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What is Islam?
What is Islam?
Islam is to submit to Allah in His Oneness (Monotheism) to be subservient to Him in obedience, and to shun associating any partners, rivals, and intercessors with Him. It is a religion of tolerance and ease.
Allah says:
Allah intends for you ease and does not intend for you hardship.(2:185)
Islam is a religion through which one would be spiritually contented and would have peace of heart.
Allah says:
Those who believe, and whose hearts find their rest in the remembrance of Allah - for, verily, in the remembrance of Allah hearts do find their rest. (13:28)
Islam is a religion of mercy and compassion. The Messenger of Allah said:
The All-Merciful shows mercy to those who show mercy. Show mercy to those on Earth, and you will be shown mercy by the One above the heavens." (Tirmidhi)
Islam is a religion of love and loving good for others. The Messenger of Allah said:
The most beloved of people to Allah are those who are most beneficial to others." (Tabaraani)
Islam is a religion which has no confusion or ambiguity associated with it. Allahsays:

The Door of the 'Kabah'. It is made from pure gold in reverence of the Kabah. It is only opened once a year, when it is washed before Hajj, and when it is covered with a new 'Kiswah' (covering)
"And We sent not before you except men to whom We revealed [Our message]. So ask the people of the message [i.e. former scriptures] if you do not know." (16:43)
Islam is a religion for all, for it is a call directed to mankind at large, not to a specific race or people. Allah says:
And We have not sent you except to all of humanity, as a herald of glad tidings and a warner. But most of the people do not know. (34:28)
Islam is a religion which effaces all previous sins. The Prophet said:
"Islam effaces all (sins) committed before it." (Muslim)
Islam is a complete and perfect religion which abrogated all revelations, and it is the last religion. Allah says:
This day I have perfected for you your religion and completed My favor upon you and have chosen for you Islam as your religion. (5:3)
Islam comprises a number of acts of worship, among which are verbal, physical and creedal acts of worship.
These acts of worship play an important role in refining one's manners, purifying one's soul, reforming an individual, and maintaining the integrity and unity of Muslim society.
What do they say about Islam?

W. Montgomery Watt in his book: 'What is Islam?' said:
'Prejudice is only one of the difficulties to be met by the European or American student of Islam. As soon as he begins to describe Islam as 'the religion of the Quran', or 'the religion of the four hundred million Muslims of today', he introduces a category which does not fit, the category of 'religion'.
For what does 'religion' now mean to the occidental? At best, for the ordinary man, it means a way of spending an hour or so on Sundays in practices which give him some support and strength in dealing with the problems of daily life, and which encourages him to be friendly towards other persons and to maintain the standards of sexual propriety; it has little or nothing to do with commerce or economics or politics or industrial relationships. At worst it fosters an attitude of complacency in the more prosperous individuals and breeds smugness.
The European may even look at religion as an opiate developed by exploiters of the common people in order to keep them in subjection. How different from the connotations to the Muslim of the verse (3:19): 'the true religion with God is Islam!' The word translated as 'religion' is Deen, which, in Arabic, commonly refers to a whole way of life.
It is not a private matter for individuals, touching only the periphery of their lives, but something which is both private and public, something which permeates the whole fabric of society in a way of which men are conscious. It is all in one theological dogma, forms of worship, political theory, and a detailed code of conduct, including even matters which the European would classify as hygiene or etiquette.
An authentic resource to learn about Islam, Quran, Scientific explanations in Quran.
www.thekeytoislam.com
What is Islam?
Islam is to submit to Allah in His Oneness (Monotheism) to be subservient to ...
PILGRIMAGE [HAJJ]
Hajj literally means 'to set out for a place'. Islamically however it refers to the annual pilgrimage that Muslims make to Makkah with the intention of performing certain religious rites in accordance with the method prescribed by the Prophet Muhammad (Pbuh).
Hajj and its rites were first ordained by Allah in the time of the Prophet lbrahim (Abraham) and he was the one who was entrusted by Allah to build the Kaba - the House of Allah - along with his son Ismail (Ishmael) at Makkah. Allah described the Kaba and its building as follows:
"And remember when We showed Ibrahim the site of the (Sacred) House (saying): Associate not anything (in worship with Me and purify My House for those who circumambulate it (i.e. perform tawaaf) and those who stand up for prayer and those who bow down and make prostration (in prayer etc.)." (Surah Al-Hajj 22:26)
After building the Kaba, Prophet Ibrahim would come to Makkah to perform Hajj every year, and after his death, this practice was continued by his son. However, gradually with the passage of time, both the form and the goal of the Hajj rites were changed. As idolatry spread throughout Arabia, the Kaba lost its purity and idols were placed inside it. Its walls became covered with poems and paintings, including one of Jesus and his mother Maryam and eventually over 360 idols came to be placed around the Kaba.
During the Hajj period itself, the atmosphere around the sacred precincts of the Kaba was like a circus. Men and women would go round the Kaba naked, arguing that they should present themselves before Allah in the same condition they were born. Their prayer became devoid of all sincere remembrance of Allah and was instead reduced to a series of hand clapping, whistling and the blowing of horns. Even the talbiah (Labbaik Allahumma labbaik... [Here I am present, O' God, I am present...] This is the chant which the pilgrims say when they are traveling for pilgrimage) was distorted by them with the following additions: 'No one is Your partner except one who is permitted by you. You are his Master and the Master of what he possesses'.
Sacrifices were also made in the name of God. However, the blood of the sacrificed animals was poured onto the walls of the Kaba and the flesh was hung from pillars around the Kaba, in the belief that Allah demanded the flesh and blood of these animals.
Singing, drinking, adultery and other acts of immorality was rife amongst the pilgrims and the poetry competitions, which were held, were a major part of the whole Hajj event. In these competitions, poets would praise the bravery and splendor of their own tribesmen and tell exaggerated tales of the cowardice and miserliness of other tribes. Competitions in generosity were also staged where the chief of each tribe would set up huge cauldrons and feed the pilgrims, only so that they could become well-known for their extreme generosity.
Thus the people had totally abandoned the teachings of their forefather and leader Prophet Ibrahim. The House that he had made pure for the worship of Allah alone, had been totally desecrated by the pagans and the rites which he had established were completely distorted by them. This sad state of affairs continued for nearly two and a half thousand years. But then after this long period, the time came for the supplication of Prophet Ibrahim to be answered:
"Our Lord! Send amongst them a Messenger of their own, who shall recite unto them your aayaat (verses) and instruct them in the book and the Wisdom and sanctify them. Verily you are the 'Azeezul-Hakeem (the All-Mighty, the All-Wise)." (Surah Al-Baqarah 2:129)
Sure enough, a man by the name of Muhammad (Pbuh) ibn 'Abdullaah was born in the very city that Prophet Ibrahim had made this supplication centuries earlier. For twenty-three years, Prophet Muhammad (Pbuh) spread the message of Tawheed (true monotheism) - the same message that Prophet Ibrahim and all the other Prophets came with - and established the law of Allah upon the land. He expended every effort into making the word of Allah supreme and his victory over falsehood culminated in the smashing of the idols inside the Kaba which once again became the universal center for the worshippers of the one True God.
Not only did the Prophet rid the Kaba of all its impurities, but he also reinstated all the rites of Hajj which were established by Allah's Permission, in the time of Prophet Ibrahim. Specific injunctions in the Quran were revealed in order to eliminate all the false rites which had become rampant in the pre-Islamic period. All indecent and shameful acts were strictly banned in Allah's statement:
"There is to be no lewdness nor wrangles during Hajj." (Surah al-Baqarah 2:197)
Competitions among poets in the exaltations of their forefathers and their tribesmen's achievements were all stopped. Instead, Allah told them:
"And when you have completed your rites (of Hajj) then remember Allah as you remember your forefathers; nay with a more vigorous remembrance." (Surah al-Baqarah 2:200)
Competitions in generosity were also prohibited. Of course, the feeding of the poor pilgrims was still encouraged as this was done during the time of Prophet Ibrahim but Allah commanded that the slaughtering of the animals which was done for this purpose should be done seeking the pleasure of Allah rather than fame and the praise of the people. He said:
"So mention the name of Allah over these animals when they are drawn up in lines. Then, when they are drawn on their sides (after the slaughter), eat thereof and feed the beggar who does not ask, and the beggar who asks." (Surah al-Hajj 22:36)
As for the deplorable practice of spattering blood of the sacrificed animals on the walls of the Kaba and hanging their flesh on alters, then Allah clearly informed them that:
"It is neither their meat nor their blood that reaches Allah, but it is Taqwaa (piety) from you that reaches Him." (Surah al-Hajj 22:37)
The Prophet also put a stop to the practice of circling the Kaba in a state of nudity and the argument that the pagans put forward to justify this ritual was sharply rebutted in Allah's question:
"Say: Who has forbidden the adornment (i.e. clothes) given by Allah which He has produced for His Slaves?" (Surah al-A'raaf 7:32)
Another custom which was prohibited through the Quran was that of setting off for Hajj without taking any provisions for the journey. In the pre-Islamic period, some people who claimed to be mutawakkiloon (those having complete trust in Allah) would travel to perform Hajj begging for food through the whole journey. They considered this form of behavior a sign of piety and an indication of how much faith they had in Allah. However Allah told mankind that to have sufficient provisions for the journey was one of the preconditions for making Hajj. He said:
"And take a provision (with you) for the journey, but the best provision is at-Taqwaa (piety)." (Surah al-Baqarah 2:197)
In this way, all the pre-Islamic practices, which were based on ignorance, were abolished and Hajj was once more made a model of piety, fear of Allah, purity, simplicity and austerity. Now, when the pilgrims reach the Kaba, they no longer find the carnivals and the frolic and frivolity that had once occupied the minds of the pilgrims there before. Now, there is the remembrance of Allah at every step and every action and every sacrifice was devoted to Him alone. It was this kind of Hajj that was worthy of the reward of paradise, as the Prophet said: "The reward for an accepted Hajj is nothing less than paradise."
May Allah grant us all the ability to visit His House and perform the Hajj in the manner of the Prophet Muhammad (Pbuh).
"Such (is the Pilgrimage): whoever honours the sacred rites of Allah, for him it is good in the Sight of his Lord."(Surat al-Hajj 22:30)
...
TO BE A TRUE MUSLIM
Blessed is he who is born a Muslim. The life of every Muslim is surrounded by advice and warnings; the verses of the Holy Quran and from prophet Nuh (AS) to Prophet Muhammad (Sallallahu Alaihi Wa sallam) were all sent to advise and warn humanity of the bounties of the hereafter and the punishment that awaits the non-believing men and women.
To be a Muslim is never by our grace but the grace of Allah as many are born Muslims but denounced Islam (SubhanAllah). So also, some are born into non-Muslim families but later accepted Islam. Allah decides whom he wants to be a Muslim and those he choose to let astray. The same Quran that will make people see truth and guidance is the same Quran that will lead others astray how wonderful.
This write-up looks into a few pieces of advice that every Muslims should know about as it goes it a long way in strengthening our relationship with the Quran and brings us closer to our creator.
#1-. “Bismillah Hir Rahman Nir Raheem” should be a starter for every single action of your life, from moving your body to performing complex tasks.
#2. Learn to smile where necessary. This is because smiling is one of the simplest forms of worship. Do not allow your condition cast a shadow on your face. Let your problems be known to only Allah.
#3. Be humble, be humane and show compassion while interacting with the needy. In the event that you want to give out charity to the poor try to be nice. Don’t make them feel inferior to you. Smile at them make them know you feel their pain and grieve and pray for them.
#4. Try as much as you can to use your little free times for zikr — like when in the elevator, in the bus, while waiting in the lounge, when climbing the stairs. Use this moment to send as many salutations as you can upon the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him).
#5. if you have something good in your heart that you have been praying for or waiting for to happen so dearly, try to be optimistic. Believe that if it was good for you then Allah will definitely grant it to you and if he denies you, then he has something even better for you. In the event that you have something you need, write it down and place it somewhere you can easily glance at it. Put it in your dua especially at fajr, try to wake at least an hour earlier before fajr and ask Allah to make your wish come true.
#6.Try to incorporate the Quran into your daily schedules, make sure a day hardly passes with you reading the Quran. Listen to Quranic recitations and ponder upon the teachings and meanings of the verses. If you are not too good with Arabic try to get the English version and don’t just read but try to practice what the Quran and Sunnah teaches.
#7. Really live your life, enjoy your life, accept whatever situation you have been given & work through it happily. We will be tested with happiness and sadness. For as long as you are alive always expect sadness and happiness and don’t for a second expect either to last forever. Praise, obey and give your life to Allah (Subhanahu Wa Ta'ala), live the way Allah created to live following the morals and ways of the Rasul.
#8. Each time you make dua, don’t be like the selfish people who always pray for themselves alone. Try to include your family, friends, parents especially those that have passed on because they can’t pray anymore; they depend on the du’a of the living.
Blessed ...
The basis of administration in Islam
The administration in Islam is legitimately required for its importance and necessity to regularize the march of the individual and the community. Therefore, it has started at the level of individuals and at the level of the state, because in its existence the group is organized and the opinion is unified and the interest is achieved and the society is strengthened. However, there is a big difference between the elements of administrative work in the system and the Islamic system: 1. The administrative system depends on the embrace of utilitarian philosophy and physical attraction without attention to moral principles and human spirit, but the Islamic system is considered moral values' is the nature that characterizes the relationship between workers and the masses and this shows in the words of the Prophet peace be upon him "I love " 2. The system also relies on physical control and disciplinary and legal sanctions as a means of forcing workers to perform their work properly and to discipline their behavior The system of the Islamic in self-censorship a major role, which stems from theconscience and morals religious verse , "God you were an observer , " and says: "knows the fraud of the eyes and breasts conceal" The advantage of this control as a substitute for supervision presidents of various regulatory bodies, which cost a significant financial burden It is easy to escape and circumvent them. 3. The functional system is also based on the idea of right and duty and the relationship between them does not lead to the duty of which it is only after obtaining the right, while in the Islamic system is based on giving and performing the duty before taking the right as the right of God is the right of society, The duty to precede the right, the performance of the work part of the faith in God, and God is the observer of him is witness to him and his Messenger and the believers, "Almighty said) and say do work, God will see your work and His Messenger and believers (Surah At-Tawba). Rule that " the public interest provided for special interest" and the principle of "homily to Allah and His Messenger and the community of believers" and the principle of "reward and punishment" and the principle of "capacity and efficiency in public office" and the principle of "quality and mastery of work" and those principles that prompted the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) to The choice of Osama bin Zaid to lead the Islamic Army and was a very young age in the presence of senior companions and those principles also prompted Omar bin al-Khattab to isolate "Sharhabil bin Hassana" of the state of the Levant and also to choose Omar "Sharih" judge on Kufa, when Omar disputed with a man Another on the horse of the rule of the other man's anatomy against Omar and his father spend Kufa and said: Is The judiciary is like this: It is a right to say and to be separated by justice. Translated by: Hanaa Mohammed
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conditions of Rasulullah Mohammad
Imaam Hasan bin 'Ali Radiyallahu 'Anhu reports that I asked my (maternal) uncle Hind bin Abi Haalab, who usually described particulars and conditions of Rasulullah Sallallahu 'Alayhi Wasallam. I was longing to hear something about it. On my asking, he described the mubaarak features of Rasulullah Sallallahu 'Alayhi Wasallam. He said:
'Rasulullah Sallallahu 'Alayhi Wasallam had great qualities and attributes in him, others also held him in high esteem. His face glittered like the full moon'. He then described the complete features of Rasulullah Sallallahu 'Alayhi Wasallam (as has been mentioned in the first chapter under hadith number seven). Imaam Hasan Radiyallahu 'Anhu says. 'I did not mention this hadith (due to some reason) to Husayn (Radiyallahu 'Anhu) for some time. Then I once narrated it to him whereupon I found that he had heard it before me. He had asked him (our uncle) already what I had asked. I also found that he had asked our father ('Ali Radiyallahu 'Anhu) about Rasulullah Sallallahu 'Alayhi 'Wasallam entering and coming out of the house. He did not leave out anything about the ways and manners of Rasulullah Sallallahu 'Alayhi Wasallam. Imaam Husayn Radiyallahu 'Anhu said: 'I asked my father regarding the manner in which Rasulullah Sallallahu 'Alayhi Wasallam entered the house?' He replied: 'When Rasulullah Sallallahu 'Alayhi Wasallam entered the house he distributed his time into three portions; He spent a portion for Allah. (In devotion, performing salaah etc.); A portion towards his family (fulfilling their duties. i.e. laughing, speaking, enquiring about their welfare etc.); and a portion for himself (resting etc.). He distributed his personal portion in two, one for himself and one for the people, in such a manner that the near one's among the Sahaabah Radiyallahu 'Anhum came to visit him. Through these Sahaabah Radiyallahu 'Anhum he conveyed messages to the people. He did not conceal anything from them. From the portion of the unimah he adopted this method, that he gave preference to the Ahlul-Fadl (i.e. people of 'ilm and 'amal). He distributed this time according to their religious fadl. From among those who came, some had one requirement, some had two requirements, and some had many requirements. Rasulullah Sallallahu 'Alayhi Wasallam fulfilled all their requirements. He busied them in things that benefited them and the entire ummah. When they questioned Rasulullah Sallallahu 'Alayhi Wasallam on religious matters, he replied to them in a manner that benefited them. He used to say: 'Those that are present, should inform those that are not present regarding these beneficial and necessary matters'. He also used to say: 'Those people who for some reason (purdah, distance, shyness or awe) cannot put forward their requirements, you should inform me about their requirements, because, that person who informs a king of the need of another, who is unable to put forward that need, Allah Ta'aala will keep that person stead fast on the day of qiyaamah'. Only important and beneficial matters were discussed in his gathering. He happily listened to these matters from the Sahaabah Radiyallahu 'Anhum. Besides this there was no wasteful or non-beneficial talks in his assemblies. The Sahaabah Radiyallahu 'Anhum came to the assemblies of Rasulullah Sallallahu 'Alayhi Wasallam for their religious needs, they did not depart before tasting something (by tasting, may be meant the acquiring of religious knowledge. It could mean 'Hissi' tasting too. Whatever Sayyidina Rasulullah Sallallahu 'Alayhi Wasallam possessed, he offered it in humbleness. Whenever close friends gather, whatever is available is presented to them). The Sahaabah Radiyallahu 'Anhum returned from his assemblies as torch bearers of hidayah and goodness. (They spread. these teachings amongst others). Imaam Husayn Radiyallahu 'Anhu says: 'I asked (my father) regarding the coming out of Rasulullah Sallallahu 'Alayhi Wasallam from the house'. He replied: 'Rasulullah Sallallahu 'Alayhi Wasallam controlled his tongue and only spoke that which was necessary. He did not waste his time in useless conversations. He made those who came to visit him feel at home he did not make them feel scared or ill at ease. (i.e. When advising them, he did not scold them in a manner that they become scared, or tell them such things that would keep them away from the deen). He respected and honoured the respected ones of every nation. He also chose a leader for them. He warned the people of Allah's punishment (or he emphasised that the people be cautious). He also protected himself from troubling or harming people. Besides being cautious and commanding others to be cautious, he never lacked in courtesy towards others. He was concerned for the affairs of his friends, made himself aware about the relationships between them and rectified their faults. He praised good deeds and encouraged them. He explained the harmful effects of bad things and removed and stopped these. He followed the middle path in all matters. (He did not at times say this and at other times that). He did not neglect the guiding of people, it is possible that they became unmindful of their religious duties, or exceeded in a matter resulting in them becoming disheartened. For everything there was a special arrangement. He did not fall back in the truth, nor did he exceed the limits in this.
Those who attended his gatherings were the best of people. The best person in the eyes of Sayyidina Rasulullah Sallallahu 'Alayhi Wasallam was the one who wished everybody well. The one with the highest status in the eyes of Sayyidina Rasulullah Sallallahu 'Alayhi Wasallam was that person who considered, comforted and helped the creation the most'. Sayyidina Imaam Husayn Radiyallahu 'Anhu says: 'I then enquired from him regarding the assemblies of Sayyidina Rasulullah Sallallahu Wasallam'. He replied: 'He began and ended all his sitting with the dhikr of Allah. When he went to a place, he sat where he found a place, and also instructed the people to do so. They should not leap over peoples heads and go ahead. It is a different matter, that where Sayyidina Rasulullah Sallallahu 'Alayhi Wasallam sat, that place became the focal point of the gathering. Sayyidina Rasulullah Sallallahu 'Alayhi Wasallam fulfilled the rights of every person present. That means, whatever right was due in talking and showing happiness, was fulfilled by him, so much so, that every person present would think that Sayyidina Rasulullah Sallallahu 'Alayhi Wasallam is honouring me the most. The person that came to sit by Sayyidina Rasulullah Sallallahu 'Alayhi Wasallam or came to him for some purpose, Sayyidina Rasulullah Sallallahu 'Alayhi Wasallam would remain seated till that person began to stand up. Whenever one asked him for something, he kindly fulfilled that request, and did not refuse it, (if he did not possess the thing) he would give a soft and humble answer. His cheerfulness and pleasant manner were for everybody. He was like a father to them. The whole creation was equal before him as far as rights were concerned. His gatherings were the gatherings of knowledge, modesty, patience and honesty. (i.e. These four things were attained there or are a description of his gatherings). Voices were not raised therein, nor was anyone degraded or disgraced. If anyone committed a fault, it was not made known publicly. All were regarded as equals amongst themselves. (A person was not regarded according to his lineage or genealogy). The virtues of one over the other was according to the taqwa (piety) possessed. The small ones were loved. The needy were given preference. Strangers and travellers were cared for"
"Shama'il Muhammadiyah"
Imaam Hasan bin 'Ali Radiyallahu 'Anhu reports that I asked my (maternal) uncle Hind bin Abi Haalab, who ...
the manner in which Rasoolullah sallallahu alaihe wasallam spoke
Imaam Hasan radiyallahu anhu says, I asked my (maternal) uncle Hind ibn Abi Haalah, who always described the noble features of Rasoolullah sallallahu alaihe wasallam to describe to me the manner in which Rasoolullah sallallahu alaihe wasallam spoke. He replied that Rasoolullah sallallahu alaihe wasallam was always worried (about the hereafter). And always busy thinking (about the attributes of Allah and the betterment of the Ummah). Because of these things he was never free from thought and never rested (or because of worldly affairs he did not gain rest, but gained rest and contentment from religious well being. It is mentioned in the hadith that the coolness of my eyes is in salaah). He always spoke clearly from beginning to end. (He did not speak in a manner where only half sentences are spoken and the other half remained in the mind of the speaker, as is prevalent among snobbish high-minded and proud people). He spoke concisely, where the words are less and meaning more. (Mulla Ali Qaari has collected forty such ahaadith in his commentary which are very short. Those who wish may refer to it and memorise it). Every word was clearer than the previous one. There was no nonsensical talk, nor was there half-talks where the meaning was not complete and could not be grasped. He was not short-tempered, nor did he disgrace anyone. He always greatly appreciated the blessings of Allah even though it might be very minute, he did not criticize it.
He did not criticize food, nor over-praised it (The reason for not criticizing food is clear, that it is a blessing from Allah. The reason for not praising it is because it might be felt that one is gluttonous. Nevertheless, he praised food if it was to make someone happy, and sometimes praised some special things). He was never angered for anything materialistic. (The reason being that he did not pay much attention, and did not care much about materialistic things).
If someone exceeded the limits in religious matters or against the truth, he became so angry that no one could endure it, nor could anybody stop it till he avenged it. If for some reason he made a gesture or pointed at something, he did it with a full hand. (The ulama say the reason being that it is against humbleness to point with one finger only. Some ulama say it was his noble habit to signal oneness of Allah with one finger, therefore he did not signal anyone in that manner). When he was surprised by something he turned his hands, and when he spoke sometimes while talking, he moved his hands, he sometimes hit the palm of his right hand with the inside part of his left thumb. When he became angry with someone, he turned his face away from that person, and did not pay attention to that person or he forgave that person. When he was happy due to humility it seemed as if he had closed his eyes. The laugh of Rasoolullah sallallahu alaihe wasallam was mostly a smile, at that moment his mubarak front teeth glittered like white shining hailstone
Imaam Hasan radiyallahu anhu says, I asked my (maternal) uncle Hind ibn Abi Haalah, who always described the ...
Messenger of Islam
Who is the Messenger of Islam?Letter Muhammad in Arabic written on a doorHe is Abul-Qasim, Muhammad, the son of Abdullah, the son of Abdul-Muttalib, the son of Hashim. He belonged to the Arab tribe of Quraish whose ancestry traces back to 'Adnaan, one of the children of Ishmael, the Prophet of Allah. Ishmael was the son of Abraham, who was the messenger of Allah, may Allah praise him.He was born in the year 571 C.E. in the honored city of Makkah. Makkah was the religious center of the Arabian Peninsula, as it housed the Honored Kabah, which was built by Abraham and his son, Ishmael.Even before he received revelation, he was known amongst his people as 'The Trustworthy', and they would entrust him with their possessions when they intended to go on a journey. He was also known as 'The Truthful" due to what they knew of him from truthfulness. He never lied or acted treacherously. He always desired good for others.He received his first revelation at the age of forty and informed his wife, Khadeejah, may Allah be pleased with her, apprehensively:"Indeed I fear for myself." Khadeejah replied, "No, by Allah! Allah will never humiliate you. Indeed you maintain ties of kinship, you bear the problems of others, you give wealth to those who do not have it, you honor and feed your guests, and you give support in times of true calamity." (Bukhari)He remained in Makkah for thirteen years thereafter, calling people to believe in the Oneness of Allah. He then migrated to the city of Medina and called its inhabitants to Islam, which they accepted. There, Allah revealed to him the remaining legislations of the religion.He returned and conquered Makkah eight years after his migration, and died at the age of 63 after Allah revealed to him the entire Quran. All the legislations of the religion were perfected and completed and majority of the Arab nation accepted Islam.What Do They Say About Muhammad?George Bernard Shaw in The Genuine Islam said:"I have always held the religion of Muhammad in high estimation because of its wonderful vitality. It is the only religion which appears to possess that assimilating capability to the changing phases of existence which make itself appeal to every age - I have prophesized about the faith of Muhammad that it would be acceptable tomorrow as it is beginning to be acceptable to the Europe of today. Medieval ecclesiastics, either through ignorance or bigotry, painted Mohammedanism in the darkest colors. They were, in fact, trained to hate both the man Muhammad and his religion. To them, Muhammad was an anti-Christ. I have studied him, the wonderful man, and in my opinion, far from being an anti-Christ, he must be called the Savior of humanity."2Annie Besant (3) in The Life and Teachings of Mohammad, said:It is impossible for anyone who studies the life and character of the great Prophet of Arabia, who knew how he taught and how he lived, to feel anything but reverence for the mighty Prophet, one of the great messengers of the Supreme. And although in what I put to you I shall say many things which may be familiar to many, yet I myself feel, whenever I reread them, a new way of admiration, a new sense of reverence for that mighty Arabian teacher.
Who is the Messenger of Islam?Letter Muhammad in Arabic written on a doorHe is Abul-Qasim, Muhammad, the son of ...
The Messenger Muhammad (PBUH) with people
"Believers are brothers" (Al-Hujuraat: 10).....It is fact. But what do you say in non-Muslims? "Those who believe and those who are guided, Christians and Sabians are those who believe in Allah and the Last Day, and do good deeds; for theirs is their reward with their Lord, and there is no fear for them, nor do they grieve." (Al-Baqarah: 62) What is the relationship between nations and peoples between each other and others? "O people, we have created you from male and female, and we have made you peoples and tribes, so that you may know that I will honor you with God. "To know each other" ... this is the link between people, people, people and people. But knowledge is known and known, and the most revered among them the most powerful. This is the law of brotherhood, which is the law of freedom, which does not know Caesar and does not know the knot of sin and do not mean the life of creation in it other than God What is the law of equality? It is a law of equality. And what is the law of settlement! It is a law of justice. Justice should be entitled to every right and the estimate should be a section on destiny The satellites and the trees, do not the people differ from predestination? "We have preferred some of the prophets to some" (Isra: 55). Yup ! 9)."Say:" Do those who know and do not know know? "(Al-Zumar) No, they are not. They are the ignorant of the ignorant, or the injustice of the oppressors, but they themselves are wronged! But: (God raises those who believe in you and those who gave science degrees) (Al-Mujadillah: 11) (but believers brothers) (AlRoom: 10) (And all degrees of what they did and your Lord is unaware of what they do) (Al-Anaam: 132) (And raise some of you above some degrees )(Al-Anaam: 165) Every permission is granted to the extent of his work, but without a prostitute. And without the imprisonment of livelihood or exploitation of wealth or altruism of private funds on the public interest. (Those who hoard gold and silver and spend it in the way of Allah, then he will make them a painful punishment) (At-Tawba: 34) And the way of God from him what is the war of an enemy with weapons, and what is the payment of internal scourge or reform or a public benefit to the whole group .. That is the way of God really, because God goes for slaves, but wants the face of God of the benefit of people and alleviate their burden and easy for them, And to seek the way of Allah (so that there will not be a state among the rich among you) (Al-Hashr: 7). They trade among themselves monopoly and monopolization, and that is the peak of the oppression of people, humiliating them, and cursing them in their livelihood. Every one in this law gets his work and his favor. (And do not work, God will see your work and His Messenger and the believers) (At-Tawba: 105). Believers will see your work, and they will judge you and appreciate it to you, as God will. Is the work, then, but not only for the pension and self-interest, but for the benefit of the welfare of the community, and to the extent that is appreciated. This is the Emir of the Faithful Ibn al-Khattab goes in appreciation of constructive work for the benefit of the nation to some extent beyond it further: "By God, when the Ajaj came to work and came without work, the first understanding of Muhammad on the Day of Resurrection." Whoever said this, he wanted the correct Islam or the correct faith to be the work of benefit to the people. As for butter, it will go dry, but what benefits the people will remain in the earth. (And what benefits people) that is the work and that is the credit, and that is a great victory. And not the hoarding of money, and the acquisition of monuments and loss and the proliferation of decoration and belongings. Not righteousness in unemployment and prostration or the imprisonment of money with fasting and tajajid, both; because Allah says (interpretation of the meaning): "It is not righteousness that you took your faces before the East and the Maghreb, but righteousness is the one who believes in Allah and the Last Day, the angels, the writers and the Prophets. Prayer and Zakat came and those who fulfilled their covenant, if they committed and persevere in the worst and the bad, and when Those who believe and those who are righteous are the ones who believe. "(Al-Baqarah: 177) From the Book of Muhammad the Apostle and the Message by Dr. Nazmi Luka Translated by: Hanaa Mohammed Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
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http://www.r-islam.com/en
"Believers are brothers" (Al-Hujuraat: 10).....It is fact. But what do you say in non-Muslims? "Those who believe and ...
Dua from the Noble Qur'an (Selected Supplications from the Holy Quran)
"BismillahhirRahmannirRahim"
Our Lord! Accept (this service) from us. Verily! You are the All-Hearer, the All-Knower [2:127]
..and accept our repentance. Truly, You are the One Who accepts repentance, the Most Merciful. [2:128]
Our Lord! Give us in this world that which is good and in the Hereafter that which is good, and save us from the torment of the Fire! [2:201]
Our Lord! Pour forth on us patience and make us victorious over the disbelieving people. [2:250]
Our Lord! Punish us not if we forget or fall into error, our Lord! Lay not on us a burden like that which You did lay on those before us; our Lord! Put not on us a burden greater than we have strength to bear. Pardon us and grant us Forgiveness. Have mercy on us. You are our Maula (Supporter and Protector) and give us victory over the disbelieving people. [2:286]
Our Lord! Let not our hearts deviate (from the truth) after You have guided us, and grant us mercy from You. Truly, You are the Bestower. [3:8]
Our Lord! Verily, it is You Who will gather mankind together on the Day about which there is no doubt. Verily, Allah never breaks His Promise. [3:9]
Our Lord! We have indeed believed, so forgive us our sins and save us from the punishment of the Fire. [3:16]
..O Allah! Possessor of the kingdom, You give the kingdom to whom You will, and You take the kingdom from whom You will, and You endue with honor whom You will, and You humiliate whom You will. In Your Hand is the good. Verily, You are Able to do all things.
You make the night to enter into the day, and You make the day to enter into the night, You bring the living out of the dead, and You bring the dead out of the living. And You give wealth and sustenance to whom You will, without limit (measure or account). [3:26-27]
O my Lord! Grant me from You, a good offspring. You are indeed the All-Hearer of invocation. [3:38]
Our Lord! We believe in what You have sent down, and we follow the Messenger, so write us down among those who bear witness (to the truth, La ilaha ill-Allah) [3:53]
,.. Our Lord! You have not created (all) this without purpose, glory to You! (Exalted be You above all that they associate with You as partners). Give us salvation from the torment of the Fire.
Our Lord! Verily, whom You admit to the Fire, indeed, You have disgraced him, and never will the unjust (wrong-doers) find any helpers.
Our Lord! Verily, we have heard the call of one (Muhammad Sallahu Alayhi Wasallam) calling to Faith: Believe in your Lord, and we have believed. Our Lord! Forgive us our sins and remit from us our evil deeds, and make us die in the state of righteousness along with Al-Abrar (those who are obedient to Allah and follow strictly His Orders).
Our Lord! Grant us what You promised unto us through Your Messengers and disgrace us not on the Day of Resurrection, for You never break (Your) Promise."[3:191-194]
Our Lord! We have wronged ourselves. If You forgive us not, and bestow not upon us Your Mercy, we shall certainly be of the losers. [7:23]
.. Our Lord! Judge between us and our people in truth, for You are the Best of those who give judgment [7:89]
.. You are our Wali (Protector), so forgive us and have Mercy on us, for You are the Best of those who forgive. [7:155]
.. Our Lord! Make us not a trial for the folk who are unjust (i.e. do not make them overpower us). And save us by Your Mercy from the disbelieving folk. [10:85-86]
.. O my Lord! I seek refuge with You from asking You that of which I have no knowledge. And unless You forgive me and have Mercy on me, I would indeed be one of the losers [11:47]
.. My Lord! You have indeed bestowed on me of the sovereignty, and taught me the interpretation of dreams; The (only) Creator of the heavens and the earth! You are my Wali (Protector, Helper, Supporter, Guardian) in this world and in the Hereafter, cause me to die as a Muslim (the one submitting to Your Will), and join me with the righteous [12:101]
O our Lord! Certainly, You know what we conceal and what we reveal. Nothing on the earth or in the heaven is hidden from Allah. [14:38]
O my Lord! Make me one who establishes Salah and (also) from my offspring, our Lord! And accept my invocation. Our Lord! Forgive me and my parents, and (all) the believers on the Day when the reckoning will be established. [14:40-41]
.. My Lord! Let my entry be good, and likewise my exit be good. And grant me from You an authority to help me (or a firm sign or a proof) [17:80]
.. Our Lord! Bestow on us mercy from Yourself, and facilitate for us our affair in the right way! [18:10]
..O my Lord! Open for me my chest (grant me self-confidence, contentment, and boldness). And ease my task for me [20:25-26] ..My Lord! Increase me in knowledge." [20:114]
.. Verily, distress has seized me, and You are the Most Merciful of all those who show mercy [21:83]
.. La ilaha illa Anta (none has the right to be worshipped but You (O Allah)), Glorified (and Exalted) are You (above all that (evil) they associate with You). Truly, I have been of the wrong-doers." [21:87]
.. O My Lord! Leave me not single (childless), though You are the Best of the inheritors. [21:89]
..My Lord! Cause me to land at a blessed landing-place, for You are the Best of those who bring to land. [23:29]
.. My Lord! I seek refuge with You from the whisperings (suggestions) of the Shayatin (devils). And I seek refuge with You, My Lord! lest they may attend (or come near) me. [23:97-98]
.. Our Lord! We believe, so forgive us, and have mercy on us, for You are the Best of all who show mercy! [23:109]
.. Our Lord! Avert from us the torment of Hell. Verily! Its torment is ever an inseparable, permanent punishment. [25:65]
.. Our Lord! Bestow on us from our wives and our offspring who will be the comfort of our eyes, and make us leaders for the Muttaqun (pious). [25:74]
.. My Lord! Bestow wisdom (knowledge and sound judgment) on me, and join me with the righteous; And grant me an honorable mention in later generations; And make me one of the inheritors of the Paradise of Delight; [26:83-85]
And disgrace me not on the Day when (all the creatures) will be resurrected; The Day whereon neither wealth nor sons will avail, Except him who brings to Allah a clean heart (clean from polytheism and hypocrisy). [26:87-89]
.. My Lord! Inspire and bestow upon me the power and ability that I may be grateful for Your Favors which You have bestowed on me and on my parents, and that I may do righteous good deeds that will please You, and admit me by Your Mercy among Your righteous slaves.[27:19]
.. My Lord! Verily, I have wronged myself, so forgive me.[28:16]
.. My Lord! Give me victory over the people who are Mufsidun (those who commit crimes and major sins, oppressors, tyrants, the wicked and immoral). [29:30]
.. Our Lord! You comprehend all things in mercy and knowledge, so forgive those who repent and follow Your Way, and save them from the torment of the blazing Fire!
Our Lord! And make them enter the Adn (Eden) Paradise (everlasting Gardens) which you have promised them, and to the righteous among their fathers, their wives, and their offspring! Verily, You are the All-Mighty, the All-Wise.
And save them from (the punishment, because of what they did of) the sins, and whomsoever You save from (the punishment, because of what they did of) the sins (i.e. excuse them) that Day, him verily, You have taken into mercy. And that is the supreme success. [40:7-9]
.. My Lord! Grant me the power and ability that I may be grateful for Your Favor which You have bestowed upon me and upon my parents, and that I may do righteous good deeds, such as please You, and make my off-spring good. Truly, I have turned to You in repentance, and truly, I am one of the Muslims (submitting to Your Will). [46:15]
.. Our Lord! Forgive us and our brethren who have preceded us in Faith, and put not in our hearts any hatred against those who have believed. Our Lord! You are indeed full of kindness, Most Merciful. [59:10]
.. Our Lord! In You (Alone) we put our trust, and to You (Alone) we turn in repentance, and to You (Alone) is (our) final Return. Our Lord! Make us not a trial for the disbelievers, and forgive us, Our Lord! Verily, You, only You are the All-Mighty, the All-Wise [60:4-5]
.. Our Lord! Keep perfect our Light for us (and do not put it off till we cross over the Sirat (a bridge that runs across the Hellfire) safely and grant us forgiveness. Verily, You are Able to do all things. [66-8]
.. My Lord! Build for me a home with You in Paradise ….... and save me from the people who are unjust. [66-11]
My Lord! Forgive me, and my parents, and him who enters my home as a believer, and all the believing men and women. And do not increase the wrong-doers but in ruin. [71-28]
...
The collection and compilation of the Quran
Part 1: During the Lifetime of the Prophet:
A study of the compilation of text must begin with the character of the book itself as it was handed down by Muhammad to his Companions during his lifetime. It was not delivered or revealed all at once.
The Noble Quran was revealed to Prophet Muhammad piecemeal over a period of twenty-three years from the time when he began to preach the Message of Islam in Makkah in 610 CE until his death at Madeenah in 632 CE. The Quran itself declares that Allaah addressed Prophet Muhammad with what means: "…And We have spaced it distinctly." [Quran 25:32]
Furthermore, no chronological record of the sequence of passages was kept by Muhammad himself or his Companions so that, as each of these began to be collected into an actual Soorah (chapter), no thought was given as to theme, order of deliverance or chronological sequence. It is acknowledged by all Muslim writers that most of the chapters, especially the longer ones, are composite texts containing various passages not necessarily linked to each other in the sequence in which they were given. As time went on Muhammad would say words to the effect of: "Put this passage in the chapter in which so-and-so is mentioned", or: "Put it in such and such a place." [As-Suyooti, Al-Itqaan fee 'Uloom Al-Quran, p.141] Thus, passages were added to compilations of other passages already collected together until each of these became a distinct chapter. The evidence that a number of these chapters already had their recognised titles during the lifetime of Muhammad . is the following two Prophetic narrations: "Anyone who recites the last two verses of Soorah Al-Baqarah (The Cow, chapter 2) at night, they will suffice him." [Al-Bukhaari] And: "If anyone learns by heart the first ten verses of the Soorah Al-Kahf (the Cave, No. 18), he will be protected from the Dajjaal (Antichrist)." [Muslim]
At the same time, there is also reason to believe that there were other chapters to which titles were not necessarily given by Prophet Muhammad . An example of this is Soorah Al-Ikhlaas [Chapter 112], for although the Prophet spoke at some length about it and said it was equal to one-third of the whole Quran, he did not mention it by name. [Muslim]
As the Quran developed, the Prophet's Companions took portions of it down in writing and also committed its passages to memory. It appears that the memorisation of the text was the foremost method of recording its contents as the very word Quran means 'recitation'. From the very first word delivered to Muhammad by the angel Jibreel (Gabriel) on Mount Hiraa', namely Iqra' – 'Recite!' [Chapter 96:1], we can see that the verbal recitation of its passages was very highly esteemed and consistently practiced. Nevertheless, it is to actual written records of its text that the Quran itself bears witness in the following verse (which means): "[It is recorded] in honoured sheets. Exalted and purified. [Carried] by the hands of messenger-angels. Noble and dutiful."[Quran: 80:13-16]
Furthermore, there is evidence that even during the early days of Prophet Muhammad in Makkah, portions of the Quran as then delivered were being written down. When 'Umar was still a pagan, he one day struck his sister when he heard her reading a portion of the Quran. Upon seeing blood on her cheek, however, he relented and said: "Give me this sheet which I heard you reading just now so that I may see what Muhammad has brought." [Ibn Is-Haaq, Seerat Rasoolullaah, p.156]. On reading the portion of the twentieth chapter (of the Quran) which she had been reading, he became a Muslim.
Nonetheless, it appears that right up to the end of the life of Muhammad the practice of memorisation predominated over the writing down of the Quran and was regarded as more important.
In the Hadeeth (narrations) records, we read that the angel Jibreel is said to have checked the recitation of the Quran every Ramadhaan with Prophet Muhammad and, in his (the Prophet ) final year, he (Jibreel) checked it with him twice. Faatimah said: "The Prophet, sallallaahu alayhi wa sallam, told me, 'Jibreel used to recite the Quran to me and I to him once a year, but this year he recited the whole Quran with me twice. I think that my death is approaching.'" [Al-Bukhaari]
Some of the closest Companions of the Prophet devoted themselves to learning the text of the Quran by heart. These included Ubayy Ibn Ka'b, Mu'aath Ibn Jabal, Zayd Ibn Thaabit, Abu Zayd and Abu Ad-Dardaa' . Abdullaah Ibn Mas'ood collected more than ninety of the one hundred and fourteen chapters by himself, learning the remaining chapters from other Companions.
Regarding the written materials, there are no records as to exactly how much of the Quran was written down during the lifetime of Prophet Muhammad . There is no evidence to suggest that anyone actually compiled the whole text of the Quran into a single manuscript, whether directly under the authority of Prophet Muhammad or otherwise.
With the death of Prophet Muhammad in 632 CE, the revelation stopped, as the Quran had become complete. There could be no further revelation once its chosen recipient had passed away. While he lived, however, there was always the possibility that new passages could be added and it hardly seemed appropriate, therefore, to contemplate codifying the text into one harmonious whole. Thus, it is not surprising to find that the book was widely scattered in the memories of men and in writing on various different materials at the time of the death of the Prophet .
There were only a few disputes among the Companions about the text of the Quran while the Prophet was alive, unlike those which arose soon after his death. All these factors explain the absence of an official codified text at the time of his death. Imaam As-Suyooti stated that the Quran, as sent down from Allaah in separate stages, had been completely written down and carefully preserved, but that it had not been assembled into one single location during the lifetime of Prophet Muhammad, sallallaahu alayhi wa sallam, [Ibn Is-haaq, Seerat Rasoolullaah, p.96]
All of it was said to have been available in principle, for the Companions had absorbed it in their memories and it had been written down on separate materials. The final order of the various verses and chapters is also presumed to have been defined by the Prophet while he was still alive.
Part 1: During the Lifetime of the Prophet:
A study of the compilation of text must begin with the character of ...
Researchers Discover ‘Oldest’ Copy of the Quran in Germany
Researchers from the Project Coranica at the University Library in Tübingen, Germany have discovered a copy of the Quran that may be the oldest in the world, dating to within 20-40 years of the death of Islam’s Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him. The copy of the Quran, dubbed Ma VI 165 by scientists, appears in the famous “Kufic script”, popularized by Imam Ali ibn Abu Talib who moved the center of the Islamic government to Kufa after being elected as “Caliph” in 656 AD. The manuscript “with a 95.4% statistical probability can be dated to the period between Ad 649 -675,” according to Medieval Histories Magazine.
The manuscript in a high quality parchment that has survived for more than 1,339 years – with minimal preservation methods employed, further indicates that the document was created for official purposes, perhaps in relation to the work of Imam Ali’s Islamic government.
The manuscript will be on display in Germany, as the University Library states “This coming autumn one of the parchment fragments will be on view to the public in Antwerp in the exhibition ‘Holy Scriptures – Holy Places. Judaism, Christianity, Islam’, in the Hendrik Conscience Heritage Library. This will be a perfect opportunity to bring these new findings to the attention of a wider audience.”
According to university representative Dr. Eva Mira Youssef-Grob, “The Coranica project includes a module named computatio radiocarbonica where paleographical analysis and dating of the oldest manuscripts of the Qurʾān will be supplemented by scientific methods such as radiocarbon dating…
“The results for manuscripts dated by colophon and their C14-age will be set in relation to the measured values of undated pieces…
“With this research, the actual precision and significance of C14 datings can be determined for early manuscripts of the Qurʾān. The selection forms a representative sample from the known manuscripts in ḥiǧāzī ductus, which are considered the oldest written textual witnesses of the Qur’an – their temporal proximity to the proclamation of Muḥammad is still discussed today.”
The MA VI 165 manuscript appears to contain a large section of the Quran, from Chapter 17, verse 37 to Chapter 36, verse 57. Interestingly, the first verse of the manuscript seems to poetically foretell the preservation of the document. The first part of the verse is translated as “Nor walk on the earth with insolence: for thou canst not tear the earth apart…”
The entire manuscript can be viewed until today, the famous Sana’a manuscript has been viewed as the oldest manuscript, dating back to almost exactly 671 AD. The MA VI 165 script cannot be narrowed down further than between 649 AD to 675 AD, so now both documents are tied for the “oldest copy” record.
The MA VI 165 script is viewed as a “very early Quran” because it is written in something called the “Hijazi” variant, a type of Arabic writing that is sloped and has a distinctive style. Quranic manuscripts that utilize the Hijazi variant typically draw immediate attention from researchers, as the script is only used in very early Quran manuscripts.
Ref: Commdigi News
Researchers from the Project Coranica at the University Library in Tübingen, Germany have discovered ...
The Class of Quran Among the Divine Books
The holy Quran is the longest, last, and the most inclusive divine book for it includes all that has been mentioned in the former divine books with additional divine demands and valuable ethics.
Quran contains the forerunners and newcomers news, wisdom, and provisions.
Quran is the ruler over the former divine books, namely what Quran considers true is true, and what it denies is also denied, for it must be distorted and replaced.
Quran revealed in top eloquence, rhetoric and miracles for it is miraculous in its text, meaning, and eloquence, and also its tales of the past and future unseen, also it is miraculous in its proverb and provisions, and all it came with.
That is why it is submitted by everyone sticks to modern books for what it proves and presages as well as it indicated and told about it. So one should do according to Quran because there is no accepted religion except what Quran came with. Ouran is the last message from Allah to humankind, it is also generic for Jinn and mankind; unlike other divine books which were introduced to certain people and certain periods.
In addition Quran is saved from increase, decrease, distortion, because Allah guaranteed to save it where He says “Indeed, it is We who sent down the Qur'an and indeed, We will be its guardian" (Al-Hijr: 9)
And Quran has a great influence on hearts, for there is nobody listens to it carefully, except he is influenced extremely, eventhough he does not understand its meanings and indication and even if he does not know Arabic as one of the Quranic secrets that reveal its greatness.
Quran also has the highest influence on the prosperity and success of nations for it is the way by which Allah qualified distinguished figures of wisdom and guidance from Arab nation, and made it the best nation sent to mankind after they were floundering in ignorance.
One of the Quranic characteristics is that its wonders never expire, and it is not worn out by repetition of reading, for as much as it is read, its beauty increases once after another.
Allah facilitates studying and memorizing the Quran as there is a lot of Muslim children memorize it by heart. Quran also contains the fairest, greatest, noblest, and most inclusive judgment, for there is not a small or huge issue but it tackled totally and in details; such a fact that any rational, fair person confesses even if non-Muslim.
In his book "The life of Muhammad", William Muir says that the Quran is full of perceived objects and mental evidences on God's existence and that He is the King and Sovereign and He will recompense everyone according to his deeds; if good ones, he will be rewarded, and if bad, then he will be punished.
According to Muir, Quran confirms that all should follow virtues and avoid evil, and that the duty of each mature is to worship Allah SWT which causes his happiness.
Geon says that Quranic orders not only include religious and moral basics, but it also contains things on which depends the jurisprudence, Fiqh, Monotheism, legal and penal judgment including the management of this universe, suppression of injustice, and saving rights of this life and Hereafter which is ,all, divine and don't have any doubt.
In other words, the Holy Qutan is the public constitution for the Islamic world and the Islamic religion as well, it is the universal system in life and through which comes the eternal salvation and saving physical health and both personal and public interests and what results for moral virtues, and penal action in life and hereafter. this is all arranged in the holy Quran.
Finally, evidences in that context are too many.
Translated by: Abdel Aziz ELhaeen Reviewed: Mahmoud Mohammed
The holy Quran is the longest, last, and the most inclusive divine book for it includes all that has been ...
90 Verses says: Jesus is not God
All four Gospels record Jesus as saying, “Blessed are the peace-makers; they will be called sons of God.”
The word ‘son’ cannot be accepted literally because in the Bible, God apparently addresses many of his chosen servants as ‘son’ and ‘sons.’ The Hebrews believed God is One, and had neither wife nor children in any literal sense. Therefore, it is obvious the expression ‘son of God’ merely meant ‘Servant of God’; one who, because of faithful service, was close and dear to God as a son is to his father.
Christians who came from a Greek or Roman background, later misused this term. In their heritage, ‘son of God’ signified an incarnation of a god or someone born of a physical union between male and female gods. This can be seen in Acts 14: 11-13, where we read that when Paul and Barnabas preached in a city of Turkey, pagans claimed they were gods incarnate. They called Barnabas the Roman god Zeus, and Paul the Roman god Hermes.
Furthermore, the New Testament Greek word translated as ‘son’ are ‘pias’ and ‘paida’ which mean ‘servant,’ or ‘son in the sense of servant.’ These are translated to ‘son’ in reference to Jesus and ‘servant’ in reference to all others in some translations of the Bible. So, consistent with other verses, Jesus was merely saying that he is God’s servant.
Additional problems with Trinity
To a Christian, God had to take human form to understand temptation and human suffering, but the concept is not based on any clear words of Jesus. In contrast, God does not need to be tempted and suffer in order to be able to understand and forgive man’s sins, for He is the all knowing Creator of man. This is expressed in the verse:
‘And the Lord said: ‘I have surely seen the affliction of My people that are in Egypt, and I have heard their cry because of their taskmasters; for I know their pains.’ (Exodus 3:7)
God forgave sin before Jesus’ appearance, and He continues to forgive without any assistance. When a believer sins, he is to repent sincerely in order to receive forgiveness. Indeed, the offer to humble oneself before God and be saved is made to all humankind.
‘And there is no God else beside Me; a just God and a Savior; there is none beside Me. Look to Me, and be saved, all the ends of the earth; for I am God, and there is none else.’ (Isaiah 45:21-22, Jonah 3:5-10)
Biblically, people can receive forgiveness of sins through sincere repentance sought directly from God. This is true at all times and in all places. There has never been a need for the so-called inter cessionary role Jesus plays in attaining atonement. The facts speak for themselves. There is no truth to the Christian belief that Jesus died for our sins and salvation is only through Jesus. What about the salvation of people before Jesus? Jesus’ death brings neither atonement from sin, nor is it in any way a fulfillment of Biblical prophecy.
Christians claim that in the birth of Jesus, there occurred the miracle of the incarnation of God in the form of a human being. To say that God became truly a human being invites a number of questions. Let us ask the following about the man-God Jesus:
*What happened to his foreskin after his circumcision (Luke 2:21)? Did it ascend to heaven, or did it decompose as with any human piece of flesh?
*During his lifetime what happened to his hair, nails, and blood that was shed from his wounds? Did the cells of his body die as ordinary human beings? If his body did not function in a truly human way, he could not be truly human as well as truly God. Yet, if his body functioned exactly in a human way, this would nullify any claim to divinity. It would be impossible for any part of God, even if incarnate, to decompose in any way and still be considered God. The everlasting, one God, in whole or in part, does not die, disintegrate, or decompose: ‘For I the Lord do not change.’ (Malachi 3:6)
Did Jesus’ flesh dwell in safety after his death?
Unless Jesus’ body never underwent ‘decay’ during his lifetime he could not be God, but if it did not undergo ‘decay’ then he was not truly human.
Bible says that God is not man
‘God is not a man’ (Numbers 23:19)
‘For I am God, and not man’ (Hosea 11:9)
Jesus is called a man many times in the Bible
‘a man who has told you the truth’ (John 8:40)
‘Jesus the Nazarene, a man attested to you by God with miracles and wonders and signs which God performed through Him in your midst, just as you yourselves know.’ (Acts 2:22)
‘He will judge the world in righteousness through a man whom He has appointed’ (Acts 17:31)
‘the man Christ Jesus’ (Tim. 2:5)
The Bible says that God is not a son of man
‘God is not a man nor a son of man’ (Numbers 23:19)
The Bible often calls Jesus ‘a son of man’ or ‘the son of man.’
‘so will the son of man be’ (Matthew 12:40)
‘For the son of man is going to come’ (Matthew 16:27)
‘until they see the son of man coming in His kingdom.’ (Matthew 28)
‘But so that you may know that the Son of Man has authority’ (Mark 2:10)
‘because he is the son of man’ (John 5:27)
In the Hebrew scriptures, the ‘son of man’ is also used many times speaking of people (Job 25:6; Psalm 80:17; 144:3; Ezekiel 2:1; 2:3; 2:6-8; 3:1-3).
Since God would not contradict Himself by first saying He is not the son of a man, then becoming a human being who was called ‘the son of man’, he would not have done so. Remember God is not the author of confusion. Also, human beings, including Jesus, are called ‘son of man’ specifically to distinguish them from God, who is not a ‘son of man’ according to the Bible.
The Bible says that Jesus denied he is God
Jesus spoke to a man who had called him ‘good,’ asking him, ‘Why do you call me good? No one is good except God alone.’ (Luke 18:19)
And he said to him, ‘Why are you asking me about what is good? There is only One who is good; but if you wish to enter into life, keep the commandments.’ (Matthew 19:17)
Jesus did not teach people that he was God
If Jesus had been telling people that he was God, he would have complimented the man. Instead, Jesus rebuked him, denying he was good, that is, Jesus denied he was God.
The Bible says that God is greater than Jesus
‘My Father is greater than I’ (John 14:28)
‘My father is greater than all.’ (John 10:29)
Jesus cannot be God if God is greater than him. The Christian belief that the Father and son are equal is in direct contrast to the clear words from Jesus.
Jesus never instructed his disciples to worship him
‘When you pray, say Our Father which art in heaven.’ (Luke 11:2)
‘In that day, you shall ask me nothing. Whatsoever you ask of the Father in my name.’ (John 16:23)
‘The hour cometh and now is, when the true worshippers shall worship the Father in spirit and in truth; for the Father seeketh such to worship him.’ (John 4:23)
If Jesus was God, he would have sought worship for himself
Since he didn’t, instead he sought worship for God in the heavens, therefore, he was not God.
Ref. www.islamreligion
All four Gospels record Jesus as saying, “Blessed are the peace-makers; they will be called sons of God.”
...
The Concept of God in Islam 1/2
Every language has one or more terms that are used in reference to God and sometimes to lesser deities. This is not the case with the word ‘Allah’. Allah is the personal name of the One True God. Nothing else can be called Allah. The term has no plural or gender. This shows its exclusivity when compared to the word ‘god’ which can be made plural, i.e. ‘gods’ or feminine, i.e. ‘goddess’. It is interesting to note that Allah is the personal name of God in Aramaic, the language of Jesus (p). The word Allah is a reflection of the unique concept that Islam associates with God.
To a Muslim, Allah is the Almighty, Creator and Sustainer of the universe, who is similar to none and nothing is comparable to Him. The Prophet Muhammad (p) was asked by his contemporaries about Allah. The answer came directly from God Himself in the form of a short chapter of the Qur’an that is considered the essence of the Unity of God or the motto of monotheism. “Say: He is Allah, the One; Allah, the Eternal, Absolute; He begetteth not, nor is He begotten, and there is none like unto Him.” [Al-Qur’an 112:1-4] Some non-Muslims allege that the concept of God in Islam is that of a stern and cruel God who demands to be obeyed fully. He is not loving and kind. Nothing can be farther from the truth than this allegation. It is enough to know that with the exception of one, each of the 114 chapters of the Qur’an begins with the verse: “In the Name of Allah, Most Gracious, Most Merciful” In one of the sayings of Prophet Muhammad (p) we are told: “God is more loving and kinder than a mother to her dear child.” Besides being Merciful, God is Just too. Hence evildoers and sinners must have their share of punishment and the virtuous their rightful reward. Actually, God’s attribute of Mercy has full manifestation in His attribute of Justice. People suffering throughout their lives for His sake and people oppressing and exploiting other people all their lives should not receive similar treatment from their Lord. Expecting similar treatment for them will amount to negating the very belief in the accountability in the Hereafter and thereby negating all the incentives for a moral and virtuous life in this world.
The following verses from the Qur’an are very clear and straightforward: “Verily, for the righteous are Gardens of delight in the Presence of their Lord. Shall we then treat the people of Faith like the people of Sin? What is the matter with you? How judge you?” [Al-Qur’an 68:34-36] Islam rejects characterizing God in any human form or depicting him as favoring certain individuals or nations on the basis of wealth, power or race. He created the human beings as equals. They may distinguish themselves and earn His favor through virtue and piety alone.
The concept that God rested on the seventh day of creation, that God wrestled with one of His soldiers, that God is an envious plotter against mankind, or that God is incarnate in any human being are considered blasphemy from the Islamic point of view. The unique usage of Allah as the personal name of God is a reflection of Islam’s emphasis on the purity of the belief in God. This belief in the Unity of God, is the essence of the message of all the Prophets of God. Because of this, Islam considers associating any deity or personality with God as a grave sin that God will never forgive if the person dies without repenting. The Creator must be of a different nature from the things created because if He is of the same nature as they are, He will be temporal and will therefore need a maker. It follows that nothing is like Him. If the maker is not temporal, then He must be eternal. But if he is eternal, He cannot be caused, and if nothing caused Him to come into existence, nothing outside Him causes Him to continue to exist, which means that He must be self-sufficient. And if He does not depend on anything for the continuance of His own existence, then this existence can have no end. The Creator is therefore eternal: “He is the First and the Last, the Evident and the Immanent: and He has full knowledge of all things.” [Al-Qur’an 57:3] He is self-sufficient or self-subsistent or, to use a Qur’anic term, He is Al-Qayyum. The Creator does not create only in the sense of bringing things into existence. He also preserves them and takes them out of existence and is the ultimate cause of whatever happens to them. “Allah is the Creator of all things, and He is the Guardian and Disposer of all affairs. To Him belong the keys of the heavens and the earth: and those who reject the Signs of Allah,- it is they who will be in loss.” [Al-Qur’an 39:62-63] “There is no moving creature on earth but its sustenance dependeth on Allah: He knoweth the time and place of its definite abode and its temporary deposit: All is in a clear Record.” [Al-Qur’an 57:3] GOD'S ATTRIBUTES If the Creator is Eternal and Everlasting, then His attributes must also be Eternal and Everlasting. He should not lose any of His attributes nor acquire new ones. If this is so, then His attributes are absolute. Can there be more than one Creator with such absolute attributes? Can there be for example, two absolutely powerful Creators? A moment’s thought shows that this is not feasible. The Qur’an summarizes this argument in the following verses: “No son did Allah beget, nor is there any god along with Him: (if there were many gods), behold, each god would have taken away what he had created, and some would have lorded it over others! Glory to Allah! (He is free) from the (sort of) things they attribute to Him!” [Al-Qur’an 23:91] THE ONENESS OF GOD The Qur’an reminds us of the falsity of all alleged gods. To the worshippers of man-made objects it asks: “Worship ye that which ye have (yourselves) carved? But Allah has created you and your handwork.”[Al-Qur’an 37:95-96] “Say: ‘Do ye then take (for worship) protectors other than Him, such as have no power either for good or for harm to themselves?" [Al-Qur’an 13:16] To the worshippers of heavenly bodies it cites the story of Abraham: “When the night covered him over, He saw a star: He said: ‘This is my Lord.’ But when it set, He said: ‘I love not those that set.’ When he saw the moon rising in splendor, he said: ‘This is my Lord.’ But when the moon set, He said: ‘unless my Lord guide me, I shall surely be among those who go astray.’ When he saw the sun rising in splendor, he said: ‘This is my Lord; this is the greatest (of all).’ But when the sun set, he said: ‘O my people! I am indeed free from your (guilt) of giving partners to Allah. For me, I have set my face, firmly and truly, towards Him Who created the heavens and the earth, and never shall I give partners to Allah." [Al-Qur’an 6:76-79] THE BELIEVER'S ATTITUDE In order to be a Muslim (i.e., to submit oneself to God), it is necessary to believe in the Oneness of God, in the sense of His being the only Creator, Preserver, Nourisher, etc. But this belief, later on called Tawhid Ar-Rububiyyah, is not enough. Many of the idolators knew and believed that only the Supreme God could do all this. To acquire Tawhid Ar-Rububiyyah one must add Tawhid Al-Uluhiyyah, i.e. one acknowledges the fact that it is God alone who deserves to be worshipped, and thus abstains from worshipping any other thing or being. Having achieved this knowledge of the One True God, man should constantly have faith in Him, and should allow nothing to induce him to deny the truth. When true faith enters a person’s heart, it impacts the person’s outlook and behavior. The Prophet said, “Faith is that which resides firmly in the heart and which is proved by deeds”. One of the striking results of faith is the feeling of gratitude towards God, which could be said to be the essence of Ibada (worship). The feeling of gratitude is so important that anyone denying the Truth is called kafir, ‘one who is ungrateful.’ A believer loves, and is grateful to God for the bounties He bestowed upon him. He is aware of the fact that his good deeds are far from being commensurate with Divine favors, and therefore he is always anxious to please God. He remembers God often. The Qur’an promotes this feeling of gratitude by repeating the attributes of God very frequently. “Allah is He, than Whom there is no other god; Who knows (all things) both secret and open; He, Most Gracious, Most Merciful. Allah is He, than Whom there is no other god; the Sovereign, the Holy One, the Source of Peace (and Perfection), the Guardian of Faith, the Preserver of Safety, the Exalted in Might, the Irresistible, the Supreme: Glory to Allah! (High is He) above the partners they attribute to Him. He is Allah, the Creator, the Evolver, the Bestower of Forms (or Colors). To Him belong the Most Beautiful Names: whatever is in the heavens and on earth, doth declare His Praises and Glory: and He is the Exalted in Might, the Wise.” [Al-Qur’an 59:22-24] “Allah! There is no god but He, the Living, the Self-subsisting, Eternal. No slumber can seize Him nor sleep. His are all things in the heavens and on earth. Who is there can intercede in His presence except as He permitteth? He knoweth what (appeareth to His creatures as) before or after or behind them. Nor shall they compass aught of His knowledge except as He willeth. His Throne doth extend over the heavens and the earth, and He feeleth no fatigue in guarding and preserving them for He is the Most High, the Supreme (in glory).” [Al-Qur’an 2:255] “O People of the Book! Commit no excesses in your religion: Nor say of Allah aught but the truth. Christ Jesus the son of Mary was (no more than) a messenger of Allah, and His Word, which He bestowed on Mary, and a spirit proceeding from Him: so believe in Allah and His messengers. Say not “Trinity” : desist: it will be better for you: for Allah is one Allah: Glory be to Him: (far exalted is He) above having a son. To Him belong all things in the heavens and on earth. And enough is Allah as a Disposer of affairs.” [Al-Qur’an 4:17.
Source:
http://en.islamway.net/article/49479/the-concept-of-god-in-islam-part-1-of-2-a-unique-concept
Every language has one or more terms that are used in reference to God and sometimes to lesser ...
Divine Love: Muslim-Christian Differences
Loving God in Islam and Christianity
The Christian Concept
Christians consider their faith prototypically a “religion of love”. This is meant comprehensively, i.e. as a religious appeal, and even command, (a) to love God and (b) to love “one’s neighbor”, i.e. all of mankind — friends and enemies as well.
a. Loving God
The Christian command to love God, announced by Jesus, is embedded in St. Mark and reads:
“And you shall love the Lord, your God, with all your soul, and with all your mind, and with all your strength; this is the first commandment.” (New International Version, Mark 12: 30)
In the words of Hugo Ball (d. 1927) the faithful are not on the look-out for reasons justifying the love of God. Rather, they: “throw themselves into the love of God like pearl fishers diving into the ocean.” (Byzantinisches, 49)
In reality, this command is not a Christian innovation at all. The same text — verbally — figured already in the Fifth Book of Moses 6-5. Indeed, according to the Bible, God is not only lovable for being gracious, just and merciful.
Indeed, the Book of Songs — being the 5th Book of the Biblical Psalms — is a treasure of lines professing love of God. No wonder the Church incorporated the Psalms into Christian lore, just as the Muslims have adopted them (calling them az-Zabur) as one of the few reliably revealed passages of the Old Testament:
I love the Lord because He has heard my voice and my supplication. (New International Version, Psalm 116: 1)
Gracious is the Lord, and righteous, yes, our God is merciful. (116: 5)
Your commandments which I love shall be my delight. (119: 47)
Oh, how I love your law. ( 119: 97)
Your commands I have taken as a heritage forever, for they are the rejoicing of my heart. (119: 111)
It will be noticed that the authors of the Psalms well before the Medieval Christian mystics had already reached a level of adoration where loving God and obeying His commands did no longer result from fear but from devotion.
The author of the letter “First Epistle of John” is unknown. He certainly was not the favorite disciple of Jesus known under the name of John, enlarges on this command by saying that: “God is love. He who dwells in love, dwells in God” (John, 4: 16)
b. Loving man
The Christian command to love God is intimately linked to the “second command”, i.e. to love one`s fellow man:
And the second command is alike, namely this: “You shall love your neighbor like yourself. There is no other command greater than these.” (St. Mark, 12, 31)
In the Book of Mormon this command reappears: “Love your neighbor as yourself.” (Matthew, 22: 39)
Insightful the great Jesuit theologian Karl Rahner (d. 1984) commented this rule as follows: “Love of God can only be realized through unconditional love of one’s next-door neighbor since only that way one can pierce the hell of one’s egotism.” (Warum, 672)
The Gospel makes clear that charity given to one’s brother is a way of loving God:
“Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.” (Matthew, 25: 40)
This is followed up by a statement of psychological depth:
“If a man should say “I love God” but hates his brother, he is a liar. For if he does not love his brother whom he has seen, how can he love God Whom he has not seen?” (1 John, 4: 20)
c. Peculiarities
In two ways, the Christian concept of love is peculiar:
The Christian notion of loving God is deeply colored by the Christian doctrine of Incarnation which since the 1st Ecumenical Council of Ephesus in 325 implies that Jesus inseparably was both divine and human, figuring among the three divine persons who according to Church dogma form Trinity. Consequently, for Christians the love of God is identified very much with loving Jesus, i.e. a concrete and therefore “touchable” historic personality.
Thus an encyclopedic definition of Christendom reads:“Love, faithfully having become visible in Jesus Christ, is the way towards hope for mankind.”Romano Guardini (d. 1968) went to an extreme when formulating that “Jesus Christ is the essence of Christianity — not an idea, not a program, not an ideology, but a person.” For both quotations (my translation), see Meyers (Note 5), p. 671
This notion is retained in the Book of Mormon where we read: “you must press forward with a steadfastness in Christ, having a perfect brightness of hope and a love of God and of all men.” (2 Nephi 31: 20)
The Muslim Concept
a. Loving God
The climate of the Muslim devotion to God differs from the Christian one because for Muslims God has not been incarnated as Baby Jesus in the manger — cuddly and lovely — but rather remains an awesome Divinity, so close to us that we cannot see Him.
{Vision perceives Him not, but He perceives [all] vision.} (Al-An’am 6: 103)
In short, God is the one beyond time and space whose Being totally escapes our categorization. Indeed, we cannot catch His Reality with the perceptional network provided by our man-made (and therefore “loaded” languages).
In fact, talking about God is a linguistic trap. Ludwig Wittgenstein (d. 1951) was therefore right in terminating his Tractatus logico-philosophicus (first printed in 1921) with the stunning phrase: “Of what one cannot speak, about that one must remain silent” (7)
True, for Muslims, too, Allah is not only transcendent but also immanent since Allah is closer to us than our jugular vein (50: 16). And He has full knowledge of what is in the hearts (or bosoms) of people (11: 5; 42: 24; 57: 6; 64: 4; 67: 13)
Muslims are therefore expected to love God more than anything else. (2: 165)
Nevertheless God remains unfathomable, unimaginable, unseizable, incomprehensible, indescribable. We are told that His are the most beautiful names/attributes (7: 180; 17: 110; 20: 8). But this is of little help because we must not coin any similitude for God (6: 74). It is of course true as well that in the Quran, for instance in the Light Verse (24: 35) and in the Throne Verse (59: 22-4)
God has given us a self-description. Yet, do we really come closer to the secret when God identifies with the Light of the heavens and the earth? Can we understand any of the divine attributes other than nominalistically, like Ibn Hazm before? Indeed, for he to whom God gives no light, no light whatever has he. (24:40). Therefore, we can legitimately go about defining God in negative terms only, listing what cannot be said of Him: That He cannot not exist; cannot die; cannot multiply Himself since God is a single God. (2: 163; 16: 22, 51)
All this is true and full of complexity. Nevertheless, loving God naively is possible not only for Christians but for Muslims as well since they are aware that God in His goodness is limitless (57: 21) and that His grace overspreads everything. (7: 156)
All Muslims have to be grateful that Muslim mystics — the Sufi movement — have been able on this basis to develop an Islamic mysticism of love in spite of all the difficulties of visualizing God. The Sufi approach is of course highly speculative. But emotionally it is more satisfactory than the cool soberness of the philosophical approach described above.
b. Loving Man
As much as the Christian faith, Islam teaches that the love of God must translate into compassion for man. However, Muslims are a bit more hesitant when it goes to use the word “love”. In general they prefer to designate the same attitude as brother and sisterhood.
Statements on brotherhood in the Quran most explicitly refer to relations between Muslims (3: 103; 9: 11; 48: 29; 49: 10). Even so, the Quran amply makes clear that its basic message is addressed to all of mankind (20: 55; 40: 64; 103; 114), not only by addressing its audience “Oh mankind!” or “Oh Children of Adam!” (2: 168; 4: 170, 174; 7: 26, 31, 35; 10: 23, 57, 104, 108; 22: 5; 31: 33; 35: 5, 15; 49: 13). Indeed the Quran is a clear lesson for all men and a guidance and an admonition for all the God-conscious. (3: 138)
As far as Christians are concerned the Quran does not pronounce an abstract concept like to “love your neighbor”. However, in more concrete terms its verses establish that what is meant is the Christian way. Thus Muslims are urged to do good to their neighbors. (4: 36), show kindness even to (non-aggressive) disbelievers (60: 8), spend on others in charity out of what one cherishes most: (3: 92; 4: 114), and to be just in all dealings, no matter with whom. (4: 58; 5: 8, 42; 7: 29; 16: 90; 68: 34)
If not in wording, in substance these rules add up to a Muslim “love thy neighbor”-command. By ruling out injustice, globally, Islam is commanding justice, globally.
God Loving His Creation in Islam and Christianity
The Christian Concept
a. The idea that God might “love” what He created is not self-evident. On the contrary, one might argue that love establishes a longing and dependency between the lover and the loved one that is irreconcilable with God.
It seems feasible for the gods of Greek and Roman antiquity to pose as goddesses of love and beauty, like Aphrodite and Venus, because in antique mythology human love was a quality of gods.
b. Given the dual nature of Jesus in the eyes of Christians, his love for mankind may be understood more easily by them as corresponding to the human sentiment which all men and women experience. The same conclusion might be drawn from interpreting the history of Israel as a sentimental mutual relationship between a loving God and his privileged “Chosen People”.
c. At any rate, in Christianity the loving nature of God is taken as an essential quality of deity, as expressed in startling fashion: “We love Him because He first loved us.” (New International Version, 1 John 4: 19)
On this basis, Jesus is seen by many Christians as sort of a perfect Sufi. In fact, in much of Christian mysticism was cultivated a startling intimacy with Jesus that for Muslims borders on, or crosses over into, blasphemy.
This was true in particular with the Spanish nun, St. Theresa of Avila (d. 1582) and her spiritual friend St. John of the Cross (d. around 1581). This trend opened the door for a humanization of Jesus, allowing him to be depicted as suffering with man, even now.
The Islamic Concept
a. In the Quran, we are told that God is self-sufficient (64: 6, last sentence). This fundamental self-description definitely excludes that God is in love with his creation the way humans treasure, desire, and miss each other, trying to fuse their self with a beloved person to whom they may become utterly dependent.
God cannot possibly love his creation that human way! Therefore it is safer and more accurate not to speak of “love” when addressing His clemency, compassion, benevolence, goodness, or mercy.
b. This assessment is not contradicted by the many verses in which God is mentioned as “loving” something. Thus it says that God loves:
The doers of good (3: 31, 148; 5: 93),
those who are patient in adversity (3: 146),
those who place their trust in Him (3: 159),
those who are conscious of Him (9: 7),
all who purify themselves (9: 108),
those who believe and do perform good deeds (19: 96),
those who act equitably (60: 8).
In all these cases, God “loves” must be understood as God “approves”, “is content with” or “views positively” those who act as described. “Love” here does not refer to emotional involvement.
That this interpretation is correct can be deduced as well from those verses in which God speaks of not loving. Thus we read that God does not love:
The disbelievers (3: 32),
the transgressors (5: 87; 7: 55),
the wasteful (7: 31), nor
the traitors (8: 58).
“Not loving” here stands for disapproving, condemning, criticizing, rejecting.
c. However, in 19: 96, we do read after all that the Most Gracious will bestow His love on those who attain to faith and do good deeds, in 3: 31 that: {If you indeed love Allah…Allah will love you}, and in 5: 54 that, under circumstances, God will in time {bring forth people whom He loves and who love Him}. Admittedly, these quotations could be seen as proof for a love of God for His creation comparable to the love human beings are capable of. But this interpretation must be ruled out as incompatible with the very nature of God as sublime and totally self-sufficient.
Conclusion
The Christian and the Islamic considerations concerning love in divine context have been shown as not being identical but similar, as was to be expected.
Differences between the two approaches result above all from the:
Muslim reticence to associate God with a humanized notion of love,
Muslim preference for the term “brotherhood” in most cases for which Christians choose to employ the term “love” (of one’s neighbor).
There is, however, a major theoretical discrepancy between the two denominations in as much as the concept of loving one’s enemy is nowhere to be found in Islamic doctrine (if one neglects certain Christianized Muslim mystic circles).
This difference is, however, more theoretical than real. Indeed, at no moment in history was Christian behavior on the ground determined by their doctrine of loving one’s enemy — not even to the slightest degree. And this observation is not surprising since loving one’s enemy goes against the very grain of people and therefore is nowhere acted upon as a rule. Living according to the concept of loving one`s enemy was given only to a few people of saintly disposition, like St. Francis of Assisi (d. 1226) on the Christian side and Jalal ad-Din Rumi (d. 1273) among Muslims. Their supreme humility and tolerance, their devotion to other men, and their joyous religious fervor were so singular that, as exceptions, they confirmed the rule sketched out above.
This leads me to a final consideration concerning the psychological impact of promoting a rule — to love one’s foe — that is inaccessible to 99.9% of all people. Admitting this situation, Christians might argue that nevertheless we need lofty ideals to strive for, even if they are virtually unattainable. Muslims might reply that it is detrimental for public morality if unattainable rules are promoted which, of course, are constantly violated by everybody in sight, because that (Christian) approach creates a climate of, and promotes, hypocrisy at a massive scale. I share the latter judgment, being afraid that people used to violating basic rules of their professed moral code might become cynical about morality as such.
Indeed there is divine wisdom behind the fact that all religious obligations placed on Muslims while not being easy to fulfill are all within reach of the average believer.
In this sense, too, Islam by being more simple is more sane.
Source:onislam.net
Loving God in Islam and Christianity
The Christian Concept
Christians consider their faith ...
Jesus Was Neither Killed Nor Crucified
We have seen that Jesus (pbuh) greeted his disciples like a Muslim, by saying: “Peace be unto you”, when he appeared before them after his so-called ‘resurrection’ (John 20:19). Muslims use the same words to greet, (but in Arabic): Assalaamu Alaikum.
We have also seen that the utterances of Jesus have been supportive of and predicting about the rise of Muhammad (pbuh), and through him the belief Islam and the believing nation of Muslims, to which his followers are required to join.
In John 16: 12 & 13, Jesus says:
“I have yet many things to say unto you,
but you cannot bear them now.
Howbeit when he, the spirit of truth, is come,
He will guide you into all truth; ”
This prophecy by Prophet Jesus (pbuh) refers to Prophet Muhammad (pbuh), whose arrival his followers were directed to await. The many things that Jesus would have liked to tell his followers have not been told to them, not because Jesus did not know them, but only because his followers were not ready to bear them at that time: “..... but you cannot bear them now.”
When Jesus (pbuh) states “you cannot bear them now”, it only refers to his followers and does not include himself, because he did not say: “WE cannot bear them now”.
Since Jesus didn't count himself among them in this matter, it means he was ready to bear them: the guidance that the expected prophet will bring. He was aware of them and he was ready to bear them. But did he follow in action what he knew and was ready for? Yes. He did much of what a Muslim would do and is expected to do. In fact, this begins to happen even while he anticipates arrest by the Roman rulers.
He comes to know that he will be betrayed by one of his disciples, Judas, into the hands of the Jews, who intended to kill him. Apart from this, the other thing that makes him sorrowful is that he was expecting to do many things that a Muslim does. He was looking forward to the joy of doing all those things; but now his end is staring on the face. He tells his disciples:
“My soul is exceeding sorrowful unto death: tarry ye here, and watch.” (Mark 14:34)
The one thing that he can surely do, before he is arrested, is to pray to the Lord as a Muslim prays. So he prays like a Muslim and does prostration (Sajda), touching his forehead to the ground:
“And he went a little further, and fell on his face, and prayed....” (Matthew 26:39) What is his prayer to the Lord? The verse (Matthew 26:39) continues: “...saying, O my Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me: nevertheless not as I will, but as you will.”
Mark 14:36 says about his prayer: “And he said, Abba, Father, all things [are] possible unto thee; take away this cup from me: nevertheless not what I will, but what you will.”
Luke 22:42 says about Jesus’ prayer: “Saying, Father, if you be willing, remove this cup from me: nevertheless not my will, but your, be done.”
The common thing observed from the above verses is: Jesus (peace be upon him) prays to the Lord to save him from the anticipated persecution at the hands of the Jews; yet not as Jesus wishes but as the Lord wills. Do you realize what Jesus is stating at this moment? He subdues his wishes and submits himself to the will of Allah. In other words, Jesus declares his Islam, submission, at that moment.
As already explained in Article 1 in this series: A Muslim is one who has submitted to the will of Allah. Islam means submission (to the will of Allah), while it also means Peace. Thus, by declaring his submission to the will of Allah, Jesus declared himself to be a Muslim.
It was also mentioned in Chapter 2 that Jesus (pbuh), as also the other prophets before him, called themselves ‘Muslims’.
But, then, why their followers were not named as ‘Muslims’, too?
If the followers of the different other prophets were also to be called as ‘Muslims’, then there would have been confusion in distinguishing between the true Muslims (who believe in all the prophets) and the followers of other prophets (who believe in some prophets and disbelieve in the rest). Belief in all the messengers of Allah is a basic requirement to be called a Muslim. Allah tells the Muslims in Qur'an:
“ Say (O Muslims): We believe in Allah and that which is revealed unto us and that which was revealed unto Abraham, and Ishmael, and Isaac, and Jacob, and the tribes, and that which Moses and Jesus received, and that which the Prophets received from their Lord. We make no distinction between any of them, and unto Him we have surrendered. ” (2:136)
Thus, Jesus (pbuh) practiced Islam, i.e., Submission and he got Islam, i.e., Peace. How?
The Bible tells us in Luke 22:43
“ And there appeared an angel unto him from heaven, strengthening him.”
This is in appreciation of his act of Submission and as an answer to his prayers. The strength at that moment but what he needed most desperately was solace and assurance from the Lord that he would be saved from the arrest and wanted the freedom to perform the things he wanted to do as a Muslim.
So, Jesus the Muslim (peace be upon him) had prayed in ARABIC: “Yaa Ilaahi, Yaa Ilaahi, Lima Sabaqtanee? ”. Does the phrase sound familiar? Yes, this is what he asked the Lord at that moment. “O my Lord, O my Lord, Why have you advanced me (in my end)? ”
Since he wished to do important things which a Muslim must do while he is still alive, the threatened end troubles him. So his prayer: “ O my Lord, O my Lord, Why have you ADVANCED ME? ”
Having not understood what he said, but actually having misunderstood what he said, the writers of the Gospel shifted these words into a situation where it fitted according to their understanding and scheme. The prayer has thus been misunderstood and then quoted out of context.
He did not utter such words at the cross, where he was never taken. They say that Jesus said: "Eli, Eli, Lama Sabachtani? That is to say: My God, My God, why have you forsaken me? "(Matthew 27:46)
The above statement attributed to Jesus is totally wrong, because:
1. God will never forsake His messenger.
2. Jesus, who submits himself to the will of the Lord, will never utter such a
Word.
(Please refer to the three verses quoted above: Matthew 26:39, Mark 14:36 and Luke 22:42)
The prayer of Jesus (pbuh) did not go unanswered, but was answered through the angel, which appeared, in order to strengthen him. Luke 22:43:“ And there appeared an angel unto him from heaven, strengthening him.”
What message did the angel carry from the Lord, in reply to Jesus’ question: “ O my Lord, O my Lord, Why have you advanced me? ”
Let us turn to Qur'an, 3:55:
“When Allah said: O Jesus! I will complete you(r term)
and cause you to ascend unto Me
and cleanse you of those who disbelieve...”
Allah assures that Jesus will be saved from the Jews and that his term and what is destined for him is guaranteed for him and that Allah will cause Jesus to ascend unto Him. The Bible agrees that Jesus ascended unto heaven (Luke 24:51), but the main dispute is about what happened in between: the alleged crucifixion, death and resurrection of Jesus (pbuh).
Allah says in Qur'an that they neither killed him nor crucified him, but it was made to appear so unto them. In many places in Qur'an, it has been mentioned that Jews used to kill the prophets unjustly. But in the case of Jesus (pbuh) it vehemently denies that they killed him or that they crucified him. This is because Qur'an will not contain anything except truth.
Chapter 4, Verses 157 & 158:
“and their saying : we killed Christ Jesus, son of Mary, The messenger of Allah - but they killed him not, nor crucified him, but it was made to appear to them so; and those who disagree concerning it are full of doubts; they have no knowledge thereof save pursuit of a conjecture; For surely they killed him not; but Allah took him up unto Himself; and Allah is ever mighty, wise.”
From the sayings of Prophet Muhammad (pbuh), we get a more detailed account. The Muslim belief is that Allah changed the face of the person who betrayed Jesus, showing to the rulers the place where he was hiding, into a face resembling Jesus. So, they crucified that betrayer instead of Jesus.
Let us now do a deeper study of the above verses of Qur'an, so that we may be rightly guided into the truth. Allah says in Qur'an not only that Jesus was not killed, but also that he was not crucified, either. Those who do not accept the truth or those who accept only a part of the truth will never get at the truth.
As a result,
1. those who wish to prove that Jesus was crucified, but did not die at the cross; and
2. those who believe that Jesus was crucified and killed at the cross,
have equally failed to convince and provide clear-cut answers to the many points that beg a solution. Allah has said: “......and those who disagree concerning it are full of doubts.”
Those who disagree that he was neither killed nor crucified, are full of doubts.
So, before proceeding with our study, let us not disagree and let us not be in doubt any more. But let us fully believe in what Allah, The Exalted, says, so that we may be correctly guided. Allah says to Muhammad (pbuh), about Qur'an: “And We sent down the Book to you for the express purpose, that you should make clear to them those things in which they differ, and that it should be a guide and a mercy to those who believe.” (Qur'an 16:64)
Allah has said three things about the alleged crucifixion of Jesus:
1. They didn't kill him.
2. They didn't crucify him.
3. But it was made to appear to them so.
In the case of an affirmative sentence, like: “They killed him” , there is no doubt. Everything is clear. 1. The Offender 2. The Offence 3. The Offended. But once the word “NOT” comes in and makes it a negative sentence, like: “They DID NOT kill him”, there is a possibility to vary the meaning in three ways by shifting the stress alternatingly on the rest of the three words:
1. “They did not kill him” would mean that somebody else killed him.
2. “They did not kill him” in this context would mean that they just tortured him but did not kill him.
3. “They did not kill him” would mean that they killed somebody else.
We should remember that Qur'an is not denying the events wholesale by saying: “No. Nothing happened. Nobody did anything to anybody.” It is not saying so. Therefore, let us study further and consider for elimination, two out of the three possible variations of the sentence “They did not kill him” mentioned above.
There is no doubt as to The Offender. The Jews themselves claim to have done the deed and we all know of their complicity. Now the doubt remains about Two Things: The Offence and The Offended. About the second possibility that “They did not kill him” would mean that they crucified him but he escaped death, Allah denies that too. The next part of the verse eliminates that possibility by saying: They did not crucify him. Having eliminated the first two possibilities, only the third one survives: “They did not kill him.” Yes, it was not him that they crucified and killed, but someone else. So, let us write that part of the verse, by putting the stress on the right word:
they did not kill him;
they did not crucify him;
but it was made to appear to them so.
It was made to appear to them that they crucified Jesus and killed him. They did not kill nor crucified Jesus (pbuh).
Having fully believed in Allah’s words, let us now move on to find evidence of the truth in The Bible in support of it.
1. First of all, while Jesus was awaiting arrest by the soldiers, what he tells his disciples is that
a) “sleep on now, and take rest: it is enough, the hour is come; behold, the son of man is betrayed into the hands of the sinners.” (Mark 14:41)
b) “the son of man is betrayed to be crucified” (Matthew 26:2)
Jesus never said he will be crucified, but only reveals the intention with which he will be betrayed: “betrayed to be crucified”.
2. Jesus says in Matthew 26:24: “The son of man goes as it is written of him: but woe unto that man by whom the son of man is betrayed! it had been good for that man if he had not been born”.
a) About himself, Jesus (pbuh) says: “The son of man goes as it is written of him ” ; goes and not dies.
b) About the betrayer he says: “it had been good for that man if he had not been born”, a nice way of wishing death for the betrayer.
Even after this curse by the messenger of Allah, is there a way that the betrayer will continue to live ? Thus, in the above verse, it has been determined as to who is destined to go and who is destined to die.
3. The betrayer Judas comes in to identify Jesus, when it is dark, along with a large number of soldiers , carrying lanterns, torches and weapons. The stage is perfect for the change of form of the betrayer and the betrayed, as more confusion follows: From Mark 14:44, Matthew 26:48 and Luke 22:47, which are quoted below, it is proved that Judas drew near unto Jesus to kiss him, so as to identify him.
Mark 14:44 : And he that betrayed him had given them a token, saying, whomsoever I shall kiss, that same is he; take him, and lead [him] away safely.
Matt 26:48 Now he that betrayed him gave them a sign, saying, whomsoever I shall kiss, that same is he: hold him fast.
Luke 22:47: And while he yet spoke, behold a multitude, and he that was called Judas, one of the twelve, went before them, and drew near unto Jesus to kiss him.
From John 18:3 to 18:6 which is mentioned below, we come to know of another enabling factor:
18:3. Judas, having received a band of men and officers from the chief priests, comes inside with lanterns and torches and weapons.
18:4. Jesus therefore, knowing all things that should happen to him, went forth, and said unto them, whom do you seek?
18:5. They answered him, Jesus of Nazareth. Jesus says unto them, I am [he]. And Judas also, which betrayed him, stood with them.
18:6. As soon as he had said unto them, I am [he], they went backward, and fell to the ground.
From verse 6 above, we notice one strange thing: as soon as Jesus identifies himself, “I am (he)”, the great crowd that had come in falls to the ground. As Judas stood near Jesus (after kissing him) and as the crowd fell to the ground along with the lanterns they brought, the situation was perfect for the exchange of faces, so that those who came to arrest him do not notice it. Then the soldiers, who came to arrest Jesus, take away Judas instead, while Jesus escapes along with his other disciples, who all fled the scene.
Mark 14:50: And they all forsook him, and fled.
(The readers of Bible normally take it to mean that the disciples forsook Jesus and fled. It is shameful to think that all the disciples of Jesus forsook him at the most crucial hour of his life. Qur'an testifies that the disciples expressed their belief and loyalty:
“ But when Jesus sensed disbelief from them, he said: Who will be my helpers in the cause of Allah? The disciples said: We will be Allah’s helpers. We believe in Allah, and bear you witness that we have surrendered (unto Him). ” (3:52)
Therefore, it was Judas whom the disciples rightly forsook and all of them fled with Jesus.)
4. Now Judas is caught in an unbelievable situation, which nobody else would have experienced. Even if he tells the truth, nobody will believe it, but only think him to be Jesus trying to escape death. So it is better for him that he endures whatever happens. Some verses from the Bible are quoted below, to show how Judas behaves at the trials at the high priest's place. Whenever you encounter below the name Jesus, in the biblical verses, you have to take it as Judas, so that you may understand what the people on the scene and people in the past 2000 years have failed to comprehend.
John 18:19 to 18:23
18:19 “ The high priest therefore asked Jesus of his disciples, and of his teaching.
18:20 Jesus answered him, I spoke openly to the world; I always taught in the synagogue, and in the temple, where the Jews always meet; and in secret have I said nothing.
18:21 Why ask you me? ask them which heard me, what I have said unto them: behold, they know what I said.
18:22 And when he had thus spoken, one of the officers which stood by struck Jesus with the palm of his hand (or with a rod), saying, Answer you the high priest so?
18:23 Jesus answered him, if I have spoken evil, bear witness of the evil: but if well, why smite you me? ”
Thus the betrayer-in-a-dilemma Judas speaks evasively. He cannot preach what Jesus used to preach in the temple and in the synagogue. He neither has the authority nor the ability to repeat what Jesus used to preach. Anyway, he certainly cannot answer them if they question him further in religious matters. Had it really been Jesus, he would not have missed the opportunity to tell the priests of his teachings. But here, Judas evades the issue by saying: “I always spoke openly; I said nothing in secret; Ask them which heard me; they know what I said; If I spoke well, why you smite me.” etc.
Matthew 26:
26:62 “And the high priest stood up, and said unto him, Answer you nothing? What is it, which these witness against you?
26:63 But Jesus held his peace. And the high priest said unto him, I adjure you by the living God, that you tell us whether you are the Christ, the Son of God.”
When some false witnesses testify against Jesus (Judas), the high priest begs Judas for an answer. But Judas remains quite. Then what the priest presses Judas to answer is not whether he is guilty or not but “I adjure you by the living God, that you tell us whether you are the Christ”.
So the main question raking their brains is whether this person really is Jesus.
26:64 “Jesus said unto him, You have said: nevertheless I say unto you, Henceforth you shall see the Son of man sitting at the right hand of Power, and coming on the clouds of heaven.”
Judas does not say “I am Jesus”, but lets the priest take as true what he thinks, by saying: “You have said” and then continues “Henceforth you shall see the Son of man sitting at the right hand of Power” instead of speaking in the first person “henceforth I shall sit at the right hand of Power.”
Then they condemn him to death by holding him guilty of blasphemy. One more thing you must note now is that in this session, the process of disfiguring Judas’ face has slowly begun.
26:67 Then did they spit in his face and buffet him: and some smote him with the palms of their hands (or rods). This is quoted also in Luke 22:64.
5. Peter, who apparently witnessed what happened at the time of arrest, follows Judas to the priest's hall, so as to see what happens to Judas. The priest's servants come and question Peter three times whether he is a disciple of that person, (deeming Judas to be Jesus), but he, naturally, denies all the three times, as predicted by Jesus. Peter who was very loyal to Jesus and had told Jesus (in Matthew 26:35) “Even if I must die with you, [yet] will I not deny thee.” had to deny the person thrice because he cannot affirm to be the disciple of Judas, whom they deem to be Jesus.
6. Another account of the second session with the priests that took place on the day after the arrest, is given in Luke 22:66 to 68 :
22:66 : And as soon as it was day, the elders of the people and the chief priests and the scribes came together, and led him into their council, saying,
22:67 Are you the Christ? Tell us. And he said unto them, if I tell you, you will not believe:
22:68 And if I also ask [you], you will not answer me, nor let [me] go.
Again, they want to know if he is Jesus. And he tells them: If I tell you (that I am Judas), you will not believe. And if I ask you (what happened to Jesus), you will not answer me, nor let me go.
7. In the trial that takes place before the governor Pilate, again the dominant question is: Are you the Christ? And most of the time Judas says: YOU say it. (That is YOUR statement, NOT MINE.) On other occasions, he remains silent like a stone. Please refer Luke 23:3, Mark 15:2, Mark 15:5, Matthew 27:11, Matthew 27:12. Matthew 27:14.
8. Jesus is brought for trial before another official Herod:
Luke 23:8 and Luke 23:9:
23:8 And when Herod saw Jesus, he was exceeding glad: for he was desirous to see him of a long season, because he had heard many things of him; and he hoped to have seen some miracle done by him.
23:9 Then he questioned with him in many words; but he answered him nothing.
Poor Herod, he has been longing to witness some of the miracles that he had heard Jesus performing. But can Judas perform those miracles? On the other hand, he avoids talking straight to even somebody who is sympathetic and glad to see him, because he is not what Herod deems him to be: he is not Jesus.
9. By talking evasively and at times refusing to talk, Judas somehow managed to avoid being found guilty by the Governor and other officials. But the Jews do not wish to lose face by retreating from the actions already taken to have Jesus killed. Hence, upon their stubborn insistence, he is condemned to be crucified. Before they take him to the cross, more injury is done to him:
Mark 15:19: And they smote him on the head with a reed, and did spit upon him.
Matthew 27:30: And they spit upon him, and took the reed, and smote him on the head.
Please note that after first injuring his FACE, now it is the turn of his HEAD to be injured. Judas is killed at the cross and later on buried. John does not add dramatic words to this scene of crucifixion, but quotes what could be reasonable words from the betrayer, while he dies:
1. “ I thirst! ” (John 19:28)
2. “ It is finished! ” ... and he bowed his head, and gave up the ghost. (John 19:30)
(not the “Father, into thy hands I commend my spirit ” kind of stuff! See Luke 23:46).
10. The Bible records that Mary (pbuh), Jesus’ (pbuh) mother, was a witness to the crucifixion.
John 19:25 “Now there stood by the cross of Jesus, his mother.... ”
While the Bible records the reaction of every bystander and passer-by, it fails to mention the reaction of Mary (pbuh) the mother of Jesus, because there was no reaction from her worth mentioning. Since she knew that the person on the cross was not Jesus, she stood by the cross and just watched the punishment meted out to the betrayer of Jesus. Had the person on the cross really been Jesus, she would have reacted hysterically. Because it was she who bore Jesus with difficulty and delivered him with pains. No mother will be a mute spectator to such an event.
Qur'an records the labour pains of Mary, while she delivered Jesus:
“ And the pangs of childbirth drove her unto the trunk of the palm tree. She said: Oh, would that I had died before this and had become a thing forgotten.” (19:23)
11. The Bible says that Jesus addressed his mother from the cross as “ Woman! ” (John 19:26). No mean person will address his mother as “Woman! ”. It is only because the person on the cross was Judas and not Jesus (pbuh) that he addresses Mary as “ Women! ” Qur'an testifies that Jesus was kind to his mother and said from his cradle: “ And (God has made me) dutiful toward her who bore me, and has not made me arrogant, unblest. ” (19: 32)
12. And where is Jesus (pbuh) when all this happens. Jesus had predicted, in Matthew 12:40
“for as Jonah was three days and three nights in the belly of the whale; so shall the Son of man be three days and three nights in the heart of the earth.”
Do you know which is the heart of the earth? Before thinking further, let us consider what is the function of a heart.
It draws blood from other parts of the body for purification and again sends it back to all the parts. Right? Can you think of a place on the earth, which draws people from all parts of the earth and sends them back, too, after purifying them? And that too at a regular interval, just like the heart?
Yes, you guessed it right: it is Mecca.
It is the belief of Muslims that all the prophets wished to be a follower of Muhammad, in preference to be born as a prophet. Only Jesus was granted the wish. Jesus is expected to descend on the earth again, supported by two angels, during the reign of the expected guided leader Mahdee. Jesus (pbuh) will live as one of the followers of Muhammad (pbuh) and follow the Shariah (laws) brought by Muhammad. Jesus (peace be upon him) knew that he would live as a Muslim when he comes back to the earth. But he could not wait, as we now know, not less than twenty centuries to relish this. So, when he knows that his days in the earth are not many, he formally submits himself to the Lord, starts to pray in Arabic, does prostration and now goes on a pilgrimage to Mecca. (This may not be the first time Jesus is praying like a Muslim. Qur'an records what Jesus spoke from his cradle: “And (God) has made me blessed wheresoever I may be, and has enjoined upon me prayer and almsgiving so long as I remain alive.” (19: 31).
(Earlier, he had prayed to the Lord for the Muslims, in the following manner:
John: 17:20 & 21: 21.
17:20 Neither pray I for these alone, but for them also which shall believe on me through their word;
17:21 That they all may be one; as thou, Father, [art] in me, and I in thee, that they also may be one in us: that the world may believe that thou hast sent me).
And as predicted, he was in the heart of the earth for three days and three nights.
13. THE JEWS IN A DILEMMA:
Now let us imagine the restlessness of the Jews after the soldiers brought Judas, thinking him to be Jesus. While, according to them, Jesus is in their custody, what happened to their man, Judas? Why did he not turn up to win accolades from them, for the great betrayal he committed, in order to please them. This must have greatly disturbed them. Anyway, where is Judas?
The answer to this was provided to them by the other disciple, who was known to the high priest, and made possible the entry of Peter into the palace.
“John 18:15 : And Simon Peter followed Jesus, and [so did] another disciple: that disciple was known unto the high priest, and went in with Jesus into the palace of the high priest.
John 18:16 But Peter stood at the door without. Then went out that other disciple, which was known unto the high priest, and spake unto her that kept the door, and brought in Peter.”
That other disciple sounded the high priest of what happened at the time of arrest, but since it is an unbelievable event for everyone, they wanted to elicit information from Judas and, hence, kept on enquiring Judas, whether he is really Christ. On the basis of the information provided by the other disciple, the high priest’s people tried thrice to rope in Peter for enquiry, by sending female servants to talk to him, but he craftily refused to yield. The Jews were in a terrible dilemma.
1. Now they have to kill a person who co-operated with them against Jesus. The fellow is not even trying to save himself, being unable to overcome the humiliation wrought on him by the Lord.
2. If they disclose the truth and spare Judas, they have to bear the shame of having failed to kill Jesus. So they decided to kill Judas and claimed to have killed Jesus.
Now, they face another problem: How to account for the missing Judas. So, their soldiers removed Judas’ body from the grave, while everybody was observing the Sabbath - (the compulsory religious holiday on Saturdays.) Then they disfigure the face more, because that is the only thing that has the resemblance of Jesus. After this is done, he is now perfectly Judas. To account for the injury to the face and the head, they spread the news that is reported in Acts 1:18:
“Acts 1:18 Now this man obtained a field with the reward of his iniquity; and falling headlong, he burst asunder in the midst, and all his bowels gushed out.”
Is it not enough that they have disfigured his head and face? What is the necessity to cut open his stomach and spread the news that: “ he burst asunder in the midst, and all his bowels gushed out.”
·So that, because of the nasty stench it would produce, nobody can come near the body and notice or find out the minor injuries that Judas suffered at the cross.
·The cause of death should be very apparent from a distance, in order to avoid a close scrutiny by curious people.
The fact that all this was done by the Jews, by bribing the watchmen or the soldiers, is recorded in Matthew 28:11 to 28:15
“Matthew 28:11: Now when they were going, behold, some of the watch came into the city, and informed unto the chief priests all the things that were done.
28:12 And when they were assembled with the elders, and had taken counsel, they gave large money unto the soldiers,
28:13 Saying, Say you, His disciples came by night, and stole him [away] while we slept.
28:14 And if this come to the governor’s ears, we will persuade him, and secure you
28:15 So they took the money, and did as they were taught: and this saying is commonly reported among the Jews until this day.”
And to make it appear that it was really Jesus whom they arrested and to make the people believe that Judas was roaming freely after the arrest took place, they spread the lie that he came to the temple and threw back the silver coins he received as bribe from them: “Matthew 27:5: And he cast down the pieces of silver in the temple, and departed, and went and hanged himself.” That this verse is a total lie is borne by the fact that the other accounts talk of Judas falling headlong and his bowels gushing out. (Acts 1:18)
14. In respect of the later events:
a. at the grave where they buried Judas and
b. where Jesus meets his disciples, etc.
we find a lot of difference in the narration of Luke, John, Matthew and Mark, just as in respect of the earlier events. It is a waste of time counting and comparing the different and conflicting details. Hence, only those details that are important in view of the truth revealed above are mentioned.
15. a) When Mary Magdalene goes to the grave; she finds that the stone covering the grave of Judas is already removed.
“Mark 16:3 And they said among themselves, Who shall roll us away the stone from the door of the sepulchre?
16:4 And when they looked, they saw that the stone was rolled away: for it was very great.
16:5 And entering into the sepulchre, they saw a young man sitting on the right side, clothed in a long white garment; and they were affrighted.”
Points to be noted in the above verses: 1. The heavy stone was already rolled away by the soldiers of the governor. 2. People perform the pilgrimage rites in Mecca wearing white clothing.
b) Mary Magdalene sees two angels in white sitting. (John 20:12) Just as the Muslims believe that The Almighty will provide two angels for Jesus’ descent from heaven, when he comes again, similarly these two angels have made possible his pilgrimage to Mecca.
c) Luke 24:4 & 24:5
24:4 And it came to pass, as they were much perplexed thereabout, behold, two men stood by them in shining garments:
24:5 And as they were afraid, and bowed down [their] faces to the earth, they said unto them, Why seek ye the living among the dead?
The two men in shining garments are angels, who refer Jesus as the living, and not as the resurrected.
d) John 20:14: “And when she had thus said, she turned herself back, and saw Jesus standing, and knew not that it was Jesus.
20:15 Jesus saith unto her, Woman, why weepest thou? Whom seekest thou? She, supposing him to be the gardener, saith unto him,” etc.
Points to be noted: She saw Jesus standing, and knew not that it was Jesus, because she supposed him to be the gardener. She could not recognize Jesus, because of the changed face and deemed him to be the gardener because of the simple cloths worn while performing pilgrimage rites. Moreover, he would have had a shaven head, another rite of the pilgrimage.
e) John 20:17 “Jesus saith unto her, touch me not; for I am not yet ascended to my Father: but go to my brethren, and say unto them, I ascend unto my Father, and your Father; and [to] my God, and your God.”
Things to be noted:
1. Jesus tells her “Touch me not”.
However, when Jesus meets his disciples later, he asks them to touch him and handle him, but here he forbids her. The reason: As a good Muslim, he avoids being touched by the lady.
2. Jesus says: " I am not yet ascended to my Father: "
That means he knew that he was supposed to ascend only, as the Almighty had already informed him through the angel. His statement shows that he did not expect himself to die, nor resurrect, but only ascend.
f) The same day evening, Jesus appears before his disciples and says: “Peace be unto you”, (i.e., Assalaamu Alaikum,) as a Muslim. .
g) Luke 24:13 to 24:24 is quoted below. In this event, two disciples walking together while going to a village, are joined by Jesus. Jesus enquires them as to what they are talking and why they are sad. They narrate the whole story from being condemned to death to the vision of angels at the sepulchre. If it were Jesus who suffered all that, then he would not pretend ignorance and listen again to all that which he himself has suffered, as they think. Only because he was absent and went on the pilgrimage to Mecca, he did not know of what happened in his absence and, hence, he is enquiring and listening to the whole story.
Luke 24:13 And, behold, two of them went that same day to a village called Emmaus, which was from Jerusalem [about] threescore furlongs.
24:14 And they talked together of all these things which had happened.
24:15 And it came to pass, that, while they communed [together] and reasoned, Jesus himself drew near, and went with them.
24:16 But their eyes were holden that they should not know him.
24:17 And he said unto them, What manner of communications [are] these that ye have one to another, as ye walk, and are sad?
24:18 And the one of them, whose name was Cleopas, answering said unto him, Art thou only a stranger in Jerusalem, and hast not known the things which are come to pass there in these days?
24:19 And he said unto them, What things? And they said unto him, Concerning Jesus of Nazareth, which was a prophet mighty in deed and word before God and all the people: 24:20 And how the chief priests and our rulers delivered him to be condemned to death, and have crucified him.
24:21 But we trusted that it had been he which should have redeemed Israel: and beside all this, to day is the third day since these things were done.
24:22 Yea, and certain women also of our company made us astonished, which were early at the sepulcher;
24:23 And when they found not his body, they came, saying, that they had also seen a vision of angels, which said that he was alive.
24:24 And certain of them which were with us went to the sepulcher, and found [it] even so as the women had said: but him they saw not.”
This is another proof that it was Judas who suffered death at the cross.
h) Back in Jerusalem, Jesus has another session with the eleven disciples:
1. “Luke 24:36: And as they thus spoke, Jesus himself stood in the midst of them, and says unto them, Peace [be] unto you.
24:37 But they were terrified and affrighted, and supposed that they had seen a spirit.” Having seen the dead body of Judas, they were now 100 % sure of his death. Hence, when Jesus appears there with Judas’ face, they are terrified and affrighted and supposed that they had seen a spirit.
2. Luke 24:38: “And he said unto them, Why are you troubled? and why do thoughts arise in your hearts?
24:39 Behold my hands and my feet, that it is I myself: handle me, and see; for a spirit hath not flesh and bones, as ye see me have.
24:40 And when he had thus spoken, he shewed them [his] hands and [his] feet.”
John repeats similarly in 20:20 :
John 20:20: “And when he had so said, he shewed unto them [his] hands and his side. Then were the disciples glad, when they saw the Lord.”
From the above, we can understand fully well, that Jesus’ face is not the identity of the person, at that moment, because it looked like Judas’. Hence, “Behold my hands and my feet, that it is I myself” and “when they saw his hands and his sides they were glad they saw the Lord ”
3. Luke 24:41 “ And while they yet believed not for joy, and wondered, he said unto them, Have ye here any meat?
24:42 And they gave him a piece of a broiled fish, and of an honeycomb.”
Fish is the only thing that a Muslim can obtain from anyone and eat. The meat of other (permitted) animals and birds should be properly slaughtered in the manner taught by Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) and by mentioning the name of Allah over it, while slaughtering. Hence, the other meat cannot be obtained from everybody.
4. John 20:30 “And many other signs truly did Jesus in the presence of his disciples, which are not written in this book.”
Most important of which should be: restoration of his face, as it looked before.
The Bible does provide a clue that Jesus' face was restored to its original appearance, before his ascension unto heaven.
In the verse of John 21:12, which is in the context of the events just before his ascension, it is written:
“ Jesus saith unto them, Come [and] dine. And none of the disciples durst ask him, Who art thou? knowing that it was the Lord.” This time, there is no need to see his hands and his feet to know that it is Jesus.
Now, it is time to thank the Almighty for opening our eyes to the truth, by accepting Islam. We now know for certain that:
1. There is no God except Allah; and
2. Muhammad (peace be upon him) is a slave and a messenger of Allah and the last of the prophets, whom all the people have to follow. This has been foretold in The Bible.
3. Idols and graven images are forbidden.
4. Allah sent messengers to all nations.
5. Jesus (peace be upon him) too is a slave and a messenger of Allah, but sent only for (the lost sheep of) the house of Israel.
6. Jesus is a creation of Allah; he is not His son and has no portion whatsoever in His Sovereignty.
7. Jesus was not killed, nor crucified. It was his betrayer who was killed on the cross.
The next time you see a cross, you would know that it is not a sign that relates to Jesus, but something that denotes the punishment his betrayer deserved and got.
But..., should we have a memorial to commemorate the betrayer of a mighty messenger of Allah ?
Qur’an: 5: 83 to 86.
83. When they listen to that which has been revealed unto the messenger, you see their eyes overflow with tears because of their recognition of the truth. They say: Our Lord, we believe; write us down as among the witnesses.
84. How should we not believe in Allah and that which has come unto us of the truth and we hope that our Lord will admit us to the company of the righteous folk.
85. Allah has rewarded them for what they said: Gardens underneath which rivers flow, wherein they will abide forever. That is the reward of the good people.
86. But those who disbelieve and deny Our signs, they shall be companions of hell-fire.
Ref. MissionIslam.com
We have seen that Jesus (pbuh) greeted his disciples like a Muslim, by saying: “Peace be unto you”, when he appeared ...
Rare Earth Hypothesis in the Quran, how the earth was created
Rare Earth Hypothesis in the Quran, how the earth was created, scientific miracles in the Quran
When an inventor submits a patent application to the patent office, he describes his invention and follows it with a list of claims or steps that lead him to that invention. Apparently, this seems to be the same approach that Allah; the Almighty, has followed to support his claim for the creation of the Heavens and the Earth. Indeed Ayahs 43 and 44 of the Spider state that Allah has presented us with examples [claims] for the creation of the Heaven & the Earth, and such claims can only be understood by those of knowledge. In other words, the Quran is telling us to see what science is saying about the formation of planet earth and link it to the claims that the Almighty has presented to us.
All references in this article are linked to the original sources such as Wikipedia, Quran Al Tafsser, APOD and other scientific references.
Quranic Ayahs (verses) are colored in green to distinguish them from our own writing, you will notice that within the translations are bracketed terms such as [Your] that were embedded by the translator as he believed that this is what is meant by the Ayahs as in the following example [67:4] Then return [your] vision twice again. [Your] vision will return to you humbled while it is fatigued.
The word “Ard” in Arabic أرض refers to the both the planet earth and the land (crust), in a similar fashion to the word Earth in English, however, there is a rule of thumb in the Quran that when Earth is paired with Heavens, then it refers to planet Earth, while if it is referenced alone then it refers to the land we walk on (crust), the only exception is when the Quran refers to the creation of the planet, as the planet was created in the first four days and the heavens were created in the next two days. as such you will find the term [land] in italic that refers to adjustments made by the writer.
In modern science, two hypotheses (theories) where laid down regarding the formation of the earth, those are:
Theory 1:
Carl Sagan and Frank Drake, among others argued that Earth is a typical rocky planet in a typical planetary system, located in a non-exceptional region of a common barred-spiral galaxy. Given the principle of mediocrity (also called the Copernican principle), it is probable that the universe teems with complex life.
What supports this argument is a statistic based on the Kepler observations stating that the Milky-way contains around 40 billion earth-sized planets orbiting stars in their habitable zones, 11 billion of which orbit stars similar in size to our sun.
Theory 2:
The Rare Earth hypothesis argues that the emergence of complex multi-cellular life on Earth (and, subsequently, intelligence) required an improbable combination of astrophysical and geological events and circumstances. The hypothesis argues that complex extraterrestrial life is a very improbable phenomenon and likely to be extremely rare. The term “Rare Earth” originates from Rare Earth: Why Complex Life Is Uncommon in the Universe (2000), a book by Peter Ward, a geologist and paleontologist, and Donald E. Brownlee, an astronomer and astrobiologist, both faculty members at the University of Washington.
While the first theory describes the ease and abundance of earth-like planets, the second puts certain requirements and a mathematical formula (equation) for the existence of a habitable planet, those are:
1- The right location in the right kind of galaxy
Rare Earth suggests that much of the known universe, including large parts of our galaxy, cannot support complex life; Ward and Brownlee refer to such regions as “dead zones”. Those parts of a galaxy where complex life is possible make up the galactic habitable zone. This zone is primarily a function of distance from the galactic center. As that distance increases 1- Star metallicity declines. Metals (which in astronomy means all elements other than hydrogen and helium) are necessary to the formation of terrestrial planets, 2- The X-ray and gamma rayradiation from the black hole at the galactic center, and from nearby neutron stars, becomes less intense. Radiation of this nature is considered dangerous to complex life, 3- Gravitational perturbation of planets and planetesimals by nearby stars becomes less likely as the density of stars decreases.
Item #1 rules out the outer reaches of a galaxy; #2 and #3 rule out galactic inner regions
Claims in the Quran:
In Sorat Fussilat [41] where Allah described the creation of the Heavens & Earth day-by-day, He described a unique event at the beginning of the fifth day as:
[41:11] Then He directed [leveled] Himself to the heaven while it was smoke and said to it and to the earth, “Come, willingly or by compulsion.” They said, “We have come willingly.”
{ ثُمَّ ٱسْتَوَىٰ إِلَى ٱلسَّمَآءِ وَهِيَ دُخَانٌ فَقَالَ لَهَا وَلِلأَرْضِ ٱئْتِيَا طَوْعاً أَوْ كَرْهاً قَالَتَآ أَتَيْنَا طَآئِعِينَ } فصِّلت 12
Allah, the Almighty has directed a part of the heaven and the earth that developed within it in four days to come to a particular location, and they said, “We have come willingly.”, what supports this argument is the meaning of the word “Sawa’ ” in the previous Ayah, which means that the first four days were equal in duration! Both Al Razi and Al Shaarawi reached the same conclusion.
As for the effect of the cosmic rays, Allah described the phenomenon in a different fashion by stating that He raised Heaven and imposed the balance, the same way we do when we hide ourselves under the bed cover on a cold night, we raise the bed cover a bit to have some breathing space and at the same time keep away the unfriendly environment:
[55:7] And the heaven He raised and imposed the balance
{وَٱلسَّمَآءَ رَفَعَهَا وَوَضَعَ ٱلْمِيزَانَ} الرحمن 7
While in Sorat 21 – The Prophets, He described it as a canopy well-secured.
Quran Miracles, the canopy or dome as visualized by scientists
[21:32] and [that] We have set up the sky as a canopy well-secured? And yet, they stubbornly turn away from [all] the signs of this [creation].
{ وَجَعَلْنَا ٱلسَّمَآءَ سَقْفاً مَّحْفُوظاً وَهُمْ عَنْ آيَاتِهَا مُعْرِضُونَ } الانبياء 32
When prophet Mohammad was asked about the meaning of this Ayat, his reply was: “waves shielded from you” and described its shape as a dome. Keep in mind that X-rays and Gamma-rays are scientifically defined as high-energy waves.
If the star is not strong enough, the point of balance or Heliopause, will be close to the orbit of planets if not within, on the other hand, if the star’s orbit is too close to the galactic centre, the point of balance will also be pushed towards the orbit of the planets due to the intensity of the waves and might cause the shield to collapse.
2- Orbiting at the right distance from the right type of star
The hypothesis suggests that complex life requires water in the liquid state, and a central star’s planet must therefore be at an appropriate distance. This is the core of the notion of the habitable zone or Goldilocks Principle. The habitable zone forms a ring around the central star. If a planet orbits its sun too closely or too far away, the surface temperature is incompatible with water being liquid.
The habitable zone varies with the type and age of the central star. Small red dwarf stars conversely have small habitable zones wherein planets are in tidal lock—one side always faces the star and becomes very hot and the other always faces away and becomes very cold. Rare Earth proponents argue that life therefore cannot arise in such systems and that only central stars that range from F7 to K1 stars are hospitable.
Claims in the Quran:
The Quran places more emphasis on the challenge of bringing water into earth, several Ayahs in the Quran describe how the Almighty brought down water from the heaven to bring to life a dead planet, and as an essential component for life, the amount of water was in a measured amount:
[23:18] And We sent down water out of the heaven in measure, and We lodged it within the earth; and We are indeed able to take it away.
{ وَأَنزَلْنَا مِنَ ٱلسَّمَآءِ مَآءً بِقَدَرٍ فَأَسْكَنَّٰهُ فِي ٱلأَرْضِ وَإِنَّا عَلَىٰ ذَهَابٍ بِهِ لَقَٰدِرُونَ } المؤمنون 18:
The Quran also state that life on earth is not possible without water:
[21:30] Have those who disbelieved not considered that the heavens and the earth were a joined entity, and We separated them and made from water every living thing? Then will they not believe?
{ أَوَلَمْ يَرَ ٱلَّذِينَ كَفَرُوۤاْ أَنَّ ٱلسَّمَٰوَٰتِ وَٱلأَرْضَ كَانَتَا رَتْقاً فَفَتَقْنَاهُمَا وَجَعَلْنَا مِنَ ٱلْمَآءِ كُلَّ شَيْءٍ حَيٍّ أَفَلاَ يُؤْمِنُونَ } الأنياء 30
Tidal Lock
The twilight is the line separating night from day, should this line be made stationary, this would mean that earth would enter into tidal lock with the sun
Again, Allah speaks in the following Ayah’s to those of knowledge in describing how the earth was in a tidal lock with the sun and then he freed it, this freeing action caused the creation of the night & day, this freeing action also caused the winds to flow globally that will later bring clouds. After freeing the earth from the tidal lock, Allah brought from the heaven water in a measured amount and settled it into the earth in order to bring to life a dead planet.
[25:45] Have you not considered your Lord – how He extends the shadow [twilight], and if He willed, He could have made it stationary? Then We made the sun for it an indication. [25:46] Then We hold it in hand for a brief grasp. [25:47] And it is He who has made the night for you as clothing and sleep [a means for] rest and has made the day a resurrection. [25:48] And it is He who sends the winds as good tidings before His mercy, and We send down from the sky pure water. [25:49] That We may bring to life thereby a dead land and give it as drink to those We created of numerous livestock and men.
{ أَلَمْ تَرَ إِلَىٰ رَبِّكَ كَيْفَ مَدَّ ٱلظِّلَّ وَلَوْ شَآءَ لَجَعَلَهُ سَاكِناً ثُمَّ جَعَلْنَا ٱلشَّمْسَ عَلَيْهِ دَلِيلاً } * { ثُمَّ قَبَضْنَاهُ إِلَيْنَا قَبْضاً يَسِيراً } * { وَهُوَ الَّذِي جَعَلَ لَكُمُ ٱلَّيلَ لِبَاساً وَٱلنَّوْمَ سُبَاتاً وَجَعَلَ ٱلنَّهَارَ نُشُوراً} * { وَهُوَ ٱلَّذِيۤ أَرْسَلَ ٱلرِّيَاحَ بُشْرَاً بَيْنَ يَدَيْ رَحْمَتِهِ وَأَنزَلْنَا مِنَ ٱلسَّمَآءِ مَآءً طَهُوراً } * {لِّنُحْيِـيَ بِهِ بَلْدَةً مَّيْتاً وَنُسْقِيَهُ مِمَّا خَلَقْنَآ أَنْعَاماً وَأَنَاسِيَّ كَثِيراً }الفرقان 45
3- The right arrangement of planets
Rare Earth argues that a planetary system capable of sustaining complex life must be structured more or less like the Solar System, with small and rocky inner planets and outer gas giants. In addition, the arrangement of the Solar System is not only rare but optimal as the large mass and gravitational attraction of the gas giants provide protection for the inner rocky planets from Small Solar System body impacts and asteroid bombardment.
Claims in the Quran
[37:6] Lo! We have adorned the lowest heaven with an ornament, the planets; [37:7] And as protection against every rebellious devil. Note: the Ayah clearly states the Arabic word “Kawkeb” which is an exact meaning for planets, some translations contain the word “stars” instead.
[41:12] And He completed them as seven heavens within two days and inspired in each heaven its command. And We adorned the nearest heaven with lamps and as protection. That is the determination of the Exalted in Might, the Knowing.
[67:5] And, indeed, We have adorned the skies nearest to the earth with lights, and have made them the object of futile guesses for the evil ones [from among men]: and for them have We readied suffering through a blazing flame.
From the above three verses, we can conclude that:
1- The lamps are the planets.
2- The near heaven contains the planets.
3- The planets are there as a protection.
4- The planets provide protection by becoming a piling place for the rebellious devils.
4- A continuously stable orbit
Rare Earth argues that a gas giant must not be too close to a body upon which life is developing, unless that body is one of its moons. Close placement of gas giant(s) could disrupt the orbitof a potential life-bearing planet, either directly or by drifting into the habitable zone. Newtonian dynamics can produce chaotic planetary orbits, especially in a system having large planets at high orbital eccentricity.[17]
Claims in the Quran:
[81:15] No! I swear by the slinkers, [81:16] the runners, the sinkers
{ فَلا أُقْسِمُ بالخُنَّسِ الجَوَارِ الكُنَّسِ } التكوير – 16
The books of tafseer such as Al Tabari referred to the five known planets at the time, when a man walked to Ali and asked him, what are the slinkers, runners and sinkers, Ali replied, the planets. In other words the Almighty described the planets as slinkers, runners and sinkers!
In 2006, and after several debates and failed proposals, the International Astronomical Union (IAU) reached a definition for a planet in our solar system which subsequently lead to the demotion of Pluto from a “planet” to a “dwarf planet”. The definition states that a planet is a “A celestial body that (a) is in orbit around the Sun, (b) has sufficient mass for its self-gravity to overcome rigid body forces so that it assumes a hydrostatic equilibrium (nearly round) shape, and (c) has cleared the neighborhood around its orbit.”
Did you notice the similarity between the oath in the Quran and the 2006 definition of the IAU, here it is again:
Quran
2006 IAU Definition
The word Khonnasالخُنَّسِ in arabic dictionary means to contract and wrap around itself
b) has sufficient mass for its self-gravity to overcome rigid body forces so that it assumes a hydro-static equilibrium(nearly round) shape
The word Jawar الجَوَارِ refers to the action of mevement; as per the books of tafsir, horses move, the sun moves and the wind moves
a) is in orbit around the Sun
The word Konnas الكُنَّسِ means to sweep leftovers and dirt
c) has cleared the neighborhood around its orbit
This description can only happen if the planets are in stable orbits.
5- A terrestrial planet of the right size
It is argued that life requires terrestrial planets like Earth and as gas giants lack such a surface, that complex life cannot arise there.A planet that is too small cannot hold much of an atmosphere. Hence the surface temperature becomes more variable and the average temperature drops. Substantial and long-lasting oceans become impossible. The core will cool faster, and plate tectonics will either not last as long as they would on a larger planet or may not occur at all.
Claims in the Quran
The Quran did mention the significance of making iron lenient to prophet David; an indication of the first use of wrought iron or steel; God also taught him how to make ringed-iron jackets.
However, the Quran states that both water and Iron where sent down to earth, while we have explained the significance of water for life, iron; “hadeed in Arabic” or حديد; was honored by naming an entire Sora after it, the Ayat that refers to the particular event is:
[57:25] We have verily sent Our messengers with clear signs, and We revealed with them the Scripture and the Balance, so that mankind may uphold justice. And We sent down iron, wherein is great might, and [many] uses for mankind, and so that God may know those who help Him and His messengers through the Unseen. Assuredly God is Strong, Mighty.
{ لَقَدْ أَرْسَلْنَا رُسُلَنَا بِٱلْبَيِّنَاتِ وَأَنزَلْنَا مَعَهُمُ ٱلْكِتَابَ وَٱلْمِيزَانَ لِيَقُومَ ٱلنَّاسُ بِٱلْقِسْطِ وَأَنزَلْنَا ٱلْحَدِيدَ فِيهِ بَأْسٌ شَدِيدٌ وَمَنَافِعُ لِلنَّاسِ وَلِيَعْلَمَ ٱللَّهُ مَن يَنصُرُهُ وَرُسُلَهُ بِٱلْغَيْبِ إِنَّ ٱللَّهَ قَوِيٌّ عَزِيزٌ } الحديد 25
Planet earth is the most dense of all terrestrial planets, and this is due to the extra iron in its core, Iron is responsible for generating the electromagnetic field of earth, also known as the Van Allen radiation belt, which shields earth from the solar winds. Should the solar winds reach the upper layers of the atmosphere, it will ionize the water molecules in the upper atmosphere leaving earth with no water in a similar fashion to what happened to Mars and is happening to Venus. This is what the trailing part of the Ayat states:
[23:18] And We sent down water out of the heaven in measure, and We lodged it within the earth; and We are indeed able to take it away.
6- With plate tectonics
Rare Earth proponents argue that plate tectonics is essential for the emergence and sustenance of complex life. Ward & Brownlee assert that biodiversity, global temperature regulation, carbon cycle and the magnetic field of the Earth that make it habitable for complex terrestrial life all depend on plate tectonics.
Claims in the Quran
Splitting the earth into fissures
Allah linked the existence of our food to two primary events, the pouring of water and the splitting of the earth:
[80:24] So let man consider his food [80:25] that We pour down water plenteously; [80:26] then We split the earth [land] into fissures, [80:27] and [then] cause the grains to grow therein, [80:28] and vines and herbs, [80:29] and olives and date-palms, [80:30] and gardens of dense foliage, [80:31] and fruits and pastures, [80:32] as sustenance for you and your flocks. [80:33] So when the [deafening] Cry comes [80:34] the day when a man will flee from his [own] brother, [80:35] and his mother and his father, [80:36] and his wife and his sons, [80:37] every person that day will have a matter to preoccupy him. [80:38] On that day some faces will be shining, [80:39] laughing, joyous. [80:40] And some faces on that day will be covered with dust, [80:41] overcast with gloom. [80:42] Those are the disbelievers, the profligates.
{ فَلْيَنظُرِ ٱلإِنسَانُ إِلَىٰ طَعَامِهِ } * { أَنَّا صَبَبْنَا ٱلْمَآءَ صَبّاً } * { ثُمَّ شَقَقْنَا ٱلأَرْضَ شَقّاً } * {فَأَنبَتْنَا فِيهَا حَبّاً } * { وَعِنَباً وَقَضْباً } * {وَزَيْتُوناً وَنَخْلاً } *{ وَحَدَآئِقَ غُلْباً } عبس 24
While plate tectonics can be described in three distinct movement patterns namely; 1- Transform (slide) 2- convergent, and 3- divergent, the Quran described all three of them!
Plate Tectonics
According to Prophet Mohammad, peace be upon him, during earth’s creation, earth was totally submerged by water until a sea-mount reached the surface where Mecca is, from which the Almighty spread the land and later split it. The Quran described the first type of plates tectonics as neighbouring plots:
In sorat Al-Raad الرعد, the Almighty said: [13:3] And it is He who spread the earth [land] and placed therein firmly set mountains and rivers; and from all of the fruits He made therein two mates; He causes the night to cover the day. Indeed in that are signs for a people who give thought [13:4] And within the land are neighboring plots and gardens of grapevines and crops and palm trees, [growing] several from a root or otherwise, watered with one water; but We make some of them exceed others in [quality of] fruit. Indeed in that are signs for a people who reason.
{وَهُوَ ٱلَّذِي مَدَّ ٱلأَرْضَ وَجَعَلَ فِيهَا رَوَاسِىَ وَأَنْهَاراً وَمِن كُلِّ ٱلثَّمَرَاتِ جَعَلَ فِيهَا زَوْجَيْنِ ٱثْنَيْنِ يُغْشِى ٱلَّيلَ ٱلنَّهَارَ إِنَّ فِي ذٰلِكَ لآيَاتٍ لِّقَوْمٍ يَتَفَكَّرُونَ} * {وَفِي ٱلأَرْضِ قِطَعٌ مُّتَجَاوِرَاتٌ وَجَنَّاتٌ مِّنْ أَعْنَابٍ وَزَرْعٌ وَنَخِيلٌ صِنْوَانٌ وَغَيْرُ صِنْوَانٍ يُسْقَىٰ بِمَآءٍ وَاحِدٍ وَنُفَضِّلُ بَعْضَهَا عَلَىٰ بَعْضٍ فِي ٱلأُكُلِ إِنَّ فِي ذٰلِكَ لآيَاتٍ لِّقَوْمٍ يَعْقِلُونَ} الرعد 3
The Quran also described the other two interrelated movements:
[13:41] Have they not seen that We set upon the land, reducing it from its borders? And Allah decides; there is no adjuster of His decision. And He is swift in account.
{أَوَلَمْ يَرَوْاْ أَنَّا نَأْتِي ٱلأَرْضَ نَنقُصُهَا مِنْ أَطْرَافِهَاوَٱللَّهُ يَحْكُمُ لاَ مُعَقِّبَ لِحُكْمِهِ وَهُوَ سَرِيعُ ٱلْحِسَابِ} الرعد 41
And again, in sorat “The Prophets” الأنبياء, the Almighty said[21:44] But, [on the contrary], We have provided good things for these [disbelievers] and their fathers until life was prolonged for them. Then do they not see that We set upon the land, reducing it from its borders? So is it they who will overcome?
{بَلْ مَتَّعْنَا هَـٰؤُلاۤءِ وَآبَآءَهُمْ حَتَّىٰ طَالَ عَلَيْهِمُ ٱلْعُمُرُأَفَلاَ يَرَوْنَ أَنَّا نَأْتِي ٱلأَرْضَ نَنقُصُهَا مِنْ أَطْرَافِهَآ أَفَهُمُ ٱلْغَالِبُونَ} الأنبياء 41
So important plate tectonics are, that Allah, made a bold statement by described the entire earth crust as of fissures: [86:12] and [by] the earth [land] of fissures, [86:13] assuredly it is a decisive word, [86:14] and it is not a jest.
{ وَٱلأَرْضِ ذَاتِ ٱلصَّدْعِ } * { إِنَّهُ لَقَوْلٌ فَصْلٌ } * { وَمَا هوَ بِٱلْهَزْلِ } الطارق 12
The above verses and in a few words, describe the entire theory of plate tectonics in precise details, most of which are at 7,000 meters below sea level in the middle of the Atlantic ocean (MAR) and at 11,000 meters below sea level in the Pacific Ocean at the Mariana Trench and the East Pacific.
7- Large Moon
The Moon is unusual because the other rocky planets in the Solar System either have no satellites (Mercury and Venus), or have tiny satellites that are probably captured asteroids (Mars).
The giant impact theory (birth of the moon) hypothesizes that the Moon resulted from the impact of a Mars-sized body, Theia, with the very young Earth. This giant impact also gave the Earth its axial tilt and velocity of rotation. Rapid rotation reduces the daily variation in temperature and makes photosynthesisviable. The Rare Earth hypothesis further argues that the axial tilt cannot be too large or too small (relative to the orbital plane). A planet with a large tilt will experience extreme seasonal variations in climate, unfriendly to complex life. A planet with little or no tilt will lack the stimulus to evolution that climate variation provides.In this view, the Earth’s tilt is “just right”. The gravity of a large satellite also stabilizes the planet’s tilt; without this effect the variation in tilt would be chaotic, probably making complex life forms on land impossible
A large satellite also increases the likelihood of plate tectonicsthrough the effect of tidal forces on the planet’s crust. The impact that formed the Moon may also have initiated plate tectonics, without which the continental crust would cover the entire planet, leaving no room for oceanic crust. It is possible that the large scale mantle convection needed to drive plate tectonics could not have emerged in the absence of crustal inhomogeneity.
If a giant impact is the only way for a rocky inner planet to acquire a large satellite, any planet in the circumstellar habitable zone will need to form as a double planet in order that there be an impacting object sufficiently massive to give rise in due course to a large satellite. An impacting object of this nature is not necessarily improbable.
Claims in the Quran:
The moon was mentioned 27 times in the Quran, 7 of which where paired along with the sun as being subjected for the benefits of God’s creations
[13:2] God is He who raised up the heavens without pillars you can see, then He sat Himself upon the Throne. He subjected the sun and the moon, each one running to a term stated. He directs the affair; He distinguishes the signs; haply you will have faith in the encounter with your Lord.
[14:33] and He subjected to you the sun and moon constant upon their courses, and He subjected to you the night and day,
[16:12] And He subjected to you the night and day, and the sun and moon; and the stars are subjected by His command. Surely in that are signs for a people who understand.
[29:61] If thou askest them, ’Who created the heavens and the earth and subjected the sun and the moon?’ they will say, ’God.’ How then are they perverted?
[31:29] Do you not see that Allah causes the night to enter the day and causes the day to enter the night and has subjected the sun and the moon, each running [its course] for a specified term, and that Allah , with whatever you do, is Acquainted?
[35:13] He causes the night to enter the day, and He causes the day to enter the night and has subjected the sun and the moon – each running [its course] for a specified term. That is Allah , your Lord; to Him belongs sovereignty. And those whom you invoke other than Him do not possess [as much as] the membrane of a date seed.
[39:5] He created the heavens and earth in truth. He wraps the night over the day and wraps the day over the night and has subjected the sun and the moon, each running [its course] for a specified term. Unquestionably, He is the Exalted in Might, the Perpetual Forgiver.
The pairing of the moon with the sun gives them equal value in terms of benefit to God’s creation, if life is not possible without the sun, then the Quran is saying that life is not possible without the moon.
8- An evolutionary trigger for complex
Regardless of whether planets with similar physical attributes to the Earth are rare or not, some argue that life usually remains simple bacteria. Biochemist Nick Lane argues that simple cells (prokaryotes) emerged soon after Earth’s formation, but almost half the planet’s life had passed before they evolved into complex ones (eukaryotes) and because all complex life has a common origin, this event can only have happened once.
Prophet Mohammad peace be upon him said: “Allah created the soil on Saturday, and created the mountains on Sunday, and created the trees on Monday, and created the “Makrooh” on Tuesday, and created light on Wednesday, and dispersed every moving creature on Thursday and created Adam; the last creation, in the last hour on Friday after Asr prayer time and before sunset.”
قال رسول الله ” خَلَقَ اللَّهُ التُّرْبَةَ يَوْمَ السَّبْتِ ، وَخَلَقَ الْجِبَالَ يَوْمَ الأَحَدِ ، وَخَلَقَ الشَّجَرَ يَوْمَ الاثْنَيْنِ ، وَخَلَقَ الْمَكْرُوهَ يَوْمَ الثُّلاثَاءَ ، وَخَلَقَ النُّورَ يَوْمَ الأَرْبِعَاءِ ، وَبَثَّ فِيهَا الدَّوَابَّ يَوْمَ الْخَمِيسِ ، وَخَلَقَ آدَمَ بَعْدَ صَلاةِ الْعَصْرِ مِنْ يَوْمِ الْجُمُعَةِ آخِرَ الْخَلْقِ فِي آخِرِ سَاعَاتٍ مِنْ سَاعَاتِ الْجُمُعَةِ فِيمَا بَيْنَ الْعَصْرِ إِلَى اللَّيْلِ “
The prophet clearly states that “the light” was created during the fifth day, making it 5/7 of the assumed age of earth of 4.7 billion years or almost one billion years ago, making it closer to the date of the Cambrian explosion 800-542 million years ago. Scientifically, this means that the sun took 5/7 of its assumed life to reach the main sequence stage, as such, my speculation is that the sun may have evolved from a brown dwarf into a G-class star! and/or some object like a hot Jupiter merged with the sun causing it to reach critical mass for nuclear fusion. What supports this argument is the discovery of planetary nebula where measurements show that NGC 6153contains large amounts of neon, argon, oxygen, carbon and chlorine — up to three times more than can be found in the solar system. Since such a star could not have produced such elements within, it must have accumulated them from the original cloud. Another argument is the discovery of a massive outburst in a star-forming cloud.
The science of genetics and the theory of evolution will fail if there were no pairs, and no pairing process; (mating), thus, a key creation was the pairs, [53:45] That He did create in pairs,- male and female,. the books of Tafseer interpret it as “He invented the process of the pairing; male and female and made them pairs” وأنه ابتدع إنشاء الزوجين الذكر والأنثى، وجعلهما زوجين, this was capped by [36:36] Exalted is He who created all pairs – from what the earth grows and from themselves and from that which they do not know.
9- The right time in evolution
The evolution to complex organs took around 800 million years (Cambrian explosion). Civilizations on Earth have existed for ~10,000 years and radio communication with space is not older than 80 years. Relative to the age of our solar system (~4.57 Ga) this is a tiny age span, an age span where extreme climatic variations, super volcanoes or large meteorite impacts were absent. These events would severely harm intelligent life, as well as life in general.
Claims in the Quran:
This argument takes us back to point 8 that the sun did not shine (as we know it) during the first few 100 million years but rather after 5/7 of earth’s assumed life has passed. At the same time, Ayah’s 9 through 12 of Surat Fussilat also state the the planet earth, as a body, was not ready to host advanced life forms until 4 days have passed, this is because earth was going through major changes and refinements. Those Ayah’s tell us that earth took 2 days to form, which included bringing of extra iron to earth as part of the formation of the moon (giant impact), which also freed earth from the tidal lock. The two days also included the pouring of water in measured amounts. During the first four days, the first sea-mount was formed, followed by the spreading of the land above water, the splitting of the land into fissures, the creation of the mountain chains as a result of the continental collision after the first split (creation of Pangaea) and the second split forming the current continents.
[41:9] Say, “Do you indeed disbelieve in He who created the earth in two days and attribute to Him equals? That is the Lord of the worlds.” [41:10] And He placed on the earth firmly set mountains over its surface, and He blessed it and determined therein its sustenance in four days without distinction – for [the information] of those who ask. [41:11] Then He directed [leveled] Himself to the heaven while it was smoke and said to it and to the earth, “Come willingly or by compulsion.” They said, “We have come willingly.” [41:12] And He completed them as seven heavens within two days and inspired in each heaven its command. And We adorned the nearest heaven with lamps and as protection. That is the determination of the Exalted in Might, the Knowing.
{ قُلْ أَإِنَّكُمْ لَتَكْفُرُونَ بِٱلَّذِي خَلَقَ ٱلأَرْضَ فِي يَوْمَيْنِ وَتَجْعَلُونَ لَهُ أَندَاداً ذَلِكَ رَبُّ ٱلْعَالَمِينَ } * { وَجَعَلَ فِيهَا رَوَاسِيَ مِن فَوْقِهَا وَبَارَكَ فِيهَا وَقَدَّرَ فِيهَآ أَقْوَاتَهَا فِيۤ أَرْبَعَةِ أَيَّامٍ سَوَآءً لِّلسَّآئِلِينَ } * { ثُمَّ ٱسْتَوَىٰ إِلَى ٱلسَّمَآءِ وَهِيَ دُخَانٌ فَقَالَ لَهَا وَلِلأَرْضِ ٱئْتِيَا طَوْعاً أَوْ كَرْهاً قَالَتَآ أَتَيْنَا طَآئِعِينَ } * {فَقَضَٰهُنَّ سَبْعَ سَمَٰوَٰتٍ فِي يَوْمَيْنِ وَأَوْحَىٰ فِي كُلِّ سَمَآءٍ أَمْرَهَا وَزَيَّنَّا ٱلسَّمَآءَ ٱلدُّنْيَا بِمَصَٰبِيحَ وَحِفْظاً ذَلِكَ تَقْدِيرُ ٱلْعَزِيزِ ٱلْعَلِيمِ } فصلت 10
[29:20] Say, [O Muhammad], “Travel through the land and observe how He began creation. Then Allah will produce the final creation. Indeed Allah , over all things, is competent.”
{ قُلْ سِيرُواْ فِي ٱلأَرْضِ فَٱنظُرُواْ كَيْفَ بَدَأَ ٱلْخَلْقَ ثُمَّ ٱللَّهُ يُنشِىءُ ٱلنَّشْأَةَ ٱلآخِرَةَ إِنَّ ٱللَّهَ عَلَىٰ كُلِّ شَيْءٍ قَدِيرٌ } العنكبوت 20
10- Mountain Chains
Ward & Brownlee contend that the lack of mountain chains elsewhere in the Solar System is direct evidence that Earth is the only body with plate tectonics and as such the only body capable of supporting life. However, they did not indicate any benefit.
Claims in the Quran
Termed in the Quran as soaring-high anchors, an illustration of the effect of mountains on the earth’s crust and mantle, the illustration shows the crustal roots that have a stabilizing effect on the earth crust
Mountains were referenced 33 times in the Quran, but they were also nicknamed “Anchors” and referenced 9 times, anchors refer to their effect on the earth crust as they prevent the crust from shifting, which will lead to inconsistent motion, the Quran described them as soaring-high anchors.
[16:15] And He has cast into the earth [land] firmly set mountains, lest it shift with you, and [made] rivers and roads, that you may be guided,
{ وَأَلْقَىٰ فِي ٱلأَرْضِ رَوَاسِيَ أَن تَمِيدَ بِكُمْ وَأَنْهَاراً وَسُبُلاً لَّعَلَّكُمْ تَهْتَدُونَ }النحل 15
[77:27] And We placed therein lofty [soaring high], firmly set mountains and have given you to drink sweet [fresh] water.
{ وَجَعَلْنَا فِيهَا رَوَاسِيَ شَامِخَاتٍ وَأَسْقَيْنَاكُم مَّآءً فُرَاتاً } المرسلات 27
Mountain chains are also a source for sustainable fresh water, almost all rivers on earth except for the equatorial ones, originate from the mountain chains, and that is where ancient civilizations rose!
We live in a highly sensitive planet, the average temperature in non-equatorial areas varies by 30+ degrees between the summer and winter, this is due to the 23 degree tilt in earth’s rotation axis, so imagine the effect on life if the crust shifts randomly and the polar regions become equatorial!
One final note regarding the often confused and misunderstood term “Heaven and Earth”, the seven heavens were created during the fifth and sixth days: [41:12] And He completed them as seven heavens within two days and inspired in each heaven its command. It seems that the seven heavens make-up a superstructure around earth that is invisible to the human eye, however, Allah guided us as to how to detect those heavens in the following Ayahs in The Sovereignty: [67:3] [And] who created seven heavens in layers. You do not see in the creation of the Most Merciful any inconsistency. So return [your] vision [to the sky]; do you see any breaks? [67:4] Then return [your] vision twice again. [Your] vision will return to you humbled while it is fatigued. The bracketed terms such as [Your] were added by the translator as he believed that this is what is meant by the Ayahs, however, the original scripture in Arabic does not contain them, simply try to read the ayahs without the bracketed terms and they will become much clearer. My own interpretation is that Allah is instructing us to “reflect” the visible light from beyond the seven heavens and we should be able to detect the boundaries of such heavens, returning the light once again and the “vision will return to you humbled while it is fatigued!”.
This leaves us with the question of how high are they? Prophet Mohammad asked his followers: “Do you know the distance between the heavens and the Earth, they replied: Allah and His Messenger know better, He said: between earth and the [first]heaven is the travel distance of 500 years, and from each heaven to the next is travel distance of 500 years and the thickness of each heaven is travel distance of 500 years)”.
(هل تدرون كم بين السماء والأرض؟ قال قلنا الله ورسوله أعلم, قال: بينهما مسيرة خمسمائة سنة، ومن كل سماء إلى سماء مسيرة خمسمائة سنة، وكثف كل سماء مسيرة خمسمائة سنة)
This is confirmed in sorat Noah which indicates that the moon (400,000 km) is within the seven heavens while the sun (150 million km) is not: [71:15] Do you not consider how Allah has created seven heavens in layers [71:16] And made the moon therein a [reflected] light and made the sun a burning lamp.
Since the daily caravan travel distance is roughly 40 km, then the travel distance per year is 365 days / year * 40 km / day = 14,600 km/year, thus, the travel distance of 500 years = 14,600 km/year * 500 years = 7,300,000 km. This makes the distance to the end of the seventh heaven 7 * 7,300,000 = 51,100,000 km. By pointing a laser beam from earth or earth’s orbit to a spacecraft near the Mars orbit (minimum 78 million km from earth) and reflecting that beam back should accomplish part one of the experiment. Returning that beam again and refracting it back should give us some unexpected results! probably a change in the frequency and amplitude of the beam! (humbled while it is fatigued).
So, did Allah create a similar creation to the heavens and earth? Sounds like he did: [36:81] “Is not He Who created the heavens and the earth able to create the like thereof?” – Yea, indeed! for He is the Creator Supreme, of skill and knowledge [infinite]!
To be Continued … This article is still in progress!
By: Husein Kattab
Rare Earth Hypothesis in the Quran, how the earth was created, scientific miracles in the Quran
When an inventor ...
Gravity
The holy verse: God be he exalted says: (Allah, it is He Who has made for you the earth as a dwelling place and the sky as a canopy, and has given you shape and made your shapes good (looking) and has provided you with good things. That is Allah, your Lord: so blessed be Allah, the Lord of the ‘Âlamîn (mankind, jinn and all that exists). [Surat Ghafir, verse: 64].
The explanation of the verse:
Almighty God talks about his graces that He bestowed upon his people. From these graces that He be exalted made the earth settled for its inhabitants and made the sky as a canopy. He also created mankind in the best shape and He provided them with good things.Ibn Kathir says that (dwelling place) means that the earth is fixed and still, it doesn't shake or move with its people and if it wasn't settled it will be impossible to live on. Scientific fact:
In the modern era, scientists have discovered that all the planets have gravity that attracts the nearby bodies and the force of gravity is proportional to the mass of this planet and the distance between it and the bodies that it attracts.Newton was the first one to discover the law of gravity in the 17th century. It was shown that all the cosmic bodies like the sun, moon, planets, stars, and cosmic dust, etc. all have gravitational fields. Therefore the earth has a gravity field that attracts people to it and because of this gravity the objects are settled on the surface of the earth even the atmosphere. This means that if there wasn't a gravitational field for the earth, the atmosphere would have escaped and faded away in the outer space. Hence, the gravity is the reason for the stability of life on earth.The point of inimitability:
Through Gods saying: (Allah, it is He Who has made for you the earth as a dwelling place), we notice that God be He exalted told us about the grace of settling the earth and settling the objects on its surface. And the word (dwelling) refers to the stability of creatures on the earth which is an indication to the gravity and that is what scientists have discovered.
This verse was revealed at the time when no one was aware of the importance of gravity and stability on earth which attests to the truthfulness of this Quran and that it is a book from Almighty God.
This is a picture of the earth and the moon appears beside it, and we notice that the earth has a gravitational field that attracts the moon towards it. And without this gravity, life wouldn't have continued on its surface. God be he exalted says: (Allah, it is He Who has made for you the earth as a dwelling place and the sky as a canopy, and has given you shape and made your shapes good (looking) and has provided you with good things. That is Allah, your Lord: so blessed be Allah, the Lord of the ‘Âlamîn (mankind, jinn and all that exists). [Surat Ghafir, verse: 64].
www.kaheel7.com/eng
The holy verse: God be he exalted says: (Allah, it is He Who has made for you the earth as a dwelling place and the sky ...
Have you considered the fire which you strike
In the next coming lines we will live with this verse from Quran (Allah's words):
He Who has made for you the fire (to burn) from the green tree, so that with it you kindle (fire).
Lets see together the relationship between (especially) green trees and fire.
And to let know that Al Quran where Ahead of all scientific labs and exposed the strong relation ship between green plants and trees.
And that’ it’s a our duty to look and search in this verse cause Allah ordered us to find the source of fire which we use and strike.
Have you considered the fire which you strike
Is it you that produce the trees for it, or are We the producers?
We have made it a reminder and an advantage for the wayfarers of the desert.
If we looked for the original source of fire and solar power on earth we will find that it comes from the sun
And the first to preserve and keeps the solar power on earth are the plants especially green fresh plants
The reason is that it is which catches and Games solar power and convert it into chemical energy
With Photosynthesis and the existence of the Chlorophyll in a process called Photoautotrophic
In Which the plants Endure ….from the surroundings and the outer atmosphere
And gives the victual and organic stuff enriched with the energy like carbohydrate, oil, wood rubber, etc…
Which turns after it dies into wood coal, oil, petroleum natural gas and other source of energy used in our lives, in the past and our present
If the green color vanished plants could die, and if they do the photosynthesis would stop and all the previous energy forms would disappear and the level of the oxygen and carbon dioxide would be unbalanced which would affect all life forms on earth and then die away.
So when Allah connects between fire and green trees, that’s a clear miracle and so when he asks us to think about and consider fire which we strike so it would indicates the greatest vital process held in our earth planet
When man strikes stones or a match or any other kind of man made energy producer tool ,he in the first place uses his body energy in that process and that energy comes from the food he eats ,green plants is the source of the food and energy which keeps humans alive.
And when he finds a source of inflaming he needs an organic material to start fire like wood, oil, coal, petrol, natural gas to keep the inflammation and producing energy
Microscopic livings which feeds it self (Chemoautotrophy) or does not feed it self (Heterotrophic) or mixed feeding and Nourishment (Mixotrophic) or to give and produce food and vitality ,so these livings uses the energy that the plants stabilized previously by Photosynthesis with the Availability of green color.
Even animals when its producing energy it uses the same one that the planet have already made by Photosynthesis using the green color.
Hence we knowledge that the relation ship between trees ,green plants, and fire is a scientific miracles that needs seines ,labs studies and advanced researches, so did prophet Mohamed had the knowledge of phytology .phytography and plants/animals physiology ,ecology, chemistry ,physics, or geology to recognize and demand this huge fact mentioned in few eloquent words
He Who has made for you the fire (to burn) from the green tree, so that with it you kindle (fire).
How can any one after that suspect in Al Quran words and miracles and expect us to stop searching and looking between Allah `s words to find his miracles which are scientific prove s on Allah's existence, his angels and his heavenly books.
And is there any exhortation or sermon that the Moslems could learn from, to act there roll in ruling earth, or did they just preferred to be yield to and disgraced by Allah's enemies,letting them to control Moslems ,feed them and maybe even think for them and finally suspect their religion and their Quran and prophet and their self motivation they have.
Is not He Who created the heavens and the earth able to create the like of them? Yea! and He is the Creator (of all), the Knower.
His command, when He intends anything, is only to say to it: Be, so it is.
That’s why Quran verses connected between Allah's greatness and power with these blessings and beneficence, that he said in YA-SEEN:
Is not He Who created the heavens and the earth able to create the like of them? Yea! and He is the Creator (of all), the Knower.
His command, when He intends anything, is only to say to it: Be, so it is.
Then he said after that in AL-WAQIA:
We have made it a reminder and an advantage for the wayfarers of the desert.
Therefore glorify the name of your Lord, the Great
So that is a prove that the goal and object from his words is that we should admit and give our resignation to Allah the lord of every thing and the king of the kings which if we ever tried to count there blessings we would never do.
And that who disbelieve in Allah and become ungrateful to him his destiny would be into the dark hill to be punished for his ignorance and who was grateful he would acknowledge him self and he would find peace and goes directly to heaven and happiness.
Source : miracles signs from Quran and phytology
By Dr: Nzmi Khalil Abu Al Ata
PhD in physiology in sciences (phytology), Ain Shams university
http://www.quran-m.com
In the next coming lines we will live with this verse from Quran (Allah's words):
He Who has made for you the ...
Miracles of Fasting Ramadan
Miracle of Ramadan
By Dr. Zulkifli Hasan
1.0 Introduction
Ramadhan is the greatest month and the best time for self-regulation and selftraining. There are numerous benefits to those who are fasting during Ramadhan either from spiritual or physical perspectives. The positive effects of Ramadhan and fasting have not only been mentioned in al Quran and al Sunnah but also by many scientific researches. In fact, there are few institutions that have been specifically established to promote fasting as a way to prevent and heal diseases such as “Fasting Center International Incorporation” in the United States of America. This brief article attempts to highlight several interesting findings about Ramadhan and Fasting effects from 4 different perspectives namely economic, health and sciences,psychological and social point of views.
2.0 Miracle of Ramadhan and Fasting
2.1 Economic Perspective
According to the study undertaken by the University of New Hampshire led by Iranian-born finance Professor Ahmad Etebari, stocks in largely Muslim nations outperform during the month of Ramadhan. It is found that on average, stock returns are 9 times higher during Ramadhan than other times of year. The phenomenon is called the “Ramadan Effect.” Between the stock markets of Bahrain, Oman, Turkey, Kuwait, the UAE, Qatar, Pakistan, Jordan, Egypt, Morocco, Tunisia, Malaysia, Indonesia and Saudi Arabia, the report identified a trend of considerably higher returns during Ramadhan as compared to other months. The study found that the average returns for the 15 countries from the database of 1989 to 2007 were 38% during the month of Ramadhan as compared to an average of 4.3% during ordinary months. The research reveals that that the social cohesion and institutional feelings attains during Ramadhan help influence the investments behavior.
2.2 Health and Science Perspective
In 1994 the first International Congress on “Health and Ramadhan”, held in Casablanca, entered 50 research papers from all over the world from Muslim and non-Muslim researchers who have done extensive studies on the medical ethics of fasting. The congress made recommendations that Ramadhan fasting is an ideal method for treatment of mild to moderate, stable, non-insulin diabetes, obesityand essential hypertension.Allan Cott, in his famous book “Why Fast”, states that fasting has the effects to clean out the body, to lower blood pressure and cholesterol and to let the body health itself.
Another interesting finding refers to the ability of fasting habit toslow the aging process based on a research conducted by Dr. Yuri Nikolayev, Moscow scientist and dietician/nutritionist. This finding is supported with another research by Dr. Alvenia M. Fulton, by which his experiment indicates that fasting is the ladies best beautifier, brings grace charm and poise, normalizes female functions and reshapes the body contour.
2.3 Psychological Perspective
As regard to psychological point of view, it is empirically proven that fasting can bring positive effects to psychological and mental health. At this point, Dr. Sabah al-Baqir from Medical Faculty of University of King Saud reveals that fasting will generate specific hormone which may relieve tension and to make a person to feel better physically and mentally.
2.4 Social Perspective
2.4.1 Crime Rate
I believe that this is phenomenal in many jurisdictions all over the world. According to the statistic produced by the Iranian Police Department, the Iran’s overall crime rate and murder rate have declined during the holy month of Ramadan. There has been a 32% decline in homicides and the overall crime rate has dropped significantly. It is worth noting that the homicide rate in Iran is six murders per day and Iran stands 50th in the world in the homicide rate.
2.4.2 Family Institutions
Ramadhan is the best time for family and social gathering. The Maktoob Research in UAE conducted a survey on the opinions of 6,128 adult Muslims from across the Arab world about Ramadhan. The survey reveals that 96% of Muslim Arabs observing the fasting month and it is also found that 86% of those surveyed tend to observe iftar as a good opportunity for family gatherings. This finding indirectly indicates that fasting during Ramadhan can strengthen the family institutions and community as well as provide best opportunity for the unity of the ummah.
2.4.3 Generosity
Considering to numerous hadith on the rewards and benefits of sadaqah (charity) during the month of Ramadhan, it is observed that the willingness and efforts for charity and donation are significantly increased. According to Lung Transplantation Research Center, National Research Institute of TB and Lung Disease, Tehran, Iran, organ shortage is the most significant problem that they face for the activities of transplantation systems. In this regard, they carried out a survey on the Muslims’ behavior during holy month of Ramadan pertaining to organs donation in Iran. Interestingly, the survey reveals that the number of applications for organs donation in Ramadhan increase to 154% as compared to other months with a total of 11528 organ donations as opposed to 4538 applications in the previous month. This phenomenon indicates that Ramadhan seems to provide a great opportunity to promote organs donation across the Muslim world.
3.0 Conclusion
Ramadhan is the greatest and best month of the year. It is one of the blessings of Allah to the Muslim that He enables us to fast in Ramadhan. The blessed month of Ramadhan and ibadah of fasting not only offer us with great rewards from Allah but also with so many benefits either from economic or health and science, psychological or social perspectives. With this priceless opportunity from Allahto us, it is hoped that we can keep the spirit of month of Ramadhan not only during this blessed month but at all times and throughout the year. InsyaAllah.
Best RegardsDr. Zulkifli Hasan
Miracle of Ramadan
By Dr. Zulkifli Hasan
1.0 Introduction
Ramadhan is the greatest month and the best time ...
Akifah Baxter, Ex-Christian, USA
I have always been aware of the existence of God. I have always felt that He was there. Sometimes that feeling was distant, and often times I ignored it. But I could never deny this knowledge. Because of this, throughout my life, I have been searching for the truth of His Plan.
I have attended many churches. I listened, I prayed, I talked to people from all different faiths. But it seemed that there was always something that didn’t feel right; it felt confusing, like there was something missing. I’ve heard many people in the past say to me, “Well, I believe in God, but I don’t belong to any religion. They all seem wrong to me.” This was my feeling exactly, however, I didn’t want to just let it go at that and just accept it. I knew that if God exists then He wouldn’t just leave us with no direction, or even a warped version of the truth. There had to be a plan, a “true religion.” I just had to find it.
The various Christian churches are where I concentrated my search, simply because that is what I grew up with, and there seemed to be some truths in some of their teachings. However, there were so many different views, so many conflicting teachings on basic things like how to pray, who to pray to or through, who was going to be “saved”, and who wasn’t, and what a person had to do to get “saved.” It seemed so convoluted. I felt I was near giving up. I had just come from yet another church whose views on God and the purpose of our existence, left me so completely frustrated because I knew what they were teaching wasn’t true.
One day, I had wandered in the bookstore and I went over to the religious section. As I stood there gazing over the vast array of mostly Christian books, a thought occurred to me to see if they had anything on Islam. I knew virtually nothing about Islam, and when I picked up the first book, it was solely out of curiosity. But I became excited with what I was reading. One of the first things that struck me was the statement ‘There is no god but God,’ He has no associates, and all prayers and worship are directed to Him alone. This seemed so simple, so powerful, so direct, and made so much sense. So from there I started reading everything I could about Islam.
Everything I read made so much sense to me. It was as if suddenly all the pieces of this puzzle were fitting perfectly, and a clear picture was emerging. I was so excited my heart would race any time I read anything about Islam. Then, when I read the Quran, I felt like I was truly blessed to be able to read this. I knew that this had come directly from God through His Messenger [may the mercy and blessings of God be upon him]. This was it, the truth. I felt like all along I had been a Muslim but I just didn’t know it until now. Now as I start my life as a Muslim, I have a sense of peace and security knowing that what I am learning is the pure truth and will take me closer to God. May God keep guiding me. Ameen.
http://www.islamreligion.com
I have always been aware of the existence of God. I have always felt that He was there. Sometimes that ...
Loving Jesus or Muhammad: Can I Have Both?
Many Christians who were raised in a Christian home and nurtured with the love of Jesus by their parents or the Christian community, may find it very difficult to leave this spiritual affection and sense of belonging with anything or anyone else.
It is through his love that Christians embody kindness, compassion and religious devotion.
In fact Jesus is the center of their lives and all else fall under his umbrella. This is a great sense of security many feel in Christian faith.
In my years of practicing Christianity, I also felt this love, compassion and peace through loving Jesus. But unlike my Christian friends, I was unable to pray to him and ask him for my needs. It just did not feel right for me.Learning about his life and teaching really made me a much better person. I wanted to embody all the good things he taught his followers.
I decided to even memorize many of his sayings and repeated them often.
But I kept my relationship with God, my creator separate. My supplications went to God who sent a human role model for me to follow. That was my limit.
Muhammad, My Love
Unable to solve the Trinity puzzle I moved on to Islam, which gave me the thumbs up that my time with Christianity was not in vein, and how I perceived Jesus and God was correct. So, I continued loving my beloved Jesus while I was getting to know Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon them both).
To my amazement, I found that the core principals of Muhammad's teachings were so similar to that of Jesus. I thought if 3.5 years of Jesus ministry on earth cultivated so much love in my heart for him, how about the 23 years of Muhammad ministry during his prophethood?
I did not have to struggle to find out which one to love more. Allah gave me the answer by stating in numerous places that Muslims have to believe in all the Prophets and messengers of God, equally, without distinction, regardless of where or when they appeared.
In the Quran (2:136, 285, and 3:84 etc.) it is stated clearly: {We make no distinction between them (the prophets)}.
Allah also is most Wise and urges us to put our focus on the message of the Prophets. Coming to understand that the core of their message was all the same: "You shall worship only one God," the personal relationship of a worshipper with his/her Prophet should not go beyond human element and at no point this love should compel us to exalt our Prophets to level of divinity.
Understanding that the Quran was the only Holy Scripture that was unchanged, I had to take to heart every word in it – especially the words of Jesus who is reported to have said to his disciples in various verses: {Indeed, Allah is my Lord and your Lord, so worship Him. That is the straight path.} (3:51 also 19:36 and 43:64)
So, I knew I could grow to love Muhammad at least as much as I loved and will always love Jesus.
My love for Muhammad grew as I got to know his actions, personality, loving kindness, forgiving heart and bravery. It was as if he completed what was left out in my mission of searching for closeness to my Creator.
Can I Have Both?
Many Christians have found that Quran fills the gap of missing answers that was not fulfilled until they discovered Islam. Yet, their affection and attachment to Jesus may hinder them to take a step toward a more permanent commitment to another religion.
As for my own case, I never felt I had to abandon loving Jesus exchange for following Muhammad. I could have both.
In fact I had the best of both worlds: loving Jesus, while following Muhammad's teachings without assigning divinity to either. I felt I was a winner!
Having understood that the message of all the Prophets was to direct the worshippers toward only one Creator, I could easily see that the Quran followed the pattern and also told the stories of people of the past who shun the messages of their Prophets and worshiped whatever and whoever they liked.
In fact Jesus had confirmed that he had come to confirm what was given before him and had come as a sign from God.
{And [I have come] confirming what was before me of the Torah and to make lawful for you some of what was forbidden to you. And I have come to you with a sign from your Lord, so fear Allah and obey me.} (3:50)
I had to sneak into my Bible and check again to see what Jesus said. When his disciples asked him who to worship, Jesus replied, "The Scriptures say, 'You must worship the LORD your God and serve only him.'" (Luke 4:8)
Case closed. I was in Islam both feet without losing my love for Jesus.
Transition
I was very sad to make a shift from wanting to be around my Christian friends to needing to be around people who strengthen me in believing and following a very straight forward monotheistic religion without struggling with the confusing doctrine of three gods in one. This group was non but Muslims.
Twenty five years since I made my commitment to follow Islam and adhere to its tenets, I am still in communication with some of my Christian friends from long time past. We do not try to convert one another, but have respect for each other's path. This also includes some of my own family members.
Staying Focused
At the beginning, I had a very hard time to stop studying the Bible even after I returned to Islam. It had become a habit for me.
Upon consulting a Muslim scholar, he suggested to focus on the Quran in order not to get confused. "Once you are firmly grounded in your religion of Islam, you can then refer to other scriptures for the purpose of comparison and dialogue with adherents," he said.
I realized that understanding the religion well means I have to understand the Quran well. The best way is to understand the language of revelation, which is Arabic. I strove and studied. Now, I am able to understand the Quran without translation, thanks to Allah.
I also found that understanding a deeper science of the Quran and all the wisdom behind it takes time and commitment. One reaps the fruits of their harvest according to quality time they spend nurturing the crop.
It was clear that in order to achieve my goal I had to be very critical of my reading selection. I had to stay focused and learn. This enabled me to also teach others and encourage them to arrange their lives around the Divine Book of Allah instead of the other way around.
My search mission was completed when I realized I had found the perfect religion.{...This day have I perfected for you your religion and completed my favor on you and chosen for you Islam as a religion...} (Quran 5:3)
Source:onislam.net
Many Christians who were raised in a Christian home and nurtured with the love of Jesus by their parents or ...
US Professor of Comparative Religion Finds Islam
My name is James Frankel. I’ll be talking a little bit to you about my experience of coming to Islam.I’m speaking to you now from Honolulu, Hawaii, and it’s September 2010.
I’m a professor of comparative religion. I teach classes of Islam also at the University of Hawaii. I’ve been living in Hawaii now for just over 2 years and I’m just entering my third year.
Some brothers asked me if I could speak about my experiences so hopefully insha’Allah I could do this today and I hope this will be helpful to anybody. May Allah give us all hidayah.
The Early Years
I came to Hawaii 2 years ago, and before that I lived in New York city where I was born and raised. I was born in 1969 and grew up in Manhattan, part of the time in Brooklyn for a few years in my life. For the most part, I had a very happy family life.
My parents raised me not with any particular religion but I think with basic set of moral values. Actually, by heritage I have a Jewish background, but I grew up in a very secular household where there wasn’t a lot of religious practices.
The only connection I ever had with a religion was from my father’s side, my grandmother who was a practicing Jew. It’s from her that I learned a few things, bible stories, stories of the prophets.
For a brief period my parents actually attempted to send me to a Hebrew school to learn more but I was not very comfortable there and actually got kicked out for asking too many questions, so this is probably my character that brought me to where I’m today. As a professor and as a Muslim, I continued to ask a lot of questions.
So, I grew up in this way without any religious foundation. This continued through my life and my late teens. I had actually 2 experiences that are worth mentioning. One, at the age of 13, I read the communist manifesto of Karl Marx and decided that I was a communist. I thought the values were sound and thought the philosophy was potentially beneficial to people.
Also at that time, I suppose this might be one of the earliest exposures to Islam that I can remember, my best friend at that time was from Pakistan. I went to an international school so I had friends from all over the world. My Pakistani friend gave me a copy of the Quran and he wanted me to read it. He said “I don’t want you to go to Hell”. Of course at this period of my life thoughts of hell were not really in my consciousness. I think I took the book and put it on my shelf and there it stayed for many years without being opened.
A couple of years later I think I became quite disillusioned about communism as I learned more about the way that communism is actually practiced in many countries of the world and so I gave up the philosophy as well. It really wasn’t until I entered university that I began to ask the questions that will lead me directly onto this path. I think as a child I was always thoughtful and I always wondered about the meaning of life.
Those basic questions about why we are here, where we are going and why we suffer, all of these things were always present in my mind even when I was a child. But as I got older and when I went to university, I focused a lot more on my studies until I had a particular experience.
Remember the grandmother that I mentioned before? In university, I was living in Washington DC and I got a phone call from my cousin who was going to school in Maryland and there was a surprise visit from my grandmother, my aunt and another cousin and they took me out for dinner.
I spent the evening basically just talking to my grandmother. I told her about my plans to start studying Chinese which I was doing at that time. I told her about my plans to move back to New York and my transfer to Columbia University. It was as if she was giving me her blessing on all of these various decisions that I was making in my life as a young adult.
At the end of the evening, I was walking with her to the car and at the parking of this restaurant, she turned her ankle and she tripped and I asked her “Grandma, are you OK?” and she said don’t worry about me, just worry about yourself “OK” I thought and I continued to walk with her to the car, I opened the door, she got in and I kissed her goodnight and I said, “Well, I guess the next time I see you will be in thanksgiving when I get back to New York” and she said to me “God willing”. I didn’t think of it that much at the time. I closed the door and off they drove.
Grandma's Death
My cousin took me back to my dormitory and I went to bed. Early on the next morning I got a phone call and it was my cousin. I asked him why he is calling so early and there was no other way to say it, he just said “Grandma died”, and I said “Really?!” I thought he was joking maybe. I said “What are you talking about?” and he explained that she had a heart attack in her sleep.
Of course her final words to me were echoing in my ears. I said I will see you soon and she said God willing, and I said are you ok, and she said take care of yourself. So to this day, it was an unexpected visit and of course unexpected departure for her. And to this day I can only wonder about the meaning of that encounter with my grandmother who of course as I said was my only link to traditional religion.
I went back to New York for the funeral and it was a traditional Jewish funeral and the Rabbi who was doing the eulogy spoke about my grandmother and said “Sarah was a rare treasure and God has taken that treasure back.” I thought OK, that is what the Rabbi would say.
When the Rabbi came to my grandfather’s house to pay his respects, I wanted to ask him some questions about certain practices that are practiced in the Jewish home at the time of someone’s death. He told me not to worry about those things. He said that’s just a tradition. I said “OK, but how about this, in your sermon you said that my grandmother, I don’t know how well you knew her, but you said that she was taken by God, so where is she? And for that matter, where shall I go? Where will you go? And why are we here", and all those questions that well up in the human heart.
The Rabbi, I remember very clearly, looked at his watch and said “I have to go”. I don’t think he realized how angry that made me. Also, I don’t think he realized that he set me on a course that would lead me to where I’m today because I became very interested in those questions.
Searching for the Truth
So at first I thought I would try to answer those questions in respect to my grandmother’s memory. I would try to find a Jewish community where I could answer those questions. I was 18 or 19 years at that time and the communities I found were not satisfactory to me. I asked the questions which I asked many times as a child and I was told that God is only the god of the Jews! There are only 20 million Jews in the world, and yet there are billions and billions of other people, and God created them also, right?
So I began to study on my own. I began to read The Bible and that summer I was in England where I was there for an internship, and there were some evangelical Christians who sort of approached me and wanted to socialize. Of course they also wanted me to accept their faith. I thought OK, why not try Christianity? I’ve never really thought about it.
In reading The Bible I came to develop a very strong feeling of love and respect for Jesus. But they wanted me to make an extra leap; to accept Jesus as my lord and my savior, and that’s what I couldn’t do. Jesus for me was like a big brother or like a teacher. Jesus for me was a Jew, and I couldn’t accept the claims they were making about him, but as I said I did develop strong feeling of affection towards him. I thought OK I’m not going to find any answers to my questions.
I studied other things on my own. I studied eastern philosophies like Buddhism. I studied western philosophies particularly Greek, Roman and historic philosophy. But nothing really was answering the profound questions that I have. And one day I was back in New York just before I began my new semester, and I was at Times Square which was very different than it is today... There were all sorts of religious preachers there. I always love to talk to people about religion, often as a skeptic.
I remember speaking to one guy who was a Jew for Jesus. He was telling me what he believed and I heard that before and to me it was basically Christianity. He asked me if I agree with him and I said “I’m sorry, I don’t believe in what you believe” and he said “You believe in God, don’t you?” I said “I think I do” and he said “Then pray with me, just pray to God”. He put his hand on my shoulder, closed his eyes and started speaking to the father.
With his eyes closed, I started to look around and I saw at the other corner these men with long black beards, white robes (jalabiyahs) and white turbans. They were Africans or African Americans but they looked like as if they walked out of the pages of The Bible. They looked like Noah or Abraham or something like that. So I thought, I know you shouldn’t judge a book by its cover but I thought, why not?, why not to talk with them.
After the Jew for Jesus man finished his prayer, I went over there and asked them what they were and what they were preaching. They told me that I probably wouldn’t be interested about that.
I said “Why not?”
They said “Because you are the devil”.
I said “Really?, I’m the devil?”
And they said “Well, all white men are devils.”
I replied “If I’m the devil, just let me ask you this one question, if I’m the devil, why am I so thirsty to know God?”
They explained to me that even the devil believes in god. I asked them from where did they get this knowledge, I actually knew, I mean I’ve read in a paper in college about Malcolm X and the Nation of Islam, and so I understood they were probably related to those black nationalist movements.
But I asked them what’s their source for this claim of my satanic nature and they gave me some verses from The Bible, Book of Daniel I think, and I said “No no no, if I want the bible I would go down the street to the Jew for Jesus guy or some other Christian, what about your book? Don’t you read the Quran?” They said yes and they gave me some verses to read from surat al-Kahf and I took it home.
Reading the Quran
I took home the paper that the verses were written on and immediately I went up to my bookshelf where I had the Quran copy that was given to me about six years earlier by my friend Mansour. I started reading, I looked for the passages they directed me to and of course I read it and there was no indication there that I was a devil or that any other white person was a devil.
But since I started reading, I went to the beginning of the book and I just began to read. I read and I read until I fell asleep with the book in my hands. The next day, I read over and over again when I had free time.
The Quran moved me in a way that other books hadn’t, certainly in a way that The Bible didn’t due to the Quran’s directness and the fact that the lord of the worlds, the creator as the book describes, the author, is speaking directly to you, very directly and very intimately. It moved me in a way that I had not felt before. I can’t tell you when or where exactly, I know that there were times that I would read it and I could feel tears in my eyes running down on my face. Sometimes I would read it and the hair of my arm would stand up and on the back of my neck. I can’t pinpoint precisely the time and the place, but at some point I think I had realized that I was reading the words of God.
Well, in January 1990, I was out with some friends from high school. We were having coffee and we were just talking about what’s going on in our lives. They asked me “What do you believe in these days?!” Because they knew me when I was a communist and then when I went through many different phases as a young person and they knew me as someone who didn’t really believe in anything. So they asked me and I said “Well, I believe in God.”
They said “Really, what god?”
I said “There’s only one god”
They asked “Where did you get this from?”
I replied “Well, for me it was from reading the Quran”
One of them who was a Muslim said “You have been reading the Quran, so you must believe this is the message of God and that Muhammad is the messenger of god” I said “Yea, I guess so”
He said “OK, let me get this right: you believe that there’s only one god and that Muhammad is His messenger?”
I said “Yea, since you put it that way, I do”
He said “Then you are a Muslim”.
I laughed and said “I’m a Muslim? You are a Muslim, you are from Pakistan, I’m just a guy who believes in God.”
He said “No, you are a Muslim. You believe that there’s no God but the one god and Muhammad is His messenger.” “You are a Muslim.”
I was in shock...
A Closet Muslim
For the next few days, I had to think what that meant and I contacted my friend Mansour; the one who gave me the Quran when I was 13 years old. He was at university in Pennsylvania and worked at the Muslim Student Association there.
So I asked him if he can send me some literature that might serve as an introduction to Islam and the life requirements of a Muslim. He sent me a book or two, and one book in particular (Islam in Focus) provided a very good introduction, not only to the basic Islamic beliefs but also to the five pillars of Islam. I learned how to make salat, how to pronounce the shahadah, and how to make my wudu’ from that book.
I started praying. I guess you could say I’m a closet Muslim because I was living with my parents at that time and I closed the door and performed my prayers. Even the first time I’ve ever fasted in the month of Ramadan I did it completely on my own. I had no community. I just found out what time the sun would rise and what time the sun would set and ate at the times that were permitted.
And so for the first six or eight months of my life as a new Muslim, I did this completely alone and my guide was the Quran and the book of this scholar. That’s the story of how I embraced Islam actually.
At a certain point I had to tell my family and it was like coming out of the closet. One night at dinner, I told my family I've been reading the Quran, and they said “Yea, we’ve seen you carrying it everywhere” I said that I really believe it and what I learned that besides believing there are certain practical implications of that belief which I’ve chosen to follow also, so I guess that makes me a Muslim.
Family Reaction
My mother’s reaction was very strong; she cried and I think she asked her self looked at my father and thought “Where did we go wrong, how did this happen?” I think my father’s approach was much more relaxed. He probably thought to himself “Well, my son was a communist when he was 13, he was a skinhead when he was 16. He went through so many different phases, so maybe this is just another phase.”
I suppose both my mother and my father were onto something. I mean this was a phase but it wasn’t just a passing phase, at least as I thought or hoped. My mother must have realized that I was serious but of course her reaction was one of fear and regret which I suppose is understandable when one is ignorant and only has distorted perceptions based on misinformation or limited information. So there were great challenges in those first years, trying to communicate with my parents.
I have to say that alhamdulellah they were very understanding and patient and we've come to a better understanding. At first my mother worried that I would turn into a kind of a monster. But I tried to assure that since I embraced Islam, I’m a better student and I think I’m a better son. It wasn’t as though I was a bad person before Islam.
Maybe for some people setting foot on this path is necessary for them to be able to reform themselves. In my case, I thanked my parents actually for giving me the values that I was able to recognize when I came to Islam. As I said it I wasn’t a bad person insha’Allah. Islam has made me, makes me and will make me, a better person. You know everybody’s path is different. How they get there and even once they embrace Islam everybody has a different way of understanding this path.
For me, it has a lot to do with learning and knowledge. I think that the basic purpose of life and Islam is to gain knowledge; knowledge of ourselves, knowledge of our world, of our universe, and knowledge of our intimate relationship with Allah.
This has propelled me into my career. I don’t know if I would have become a professor today if I haven’t become a Muslim. I’m not saying that everybody should be a professor. But for me it has been a long journey of learning and teaching. Along the way, I’ve gained great respect and appreciation for other religions also which I don’t think I would not have had if I didn’t have this grounding in Islam.
I think that something that new Muslims should take to heart is that when one becomes a Muslim, one doesn’t become a different person. The prophet (peace be upon him) said that people bring to Islam what they had before, so even among his companions there were people who had special talents or challenges and these were the ones who had to continue to work with or work on after entering the path. So similarly I can say that this applies too for me. There are many challenges and life continues to have its troubles. It just requires patience.
For me this is almost a 20-year journey and only Allah knows how and where it will end. So, my advice to new Muslims or even to people who have been Muslims for a long time is just to bear with patience and see what Allah will surprise you with; not with fear but with love and hope.
If there are non-Muslims who are hearing me today I think you owe it to yourself to know as much as you can about the things in the world around you. Islam is certainly present in the world. It’s almost unavoidable in the news and in the world around us. And if you don’t know any Muslims, probably you will at some points. I think we all should know each other so if you are curious, there are lots of resources out there.
If you are in Hawaii, give me a call. I’m at the university of Hawaii in the religion department, so if I can be of any help let me know. And even for those people who are from Muslim families we can always increase in knowledge and be in compassion and in love for each other.
So that’s my wish for all of you and thank you for listening and with that I say Assalamu’alaikum warahmatullahi wabarakatuh.
Source: onislam.net
My name is James Frankel. I’ll be talking a little bit to you about my experience of coming to ...
I Found the Best of Australian Culture in Islam
My Life Before Islam
My name is Mustafa Samuel. My ex-name is Steven.
My background is that I was actually born a Greek orthodox.
I’ve been in many Christian schools whether Catholic or Christian, Maronite or Greek Orthodox or whatever.
Growing up, I sort of had a religious background when I was younger but I guess I fell away from going to church. It didn’t really suit me. I’ve always asked questions about a lot of things. I’ve never really accepted dogma as it was presented to me. I was one of people who would always question everything including religion. I guess in the last 25 years I’ve always been searching for answers to my questions. I think I found the answer I’ve been wanting in Islam. That’s why I embraced Islam 2 years ago, in 2009 to be exact.
How I Found Islam
Throughout the nineties, I’ve been really searching for a lot of things. I moved from Sydney to Queensland because Sydney was a very bad place for me. I was actually working at a liquor store for five years and I’ve seen the worst humans you can ever imagine. This really shook my belief in humanity I guess. When I moved to Queensland I was always searching for the truth whatever it was and I was praying to the Creator to show me the truth and I would accept it.
During this time, I went to the Mormons and Jehovah’s Witnesses and all the different congregations of Christianity to find out the truth. I could never get the concise answer that I wanted; “Why am I here? What’s the purpose of my existence?”
It wasn’t until September 11 that I had a little spark in my head. I thought “Oh, I never looked at Islam before and I don’t know anything about this religion”. I didn’t really research that any further but I thought I had a feeling that maybe the Muslims were the ones who were really practicing religion in the right way. It certainly had to make sense to me concerning why the whole world is actually engaged in war against the Muslims. I had the sense that maybe the Muslims were on the right track.
It wasn’t until 2005 that I actually went oversees to a trip with my then girlfriend. We went around the world. We went to the United States, Central America and Europe where I met my family in Greece. We spent about a week there in Greece with my family. Then on my way back home we went to Dubai before we went to Singapore and then back home.
When I was in Dubai, I spent five days there. I really wanted to see the genuine Islam but I was actually disappointed because as everybody knows Dubai is not this sort of cities. There was one thing that really attracted me. I went to this museum in Dubai and there was a mosque across the road.
I thought really compelled to cross the street and go to the mosque to find out about Islam. But I was in my casual wear and I looked like a typical westerner I guess. The people in the mosque were wearing local clothes. I didn’t realize it was Friday prayers. I didn’t understand that. I felt really drawn to it.
Anyway, to cut a long story short, I didn’t really go to the mosque. I came back to Australia. I went in a new quest to research about Islam. In 2006, I bought my first Quran to read it. I was a very slow reader so it took me 2 years and a half to read it! I must say that as I was reading it I was shocked.
I was in a state of shock. I didn’t know that Jesus (peace be upon him) was in the Quran. I didn’t know that Moses (peace be upon him) was in the Quran. I didn’t know that there were stories about Lot and Noah and Moses and other prophets. I didn’t know this all was in the Quran. When I knew it I was actually in a state of shock and I thought “Oh wow”.
There was nothing in the Quran that’s onto war or hinted to the word extremism or terrorism or whatever. This really pumped my interest further. So for the next 2 or so years I researched Islam. I read the Quran once again.
It came to a stage in 2008 that I actually wanted to embrace Islam but I couldn’t find any Muslim to help me. I contacted a mosque. I sent them an email. I asked them "Can I have a copy of the Quran?" because at this stage I had my Quran in storage because I was going around quite a bit. No one would help me and I thought "Ok, maybe Allah doesn't want me to become a Muslim". I was actually becoming quite panicked by this.
Anyway, in 2009 I had to go back to Sydney to renovate a unit. I asked a few tailors to do that. It was strange that all the tailors in Sydney happen to be Lebanese. Anyway, there was one guy who I found to be very nice. His name was Samir. I didn't think he was a Muslim because he had no beard and he is an apprentice. His son-in-law is called Adam and I thought those guys must be Christians. They were nice guys.
Anyway, at this stage I had already known how to do my prayers. I downloaded that from the internet so I was actually doing my prayers about a week ahead of my conversion. I had stopped drinking alcohol and eating pork by then. One day, Samir brought me a pizza and a drink. That was very hospitable for those lovely Christian people. I didn't eat pork at this stage. So when I looked at the box and I saw salami on this pizza and I thought it was pork, I turned on to Samir and said "Is this Halal?" and he said "Yes, of course it is". And then I said "Are you a Muslim?", he said "Yes I'm." I said "Oh, I want to become a Muslim." The next day I took my shahadah. He brought me to his brother-in-law's place and I took shahadah there. I felt very happy about that decision and I haven't looked back since then.
Family & Friends reaction
My family reacted very positively, believe it or not! My mother was questioning me quite a bit. Initially, she was sort of negative but when I explained it to her- I actually gave her a lot of explanation and dawah- now she is really OK with it. She has seen how Islam changed me. So she is happy with that. My father had nothing to say about it. He doesn't care either way really. He sees that I've become more stable, a better person I guess.
Some of my distant relatives like my cousins don't talk to me a lot now but they didn't used to do that anyway. I've got the strength not to worry about that. I only care of what Allah thinks not of what people think. But in general my relationship with my family and friends was positive. One of my friends is a Christian. Considering that he is a Christian, I was actually quite nervous to tell him about my conversion. But when I did, alhamdulellah, he sort of was very happy because he understands that true Muslims and true Christians have actually a lot in common. So generally it's a very positive experience.
How Islam Changed My Everyday Life
Islam made me more disciplined through doing the five daily prayers, performing ablution, abstaining from eating during Ramadan and abstaining from eating pork and drinking alcohol. It has changed everything. It changed the whole dynamics of my life. The end result of that is that I felt a lot more calmer, a lot less agitated, a lot less angry, a lot more balanced in my thinking, a lot more reasonable and a lot more even temporized. I had a very bad temper but now I'm very relaxed. People could actually rub me up the wrong way quite a bit and I won't react because Islam teaches us patience. I'm very happy for embracing Islam because it's giving me a lot of qualities that I didn't have before.
What Islam Can Offer
There's no conflict between becoming Muslim and living in this country because true Australian values and Islam go together. Such values include good kinship, respecting parents, being a law-abiding citizen and all such Australian values that are coincidently Islamic values as well. So there's no conflict. When you meet people who have a negative attitude towards Islam and you sit with them and explain Islam they find that Islam is a great system to follow and there's actually no conflict between Islam and the Australian way of life. However, the bad aspects of the Australian way of life like drinking and gambling and having loose morals are not the things we embrace in Islam. What we say to Australians is "The best of Australian culture is what we follow in Islam".
Source: onislam.net
My Life Before Islam
My name is Mustafa Samuel. My ex-name is Steven.
My background is that I was actually born a ...
story of the court magician and the young boy
Suhaib (May Allah be pleased with him) reported that the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said, "There lived a king before you and he had a court magician. As he (the magician) grew old, he said to the king:
'I have grown old, so send me a young boy in order to teach him magic.' The king sent him a young boy to serve the purpose. And on his way (to the magician) the young boy met a monk to whom he listened to and liked it. It became his habit that on his way to the magician, he would meet the monk and sit there and would come to the magician (late). The magician used to beat him because of this delay. He complained about this to the monk who said to him: 'When you feel afraid of the magician, say: Members of my family detained me. And when you fear your family, say: The magician detained me.' It so happened that there came a huge beast and it blocked the way of the people, and the young boy said: 'I will know today whether the magician or the monk is better.' He picked up a stone and said: 'O Allah, if the way of the monk is dearer to You than the way of the magician, bring about death to the animal so that the people be able to move about freely.' He threw that stone at it and killed it and the people began to move about freely. He then came to the monk and told him the story. The monk said: 'Son, today you are superior to me. You have come to a stage where I feel that you would be soon put to a trial, and in case you are put to a trial, do not reveal me.' That young boy began to heal those born blind and the lepers and he, in fact, began to cure people from all kinds of illnesses. When a courtier of the king who had gone blind heard about him, he came to him with numerous gifts and said, 'If you cure me, all these things will be yours.' He said, 'I myself do not cure anyone. It is Allah, the Exalted, Alone Who cures; and if you affirm faith in Allah, I shall also supplicate to Allah to cure you.' This courtier affirmed his faith in Allah and Allah cured him. He came to the king and sat by his side as he used to sit before. The king said to him, 'Who restored your eyesight?' He said, 'My Rubb.' Thereupon he said, 'Do you have another lord besides me?' He said, 'My Rubb and your Rubb is Allah.' So the king kept torturing him untill he revealed the young boy. The young boy was thus summoned and the king said to him, 'O boy, it has been conveyed to me that you have become so much proficient in your magic that you cure the blind and the lepers and you do such and such.' Thereupon he said, 'I do not cure anyone; it is Allah Alone Who cures,' and the king took hold of him and began to torture him until he revealed of the monk. The monk was summoned and it was said to him: 'You should turn back from your religion.' But he refused. The king sent for a saw, placed it in the middle of his head and cut him into two parts that fell down. Then the courtier of the king was brought forward and it was said to him: 'Turn back from your religion.' He, too, refused, and the saw was placed in the midst of his head and he was torn into two parts. Then the boy was sent for and it was said to him: 'Turn back from your religion.' He refused. The king then handed him over to a group of his courtiers, and said to them: 'Take him to such and such mountain; make him climb up that mountain and when you reach its peak ask him to renounce his Faith. If he refuses to do so, push him to his death.' So they took him and made him climb up the mountain and he said: 'O Allah, save me from them in any way you like,' and the mountain began to shake and they all fell down (dead) and that young boy came walking to the king. The king said to him, 'What happened to your companions?' He said, 'Allah has saved me from them.' He again handed him to some of his courtiers and said: 'Take him and carry him in a boat and when you reach the middle of the sea, ask him to renounce his religion. If he does not renounce his religion throw him (into the water).' So they took him and he said: 'O Allah, save me from them.' The boat turned upside down and they all drowned except the young boy who came walking to the king. The king said to him, 'What happened to your companions?' He said, 'Allah has saved me from them,' and he said to the king: 'You cannot kill me until you do what I command you to do.' The king asked, 'What is that?' He said, 'Gather all people in one place and tie me up to the trunk of a tree, then take an arrow from my quiver and say: With the Name of Allah, the Rubb of the boy; then shoot me. If you do that you will be able to kill me.' 'The king called the people in an open field and tied the young boy to the trunk of a tree. He took out an arrow from his quiver, fixed in the bow and said, 'With the Name of Allah, the Rubb of the young boy,' he then shot the arrow and it hit the boy's temple. The young boy placed his hand upon the temple where the arrow had hit him and died. The people then said: 'We believe in the Rubb of this young boy.' The king was told: 'Do you see what you were afraid of, by Allah it has taken place; all people have believed.' The king then commanded that trenches be dug and fire lit in them, and said: 'He who would not turn back from his (the young boy's) religion, throw him in the fire' or 'he would be ordered to jump into it.' They did so till a woman came with her child. She felt hesitant in jumping into the fire. The child said to her: 'O mother! Endure (this ordeal) for you are on the Right Path".
[Muslim].
Suhaib (May Allah be pleased with him) reported that the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said, "There lived a king before you ...
Free mixing Between the Sexes
Free mixing Between the Sexes
Shaykh Muhammad Bin Ibrahim Aal-Al Sheikh [1311-1389 H (1893-1969 AD)], the former Grand Mufti of Saudi Arabia, said:
Introduction:
Free mixing between men and women can be of three types:
Mixing of women with men who are their Mahram (husband and men whom she may never marry, e.g. father, brother, son etc). There is no doubt that this is permissible in Islam.
Mixing of women with non-Mahram men for evil and depraved purposes. There is no doubt that this type is not allowed (haram) in Islam.
Mixing of women with non-Mahram men in educational institutes, shops, offices, hospitals, get-togethers, parties etc. At first a questioner (asking fatwa) really might think that this does not lead to one gender tempting the other. To expose the reality of this type, we will reply (to the questioner) both briefly and in detail.
Brief Reply:
The brief answer is that Allah made men to have a natural inclination towards women and gave them power over the females. He made women to be naturally inclined towards men though He made them weak and soft in nature. Hence, when free mixing occurs between women and (non-Mahram) men, its effects result in bad intentions, since the human self is inclined towards evil and (carnal) desires make a person blind and dumb, while Satan commands people to do indecent and evil things.
Detailed Reply:
The detailed answer is that Islamic Law (Shari’ah) is based on objectives and the means to achieve them. The means for an objective have the same rulings as the objective itself. Women are the object of desire for men, and Islam blocks the doors leading to members of one sex becoming attached to the members of the opposite gender. The evidence from the Qur’an and Sunnah that we will now mention for you will show this clearly.
a) Proofs from the Qur’an:
There are six proofs for this from the Qur’an:
Allah says, “
And she, in whose house he was, sought to seduce him (to do an evil act), she closed the doors and said: “Come on, O you.” He said: “I seek refuge in Allah (or Allah forbid)! Truly, he (your husband) is my master! He made my stay agreeable! (So I will never betray him). Verily, the Zalimoon (wrong and evil-doers) will never be successful.” ” (Surah Yusuf 12:23)
It is a proof (for saying that the third type of free mixing is prohibited) because when there was free-mixing between the wife of the Egyptian minister and Prophet Yusuf (peace be upon him), she displayed what was hidden (her love for him) and asked him to have illicit sexual relations with her. However, Allah had Mercy on Yusuf and saved him from her (advances), as He said,
“So his Lord answered his invocation and turned away from him their plot. Verily, He is the All-Hearer, the All-Knower.” (Surah Yusuf 12:34).
Similarly, if free-mixing occurs between men and women, members of both genders pick for themselves the one they please from members of the opposite gender and use all means to get that person.
Allah commanded men and women to lower their gaze. He said,
“Tell the believing men to lower their gaze (from looking at forbidden things), and protect their private parts (from illegal sexual acts, etc.). That is purer for them. Verily, Allah is All-Aware of what they do. And tell the believing women to lower their gaze (from looking at forbidden things)…”
(Surah Al-Noor 24:30-31). This verse is a proof for what we say since Allah ordered believing men and women to lower their gazes, and His ordering something means it is obligatory. Then Allah tells us that it is purer and that only an accidental (unintentional) glance will be forgiven. ‘Ali bin Abi Talib, may Allah be pleased with him narrated that the Prophet (peace be upon him) said,
“O ‘Ali, do not follow a glance with another, for you will be forgiven for the first, but not for the second.”
(Reported by Al-Hakim in Al-Mustadrak (2/212 and 3/133), Ahmed (5/351,353 and 357), al-Tirmithi and others. Al-Hakim said it is authentic according to standard of Muslim, and Al-Dhahabi agreed with him in Talkhis). There are many hadiths with the same meaning. Allah did not order people to lower their gaze except for the fact that looking at objects that are forbidden to see is counted as adultery (zina). Abu Hurairah (may Allah be pleased with him) said,
“The adultery of the eyes is the sight (to gaze at a forbidden thing), the adultery of the tongue is the talk,… and the inner self wishes and desires and the private parts testify all this or deny it.”
[Sahih Al-Bukhari (no. 6612), Muslim (no. 2657), Ahmed (2/276)]. Gazing at forbidden things is adultery since it is enjoying the sight of charms of a woman, results in these images becoming etched in the heart of the person and he tries to commit actual adultery with her. If Islam forbids gazing at her due the resultant evil, then the same evil results from free mixing. Hence, free mixing too is forbidden, since it is the means to the same evil consequences as the forbidden gaze.
The evidences that we mentioned earlier that it is not permissible to gaze at women means that it is obligatory upon a woman to cover her entire body, since exposing it or part of it results in (forbidden) glances towards it, which in turn leads the heart to become attached to her and then utilizing the means to obtain her (for illicit relations). This is also the case with free mixing.
“And let them (Muslim women) not stamp their feet so as to reveal what they hide of their adornment.” (Surah Al-Noor 24:31).
Even though the act of stamping feet itself is permissible, still Since Allah forbade women from stamping their feet so that it does not become a reason for men to hear the sound of anklets worn by women. This would arouse men’s desire for women, and the same evil consequences result from free mixing.
Allah says,
“Allah knows the fraud of the eyes, and all that the breasts conceal.” (Surah Ghafir 40:19).
Ibn ‘Abbas and others said,
“It is (about) a man who visits the house of a family, which includes a beautiful woman too who passes by him. When the members of the family are not watching him, he looks at her, but when they are alert, he lowers his gaze from her. When they are not watching, he gazes at her and when they are observing him, he lowers his gaze. Allah knows that in his heart he wishes to see her naked and if he could, he would commit adultery with her.” (Tafsir Ibn Kathir).
If Allah described the eye which steals a glance towards what is not permissible for it to look as ‘fraud’, then how about free mixing?
Allah ordered women to stay in their homes. He said,
“And stay in your houses, and do not display yourselves like that of the times of ignorance.” (Surah Al-Ahzab 33:33).
Allah commanded the wives of the Prophet (peace be upon him), who were the most pure and chaste women, to stay in their homes. This commandment is addressed to Muslim women in general too, since it is a well established principle of Islamic jurisprudence (fiqh) that directed speech is general in scope, except if there is an evidence proving that it is specific to whom it is addressed. However, there is no evidence to make it specific (the Prophet’s wives) in this case. Hence, if women are commanded to remain at home except in case of a necessity that required them to go out, then how can free mixing between them and men of the kind mentioned earlier be permissible? Moreover, in our times women have become too headstrong, have left modest all-covering garments and expose themselves wantonly to the extent of nudity in front of un-related (non-Mahram) men. Husbands and other guardians of women have little control over women whose well-being they are entrusted with.
b) Proofs from the Sunnah
As for the evidence from the Prophet’s (peace be upon him) words and actions, we will mention just ten:
Imam Ahmed narrated It was narrated that Umm Humayd the wife of Abu Humayd al-Saa’idi came to the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) and said,
“O Messenger of Allah, I like to pray with you.” He said, “I know that you like to pray with me, but your prayer in your room is better for you than your prayer in your courtyard and your prayer in your courtyard is better for you than your praying in your house, and your prayer in your house is better for you than your prayer in the mosque of your people, and your prayer in the mosque of your people is better for you than your prayer in my mosque.” So she issued orders that a prayer-place be prepared for her in the furthest and darkest part of her house, and she used to pray there until she met Allah (i.e., died).”
[Narrated by Ahmad(6/371), Ibn Khuzaymah in his Saheeh (no. 1689)and others]. Ibn Mas’ood (may Allah be pleased with him) said,
“The woman’s prayer (salah) most beloved to Allah is the one she offers in the darkest part of her home”
[Narrated by Ibn Khuzaymah (no. 1691, 1692) and Al-Tabarani in Al-Mu’jam (2/35)]. There are many other narrations to this effect that it is better for a woman to pray at home than the mosque. Hence, because Islam advises women to pray at home and that it is better than even praying in the Prophet’s Mosque behind the Prophet (peace be upon him) himself, it free mixing should be forbidden with even more reason!
Abu Hurairah (may Allah be pleased with him) reported that the Prophet (peace be upon him) said,
“The best rows for men are the first rows, and the worst ones the last ones, and the best rows for women are the last ones and the worst ones for them are the first ones.”
[Sahih Muslim (no. 440), Abu Dawud (no. 678), Al-Tirmithi (no. 224). Al-Tirmithi declared it authentic]. Hence, the Prophet (peace be upon him) told the women that if they came to the mosque, they should firstly remain separate from the worshiping men. Then he described their foremost rows to be worst and the last rows as the better ones. This was only to keep the women praying behind away from mingling with, seeing and having their hearts attached to the men in front of them on hearing voices or watching movements of the men. The Prophet (peace be upon him) described the last rows of men as the worst if there were women in the mosque. The reason behind this is that men in the last rows missed being near the Imam (prayer leader) and instead found positions near the women who are a cause of distraction and may even spoil the prayers by making these men lose concentration and sincerity in worship. Hence, if the Prophet (peace be upon him) expected this to happen in a place of worship, then how about free mixing? Free mixing in which men and women are much closer!
Zainab, the wife of ‘Abdullah, reported: The Messenger of Allah (may peace be upon him) said to us:
“When any one of you comes to the mosque, she should not apply perfume.”
[narrated by Muslim (no. 443), Ahmed (6/363)]. The Prophet (peace be upon him) also said
“Do not prevent the female servants of Allah from visiting the mosques of Allah, but they may go out (to the mosque) having no perfumed themselves.”
[Ahmed (2/475) and Abu Dawud (no 565)]. Ibn Daqeeq al-‘Eed said
“This indicates that it is forbidden for a woman who wants to go to the mosque to wear perfume, because this causes provocation of men’s desires, and it may even be a cause of provoking women’s desire (and sensuality)… The scholars also included other things under this heading of things to be avoided by women who want to go to the mosque, such as beautiful clothes, jewelery that can be seen and excessive adornments”. Ibn Hajar added, “and similarly, mingling with men.”
See Fath al-Baari, 2/279.
Usama bin Zaid reported Allah’s Messenger (may peace be upon him) as saying:
I have not left after me any (chance) of turmoil more injurious to men than the harm done to the men because of women.
[narrated by Al-Bukhari (no. 5069) and Muslim (2740)]. Since the Prophet (peace be upon him) described women as being a fitnah (temptation, trial) for men, how can the temptation and the temptable be placed together? This is not allowed!
Abu Sa’eed Al-Khudri (may Allah be pleased with him) reported that the Prophet (peace be upon him) said,
" The world is sweet and green (alluring) and verily Allah is going to install you as vicegerent in it in order to see how you act. So avoid the (allurement of) women: verily, the first trial for the children of Israel was caused by women.”
[Sahih Muslim (no. 2742)]. The Prophet (peace be upon him) made it obligatory upon Muslim men to avoid (non-Mahram) women. But how can we act on this hadith in the presence of free mixing? This is impossible, hence free mixing of the sexes is forbidden.
Abu Usayd Al-Ansari said he heard the Prophet of Allah (peace be upon him) say
when he was coming out of the mosque, and men and women were mingled in the road: ‘Draw back, for you must not walk in the middle of the road; keep to the sides of the road.’ Then women were keeping so close to the wall that their garments were rubbing against it.
[Abu Dawud (no. 5272)]. The Prophet (peace be upon him) forbade them from walking in the middle of the road since it leads to temptation, then how can one permit mingling in other places?
It is narrated from ‘Umar that when the Prophet of Allah (peace be upon him) built the mosque, he made a door for women and said,
“Men should not enter from this door.”
[Abu Dawud Al-Tialisi in his Sunan (no. 1829) and Al-Bukhari in his Al-Tarikh Al-Kabir (1/60)].Hence, the Prophet (peace be upon him) forbade men and women to mingle with each other when entering and exiting the doors of the mosque by forbidding them to use the same doors. This prohibition was enforced to block the means to free mixing. If free-mixing between the sexes is forbidden in such a condition, it should be forbidden at other places too with all the more reason!
Umm Salama (may Allah be pleased with her) said,
“Whenever Allah’s Prophet (peace be upon him) finished his prayers with Taslim (saying salam at the end of prayers), the women would get up and he would stay on for a while in his place before getting up.”
In another narration, the words are:
“When the Prophet finished the prayer with Taslim, the women would depart and enter their houses before Allah’s Apostle departed.”
In the third narration in Bukhari from her,
“In the lifetime of Allah’s Apostle the women used to get up when they finished their compulsory prayers with Taslim. The Prophet and the men would stay on at their places as long as Allah will. When the Prophet got up, the men would then get up.”
[Sahih Al-Bukhari (no. 849)]. Here, we see that the Prophet (peace be upon him) prevented mixing between men and women by his action. This action cautions us against free-mixing between the genders in places other than the mosque as well.
Mi’qal Bin Yasar (may Allah be pleased with him) narrated that the Prophet (peace be upon him) said,
“If the head of one of you is pierced with an iron needle, it is better for him than to touch a woman who is not legal for him (to touch).”
[Narrated by Al-Tabarani in Al-Mu’jam Al-Kabir (20/213), Ibn Abi Shaybah in Al-Musannaf (4/341) and the narrators were declared trustworthy by Al-Haytami and Al-Mundhiri].
Abu Umamah (may Allah be pleased with him) narrated from the Prophet (peace be upon him) that he said,
“It is better for man to press (against himself) a pig smeared with clay and mud, than to press his shoulder against the shoulder of a woman not legal for him (to touch).” [Al-Tabarani 4/326, though Al-Mundhiri said that a narrator in the chain is extremely weak].
Hence, the Prophet (peace be upon him) forbade men from touching women (and vice versa), whether with or without a barrier (like a cloth etc) if he is not her Mahram due to its evil consequences. So, free mixing between the sexes too is forbidden for the same reason.
Conclusion:
A person who ponders on the evidence presented by us will clearly see that the opinion that free mixing among men and women does not lead to fitnah (trials, temptation) is a figment of imagination of a few people. However, in reality, it does lead to fitnah and that is why Islam forbade from it; in order to nip the evil in the bud. The special circumstances which are due to necessity or extreme need in places of worship, e.g. the mixing of men and women in the Grand Mosque at Mecca and the Prophet’s Mosque in Medina are exceptions to the rule. We ask Allah to guide the misguided among the Muslims and to increase the guidance of those Muslims who are guided. We ask Allah to make the Muslims rules to do good, leave evil and physically stop the foolish people. Indeed, Allah is All-Hearing, Near (by His Knowledge) and Responsive!.
by Muhammad Ibn Ibrahim
Translated by Abu Maryam Bilal
http://www.islaam.net
Free mixing Between the Sexes
Shaykh Muhammad Bin Ibrahim Aal-Al Sheikh [1311-1389 H (1893-1969 ...
The Day of Resurrection (part 2 of 2): Resurrection
Just lately, the news was filled with stories of the war criminal Slobodan Milošević and how he ‘prematurely’ died without being served justice. Even if he were convicted of his crimes by the Hague, what just punishment could possibly be served? On the same notion, how many have been able to bribe a judge or an entire justice system? It’s just too often that we hear of a judge or attorney being arrested on corruption charges.
The Justice system of the Hereafter is flawless and absolutely just. No judgment can be overturned by a jury nor can it be influenced by any individual!The ResurrectionThe great Companion, Ibn Abbas, may God be pleased with him, said that the Prophet, may the mercy and blessings of God be upon him, said:“You will be summoned on the Day of Resurrection bare-footed, naked and uncircumcised.”He then read the words of God:“As We began the first creation, We will repeat it. [That is] a promise binding upon Us. Indeed, We will do it.” (Quran 21:104)“The first person to be dressed on that day will be Prophet Abraham.” (Saheeh Al-Bukhari)Aishah, the Mother of the Believers, exclaimed: “Men and women both! Won’t they all look at each other?” The Prophet said:“The situation they are in is so grim that they would have no time for this!” (Saheeh Muslim)As humankind awaits the decree of Almighty God, they would be standing under the sun, which would be brought close to them. Al-Miqdad b. al-Aswad, one of the Companions, said: ‘I heard the Messenger of God saying:“The sun will be a distance of a mile from the creation on the Day of Resurrection. People will sink in their perspiration according to their deeds. Some would sink in their perspiration till their ankles, while others would sink in it to their thighs and waists; yet others, would sink in it till their mouths!”‘ (Saheeh Muslim)If anyone of us, today, was to sweat on a sunny day, they wouldn’t be able to wait to hit the showers… the Day of Resurrection will be 50 000 years long. The Prophet said:“That day will be 50 000 years long, after which a person will be admitted into Paradise or cast into Hell.” (Abu Dawood)Peoples’ hearts will be pounding, not knowing what would become of them. God describes to us the horrors of that day. He says:“On the Day you see it every nursing mother will be distracted from that [child] she was nursing, and every pregnant woman will abort her pregnancy, and you will see the people [appearing] intoxicated while they are not intoxicated; but the punishment of Allah is severe.” (Quran 22:2)Even the believers who believed in truth will be severely worried. God says:“And they who give what they give while their hearts are fearful because they will be returning to their Lord.” (Quran 23:60)Aishah, may God be pleased with her, said: “Are they those who drink liquor, and steal?” The Prophet answered:“No, Aishah, they are the ones who fast, pray and give out in charity, but are fearful that their deeds would not be accepted from them.” (Saheeh Muslim)The IntercessionAs humankind waits, some would exclaim, ‘Let us ask somebody to intercede for us with our Lord!’ The people would then go to Adam and say:‘You are the father of all the people, and Allah created you with His Own Hands, and ordered the Angels to prostrate to you, and taught you the names of all things; so please intercede for us with your Lord, so that He may relieve us from this place of ours.’He would say: ‘I am not fit for this (i.e. intercession for you).’Adam would remember his sin and feel ashamed thereof. He would then say, ‘Go to Noah, for he was the first Messenger, God sent to the inhabitants of the Earth.’ He would say: ‘I am not fit for this undertaking!’He will remember his appeal to his Lord to do what he had no knowledge of, then he will feel ashamed thereof and would say,‘Go to the Khalil ur-Rahman (i.e. Abraham, the One whom God chose for His love).’They will go to him and he will say, ‘I am not fit for this undertaking. Go to Moses, the slave to whom God spoke (directly) and gave him the Torah.’So they will go to him and he will say, ‘I am not fit for this undertaking,’ and he will mention (his) killing a person who was not a killer, and so he will feel ashamed thereof before his Lord, and he will say, ‘Go to Jesus, God’s Slave, His Messenger and God’s Word and a Spirit coming from Him.’Jesus will say, ‘I am not fit for this undertaking, go to Muhammad the Slave of God whose past and future sins were forgiven by God.’Prophet Muhammad then said: ‘They will come to me and I will proceed till I will ask my Lord’s Permission and I will be given permission. When I see my Lord, I will fall down in Prostration and He will let me remain in that state as long as He wishes and then I will be addressed.’ [Muhammad!] Raise your head. Ask, and your request will be granted; say, and your saying will be listened to; intercede, and your intercession will be accepted.’I will raise my head and praise God with a saying (i.e. invocation) He will teach me, and then I will intercede. He will fix a limit for me [to intercede for] whom I will admit into the Paradise. Then I will come back again to God, and when I see my Lord, the same thing will happen to me. And then I will intercede and God will fix a limit for me to intercede whom I will let into the Heavenly Abode, then I will come back for the third time; and then I will come back for the fourth time, and will say, ‘None remains in Hell but those whom the Quran has imprisoned [in Hell] and who have been destined to an eternal stay in Hell.’” (Saheeh Al-Bukhari)The Distribution of RecordsAfter the agonizing wait and the Prophet’s intercession, people’s records of deeds will be handed out. God says:“Then as for he who is given his record in his right hand, he will be judged with an easy account and return to his people in happiness. But as for he who is given his record behind his back, he will cry out for destruction and [enter to] burn in a Blaze.” (Quran 84:7-12)This is further clarified by God in the following verses: “So as for he who is given his record in his right hand, he will say, ‘Here, read my record! Indeed, I was certain that I would be meeting my account.’ So he will be in a pleasant life – In an elevated Garden, its [fruit] to be picked hanging near. [They will be told], ‘Eat and drink in satisfaction for what you put forth in the days past.’ But as for he who is given his record in his left hand, he will say, ‘Oh, I wish I had not been given my record And had not known what is my account. I wish it [i.e., my death] had been the decisive one. My wealth has not availed me. Gone from me is my authority.’ [God will say], ‘Seize him and shackle him. Then into Hellfire drive him. Then into a chain whose length is seventy cubits insert him.’ Indeed, he did not used to believe in God, the Most Great, nor did he encourage the feeding of the poor. So there is not for him here this Day any devoted friend. Nor any food except from the discharge of wounds; none will eat it except the sinners.” (Quran 69:19-37)The Scales of JusticeEveryone’s deeds will be weighed in actual scale and if the good outweighs the evil, they will be successful but if the opposite happens they will be among the losers.God says: “And We place the scales of justice for the Day of Resurrection, so no soul will be treated unjustly at all. And if there is [even] the weight of a mustard seed, We will bring it forth. And sufficient are We as accountant.”
Ref. www.slamreligion.com
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The Day of Resurrection (part 1 of 2): Introduction
‘Armageddon’, ‘Deep Impact’, ‘End of Days’, the list goes on and on, all though these movies differ in a number of ways, they all have a common plot that depicts an ‘end of the world’ scenario. In the most part, skepticism and mockery play a large role in these blockbuster movies, but the fact that each movie of this nature sells so well and becomes a hit is proof that people are intrigued by the afterlife. So, what does the future hold? To the majority, ‘once you’re dead, you’re dead’ is the common belief, but is this really the case? Does life cease after death, or is it just an initial step leading to another?True JusticeJustice, equality, individuality at best can be described as hollow slogans preached by democracy, rarely implemented in Western society. These terms only attain full meaning with belief in the afterlife, for in this life, we see that crimes go unchecked, unfair judgments are handed down and criminals walk free! Even in cases were a killer is convicted of a heinous crime, he may escape the death penalty, for it is only reserved for the most ‘culpable’ offenders (such as killers and their accomplices) as was the case of Ted Bundy, the infamous serial killer who terrorized America in the late 70s and early 80s. He presumably killed 30 to 100 people. His death via electric chair was quite painless in comparison to the agony he put each of his victims through. According to Christianity, regardless of this man’s ill doings, since he was a ‘believer’ in God, he will be forgiven as per the Doctrine of Atonement. But is this true justice?In Islam, no one will go scot-free; all will be held accountable for their transgression in a higher court of law, wherein no one is wronged and all are given proper sentences. God, Almighty, tells us:“And the Book (one’s Record) will be placed (in the right hand for a believer in the Oneness of God, and in the left hand for a disbeliever in the Oneness of God), and you will see the criminal sinners, fearful of that which is (recorded) therein. They will say: “Woe to us! What sort of Book is this that leaves neither a small thing nor a big thing, but has recorded it with numbers!” And they will find all that they did placed before them, and your Lord treats no one with injustice.” (Quran 18:49)If a person was wronged and did not see true justice or saw only partial justice, God will restore to him his rights on that Day. The Prophet, may the mercy and blessings of God be upon him, said:“The rights shall be returned to the proper individuals on the Day of Resurrection, even to the detail of the just retribution of the broken horned sheep from the two horned sheep who had hit it.” (Saheeh Muslim)Muslims firmly believe in life after death, we are reminded time and time again of this reality by God, the Exalted. He says:“O you who believe! Fear God and keep your duty to Him. And let every person look to what he has sent forth for tomorrow, and fear God. Verily, God is All-Aware of what you do.” (Quran 59:18)Journey into the AfterlifeDeath is but a phase in a series of phases, it is the beginning of one’s journey to the afterlife. Death, or the cessation of life functions, occurs when one’s soul leaves the body. This is a very painful experience. God, Almighty, tells us:“And the pangs of death will come in truth: “This is what you have been avoiding!” (Quran 50:19)As the soul departs the body, the person will stare at it, and his eyes will follow it. The Prophet said:“One will follow the path of the soul visually as it leaves his body.” (Saheeh Muslim)The soul will then begin its journey up to the heavens; for a believer permission would be sought for the gates of heaven to be opened and the gates would be opened till it reaches the seventh heaven, whereby God says:“Thereof (the earth) We created you, and into it We shall return you, and from it We shall bring you out once again.” (Quran 20:55)It would then be returned to the body. As for the non-believer, permission would be sought for the gates of the lowest heaven to be opened, but the angels refuse and it will be cast back to earth. God, Almighty, tells us:“Verily, those who belie Our Signs and treat them with arrogance, for them the gates of heaven will not be opened, and they will not enter Paradise until the camel goes through the eye of the needle. Thus do We recompense the criminal sinners.” (Quran 7:40)Thereafter, one will remain in either continuous bliss or punishment in the grave until the Final Hour is established.The Day of ResurrectionNearing the end of time, the trumpet will be blown and creation will cease to exist. God, Almighty, says:“And the Trumpet will be blown, and all who are in the heavens and all who are on the earth will swoon away, except him whom God wills.” (Quran 39:68)It will be blown a second blowing, and all creation from the beginning of time till the end of time will be resurrected. God, the Exalted, tells us:“And the Trumpet will be blown (i.e. the second blowing) and behold! From the graves they will come out quickly to their Lord.” (Quran 36:51)People will be standing naked, barefooted and uncircumcised. The Prophet described to us what will happen, he said: “You will be gathered, barefooted, naked, and uncircumcised (as God says):“As We began the first creation, We shall repeat it.” (Quran 21:104)The first human being to be dressed on the Day of Resurrection will be Prophet Abraham, may the mercy and blessings of God be upon him.” (Saheeh Al-Bukhari)
Ref. www.islamreligion.com
‘Armageddon’, ‘Deep Impact’, ‘End of Days’, the list goes on and on, all though these movies differ ...
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