) stated: “Who is strong? He who controls himself when angry.” (Muslim)
It is said that he mentioned anger, saying, “Some are swift to anger and swift to cool down, the one characteristic making up for the other; some are slow to anger and slow to cool down, the one characteristic making up for the other; the best of you are those that are slow to anger and swift to cool down and the worst of you are those who are swift to anger and slow to cool down.” He continued, “Beware of anger, for it is a live coal on the heart of the descendant of Adam. Do you not notice the swelling of the veins of his neck and the redness of his eyes? So anyone who experiences anything of that nature, he should lie down and cleave to the earth.” (Al-Tirmidhi)
Allah’s messenger (saws) also said: “No one has swallowed back anything more excellent in the sight of Allah, Who is Great and Glorious, than anger he restrains, seeking to please Allah Most High.” (Al-Tirmidhi)
Bukhari in his Sahih relates to us that the Prophet was present when a man became angry to the point that his jugular vein was swelled. He told this man, I know a word the saying of which relaxes he who says it, “Seek refuge in Allah from Shaitan.”
Anger Management in Hadith 3
Don’t get angry-The beginning
According to Abu Hurayrah a man asked the Prophet (S) for an advice. The Prophet (S) replied: don’t get angry. And he said it three times.
Abdullah Ibn Umar said that he asked the Prophet (S): What protects me from the anger of Allah? The Prophet (S) replied: don’t get angry.
Behavior of the Prophet (S)
1. His anger was never to defend himself but to ensure the dominance of Allah’s Word: Protection of boundaries.
2. His character was the Quran.
3. He did not confront people with what he dislikes, but the anger shows on his face.
4. A man told the prophet: his judgment was not made for the sake of Allah (SWT). The Prophet became angry as shown by the changes on his face. Then the Prophet (S) said: “ Prophet Moses was hurt by his people to a larger degree and he was patient.”
Meaning of “ Don’t get angry”
1. Learn to prevent anger before it happens by acquiring the righteous characteristics of generosity, shyness, forgiveness and ease of interaction with others. When these qualities are internalized the person will be in a good position to manage / control his anger when it fires.
2. If angry do jihad to control your self by not hurting others until the force of anger declines. An example was given by Prophet Moses who restrained anger until anger left him quickly as if nothing happened
Impact of anger on Decision-making
1. “ When angry don’t judge between two people”
2. “ When angry don’t divorce” for anger paralyzes thinking.
Degrees of Anger
1. Too strong: extremely dangerous because it hampers perception, thinking and actions. (Undesirable).
2. Too weak: persons who never get angry cannot fix their own weaknesses. They cannot improve because they don’t have enough anger that makes them counter oppose the force of their desires. (Undesirable)
3. Moderate: The best position is the moderate position between the two extremes. (Desirable)
PREVENTION
Building the personality of a believer
Ibn Abbas narrates: Oh son of Khattab I swear by Allah that you don’t give us enough and you don’t judge among us justly. Omar became angry to the degree of thinking to hurt him. One of the Sahabah (Al Hur bin Kays) reminded Omar with Quran 7:199.
“ Take what is given freely (be easy in dealing with them and avoid causing them difficulty) enjoin what is good, and turn away from the ignorant” this man is one of the ignorant. Omar responded positively; he managed his anger and did not hurt the man.
“ And those who avoid the major sins and immoralities and when they are angry they forgive (Quran 42:47)
Wing lowering
“ And lower your wing (show kindness) to the believers (Quran 15:58)
“ (They are) humble toward the believers” (Quran 5:54)
Anger is the sign of weakness not a sign of strength. The Prophet (S) said: “ Strong is not the one who wrestles others to the ground, but strong is the one who controls himself when angry”
“ I am warning you of Zun which is thinking badly of others; Zun is the most unreliable form of interaction, don’t follow each others shortcomings; don’t spy on each other; don’t compete with each other; don’t envy each other; don’t hate one another; don’t plan evil to each other. And be true servants of Allah – brothers in faith”
“ And hasten to forgiveness from your lord and a garden (Paradise) as wide as the heavens and the earth prepared for the righteous” (Quran 3:133)
“ Who spend (in the cause of Allah) during ease and hardship and who restrain anger and who pardon the people – and Allah loves the doers of good” (Quran 3:134)
“ And pardon them and overlook (their misdeeds). Indeed Allah loves the doers of good” (Quran 5:13)
Bad neighbors do not pardon / forgive.
Hadith “ Three awakir (evil ones)"
· A leader who does not thank you if you do well and who does not forgive you if you make a mistake,
· And bad neighbors who buries your good deeds and broadcast your bad ones,
· And a woman who hurts you in your presence and cheats on you in your absence.
Mix with people and tolerate their hurts with patience.
Hadith
“ The believer who mixes with people and tolerate their hurts is better than the believer who doesn’t mix and does not tolerate”
Al Hassan said, “ If a person is able to control himself against the following four forces, Allah (SWT) will protect him from Shaytan:
Wishes / wants: trying always including haram
Fear: attempts to self defend in any way including the haram ways
Desire: examples are Zina (fornication and adultery) and stealing.
Anger: blood boiling to protect and / or take revenge.
Anger is expressed in aggressive words (hurting others) or aggressive deeds (killing, beating and other types of aggressive overt behavior)
Treatment
1. Seek refuge in Allah (swt)
“ And if an evil suggestion comes to you from Shaytan, then seek refugee in Allah, He is hearing and knowing (Quran 7: 200)
2. Do wudu (washing specific parts of your body with water) according to the tradition of the Prophet (S).
The Prophet (S) said, “ Anger from Shaytan; Shaytan from fire; fire is put out by water; so when angry do wudu”
3. Change body positions
“ If one of you gets angry while standing he should sit. If he is still angry he should lie down”
To say this hadith in other words:
· Lying down is better than sitting
· Sitting is better than standing
· Standing is better than walking
· Walking is better than Sa’y, which is somewhat between walking and running.
4. Cheek to the ground.
Since anger is a product of pride, the Prophet (S) said, “ whoever gets a little angry should stick his cheek to the ground”
5. Psycho-physical approach
Diverting attention away from the cause of anger and participate in strenuous physical activity aiming at letting steam out and relaxing of muscles.
The Prophet (S) used this approach to manage the tension of the Sahabah on their way back from the battle of Bani Al Mustalq. Abdullah bin Obay – the head of the hypocrites said, “ If we return to Al Madinah, the more honored (for power) will surely expel there from the more humble” (Quran 63:8)
The Sahabah became angry and the Prophet (S) ordered them to continue marching for two days. When the Sahabah took rest, they slept and forgot the anger.
6. When angry be quiet, don’t speak, be silent.
“ Teach, simplify, don’t complicate and if you get angry be silent”.
7. Positive interpretation of events.
In the story of a tribe called “ Nose of the She – Camel” Hadrat Omar (RA) changed events by reinterpreting the story from negative to positive.
REFERENCES:
1. Jamal R. Rasheed. Understanding and Managing Anger. Muslim Journal, January 2, 2004, p.23 and p.29)
2. Samantha Sanchez Negm News: Latino Muslims (Reprinted from La Prensa - CA) Printed in La Prensa. A Publication of the Press-Enterprise Co. February 2001 http://www.orgsites.com/ny/latinodawah/_pgg5.php3
3. Dr. Mohamed Saleh. Anger Management Islamic Approaches.
www.bcmavictoria.com/docs/AngerManagement.doc
The Impact of Jesus on Religion and Politics
From www.irfi.org
by Abdul H. Manraj
Introduction
Jesus is probably the most misunderstood religious personality in the history of the world. He never claimed divinity and was as human as the prophets who preceded him. From a theological perspective, arguments can be made to support any religious dogma regardless of which denomination one subscribes to, and religious texts can be interpreted in any number of ways, some of them quite nebulous, to bolster a particular argument or belief.
That being the case, this article will approach the above subject from a historical perspective, and provide some substantial evidence that is quite irrefutable, using both historical data as well as sacred texts to defend the postulation regarding Jesus. The information presented below aims to prove that Jesus was no more than a revered prophet of God, and his “second coming” is a myth. Jesus confirmed his humanity when he reportedly said: “I can of mine own self do nothing...”(John 5:30) Nevertheless, millions (possibly billions) of people in the world today have a vested interest in the “second coming” of Jesus, the very foundation of their belief is riding on this prophecy. As such, his elevation to godly status has some profound implications not only on religion but also on politics, with dire consequences for the future of all humanity.
The Status of Jesus
Jesus was born a Jew, and since he did not preach a new religion or change any laws (Matthew 5:17), he died as a Jew, supposedly betrayed by his own people, who (according to the New Testament) said: “…His blood be on us, and on our children.”(Matthew 27:25) Jesus’ disciples believed that he was the “Messiah” or “Anointed One.” Other titles applied to Jesus were Prophet and Rabbi. According to both the Bible and the Quran (the divine book of Muslims), Jesus came into being through a miraculous virgin birth, i.e., he was born without the intervention of a human father. Both religious texts concur that God has the power to make such miracles happen.
The two texts differ significantly over Jesus’ status. Whereas the New Testament elevated Jesus to divinity, the Quran emphasized his humanity, comparing his creation to that of Adam. Jesus, the son of Mary, delivered the same message as the prophets before him, i.e., “Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God is one Lord.”(Deuteronomy 6:4) Neither the word “Trinity” nor this doctrine is explicitly found in the New Testament. In fact, the ideology developed over several centuries after the death of Jesus. There are many factors that led to the outcome of the Trinity concept, some of which will be briefly addressed in this article.
Pauline Christianity
It is believed that Jesus was born in Bethlehem, located in present day Israel. All of the prophets mentioned in the Bible (and Quran) originated from various areas of the Middle East. Paul, not Jesus, is primarily responsible for the current Christian creed based on the doctrine of the Trinity (God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit). Saul was a Jew who reportedly persecuted the early Christians. His name was later changed to Paul, probably because the name Saul was associated with Judaism. One day on his way to Damascus, Paul had a vision that resulted in his conversion. Following this incident, Paul became the most ardent missionary of Christianity.(Noss 466-467) In his book “The 100: A Ranking of the Most Influential Persons in History,” Michael Hart lists Muhammad first, followed by Paul, and then Jesus. Hart proposes that the honor for the spread of Christianity has to be shared between Paul and Jesus. Apparently Paul won because he wrote more books of the Bible than any other author, whereas Jesus did not write a single word. It should also be noted that Paul never even met Jesus.
Since Jesus did not write any of his teachings, historians are generally in agreement that the writings that have come down to us in the New Testament have been amplified with the predispositions of the early Christians, thus displacing the original teachings of Jesus.(Noss 446) More than three centuries after Jesus was reportedly crucified, there were many controversies and minutiae surrounding his status. Emperor Constantine called the first ecumenical council of the Christian church in ancient Nicaea (now Iznik, Turkey) in 325 CE to resolve the issue. He hoped that a general council would solve the problem created in the Eastern church by Arianism, a “heresy” first proposed by Arius of Alexandria, which affirmed that Jesus was not divine but a created being. The council condemned Arius and incorporated the non-scriptural word homoousios (of one substance) into what later became known as the Nicene Creed, signifying the absolute equality of the Son (Jesus) with the Father (God). Emperor Constantine then exiled Arius. To differ from the official and final version of this new theology – which essentially stated that Jesus was God incarnate – was blasphemy.(“Encyclopedia Britannica Online”)
Christianity later became the official religion of the Roman Empire under Theodosius, and there were attempts at formalization and uniformity within the church regarding the doctrine of the Trinity. This did not stop the controversy, and there were more ecumenical council debates between western and eastern Christians for generations. Western Christian theology eventually dominated. The result was that Christians, particularly in the East, who disagreed with the newly mandated doctrine of the Trinity, were ostracized and persecuted. In some cases, those who rejected the new doctrine were put to death as the concept eventually took hold.
The Europeans were immersed in paganism when Jesus was born, and it took about eight centuries before all of Europe finally accepted Christianity as their creed. During such a lengthy period, it was only natural that some pagan beliefs and practices were incorporated into the new religion. For example, December 25th was a popular Roman holiday that celebrated the winter solstice as a symbol of the resurgence of the sun, which heralded the rebirth of spring and summer. The birth of the sun became synonymous with the birth of the Son of God, which is now commonly accepted as Jesus’ birthday. The actual birthday of Jesus cannot be precisely determined, as Christians did not begin to reckon time before and after the birth of Jesus until about six centuries after he was born.(Noss 450) Another example of a pre-Christian ritual is the veneration of the evergreen tree in western and northern Europe, particularly in Germany during pagan times, so the “Christmas tree” was added to the birthday celebration of Jesus.
For thousands of years prior to the birth of Jesus, the Indo-Europeans had developed a tripartite ideology. At the highest level was a “sky god,” who sees all human activity from his heavenly abode. The second part of heaven reflected heroic warriors and raiders supported by a war/thunder god. The third part of this Indo-European belief was the pursuit of happiness – a universal human trait.(Winn 4-5) This tripartite scheme was prevalent in many aspects of Indo-European culture, and is evident even today. Examples include many nations’ flags that are made up of three colors, and governments that are divided into three branches – executive, legislative, and judicial.
Pre-Christian Europeans ritually sacrificed humans to their pagan gods.(Winn 45-47) As the Europeans gradually started to move away from paganism and adopt their newly discovered Middle Eastern religion – Christianity – the idolatrous tradition of human sacrifice blended harmoniously with the new theology – the sacrifice of God’s only begotten son for the sins of all humanity. The tripartite hierarchy that was so embedded in Indo-European culture for thousands of years played an influential role in the development of a doctrine based on a triune God, viz., God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit.
Was it a Crucifixion or Cruci-fiction?
According to the Bible, Jesus was not the only “Son of God” – there were others as shown in the verses below (italics mine):
“That the sons of God saw the daughters of men that they were fair; and they took them wives of all which they chose.” (Genesis 6: 2)
“There were giants in the earth in those days; and also after that, when the sons of God came in unto the daughters of men, and they bare children to them, the same became mighty men which were of old, men of renown.” (Genesis 6:4)
“And thou shalt say unto Pharoah, Thus saith the Lord, Israel is my son, even my firstborn:” (Exodus 4:22)
“I will declare the decree: the Lord hath said unto me, Thou art my Son; this day have I begotten thee.” (i.e., David – Psalms 2:7)
“They shall come with weeping, and with supplications, will I lead them: I will cause them to walk by the rivers of waters in a straight way, wherein they shall not stumble: for I am a Father to Israel, and Ephraim is my firstborn.” (Jeremiah 31:9)
“Which was the son of Enos, which was the son of Seth, which was the son of Adam, which was the Son of God.” (Luke 3:38)
The Bible also states that a man can only die once: “And as it is appointed for men to die once, but after this the judgment.”(Hebrews 9:27) For Jesus to be resurrected shortly after his death, he would certainly have had to be divine. The chronology shown in the verses below are hardly any indication that Jesus died on the cross. According to the New Testament (Matthew 27:45-46), Jesus was placed on the cross by the 6th hour (around noon), and he (God incarnate) supposedly cried out: “My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me?” He was taken down by the 9th hour (around 3:00pm), only three hours later. This was rather peculiar, in fact, Pilate marveled that Jesus was dead already after being on the cross for only three hours.(Mark 15:44) Since it was Friday and the Jews were anxious to bury Jesus before Saturday – the Sabbath – his crucifixion and burial were apparently expedited.
None of Jesus’ faithful disciples were there for him in his time of need, so they apparently did not witness his death as the New Testament tells us “all his disciples forsook him and fled.”(Matthew 26:56 and Mark 14:50) Jesus was placed into a sepulcher hewn out of rock, and a stone rolled unto the door of the sepulcher.(Mark 15:46) Mary Magdalene, out of whom Jesus had cast seven devils (Mark 16:9), went to visit the tomb to anoint his dead body.(Mark 16:1) This was rather bizarre given that upon death, rigor mortis and decay starts immediately.
Anyway, as it turned out, the stone covering the tomb was moved (Mark 16:4 and Luke 24:2), the sheets that the corpse was wrapped in were unwound and left in the sepulcher (Luke 24:12 and John 20:5-7), and the body was missing. Mary Magdalene saw a gardener near the tomb who turned out to be no other than Jesus in disguise.(John 20:14-16) He initially jested with her about why she was weeping and who she was looking for. She in turn questioned Jesus (thinking he was a gardener) about the body and asked if he may have removed it. Jesus followed up by just uttering her name: “Mary” and she immediately recognized her teacher and responded: “Rabboni.” The disciples disbelieved when they heard that Mary Magdalene had seen a live Jesus.(Mark 16:11) In fact, Jesus came and stood in their midst (John 20:19), and they were terrified and thought they were looking at a spirit.(Luke 24:37) Jesus assured the disciples: “Behold my hands and my feet, that it is I myself: handle me, and see; for a spirit hath not flesh and bones, as ye see me have.” He then proceeded to show them his hands and feet, and asked if they had any meat as he was hungry. Jesus was offered some fish and honeycomb and he ate in front of them.(Luke 24:39-43)
All indications are that Jesus did not die on the cross; the evidence from the New Testament just doesn’t support it. Why was Mary Magdalene going to anoint a decomposing corpse? Why was the stone covering the tomb removed and why did Jesus need his decomposing body (unwrapped from the linen clothes) for his resurrection? In fact, a sympathizer – Joseph of Arimathaea – claimed Jesus’ body from Pilate and laid it in the sepulcher that he (Joseph) owned. He also rolled the stone that covered the door of the sepulcher.(Mark 15:43-46) Why was Jesus so well disguised as a gardener that even Mary Magdalene did not recognize him? Obviously Jesus was not afraid of dying twice, he did not want the Jews and Romans to recognize him since he was a condemned man. Does a “resurrected God” need food? Mary was not looking for a corpse; she was seeking a live Jesus so she could take him (not it) away.(John 20:15)
Muslims posit that the above concurs with the Quran which states: “…They slew him not nor crucified him, but it appeared so unto them; and those who disagree concerning it are in doubt thereof; they have no knowledge thereof save pursuit of a conjecture; they slew him not for certain.”(Q4:157) Given that the verses cited from both the New Testament and Quran suggest that Jesus did not really die on the cross for the sins of all humanity, should we expect his return? Besides the second coming of Jesus, we should be expecting another prophet too since the Bible tells us: “Behold, I will send you Elijah the prophet before the coming of the great and dreadful day of the Lord.(Malachi 4:5)
The Second Coming of Jesus and Armageddon
Armageddon is mentioned in the Bible only once: “And he gathered them together into a place called in the Hebrew tongue Armageddon.”(Revelation 16:16) The Book of Revelation is also known as the Apocalypse of John, and is the last book of the New Testament. It is the only book in the New Testament that is apocalyptic in nature.(“Encyclopedia Brittanica Online”) Armageddon and the second coming of Jesus have been refined into a terminology known as “The Rapture,” even though the word “rapture” does not appear anywhere in the Bible. It is difficult to decipher and coherently follow the chronology of events that will lead to the expected Rapture, since the Book of Revelation (although attributed to John) seems to be a collection of units by various unknown authors toward the end of the 1st century CE. The “Rapture theory” was developed using books from both the New Testament as well as the Old Testament, in particular Daniel and Ezekiel. According to the Rapture theory, an anti-Christ (who represents the Devil) will emerge and rule the earth, and there will be much tribulation. Jesus, clothed with a vesture dipped in blood, will descend with armies from heaven upon white horses, clothed in fine linen, white and clean. Out of his (Jesus) mouth will be a sharp sword, and with it he will smite the nations, and he shall rule them with a rod of iron.(Revelation 19:13-15)
Christians are not the only group expecting the second coming of Jesus; Muslims are also on the lookout for his return. While the Quran states that Jesus survived the crucifixion, it says nothing about his second coming – though Jesus’ death is implied at some later stage in his life. (Q5:117) Muslims supposedly derive the “second coming of Jesus” theory from sayings attributed to the prophet Muhammad, documented more than 200 years after his death. It is interesting that Muhammad, who claimed to be the last of God’s prophets, would have mentioned Jesus’ return. As Islam spread in the Middle East, the Arabs generally belonged to two groups: Christians and idolaters. No doubt the stories about the second coming of Jesus were circulating. Some of the early Muslims, no less adept at embellishment than their Christian counterparts, took the same stories and gave them an “Islamic twist.” Christians are expecting Jesus to return, destroy an anti-Christ, and save a limited number of Christians who accept him as their savior. The majority of Muslims in the world today believe that Jesus will return and kill an anti-Christ, and save the Muslims who will be going through turbulent times under the yoke of this anti-Christ. At the same time, Jesus will supposedly clear up all of the confusion over his status, i.e., announce to the world that he (Jesus) is only human. Besides Jesus, Muslims are also expecting another leader known as “the Mahdi,” who will appear just before Jesus. This “Mahdi” is the equivalent of Elijah in the Bible, who is supposed to appear prior to Jesus. There is ongoing speculation regarding the identity of the anti-Christ, and the search for this elusive devil continues.
The concept of Armageddon predates Christianity and Islam. Zarathustra, founder of Zoroastrianism, was a Persian, who it is believed was the first prophet to preach monotheism. Estimates of Zarathustra's birth range from 660 BCE to 6,000 BCE. Zarathustra preached that there was a supreme God (Ahura Mazda), and an evil spirit (Ahriman). There was also a serpent king (Zohak) under the influence of Ahriman. The apocalyptic process is remarkably similar in Zoroastrianism, a battle foreshadows the end of the world, then there is a waiting period followed by a second battle that vanquishes all evil, followed by a peaceful era. Zarathustra’s version of Armageddon is derived from an even older version in Indo-European myth.(Winn 209-211)
Current Religious and Political Implications
Many evangelical preachers today allude to our tumultuous times, and advocate that the current global situation is ripe for the second coming of Jesus. TV evangelists reach an estimated 60 million regular viewers (a conservative figure) in the United States, who (according to a Nielsen survey) believe that nuclear war is inevitable because the Bible predicts that planet earth will be destroyed by fire.(Halsell 11) These Christian evangelists are staunch supporters of Israel. They believe that an alliance with Israel is imperative so that they can do God’s work, i.e., help to create a chain of events that is necessary in that region (based on their interpretation of the scripture) for the second coming of Jesus. These Jews and Christians are strange bedfellows indeed, given that according to Christian doctrine, Jews (along with every other non-Christian in the world) are doomed to damnation unless they accept Jesus as their Lord and Savior.
Fundamentalist Christians constitute a sizeable voting block in the United States, and no sane politician can ignore them. These fundamentalists exercise considerable sway over the U.S Congress and Executive Branch.(Halsell 163-167) They also influence U.S foreign policy in the Middle East, pressuring the U.S government to perform a delicate balancing act. Since evangelists and their followers believe that peace in the Middle East is against God’s will and counter productive to the emergence of an anti-Christ and the return of Jesus, politicians have to be careful not to appear too much in favor of peace while at the same time try to prevent a global conflagration from igniting in that volatile region of the world. There was a recent media report that one such evangelist – Jack Van Impe – claimed that the Office of Public Liaison for the White House, and National Security Advisor Condoleeza Rice, contacted him for advice regarding the Middle East.
Conclusion
Throughout history, millions of people have been annihilated due to religious polemic. God’s prophets all preached a consistent message, essentially for us to do good works given that we will all be held individually accountable on the Day of Judgment, based on the universal adage: “as you sow, so shall you reap.” People continuously engage in rabid arguments and violent conflict over the most esoteric of religious differences, sometimes even within the same religion, even though the commonalities among the monotheistic faiths far outweigh the theological disparities. Jews, Christians, and Muslims – or more precisely various sects within the three religions – believe that they have exclusive rights to heaven.
The majority of Jews, Christians, and Muslims are awaiting a savior: the Jews their Messiah, and Christians and Muslims the return of Jesus. It is incomprehensible that the gentle and peaceful Jesus, who reportedly said: “Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God” (Matthew 5:9), and who advised people who are smitten on one cheek to turn the other cheek (Matthew 5:39 and Luke 6:29), would descend from heaven to save a select group and eradicate millions of innocent people. The “divinity / second coming of Jesus” theory may arguably qualify as the biggest hoax ever perpetrated on mankind, and there is a great danger that the “Rapture” or “Armageddon” could manifest itself as a “self-fulfilling prophecy.” Although a minority, hardliners from the three Abrahamic faiths – Jews, Christians, and Muslims – are trying to create an atmosphere of spiraling violence that could possibly lead to massive destruction and conflagration on our planet. If they get their way, there will be no savior on the horizon with a sword protruding from his mouth (somewhat paradoxical), but hundreds of millions of very disappointed – and possibly dead – people.
Bibliography
Encyclopedia Britannica. Encyclopedia Britannica Premium Service Online: Nov, 2003
Halsell, Grace. Prophecy and Politics: Militant Evangelists on the Road to Nuclear War. Lawrence Hill & Company: 1986
Hart, Michael H. The 100: A Ranking of the Most Influential Persons in History. Citadel Trade: Nov, 1992
Noss, David S. A History of the World’s Religions. Prentice Hall: 11th ed. 2003
Pickthall, Mohammed M. The Meaning of the Glorious Koran. Kazi Publications: 2002
The Bible: Authorized King James Version. Oxford University Press: 1997
Winn, Shan M. M. Heaven, Heroes, and Happiness: The Indo-European Roots of Western Ideology. University Press of America: 1995
Posted December 27, 2003. The above term paper was submitted for a religion class at George Mason University in the fall semester of 2003.
by Abdul H. Manraj
Introduction
Jesus is probably the most misunderstood religious personality in the history of the world. He never claimed divinity and was as human as the prophets who preceded him. From a theological perspective, arguments can be made to support any religious dogma regardless of which denomination one subscribes to, and religious texts can be interpreted in any number of ways, some of them quite nebulous, to bolster a particular argument or belief.
That being the case, this article will approach the above subject from a historical perspective, and provide some substantial evidence that is quite irrefutable, using both historical data as well as sacred texts to defend the postulation regarding Jesus. The information presented below aims to prove that Jesus was no more than a revered prophet of God, and his “second coming” is a myth. Jesus confirmed his humanity when he reportedly said: “I can of mine own self do nothing...”(John 5:30) Nevertheless, millions (possibly billions) of people in the world today have a vested interest in the “second coming” of Jesus, the very foundation of their belief is riding on this prophecy. As such, his elevation to godly status has some profound implications not only on religion but also on politics, with dire consequences for the future of all humanity.
The Status of Jesus
Jesus was born a Jew, and since he did not preach a new religion or change any laws (Matthew 5:17), he died as a Jew, supposedly betrayed by his own people, who (according to the New Testament) said: “…His blood be on us, and on our children.”(Matthew 27:25) Jesus’ disciples believed that he was the “Messiah” or “Anointed One.” Other titles applied to Jesus were Prophet and Rabbi. According to both the Bible and the Quran (the divine book of Muslims), Jesus came into being through a miraculous virgin birth, i.e., he was born without the intervention of a human father. Both religious texts concur that God has the power to make such miracles happen.
The two texts differ significantly over Jesus’ status. Whereas the New Testament elevated Jesus to divinity, the Quran emphasized his humanity, comparing his creation to that of Adam. Jesus, the son of Mary, delivered the same message as the prophets before him, i.e., “Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God is one Lord.”(Deuteronomy 6:4) Neither the word “Trinity” nor this doctrine is explicitly found in the New Testament. In fact, the ideology developed over several centuries after the death of Jesus. There are many factors that led to the outcome of the Trinity concept, some of which will be briefly addressed in this article.
Pauline Christianity
It is believed that Jesus was born in Bethlehem, located in present day Israel. All of the prophets mentioned in the Bible (and Quran) originated from various areas of the Middle East. Paul, not Jesus, is primarily responsible for the current Christian creed based on the doctrine of the Trinity (God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit). Saul was a Jew who reportedly persecuted the early Christians. His name was later changed to Paul, probably because the name Saul was associated with Judaism. One day on his way to Damascus, Paul had a vision that resulted in his conversion. Following this incident, Paul became the most ardent missionary of Christianity.(Noss 466-467) In his book “The 100: A Ranking of the Most Influential Persons in History,” Michael Hart lists Muhammad first, followed by Paul, and then Jesus. Hart proposes that the honor for the spread of Christianity has to be shared between Paul and Jesus. Apparently Paul won because he wrote more books of the Bible than any other author, whereas Jesus did not write a single word. It should also be noted that Paul never even met Jesus.
Since Jesus did not write any of his teachings, historians are generally in agreement that the writings that have come down to us in the New Testament have been amplified with the predispositions of the early Christians, thus displacing the original teachings of Jesus.(Noss 446) More than three centuries after Jesus was reportedly crucified, there were many controversies and minutiae surrounding his status. Emperor Constantine called the first ecumenical council of the Christian church in ancient Nicaea (now Iznik, Turkey) in 325 CE to resolve the issue. He hoped that a general council would solve the problem created in the Eastern church by Arianism, a “heresy” first proposed by Arius of Alexandria, which affirmed that Jesus was not divine but a created being. The council condemned Arius and incorporated the non-scriptural word homoousios (of one substance) into what later became known as the Nicene Creed, signifying the absolute equality of the Son (Jesus) with the Father (God). Emperor Constantine then exiled Arius. To differ from the official and final version of this new theology – which essentially stated that Jesus was God incarnate – was blasphemy.(“Encyclopedia Britannica Online”)
Christianity later became the official religion of the Roman Empire under Theodosius, and there were attempts at formalization and uniformity within the church regarding the doctrine of the Trinity. This did not stop the controversy, and there were more ecumenical council debates between western and eastern Christians for generations. Western Christian theology eventually dominated. The result was that Christians, particularly in the East, who disagreed with the newly mandated doctrine of the Trinity, were ostracized and persecuted. In some cases, those who rejected the new doctrine were put to death as the concept eventually took hold.
The Europeans were immersed in paganism when Jesus was born, and it took about eight centuries before all of Europe finally accepted Christianity as their creed. During such a lengthy period, it was only natural that some pagan beliefs and practices were incorporated into the new religion. For example, December 25th was a popular Roman holiday that celebrated the winter solstice as a symbol of the resurgence of the sun, which heralded the rebirth of spring and summer. The birth of the sun became synonymous with the birth of the Son of God, which is now commonly accepted as Jesus’ birthday. The actual birthday of Jesus cannot be precisely determined, as Christians did not begin to reckon time before and after the birth of Jesus until about six centuries after he was born.(Noss 450) Another example of a pre-Christian ritual is the veneration of the evergreen tree in western and northern Europe, particularly in Germany during pagan times, so the “Christmas tree” was added to the birthday celebration of Jesus.
For thousands of years prior to the birth of Jesus, the Indo-Europeans had developed a tripartite ideology. At the highest level was a “sky god,” who sees all human activity from his heavenly abode. The second part of heaven reflected heroic warriors and raiders supported by a war/thunder god. The third part of this Indo-European belief was the pursuit of happiness – a universal human trait.(Winn 4-5) This tripartite scheme was prevalent in many aspects of Indo-European culture, and is evident even today. Examples include many nations’ flags that are made up of three colors, and governments that are divided into three branches – executive, legislative, and judicial.
Pre-Christian Europeans ritually sacrificed humans to their pagan gods.(Winn 45-47) As the Europeans gradually started to move away from paganism and adopt their newly discovered Middle Eastern religion – Christianity – the idolatrous tradition of human sacrifice blended harmoniously with the new theology – the sacrifice of God’s only begotten son for the sins of all humanity. The tripartite hierarchy that was so embedded in Indo-European culture for thousands of years played an influential role in the development of a doctrine based on a triune God, viz., God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit.
Was it a Crucifixion or Cruci-fiction?
According to the Bible, Jesus was not the only “Son of God” – there were others as shown in the verses below (italics mine):
“That the sons of God saw the daughters of men that they were fair; and they took them wives of all which they chose.” (Genesis 6: 2)
“There were giants in the earth in those days; and also after that, when the sons of God came in unto the daughters of men, and they bare children to them, the same became mighty men which were of old, men of renown.” (Genesis 6:4)
“And thou shalt say unto Pharoah, Thus saith the Lord, Israel is my son, even my firstborn:” (Exodus 4:22)
“I will declare the decree: the Lord hath said unto me, Thou art my Son; this day have I begotten thee.” (i.e., David – Psalms 2:7)
“They shall come with weeping, and with supplications, will I lead them: I will cause them to walk by the rivers of waters in a straight way, wherein they shall not stumble: for I am a Father to Israel, and Ephraim is my firstborn.” (Jeremiah 31:9)
“Which was the son of Enos, which was the son of Seth, which was the son of Adam, which was the Son of God.” (Luke 3:38)
The Bible also states that a man can only die once: “And as it is appointed for men to die once, but after this the judgment.”(Hebrews 9:27) For Jesus to be resurrected shortly after his death, he would certainly have had to be divine. The chronology shown in the verses below are hardly any indication that Jesus died on the cross. According to the New Testament (Matthew 27:45-46), Jesus was placed on the cross by the 6th hour (around noon), and he (God incarnate) supposedly cried out: “My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me?” He was taken down by the 9th hour (around 3:00pm), only three hours later. This was rather peculiar, in fact, Pilate marveled that Jesus was dead already after being on the cross for only three hours.(Mark 15:44) Since it was Friday and the Jews were anxious to bury Jesus before Saturday – the Sabbath – his crucifixion and burial were apparently expedited.
None of Jesus’ faithful disciples were there for him in his time of need, so they apparently did not witness his death as the New Testament tells us “all his disciples forsook him and fled.”(Matthew 26:56 and Mark 14:50) Jesus was placed into a sepulcher hewn out of rock, and a stone rolled unto the door of the sepulcher.(Mark 15:46) Mary Magdalene, out of whom Jesus had cast seven devils (Mark 16:9), went to visit the tomb to anoint his dead body.(Mark 16:1) This was rather bizarre given that upon death, rigor mortis and decay starts immediately.
Anyway, as it turned out, the stone covering the tomb was moved (Mark 16:4 and Luke 24:2), the sheets that the corpse was wrapped in were unwound and left in the sepulcher (Luke 24:12 and John 20:5-7), and the body was missing. Mary Magdalene saw a gardener near the tomb who turned out to be no other than Jesus in disguise.(John 20:14-16) He initially jested with her about why she was weeping and who she was looking for. She in turn questioned Jesus (thinking he was a gardener) about the body and asked if he may have removed it. Jesus followed up by just uttering her name: “Mary” and she immediately recognized her teacher and responded: “Rabboni.” The disciples disbelieved when they heard that Mary Magdalene had seen a live Jesus.(Mark 16:11) In fact, Jesus came and stood in their midst (John 20:19), and they were terrified and thought they were looking at a spirit.(Luke 24:37) Jesus assured the disciples: “Behold my hands and my feet, that it is I myself: handle me, and see; for a spirit hath not flesh and bones, as ye see me have.” He then proceeded to show them his hands and feet, and asked if they had any meat as he was hungry. Jesus was offered some fish and honeycomb and he ate in front of them.(Luke 24:39-43)
All indications are that Jesus did not die on the cross; the evidence from the New Testament just doesn’t support it. Why was Mary Magdalene going to anoint a decomposing corpse? Why was the stone covering the tomb removed and why did Jesus need his decomposing body (unwrapped from the linen clothes) for his resurrection? In fact, a sympathizer – Joseph of Arimathaea – claimed Jesus’ body from Pilate and laid it in the sepulcher that he (Joseph) owned. He also rolled the stone that covered the door of the sepulcher.(Mark 15:43-46) Why was Jesus so well disguised as a gardener that even Mary Magdalene did not recognize him? Obviously Jesus was not afraid of dying twice, he did not want the Jews and Romans to recognize him since he was a condemned man. Does a “resurrected God” need food? Mary was not looking for a corpse; she was seeking a live Jesus so she could take him (not it) away.(John 20:15)
Muslims posit that the above concurs with the Quran which states: “…They slew him not nor crucified him, but it appeared so unto them; and those who disagree concerning it are in doubt thereof; they have no knowledge thereof save pursuit of a conjecture; they slew him not for certain.”(Q4:157) Given that the verses cited from both the New Testament and Quran suggest that Jesus did not really die on the cross for the sins of all humanity, should we expect his return? Besides the second coming of Jesus, we should be expecting another prophet too since the Bible tells us: “Behold, I will send you Elijah the prophet before the coming of the great and dreadful day of the Lord.(Malachi 4:5)
The Second Coming of Jesus and Armageddon
Armageddon is mentioned in the Bible only once: “And he gathered them together into a place called in the Hebrew tongue Armageddon.”(Revelation 16:16) The Book of Revelation is also known as the Apocalypse of John, and is the last book of the New Testament. It is the only book in the New Testament that is apocalyptic in nature.(“Encyclopedia Brittanica Online”) Armageddon and the second coming of Jesus have been refined into a terminology known as “The Rapture,” even though the word “rapture” does not appear anywhere in the Bible. It is difficult to decipher and coherently follow the chronology of events that will lead to the expected Rapture, since the Book of Revelation (although attributed to John) seems to be a collection of units by various unknown authors toward the end of the 1st century CE. The “Rapture theory” was developed using books from both the New Testament as well as the Old Testament, in particular Daniel and Ezekiel. According to the Rapture theory, an anti-Christ (who represents the Devil) will emerge and rule the earth, and there will be much tribulation. Jesus, clothed with a vesture dipped in blood, will descend with armies from heaven upon white horses, clothed in fine linen, white and clean. Out of his (Jesus) mouth will be a sharp sword, and with it he will smite the nations, and he shall rule them with a rod of iron.(Revelation 19:13-15)
Christians are not the only group expecting the second coming of Jesus; Muslims are also on the lookout for his return. While the Quran states that Jesus survived the crucifixion, it says nothing about his second coming – though Jesus’ death is implied at some later stage in his life. (Q5:117) Muslims supposedly derive the “second coming of Jesus” theory from sayings attributed to the prophet Muhammad, documented more than 200 years after his death. It is interesting that Muhammad, who claimed to be the last of God’s prophets, would have mentioned Jesus’ return. As Islam spread in the Middle East, the Arabs generally belonged to two groups: Christians and idolaters. No doubt the stories about the second coming of Jesus were circulating. Some of the early Muslims, no less adept at embellishment than their Christian counterparts, took the same stories and gave them an “Islamic twist.” Christians are expecting Jesus to return, destroy an anti-Christ, and save a limited number of Christians who accept him as their savior. The majority of Muslims in the world today believe that Jesus will return and kill an anti-Christ, and save the Muslims who will be going through turbulent times under the yoke of this anti-Christ. At the same time, Jesus will supposedly clear up all of the confusion over his status, i.e., announce to the world that he (Jesus) is only human. Besides Jesus, Muslims are also expecting another leader known as “the Mahdi,” who will appear just before Jesus. This “Mahdi” is the equivalent of Elijah in the Bible, who is supposed to appear prior to Jesus. There is ongoing speculation regarding the identity of the anti-Christ, and the search for this elusive devil continues.
The concept of Armageddon predates Christianity and Islam. Zarathustra, founder of Zoroastrianism, was a Persian, who it is believed was the first prophet to preach monotheism. Estimates of Zarathustra's birth range from 660 BCE to 6,000 BCE. Zarathustra preached that there was a supreme God (Ahura Mazda), and an evil spirit (Ahriman). There was also a serpent king (Zohak) under the influence of Ahriman. The apocalyptic process is remarkably similar in Zoroastrianism, a battle foreshadows the end of the world, then there is a waiting period followed by a second battle that vanquishes all evil, followed by a peaceful era. Zarathustra’s version of Armageddon is derived from an even older version in Indo-European myth.(Winn 209-211)
Current Religious and Political Implications
Many evangelical preachers today allude to our tumultuous times, and advocate that the current global situation is ripe for the second coming of Jesus. TV evangelists reach an estimated 60 million regular viewers (a conservative figure) in the United States, who (according to a Nielsen survey) believe that nuclear war is inevitable because the Bible predicts that planet earth will be destroyed by fire.(Halsell 11) These Christian evangelists are staunch supporters of Israel. They believe that an alliance with Israel is imperative so that they can do God’s work, i.e., help to create a chain of events that is necessary in that region (based on their interpretation of the scripture) for the second coming of Jesus. These Jews and Christians are strange bedfellows indeed, given that according to Christian doctrine, Jews (along with every other non-Christian in the world) are doomed to damnation unless they accept Jesus as their Lord and Savior.
Fundamentalist Christians constitute a sizeable voting block in the United States, and no sane politician can ignore them. These fundamentalists exercise considerable sway over the U.S Congress and Executive Branch.(Halsell 163-167) They also influence U.S foreign policy in the Middle East, pressuring the U.S government to perform a delicate balancing act. Since evangelists and their followers believe that peace in the Middle East is against God’s will and counter productive to the emergence of an anti-Christ and the return of Jesus, politicians have to be careful not to appear too much in favor of peace while at the same time try to prevent a global conflagration from igniting in that volatile region of the world. There was a recent media report that one such evangelist – Jack Van Impe – claimed that the Office of Public Liaison for the White House, and National Security Advisor Condoleeza Rice, contacted him for advice regarding the Middle East.
Conclusion
Throughout history, millions of people have been annihilated due to religious polemic. God’s prophets all preached a consistent message, essentially for us to do good works given that we will all be held individually accountable on the Day of Judgment, based on the universal adage: “as you sow, so shall you reap.” People continuously engage in rabid arguments and violent conflict over the most esoteric of religious differences, sometimes even within the same religion, even though the commonalities among the monotheistic faiths far outweigh the theological disparities. Jews, Christians, and Muslims – or more precisely various sects within the three religions – believe that they have exclusive rights to heaven.
The majority of Jews, Christians, and Muslims are awaiting a savior: the Jews their Messiah, and Christians and Muslims the return of Jesus. It is incomprehensible that the gentle and peaceful Jesus, who reportedly said: “Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God” (Matthew 5:9), and who advised people who are smitten on one cheek to turn the other cheek (Matthew 5:39 and Luke 6:29), would descend from heaven to save a select group and eradicate millions of innocent people. The “divinity / second coming of Jesus” theory may arguably qualify as the biggest hoax ever perpetrated on mankind, and there is a great danger that the “Rapture” or “Armageddon” could manifest itself as a “self-fulfilling prophecy.” Although a minority, hardliners from the three Abrahamic faiths – Jews, Christians, and Muslims – are trying to create an atmosphere of spiraling violence that could possibly lead to massive destruction and conflagration on our planet. If they get their way, there will be no savior on the horizon with a sword protruding from his mouth (somewhat paradoxical), but hundreds of millions of very disappointed – and possibly dead – people.
Bibliography
Encyclopedia Britannica. Encyclopedia Britannica Premium Service Online: Nov, 2003
Halsell, Grace. Prophecy and Politics: Militant Evangelists on the Road to Nuclear War. Lawrence Hill & Company: 1986
Hart, Michael H. The 100: A Ranking of the Most Influential Persons in History. Citadel Trade: Nov, 1992
Noss, David S. A History of the World’s Religions. Prentice Hall: 11th ed. 2003
Pickthall, Mohammed M. The Meaning of the Glorious Koran. Kazi Publications: 2002
The Bible: Authorized King James Version. Oxford University Press: 1997
Winn, Shan M. M. Heaven, Heroes, and Happiness: The Indo-European Roots of Western Ideology. University Press of America: 1995
Posted December 27, 2003. The above term paper was submitted for a religion class at George Mason University in the fall semester of 2003.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)