Paradise in Islam

From: www.shariahprogram.ca

"And whoever desires the Hereafter and strives for it as he ought to strive and he is a believer; (as for) these, their striving shall surely be accepted." [17:19]
Recently I took a trip to see my Dad, who happens to be a non-Muslim, in order for him to meet the latest addition to our family, and in order for me to yet again try to convince him that he should accept Islam. While I was there, however, I found out something about him that I never knew before. My father is a workaholic. This man works seven days a week, sometimes 10-to-12 hours a day. The saddest part being, that his labor is all for nothing, for Allah says,
"(These are) they whose labor is lost in this world's life and they think that they are well-versed in skill of the work of hands."[18:104]
Now, even though the situation with my Dad threw me for a loop, it really got me thinking. How many of us, Muslims, are in the very same predicament as my father? How many of us are working hard for the life of this world, at the cost of the Hereafter? How many of us are putting in 40-plus hours a week at our jobs, and other recreational activities, while putting in only the smallest amounts of time when it comes to our Deen? Allah, subhanahu wa ta'ala, says that truly Man shall earn what he strives for. The question now is what are we truly striving and working for?
Maybe it's because at the end of the week, we are rewarded with something tangible for our efforts, a check we can see and touch. The Hereafter, although being equally as real, is at the same time, mystifying and ethereal in its nature. It's a delayed gratification, which makes it harder to earn. Our wages for our efforts in the deen will not be paid in full until we exit the life of this world. For Allah says, "Every soul shall have a taste of death: And only on the Day of Judgment shall you be paid your full recompense. Only he who is saved far from the Fire and admitted to the Garden will have attained the object (of Life). For the life of this world is but goods and chattels of deception." [3:185]
Our final destination is the life of the Hereafter. Where we end up, Jannah (Paradise) or Jahannam (Hell-fire) depends on what we worked towards in this life. Paradise is the aim and the hope of every Muslim. But like trying to attain any goal, in order to achieve success, one must have a well-defined plan, and it must be implemented to be successful. Allah says,
"O you who believe! Be careful of (your duty to) Allah and seek means of nearness to Him and strive hard in His way that you may be successful." [5:35]
To prepare for our journey, we need to find out what our destination is like; who are its people, and most importantly, how to get there.
The Prophet (salAllahu alayhi wasalam) told us that within Paradise are things that no eyes have ever seen, nor ears have ever heard, and that things in it are beyond our imagination and comprehension, but we all have our own personal ideas of what eternal bliss would probably be like.
I remember a few years ago, I overheard my niece and my nephew discussing the landscape, and the privileges of living in Jannah. My nephew was telling my niece that in Jannah, they would be able to eat all the candy that they wanted and that there would be streams of chocolate and trees of ice cream. I always tell people, that Paradise for me, would be being able to eat all the cheesecake and chocolate that I wanted, without gaining a pound. But what Allah has in store for the believers is so much more than this. He, in His Book, and through His Messenger, sallallahu alayhe wa sallam, has given us a clear picture of our goal, so that we can keep it in front of us at all times. By keeping our eyes on the prize, no matter our hardships in this worldly life, we can strive that much harder to attain it.
Allah says, "And whoever desires the Hereafter and strives for it as he ought to strive and he is a believer; (as for) these, their striving shall surely be accepted."[17:19]
Allah has also described Paradise in many places in the Qur'an, so let us now take a look at what He has in store for the believers.
Description in the Qur'an of Paradise
"The description of Paradise which the Muttaqoon have been promised is that in it are rivers of water, the taste and smell of which are never changed. Rivers of milk the taste of which will remain unchanged. Rivers of wine that will be delicious to those who drink from it and rivers of clear, pure honey. For them will be every kind of fruit and forgiveness form their Lord." [ 47:15]
"And their recompense shall be Paradise, and silken garments, because they were patient. Reclining on raised thrones, they will see there neither the excessive heat of the sun, nor the excessive bitter cold, (as in Paradise there is no sun and no moon). The shade will be close upon them, and bunches of fruit will hang low within their reach. Vessels of silver and cups of crystal will be passed around amongst them, crystal-clear, made of silver. They will determine the measure of them according to their wishes. They will be given a cup (of wine) mixed with Zanjabeel, and a fountain called Salsabeel. Around them will (serve) boys of perpetual youth. If you see them, you would think they are scattered pearls. When you look there (in Paradise) you will see a delight (that cannot be imagined), and a Great Dominion. Their garments will be of fine green silk and gold embroidery. They will be adorned with bracelets of silver, and their Lord will give them a pure drink." [76:12-21]
"And those foremost (In Tawheed and obedience to Allah and His Messenger in this life) will be foremost (in Paradise). They will be those nearest to Allah in the Gardens of Delight. A multitude of those (the foremost) will be from the first generation (who embraced Islam) and a few of those (the foremost) will be from the later (generations). They will be reclining, face to face, on thrones woven with gold and precious stones. They will be served by immortal boys, with cups and jugs, and a glass from the flowing wine, from which they will have neither any headache, nor any intoxication. They will have fruit from which they may choose, and the flesh of fowls that they desire. There will be Houris with wide, lovely eyes (as wives for the pious), like preserved pearls, a reward for deeds that they used to do. They will hear no vain or sinful speech (like backbiting, etc.) but only the saying of: Salam, Salam, (greetings of peace). And those on the Right Hand, who will be those on the Right Hand? They will be among thorn-less lote-trees among Talh (banana trees) with fruits piled one above another, in long-extended shade, by constantly flowing water, and fruit in plenty, whose season is not limited, and their supply will not be cut off. They will be on couches or thrones raised high. Verily, We have created for them (maidens) of equal age, loving (their husbands only). For those on the Right Hand." [56:10-38]
"Verily, the dwellers of Paradise that Day, will be busy in joyful things. They and their wives will be in pleasant shade, reclining on thrones. They will have therein fruits (of all kinds), and all that they will ask for. (It will be said to them): "Salamun" (Peace be on you), a Word from the Lord, Most Merciful." [36:55-58]
Can you imagine?
Wearing the finest silk clothing and sitting on chairs made of gold and precious stones? Those who disbelieve in the words of Allah, say that this is all a fairy-tale, made up by a would-be prophet. But we know, that Allah is the Truthful and that His Messenger, sallallahu alayhe wa sallam, spoke only what was revealed to from the Most Truthful. And even though Allah describes Paradise for us in the Qur'an, He still says, "So no soul knows the delights of the eyes which is hidden for them; a reward for what they did." [32:17]
Apart from the Qur'anic descriptions of Paradise, the Prophet Muhammad (salAllahu alayhi wassalam) would often describe Paradise to his companions. His descriptions were often so vivid and moving, that many-a-companion would hurriedly rush towards it. This was the case, as Anas narrated that the Messenger of Allah (salAllahu alayhi wasalam) and his companions proceeded towards Badr and arrived there before the disbelievers (of Makkah). When the disbelievers arrived, the Messenger of Allah said, "None of you should step forward ahead of me to do anything." Then the disbelievers advanced (towards us), and the Messenger of Allah, sallallahu alayhe wa sallam, said, "Rise to enter Paradise whose width is equal to the Heavens and the Earth." Umayr Ibnul Humam al-Ansari asked, "O Messenger of Allah, is Paradise equal in width to the heavens and the earth?" He, sallallahu alayhe wa sallam, said, "Yes." Umayr said, "Bak'hin! Bak'hin!" (An Arabic word denoting excitement and astonishment) The Messenger of Allah, sallallahu alayhe wa sallam, asked him, "What made you say these words: Bak'hin, Bak'hin?" He said, "Messenger of Allah, nothing but the desire to be amongst its residents." He, sallallahu alayhe wa sallam, said, "You are surely among its residents." He then took some dates form his bag and began to eat them. Then he said, "If I were to live until I had eaten all of the dates, indeed this life would be too long." Anas then said, "He threw away the remaining dates he had with him. He then fought (the disbelievers) until he was killed." [Muslim]
What words could have inspired Umair and others like him to long for, and to pay the ultimate price for a place in Paradise? Let's now take a look at what the Messenger of Allah, had to say about Paradise.
Description of Paradise in the Hadith
Abu Sa'eed Al-Khudri narrated that the Messenger of Allah (salAllahu alayhi wasalam) said, "The people of Paradise will look at the dwellers of lofty mansions (i.e. a superior place in Paradise) in the same way as one looks at a brilliant star, far away in the East or in the West of the horizon. This is because of their superiority over one another (in reward)." One of the people asked, "O Allah's Messenger, are these lofty mansions for the Prophets which no one else can reach?"
The Prophet (salAllahu alayhi wasalam) replied, "No! By Allah, in whose Hands is my life, these are for men who believe in Allah and also believe in the Messenger." [Bukhari and Muslim]
Abu Musa al-Ash'ari narrated that the Prophet (salAllahu alayhi wasalam) said, "Verily, for the believers in Paradise, are tents made of a single hollow pear. The length of which would be sixty miles long from all sides, their wives being therein. The believer will go around them (i.e., visit them) and they will not be able to see each other." [Sahih al-Jami]
Abu Hurairah said that the Messenger of Allah (salAllahu alayhi wasalam) said, "There is not a tree in Paradise, except that its trunk is made of gold." [Sahih al-Jami]
Anas ibn Malik narrated that the Prophet (salAllahu alayhi wasalam) said, "Verily in Paradise there is a market in which (the inhabitants of Paradise) will come to every Friday. The North wind will blow and scatter fragrances on their faces and on their clothes. This will add to their beauty and their attractiveness. They will then go back to their families after having an added luster to their beauty and their attractiveness. Their families will say to them, 'By Allah you have been increased in beauty and loveliness after leaving us,' and they will say, 'By Allah you too have increased in beauty and attractiveness after us.'" [Muslim]
Jabir ibn Abdullah narrated that the Messenger of Allah (salAllahu alayhi wasalam) said, "(I saw in a dream that) I entered Paradise, and behold, there was a palace built of gold. I asked, 'Whose is this palace?' They (the angels) replied, 'For a man from the Quraysh.' So I thought it might be I, so I asked, 'And who is he?' They said, 'Umar Ibnul Khattab.' Nothing stopped me form entering it except your Ghirah (sense of honor)." Umar said, "My Ghirah would never be offended by you, O Messenger of Allah." [Sahih al-Bukhari and Muslim]
Anas ibn Malik said that Allah's Apostle (salAllahu alayhi wasalam) said, "I entered Paradise and found myself by a river, by its edges were tents of pearls. Then I tapped with my hands where the water was running, and there was then a beautiful smell of Musk. I asked, 'What is this O Gabriel?' He said, 'This is Kawthar (river in Paradise) which Allah has given to you.'" [Sahih al-Jami]
Who Are the People of Paradise?
We could go on and on, for the ahadith are vast in numbers, about the Prophet's descriptions of Paradise. But a place that has houses built with gold and silver bricks: where its dirt is made of rubies and sapphires and its inhabitants wear only the finest silk garments, sounds like a pretty exclusive neighborhood to me. Who are these people who will be allowed to live in this enchanting place? The Jews say the Jews. The Christians say the Christians. But Allah says, "And they say: 'None shall enter Paradise unless he be a Jew or a Christian.' Those are their (vain) desires. Say, 'Produce your proof if you are truthful.' [2:111]
He also says, "(Namely) those whose lives the angels take in a state of purity, saying (to them), 'Peace be on you, enter you the Garden, because of (the good) which you did (in the world)." [16:32]
Always in the Qur'an when Allah mentions those who will attain Paradise, He mentions the believers, not the Muslims. He (subhanahu wa ta'ala) says, "Indeed the Muttaqoon will be amongst the Gardens and water-springs." [15:45]
He also says, "Verily, the Muttaqoon will be in a place of security, among Gardens and Springs, dressed in fine silk and (also) in thick silk, facing each other. This is how it shall be, and We shall marry them to Houris with wide, lovely eyes. They will request therein for every kind of fruit in peace and security." [44:51-55]
So who are the believers and how do we become one of them? Allah says, "They believe in Allah and the Last Day, and they enjoin what is right and forbid the wrong and they strive with one another in hastening to good deeds, and those are among the good." [3:114]
He (subhanahu wa ta'ala) also says of the believers, "But the Apostle and those who believe with him strive hard with their property and their persons; and these it is who shall have the good things and these it is who shall be successful." [9:88]
He goes on to say, "Allah has purchased of the believers their persons and their goods; for theirs (in return) is the Garden (of Paradise): they fight in His cause, and slay and are slain: a promise binding on Him in truth, through the Law, the Gospel, and the Qur'an: and who is more faithful to his covenant than Allah? Then rejoice in the bargain, which you have concluded: that is the achievement supreme." [9:111]
Of the believers, He also says, "But those who have faith and work righteousness, they are companions of the Garden: Therein shall they abide (forever)."[2:82]
O slaves of Allah know that being among this illustrious group of people who will live in this place of tranquillity and bliss is not something easily attained. Allah says,
"Or do you think that you shall enter the Garden (of bliss) without such (trials) as came to those who passed away before you? They encountered suffering and adversity, and were so shaken in spirit that even the Apostle and those of faith who were with him cried, 'When (will come) the help of Allah?' Ah! Verily, the help of Allah is (always) near!" [2:214]
What Allah and His Messenger (salAllahu alayhi wasalam) convey to us is that the people of Paradise are the God-conscious, and the God-fearing. Not everyone, who says, Lord, Lord, will enter the Kingdom of Heaven, just as not everyone who professes the Shahadah, will enter Paradise.
Only those who fear Allah as He ought to be feared, and are motivated by that fear to do acts of righteousness will attain success. The one who is conscious of His Lord, in every aspect of his life, and turns to Him in true submission, will have purchased for himself safety and security on a day, when there will be none, except with Allah. He does not cause a soul to suffer fear twice, the fear of Him in this world, and the fear on The Day of Judgment. About this, the Messenger of Allah, sallallahu alayhe wa sallam, said, "Allah says, 'I do not combine for my servants two states of fear, or two states of safety. So if he feels safe from Me in this world I will cause him to fear on The Day of Judgment, and if he fears Me in the world, I will cause him to be safe on The Day of Judgment.'" [Sahih al-Jami]
It is important, therefore, that Muslims know the characters of those who will be the inheritors of Paradise. But it is unfortunate that many of today's Muslims understand that it is enough for one to pronounce the Shahadah by his tongue for him to be entitled to enter Paradise regardless of whether he lived according to Islam or not! But the Shahadah means and requires more than the mere utterance of it. Actually this fact is one of the most mentioned aspects of Islam in the Qur'an and Sunnah. The essence of Eman is deed. Deeds of the heart and deeds of the tongue and other body parts. Deeds that are to be continued till one leaves this world. That was the reason why the Arabs of Makkah refused to pronounce it. They fully appreciated its implication. They knew it concerned authority and understood that they had to govern their deeds and lives with it. Yet many of those who repeat it today lead life styles that do not resemble those described in the Qur'an and practiced by the Prophet, sallallahu alayhe wa sallam, and his companions. The Qur'an warns us that deeds are the basis on which we are to be judged, not only the utterance of the Shahadah, "It is not by your wishes nor the wishes of the People of the Book: whoever does wrong shall be punished for it, and he will find none other than Allah as a protector or helper." [4:123]
So entering Paradise requires that we live as believers and die as Muslims. That takes knowledge, dedication and determination to see it through to its completion. The fist step is belief in Allah and His Messenger, and the flip side to that is leaving all acts of shirk; this means directing all acts of ibadah to none but Allah, subhanahu wa ta'ala, whether it be wearing talismans, supplicating to others than Allah or simply showing off. The next step is obeying Allah and His Messenger, avoiding bid'ah and innovations, and carrying out all compulsory acts of worship that He has prescribed. Once we are steadfast and regular in what we must do, we can then proceed to the next level of eman and worship, by doing the things that we have been encouraged to do. By increasing out acts of worship, and remembrance of Allah we will leave off sin and help safeguard ourselves from a Fire, the fuel of which is men and stones.
We Should Also Strive to:
Protect our minds from thoughts, which are evil, because evil actions begin with evil thoughts.
Protect our eyes by lowering our gazes and not looking at forbidden things.
Protect our ears from lewd or evil speech where there is sin. We should also avoid listening to lies, gossip, music, slander, or blasphemy.
Protect our tongues by saying always what is correct and true, and keeping it moist with the remembrance of Allah, and keeping away from backbiting and other evil speech.
Protect our stomachs by eating the halal and keeping away from the haram. We should beware of eating usury, carrion, and swine or drinking intoxicants or taking drugs.
Protect our hands from taking what does not belong to us, or from doing harm to another Muslim.
Protect our legs from taking us to evil and corruption and an ultimate doom.
Protect our private parts from unlawful sexual intercourse.
Protect our wealth by not squandering it or holding on to it too tightly.
Protect our oaths, witnesses and trusts by not breaching or breaking a contract or pledge knowingly. We should not exceed our agreements, testify to falsehood or break our trusts.
Protect our families and children by keeping them away from the things that may be harmful and that may corrupt their minds and their souls.
Now, it is true that only Allah knows who the believers are, but that should not stop us from striving to be among their numbers. For the believers will have eternal bliss and complete success, because of the things that they did in this life. Allah says, "So no soul knows the delight of the eyes which is hidden for them; a reward for what they did." [32:17]
We now stand at the start of the race, so let us run forward quickly to the finish line, where the gates of Paradise will be open for those who strive as they should. The Messenger of Allah, sallallahu alayhe wa sallam, who said, "Paradise is surrounded by hardship and the Hellfire is surround by wishes and desires," has described the road to eternal bliss. [Sahih al-Jami]
Despite this, Allah and His Messenger have left breadcrumbs along the path, for us to follow to make our journey easier. All roads may lead to Rome, but not all paths lead to Allah and His Paradise. We must plan our journey by using only the road map given to us by Allah and His Messenger, sallallahu alayhe wa sallam.
Ways That Lead To Paradise:
Belief and Righteous Deeds are two of the best routes to Jannah (Paradise). The door of righteous deeds is wide and the ways of obtaining rewards are vast, as Allah says, "And those who believe and do good deeds they are the inhabitants of Paradise, in it they shall abide."[2:82]
Taqwa is the fear of the Most Merciful, and acting in accordance with the Qur'an and the Sunnah of the Messenger of Allah, sallallahu alayhe wa sallam. That is, hoping for the reward of Allah and avoiding disobedience of His Guidance and fearing His Punishment. For Allah says, "Surely those of taqwa shall be in the midst of Gardens and fountains." [15:45]
The Prophet, sallallahu alayhe wa sallam, also said, "The most common thing which leads people to Paradise is taqwa of Allah and good conduct, and the most common thing which leads people to the Hell Fire is the mouth and the private parts." [at-Tirmidhi]
Obedience of Allah and His Messenger is a sure way to Paradise. Allah, subhanahu wa ta'ala, says, "And whoever obeys Allah and His Messenger, He will cause him to enter Gardens beneath which rivers flow, and whoever turns back, He will chastise him with a painful chastisement." [48:17]
Allah's Messenger, sallallahu alayhe wa sallam, also said, "All of my followers will enter Paradise except those who refuse." It was asked, "O Messenger of Allah, who would refuse?" He said, "He who obeys me enters Paradise and he who disobeys me has refused." [Sahih al-Bukhari]
Fighting in the Path of Allah with one's goods and soul. For Allah says, "O you who believe, shall I lead you to a merchandise which may deliver you from a painful chastisement? You shall believe in Allah and His Messenger, and struggle hard in Allah's Cause with your property and your lives; that is better for you, if you but knew! He will forgive you your sins and cause you to enter Gardens beneath which rivers flow, and goodly dwellings in Gardens of perpetuity; that is the mighty achievement." [61:10-12]
Repentance erases what came before it as the Prophet, sallallahu alayhe wa sallam, said, "The one who repents form sin is like the one who never sinned." [Sahih Al-Jami]
And Allah says, "Except such as repent and believe and do good, these shall enter the Garden, and they shall not be dealt with unjustly in any way."[19:60]
There are countless other means, from building a mosque to seeking Islamic knowledge to obeying our husbands and raising righteous children. All it takes is our time and sincere efforts. With all that Allah has described, it may seem daunting to us at times, that we will ever make it. Eman rises and falls, and with it our good deeds. But we should never lose hope in Allah, for the only one who loses hope in Allah is the one who disbelieves.
So even though we may feel that we are at the bottom of the pile, the Prophet (salAllahu alayhi wasalam) gives us hope. He said, "Mousa, alayhes salam, asked his Lord, 'Who amongst the inhabitants of Paradise will be the lowest in rank?' He (subhanahu wa ta'ala) said, 'He is a man who will come after the people have entered Paradise and it will be said to him: Enter Paradise.' He will say, 'How my Lord? Indeed, the people have settled in their apartments and taken their shares.' It will be asked of him, 'Would you be pleased if there was a kingdom for you like the kingdoms of the earth?' He will say, 'I would be pleased, my Lord.' He will say, 'And for you is the like of that, and the like of it, and the like of it.' He will say at the fifth time, 'I am pleased, my Lord.' He will say, 'This is for you and ten times like it, and for you is what you desire for yourself and what is pleasurable to your eye.' He will say, "I am pleased my Lord." [Muslim]
This is what Allah has for the least among us. But despite all the glorious castles, the beautiful clothes and mates we will posses, inshaAllah, He still has in store for the believers the greatest honor awaiting them in Paradise. Suhaib ibn Sinan narrated that the Prophet, sallallahu alayhe wa sallam, said, "When the inmates of Paradise enter Paradise and the inmates of Hellfire will enter Hell, the announcer will say, 'O people of Paradise, verily you have a promise with Allah and He wishes to fulfill His promise to you.' They will ask, 'What is His promise? Has He not made our balances heavy (with good deed), whitened our faces, admitted us into Paradise, and delivered us from the Hellfire?' Then the screen will be removed and they will look towards Him. By Allah He will not give them a thing more beloved to them and more comforting to their eyes, than the gaze of Himself." [Sahih al-Jami]
We were created in Paradise, we came out of it and we will inshaAllah go back to it. It is our destination and we shall reach it. But we have to do what Allah has asked us to do, for Paradise is not cheap. The price is true eman that is shown in obedience to Allah according to the sunnah of his Prophet, sallallahu alayhe wa sallam. The companions understood that. Their efforts were all for the life of the Hereafter and they gave only what was necessary to this worldly life. As Muslims, everything we do, can be, and should be worship of Allah. Whether we're working at the office to provide for our families; cooking a meal; raising our children, or simply resting, through remembrance of Allah and supplication, we can transform these earthly necessities into fruits that will bear for us in the life of the Hereafter.
So let us keep our eyes on the prize, and strive hard for it, for Allah says, "And (as for) those who strive hard for Us, We will most certainly guide them in Our ways; and Allah is most surely with the doers of good." [29:69]

Islam is your Birthright

From: www.55a.net

By Compiled by Majed S. Al-Rassi

Edited by Dr. Bilal Philips

Each person is born in a religious environment that is not of his/her own choice. From the very beginning of human existence in this world, they are assigned the religion of their family or the ideology of the state. By the time individuals reach their teens they usually accept the beliefs of their parents or that of their particular society.
However, when some people mature and are exposed to other beliefs and ideologies, they begin to question the validity of their own beliefs.
Seekers of truth often reach a point of confusion upon realizing that believers of every religion, sect, ideology and philosophy all claim to have the one and only correct religion or ideology. There are only three possibilities. They are either all correct; all wrong or only one is correct and the rest are wrong. They cannot all be right since all religions are different from each other in their fundamentals. Furthermore, the majority claim that they alone are correct and the rest are wrong. On the other hand, to claim that they are all wrong is to deny that God revealed His will to humankind.
This proposition is absurd to those who believe in a Wise Creator. So, which religion is the right one and how can the seeker of truth know it? This is the subject of the booklet in your hands.
In beginning one’s search for which religion is true, one should keep in mind four things in mind:
First, God gave us abilities and intellects to make the crucial decision: WHAT IS THE TRUE RELIGION?
Second, God, the Most Compassionate, did not leave us to go astray without any guidance. Indeed, He sent us prophets with scriptures to show us the right path.
Third, seeking the true religion should be the most important thing in one’s life because the everlasting life to come depends on it.[1]
Fourth, one can determine the true path and make a rational and correct decision only if emotions and prejudices, which often blind one to reality, are put aside.
I. PURPOSE FOR CREATION
Have you ever wondered about the reason of our existence? Have you ever wondered why we die, and where we go after death? What will happen to us in the end? Have you ever asked yourself why God made the earth and all that is in it under man’s dominion? Why were the night and the day, and the sun and the moon created? What are we supposed to do during our lifetime? Were we created just to eat, drink, and enjoy ourselves before we die? As one poet put it: “I do not know whence I have come. I saw my feet walking on the road.
As they please I go and stop. What am I doing here?
How did the road find me? I do not know! I do not know! I do not know! ”
God has emphasized in many verses of the Qur’an[2] that He did not create us without purpose. He said: “What! Do you think that I created you simply in jest ? And that you would not be returned to Me?”[3] (23:115) He also said: “What! Does man think that he will be left to roam at his will?” (75:36)In addition, He said: “Do people think that they will be left to say: “We believe,” and they will not be held accountable?” (29:2)
Indeed, God Has created human beings for a purpose and with a purpose:
TO WORSHIP HIM ALONE (Monotheism). He said: “I have not created the Jinn and humankind except only to worship Me. I don't require provision or feeding from them. Surely Allah[4]is the All-provider, the Possessor of all strength, the Firm.” (51:56-58)In fact, all prophets told their people to worship God alone (Monotheism) and shun worshipping His creation (Paganism). God said: “I assuredly sent among every people a messenger with the command: Worship Allah and avoid worshipping false gods.” (16:36)
upon him). Elaborate definition of Qur'an is explained on page 22.
Prophet Abraham, for example, believed in One God, who had no partner.
Anyone who holds a different understanding of God than this has contradicted the religion of Abraham and follows falsehood. God says in the Qur’an: “Those who reject the religion of Abraham make fools of themselves.” (2:130)
Prophet Jesus was reported in the Gospels to have said: “It is written: ‘Worship the Lord your God and serve Him only’.” (Luke 4:8)
Prophet Jacob also said (in the Quran) to his people: “Indeed, those which you worship besides Allah are only names that you and your forefathers have established, for which Allah has sent down no authority. The command belongs only to Allah. He has commanded that you worship none but Him. That is the right religion, but most people do not understand.” (12:40)
II. THE BASIC MESSAGE OF ISLAM
The basic message of Islam is the same message of all the previous prophets: worship God alone and avoid worshipping anything besides Him, whether it is a person, place or thing, directly or indirectly. This basic principle of Monotheism is contained in the opening chapter of the Qur’an, known as Soorat al-Faatihah, verse 4: “You alone we worship and from you alone we do seek help.” In (4:37), God also said: “Worship Allah and do not associate partners with Him.”Muhammad, the last Prophet (mercy and peace of God be upon him) is reported to have said: “Anyone who says: There is no god worthy of worship but Allah, and dies holding that belief will be granted paradise.”[5]
III. PROOFS FOR GOD'S RIGHT OF WORSHIP
Only God should be worshipped because He is the Creator and sustainer of all that exists. This Great Universe and everything that is in it cannot be the product of chance, and could not have created itself. Signs testifying that God is the only Creator can be seen throughout the earth and in the very soul of each person. God said in the Qur’an: “It is Allah who created the sky and the earth, and sent down from the sky water by which He brought forth fruits for your sustenance. He subjected for you the ships to sail upon the sea at His command, and He subjected for you the rivers. And He subjected for you the sun and moon in continuous cycles, and He subjected for you the night and day. And He gave you all you asked Him for .” (14:32-34)
In the Qur’an, God mentions Prophet Abraham’s search for truth as an example of how those who follow God’s signs will be rightly guided to the worship of Him alone; God said: “In this way I showed Abraham the kingdom of the heavens and the earth so that he would have faith with understanding and certainty. When the night covered him with darkness, he saw a star and said: ‘This is my Lord’, but when it set, he said: ‘I don’t like those that set.’ When he saw the moon rising up, he said: ‘This is my Lord’, but when it set, he said: ‘Unless my Lord guides me, I will certainly be among the people who went astray.’ When he saw the sun rising up he said: ‘This is my Lord, this is the greatest of all.’ But when it set, he said: ‘O my people! I am indeed free from what you join as partners with Allah. Verily, I have turned my face towards Allah who created the heavens and the earth and I reject those who associate partners with Allah (in worship).”(6:75-79) Actually, in the Qur’an God calls people to continuously look at the Universe, as this will affirm the divine truth of His existence, His greatness and that He alone should be worshipped.
God alone deserves our worship because only He can answer our prayers. God says in the Qur’an: “And your Lord says: Call on Me and I will answer your prayer.” (40:60)Hence, if a human being prays to an idol and his prayers are answered, it is not the idol which actually answered his prayers but God. Similarly, prayers to Jesus Christ, Buddha, Krishna, Saint Christopher, Saint Jude or to Prophet Muhammad, are not answered by them, but are answered by God. Consequently, prayer is an act of worship which should be directed to God alone.
Indeed, prophets who are worshipped besides Him did not tell people to worship them. Instead, the prophets warned their people against doing just that. For example, Islam teaches that Prophet Jesus (mercy and peace of God be upon him) was a human being who was created by God in a miraculous way. He was born of a mother, Mary, without a father and he worshipped God. He was not God, nor was he the son of God. He was neither one of three manifestations of God as Christians say, nor was he the son of a prostitute as the Jews say. He told his people (the tribes of Israel) to worship God alone. He did not tell people to worship either himself or his mother. Furthermore, Prophet Jesus (mercy and peace of God be upon him) did not worship himself when he worshipped, rather he worshipped God.
However, those who claim to be the followers of Jesus Christ today worship Jesus himself, claiming that he is God, and others also worship his mother calling her ‘the mother of God.’! God says in the Qur’an that He will ask Prophet Jesus (mercy and peace of God be upon him) on the Day of Judgment: “O Jesus, son of Mary! Did you tell people: Take me and my mother as gods besides Allah? Then he will say: Glory to you, I could never say what I had no right to say. If I had said it, You would have known it, You know what is within myself, but I do not know what is within Yourself. Verily, You alone are the Knower of the unseen. I did not say to them except what You commanded me; to worship Allah, my Lord and your Lord, and I was a witness over them as long as I was among them, but when You raised me up, You were the observer over them, and You are the witness over all things.” (5:116 - 117)
God emphasizes in the Qur’an that Prophet Jesus (mercy and peace of God be upon him) was neither killed nor crucified, but God raised him up into the heavens in body and spirit and he will be returned to the earth before the end of the world. Prophet Muhammad (mercy and peace of God be upon him) stated that Prohet Jesus would rule the earth according to the Islamic law, then he will die on earth like other human beings and will be buried and resurrected like them on the Day of Judgment. Hence, Prophet Jesus who was given life, was born from a woman’s womb and circumcised, ate, slept, went to the toilet, grew up, prayed, and will die, should never be taken as God as all these characteristics are not the attributes of God, but of His creatures.
The New Testament states that Jesus Christ taught his followers to pray to God saying: “Our Father [6] who art in heaven, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come, your will be done on earth as it is in heaven.” (Luke 11:2 / Matthew 6:9-10)Also, he taught that only those who submit to God would inherit paradise: “None of those who call me ‘Lord’ will enter the Kingdom of God, except one who does the will of my Father in heaven.”(Matthew 7:21) Prophet Jesus also pointed out that he himself submitted to the will of God: “I cannot do anything of myself. I judge as I hear and my judgment is honest because I am not seeking my own will but the will of Him who sent me.” (John 5:23)
In fact, there are many reports in the Gospels that show that Prophet Jesus made it clear to his followers that he was not God. For example, when speaking about the final hour, he said: “No one knows about that day or hour, not even the angels in heaven, not the Son [7], but only the Father.” (Mark 13:32)
Buddha, was a reformer who introduced a number of humanistic principles in the Hindu religion practiced in India. He did not claim to be God, nor did he suggest to his followers that he be worshipped. Yet, today most Buddhists have made him their God and they prostrate themselves before idols representing his likeness. In brief, from the perspective of the object worshipped, all religions today [except Islam] invite people to the worship of creation!
God’s attributes point to the fact that God alone deserves worship. He is One, without relatives; He has neither father, son, mother nor wife. He is the Eternal Absolute. He neither gives birth, nor is He born, and there is nothing like Him. He is perfect in His knowledge, in His power, in His will, in His mercy and in all His other attributes. God is all-powerful and perfect, while human beings are weak and imperfect. That is how He defined Himself and how all prophets defined Him.
Another proof that God alone deserves to be worshipped can be found within the human soul. Islam teaches that all human beings have imprinted on their souls an awareness of God and a natural inclination towards worshipping Him alone imprinted on their souls. In the Qur’an, God explained that when He created Adam He caused all of Adam’s descendants to come into existence and then He took a pledge from all of them saying: “Am I not your Lord? To which they all replied: Yes, we testify to it.” God then explained why He had all of humankind bear witness that He is their Creator and only true God worthy of worship: “That is in case you, humankind, may say on the Day of Resurrection: Indeed we were unaware of this.” God further elaborated on this point saying: “It is also in case you may say: It was our ancestors who made partners with Allah, and we are only their descendants, will you then destroy us for what those liars did?” (7:173)Hence, people who associate partners with God in worship cannot claim on that day that they had no idea that Allah was the only god who deserved to be worshipped.
Prophet Muhammad (mercy and peace of God be upon him) reported that God said: “I created my slaves upon the right religion, but devils made them go astray.”[8] He also said: “Each child is born in a state of Islam. Then his parents make him a Jew, Christian or a Zoroastrian.”[9]
Thus, Islam is the birthright of every human being, since every child is born with a natural belief in the existence of God and an inborn inclination towards worshipping Him alone. Just as the child submits to the physical laws which God has imposed on the physical world, in the same way its soul also submits naturally to the fact that God is the only Lord and Creator. But if their parents are following a different path, the child is usually not strong or aware enough to recognize the truth or resist the will of the parents. In such cases, the religion which the child follows is one of custom and upbringing. But God, the Most Merciful and Compassionate, will not hold him to account or punish him for following a false religion before he reaches the age of reason and is exposed to the pure message of Islam.
IV. THE MESSAGE OF FALSE RELIGIONS
False religions, on the other hand, all teach the worship of creation (Paganism) in one way or another. Some religions call to idolatry indirectly while proclaiming God’s unity, while others openly call to the worship of other gods besides God or along with God, instead of calling to the worship of God alone (pure Monotheism). Idolatry is the greatest sin that a human being commit because it equates the Creator with the creation and diverts worship from the Creator to the creation. It also contradicts the very purpose for which humans were created; the worship of God alone.
One who dies in a state of idolatry has sealed his or her fate in the next life.
This is not an opinion, but a divinely revealed fact stated by God in the Qur’an: “Verily, Allah will not forgive joining of partners with Him, but He may forgive sins less than that for whomsoever He wishes.” (4:48 & 116)
Man should not worship other than God because it makes no sense to worship the creation which is weak in nature, and neglect the Creator who controls the whole Universe! God says in the Qur’an: “Do they attribute to Me partners who created nothing but are themselves created? They can neither help others nor can they help themselves. And if you call them to guidance they will not follow you. It is the same for you whether you call them or you keep silent. Certainly, those whom you call upon besides Allah are slaves like yourselves. So call upon them and let them answer you if you are truthful. Do they have feet with which they walk, hands with which they hold, eyes with which they see? Or do they have ears with which they hear?” (7:190-195)
The following is an example of a sign revealed by God to a man to show him the error of his idol-worship.
In the southeastern region of the Amazon jungle in Brazil, South America, a primitive tribe erected a new hut to house their main idol Skwatoo, representing the supreme God of all creation! The following day a young man entered the hut to pay homage to his god. While he was prostrating to what he had been taught was his creator and sustainer, a mangy, old and flea-ridden dog slunk into the hut. The young man looked up just in time to see the dog lift its hind leg and pass urine on the idol. Outraged, the young man chased the dog out of the temple, but when his rage died down, he realized that the idol could not be the Lord of the Universe. God must be elsewhere, he concluded. As strange as it may seem, the dog urinating on the idol was a sign from God for that young man that his idol does not deserve to be worshipped. This sign contained the divine message that what he was worshipping was false. It liberated him from slavishly following his traditionally learned worship of a false god. As a result, this man was given a choice: either to seek the true God or to continue in the error of his ways.
V. GOD AND HIS CREATION
Islam emphasizes that God and His creation are distinctly different entities. God is neither a part of His creation nor is He mixed in with it.
His creation is neither equal to Him in His attributes nor a part of Him.
Indeed, God is the Most High; He is above all creation, above the heavens and above His Throne, as He informed us about Himself in the Qur’an and in the previous scriptures. This might seem obvious, but man’s worship of creation instead of the Creator is to a large degree based on ignorance or negligence of this fact. The wrong belief that the essence of God is everywhere in His creation or that He is a part of His creation, has provided justification for the worship of God’s creation. Philosophical idol worshipers justify their idolatry by saying that they do not actually worship the stone or metal image, but God who becomes concentrated in it during their rituals of worship! They claim that the stone idol is only a focal point for God’s essence and is not itself God! Anyone who accepts the concept of God being present in any way within His creation will be obliged to accept this argument in justification of idolatry.
Actually, those who have claimed divinity for themselves down through the ages have often based their claims on the mistaken belief that God is present in humans. Taking this belief one step further, they claim that God is more present in them than in others, and that other humans should therefore submit to them and worship them as God incarnate or as God concentrated within their person. Similarly, those who have asserted that others were God, after their deaths, have found fertile ground among those who accept the false belief of God’s presence in man.
Some idol worshippers try to justify what they are doing by saying: “We treat idols as mediators and intercessors between us and God.” This is also an incorrect belief because God does not need mediators between Him and people. He hears everything and knows all the needs of His creation. In fact, this argument reduces God to the level of His creatures who often use intermediaries to achieve their goals. In hundreds of Qur’anic verses God invites humans to have a direct relationship with Him without any mediator or intercessor, and He prohibits them from worshipping anything other than Him under any circumstance or for any justification. God, the Most Wise, did not prescribe for people religious rites that would affect the direct relationship between Himself and humans, such as baptism confession, or belief in man as a savior, or as an intermediary. Indeed, God is too great and perfect to will a thing that would lower Himself to a level of weakness and inferiority. To claim that God humbled Himself and took a human form is to claim that He became feeble. And to claim that He decided to die means that He decided to be as weak as His weakest creature. It also means that those who were alive when He died would have been superior to Him!
To conclude, all false religions have in common one basic concept with regard to God; that God and His creation are one. They either claim that all men are God, or that specific men are God, or that nature is God, or that God is a figment of man’s imagination or that man is a mediator between people and God. Thus, it may be said that false religions invite humans to the worship of creation instead of the Creator by calling the creation or some aspect of it ‘God’.
VI. THE RELIGION’S NAME
Another evidence that Islam is the true religion can be identified by the meaning of the word “Islam” itself. Basically, the word ' Islam ' is an Arabic word that denotes submission and obedience. As a religion, Islam has two meanings; general and specific. Islam in general, refers to the religion which God revealed to all prophets: The worship of God alone (Monotheism) and the avoidance of Paganism. This explains why in the Qur'an all prophets call themselves Muslims.[10] However, the word Islam also specifically refers to the religion that was revealed to Prophet Muhammad (mercy and peace of God be upon him). None of the ‘previous religions’ were given specifically their name by God, except for this last religion - Islam.
Islam was not named after a person or a group of people, nor was it decided upon by later generations of humans. Indeed, the name Islam was given by God Himself as is clearly mentioned in the Qur’an in many verses (e.g. “Indeed religion with Allah is Islam.”[3:19]).On the other hand, Christianity was named after Jesus Christ (by its followers), and Judaism after the tribe of Judah. However, it is not mentioned anywhere in the Bible that the religion of the followers of Prophets Isaac and Moses and their descendants is called Judaism, or that the religion of the followers of Christ[11] is called Christianity. In other words, the names ‘Judaism’ and Latin. Jesus is the English equivalent and Latin form of the Greek ‘Iesous’, which in ‘Christianity’ had no divine origin or approval. It was not until long after Jesus' departure that the name Christianity was given to the religion of those claiming to be his followers. The same applies for Buddhism, which was named after Gautama Buddha, Confucianism after Confucius, Marxism after Karl Marx, and Hinduism after the Hindus and so on.
VII. THE SIX ARTICLES OF ISLAMIC FAITH
Islamic belief is based on the following six fundamental articles of faith:
1. Belief in God. This includes the following beliefs:
Belief in God’s existence. The existence of man and the entire universe is not a mere accident or the product of chance. This universe and everything that is in it manifests and points to the realization of a Creator.
Belief that God is the Creator, the Sustainer, the Owner of the Universe and its contents, the provider of everything, the Giver of life and the Causer of death.
Hebrew is ‘Yeshua’. ‘Christos’ is a Greek translation of the Hebrew ‘messiah’, which means ‘the anointed’.
Belief that God is the only One who has the right to be worshipped.
Belief that God’s names and attributes are unique to Him.
2. Belief in the Angels
Angels are creatures created by God for specific functions in this world. They are normally invisible and they have no free will; they do as God commands them. They are not to be worshipped. Angel Gabriel was responsible for taking revelation to the prophets. Two angels are assigned to every human being to record their good and evil deeds. Another angel accompanies each human being encouraging him/her to do good deeds.
Others blow the human spirit into the fetus when it reaches the end of the fourth month and others take the human spirit at the time of its death by God’s permission. There are other angels that have other responsibilities too many to enumerate in this small booklet.[12]
3. Belief in the Scriptures
This article of faith refers to belief in all the scriptures revealed by God to His messengers in their original form. These scriptures form the enlightenment which the messengers received to show their people the right Al-Othaimeen, published at Alhidaayah, U.K.. path of God. All the revealed books call to the worship of God alone and avoidance of worshipping other than Him or others besides Him. However, due to the difference between nations in time and locations, there was some difference in the canonical teachings (Law) between scriptures according to the wisdom of God.
Muslims believe in the previous books mentioned in the Qur’an: the books of Abraham (Suhuf), the Scripture of Moses (Torah), the Psalms of David (Zaboor) and the Gospel of Prophet Jesus (Al-Injeel). However, long before the advent of Prophet Muhammad (mercy and peace of God be upon him), they had all been lost or distorted by later generations over the centuries. They were polluted with myths, superstitions, idolatry and irrational philosophical beliefs, carrying contradicting thoughts. Hence, the original scriptures are no longer in existence. A brief historical review, for example, of the evolution of Christianity from pure monotheism into tritheism within the first 400 years after Jesus’ departure clearly illustrates this process of degeneration.[13]
The Qur’an
However, God, the Most Compassionate, didn't leave man to go astray without an unadulterated reference. Indeed, He revealed the Qur’an and promised to preserve it as the final revelation for humankind for all times. It is the word of God which He revealed to Prophet Muhammad (mercy and peace of God be upon him) through the Angel Gabriel. It was revealed in parts over a period of 23 years. The Prophet Muhammad (mercy and peace of God be upon him) dictated the revelation to his companions who wrote it down during his lifetime on palm leaves, parchments, bones, flat stones, etc. In addition, the Qur'an was committed to heart by many of Prophet Muhammad's companions. One year after the death of Prophet Muhammad (mercy and peace of God be upon him), the first Caliph, Abu- Bakr, instructed the Prophet’s companions to collect the whole Qur’an in one volume. The third Caliph, Uthman, prepared several copies from the original text and sent them to the major centers of Islamic Civilization.
From that time onwards, more than 1400 years ago, the same Qur’anic text has been in use with the exact wording, order and language (Arabic). Not a single word from its 114 chapters has been changed since it was revealed.
Indeed, God promised in the Qur’an to preserve it forever. He said: “Verily, I have sent down the Qur’an, and indeed, I will guard it from corruption.”[14] (15:9)
An essential point to understand about the Qur’an is that it is a miracle both in its revelation and content. At the time of the revelation and since, there have been those who have denied the divine and miraculous nature of the Qur’an saying that Muhammad (mercy and peace of God be upon him) was either taught by others or that he wrote it by himself! In order to counteract this claim, God lays down a challenge to the whole of humankind saying: “ If you are in doubt concerning what I have revealed to My slave (Muhammad), then produce one chapter like it and you may call on your helpers beside Allah, if you are truthful.” (2:23) These are from the prophecies which the Qur’an foretold as no one from the time of the Prophet (mercy and peace of God be upon him) until this day has been able to produce the like of one chapter or even a verse of the Qur’an.
4. Belief in the Messengers of God
This article of faith addresses the belief that God conveyed His message through selected human beings. These individuals, called prophets and messengers, were selected by God to be examples of how the scriptures were to be understood and implemented. God sent to every nation a prophet(s) to convey the message that He alone was to be worshipped and any thing worshipped along with Him or besides Him is false. The Qur’an mentions the names of only twenty-five of the prophets while indicating that many others were not mentioned by name. The first of these prophets was Adam and the last was Muhammad (mercy and peace of God be upon them all). Every prophet was sent to a specific people for specific periods of time except Prophet Muhammad (mercy and peace of God be upon him) who was sent to all people until the Final Hour. The proofs that Muhammad (mercy and peace of God be upon him) was a messenger of God are more than a thousand; all are mentioned in his biography. The greatest proof is the miracle of the Qur’an, which couldn’t have been conveyed but by a messenger. Indeed, mention of Prophet Muhammad’s coming can be found in the books of the Bible in spite of the changes which have taken place in their texts (See Deut. 18:18, 18:15; Isaiah 29:12; Songs of Solomon 5:16; John 16:12-14 & John 14: 15-16).
5. Belief in the Last Day
Islam teaches that this life is but a test of conduct for man to see whether or not he will follow the commands of God. In the Hereafter, people will be resurrected and stand before God for a just reckoning of their worldly deeds and actions. People with good deeds will be generously rewarded and warmly welcomed to the heavens of God. However, those with bad records will be punished and cast into Hell. People have been given knowledge of right and wrong, instinctively and through revelation, and they must choose their path in this short life. Their choices in this life will ultimately determine their places in the eternal life to come. God says in the Qur’an: “Whosoever has done an atom’s weight of good will see it, and whosoever has done an atom’s weight of evil will see it.” (99:7-8)
Belief in the Day of Judgment implants in man’s heart the consciousness of God, impelling man and society at large to obey Him sincerely without any external pressure.
6. The Belief in Predestination
It includes the belief in the following:
a) God knows everything. His knowledge is not bound by time. Past, present and future are all known to Him.
b) Everything which takes place is already written in a book called: The Preserved Tablet.
c) God has created everything, including the actions of people, the good and the bad, but He commanded people to do good deeds and forbade them from doing evil.
d) One must believe that everything that happens in this Universe is happening with God’s permission, and nothing can take place against His will.
It should be noted that God’s prior knowledge of things does not mean that human beings have no choice. Human beings choose, but God knows their choices prior to their choosing and action.
VIII. THE PILLARS OF ISLAM
Worship in Islam is an all inclusive term for all action and sayings that God loves. Every virtuous action which is performed with the intention of carrying the commandments of God and seeking His pleasure is considered as an act of worship. However, the very specific acts of worship are five. They stand as the framework of spiritual life on which the structure of Islam rests. They are the following:
1. The two Declarations of faith of which the Arabic transliteration is (Ashhadu an la elaaha illa Allah, wa Ashhadu anna Muhammad Rasool Allah) which means: I testify that there is no god worthy of worship but God, and I testify that Muhammad is the messenger of God. The sincere declaration of God’s unity and the acceptance of Muhammad’s prophethood and adherence to his teachings automatically brings one within the fold of Islam and guarantees him Paradise. Hence, Monotheism is the cornerstone of Islam. The acceptance of this belief differentiates the Muslim from the non-Muslim.
2. Prayers: Formal Prayers are prescribed five times daily as a duty to God at the following times: dawn, noon, afternoon, sunset and nightfall. A Muslim may offer formal prayers almost anywhere as long as the location is clean. Muslim males are enjoined to pray in congregation in a mosque, while females are encouraged to pray in their homes. Prayer provides human beings with a regular contact with God, which helps them avoid evil.
Furthermore, it is symbolic of equality, for the poor and the rich, the rulerand the ruled, the black and the white stand together, united in rows, shoulder to shoulder and prostrate themselves before God. Prayer strengthens the belief in God and elevates man to a higher morality. It helps to purify the heart and prevent temptation towards wrong – doing and evil.
3. Zakah (Charity): Every Muslim whose net annual savings are above a certain specified minimum must pay an annual amount of 2.5% of his savings to the poor and needy people in the community. Zakah fosters generosity and helps purify the soul of selfishness and greed. Zakah also helps reduce resentment and envy between poor and rich members of the society.
4. Fasting the month of Ramadhan: Fasting in Islam means abstention from food, drink and sexual acts from dawn to sunset. It is an annual obligation during the month of Ramadhan, the ninth month of the lunar calendar. Fasting teaches sincerity and engenders devotion. It develops a sense of social conscience, patience, self-restraint, will power and compassion for the needy members of the society. Furthermore, it has been medically proven that fasting helps to maintain good health.
5. Hajj (Pilgrimage to Makkah): Hajj is obligatory for every Muslim once in a lifetime, if one can afford it financially and bear it physically. During Hajj, Muslims from all corners of the world meet in an international congregation dedicated to the worship of God. It is a great lesson in patience. The huge gatherings in Hajj remind one of the Day of Judgment when people will gather for their reckoning. It emphasizes the belief that all Muslims are brothers, irrespective of their geographical, cultural or racial origins.
IX. ISLAM AND OTHER RELIGIONS
One may ask: “If all true religions came with the same message, namely the worship of God alone, why then do we find differences between them?” The answer is that the original forms of these earlier messages were either lost or distorted by later generations. Consequently, the pure messages of monotheism became polluted with myths, superstitions, idolatry and irrational philosophical beliefs and hence, those religions are no more valid. But God, the Compassionate, did not leave human beings astray.
He sent, ultimately, Prophet Muhammad (mercy and peace of God be upon him) to revive the original message and to call human beings back to the correct path: belief in the unique oneness of God and worship of Him according to His teachings mentioned in the Qur'an. Consequently, Islam is the seal of all religions, and the Qur'an is the seal of all revealed books, and Prophet Muhammad (mercy and peace of God be upon him) is the seal of all prophets.
X. BEAUTIES OF ISLAM
All of the Qur’an is a proclamation of Tawheed (The Oneness and Unity of God). Some of the verses inform about God, His Names, Attributes, Acts and Speech. These verses indicate the Unity and Oneness of God with respect to His most excellent Names and perfect Attributes. Other verses call to the necessity of worshipping God alone, without any associate or partner and the renunciation of worship of anything other than Him.
These verses indicate the Oneness and Unity of Worship and the necessity for people to single out their Lord in their intention, desire, requesting and their turning to Him. The Qur’an also contains injunctions and prohibitions, and so the doing of something or refraining from doing it is the fulfillment and perfection of the affirmation of the Oneness and Unity of God. In addition, the Qur’an includes stories and information about the people of true and sincere belief and tells of their immediate reward in the life of this world as well as the immense reward reserved for them in the hereafter. The Qur’an also contains stories about those who associate partners with God and informs of their punishment in the life of this world and the punishment they are promised in the hereafter. This is the reward for those that associate partners with God and deviate from affirmation of God’s Oneness and Unity.
The Qur’an calls for the correcting and strengthening of peoples’ relationship with their Lord, and their relationship with each other. It also calls for people to correct and straighten their own selves, both inwardly and outwardly.
Concerning the correcting and strengthening of the relationship between a person and his Lord, the Qur’an calls for people to draw close to Him through both physical and financial acts of worship such as prayer, Hajj, sacrifice and so forth. In addition, the Qur’an calls to the knowledge of God through His Names and Attributes and this instills fear and awe of the Lord in peoples’ hearts and establishes discipline in applying God’s commands and prohibitions and strengthens the relationship between people and their Lord.
Concerning the straightening of a person’s relationship with other people, the Qur’an calls to behavior which strengthens and reinforces social relationships such as the importance given to the role of the family.
So treating parents kindly, maintaining good relations with other family members, seeing to the rights and needs of wives and children, doing good to neighbors are all obligatory while disobeying parents, severing family ties and social isolation are all prohibited. The Qur’an also instructs that reconciliation should be encouraged between husband and wife if a dispute occurs between them to avoid the break up of the family and separation of the children.
In addition, the Qur’an instructs that all people should be treated with high moral behavior and noble manners such as smiling with them, being gentle in speech to them, controlling one’s anger with them, forgiving any harm or offence they may have caused and even returning that harm with good, in order that any spite or hatred might be removed from the hearts and that enmity be turned into love and affection. Whoever achieves this is promised an immense reward.
The Prophet, mercy and peace be upon him, instructed that even animals be treated fairly and with kindness, instructing that they should be fed and watered and informing that such action would be rewarded on the Day of Resurrection. He also instructed that they should not be made to carry a burden more than they could bear, nor tormented or caused undue suffering or killed unless they were harmful. And if an animal was to be eaten then it should be made to feel relaxed at the time of slaughter and other animals should not be slaughtered in front of it.
The Qur’an also enjoins both physical and spiritual cleanliness and purification. It encourages that the body be kept clean, the wearing of clean clothes and shoes and the use of perfume. A bath should be taken every Friday and after sexual intercourse and ablution performed before prayer, nails should be clipped, hair under the armpit plucked, pubic hair shaved, the moustache trimmed, the siwak (the small branch of a tree used for cleaning the teeth) used regularly and the private parts washed after going to the toilet.
Concerning spiritual purity the Qur’an instructs that the soul be straightened and corrected and that the heart be purified of spite, malice, jealousy, pride and inequity. It calls for integrity of heart and love, affection and humility towards people. It instructs that the tongue be purified from lying, backbiting, slander and insulting people and adorned with truthfulness and softness of speech. The eyes should be restrained from looking at pornographic pictures and at peoples’ private parts and the ears should be kept from listening to loose and immoral talk. The Qur’an praises and encourages knowledge and criticizes ignorance saying that it leads to destruction. It commands to action and dynamism while prohibiting inaction and laziness. Likewise, the Qur’an calls to all similar praiseworthy behavior and virtuous qualities.
The Qur’an orders that children be born within a legal marriage contract and that sexual desire be controlled and contained within these parameters. Marriage is fulfilled by the obligatory payment of a dowry by the husband and by his supporting his wife and children financially and treating them kindly. In the same manner, the Qur’an prohibits fornication because it is one of the worst assaults on other peoples’ honour and dignity and something which causes disease and produces illegitimate children.
Likewise, the Qur’an forbids everything which leads to fornication and so it prohibits looking at pornographic pictures and being alone with marriageable women. It also commands that men should lower their gaze from looking or staring at improperly dressed women just as it has ordered women to dress modestly and cover their bodies.
The Qur’an also calls to the protection and sanctity of peoples’ lives and specifically mentions that the taking of an innocent life is one of the worst and most hideous crimes. The Prophet forbade breaking the bones of a dead animal so what about the taking of an innocent life? The Qur’an prescribes a life for a life and an eye for an eye for all injuries, however large or small, unless the family of the person killed or the injured person accepts financial compensation instead.
The Qur’an commands that peoples’ property and wealth be safe and inviolable and therefore prohibits theft, bribery, usury and deception. It calls for moderation in spending and so forbids extravagance, lavishness and the squandering of money while at the same time forbidding the hoarding and amassing of wealth. It calls for balance and commands that people should neither be greedy and covetous nor spend thrifty and wasteful. It encourages the seeking and striving for provision in lawful ways such as buying, selling and renting - activities that bring financial or material benefit to all parties concerned - as well safeguarding the rights and needs of the poor, especially those of them who are relatives.
Islam promotes the protection of good health and has therefore commanded that only wholesome and nutritious food in moderation be eaten and has prohibited the consumption of all bad and harmful food and drink such as carrion, liquor, smoking, drugs and so forth. It also prescribes fasting that has many benefits for the body, especially the stomach.
The Prophet, mercy and peace be upon him, taught many general good manners, including the virtue of adopting the correct manners for eating and drinking. These include eating with the right hand and not finding fault with the food but rather being satisfied with it. Therefore, if someone likes the food, they should eat it but if they have no appetite for it, they should leave it without criticizing it. This is both out of respect for the blessing of the food and in order not to hurt the feelings of the person who cooked it. It is also preferred that a person eats with others and not alone, either by eating with his family or by inviting a poor person to eat with him.
The words ‘In the name of God’ (bismillah) should be said before beginning to eat, and ‘All praise belongs to God’ (Al-hamdulillah) after finishing the food, in order that people remember the blessing they have been given and the One who provided it. The prophet, mercy and peace be upon him, also prohibited people from blowing on food or drink or breathing on to it, out of respect for others who may be sharing it and to avoid the spread of contagious diseases.
The Prophet, mercy and peace be upon him, instructed people to adopt good manners when in a gathering such as not raising one’s voice, respecting elders, showing mercy to the young, greeting those present (saying as-salaam) when entering the gathering and guarding the tongue from saying bad things about people, even if it is true.
The Prophet, mercy and peace be upon him, also instructed people to remember God at all times and in every situation. This creates a permanent connection between people and their Lord and instills stability, stillness and tranquility in their hearts and it is one of the means of protecting against evil and vice. The Prophet, mercy and peace be upon him, for example instructed that specific invocations be said at the time of sleep, before entering the toilet, before sexual intercourse, while traveling, due to fear of a people, upon entering or leaving one’s house, first thing in the morning and in the afternoon, on being afflicted by distress, anxiety or misfortune, when burdened by debt or poverty, upon entering a graveyard, when stopping for a rest or setting up camp and other situations when specific invocations and prayers should be said.
Another aspect of general behavior which the Prophet, mercy and peace be upon him, gave guidance about concerns correct behavior and manners when traveling. For example, he instructed that the one traveling should say goodbye to his family and supplicate for them just as they should supplicate and pray for him. In addition, he instructed that a person should not travel alone but in company, one of whom should be appointed as the leader, who undertakes to make decisions after consulting the others. The traveler should also make continual invocation and remembrance of God during his journey. He should also not surprise his family by returning unexpectedly late at night. Rather, he should inform them before he arrives in order that the wife can prepare for his arrival or leave returning until the following morning.
The Prophet, mercy and peace be upon him, also instructed that a woman should not travel by herself but travel either with her husband or with someone who she cannot marry such as her father or brother to ensure that both her honor and wealth are protected.
Islam calls for justice and noble conduct and urges that agreements and contracts be fulfilled, that trusts are returned, that rulers are obeyed and enjoins every noble character just as it forbids vileness, baseness, crime, oppression, hostility, aggression and all blameworthy and reprehensible qualities.
XI. UNIVERSAL APPEAL OF A COMPREHENSIVE RELIGION
Islam is a universal message because God sent every previous prophet to his own people for limited periods of time except Prophet Muhammad (mercy and peace of God be upon him) who was sent to all people; black and white, rich and poor, the ruler and the ruled, Arabs and non-Arabs, the slave and the master. Islam is for all people from when it was revealed until the Day of Judgment. It is universally attainable in the sense that it can be practiced anywhere on earth ((or even on the surface of the moon)).
God has made the message of Islam easy to understand and to follow. He annulled some previously prescribed rites and practices while affirming others according to His wisdom and hence, the Islamic law suits all peoples’ spiritual, psychological, social and economical needs, for all times.
Islamic teachings have the following unique features:
1. Rational teachings: The seeker of truth will find the teachings of Islam to be quite logical and reasonable.
2. Perfection: Since God is perfect, His teachings must also be perfect and free from any contradiction or error.
3. Clarity: God is the Most Compassionate. He guides us through clear and simple revelation free of myths, superstitions and mysteries.
4. Scientific: It is not surprising to find in the Qur’an and statements of Prophet Muhammad (mercy and peace of God be upon him) some information which has only recently been discovered by modern scientists. This points to the fact that Qur’an is the word of God and that Muhammad (mercy and peace of God be upon him) is a prophet of God.15
5. Prophecy: Many of the events prophesized in the Qur’an and Prophet’s sayings (Sunnah) have come to pass.
6. Moderate: In Islam, there is no conflict between spiritual and mundane life. Man is accountable for all his actions and everyday activities. Provided they are done with the correct intention, they are a means to achieve divine reward in the same way that specific acts of worship are. So, secularism, materialism, monasticism and extreme asceticism are all rejected in Islam, which provides a middle way to achieve harmony and balance between the spiritual and material needs of man. This is why God called the Muslim nation in the Qur’an: the Moderate Nation.(2:143) 15 See " The Qur’an and Modern Science " by Dr. Maurice Bucaille.
7. Comprehensive: Islamic teachings provide to people definite guidelines to follow in all walks of life: spiritual, individual, social, moral, political, economical, etc.
8. Inimitable: Islamic teachings are an infallible living miracle that cannot be imitated by people.
9. Equality: Islamic teachings do not discriminate between people on the basis of color, tribe, race, nationality, etc. because people descend from one father and one mother namely Adam and Eve.
Islam teaches that the criteria of good and bad is righteousness (i.e., the best person in the view of God is the most righteous). A verse of Glorious Qur’an reads: : “The best of you in the sight of God is the one who is most righteous. ” (49:13)
XII. WHY ISLAM?
We have to become Muslims because God Has sealed and superseded all previous messages with Islam. God says to all people in the Qur’an: “This day I have perfected your religion for you, completed My favor upon you, and have chosen for you Islam as your religion.” (5:3)
We have to become Muslims because people in every age must worship their Lord (Allah) according to the Law prescribed by Him as revealed to His prophet. The tribes of Israel, for example, were ordered to worship God according to the Law of Moses (mercy and peace of God be upon him). When Prophet Jesus (mercy and peace of God be upon him) was sent to them, they were ordered to worship God according to what was prescribed in the Gospel (Al-Injeel). Then, when God sent Prophet Muhammad (mercy and peace of God be upon him) with the message of Islam to all people, it became incumbent on all people, the tribes of Israel and all others, to enter Islam.
If, for whatever reason, man rejects the message of Islam, then he has committed the greatest sin. Unfortunately, if he dies in this state, then he will be punished and cast into the Hellfire to live eternally therein. This concept is emphasized hundreds of times in the Qur’an and in the sayings of Prophet Muhammad (mercy and peace of God be upon him). God says in the Qur’an: “If anyone desires a Religion other than Islam, never will it be accepted from him, and in the Hereafter he will be among the losers.” (3:85)Also, Prophet Muhammad (mercy and peace of God be upon him) said: “Whoever among the Christians and Jews hears of me and does not follow what I have brought, and dies in this state will be among the inhabitants of Hell fire.”[15]
Some people may not accept Islam because they think that becoming a Muslim means to turn one’s back on all previous prophets sent by God!
This is a false concept because of the following: First, the belief in all messengers of God is a pillar of Islamic faith and hence, no Muslim is a Muslim if he doesn't believe in Jesus, Moses or any other prophet. Second, belief in the messengers is a part of what each messenger taught (i.e., every prophet called his people to believe in the next prophet who comes after him and follow him whenever he appears). So, rejecting a prophet means rejecting the predecessor. Thirdly, rejecting any messenger means rejecting his sender: God.
Hence, in the Islamic perspective the relationship between the messengers is like the relationship between the links in a chain, where rejecting one of them means rejecting all. However, becoming a Muslim means having the honor of believing in all the prophets who came before Prophet Muhammad (mercy and peace of God be upon them) and not to turn one's back on all previous prophets as some people may think.
XIII. CONCLUSION
he following facts were discussed and proved in this booklet:
First, the purpose of creation is to worship God (Allah) alone.
Second, the basic message of Islam is to worship God alone without any intercessor or mediator.
Third, evidences that only God has the right to be worshipped was elaborated.
Fourth, the message of false religions is the worship of creation instead of God (Paganism).
Fifth, God and His creation are totally different entities. He is only one, distinct from His creations.
Sixth, the divine origin of the name of the religion ‘Islam’ and the comprehensiveness of its meaning points to its truth.
Seventh, Islam's basic principles and characteristics point to its truth.
Eighth, Qur'an is the word of God which was preserved throughout the ages.
Ninth, Islamic teachings are uniquely rational and uncomplicated.
Tenth, Prophets are human beings sent by God to convey and revive the original message: worship of God alone and (Monotheism) and the avoidance of worshipping anything beside Him. Prophets are only human beings sent by God to be examples of how the scriptures were to be understood and implemented. They were created from a mother and a father except Adam and Jesus (mercy and peace of God be upon them all). The former was created from the clay whereas, the latter was created from a mother without a father.
Eleventh, Islam is the only religion that teaches the right concept of God, free of any confusion or irrational facts.
Twelfth, Islamic sources have the obvious proofs that affirm the fact that God has sent Prophet Muhammad (mercy and peace of God be upon him) with the universal message of Islam that supercedes all previous messages.
Thirteenth, it is proved that Islam is a restatement of the basic message of all religions: worship of God alone. It is the last religion for all people, for all times. Every one who hears about it should follow it and whoever rejects it then it means that he has rejected the message of God and accordingly will be cast into Hell.
Last but not least, Islam is universally attainable by all people at all times.
These are nine fourteen basic components of what logic and rationality dictate for Islam to be considered the last and true religion of God which all people should follow.
Oh Reader! You Have been shown in this booklet the right path, and God has given you the ability to distinguish right from wrong, and the freedom of choice whether to accept the message of Islam or not. If you accept His call, then you will be warmly welcomed into Paradise. If you reject it, you will be in for a rude awakening once you die; the biggest shock of your life.
XIV. HOW TO BECOME A MUSLIM
Each of the monotheistic religions has requirements for entrants.
To be a Jew one must: 1. Deny the prophet hood or divinity of Prophet Jesus, 2. Deny the Gospel, 3. Deny the prophet hood of Prophet Muhammad and 4. Deny the Qur’an.
To be a Christian one must: 1. Believe that God has a partner, a mother, and a son, 2. Believe that God became a man and descended on earth to die for the sins of people, 3. Deny the prophethood of Muhammad and 4. Deny the Qur’an.
To be a Muslim one must: 1. Bear witness that no one deserves worship except God, 2. Reject all false gods, 3. Believe in all prophets including Moses and Jesus ending with Mohammed (mercy and peace of God be upon them all) and 4. Believe in all scriptures revealed to them (in their original form).
One can become a Muslim if he/she does the following:
Believes that God is one and distinct from his creation.
Truthfully bears witness that there is no god worthy of worship but God, and Muhammad (mercy and peace of God be upon him) was a messenger of God.
Believes that Jesus Christ, the son of Mary, was only a prophet of God.
Believes in the six pillars of faith and worships God alone, without any intermediary or partner, in the way taught by Prophet Muhammad (mercy and peace of God be upon him).
Makes the declaration openly in front of witnesses.
May the light of truth shine in our minds and hearts. May it lead us to peace and certitude in this life and eternal bliss in the Hereafter.
Sincerely,
Majed S. Al-Rassi

A Call For Shia Sunni Dialog: Why and How

1/13/2006 - Religious Social - Article Ref: IV0601-2874

www.islamicity.com

Shia-Sunni violence has been on the rise in the last few years, particularly in Iraq and Pakistan. Every month, it seems, scores of Shias and Sunnis are killed in a vicious tit-for-tat between extremists on both sides. Many of the victims are killed as they pray within mosques.These incidents belie the reality of Shia-Sunni coexistence and cooperation. In Iraq, it is estimated that up to 30 percent of marriages are between Shias and Sunnis; victims of violence between the two groups frequently attend each other's funeral prayers; one group often helps the other's victims after an incident.This silent majority must come together through dialog to defeat the terrorists who have been responsible for these killings.Seven reasons why a dialog between Shia and Sunni is needed:Theological differences between Shia and Sunni are old and are better left for God to judge, as He knows best and has said in the Quran that He is the final judge of religious disagreements. The killing of Shias or Sunnis will not resolve these disputes. The principle of "no compulsion in matters of faith" [Quran 2:256] is not just limited to Muslim-non-Muslim relations, but also applies to Muslim interpretations of Islam as well. This instruction of God serves as a guideline for the Muslim community to not impose one's interpretation on others. That is why throughout history, not only have Hanafis and Shafis worked with each other despite differences, but Shias and Sunnis have lived and worked side by side with each other as well. When human beings sit down and talk to each other, they learn to respect each other. Dialog allows parties to understand each other better by allowing participants to acquire direct knowledge about beliefs instead of relying on propaganda and stereotypical images. [Quran 49:6-12] Dialog will isolate the extremist fringe. It is a major sin to kill a human being. Killing a human being is like killing the whole of humanity. By talking to each other, Shias and Sunnis will be able to save lives, which is like saving the whole of humanity. [Quran 5:32] Revenge is not justice. Killing in revenge is unjust, inhuman, and un-Islamic. Retribution through the state, which the Quran sanctions via capital punishment does not amount to individuals taking the law in their hands or killing an innocent person in revenge. The call for, "an eye for an eye," does not mean an innocent eye for an innocent eye. Even if some Shias and Sunnis consider each other enemies, the Quran asks us to be just even toward one's enemy "O you who believe! Stand out firmly for God, as witnesses to fair dealing, and let not the hatred of others to you make you swerve to wrong and depart from justice. Be just: that is next to Piety: and fear Allah. For Allah is well-acquainted with all that you do." [Quran 5:8] Some considerations for dialog:The Shia community like Sunnis is diverse. There are many differences between one Shia group and another. This is why it is important that dialog between Sunnis and Shias becomes a movement and a process throughout society instead of everyone waiting for one high powered dialog to yield some results at the leadership level. Here are some preliminary thoughts on how a dialog between Shias and Sunnis can be beneficial for each side.Goals of dialog:Although I consider dialog a process that is beneficial to all, it is necessary that everyone involved recognize some of its tangible benefits. The following are a set of achievable goals for Shia-Sunni dialog.Developing an agenda of common concerns Identifying issues of conflict Issuing joint Fatwas against the killings Isolating extremists on each side Preventing a potential conflict or mediating an existing conflict Education to clarify stereotypes about each other Setting up joint task forces to deal with outstanding issues Who should participate in the dialog?:Imams and caretakers of Masjids Students of Madrassas University students National level religious leadership Shia and Sunni media persons Shia and Sunni businesspersons Mechanism of dialog:Dialog is a process that should occur at all levels of society. In the 1960s in Pakistan, when Shia-Sunni clashes were far less significant, city officers used to convene joint meetings of Shia and Sunni leaders to chalk out Muharram plans so no confusion would result in rioting. These government-arranged dialogs helped keep conflicts at a minimum. Considering the current level of mistrust, it will be beneficial if civil society takes initiatives for dialog at all levels of society. Private Dialog: Host roundtable discussions initially at the top leadership level that should later expand to include:working on different committees. Public Dialog: Shia and Sunni both use public forums and media to speak to each other's audiences.Visiting each other's Masjids to enhance confidence and to demonstrate that they are not supportive of the extremists who isolate each other. Shia-Sunni Dinners: Masjids and social associations should invite Shia and Sunni friends to eat with each other publicly.Publicity of dialog:Publicity of the dialog will generate hope and confidence in it and will empower those in dialog vis-a-vis the extremists. Media should facilitate self-criticism and introspection by the religious leadership. Those leaders who participate in dialog should be recognized through interviews, reports, and documentaries. Investigative reports should be aired and published about the truth behind sectarian propaganda. It is important for society to honor those Shia and Sunni leaders who take initiative and demonstrate leadership in participating in dialog. Sunnis, being members of the majority community, have the higher level of responsibility towards initiating and participating in dialog.Sponsors of Dialog:Funding always facilitates the beginning of a process in civil society. Every task requires time and money. While participating organizations and individuals can take care of their own costs, it would be very rewarding if some individuals and businesses came forward with funds to sponsor and host these dialogs. American Muslims can start a dialog in North America where there is no conflict in the Shia-Sunni community and then inspire and sponsor dialogs where it is needed the most.Beyond Dialog:Considering that Shias and Sunnis live side by side in the Muslim world, they are not unknown to each other, and considering that most of them have nothing to do with the current extremism which is responsible for the killings and violence, it is important for the moderate majority to come up with a few initiatives which are beneficial for Shia-Sunni harmony. These could be communicated in the print form or in any other media. They should discuss the following themes and/or use the methods outlined here:Khutba points which can help harmony What type of political/religious rhetoric can hurt at personal level What is common between Shias and Sunnis Common Hadith between Shias and Sunnis What is hate speech Islamic teachings of tolerance A Shia-Sunni security force, jointly safeguarding each others houses of worship will be a significant blow to the extremist agenda ConclusionShia-Sunni conflict and sectarian terrorism is tearing our community apart.The Quran, Prophet Muhammad, peace and blessings be upon him, the Kaba and the five pillars of Islam are common to Shias and Sunnis. That is why no one in Islamic history has stopped Shias from performing Hajj, although the Kaba has always been in the control of Sunnis. Even today, when those currently in charge of the Kaba are part of a predominantly Salafi establishment, some of whom maintain extremely negative views of Shias, Shias like other Muslims are free to perform Hajj. Shias, by the same token, since the 1979 Iranian revolution, are ordered by Imam Khomeini to pray behind Sunni imams instead of praying separately.This mutual recognition gives us hope that a dialog can bear fruit of peace and harmony between both the communities.

The World and the Hereafter

From: www.ediscoverislam.com

Fair in the eyes of men is the love of things they covet: Women and sons; Heaped-up hoards of gold and silver; horses branded (for blood and excellence); and (wealth of) cattle and well-tilled land. Such are the possessions of this world's life; but in nearness to God is the best of the goals (To return to). Say:
"Shall I give you glad tidings of things Far better than those? For the righteous are Gardens in nearness to their Lord, with rivers flowing beneath; therein is their eternal home; with companions pure (and holy); and the good pleasure of God." For in God's sight are (all) His servants. (Al-e Imran 14-15)
Essentially all the attempts to seek in religion something crooked, stem from peoples' lack of understanding the reality of the Hereafter.
As it is stated in the Quran, God has created the World as a temporary home for us. It is for testing the believers, having them purified, letting them to be worthy of heaven and witnessing the unbelievers.
However, members of the society of ignorance disregard this reality and hold on to the World alone as if it will never end. That is the reason that shapes the mentality of the society of ignorance. "Life is short, so get a life", "we come to this world only once, so enjoy it" kind of statements are actually simple reflections of this mentality which urge people to live their lives without considering their religious duties and the hereafter. You should enjoy your life while you are alive. You can try anything for fun and for your benefit because in the society of ignorance, as long as you benefit from something, there is nothing wrong with it. From that perspective, everything is legitimate.
The society of ignorance is in a state of deep ignorance. It is clear that death is an unavoidable end and it will come sooner or later to everyone on earth. Yet, people of ignorance disregard this fact and keep it out of the agenda as much as possible. They insistently avoid thinking about it and hinder people from talking about it. Everybody leads his life as if he will never die, although most people do not deny the existence of God. When they are asked, they claim they do believe in the afterlife as well, as it is a prerequisite of being a Muslim. However their actions prove just the opposite. That is because of their lack of faith in the hereafter as it is stated in the verses as follows:
"As to these, they love the fleeting life, and put away behind them a Day (that will be) hard."(Al Insan27)
"Thou wilt indeed find them, of all people, most greedy of life,-even more than the idolaters: Each one of them wishes He could be given a life of a thousand years: But the grant of such life will not save him from (due) punishment. For God sees well all that they do." (Al-Baqara 9)
"Ah indeed! Are they in doubt concerning the Meeting with their Lord? Ah indeed! It is He that doth encompass all things!" (Fussilat 54)
Since they think their death will be an ultimate end for their being, their desire to live forever is fulfilled in another way. Most of the people of ignorance want to leave some kind of a work to make people remember them after their death. They think, by doing so, they will be living in people's minds. They are unaware how an unreasonable way of thinking it is. Instead of doing some good deeds for their afterlife, they try to leave a "name" in the world and want to be "unforgettable" after their death, which will bring no benefit to them.
"Behold, their brother Hud said to them: 'Will ye not fear (God)? I am to you a messenger worthy of all trust: So fear God and obey me. No reward do I ask of you for it: my reward is only from the Lord of the Worlds. Do ye build a landmark on every high place to amuse yourselves? And do ye get for yourselves fine buildings in the hope of living therein (for ever)?'" (Al-Shuara 124-129)
"Who pileth up wealth and layeth it by, Thinking that his wealth would make him last for ever!" (Al-Humaza 2-3)
The belief of the Hereafter is a kind of consolation to repress the pain experienced during the life in the world. Even the most religious ones hold a suspicious faith. They choose to believe in it "just in case". They believe they guarantee the gardens in the hereafter. What is interesting is those who approach the hereafter with such a suspicion, claim that they are people of the gardens. The person mentioned in the chapter Al-Kahf symbolizes this general point of view of the society of ignorance;
"Set forth to them the parable of two men: for one of them We provided two gardens of grape-vines and surrounded them with date palms; in between the two We placed corn-fields. Each of those gardens brought forth its produce, and failed not in the least therein: in the midst of them We caused a river to flow. (Abundant) was the produce this man had : he said to his companion, in the course of a mutual argument: 'more wealth have I than you, and more honor and power in (my following of) men' He went into his garden in a state (of mind) unjust to his soul: He said, 'I deem not that this will ever perish. Nor do I deem that the Hour (of Judgment) will (ever) come: Even if I am brought back to my Lord, I shall surely find (there) something better in exchange.' His companion said to him, in the course of the argument with him: 'Dost thou deny Him Who created thee out of dust, then out of a sperm-drop, then fashioned thee into a man? But (I think) for my part that He is God, My Lord, and none shall I associate with my Lord. Why didst thou not, as thou wentest into thy garden, say: 'God's will (be done)! There is no power but with God!' If thou dost see me less than thee in wealth and sons, It may be that my Lord will give me something better than thy garden, and that He will send on thy garden thunderbolts (by way of reckoning) from heaven, making it (but) slippery sand! Or the water of the garden will run off underground so that thou wilt never be able to find it.' So his fruits (and enjoyment) were encompassed (with ruin), and he remained twisting and turning his hands over what he had spent on his property, which had (now) tumbled to pieces to its very foundations, and he could only say, 'Woe is me! Would I had never ascribed partners to my Lord and Cherisher!' Nor had he numbers to help him against God, nor was he able to deliver himself. There, the (only) protection comes from God, the True One. He is the Best to reward, and the Best to give success" (Al-Kahf 32-44)
In another chapter of the Quran, we see another example of a person with such a mentality. While he says "if I am brought back to my Lord…" he, in fact, confesses his suspicion of the hereafter;
"When we give him a taste of some Mercy from Ourselves, after some adversity has touched him, he is sure to say, 'This is due to my(merit): I think not that the Hour (of Judgment) will (ever) be established; but if I am brought back to my Lord, I have (much) good (stored) in His sight!' But We will show the Unbelievers the truth of all that they did, and We shall give them the taste of a severe Penalty." (Fussilat 50)
It is in fact hard to understand the reason why people of the society of ignorance insist on their blindness. If someone believes in God, then he inevitably comes to the conclusion that the hereafter also exists. God creates the human, lets him live a life, gives him countless blessings and shows a great compassion and mercy. So, why should He want to annihilate him at a certain age?
Let's remember an example given by a great Islamic scholar about this subject: Can a mother execute her child after bringing him up all through the years? In fact, a mother cares about her child a lot and she feels a great deal of compassion towards her child. She does not even think about doing him any harm, let alone wanting him to die. While these feelings have been given to her by God as the ultimate owner of compassion and any concept we know of good, how can anyone believe that God annihilates humans whom he creates and bestows with all kinds of blessings, especially when those people are thankful to him and choose to be servants of God.
Perhaps we could have a reason to think that death was an end, if good people lived endlessly on the earth while evil ones died. However as mentioned in the verse: "Every soul shall have a taste of death" (Al-Anbiya 35)
God ends one's life after allowing him to live for a certain period of time. As it has been stated in the verse; "Did We not give you long enough life so that he that would should receive admonition? and (moreover) the warner came to you" (Al-Fatr 37) and this period of time is sufficient for each one of us to make a choice.
During this period of time, people should realize that their souls are immortal. God has made us want various things and He has given all what we want and need. God has created us in such a way that we feel hunger and He has bestowed us with plenty of foods on earth. He has given us the feeling of thirst and he has created water resources for humans when he created the earth. Then, in the same way, will not God let us live forever, as He has made us desire to live forever? God has created human as His caliph on the earth and given all other created things, like the Sun, stars and the earth to his service. After all that perfect creation of God, it would be unreasonable to think that God allows mankind to live on the earth for a period of time and ends his life forever. In short, when we pass away, we do not get lost in "nothingness" but we step into our real lives.
It is very obvious for a thinking person that life in the world is temporary and a simple sample of the real life. All the beauties in the world are temporary and bare many deficiencies. The most good-looking human can keep his good outlook only for one or two decades. As he gets older and older, his physical appearance changes, his skin becomes puckered, his body loses its shape and he starts to suffer many kinds of illnesses related with aging. It is not necessary to get older to witness the shortcomings of the life of this world. His body mechanisms are built with many weaknesses. If he does not take a shower for a few days, he starts to stink. No matter how attractive he is, he has to use lavatory as every human does and has to deal with this kind of weaknesses of himself every single day all through his life.
Since people are used to all of this, they usually are not aware that these weaknesses have been given to them on purpose. They consider the presence of these weaknesses very normal and never think another way could be possible. However, God's creation is perfect. When we look at the creation of the universe, the earth, the nature and all living creatures from complex organisms to single celled structures, we clearly see that there is a perfect order and design in everything. So, if God had willed, people would not have any weaknesses as those mentioned above. But all these deficiencies are for reminding people of the fact that they stand in need of God. They are also for reminding people that, the life in this world is only an example of the real life in the hereafter, which is free of all deficiencies.
"Know ye (all), that the life of this world is but play and amusement, pomp and mutual boasting and multiplying, (in rivalry) among yourselves, riches and children. Here is a similitude: How rain and the growth which it brings forth, delight (the hearts of) the tillers; soon it withers; thou wilt see it grow yellow; then it becomes dry and crumbles away. But in the Hereafter is a Penalty severe (for the devotees of wrong). And Forgiveness from God and (His) Good Pleasure (for the devotees of God). And what is the life of this world, but goods and chattels of deception." (Al-Hadid 20)
Then, one may ask, "what is the real life like? "It is known to all that, there will be two different places in the hereafter, one for the believers, Paradise, and the other for the unbelievers, Hell. However, the society of ignorance has not abstained from producing tales about Paradise, and Hell. Therefore, we again need to refer to the Quran to understand the true nature of the hereafter.

From:Harun Yahya web site.

Common Christian Misbeliefs.

From: www.thetruecall.com

Common Christian Misbeliefs addressed in Question and Answer format.

I And The Father Are One
QuestionJesus said: "I and the Father are one" (Jn.10:30), therefore, is not Jesus the same, or, "co-equal" in status with his Father?
AnswerIn Greek, `heis' means `one' numerically (masc.) `hen' means `one' in unity or essence (neut.) Here the word used by John is `hen' and not `heis'. The marginal notes in New American Standard Bible (NASB) reads; one - (Lit.neuter) a unity, or, one essence. If one wishes to argue that the word `hen' supports their claim for Jesus being "co-equal" in status with his Father, please invite his/her attention to the following verse: Jesus said: "And the glory which Thou hast given me, I have given to them (disciples); that they may be one, just as we are one." (John 17:22). If he/she was to consider/regard/believe the Father and Jesus Christ to be "one" meaning "co-equal" in status on the basis of John 10:30, then that person should also be prepared to consider/regard/believe "them" - the disciples of Jesus, to be "co-equal" in status with the Father and Jesus ("just as we are one") in John 17:22. I have yet to find a person that would be prepared to make the disciples (students) "co-equal" in status with the Father or Jesus. The unity and accord was of the authorized divine message that originated from the Father, received by Jesus and finally passed on to the disciples. Jesus admitted having accomplished the work which the Father had given him to do. (Jn.17:4)
Hot Tip: (precise and pertinent)Jesus said: "I go to the Father; for the Father is greater than I." (Jn.14:28). This verse unequivocally refutes the claim by any one for Jesus being "co-equal" in status with his Father.

I Am the Way
Question Jesus said: "I am the way, ...no one comes to the Father, but through me." (Jn.14:6), therefore, is not the Salvation through Jesus, ALONE?
AnswerBefore Jesus spoke these words, he said; "In my Father's house are many mansions (dwelling places); if it were not so, I would have told you; for I go to prepare a mansion (a dwelling place) for you." (John 14:2).
The above explicit statement confirms that Jesus was going to prepare "a" mansion and not "all" the mansions in "my Father's house". Obviously, the prophets that came before him and the one to come after, were to prepare the other mansions for their respective followers. The prophet that came after Jesus had evidently shown the current "way" to a modern mansion in the kingdom of heaven. Besides; the verse clearly states; Jesus was the "WAY" to a mansion. It is a folly to believe that Jesus (or any prophet) was the "DESTINATION".
Jesus said; "I am the door" to find the pasture. (Jn.10:9). A sheep that walks through the "door" will find the pasture. A sheep that circles around the "door" will never find the pasture. One who crosses over the "way" will reach the mansion. Anyone that stops on the "way" and believes the "way" to be the end of his/her journey, will be out in the open without any shelter and a roof.
Hot Tip: (precise and pertinent) Jesus said; "Not every one that says to me; `Lord, Lord,' will enter the kingdom of heaven; but he who does the will of my Father, who is in heaven." (Mt.7:21).

He Who Has Seen Me Has Seen the Father
Question Jesus said:"He who has seen me has seen the Father" (Jn.14:9), does this not prove that Jesus Christ and his Father were one and the same?
AnswerOne day to prove a point and settle an argument, Jesus picked up a child and said to his disciples; "Whoever receives this child in my name receives me; and whoever receives me receives Him who sent me;" (Luke 9:48).
Jesus said; "He who believes in me does not believe in me, but in Him who sent me." (John 12:44) "He who hates me hates my Father also. ...but now they have both seen and hated me and my Father as well." (John 15:23-24)
"And this is eternal life, that they may know Thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom Thou hast sent." (John 17:3).
The call of sincerity demands that if believing in the Truth is the honest intention then one could only pass an ethical judgement after reflecting upon all the relevant texts. John 17:3 (quoted above), if read with the following verse clears the air.
Hot Tip: (precise and pertinent) Jesus said; "Truly, truly, I say to you, a slave is not greater than his master; neither is the one who is sent greater than the one who sent him." (John 13:16). During his ministry, Jesus repeatedly said he was sent by his Father.

Jesus the Begotten Son?
Question The Bible; "For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten son, that whoever believes in him should not perish, but have eternal life." (John 3:16); should you not believe in Jesus to have eternal life?
AnswerOf course, we believe in Jesus for what he was and we do not believe in what he was not. We Muslims believe Jesus was a Messiah; "Spirit from God"; "Word of God"; the righteous Prophet as well as Messenger of God and the son of Virgin Mary. But, we do not believe Jesus was "the begotten son of God." The truth of the matter is apostle John never ever wrote; Jesus was "the begotten" son of God. Please obtain a copy of the `Gideon Bible' from a Hotel or Motel near you. It is distributed free since 1899, all over the world, by The Gideon Society. In the beginning of this famous Bible, John 3:16 is translated in 26 popular world languages. You may be amazed to discover that in the English translation, the editors have used the traditionally accepted term "His only begotten son." Whereas, in several other languages the editors have used the term "His unique son" or "His one of a kind son." In 1992, when I discovered this textual variations, I wrote letters to various universities in North America requesting them to confirm the original Greek term used by John. Below is a copy of the response received from The George Washington University:-
John 3:16 and John 1:18 each have the word `monogenes' in Greek. This word ordinarily means "of a single kind". As a result, "unique" is a good translation. The reason you sometimes find a translation that renders the word as "only begotten" has to do with an ancient heresy within the church. In response to the Arian claim that Jesus was made but not begotten, Jerome (4th century) translated the Greek term `monogenes' into Latin as `unigenitus' ("only begotten"). Paul B. Duff, 22 April, 1992. Professor Duff's response was based upon `Anchor Bible', volume 29, page 13-14. The Greek term for "begotten" is `gennao' as found in Mt.1:2, which John did not use.
Hot Tip: (precise and pertinent) Jesus said to Mary; "...go to my brethren, and say to them, I ascend to my Father and your Father..." (John 20:17). This verse demonstrates that the usage of term `Father' was purely metaphorical. As for Jesus being a "unique son", he, unlike us, was created without a physical Father.

Being Born Again
Question Jesus said: "Truly, truly. I say to you, unless one is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God." (John 3:3); I am a "born again" Christian, are you a "born again" Muslim?
Answer The truth of the matter is apostle John did not use the phrase "born again". The Greek text reveals, the phrase used by John is "born from above". The Greek word used by John is `anothen' (`ano' + `then'). `ano' means `above' and the suffix `then' denotes `from'.
Hence, what Jesus said was "unless one is born from above, he cannot see the kingdom of God." And, that sounds logical. Since none of the living creature is "born from above", no one can see the kingdom heaven during his life time. The concept of being "born again" to see the kingdom of heaven is an innovation to instill the concept of Baptism.
The same word `anothen' appears in the same Gospel and in the same chapter in verse 31. Here the editors have translated the word as "from above" and not "again". This further supports the logic of Jesus having said; "born from above".
To enter the Kingdom of Heaven one has to keep the Commandments. God's distinguished Command known as the `Covenant of Circumcision' (physically, "in the flesh of your foreskin") was an everlasting Covenant (Compact,Treaty) between God and man. See Genesis 17:10-14.
Can an everlasting Treaty be abrogated or revoked unilaterally? Did Jesus abrogate it? No. Jesus was circumcised in the flesh (Luke 2:21). We, Muslim males, are circumcised. Are the male Christians circumcised in the "flesh of their foreskins"? If not, please read the following verse:-
Hot Tip:Jesus said; "Whoever then annuls (discards) one of the least of these commandments, and so teaches others, shall be called least in the kingdom of heaven; but whoever keeps and teaches them, he shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven." (Matt. 5:19).

The Doctrine of Trinity
Question Jesus said; "Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit," (Matthew 28:19); does this not prove that the `Doctrine of Trinity' and its present day formula was communicated and promulgated by Jesus Christ himself?
AnswerWith all due respect, we tend to disagree in view of the following compelling evidences:-
1. `Peake's Commentary on the Bible' published since 1919, is universally welcomed and considered to be the standard reference book for the students of the Bible. Commenting on the above verse it records; "This mission is described in the language of the church and most commentators doubt that the trinitarian formula was original at this point in Mt.'s Gospel, since the NT elsewhere does not know of such a formula and describes baptism as being performed in the name of the Lord Jesus (e.g. Ac. 2:38, 8:16, etc.)."
2. Tom Harpur, author of several bestsellers and a former professor of New Testament, writes in his book `For Christ's Sake'; "All but the most conservative of scholars agree that at least the latter part of this command was inserted later. The formula occurs nowhere else in the New Testament, and we know from the only evidence available (the rest of the New Testament) that the earliest Church did not baptise people using these words - baptism was "into" or "in" the name of Jesus alone."
3. The above command (authentic or otherwise) does not indicate that the three names mentioned in the formula are or were, "co- equal" in their status, as well as, were "co-eternal" in the time frame, to conform with the acknowledged `Doctrine of Trinity'.
4. If the Father and His Son were both in "existence" from the Day One, and no one was, a micro second before or after, and, no one was "greater or lesser" in status, than why is one called the Father and the other His begotten Son?
5. Did the act of "Begetting" take place? If YES, where was the "Begotten Son" before the act? If NO, why call him the "Begotten Son"?
Hot Tip:"And Peter said to them, `Repent, and let each of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins;...'" (Acts 2:38). It is most unlikely that apostle Peter would have disobeyed the specific command of Jesus Christ for baptising in the three names and baptized them in the name of Jesus Christ, alone.

More on the Trinity Doctrine
QuestionApostle John in his first Epistle, chapter 5 and verse 7 wrote: "For there are three that bear record in heaven, the Father, the Word, and the Holy Ghost, and these three are one."; is this not a fair testimony to acknowledge the `Doctrine of Trinity'?
Answer
1. The text quoted does appear in the Kings James Version but has been omitted by most of the editors of the recent versions e.g. Revised Standard Version, New American Standard Bible, New English Bible, Phillips Modern English Bible, because the quoted text does not appear in the older Greek manuscripts.
2. Renowned historian Edward Gibbon calls the addition a "Pious Fraud" in his famous history book `Decline and Fall of Roman Empire'.
3. Peakes commentary on the subject reads; "The famous interpolation after "three witnesses" is not printed even in RSVn, and rightly. It cites the heavenly testimony of the Father, the logos, and the Holy Spirit, but is never used in the early trinitarian controversies. No respectable Greek MS contains it. Appearing first in a late 4th-cent. Latin text, it entered the Vulgate and finally the NT of Erasmus."
Hot Tip:Notwithstanding the above rejections, the verse that follows the quoted text reads in KJV; "And there are three that bear witness in earth, the spirit, and the water, and the blood; and these three agree in one." (1John5:8). Are these three witnesses "co-equal"? Can blood be substituted with water? Can water be regarded as the same in any respect with the Spirit? Just as the spirit, the blood and the water are three separate entities, so are the first three witnesses, namely; the Father, the Son (Word, Logos) and the Holy Spirit (Ghost).
Salvation Only in Being a Follower of Christ?
QuestionJesus said:"He who believes in the son has eternal life; but he who does not obey the son shall not see life, but the wrath of God abides on him." (John 3:36); are you not under the wrath of God for not being a follower of Christ - a Christian, by belief?
AnswerIt is an interesting question. In fact, we Muslims should be asking the question to you the followers of Christ. Do the vast majority of Christians truthfully believe Christ for what he said he was, and, truly understand his commands and obey them?
We believe, most of the followers who claim to be Christians do not even understand the implications of calling their Leader or Lord; "Christ". (The readers will understand what I mean by the last sentence, once they go through the rest of the text).
Here is the answer to your question. The above verse has two parts. `Belief' and `Obedience'. On the subject of Belief in Christ, Jesus asked his disciples; "But who do you say that I am? And Peter answered and said, "The Christ of God." (Luke 9:20). Peter did not say God or a god. We Muslims truly believe Jesus was "The Christ (al-Masih) of God". The expression "The Christ of God" literally means; "The one that was anointed by God himself". Please go back in time and think. God performed the ceremony of anointing (physically or spiritually) and for that reason, Jesus became "The Christ of God". Now may I please ask you a simple question. Who is greater and exalted; the one who anointed, or, the one who got anointed? Since God anointed Jesus, God is the greater and exalted between the two, which we Muslims, do truly believe. But surprisingly, the followers who say Jesus is "Christ", don't.
Hot Tip:"...Thy holy Servant Jesus, whom Thou didst anoint,..." (Acts 4:27 - New American Standard Bible). This leaves no room for doubt that Jesus was a `Servant of God'. Besides, there are other verses which declare Jesus; God's Servant.
Now let us go to the second part of the quoted verse; "obeying the Christ". Please read the following verse and ask yourself a question; have I obeyed?
"Truly, truly, I say to you, he who hears my word, and believes Him who sent me, has eternal life, and does not come into judgement, but has passed out of death into life." John 5:24 Have I believed and placed my trust basically, fundamentally and predominately in Him or in Jesus?
Hot Tip:Jesus said; "But I do not seek my glory; there is One who seeks and judges." John 8:51. Who is this "One", who is not Jesus? Have you basically, essentially and fundamentally glorified the "One" or Jesus? Please remember, the "One" will be the Judge on the Day of Judgement and not Jesus. If you disbelieve or disobey the above word of Jesus please read the verse quoted by you and then think about the "wrath of God".

Did All Things Come Into Being Through Jesus?
QuestionIn the Book of Genesis 1:26, we read; "And God said, Let us make man in our image, after our likeness..."; does not the use of terms "us" and "our" prove that the God which created man was not a singular entity, furthermore, does it not support the Johnannine concept (John 1:3); all things came into being through Jesus?
Answer
1. Below is an extract from a commentary for the above verse, written by the editors of King James Version (The Hebrew-Greek Key Study Bible, 6th edition): "The Hebrew word for God is `Elohim' (430), a plural noun. In Genesis 1:1, it is used in grammatical agreement with a singular verb `bara' (1254), created. When plural pronouns are used, "Let us make man in our image after our likeness," does it denote a plural of number or the concept of excellence or majesty which may be indicated in such a way in Hebrew? Could God be speaking to angels, the earth, or nature thus denoting Himself in relation to one of these? Or is this a germinal hint of a distinction in the divine personality? One cannot be certain."
Having written "One cannot be certain", the editors try to advocate the theory of Jesus, as the "essential (internal) unity of Godhead."
2. The response to your question, as well as, to the commentators remark; "One cannot be certain", lies not very far, but in the next verse (Genesis 1:27), which reads; "And God created man in His own image,..." This statement tells us that the actual act of creation when performed, was performed by "Him" and in "His" image and not by "Us" in "Our" image.
Hot Tip: As a closing conclusive argument, here is a statement of truth from Jesus himself; "And he (Jesus) answered and said unto them, `Have you not read, that He which made them at the beginning made them male and female." (Matthew 19:4). This statement by Jesus also negates the so called Johnannine concept put forward by you (NOT by apostle John).