Questions & Answers About Islam
Q: Who is Allah, and is He the same as God?
A: When Muslims talk about God, they automatically think of Allah. Allah is the Arabic word for “The One True God”. He is the Almighty, the Creator who created the universe, mankind and all other forms of life. Allah is the sustainer of life and the One who regulates all that happens in the universe. Throughout these questions, I will refer to god as Allah and so you know who I am talking about.
Q: What is Islam, and what does the word "Islam" mean?
A: Islam is Allah’s eternal message to mankind. Islam originated with our father Adam (peace be upon him) and then the torch was passed on to other elect messengers. Islam's message was, still is and will always be the belief in and submission to the One True God alone, the Creator and the Sustainer of all things, the Exalted and the Redeemer of all things. The word Islam itself means "submission and surrendering" to Allah, wilfully obeying His commands.
Q: I heard something about the 5 pillars of Islam and the 6 pillars of faith. Could you elaborate more on these pillars?
A: You are right! Islam has two different types of pillars: The pillars of Islam and the pillars of faith in Islam. The 5 pillars of Islam are:
1. Al-Shahadatan" the testimony that there is no God but Allah and Mohammad is Messenger of Allah,
2. performing prayer (Salah),
3. giving Alms (Zakah),
4. fasting (Sawm),
5. and performing Pilgrimage (Hajj) for those who are able.
The 6 pillars of Faith in Islam are:
1. The belief in One God, Allah,
2. the belief in His Angels,
3. the belief in His Scriptures,
4. the belief in His Messengers,
5. the belief in Judgment Day.
6. and the belief in the divine decree, the good and the bad of it.
Q: Who is Mohammad?
A: Mohammad (peace be upon him) was born in Mecca 570 CE. At age forty he was elected by Allah to convey His Message to mankind. The Message is to worship Allah alone, not ascribing partners with Him. Mohammad (peace be upon him) spent the last 23 years of his life conveying God's Message to all people. Prophet Mohammad (peace be upon him) died at age 63 and his resting place lies in the city of Medina in Saudi Arabia. He is Allah’s final Messenger to mankind.
Prophet Mohammad (peace be upon him) came to re-institute Islam, the religion of Adam, Noah, Abraham, Moses and Jesus (peace be upon them). The following prophecy is obtained from the Bible regarding Mohammad's cometh from Arabia. In HABAKKUK 3:3 “God (Jesus) came from Teman, and the Holy One from mount Paran. Selah. His glory covered the heavens, and the earth was full of his praise." The place of Teman is the area located southeast of Palestine, and Paran is the area of Mecca in Saudi Arabia where the Holy One (Mohammad peace be upon him) came from.
Q: What is the deal with the term(s) "Mohammadeen", "Muhammedanism" or Mohammedans in Islam?
A: There are no such terms at all. Other religions have been named after their founders or after the community in which the religion was prospered. For example, Christianity has been named after Christ. Judaism after the tribe of Judah, and Buddhism after Buddha. Westerners falsely gave the name "Muhammedanism" or Mohammadeen" to Islam after Mohammad (peace be upon him) and also called his followers "Mohammedans". However the terms “Islam” and “Muslims” are actually found in the Qur’an, the final revelation of Allah. (see «27:31»), («3:19») & («22:78»).
Q: Who is Satan and what is his name in Arabic?
A: Satan is an evil being that is focussed on tempting and misguiding mankind away from the religion of Allah. His name in Arabic is Iblis and also by the name of "Shaytaan" (which means Devil). He is from the creation known as the "jinn" or as it is commonly known in English as “spirits”.
Q: Why does Satan despise humans and desire their destruction?
A: Satan was a mighty and distinguished creature that was a servant of Allah. However when Allah created Adam, Allah honoured him by commanding the angels and Satan, to prostrate to Adam as a sign of respect and not as a sign of worship. All of them prostrated to Adam except Satan, who was created with freewill and decided to disobey Allah. Allah asked him, “What made you not prostrate to Adam and disobey my commandment?” Satan replied, “I am better than Adam, you created him from clay and created me from fire.” Allah cursed Satan and Satan vowed to destroy Adam and his descendants forever.
Q: I am still confused, I thought Satan was an angel like Gabriel and he has no free will but to worship God?
A: False. If Satan was an angel, then we wouldn't have any problems with him at all. Angels are a special creation of Allah. He created angels from divine light and do not have free will in doing things but to worship God and obey his commandments. Satan, on the other hand, is a Jinn, and like mankind, Satan and the "jinnkind" have free will in their actions; free will of doing good and free will of doing bad. Ref. QURAN «(18:50)»
Q: Is it true that Adam was the first messenger of Allah?
A: Yes, Adam had the responsibility to convey Allah’s message and laws to his descendants. From the beginning, Adam's message to the first generation of mankind was to worship the One True God, Allah alone.
Q: Why did God send messengers, and why not instead communicate with us directly?
A: Allah created us, placed us on Earth and gave us this beautiful life. He gave us intellect, reason and the gift of choice. So this life is a test from Him to see which of us believes, is thankful and obedient to Him. Now if Allah revealed Himself directly to us, there would be no test as none of us would reject Him. If this was the case there would be no need for us to live on Earth, as we may as well all be living in paradise. But rather we are here – even though Allah has knowledge of all things – to see who will believe and submit to Him and who will disbelieve and reject Him.
In addition to this, if we look at the nature of Allah, He is able to do all things that are Holy and Godly. So it is not befitting for Him to come to Earth and communicate to us in this manner. An example of what I mean is, as humans we manufacture appliances for specific purposes. For example, a tape recorder is designed and manufactured by humans. Now it has never been suggested that in order to understand what is good for the tape recorder, or to communicate with it, that the manufacturer (human) should become a tape recorder himself. Rather the manufacturer publishes an instruction manual on the recorder. In this respect, human beings are also complex and we too have a Designer and a Manufacturer. So we wouldn’t expect our Designer to come to Earth as one of us to communicate to us in this manner. Rather He revealed the “instruction manual” for mankind and chose messengers, who were ideal examples to be followed and who would explain the “manual” from Allah.
Q: How many prophets and messengers did God send to mankind?
A: Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) told us approximately 124,000 prophets and messengers were sent to mankind. The Qur’an lists 25 of the most popular ones. They are: Adam, Enoch (Idris), Noah, Hud, Salih, Abraham, Ishmael, Isaac, Lot, Jacob (Yaqub), Joseph (Yusuf), Shu'aib, Job (Ayyob), Moses (Musa), Aaron (Haroon), Ezekiel (Dhul-Kifl), David (Dawood), Solomon (Sulaiman), Elias, Elisha (El-Yasa), Jonah (Yunus), Zechariah, John (Yahya), Jesus, and Mohammad, peace be upon them all.
Q: Are you telling me both Moses and Jesus were Muslims? If so, prove it and I would like to see something from the Bible in this regard?
A: Both Moses and Jesus (peace be upon them) were Muslims, since both had conveyed the very same Message - "Submission and surrendering" to the One True God.
Here is the proof from the Bible:
Moses said: ‘"Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God is ONE Lord."’(DEUTERONOMY 6:4). Approximately 1500 years later Jesus said: ‘"...The first of all the commandments is, Hear, O Israel; the Lord our God is ONE Lord." ’(MARK 12:29).
Of course Prophet Mohammad (peace be upon him) came along approximately 600 years later, bringing identical message again: «"And your God is ONE God: There is no God but He" »(The QURAN 2:163)
Q: I am still confused, if Mohammad was to be God's final and most glorified Prophet, how come we don't see his name in the Bible?
A: Mohammad's name is indeed mentioned in the original Bible manuscripts. The word "Mahmad" is found in the original Hebrew manuscript and it means the "desired one", or the "glorified one". In the 15th century, exactly in 1539, "Great Bible" was the first and official English translated bible to be authorized for public use, and when the Bible was translated to the English language, many words and expressions were translated differently and sometimes omitted altogether, including the word "Mahmad" which is the name of Prophet Mohammad, (peace be upon him). Here is the verse in the Bible: ‘"And I (God) will shake all nations, and the "desire one" of all nations shall come." ’HAGGI 2:7
Also in the Bible, God is saying to Moses: ‘“I will raise them up a Prophet from among their brethren, like unto thee, and will put my words in his mouth; and he shall speak unto them all that I shall command him. And it shall come to pass, that whosoever will not hearken unto my words which he shall speak in my name, I will require it of him.” ’(Deuteronomy 18:18-19)
Prophet Mohammad (peace be upon him) was similar to Moses (peace be upon him) and he was the only prophet from whose mouth the words of God were spoken (Qur’an). Prophet Mohammad (peace be upon him) spoke in God's name all the time. Also in Isaiah 51:4, it is said that there will be a new law for all the people. Also, in Isaiah 66:20, it was made clear that the prophet would come from the BRETHREN, not children of the Israel. (i.e. the Arabs)
Q: Are you telling me, all other religions are bogus and Islam is the only true religion?
A: Well, isn't that the case with all religions!? Every religion claims to be the right one and others are wrong. Islam is the belief in One God - Allah, the Creator of all things. Islam doesn't believe in the "middleman" fallacy as the case with many religions including Christianity. In Christianity, to be saved you have to believe in Jesus (peace be upon him) as the Son of God, and without such confession and belief in Jesus, you're most definitely going to Hellfire. Islam, on the other hand, declares that believing in One God, and that Mohammad is His messenger, and obeying God's laws and His prophet's doctrine is the only passport to Heaven.
Q: Is it really sensible that God will reward Heaven only to Muslims and punish others that can easily add up to millions or even billions of people of various religions?
A: Yes it is very sensible. If you read both the Bible and the Qur’an you will uncover that God severely punished the unbelievers and the wicked people throughout the history of mankind. That includes the people of Prophet Noah (peace be upon him), the people of Prophet Abraham (peace be upon him), Lot, Moses (peace be upon them), etc... Numbers don't mean a thing in the eyes of God and that shouldn't be considered as an exception at all. Only faith counts and not numbers.
Q: But what about people in our time! We don't know anything about Islam and Mohammad! Would that be considered against us on Judgment Day?
A: Yes it will be considered against you. Before the coming of Prophet Mohammad (peace be upon him), God vowed not to punish people or hold them responsible without sending messengers. Unlike Moses & Jesus (peace be upon him), Prophet Mohammad (peace be upon him) was very distinct since he was sent to all mankind with God's final message before Judgment Day. Everybody, the least, has heard of Mohammad's name. We live in the information age, and within our fingertips, using computers or TVs, we can learn just about anything including religions. The Prophet (peace be upon him) also told us that everyone of us is born with a natural inclination to worship God alone, the Almighty Allah, but many factors have tendency to force a person to deviate from the right path such as: Satan's influence, Parents, Society, etc.
Q: Why can't Muslims accept the term "Son of God", even though it is in the Bible and referring to Jesus?
A: The term "Son of God" was used metaphorically speaking to those who were godly and pious men. It was never meant to be used literally as the case with Christianity toward Jesus (peace be upon him). In fact, the term "Son of God" is used all over the Bible referring to people other than Jesus, check out the following verses:
‘"…the son of Enoch, the son of Seth, the son of Adam, the son of God.”’LUKE 3:38
‘"…that the sons of God saw that the daughters of men were beautiful; and they took wives for themselves, whomever they chose."’ GENESIS 6:2
‘"Then you shall say to Pharaoh, Thus says the LORD, Israel is My son, My firstborn."’ EXODUS 4:22
‘"…For I am a father to Israel, and Ephraim is My firstborn."’ JEREMIAH 31:9
‘"For all who are being led by the Spirit of God, these are sons of God."’ROMANS 8:14
So how come Christians don't regard those people as Gods, the way they regard Jesus (peace be upon him)?
Q: Christians believe that Jesus is the way and their Only Savior; could you give me a solid proof to indicate otherwise?
A: Yes I could, and again, it will be from the Bible. The Bible says:
‘“Let all the nations be gathered together, and let the people be assembled: who among them can declare this, and show us former things? Let them bring forth their witnesses, that they may be justified: or let them hear, and say, it is truth. . Ye are my witnesses, saith the LORD, and my servant whom I have chosen: that ye may know and believe me, and understand that I am he: before me there was no God formed, neither shall there be after me. . I, even I, am the LORD; and beside me there is no Savior." ’ISAIAH 43:9-11
God said, to let all nations and people gather together to bear witness to this truth (Islam), and know that I (God) have chosen my servant (Mohammad). And that He is God with none other before or after. The Chapter talks about all nations being unified under one flag (Islam). Also, in verse 11, God very clearly and categorically stated that He is the Only Savior and none else.
Q: Why Muslims don't eat Swine (Pork) meat?
A: For the same reason both Moses & Jesus (peace be upon them) refused to eat it. God commanded Muslims not to eat Swine meet. God also commanded Moses not to eat or even touch the Swine meat as in the following verses in the Bible:
‘"…and the pig, for though it divides the hoof, thus making a split hoof, it does not chew cud, it is unclean to you. You shall not eat of their flesh nor touch their carcasses; they are unclean to you."’ LEVITICUS 11:7-8
Q: But hey, we are not Jews! We are Christians governed by Grace and not Law?
A: Who said anything about the Jews? The above verses are found in the Christian Bible. Plus, we all know that God gave Moses (peace be upon him) numerous commandments and laws including the Ten Commandments, for people to obey, comply and to adhere to. Jesus (peace be upon him) came along 1500 years later to re-institute Moses' laws & commandments and that by itself is a sign that Prophets came from the same institution with the same message & guidance.
Jesus (peace be upon him) said: ‘“Think not that I am come to make void the law or the prophets; I am not come to make void, but to fulfill."’MATTHEW 5:17. Jesus (peace be upon him) said: ‘“If you love me, keep my commandments." ’JOHN 14:15. One of these commandments is not to eat Swine meet. I don't see Grace at all, all I see Laws and Commandments that ought to be followed.
Q: According to Muslims, God vowed to preserve the Qur’an. How come the earlier scriptures weren't persevered, and after all, they are God's words?
A: God does not promise such protection or preservation to the former scriptures as the case with the Qur’an. Every prophet was armed with special miracles to prove the authenticity of his message. Moses came to people who rely heavily on magic, so God gave him immense power through his cane. Jesus came to people who were known of strong medical abilities, so God gave him the ability to cure people and even to raise the dead. Both Prophets Moses & Jesus (pbut) were sent to specific people (sons of Israel) with the mentioned miracles and the scriptures. On the other hand, Mohammad (peace be upon him) was sent to people who were fluent in Arabic Language and its grammar. God gave him the Qur’an as his main and lasting miracle. The Qur’an is very unique in its originality and delivery, and the Arabic Language is the best to preserve such revelation. Since Mohammad (peace be upon him) is the final messenger to mankind and the Qur’an was his main miracle, God has promised to protect the Qur’an forever.
Remember, if the miracle dies, then its authenticity will most definitely die and perish. Moses and Jesus (peace be upon them) had their miracles but not in their books, but rather in their actions (the power of the cane & healing), and once they're gone, it was easy for people to edit and interpolate their scriptures (Torah & Bible) to fit their own selfish desires. So far, and after 1400 years later, the Qur’an remains untouched and persevered from corruption. Muslims still believe in Mohammad's original revelation and divine message. The preservation isn't only limited to the text, but to the divine message, and to the delivery and originality.
Q: Is it true the Qur’an has scientific and medical facts?
A: Yes it is. But remember though, the Qur’an is not a scientific book. The Qur’an carries a divine message and guidance from the Almighty to all mankind. This message touches upon all aspects of human's life including science and medical aspects. When people embraced Islam, it wasn't because of the scientific facts the Qur’an brought forward, but rather because of the divine message in the belief of the One, the Almighty. People embraced Islam because Islam is a simple religion that is sensible and harmonize with the human instinct. Islam is a complete way of life that is based on fairness, equality, and purity amongst all mankind.
Q: I noticed various Islamic Sects! Could you list them for me?
A: About 84 % of Muslims are Sunni. The word Sunni is based on the word Sunnah which is an Arabic word means the Prophet's tradition. Sunnis believe in Allah as the One Creator and Mohammad is His last and final Messenger. Also, Sunnis believe in the Qur’an and Sunnah as the two main sources of Islam. There are, however, Muslim bunches who deviated from the right path of Islam such as: Shia, Baha'i, Sufi, Ahmadiya, etc. So be cautious in knowing whom you are dealing with.
Q: What is the total number of Muslims around the world?
A: 1997 Statistics shows a population of 1.78 Billion Muslim.
Q: Why do Muslims pray so much, you know, 5 times a day! Isn't belief in Allah enough?
A: Besides the fact it's a Commandment from the Almighty, the prayer (Salah) is considered to be a continuous and daily discipline for Muslims. It's true we have the belief in One God and His messenger Mohammad (peace be upon him) embedded in our hearts, but like earlier Muslims, God has prescribed Laws and Commandments for us to observe and adhere to. When we pray, we recite the Qur’an that has God's genuine words and directions. We also offer supplications and blessings to God. The line of communication between Muslims and God never slows down ever. The prayer (Salah) itself is considered a supplication to the Almighty. It is how we make our connection to God and remember him everyday. It is how we ground ourselves while at the same time elevating ourselves spiritually.
Q: I am spiritually confused! What should I do?
A: You owe it to yourself to search for the truth, and I am sure if you have an honest intention searching for the truth, God will aid you in your endeavor. Read more about Islam and weigh your options. Read more about the early revelations & messengers of God and comprehend their law & guidance that they had conveyed to their people at that time, then compare all present religions and see which one coincide with the early revelations.
Q: But I am satisfied with my own belief, so why should I pursue other religion in the first place?
A: Remember, mankind has a free will to do whatever he desires, and we are all held accountable for what we do. If you are content with your religion, then you are solely responsible for your actions & belief and no one else.
Q: How do I become a Muslim?
A: Unlike other religions, Islam doesn't have certain rituals or baptism by religious groups or individuals. All you need to do is to declare the Testimony (Shahadatan). The Testimony is: ‘"I testify that there is no God but Allah, and Mohammad is the Messenger of Allah". ’Once you establish this pure belief in your heart, then you can proceed unto the rest of the pillars of Islam. Many Islamic foundations and mosques will be able to help you getting started learning about Islam...
Thursday, February 19, 2009
Questions & Answers About Islam
Posted by حنان ورده at 4:24 PM 0 comments Links to this post
Labels: faith, God, originated, wilfully
A Complete Way Of Life
A Complete Way Of Life
Islam is a religion, but not in the western meaning of religion. The western connotation of the term "religion" is something between the believer and God. Islam is a religion that organizes all aspects of life on both the individual and national levels.
Islam organizes your relations with God, with yourself, with your children, with your relatives, with your neighbor, with your guest, and with other brethren. Islam clearly establishes your duties and rights in all those relationships.
Islam establishes a clear system of worship, civil rights, laws of marriage and divorce, laws of inheritance, code of behavior, what not to drink, what to wear, and what not to wear, how to worship God, how to govern, the laws of war and peace, when to go to war, when to make peace, the law of economics, and the laws of buying and selling. Islam is a complete code of life.
Islam is not practiced in the mosque only, it is for daily life, a guide to life in all its aspects: socially, economically, and politically.
Islam is complete constitution. Thus Islam keeps the Muslim away from confusion, because Islam is logical and rational. Allah is one. Allah is one Allah has no sons. Allah is not associated with trinity. Allah does not kill to save. No mediation is required between Allah and man. Islam organizes human nature, but does not go against it. There is not a class of clergy in Islam; nor is there celibacy. Islam is complete way of human life.
Posted by حنان ورده at 4:16 PM 0 comments Links to this post
Labels: Complete, Islam, Life system, marriage, Way
Muhammad, A Guidance To Follow
| Muhammad, A Guidance To Follow Muhammad (pbuh) as a man had already died, but as a Prophet (pbuh) he left behind him a legacy in the form of the Qur’an and the Sunnah. He stressed the urgent need to hold firmly to these two sources during his Farewell speech in the valley of Arafat. If people hold fast to them, they will never go astray. The teachings he left for us, if put into practice in their true spirit and proper way, will bring a happy life in this world and besides the indubitable rewards that will be received by those who believed in them in the life after death. In this sense, Islam is a worldly religion which cares first for the worldly affairs of humanity. The hereafter is merely a continuation of the worldly life. It is difficult to portend that man can be saved in the Hereafter without being saved in this world. The safe way is to follow the way shown to us by the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). When his wife, ‘Aishah, was asked by a companion about the Prophet’s daily conduct, ‘Aishah replied that the conduct of the Prophet (pbuh) is the Qur’an which is the guidance from Allah and Muhammad (pbuh) was given authority by Allah to interpret it. That is why his conduct is exemplary of human conduct. Islam as brought by the Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) is very much misunderstood as a religion of rituals only like prayers, fasting, almsgiving and pilgrimage. Thanks to the new developments in the world, Islam is now looked upon In a wider perspective than the narrow-minded view. The increased interest in Islamic studies by Muslims and non-Muslims supported by the advanced printing technology, has begun to open the eyes of the world about the true teaching and intrinsic values of Islam. · Economy: In the field of economic development, the goal is not material gain, but human welfare in general. Islam exhorts that the balance between the material and physical aspects, between the individual and societal needs, be maintained in order to narrow the gap between two opposite sides of human world. It is stated in the Qur’an: "Say, who is there to forbid the beauty which Allah has brought forth for His creatures, and the good things from among the means of sustenance. Say, they are for those who believe (in Allah) In this worldly life, to be theirs alone in the Hereafter on the Day of Resurrection [...] Say, the only things my Lord forbids are the shameful deeds, be they open or secret, the sin, unjustified envy, the ascribing of divinity to aught beside Allah, and the attributing unto Allah of aught of which you have no knowledge" (Al A'raf, verse 33) So everyone is free to conduct any business he likes outside the harmful circle he has been warned not to indulge in. If he does not listen to this warning, he will be in trouble. Every good quality as precondition to a successful business is encouraged by Islam. The Prophet (pbuh) himself was a businessman before he was appointed as a Prophet. His ability to run business prudently, by his fairness and truthful conduct in dealing with people had won him the heart of his employer, Khadijah who later offered him marriage. He advocated Muslims to follow the spirit of Prophet Daud (David) (pbuh). With hard work, this Prophet earned his living from his own labour. He also said that faith of a Muslim is not complete If he is not good in his profession. “He said: “If you leave matters to those who are not professional, you are waiting for the disaster”.” If he works in the production line, his products must be compatible with products of other companies or factories. In order to be marketable, it must suit the taste of buyers and their standards of living. In this regard, Islam teaches not to cheat in offering the product to the market. It must be shown as it is without any publicity it does not deserve. In the life time of the Prophet, he found many cases in market places where the merchants tried to cheat the customers. “The Prophet said to them: “Whoever cheated are not from amongst us (Muslims)”.” Islam laid many regulations in the field of economy such as trade, leasing, business transaction, contract and others to prevent unfair dealing within the community and in the world of business at large. What is also prevented by Islam is a monopoly and exploitation -by one man or one group at the expense of the others. · Cleanliness: The first thing in the religion brought by the Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) is the care of cleanliness. The concept of cleanliness in Islam covers physical and spiritual, mundane and religious domains. Before performing any rituals, prescribed by Islam, one should cleanse his body, and his dress, his place of worship and his environment should be clean. Before performing his prayers or starting for pilgrimage, one has to make his ablution (wudu’). If he or she is in a state of unclean after having had a lawful intimate intercourse or post-natal period or other reasons, he or she has to take a complete bath by pouring clean water over the whole body. In the case of daily prayer, every Muslim has to clean his/her private parts, face, hand, feet, mouth, nose and ears at least five times every day for the five daily prayers. This also reminds him/her to keep his/ her soul clean from unlawful deeds. Cleanliness is not in the physical sense only. The body should be purified as well from evil doings that might harm his relationship with others and with God. He has to clean his mind from bad intentions or committing unlawful acts. He has to clean his heart from jealousy, hypocrisy and other evil desires. He has to embody hope, truthfulness, forgiveness, compassion, holiness, the sense of brotherliness, neighbourliness and other noble qualities. He has to pay special attention to his diet against all unhealthy food medically and religiously. He has to keep his eyes, ears, tongue away from evil things. These are among the noble characteristics as exemplified by Prophet Muhammad (pbuh). To clean the wealth, Islam instituted the zakat system (way of purifying wealth). A person whose wealth has reached a certain point is obligated to pay zakat (alms) which is a duty enjoined by God and undertaken by Muslims in the interest of society as a whole. For those able persons whose wealth does not reach the minimum rate point, he can also give voluntary contribution to the needy. This does not mean that the needy should always be receiving help from the able. “Prophet Muhammad said: "The upper hand (giver) is better than the lower one (receiver of help).”” If the receiver of zakat can grasp the spirit of the Prophet’s (pbuh) saying, he will try his best to be the giver instead of the receiver by endeavouring to better his life as encouraged by the teachings of Islam. In Islam, the possession of more wealth does not raise a man’s dignity, nor does poverty degrade him. It is true that wealth is necessary for man to live on this earth, but It is only a means, not the end. The end is happiness in life by attaining the higher values and not losing sight of in the pursuit of wealth. Among the great virtues of Islam is the command to do good and the prohibition to do evil. The good should be preserved and the evil should be discarded. In short, Islam is actually composed of a series of commands and prohibitions. All the commands and prohibitions are for the good of humanity. Allah the Most Knowing, the Most Merciful, did not decree any law and regulations but for the good and benefit of his creatures. The prohibition was decreed because of its evil implications to humanity. The evils were created to test the human conscience and challenge their freewill in choosing between right and wrong. All the commands and prohibitions from Allah as transmitted through His Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) was intended to purify the human soul in order to live a pure and clean life adored by Allah and human genesis. · Orderliness: One of the other teachings of Islam is about orderliness. Discipline, regulation, management, planning and all other terms relating to organisation are important in Islam. Islam exhorts people to live in orderliness and to put the right thing in the right place. The foundation of Islamic order rests on two main principles, the crucial -faith in one God (Allah) and the oneness of humanity. All the frameworks were laid down in the Qur'an and the Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) applied himself to working out the essential details of that order. One of the great values taught by Islam in this regard is to make use of the time left to humanity. The Qur'an and the Sunnah (Traditions) mentioned about time, day, week, month, year and century. People are lost if they did not spend the time available to them during this life for good things. It is a great loss if people have to waste the valuable time they have at their disposal for useless activities. It is true that life should be enjoyable but not at the expense of human resources and values which are essential for the continuation of their wellbeing. Allah the Most Knowing had created time and space suitable for human activities for they can attain achievements in life. There are times for work, study, recreation, resting and even celebration. All are parts of activities in worshipping Allah and serving His cause. The Qur'an says that Allah had created day for earning and night for resting and enjoyment. He created the sun, the moon and all outer-space objects so that man on the earth can fix the time and arrange the calendar. By having a standard time, a standard calendar and the movements of astronomical objects, people are able to regulate their timetable in choosing the right moment for them in doing business and carrying out their activities. Islam prescribes certain times for the daily prayers, a certain month for the obligatory fasting and a certain time during life time for performing the hajj (pilgrimage). This indicates that the religion brought by Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) places the life of Muslims in systematic order. For every move and occasion made by Muslims there is a rule governing it, be it in the form of advice, spiritual guidance or practical directive. If all these directives are followed and understood properly, people will have high discipline and a well-managed life. Islam encourages people to think correctly before taking any action. This means planning. There are many verses in the Qur'an admonishing against doing things unthinkingly and jumping to conclusions. The Prophet (pbuh) also showed good example in fulfilling promise and staying true to treaty, agreement or contract made between parties. As a man of honour, he always remained true to the principles agreed in the treaty, depicting his high discipline and inclination of doing everything in proper order. · Friendliness: Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) was a warmhearted and faithful friend. He loved his companions. He extended greetings to those he knew and to those he did not know. He treated all people around him with kindness and affection. He was very courteous to all those who met him. He never contradicted anybody who is not opposed to the teachings of Islam. He treated equally the humble and the lofty. He claimed no distinction and lived amongst his companions as if he was not their leader. · Neighbourliness: He regarded the neighbours as brothers and sisters because of their closeness and living in the same vicinity. He once smelt the aroma of the soup cooked by his wife. He told her to give some of it to the neighbours who also smelt it. He said it was not right for a Muslim to sleep with a full stomach after having had a good meal but let his neighbour starve. He laid the foundation for a friendly relation and cooperation among neighbours exemplifying that, living as a neighbour, one has one’s right and responsibility. In regard to the rights of a neighbour, the Prophet said: ““Help him if he asks your help; give him relief if he seeks your relief; show him concern if he is distressed and when he is ill; attend his funeral if he dies; congratulate him If he meets any good; sympathize with him if any calamity befalls him; do not block his air by raising your building without his permission and do not harass him.”” · Goodwill: He was a good exemplar to those who subscribe to a harmonious society. Islam exhorts people not to violate the rights of others and injure their interest, but should positively cooperate with each other and establish a mutual relationship and social cohesion. To safeguard the unity and solidarity of the nation and to achieve the welfare and wellbeing of the community, Muslims have been enjoined to avoid mutual hostility, social dissension, backbiting one another, and hurting others with their hand or tongue. Islam as brought by the Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) exhorts Muslims to visit the sick, to help the needy and assist the weak. Islam makes no discrimination on the basis of race, colour or language. Its appeal Is to the entire humanity. · Women: The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) brought changes for the betterment of women. Woman is recognised by Islam as a full and equal partner of man in the procreation of humankind. He is the father, she is the mother, and both are essential for life. Her role is no less vital than his. By this partnership, she has an equal share in every aspect; she is entitled to equal rights, she undertakes equal responsibilities, and in her there are many qualities and so much humanity as there are in her partner. She is equal to man in bearing personal and common responsibilities and in receiving rewards for her deeds. She is equal to man in the pursuit of education and knowledge. Islam enjoined the seeking of knowledge upon Muslims; it makes no distinction between man and woman. She is entitled to freedom of expression as much as man is. Her sound opinions are taken into consideration and cannot be disregarded just because she is a female. Islam grants woman equal fights to contract, to enterprise, to earn and possess independently. Her life, her property, her honour are as sacred as those of man. Islam has also given woman a share of inheritance. Before Islam, she was not only deprived of that share, but was herself considered as property to be inherited by man. · Statehood: When Prophet Muhammad (pbuh)arrived at Madinah, he initiated the formation of an Islamic state. After establishing political brotherhood and the authority of the state of Madinah, he began negotiations with various tribes around the dy and made treaties with them. When the Makkan unbelievers launched a series of attacks on Madinah, Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) was able to confront them. And when the Makkans were finally defeated in the battle of the Trenches (Al-Khandaq), he was able to make truce with them at Hudaibiyah for ten years. This treaty was a masterpiece of practical statesmanship on the part of Prophet Muhammad. His diplomacy in sending and receiving envoys to and from the various chiefs of tribes and foreign rulers, his fairness in conducting judiciary, and his general pardon at the liberation of Makkah, was another proof of his lofty statesmanship. The State he established in Madinah was not a matter of chance. It was the very nature of his mission that he would establish a state to enforce the way of Allah. People might accept a new faith but it would take time to change their habits, custom and way of life. And even if a small group of people succeeded in changing their way of life, there would be many others who would not let these people practise their belief and try to stop them by force. So the Islamic State became an urgent necessity to protect the Islamic way of life. The State founded by Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) was invested with physical force, as every State must necessarily be, to fulfil its function of stopping aggression and oppression. A democratic system In Islam is expressed through the term shura (council). The Qur'an says: ““And those who respond to their Lord and keep up prayer and their affairs (of government) is by council among themselves and who spend out of what we have given them.”.” |
Posted by حنان ورده at 4:12 PM 0 comments Links to this post
Labels: Follow, Guidance, Muhammad, Prophet, sense, teachings
The Quran On Oceans And Seas
The Quran On Oceans And Seas
BARRIER BETWEEN THE OCEANS
Modern Science has discovered that in the places where two different seas meet, there is a barrier between them. This barrier divides the two seas so that each sea has its own temperature, salinity and density.” (1)
Allah has informed us in the Qur’aan that:
«"He has let free the two seas meeting together: Between them is a barrier which they do not transgress."» (Qur’aan 55:19-20).
Traditionally, there have been two major interpretations of this verse. The Qur’aan goes on to state that there is barrier between them, means that this barrier will simply prevent the seas from encroaching upon each other or flooding over each other.
Proponents of the second opinion ask how can there be a barrier between the seas so that they do not encroach upon each other, while the verse indicates that the seas meet together? They concluded that the seas do not meet and sought another meaning for the term "maraja". But now modern science provides us with enough information to settle this issue. The seas do meet together, as we have seen, for example, in the picture of the Mediterranean and Atlantic Ocean. Even though there is a slanted water barrier between them, we now know that through this barrier the water from each sea passes to the other. But when the water from one sea enters the other sea, it looses its distinctive characteristics and becomes homogenized with the other water. In a way, this barrier serves as a transitional homogenizing area for the two waters. This is an excellent example of Islamic modern scientific research. Modern techniques can thus be used to prove the inimitability of the Qur’aan.
Modern Science has discovered that in estuaries, where fresh (sweet) and salt water meet, the situation is somewhat different from what is found in places where two seas meet. It has been discovered that what distinguishes fresh water from salt water in estuaries is a ”pycnocline zone with a marked density.
«“He is the one who has let free the two bodies of flowing water, one palatable and sweet, and the other salty and bitter. And He has made between them a barrier and a FORBIDDING PARTITION.”» QURAN (25:53)
DARKNESS IN A DEEP SEA
«“Or is like the darkness in a deep sea. It is covered by waves, above which are waves, above which are clouds. Darkness, one above another. If a man stretches out his hand, he cannot see it...”» QURAN (24:40)
The darkness in deep seas and oceans is found around a depth of 200 metres and below. At this depth, there is almost no light. Below a dept of 1000 metres there is no light at all. (4)
«WAVES ABOVE WAVES»
«“Or is like the darkness in a deep sea. It is covered by waves, above which are waves, above which are clouds. Darkness, one above another. If a man stretches out his hand, he cannot see it...”» QURAN (24:40)
Scientists have only recently discovered that there are internal waves which “occur on density interfaces between layers of different densities. (5)
The internal waves cover the deep waters of seas and oceans because the deep waters have a higher density than the waters above them. Internal waves act like surface waves. They can also break just like surface waves. Internal waves cannot be seen by the human eye but they can be detected by studying temperature or salinity changes at a given location. (6)
(1) Principles of Oceanography, Davis, Page:92-93
(2) Oceanography, Gross, Page:242
(3) Oceanography, Gross, Page:244
(4) Oceans, Elder and Pernetta, Page:92-93
(5) Oceanography, Gross, Page:205
(6) Oceanography, Gross, Page:205
Posted by حنان ورده at 4:09 PM 0 comments Links to this post
Labels: BARRIER, DARKNESS, DEEP SEA, Oceans, Seas, The Quran
The Lowest Part Of The Earth
The Lowest Part Of The Earth
The Quraan mentions the lowest part of the earth and states that it is near Jerusalem, where a battle took place between the Persians and the Greeks. Allah, may He be Exalted and Glorified, said in the Quraan:
«"The Romans have been defeated, in the lowest part of the land (adnal-ardh), but after defeat they will soon be victorious."» (Quraan 30:1-3).
The term "adna" means both nearer and lowest. The commentators of the Quraan, May Allah be pleased with all of them, were of the opinion that "adnal-ardh" meant the nearest land to the Arabian Peninsula. However, the second meaning is also there. In this way, the Glorious Quraan gives one word several meanings, as described by the Prophet Muhammad (sallallahu ‘alaihi wa sallam) when he said: “"I have been given the most comprehensive words."” {Al-Bukhaari and Muslim]
When we investigated the lowest part of the earth, we found that it was exactly the same spot that witnessed the battle in which the Romans were defeated. When we informed Professor Palmer about this, he contested saying that there were many other areas which are lower than the one referred to in the Quraanic verse. He gave examples and names of other areas in Europe and in the United States. We assured him that our information was verified and correct. He had with him a topographical globe that showed elevations and depressions. He said that it would be easy with that globe to ascertain which was the lowest spot on earth. He turned the globe with his hands and focused his sign on the area near Jerusalem. To his astonishment, there was a small arrow sticking out towards that area with words: "the lowest part on the face of the earth."
Professor Palmer was quick to concede that our information was correct. He proceeded to speak, as you now see him with the globe, saying that this was actually the lowest part of the earth.
Professor Palmer: It took place in the area of the Dead Sea which is up here and interestingly enough the labelling on the globe says "the world’s lowest point". So it certainly is supported by the interpretation of that critical word.
Professor Palmer was even more astonished when he found that the Quraan talks about the past and describes how creation first began; how the earth and heavens were created; how the water gushed forth from the depth of the earth; how the mountains were anchored on land; how vegetation first began; how is earth today, describing the mountains, describes its phenomena, describes the changes on the surface of the earth as witnessed in the Arabian Peninsula. It even describes the future of the land of Arabs and the future of the whole earth. At this, Professor Palmer acknowledged that the Quraan is such a wondrous Book which describes the past, the present, and the future.
Like many other scientists, Professor Palmer was hesitant at first. But soon later he was forthcoming with his opinions. In Cairo, he presented a research paper dealing with the inimitable aspects of geological knowledge contained in the Quraan. He said that he did not know what was the state of the art in the field of science during the days of the Prophet Muhammad. But from what we know about the scanty knowledge and means at that time, we can undoubtedly conclude that the Quraan is a light of divine knowledge revealed to Muhammad (sallallahu alaihi wa sallam). Here are the concluding remarks of Professor Palmer:
We need research into the history of early Middle Eastern oral traditions to know whether in fact such historical events have been reported. If there is no such record, it strengthens the belief that Allah transmitted through Muhammad bits of his knowledge that we have only discovered for ourselves in recent times.
Posted by حنان ورده at 4:06 PM 0 comments Links to this post
Labels: . adnal-ardh.victorious.defeated, .The Lowest. Part . . Earth
The Holy Quran : Miracle Of Miracles
The Holy Quran : Miracle Of Miracles
«"Say: If the whole of mankind and jinns were to gather together to produce the like of this Qur`an, they could not produce the like thereof, even if they backed up each other with help and support."»
What is a miracle?
I think it is necessary that we have a clear picture of what we mean by a miracle. Here are some definitions:
"An event that appears so inexplicable by the laws of nature, that it is held to be supernatural in origin or an act of God."
"A person, thing or event that excites admiring awe."
"An act beyond human power, an impossibility."
It is logical that greater the impossibility, greater the miracle. For example, should a person expire before our very eyes and is certified dead by a qualiified medical man, yet later on a mystic or a saint commands the corpse to 'arise!', and to everybody's astonishment the person gets up and walks away , we would label that as a miracle. But if the resurrection of the dead took place after the corpse had been in the mortuary for three days, then we would acclaim this as a greater miracle. And if the dead was made to arise from the grave, decades or centuries after the body had decomposed and rotted away, then in that case we would label it the greatest miracle of them all!
A Common Trait
It has been a common trait of mankind since time immemorial that whenever a guide from God appeared to redirect their steps into the will and plan of God; they demanded supernatural proofs from these men of God, instead of accepting message on its merit.
For example, when Jesus Christ (pbuh) began to preach to his people - "the children of Israel" - to mend their ways and to refrain from mere legalistic formalism and imbibe the true spirit of the laws and commandments of god, his 'people' demanded miracles from him to prove his bona fides ( his authenicity , his genuineness), as recorded in the Christian scriptures:
Then certain of the scribes and the Pharisees answered, saying master, we would have a sign ( miracle ) from thee. But he answered and said unto them, "an evil and adulterous generation seeketh after a sign (miracle) and there shall no sign be given to it, but the sign of the prophet Jonas ( Matthew 12:38-39 holy bible)
Though on the face of it, Jesus (pbuh) refuses to pamper the Jews here, in actual fact, he did perform many miracles as we learn from the gospel narratives.
The bible is full of supernatural events accredited to the prophets from their Lord. In reality all those 'signs' and 'wonders' and 'miracles' were acts of God, but since those miracles were worked through his human agents, we describe them as the miracles of prophets (i.e. Moses or Jesus (pbuh) by those hands they were performed).
Some six hundred years after the birth of Jesus (pbuh), Muhammad (pbuh) the messenger of God was born in Makkah in Arabia. When he proclaimed his mission at the age of forty, his fellow countrymen, the mushriks (polytheists) of makkah made an identical request for miracles, as had the Jews, from their promised Messiah. Text book style, it was as if the Arabs had taken a leaf from the Christian records. History has a habit of repeating itself!
And they say: why are not signs sent down to him from his lord? (holy Qu`ran 29:50)
SIGNS! WHAT SIGNS!!
"Miracles ? Cries he, what miracles would you have? Are not you yourselves there? God made you 'shaped you out of a little clay.' Ye were small once; a few years ago ye were not at all. Ye have beauty, strength, thoughts, 'ye have compassion on one another.' Old age comes-on you, and gray hairs; your strength fades into feebleness: ye sink down, and again are not. 'Ye have compassion on one another': This struck me much: Allah might have made you having no compassion on one another, how had it been then! this is a great direct though, a glance at first-hand into the very fact of things...." (On heroes, hero-worship and the heroic in history) by Thomas Carlyle.
"This Struck Me Much"
This, that "ye have compassion on one another", impressed Thomas Carlyle most from his perusal of an English translation. I presume that verse that motivated this sentiment is:
1. And among his signs is this, that he created for you mates from among yourselves, that ye may dwell in tranquility with them. and he has put love and mercy between your (hearts): verily in that are signs for those who reflect. (emphasis added) Translation by A Yusuf ALi (Qu`ran 30:21)
2. And one of his signs it is, that he hath created wives for you of your own species that ye may dwell with them, and hath put love and tenderness between you. herein truly are signs for those who reflect (emphasis added) Translation by Rev. J.M. Rodwell(M.A.)
3. By another sign he gave you wives from among yourselves, that ye might live in joy with them, and planted love and kindness into your hearts. surely there are signs in this for thinking men (emphasis added) Translation by N.J. Dawood.
The first example is from the translation by Yusuf Ali, a muslim. The second is by a christian priest the rev. Rodwell and the last example is by an iraqi Jew, N.J. Dawood.
Unfortunately Thomas Carlyle had no access to any one of these because none of them had seen the light of day in his time. The only one available to him in 1840 was as he said on page 85 of his book under reference - "We also can read the Koran; our translation of it, by sale, is known to be a very fair one."
Taint Is In The Motive:
Carlyle is very charitable to his fellow countryman. The motives of George Sale, who pioneered an English translation of the Holy Quran, were suspect. He makes no secret of his antagonism to the holy book of Islam. In his preface to his translation in 1734 he made it known that it was his avowed intention to expose the man Mohammad and his forgery. He records: "who can apprehend any danger from so manifest a forgery?... The protestants alone are able to attack the Qur’an with success; and for them, I trust, providence has reserved the glory of its overthrow." George Sale, And he set to work with his prejudiced translation. You will be able to judge how 'fair' and scholarly George Sale was from the very verse which 'struck' (Carlyle) 'much!' Compare it with the three example already given by a muslim, a christian and a jew: And of his signs another is, that he had created you , out of yourselves, wives that ye may cohabit with them, and hath put love and compassion between you.
I don’t think that George Sale was a 'a male chauvinist pig' of his day to describe our mates, wives or spouses as sexual objects. He was only keeping to his promise, which Carlyle overlooked. The Arabic word which he (Sale) perverted is 'li-tas-kunoo' which means to find peace, consolation, composure or tranquility; and not 'cohabit' meaning 'to live together in a sexual relationship when not legally married' (the reader's digest universal dictionary.)
Every word of the Qur’anic text is meticulously chosen, chiseled and placed by the All-Wise himself. They carry God's 'fingerprint', and are signs of God. And yet, the spiritually jaundiced....
Ask For A Sign:
What signs?? They mean some special kinds of signs or miracles such as their own foolish minds dictate. Everything is possible for God, but God is not going to humour the follies of men or listen to their false demands. He has sent his messenger to explain his signs clearly, and to warn them of the consequences of rejection. Is that not enough? The trend of their demand is generally as follows:
In specific terms they asked that he - Muhammad (pbuh) - 'Put a ladder up to heaven an bring down a book from God in their very sight' - "Then we would believe," they said. Or "ye see the mountain yonder, turn it into gold' - "then we would believe." or 'make streams to gush out in the desert' - "then we would believe."
Now listen to the soft, sweet reasoning of Muhammad (pbuh) against the unreasonable and skeptical demands of the mushriks (polytheists) - "Do I say to you, verily I am an angel? Do I say to you, verily in my hands are the treasures of God? Only, what is revealed to me do I follow." Listen further to the most dignified reply he is commanded by his Lord to give the unbelievers.
Say (O Muhammad): 'The signs (miracles) are indeed with Allah: And most certainly I am only a clear warner!'
In the following verse the holy prophet is made to point to the holy Qur`an itself as an answer to their hypocritical demand for some special kind of 'sign' of 'miracle' for which their foolish pagan mentality craved. For indeed all miracles are 'signs'; and it is their disbelief, their skepticism, their lack of faith which motivates their request for a sign. They are asked to - 'look at the Qur`an' and again, 'look at the Qur`an!'
It is not enough for them that we have sent down to thee (O Muhammad) the book (al-Qur`an) which is rehearsed to them? Verily, in it (this perspicuous book) is a mercy and reminder to those who believe. (Qur`an 29:51).
Two Proofs:
As a proof of the divine authorship and the miraculous nature of the Qur`an, two arguments are advanced by the almighty Himself:
1. 'That we' (God Almighty) have revealed to you (O Muhammad!) 'the book to you' who art absolutely an unlearned person. An 'ummi' prophet. One who cannot read or write. One who cannot sign his own name. Let Thomas Carlyle testify regarding the educational qualifications of Muhammad - 'one other circumstance we must not forget: that he had no school learning; of the thing we call school-learning none at all.' Moreover the divine author(God Almighty) himself testifies to the veracity of Muhammad’s (pbuh) claim that he could never have composed the contents of the holy Qur`an; he could not have been its author:
And thou (O Muhammad) was not (able) to recite a book before this (book came), nor art thou (able) to transcribe it with thy right hand: In that case, indeed, would the talkers of vanities have doubted (Qur`an 29:48).
The author of the Qur`an is reasoning with us, that had Muhammad (pbuh) been a learned man, and had he been able to read or write, then in that case the babblers in the market places might have had some justification to doubt his claim that the holy Qur`an is God's word. In the event of Muhammad (pbuh) being a literate person, the accusation of his enemies that he had probably copied his book (Qur`an) from the writings of the Jews and Christians, or that perhaps he had been studying Aristotle and Plato, or that he must have browsed through the 'Torat,' (Torah) the 'Zabur' (Psalms) and the 'Injeel' (Gospel) and had rehashed it all in a beautiful language, might have carried some weight. Then, 'the talkers of vanities' might have had a point. But even this flimsy pretence has been denied to the unbeliever and the cynic: a point hardly big enough to hang a fly upon!
2. 'The book'? Yes, the 'book' itself, carries its own evidence proving its divine authorship. Study the book from any angle. Scrutinize it. Why not take up the author's challenge if your doubts are genuine? “Do they not consider the Qur`an (with care) had it been from other than Allah, they would surely have found therein much discrepancy”. Consistency:
It is inconceivable that any human author would remain consistent in this teachings and his preachings for a period of over two decades. From the age of forty, when Muhammad (pbuh) received his first call from heaven to the age sixty-three when he breathed his last, for twenty-three years the holy prophet practiced and preached Islam. In those twenty-three years, he passed through the most conflicting vicissitudes of life. Any man, during the course of such a mission, would be forced by circumstances to make 'honourable' compromises, and cannot help contradicting himself. No man can ever write the same always, as the message of the holy Qur`an is: consistent with itself, throughout! Or is it that the unbelievers objections are merely argumentive, refractory, against their own better light and judgement.?
Furthermore, the holy Qur`an contains or mentions many matters relating to the nature of the universe which were unknown to man before but which subsequently through evolution and discoveries of science have fully confirmed - a field where an untutored mind would have most certainly lost in wild and contradictory speculations!
Self-Evident Proof:
Again and again when miracles are demanded from the prophet of God by the cynical and frivolous few, he is made to point to the Qur`an - message from high - as 'the miracle.' The miracle or miracles! And men of wisdom, people with literary and spiritual insight, who were honest enough to themselves, recognized and accepted al-Qur`an as a genuine miracle.
Says the holy Qur`an: Nay here are signs self-evident in the hearts of those endowed with knowledge: And none but the unjust reject our signs. (qur`an 29:49).
Posted by حنان ورده at 3:59 PM 0 comments Links to this post
Formation Of Iron
| Formation Of Iron «"This is no less than a reminder to (all) the worlds. And you shall certainly know the truth of it (all) after a while."» (Quraan 38:87-88). Thus, the Quraan is a reminder for all of mankind until the Last Hour. It contains information that man discovers in due time. Because this Quraan was revealed from Allah’s knowledge and every single verse in it was revealed with Allahs knowledge, as He Himself said: Professor Armstrong works at NASA, otherwise known as the National Aeronautics and Space Administration, where he is a well-known scientist there. We met with him and asked a number of questions about Quraanic verses dealing with the expertise in Astronomy. We asked him about iron and how it was formed. He explained how all the elements in the earth were formed. He stated that the scientists have come only recently to discover the relevant facts about that formation process. He said that the energy of the early solar system was not sufficient to produce elemental iron. In calculating the energy required to form one atom of iron, it was found to be about four times as much as the energy of the entire solar system. In other words, the entire energy of the earth or the moon or the planet Mars or any other planet is not sufficient to form one new atom of iron, even the energy of the entire solar system is not sufficient for that. That is why Professor Armstrong said that the scientists believe that iron is an extraterrestrial that was sent to earth and not formed therein. We read to him the Quraanic verse saying: «"And we sent down Iron, in which is Great might, as well as many benefits for mankind"» (Quraan 57-25). Then we asked him about the sky and whether it had any gaps or rifts in it. He disproved this and replied that what we are talking about is a branch of Astronomy called the "Integrated Cosmos" which we scientists have only come to know recently. For example, if you have a body in outer space which travels a certain distance in any direction and then travel the same distance in a different direction, you will find that the mass weight is the same in all directions. Because this body has its own equilibrium, the pressures from all directions are the same. Without this equilibrium, the whole universe would collapse. I recalled Allah’s verse in the Quraan: «"Do they not look at the sky above them? How we have made it and adorned it, and there are no flaws in it?"» (Quraan 50:6). Then we talked to Professor Armstrong about the attempts of scientists to reach the edge of the universe, and we asked him whether they were successful in this. He replied that they are fighting an uphill battle to the edge of the universe, we construct more powerful equipment to observe the universe only to discover that the new stars we see are still within our galaxy and that we have not yet reached the edge of the universe. He is aware of the Quraanic verse which says: «"And we adorned the lowest heaven with lamps and we made such (lamps) missiles to drive away Satans."» (Quraan 67:5). Indeed, all these stars are adornments for the lowest heaven. He says that scientists have not reached the end of the universe. Professor Armstrong added that because of this, they are thinking of stationing more telescopes in outer space so that their observations will not be obstructed by dust and other atmospheric impediments. Vision telescopes using light are unable to travel long distances, so we replaced them with radio operated ones enabling us to see further, but we nevertheless are still within the boundaries. I mentioned to him this verse: «"So turn thy vision again: Do you see any flaw? Again turn your vision a second time: (your) vision will come back to you dull and discomfited, in a state worn out"»(Quraan 67:3-4). Each time Professor Armstrong told us some scientific fact, we mentioned to him the relevant verse which he agreed with. Then we said to him: You have seen and discovered for your self the true nature of modern Astronomy by means of modern equipment, rockets, and space ships, developed by man. You have also seen how the same facts were mentioned by the Quraan 14 centuries ago, so what is your opinion about these? He replied: That is a difficult question which I have been thinking about since our discussions here. I am impressed that how remarkably some of the ancient writings seem to correspond to modern and recent astronomy. |
Posted by حنان ورده at 3:53 PM 0 comments Links to this post
Wednesday, February 18, 2009
You Ask And The Quran Answers
1) Who is the creator? (40:64) Allah, it is he Who has made for you the earth as a dwelling place and the sky as a canopy. and has given you shape and made your shapes good (looking) and has provided you with good things. That is Allah, your Lord: so Blessed be Allah, the Lord of the Alamin (mankind, jinn and all that exists). (39:6) He created you (all) from a single person (Adam) ; then made from him his wife {Hawwa , (Eve)}. and He has sent down for you of cattle eight pairs (of the sheep , two , male and female ; of the goats , two , male and female of the oxen , two , male and female and of the camels, two, male and female). He creates you in the wombs of your mothers: creation after creation in there veils of darkness. Such is Allah your Lord His is the Kingdom. La ilaha illa Huwa (none has the right to be worshipped but He). How then are you turned away? (7:54) Indeed your Lord is Allah, Who created the heavens and the earth in six days, and then He rose over (Istawa) the Throne (really in manner that suits His Majesty). He brings the night as a cover over the day, seeking it rapidly , and (He created) the sun, the moon, the stars subjected to His Command. Surely, His is the Creation and Commandment. Blessed is Allah, the Lord of the Alamin (mankind, jinn and all that exists)! (10:32) Such is Allah, your Lord in truth. So after the truth, what else can there be, save error. How then are you turned away? 2) Who is Allah? (59:23-24) 23:He is Allah beside Whom La Ilaha Illa Huwa (none has the right to be worshipped but He), the King, the Holy, the one Free from all defects, the Giver of security, the Watcher over His creatures, the All- Mighty, the Compeller, the Supreme. Glory, be to Allah! (High is He) above all that they associate as partners with Him . 24:He is Allah, the creator, the Inventor of all things, the Bestower of forms. To Him belong the Best Names. All that is in the heavens and the earth glorify Him. And He is the All-Mighty, the All-Wise . (20:14) “Verily! I am Allah! La ilaha illa Ana (none has the right to be worshipped but I), So worship Me, and perform As-Salat (Iqamat-as- Salat) for My Remembrance. (2:255) Allah! La ilaha illa Huwa (none has the right to be worshipped but He), Al-Hayyul-Qayyuum (the Ever Living the One Who sustains and protects all that exists). Neither slumber nor sleep overtakes Him. To Him belongs whatever is in the heavens and whatever is on the earth. Who is he that can intercede with Him except with His Permission? He Knows what happens to them (His creatures) in this world, and what will happen to them in the Hereafter. And they will never compass any thing of His Knowledge except that which He wills. His Kursi extends over the heavens and the earth and He feels no fatigue in guarding and preserving them. And He is the Most High, the Most Great. (This Verse 2:225 is called Ayat-ul-Kursi) . (35:13) He merges the night into the day (i.e. the decrease in the hours of the night is added to the hours of the day), and He merges the day into the night (i.e. the decrease in the hours of the day is added the hours of the night). And has subjected the sun and the moon: each runs its course for a term appointed. Such is Allah, your Lord; His is the Kingdom , And those, whom you invoke or call upon instead of Him, own not even a Qitmir (the thin membrane over the date-stone). (3:18) Allah bears winess that La ilaha illa Huwa (none has the right to be worshipped but He), and the angels, and those having knowledge (also give this witness); (He always) maintains His creation in justice La ilaha illa Huwa (none has the right to be worshipped but He), the All- Mighty, the All-Wise. (3:51) Truly! Allah is my Lord and your Lord, so worship Him (Alone). This is the straight Path. 3) Did you think that Allah created you only for play and without any purpose? (3:115) “Did you think that We had created you in play (without any purpose), and that you would not be brought back to Us?” 4) For what did Allah create mankind? (51:56) And I (Allah) created not the jinn and mankind except that they should worship Me (Alone). 5) What did Allah command us to do? (4:58) Verily! Allah commands that you should render back the trusts to those to whom they are due; and that when you judge between men, you judge with justice. Verily, how excellent is the teaching with He (Allah) gives you! Truly, Allah is Ever All-Hearer, All-Seer. (6:151) Say (O Muhammad (PBUH)):“Come, I will recite what your Lord has prohibited you from: be Join not anything in worship with Him; be good and dutiful to your parents; Kill not your children because of poverty – We provide sustenance for you and for them; come not near to Al-Fawahish (shameful sins, illegal sexual intercourse) whether committed openly or secretly; and kill not anyone whom Allah has forbidden, except for a just cause (according to Islamic law). This He has commanded you that you may understand. 6) From where shall we seek guidance? (1:1 – 6) 1: In the Name of Allah, the Most. Gracious, the Most Merciful. 2: All the praises and thanks be to Allah, the Lord of the Alamin (mankind, jinn and all that exists). 3: The Most Gracious, the Most Merciful . 4: The Only Owner (and the only Ruling judge) of the Day of Recompense (i.e the Day of Resurrection) 5: You (Alone) we worship, and You (Alone) we ask for help (for each and everything). 6: Guide us to the Straight Way. 7) Who shall we invoke in time of disaster? (29:65) And when they embark on a ship, they invoke Allah, making their Faith pure for Him Only: but when He brings them safely to land, behold they give a share of their worship to others . (10:12) And when harm touches man, he invokes Us, lying on his side, or sitting or standing. But when We have removed his harm from him, he passes on as if he had never invoked Us for a harm that touched him! Thus it is made fair-seeming to the Musrifun that which they used to do. 8) What happened to the previous nations when they disobeyed Allah? (29:40) So We punished each (of them) for his sins; of them were some on whom We sent Hasib (a violent wind with shower of stones) (as on the people of Lut (Lot) , and of them were some who were overtaken by As-saihah (torment – awful cry. (as Thamud or Shuabs people), and of them were some whem We caused the earth to swallow (as Qarun (Korah), and of them were some whom We drowned (as the people of Nuh (Noah), or Firaun (Pharaoh) and his people). It was not Allah Who wronged them, but they wronged themselves. 9) Does Allah guard and save the Quran from corruption? (15:9) Verily, We, it is We Who have sent down the Dhikr (i.e. the Quran) and surely, We will guard it (from corruption). 10) Who should we worship? (20:14) “Verily! I am Allah La ilaha illa Ana (none has the right to be worshipped but I), so worship Me, and perform As-Salat (Iqamat-assalat) for My Remembrance. 11) What is the religion of Allah? (3:19) Truly, the religion with Allah is Islam. Those who were given the Scripture (Jews and Christians) did not differ except, out of mutual jealousy, after knowledge had come to them. And whoever disbelieves in the Ayat (proofs, evidences, verses, signs, revelations, etc.) of Allah, then surely, Allah is Swift in calling to account. 12) What is the religion accepted by Allah? (3:85) And whoever seeks a religion other than Islam, it will never be accepted of him and in the Hereafter he will be one of the losers. 13) Where does the Quran come from? (42:3) Likewise Allah, the All-Mighty the All-Wise sends Revelation to you (O Muhammad (PBUH) ) as (He sent Revelation to) those before you. (6:114) (Say (O Muhammad (PBUH)) “Shall I seek a judge other than Allah while it is He Who has sent down unto you the book (the Quran), explained in detail.” Those unto whom We gave the Scripture (the Taurat (Torah) and the Injeel (Gospel) know that it is revealed from your Lord in truth. So be not you of those who doubt. 14) Why did Allah send messengers? (4:64) We sent no Messenger, but to be obeyed by Allah’s Leave. 15) Do we have to believe in all the messengers? (2:285) The Messenger (Muhammad (PBUH) _) believes in what has been sent down to him from his Lord, and (so do) the believers. Each one believes in Allah, His angels, His Books, and His Messengers. (They say), “We make no distinction between one another of His Messengers” – and they say, “We hear and we obey. (We seek) Your Forgiveness, our Lord, and to You is the return (of all).” 16) What happened to the previous scriptures? (4:46) Among those who are jews, there are some who displace words from (their) right places and say: “We hear your word (O Muhammad (PBUH)) and disobey,” and “Hear and let you (O Muhammad (PBUH) _) “hear nothing.” And Raina with a twist of there tongues and as a mockery of the religion (Islam) And if only they had said: “We hear and obey”, And “Do make us understand,” it would have been better for them, and more proper; but Allah has cursed them for their disbelief, so they believe not except a few. (5:13) So because of their breach of their covenant, We cursed them and made their hearts grow hard. They change the words from their (right) places and have abandoned a good part of the Message that was sent to them. And you will not cease to discover deceit in them, except a few of them. But forgive them and overlook (their misdeeds). Verily, Allah loves Al-Muhsinun (good-doers). 17) Who is the last messenger? (3:144) Muhammad (PBUH) is no more than a Messenger, and indeed (many) Messengers have passed away before him. If he dies or is killed, will you then turn back on your heels (as disbelievers)? And he who turns back on his heels, not the least harm will he do to Allah; and Allah will give reward to those who are grateful. 18) To whom did Allah send the last messenger Prophet Muhammad (PBUH)? (34:28) And We have not sent you (O Muhammad (PBUH)) except as a giver of glad tidings and a warner to all mankind, but most of men know not. 19) What did Allah prepare for those among the Jews and Christians who believe? (57:28) O you who believe (in Musa (moses) (i.e. Jews) and Isa (Jesus) (i.e. Christians)! Fear Allah, and believe in His Messenger (Muhammad (PBUH) _), He will give you a double portion of His Mercy, and He will give you a light by which you shall walk (straight). And He will forgive you. And Allah is Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful. 20) What is the likeness of lsa (Jesus) before Allah? (3:59) Verily, the likeness of Isa (Jesus) bofore Allah is the likeness of Adam. He created him from dust, then (He) said to him: “Be” – and he was. 21) What did Allah say about Mary? (3:42 – 47) 42:And (remember) when the angels said: “(O Maryam (Mary)! Verily, Allah has chosen you, purified you (from polytheism and disbelief), and chosen you above the women of the Alamin (mankind and jinn) (of her lifetime).” 43:O Mary! “Submit yourself with obedience to your Lord (Allah), by worshipping none but Him Alone) and prostrate yourself, and Irkai (bow down) along with ArRakiun (those who bow down).” 44:This is apart of the news of the Ghaib (unseen, i.e. the news of the past national of which you have no knowledge) which We reveal to you (O Muhammad (PBUH) ) You were not with them, when they cast lots with their pens as to which of them should be charged with the care of Maryam (Mary); nor were you with them when they disputed. 45:(Remember) when the angels said: “O Maryam (Mary)! Verily, Allah gives you the glad tidings of a Word (“Be”- and he was! I.e. Isa (Jesus) the son of Maryam (Mary), from Him, his name will be the Messiah Isa (Jesus), the son of Maryam (Mary), held in honour in this world and in the Hereafter, and will be one of those who are near to Allah.” 46:“He will speak to the people in the cradle and in manhood and he one of the righteous.” 47:She said: “O my Lord! How shall I have a son when no man has touched me.” He said: “So (it will be) for Allah creates what He wills. When He has decreed something, He says to it only: “Be!” – and it is. 22) Was Jesus crucified and died on the cross? (4:157–158) 157:And because of their saying (in boast), “We killed Messiah Isa (Jesus), son of Maryam (Mary), the Messenger of Allah,” – But they killed him not, nor crucified him, but they resemblance of Isa (Jesus) was put over another man (and they Killed that man), and those who differ therein are full of doubts. They have no (certain) knowledge, they follow nothing but conjecture. For surely; they killed him not (i.e. Isa (Jesus), son of Maryam (Mary) (PBUT)). 158:But Allah raised him (Isa (Jesus) up (with his body and soul) unto Himself (and he (PBUH) is in the heavens). And Allah is Ever All- Powerful All-Wise. 23) Was Jesus the son of God ( Allah )? (112:1 – 4): 1:Say (O Muhammad (PBUH)): “He is Allah, (the) One. 2:(Allah the self-Sufficient Master, Whom all creatures need, (He neither eats nor drinks). 3:He begets not, nor was He begotten. 4:And there is none co-equal or comparable unto Him. 24) How could you be secure? (6:82) It is those who believe (in the Oneness of Allah and worship none but Him Alone) and confuse not their belief with Zulm (wrong i.e. by worshipping others beside Allah), for them (only) there is security and they are the guided. 25) What is the life of this world? (57:20) Know that the life of this world is only play and amusement, pomp and mutual boasting among you, and rivalry in respect of wealth and children. (It is) as the likeness of vegetation after rain, thereof the growth is pleasing to the tiller; afterwards it dries up and you see it turning yellow; then it becomes straw. But in the Hereafter (there is) a severe torment (for the disbelievers – evil-doers), and (there is) Forgiveness from Allah and (His) Good Pleasure (for the believers – good-doers). And the life of this world is only a deceiving enjoyment. 26) Whatever of blessings and good things you have , is it from Allah? (16:53) And whatever of blessings and good things you have, it is from Allah. Then, when harm touches you, unto Him you cry aloud for help. 27) How could you guarantee the blessings of Allah? (14:7) And (remember) when your Lord proclaimed: “If give thanks (by accepting Faith and worshipping none but Allah), I will give you more (of My Blessings); but if you are thankless (i.e. disbelievers), verily My punishment is indeed sever.” 28) How could you save yourself from a painful torment? (61:10 – 11) 10:O you who believe! Shall I guide you to a trade that will save you from a painful torment? 11:That you believe in Allah and His Messenger (Muhammad (PBUH) _ ). 29) Whosoever puts his trust in Allah , what will happen to him? (65:3) And He will provide him from (sources) he never could imagine. And whosoever puts his trust in Allah then He will suffice him. Verily, Allah will accomplish his purpose. Indeed Allah has set a measure for all things. 30) What is the destination of the disbelievers? (57:15) So this Day no ransom shall be taken from you (hypocrites), nor of those who disbelieved (in the Oneness of Allah – Islamic Monotheism). Your abode is the Fire. That is your maula (friend – proper place), and worst indeed is that destination. 31) What is the destination of the believers? (4:57) But those who believe (in the Oneness of Allah – Islamic Monotheism) and do deeds of righteousness, We shall admit them to Gardens under which rivers flow (Paradise), abiding therein forever. Therein they shall have Azwajun Mutahharatun (purified mates or wives), and We shall admit them to shades wide and ever deepening (Paradise). 32) How could you be happy? (16:97) Whoever works righteousness- whether male or female – While he (or she) is a true believer (of Islamic Monotheism) verily, to him We will give a good life (in this world with respect, contentment and lawful provision), and We shall pay them certainly a reward in proportion to the best of what they used to do (i.e. Paradise in the Hereafter).
Posted by حنان ورده at 10:10 PM 0 comments Links to this post
Islam: The Perfect Religion
By Dr. Norlain Dindang Mababaya It is a must that we strive to know Islam. Allâh’s Messenger (sallallâhu ‘alayhi wasallam, meaning: May the peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) to the whole mankind encourages us to acquire knowledge of Islam in order to comprehend it. He says in the following authentic Ahâdith: Abu Hurairah (radhiallâhu anhu, meaning: May Allah be pleased with him) narrated that... the Prophet (sallallâhu ‘alayhi wasallam) said, “Those who were the best in the pre-lslamic period of ignorance will be the best in Islam provided they comprehend the religious knowledge.” (Bukhâri 4/572 and Muslim) ‘Abdur Rahmân ibn Abi Bakrah (radhiallâhu anhu) narrated on the authority of his father that the Prophet (sallallâhu ‘alayhi wasallam) said, “If Allâh wants to do good to a person, he makes him comprehend the religion; and of course knowledge is attained by learning.” (Bukhâri 1/67) Mu‘awiyah ibn Abi Sufyân narrated that Allâh’s Messenger said, “Goodness is a (natural) habit while the evil is a stubbornness. To whomsoever Allâh wills to show goodness, He favors him with the understanding in the Religion.” (Ibn Mâjah, 1/221) When we study Islam or at least read the Qur’an and the authentic Ahâdith we learn that Islam is easy, complete and the perfect religion as well as way of life for the whole mankind. We read in the Qur’an and the Ahâdith the following unique features of Islam: 1. Islam is easy: “But whoever believes and works righteousness he shall have a goodly reward and easy will be his task as We order it by Our command.” (Qur'an 18:88) Abu Hurairah (radhiallâhu anhu) narrated that the Prophet (sallallâhu ‘alayhi wasallam) said, “Religion (Islam) is very easy and whoever overburdens himself in his religion will not be able to continue in that way. So you should not be extremists, but try to be near to perfection and receive the good tidings that you will be rewarded; and gain strength by offering the prayers in the mornings, afternoons and during the last hours of the nights.” (Bukhâri 1/38) Anas bin Malik (radhiallâhu anhu) narrated that the Prophet (sallallâhu ‘alayhi wasallam) said, "Make things easy for the people, and do not make it difficult for them, and make them calm (with glad tidings) and do not repulse (them).” (Bukhâri,8/146) 2. Islam is complete: “…He it is Who has sent unto you the Book, explained in detail. They know full well, to whom We have given the Book, that it has been sent down from your Rabb in truth. Never be then of those who doubt.” (6:114) “For We had certainly sent unto them a Book based on knowledge, which We explained in detail -- a guide and a mercy to all who believe.” (7:52) “…(This is ) a Book with verses basic or fundamental (of established meaning) -- further explained in detail -- from One Who is Wise and Well-Acquainted (with all things).” (11:1) 3. Islam is perfect: “...This day have I perfected your religion for you, completed My favor upon you, and have chosen for you Islam as your religion.” (5:3) As the perfect religion, Islam teaches mankind how to attain success in the most perfect way. The following are some of the Ahâdith that serve as enlightenment and guidance to those who desire for perfection: Abu Hurairah (radhiallâhu anhu) narrated that the Prophet (sallallâhu ‘alayhi wasallam) said, "Goodness and comfort are for him who worships his Rabb in a perfect manner and serves his master sincerely.” (Bukhari 3/725) Ibn Umar (radhiallâhu anhu) narrated that Allâh’s Messenger (sallallâhu ‘alayhi wasallam) said, "If a slave is honest and faithful to his master and worships his Rabb (Allâh) in a perfect manner, he will get a double reward.” (Bukhari 3/722) Abu Hurairah (radhiallâhu anhu) narrated that the Prophet (sallallâhu ‘alayhi wasallam) said, "Whoever believes in Allâh and His Messenger, offers prayers perfectly and fasts (the month of) Ramadan then it is incumbent upon Allâh to admit him into Paradise, whether he emigrates for Allâh’s cause or stays in the land where he was born.” They (the companions of the Prophet (sallallâhu ‘alayhi wasallam) said, "O Allâh’s Messenger (sallallâhu ‘alayhi wasallam)! Should we not inform the people of that?" He said, "There are one-hundred degrees in Paradise which Allâh has prepared for those who carry on Jihad in His Cause. The distance between every two degrees is like the distance between the sky and the Earth. So if you ask Allâh for anything, ask Him for the Firdaus, for it is the last part of Paradise and the highest part of Paradise, and at its top there is the Throne of Beneficent, and from it gush forth the rivers of Paradise.” (Bukhari 9/519) Abdullah ibn Hisham (radhiallâhu anhu) narrated: “We were with the Prophet (sallallâhu ‘alayhi wasallam) and he was holding the hand of 'Umar bin Al-Khattab. 'Umar said to Him, "O Allâh’s Messenger! You are dearer to me than everything except my own self.” The Prophet (sallallâhu ‘alayhi wasallam) said, "No, by Him in Whose Hand my soul is, (you will not have complete or perfect faith) till I am dearer to you than your own self.” Then 'Umar said to him, "However, now, by Allâh, you are dearer to me than my own self.” The Prophet (sallallâhu ‘alayhi wasallam) said, "Now, O 'Umar, you are a believer.” (Bukhari 8/628) Abu Hurairah (radhiallâhu anhu) narrated that the Prophet (sallallâhu ‘alayhi wasallam) said: “The most perfect believer in respect of faith is he who is best of them in manners.” (Abu Dawud 4665) Abu Humamah (radhiallâhu anhu) narrated that the Prophet (sallallâhu ‘alayhi wasallam) said: “If anyone loves for Allâh’s sake, hates for Allâh’s sake, gives for Allâh’s sake and withholds for Allâh’s sake, he will have perfect faith.” (Abu Dawud 4664) Abu Hurairah (radhiallâhu anhu) narrated that the Prophet (sallallâhu ‘alayhi wasallam) said: “Among the Muslims the most perfect, as regards his faith, is the one whose character is excellent, and the best among you are those who treat their wives well.” (Tirmidhi 278, 628, 3264 and Abu Dawud) Aishah (Radhiallâhu anha) narrated that Allâh’s Messenger (sallallâhu ‘alayhi wasallam) said, "Among the believers who show most perfect faith are those who have the best disposition, and are kindest to their families.” (Tirmidhi 3263) All the above Prophetic teachings in addition to the Qur’anic Ayât (Verses) earlier quoted clearly tell us that indeed, Islam is the perfect religion and hence the best way of life for all. Islam as a universal religion is Allah’s Blessing and Mercy for all of us. It is for us to enjoy it and be successful in the eternal world to come. The best way to attain success through Islam is to learn it according to its authentic Sources. That is, to acquire knowledge of Islam through the Qur’an and the Sunnah and the right deductions from these revealed Sources of Knowledge and Guidance. Since Allah (Subhanahu wa ta’ala) is the One Who gives guidance, earnestly ask Him for authentic Islamic knowledge. We must seek His help and guidance to be able to apply such knowledge and share them to others – all for His Pleasure. May our Rabb (Cherisher and Sustainer) increase our knowledge of Islam and enjoy the best life of being true Muslims forever. Ameen. Islam: The Perfect Religion and Best Way of Life for All
Posted by حنان ورده at 10:07 PM 0 comments Links to this post
Labels: .. Muslims .guidance.earnestly .Life .Islam: .Perfect Religion
Thursday, February 12, 2009
The Impact of Islamic Civilization on the Historical Development of Civilization
The Impact of Islamic Civilization on the Historical Development of Civilization
Posted by حنان ورده at 3:33 PM 0 comments Links to this post
Through our faith, we live all together in peace
Through our faith, we live all together in peace
Let us show our inner loving bonds, the seed of goodness that exists in us, let us irrigate it by our nature of loving humanity. It is our real choice and freedom, and the path of prophets, both of us believe in heavenly religions, which established goodness, giving, cooperation, and justice for all humanity since the existence of Adam; the father of all human, up to now. The religions' values are still the essence of life; the life cord, and the source of comfort and peace for all humankind. The three religions Judaism, Christianity, and Islam wish to spread justice, love, and heartiness among mankind. These three major religions are the apostle. What link between these religions is their aim to bond humanity by love. The civilizations that provide us with the real meaning of how to cohabit together. These were the messages of Moses, Jesus, and Mohammed, peace be upon them. They wanted the well-being of humanity and they aspired to spread virtues and eliminate injustice and tyranny from the world
Brothers and sisters in humanity, the students of American and European Universities. We agree with these ideals and principles and we believe in them for their similarity in the three religions. We have bonded with one goal and one view represented in purity, goodness, justice, forgiveness, and loving others. moreover, these principle can never be changed, let's live as we were taught, our religion Islam is calling to these beautiful values
Brothers and sisters in humanity,,
We know that each nation has deviated tracks, and we know that evil is found in all nation regardless of its religion, and unfortunately. evil trends emerge from time to time aiming to get the goodness in the human heart. In the other side, we believe that goodness and love are found in all nations regardless of their religions and we are against the attempts of spreading the culture of evil and hate. Therefore, goodness, love, and equality are the bases of religion for Jews, Christians, or Muslims. Thus, will you accept our invitation for unity and to track this light side, and to irrigate our beautiful humanity plant, goodness, love, and peace side among us. We hope to begin here, together, to refuse all the types of hate and evil, and to build bases of cooperation for humanity goodness
Some organizations practice pressures through continuous campaigns to abuse all religions, especially Islam, aiming to achieve political or personal gains. This extreme and unjustified mistake root the reputing and hate, and it is the fuel of enemy for the long run, and classifying culture and ethnics, which should be abhorred by humanity and civilization. These organizations work through all media channels to present many images of hatred and deformation. Let us see together the aims of these campaigns, which might be unknown to others
1- Gaining votes and support in the presidential elections and parliament seats as basic goal on the expense of balancing, wisdom, freedom bases, and without considering the catastrophic results, which might emerge in the future
2- Dividing the world nations into hostile parties, and groups fighting each other and suffering of terrorism dominancy due to the clear injustice through these accused campaigns
3- Spreading the culture of frequent hatred and enmity amongst humankind, closing the doors of mercy, meeting, and cooperation to build fixed bases in all fields.
4- Generalizing the humankind mistakes on wide group of people, including those who claim to uphold peace, which made issues worse and more complicated
5- Ignoring fixed facts related to the rights of living in dignity and freedom without any political or parties influences, which increase the problem
6- Rooting the discriminative view toward the doctrines and rituals of other religions
7- Changing facts regarding Islam and spread it among westerns who lack knowledge regarding the sublime truth of Islam , which is a religion that bears huge love for humankind
8- Adding more fuel of hostility for all what is coming from the west
9- Affecting on decisions makers in the third world countries to practice injustice, and blockout the freedom of thought and beliefs of evil tendency and executing plans, which are against the humanity.
Let's look at all the positions fairly and objectively, our world now fall under hatred force and dominant sources which have a great effect in waging wars and disasters management, killing millions of females, olds, and children without any consideration to injustice and aggression. Where are the media slogans, which call for peace, freedom, and human respect? These campaigns targeted only the racism. These spiritual campaigns for war against fascism is fascist. It doesn't only abhors any mental quite dialogue based on rooting the civilized various religion, culture, and ethnic life but it also fights the wise voices and refuses the wisdom track and the wise situations. It went further through fighting the efforts of meeting, understanding, mutual respect, and accepting the others
We absolutely believe that this strange campaign against Islam is categorized in the frame of competition over the voters and getting all the sorts of support, including the political support, but there is extreme worry against this campaign because of its extremisms and enmity against Islam by eliminating Islamic features. Some of leaders of this campaign considered it as a war in extremist slang sentences, which might be accepted by moderate westerns due to their lack of Islamic principles which calls to freedom and refuses all types of discrimination, injustice, and slavery. These extremist campaigns aim to abstane the merge between cultures, genders that work against the cooperation between peoples; it is a sort of turning the facts up
Let us practice forgiveness, and mercy, which emerged from our great religions, and make them immortal methodology and claims upon the desire of peace messengers, and to see the actions in the logic of the brain which refuses any falseness or obliqueness whatever is the source
Let us unite against injustice and discrimination
Posted by حنان ورده at 3:27 PM 0 comments Links to this post
Labels: . live .together . peace, Through. faith
Concepts of Moral Values in Islam
Concepts of Moral Values in Islam
Religious thinking concentrated its search on certainty in life, and on the reasons on human existence, to know mysterious secret of life. Fedriek Tylor was one of the early scholars who cared for the idea of religion. He observed that relationship between social behavior and religion is an interrelation. When religion concentrate on moral values such as permitted and prohibited, on good and evil, on reward and punishment, then it enters the details of society life. While Emile Durkheim
, on the other side, admits that religion regulates beliefs and behaviors related to sacred things, and that they resemble unity of believers. Religion then has more than one job. From the individual side, it assists them to feel security, stability and safety, to determine their identity, and group belongingness and their acceptance to values and beliefs that religion regulates. From the side of society it helps in regulating emotions and their sustainability, and this is one of the pillars of community continuity and sustainability. Passing over all dealing of sociologists in the field of moral values, we observe that it remind us, in details or summary, moral values as they had been seen in the ancient Greek paganism, or in Judaism, or Christianity, then it turn abruptly to its shapes, and forms in modern Europe, ignoring discussing their views, shapes and forms in Islam. But some Europeans during the nineteenth century tried to extract moral values and principles from the Holy Quran, but such trials never reached the stage of shaping practical foundations, or to offer them in the shape of a complete constitution of moral vales, in addition to that they are built on incorrect translation for the Holy Quran meanings. There is another worst situation which is found among seculars, who study values in Islam then compare them tot the values of Arabian life before Islam, or to what had been stated in the Torah or the Bible, then they decide that if values are matching between Islam and what its precedents, then this is an indicator that Islam revealed them from previous religions, and if there is difference, then this is an indicator that values are not absolute but relative. The aim of this is to distort the shape of Islam, and to decide that it didn’t bring any thing new to human life. They didn’t know that matching could come from that Islam is the source of values as it is in the previous religions, because it came from Allah who sent all messengers and prophets, and they didn’t know also that stating that values are relative is mistaken, and that it is more accurate to say that some societies are limiting their potentials and capacity to reach to the absolute right. The need for studying values from an Islamic perspective could be felt if we came to know that doubts cast by some intellectuals that Muslims are to abandon their moral and spiritual values if they are to seek scientific and technological progress and to seek merge to western life, and that it is impossible for Muslims to build on values, because the absence of values is the source that brought industry and science and that values shall limit space for achieving civilization. This is not true, because some nations achieved civilizations while they protect their identity and values such the Japanese. There are Muslim scholars who adhere to their Islamic values, theology and behavior and they achieved vast progress in scientific and technological fields. The Holy Quran is a methodology of morals and virtue, that is stated the rules of morals, and drew the path of right behavior that achieves happy life to all society individuals. Allah states in the Holy Quran (Surely, this Qur'an guides to what is most right; and gives to the believers who do good deeds the glad tidings that they shall have a great reward) (Al-Isra: 09), and that (And if there comes to you guidance from ME, then whoso will follow MY guidance, will not go astray, nor will he come to grief;) (Taha: 123), and the Holy Quran is the constitution of morals in Islam. Such morals search for change through struggle and not on the concept of sociology, but on its Islamic concepts that aim to build on moral values not on physical benefits. It is change to the best in beliefs and in systems. It is changing polytheism to oneness, ignorance by knowledge, unemployment by work, poverty by richness, weakness by strength, and selfishness by solidarity, and vulgar by chastity, and all other values that Islam is calling for in the process of building human society. The criteria of progress and backwardness in Islam concept is unique. It is linking development to faith and guidance, and backwardness to infidelity and ashtray, even if they are linked to physical civilization and scientific benefits. Allah States (And if there comes to you guidance from ME, then whoso will follow MY guidance, will not go astray, nor will he come to grief (*) But whosoever will turn away from MY remembrance, his will be a straitened life) (Taha: 123-124), and the Holy Quran is very frank in keeping the ashtray on his agony, even if physical potentials are abundant, and this is the case of western life that are built solely on physical learning and experiment, and on old beliefs that are built on exchange in all its dealings. Allah States (Have they not traveled in the earth that they could see what was the end of those before them ? They were mightier than these in power and they left firmer marks in the earth. But ALLAH seized them for their sins, and they had no one to protect them from ALLAH (*) That was because their Messengers came to them with manifest Signs but they disbelieved; So ALLAH seized them. Surely, HE is Powerful, Severe in punishment) (Ghafir: 21-22), and He States (Have they not traveled in the earth so that they might see how evil was the end of those who were before them ? They were stronger than these in power, and they tilled the soil and populated it more and better than these have populated it. And their Messengers came to them with manifest Signs. And ALLAH would not wrong them, but they wronged their own souls.) (Al-Room: 09). Previous verses link the ideological factor to the change in society shape of life, even if physical potentials, strength and power are there. If we search in the formation of Muslim society, we shall see that it is built on a course that came from Lord of All Creations. This course is the base society is built on, and formed as it is ordered by Allah to his slaves, not on those sought by other people. In view of this Shariaa, Muslim community had been built, and work and production relations, and rules of life, individual and group moral bases, and principles of behavior, work laws, and all other society important aspects, that determine its path toward progress and development had been formed. This Islamic society is the society that enjoys its formation capacities that are distinguished from other human societies according to the following features:
First: that it is a Divine society that is built on Islamic ideology, and relation between its individuals is built on this ideology. It is clear the concentration of the Mohammedan Message on planting ideology of Islam in Muslims life for thirteen years, then He turned to orders and prohibitions that are met with full obey from all Islamic society individuals at that time. It is clear also the concentration of the Holy Quran on the meaning of ideology and faith in what had been Stated by Allah ( O ye who believe ! believe in ALLAH and HIS Messenger and in the Book which HE had revealed to HIS Messenger, and the Book which HE revealed before it. And whoso disbelieves in ALLAH and HIS angels, and HIS Books and HIS Messengers and the Last Day, has surely strayed far away.) (Al-Nisaa: 136).
Second: it is an global community. It is a society that is not built on race, nationality, or ethnic. These are features that disappear when their sources are absent. It is a society that is open for all people from all races, languages or colors. Society that is built on the Orders of Allah (Say, `O mankind, truly I am a Messenger to you all from ALLAH) (Al-Aaraf: 158).
Third: it is cooperative society. One of the main and most important features of it is cooperation and solidarity, all its individuals are one unity, cooperatives, loving, and support each other on the hardships of life and crises. The Noble Prophet said that (Believer to believer are like one building, one ties the other).
Fourth: it is an advisory society. The main benefit of this is that every individual believes that he is support others seeking their benefits, and that Muslim is like a mirror for his brothers Muslim, and that one of the main duties of all Muslims is promotion of virtue and prevention of vice, as Allah States (And the believers, men and women, are friends of another. They enjoined good and forbid evil and observe Prayer and pay the Zakaat and obey ALLAH and HIS Messenger. It is these on whom ALLAH will have mercy. Surely, ALLAH is Mighty and Wise) (Al-Tawba: 71). Sure that all those who try to study Muslim social history shall find that moral values are a part of the religion principles, could not be split of it. They are constant origins that do not change on life and dci********. And that main principles of Islam urge all Muslims to stick to moral values, for this is the main pillar for Muslim nation victory, towards its development and sustainable human and materialistic civilization. If we look in moral value and supreme examples, we shall find that they collapsed before Muslims historical collapse, and we know that the Islamic religion call to adhere to moral values through stick of religious and moral values. Religion calls for control of human behavior and direct it toward correct behavior and morals follow this behavior, so, in most cases, we shall find religious controls mix with moral controls, on the contrary of non-Muslim societies, which follow its moral controls from society culture or from mind. Religion in the concept of Islam is the course which gives moral values their sacred and honest, which makes individual feels that he is a monitor on his own values and behavior, and that creates a self-deterrent. This is what called in Islam the “religious deterrent”. Islam determines moral values which society is to follow, and give it a clear stable reference of systems that all individuals are to follow, and it strictly applied a group of controls that find its strength and validity from religion controls, that in majority cases is left for human conscience and his fear to his Lord. So lying, envy, malice, slander, arrogance, scant, and all kinds of such behaviors are prohibited in Islam, and contradict to good moral values, so controls are applied to prevent individual from performing as such.
Study of Values by Muslim Scholars: Muslim scholars cared for moral values under different names such as (Faith Sections) and (Decencies) or (Virtues), (Morals) or (Great Sins). What could be termed negative values cold be found in Al-Qazwinin (Summary of Faith Sections), or in (Great Sins) for Imam Al-Thahabi, or what could be termed the Positive Values that could be found under the title (Decencies) for Ibn Al-Moataz, or in (Morals and Biographies) for Ibn Hazm, and we find that Al-Ghazali in his book (Restoring Religion Sciences) casts many positive values, and that much negative values could be found under the title (Syndromes). Ibn Al-Qayem also is concerned in his book (Passers Stairs) to the values of ideologies, while on the other hand Al-Nawawi in his book (Riyadh Al-Saleheen) is concerned more with moral values, and Al-Shatibi in his book (Aims in Shariaa) divides them to necessary, need and promotion. During the contemporary era, there is Lutfi Ahmad who divided values in Islam under ten titles : Slavery values, human admiration values, faith values, integration values, guidance values, repentance values, moderate values, calling and prayer values, comprehension values, and selection values, while Abdul Qadir Hashim Ramzi said that values in Islam could be divvied into materialistic, human, moral and spiritual.
Sources of moral values in Islam: the source of values in Islam differ as to source. If we mean Islamic values, then the source would be Holy Quran and Noble Prophetic Sunnah, and this means that values should be absolute and stable, and if we mean Muslims values in their societies then their sources would be numbers and could differ from one society to anther, but there could be some common points. Such sources of values in Muslims societies could be referred back to traditions and habits, resembling other nations, or intellectual and civilization citing, innovation in religion and other kinds of sources.
Features of moral values in view of Islam
features of such values could be summarized as follows:
a. They are logic: that they conform with the nature of good human thinking. No one among philosophers tried to turn down one of these values cast in the Holy Quran. Allah said his Holy Book (And truly, it is a mighty Book, (*)
Falsehood cannot approach it either from before it nor from behind it. It is a revelation from the Wise, the Praiseworthy.) (Fussilat: 41-42).
b. They are realistic: that they match real life and human nature and conform with change in all situations and during all eras. They are not absolute ideals or impossible imaginations, or strange from human nature.
c. They are useful: that they are useful for both human and society in this life, and could lead to more benefits in the other life.
d. They are balanced: that they are not for individuals or to society separately. Instead they are medium built on balance and consistency, between individual and society benefits.
e. They are the foundation of society: that they conform between physical and materialistic needs, between soul and body, between rights and duties, under the supervision of fair authority of the Holy Quran.
f. They are eternal: they are cited from the Sacred Shariaa of the Holy Quran and from the religion of Islam which Allah accepted as the sole religion for all humans.
g. They are internally consistent: the source of values in Islam is the Holy Book and Sunnah, from this point it shall not be thought that there could be any kind of dispute or conformance, as Allah Says (Will they not, then, meditate upon the Qur'an ? Had it been from anyone other than ALLAH, they would surely have found therein much discrepancy.) (Al-Nisaa: 82). The most important thing here is that sources of values in Islam should be thought of as coming from one unit.
From this point values in Islam could not be the thing that is pleasant for one person during any time alone. In this case Islam called them desires that all Muslims are to confront and limit. And that they could not be extracted from the human experience or from the social activity. They are divine not left for the society, or to its activities or experiments. Values in Islam are good meaning without any kind of guidance such as love, it is for known types, and such as conviction which should not turn to dullness or inactivity. Values in Islam are the courses that determine positive and negative attitudes, and not left for motivations only, they are moved by faith sometimes. Values in Islam are not as communist term their values. Work is one of the values of Islam, and not all values of Islam is what is thought of as to conform with mid, for mind in Islam is a means for understanding decided values.
Aims of Moral Values in Islam
Moral values in Islam aim to determine human activity in a Muslim society, and to promote and control their behavior to the benefit of the whole society and its individuals, and to bring for all individuals a good conclusion in the other life. It aims to integration human attributes, behavior, activity that aims to prepare followers of the Lord, whom Islam described them and clarified the path of goodness for them (It is not righteousness that you turn your faces to the East or the West, but truly righteous is he who believes in ALLAH and the Last Day and the angels and the Book and the Prophets, and spends his money out of love for HIM, on the kindred and the orphans and the needy and the wayfarer and those who ask for charity and for ransoming the captives; and observes prayer and pays the Zakat; and those who fulfill their promise when they have made one, and the patient in poverty and afflictions and the steadfast in the time of war; it is these who have proved truthful and it is these who are truly God-Fearing.) (Al-Baqara: 177), and formed their medium passage in dealing in their lives (And seek, in that which ALLAH has given thee, the Home of the Hereafter; and neglect not thy lot in this world; and do good to others as ALLAH has done good to thee; And seek not to create mischief in the land. Verily, ALLAH loves not those who create mischief) (Al-Qasas: 77). Moral values in Islam then, whether they are individual such as sincerity, patience, charity love, soul combating, or common such as self feeling, obligation, and call for Islam, are meant to bring individual and society benefit, and protect human benefit. From this point we determine the main foundations of the value theory in Islam as to the following objectives:
a. First Objective: Oneness and worshipping: (most common foundations of Muslim life is that human should seek to achieve the Oneness of the Lord, which is a strict respond to all what humans are thinking about the continent, life, and living, life before and after him, and that is what all humans should use to seek true worshipping to the Lord. This is the system revealed from the Holy Book and Prophetic Sunnah.
b. Second Objective: to prepare the faithful individual( for system of value in Islam seek to prepare the individual with a strong building, who seek to achieve the Say of Allah, Praise the Lord, (Say, `My Prayer and my sacrifice and my life and my death are all for ALLAH, the Lord of the worlds) (Al-Anaam: 162). This is a portray that differs from the portray of good citizen in other contemporary systems. The good person in human systems could kill, be unfair, and could seek to built his self society on the account on other societies, but the good human in Islam is like Abu Bakr and Omer, May Allah be in Consent with them, who urge to avoid torture, burning or killing children, and to avoid killing trees or demolition of churches.
c. Third Objective: is Balancing as Islamic value system is built on balance as the principle of everything. Allah Says (and HE has created everything, and has determined its proper measure. ) (Al-Forqan: 2), and Allah Says (And there is not a thing but are limitless treasures thereof with US and WE sent it not down except in a known measure) (Al-Hijr: 21). For all this Islam seeks to integrate all life aspects materialistic or spiritual, and seek to build individual objective along with the society aims and call for all to integrate words with deeds, and to balance between human needs in this life and his wishes in the other life.
d. Correct Morals: Islam makes the moral side a measure for good deeds, and the main side in values is the main objectives for the message of Islam. The Noble Prophet came to complete good morals, and Islam cares for development of moral feeling in human nature, and makes correctness the guide of human behavior both publicly and privately, as Islam assures the moral side in all worships.
Posted by حنان ورده at 3:26 PM 0 comments Links to this post
عقوبة الرجم / Stoning Punishment
عقوبة الرجم / محمد اللحيدان :
Stoning Punishment
Stoning is a severe penalty. Islam knows how horrible it is, but sees a high value in virtue that must be protected. Islam aims to prevent endurance of innocent children who suffer in life; for not having a good mother and father who take care of them. Yet, Islam, practically, does not want this penalty to be applied, and I will clarify this later
? For whom this Punishment
This penalty is regarding the marital infidelity, and both men and women will have this penalty alike. If a husband or a wife commits adultery then he or she deserves this penalty. But in case a man or a woman is unmarried, then they have a different penalty
Islam does not want to apply this punishment:
Though Islam imposes this penalty, yet Islam avoids applying it, for instance
A man came to the Prophet Mohammad (may peace be upon him) and confessed that he committed adultery. The Prophet turned away from him, but the man repeated that he committed adultery. Again, the Prophet turned away until the man did that four times, and as he testified four times against himself, the Prophet asked him: "Are you mad?" The man answered: "No." the prophet asked: "Are you married?" The man answered: "Yes." Then the Prophet said: "perhaps you just kissed her." the man said: "no I committed adultery." and then the Prophet said: "maybe you have just cuddled her." the man said: "no I have committed adultery." The Prophet was trying to dismiss the man in order not to punish him
-when they started the penalty, the man escaped but they caught him and punished him. When they told the Prophet what had happened he said:"Why you did not leave him so he may repent and God may forgive him." Thus, we find Prophet Mohammed preferring him to escape
- Furthermore, we notice that the Prophet did not ask the man about the woman who shared him the sin
- Practically, Islam does not want this penalty to be applied; hence, Islam puts almost impossible conditions in order to apply it. Either the guilty confesses his sin without coercion, or a testimony of four men who witnessed the adultery, and that is almost impossible
Purification, not contempt:
We may wonder what has prompted the man to confess his sin to the Prophet. The reason is that Islam does not consider this penalty as a contempt but rather purification. However, it is preferable in Islam to repent to Allah instead of informing others about his sin, unless the guilty person is asked for trail
In conclusion, we find this penalty is limited to a particular case, and not for all adulterers, and this penalty is for men or women alike
Islam has found many obstacles to prevent marital infidelity and penalty is merely a final step to protect society and prevent the existence of innocent children as a result of an illegitimate affair. who have no parents
Some people criticize this penalty, though it exists theoretically and rarely exists practically. However, many criticize the numerous incidence of adultery in some communities
The relationship between us should not be in tension due to a particular matter, which is accepted in our society, and which has nothing to do with our dealing with each other. Again, we confirm that over centuries, applying this penalty has been limited and for the reasons mentioned above
Sure, you may not accept this penalty in your society; however, both of us should respect the other's cultural background. Islam is the religion of mercy and peace, in order to understand it, you should look at it in a subjective and a comprehensive manner
Posted by حنان ورده at 3:20 PM 0 comments Links to this post
Labels: Stoning Punishment .عقوبة الرجم
Jihad in Islam:
الجهاد في الإسلام :
بُعث محمدٌ - صلى الله عليه وسلم - بالإسلام ديناً جديداً خاتماً للرسالات السماوية ، ومصدقاً لميعاد عيسى - عليه السلام - حينما بشر بنبي يأتي من بعده ، وكانت الأديان متوافرة ، والمتمسكون بها كُثر ، وقد يرون في ظهور هذا الدين خطراً ومنافسة لأديانهم ، فيسعون لمحاربته وأهله ، ويشتد سعيهم كلما رأوا دخول الناس فيه أفواجاً ، وتركهم لما كانوا عليه من الأديان .
وهذا ما حدث .. فلما أظهر النبي - صلى الله عليه وسلم - دعوته ، حورب وأوذي من قبل أقرب الناس إليه ( عشيرته ) وبقية العرب ، وطال الأذى كل من دخل في هذا الدين مؤمناً به .
وشاء الله عز وجل أن يؤمن بهذا الدين أهل ( يثرب ) فهاجر إليهم الرسول - صلى الله عليه وسلم - وهناك أقام أول دولة إسلامية عرفها الإنسان .
ولما كانت هذه الدولة تواجه خطر الطغيان ، كان اهتمام النبي بأمر القوة غاية في الضرورة ، فلن يتم لهذه الدولة البقاء ما لم تكن لديها ما تدفع به الباغي ، وتحمي به الرسالة .
المسلمون يعتقدون اعتقاداً جازماً أنهم على حق ، وأنَّ من واجبهم تبليغ الدعوة للناس كافة ، فالإسلام حق للبشرية جمعاء لا بد من إيصال حقهم إليهم ، ويعلمون أيضاً أن الناس لن يتركوا لهم حرية إيمانهم وحرية دعوتهم لدينهم ، ومن هنا كانت في الإسلام فريضة ( الجهاد ) والتي تهدف لأمرين :
1) حماية المسلمين وأرضهم من ظلم غير المسلمين واعتدائهم .
2) إيصال الإسلام للناس وحمايته ممن يريد القضاء عليه .
فما هو الجهاد ؟ وكيف هو ؟ وهل هو فرض الدين بالقوة ؟ ومحاولة للسيطرة على العالم ؟
نسعى - بحول الله - لمحاولة الإجابة على هذه الأسئلة من خلال النظر في الشريعة الإسلامية و أهدافها من هذه الفريضة ، وننبه في البداية إلى أمرين :
الأول : مصادر الدين الإسلامي التي قام عليها وتستمد منها كافة التشريعات والأحكام هما : القرآن الكريم ، وأخبار الرسول محمد - صلى الله عليه وسلم - وهي موجودة اليوم ، وينبغي التفريق بينها وبين تصرفات المسلمين .
الثاني : في هذا المقال لمحة موجزة ، وكلمات مختصرة ، ومن يريد الاستزادة عن الإسلام فليراجع ما كتب عنه ، شرط أن يكون الكاتب منصفاً ممن لا يحملون الحقد المسبق و العدواة للدين الإسلامي ، وأن يكون هذا الكاتب ممن يسلكون المنهج الصحيح في الكتابة عن الإسلام عبر مصادره الأصلية .
معنى الجهاد :
الجهاد في اللغة العربية يعني ( بذل الجهد ) وهو في الشريعة الإسلامية لمعنيين ، خاص وعام :
فالعام : كل جهد مبذول في التدين بهذا الدين سواء كان بالقلب كالتصديق واليقين و مدافعة وساوس الشيطان والنفس ، أم باللسان كالحديث عن هذا الدين والدعوة إليه و الدفاع عنه ، أم بالبدن كالقيام بالفرائض البدنية من الحج والسفر للدعوة والقتال .
الخاص : هو قتال الكفار لأجل نشر الإسلام أو الدفاع عنه .
معنى قتال الكفار :
قد يتبادر لذهن الإنسان أن الإسلام يقصد بالجهاد قتال كل من لا يدين بالإسلام ، ولا شك أن هذا مفهوم غير صحيح على الإطلاق ، ولتبيين معنى قتال الكفار في الإسلام نقول : إنه على نوعين :
1) قتال دفع : أن يدافع المسلمون عن أنفسهم بقتال الكافر الذي بغى عليهم وقاتلهم .
2) قتال طلب : وهو الذي يحدث حينما يقوم المسلمون بواجبهم في نشر دينهم .
فالأول لا يشك منصف عاقل في مشروعيته وأنه حق للدفاع عن النفس ، أما الثاني فقد يتساءل الإنسان : هل يعني قتال الطلب أن نقاتل كل من لم يدخل الإسلام ؟
ولكي نجيب على هذا السؤال نبين أقسام الكفار في الإسلام .
الكفار في الإسلام :
صنف الإسلام الأشخاص الذين لا يدينون به على ثلاثة أصناف :
1) المعاهدون . 2) الذميون . 3) الحربيون .
فالأول يشمل كل من يرتبط مع المسلمين بعهد و اتفاق ، وحكمه في الإسلام : يجب الوفاء بالعهد وعدم نقضه وعدم الاعتداء على المعاهد .
الثاني يشمل كل من أراد البقاء على دينه والدخول تحت حكم المسلمين ودفع الجزية ، وحكمه في الإسلام : تجب حمايته ورعاية مصالحه ويحرم قتله والاعتداء عليه .
الثالث يشمل كل من لا يرتبط مع المسلمين بعلاقة هدنة وبينه وبينهم عداوة ، وهذا النوع هو المقصود بجهاد الطلب ، فيخير بين الخيارات الثلاث : الدخول في الإسلام أو البقاء على دينه ودفع الجزية أو القتال - مع إمكانية تجاوز هذه الخيارات من خلال طلب العهد والصلح مع المسلمين - .
نعلم من خلال هذا التقسيم الإسلامي أنَّ الإسلام سعى لتضييق دائرة القتال ، وخصها بصنف واحد فقط في ظرف حرج لا يوجد بديل عن القتال فيه ، ومع ذلك فإن هذا القتال في الإسلام يتميز بما يلي :
1) لا يجوز قتل الصغير ولا النساء ولا الشيوخ ، فلا يقتل إلا من رفع السلاح في وجه المسلمين .
2) في أثناء القتال قد يعصم دم الكافر الذي يقاتل إن نطق بالشهادة ، أو تلقى أمان من أحد من المسلمين ، ويسجل التاريخ مواقف كثيرة تجلى فيها حرص الإسلام على حقن الدماء ، نذكر منها : أحدها لرسول الله - صلى الله عليه وسلم - حينما علم أن أحد الصحابة وهو أسامة بن زيد قتل في أحد المعارك رجل من الكفار قال : لا إله إلا الله ، فغضب الرسول وحرّم ذلك الفعل ، مع أن الكافر قالها بعد أن قتل من المسلمين عدداً ولما رفع أسامة السيف فوق رأسه ، فأصر الرسول - صلى الله عليه وسلم - على منع هذا الفعل ، الموقف الثاني لعمر بن الخطاب ( الخليفة الثاني ) حينما قال لأحد الصحابة : لو أشرت لكافر في المعركة ففهم ذلك آماناً فألقى سلاحه فقتلته لقتلتك ! والموقف الثالث : للرسول - صلى الله عليه وسلم - حينما قدم مكة منتصراً بعد أن طرده أهلها وآذوه وقاتلوه ، فلما دخلها فاتحاً جاءت امرأة من المسلمين إلى الرسول تخبره عن أحد المقاتلين الكفار الذين دخلوا منزلها وأنها أعطته الأمان ، فقال النبي - صلى الله عليه وسلم - ( قد أجرنا من أجرت يا أم هانئ ) وهذه كنيتها ، ولما ظفر الرسول بالكفار الذين آذوه قال لهم : اذهبوا فأنتم الطلقاء ، وحرّم دماءهم وأموالهم .
3) يحرم في حال القتال التعرض للعباد والرهبان والأحبار ومعابدهم وكنائسهم ، ولا يجوز إلزامهم بالدخول في الإسلام ولا أخذ الجزية منهم ، ولو كان الإسلام يسعى لفرض الدين بالقوة لفرضه على هؤلاء .
من خلال الكلام السابق يتبين لنا أمور منها :
1- أن الجهاد إنما هو لحماية الإسلام كدين وحماية المسلمين كأفراد .
2- أنّ الجهاد لا يسعى لحرب كل الكفار بل لفئة ضيقة منهم يضطر المسلمون لحربهم .
3- يحرم في الجهاد قتل غير المقاتلين من المدنيين والأبرياء .
4- لا يسعى الإسلام للقضاء على الأديان الأخرى أو إلغائها .
إذاً .. الجهاد إنما هو ترشيد لقوة المسلم التي لا بد أن يستخدمها الناس فيما بينهم ، وحرص على تجنب الظلم والاعتداء عند استخدام هذه القوة ، وجعل هذه القوة سبيل لتحقيق السلام والأمن للعالم ، فلم يرسل النبي - صلى الله عليه وسلم - إلا رحمة للعالمين .
ويجب أن نفرق بين الإسلام وبين التاريخ الإسلامي ، فالإسلام دين سماوي نقي مليء بالأحكام والتوجيهات التي أنزلت لخير البشرية في الدنيا والآخرة ، والمسلمون بشر يخطئون ويقعون في ما يخالف دينهم .
واقع المسلمين اليوم مؤسف ، فهم يعانون الأمرين نتيجة الظلم والقهر من القوى العالمية ، ويشعرون بأن حقوقهم متجاهلة ، وأدى الأمر ببعض أفرادهم إلى القيام بأعمال إرهابية انتقامية لا تمت للإسلام بصلة ، بل هي نتيجة طبيعية للأذى الذي يشعرون به من بعض الأنظمة العالمية وبالعربية .
وفي الختام .. فإن دين الإسلام مليء بالتوجيهات الخاصة بالتعايش مع أهل الكتاب ( اليهود والنصارى ) والمتعلقة بالزواج منهم ومخالطتهم وحوارهم ودعوتهم ، والقرآن مليء بالخطابات الموجهة لأهل الكتاب ، فكيف نقول إن الإسلام يسعى للقضاء على اليهود والنصارى ؟
يقول الله في القرآن : ( لا إكراه في الدين قد تبين الرشد من الغي )
وصلى الله على محمد ..
In the Name of Allah, the Most Merciful, the Most Compassionate
Jihad in Islam:
Mohammed -peace be upon him- was sent to introduce Islam as the last heavenly revelation, and confirming Jesus prophecy that a prophet will come after him. However, many believers of old religions saw the new religion "Islam" as a threat to theirs, thus they decided to fight it and its people in order to prevent people from embracing it. Therefore, when Muhammad-peace be upon him- invited people to embrace Islam he was fought and harmed even by his own people, his relatives; Not only him, but anyone who believed in his religion.
When people of Yathreb believed in the prophet's religion, the prophet immigrated to them and established the first Islamic country.
However, since the country faced the danger of oppression, the Prophet was interested in having power to maintain the country and to protect Islam.
Muslims believe they are following the right path and since knowing Islam is a right for all people, it is Muslims' duty to invite all people to embrace Islam and it is the people's choice either to accept it or not. They know that some people will never give them the freedom of faith and of calling for their religion, Therefore Islam obligated (Jihad), which aimed to:
1) Protect Muslims and their lands against the injustice and the attack of non Moslems.
2) spread Islam to all people and protect it from those who want to destroy it.
Hence, What is jihad? Is it imposing Islam by force? Or is it an attempt to dominate the world?
In order to answer these questions we must consider two things:
1- the Islamic sources are the Qur'an and the Hadeeth, the prophet's sayings, and we must distinguish between Islam and Muslims behavior.
2- this essay aims to provide a brief information regarding Islam, and if you want to know more, read books by unbiased writers whose works are based on the original sources of Islam.
The meaning of Jihad:
linguistically, Jihad means: effort, and in the Islamic law, it has its general and specific meanings:
Generally it means: the effort made for Islam by believing in it, spreading it among People, defending it, practicing; like praying and pilgrimage etc.
Specifically it means: fighting infidels for spreading and defending Islam.
The meaning of fighting infidels:
Some people might think that Jihad means fighting non Muslims, and this is absolutely not true, the meaning of fighting infidels is:
1) Fighting to defend: Muslims fight who attacks and fights them.
2) Fighting to demand: Muslims fight in order to spread Islam.
The first type is legitimately a right for self-defense. However, regarding the second type one may ask: does it mean fighting whoever refuses to embrace Islam?
To answer this question we should clarify the kinds of disbelievers.
Disbelievers in Islam:
Islam classifies people who do not believe in Islam to three types:
1) Confederates
2) Free non-Muslims living under Muslims rules
3) Fighters
The first includes whoever has an agreement with Muslims, and Muslims should keep their agreement and never attack them.
The second includes whoever lives under the Muslims rule and pay the tribute, and Islam should protect him and his interests. Therefore, attacking or killing him is forbidden in Islam.
The third includes the enemies of Islam and they will be asked to choose between three options: embracing Islam, paying the tribute and live under Muslims rule or fighting. However, there is a possibility of avoiding these options by making a peace agreement.
Accordingly, Islam attempts to avoid fighting unless there is no alternative but fighting. However, fighting in Islam follows certain conditions:
1- Islam has forbidden killing children, elderly, or females. Killing will be only for those who attempt to kill Muslims.
2- During fighting, Muslims should not kill any one who embraces Islam or is protected by a Muslim; there are many incidents which verify Islam's concern in avoiding bloodshed. For instance, the prophet –peace be upon him- was annoyed when he knew that a Muslim, a friend of him, had killed an infidel who embraced Islam during the war, and the prophet had condemned this act and forbidden it. Moreover, Omar, the second caliph, said to one of his friends: "in a battle, if you gave a gesture to a non Muslim and he understood it as a sign of safety and he threw his weapon and you killed him, I will kill you." Another incident is when the prophet –peace be upon him- conquered Mecca after being attacked, harmed and banished by its people, a woman came to him and told him that an infidel entered her house and asked her to protect him and she agreed, the prophet replied: " Om Hani, her name, we will protect your fugitive." Thereafter, when the prophet met the people who had harmed him he told them: "go you are free." And he forbade shedding their blood or taking their money.
Posted by حنان ورده at 3:11 PM 0 comments Links to this post
موقف الإسلام من الديانات الأخرى ومعتنقيها / راسخ كشميري :
موقف الإسلام من الديانات الأخرى ومعتنقيها / راسخ كشميري :
بسم الله الرحمن الرحيم
والصلاة والسلام على رسوله الكريم
أما بعد: إنَّ من المؤسفِ حقًّا أن نجد من أيِّ جهة كانت إشاعات تُشاع بغرض الإساءة والحطّ من أقدار النّاس أو مجتمع ما بشكل عام، إنَّ ذلك لأمرٌ تستبعده الفطرة الإنسانية،
ويستنكره العقلاء وأولوا الأحلام والنُّهى…
إننا رأينا وللأسفِ الشَّديد في الفترة الأخيرة حملات نُفِّذَت بشَكلٍ مُنظَّم بين طُلاب العلم كان هدفها بالتحديد الإسلام والمسلمين، حيثُ اتُّهم المسلمُون - ظُلمًا وعُدوانًا- باتهاماتٍ زائفة في شخصياتهم ومعتقداتهم، عليه فإننا نستغرب حين نرى مثل هذه الأخطاء الفكرية من أُناس يدَّعون الحضارة والثقافة وضرورة وجود حوارات بين الأديان!! فهل تسمح لنا ثقافتنا أن نُّسيء إلى الآخرين دون أن نتحقَّق من تهمة نريدُ أن نلصقها بشعب بأكمله؟ هل من الحضارة أن نستخرج سلبيات أمَّة وُضعت على أساس الظنِّ والتخمين ونَنشُرها كَحَملاتٍ مُنظَّمة؟ ثمَّ كيفَ يتحقَّقُ أمر الحوار بين الأديان ومثل هذه النداءات تُعكِّر صفو العالم؟ كيف نبرِّرُ هذه الأفعال وهي لا تؤدي إلا إلى العُنصُريَّة ونشرِ التفرقة بين معتنقي الأديان؟!
إِنَّ العقول المدبِّرة لمثل هذه المؤامرات لا تُخطّطُ إلا لِنشرِ الإرهاب الفكري بين النَّاس، وعلى العقلاء أن ينتهوا عن تصديق مثل هذه الإشاعاتِ المغرضة، ونحنُ كطلاب علمٍ لا بُدَّ أن نحقِّق في الأمر خصوصا تلك الأمور والأفكار التي تُسقطنا من أعين الناس والأمم قبل أن نكون صيدًا سهلا لأناس يلعبون بعقولنا ويديرونها بكلمات وأفكار بُنيَت على أساس الحقد والكراهية لمجرد اختلاف في الدين والمعتقد، وإذا ما استعملنا “اللغة التقنية” فإننا نستطيع أن نقول أنهم يديرون الناس بـ”جهاز التحكم المعلوماتي”، فهل ترضى أن تكون إنسانا آليا تتحكم فيه الأوامر عن بعد؟ وهل ترضى أن تعيش وثمة من يكرهك؟ أجزم بأن الجواب: لا، إذا فلتخط خطوة نحو العلم والمعرفة والحب والسلام بنفسك لا بأمر غيرك، كُن حُرًّا، ولا تكُن أسير النداءات التي لا تجني منها إلا البغضاء…
لم يكنِ الإسلام أبدًا -كغيره من الأديان السَّماوية- أن يدعو معتنقيه إلى بغضِ الناس لمجرد الاختلاف في الدين والمعتقد، ولم يكره أحدا في الدخول إليه، إلا أن الله سبحانه وتعالى أعطى الإنسان العقل يستطيع أن يميِّز به الحق من الباطل، وألهمه الخير والشّر، وبيَّن له طريق الجنة والنَّار، وقد ورد في القرآن قول الله عز وجل: [لا إِكْرَاهَ فِي الدِّينِ قَد تَّبَيَّنَ الرُّشْدُ مِنَ الْغَيِّ]([1]). ومن هذه القاعدة يجب على الإنسان إذا ما خَفيَ عنه الحق، وإذا ما وجَدَ في نفسه فراغا روحانيا أن ينطلق في البحث عمَّا يسدُّ هذا الفراغ الروحاني.
والإسلام يا سادتي! ليس مذهبا فاشيًّا كما يُقالُ، أو ضيّق التفكير كما يُصوّر لنا، إنما هو دين وتشريعٌ كامل يواكب الحضارة وتطورها، وقبل كل هذا يهتمُّ بالإنسان بشكل غير عادي ويحفظ حقوقه كاملة دون استثناء، ولا يفرِّق أبدا بين الأسود والأبيض إذ كلهم إخوة يجمعهم التسامح والرفق، ونبينا محمد صلى الله عليه وآله وصحبه وسلم لم يكن ليُعنِّف أحدا سواء كان مسلما أو غيره، وستتعجبون لو ذكرت لكم قصته - صلى الله عليه وسلم- مع اليهودي وهو زيد بن سعنة كان من أحبار اليهود أتى النبي صلى الله عليه وسلم يتقاضاه فجبذ ثوبه عن منكبه الأيمن ثم قال إنكم يا بني عبد المطلب أصحاب مطل وأني بكم لعارف قال فانتهره عمر فقال له رسول الله صلى الله عليه وسلم يا عمر أنا وهو كنا إلى غير هذا منك أحوج أن تأمرني بحسن القضاء وتأمره بحسن التقاضي انطلق يا عمر أوفه حقه أما أنه قد بقي من أجله ثلاث فزده ثلاثين صاعا لتزويرك عليه هذا([2]).
وهنا يزور النبي صلى الله عليه وسلم غلاما يهوديا لعيادته، فعن ثَابِتٍ عن أَنَسٍ رضي الله عنه قال كان غلامٌ يَهُودِيٌّ يَخْدُمُ النبي صلى الله عليه وسلم فمَرضَ فَأَتاهُ النبي صلى الله عليه وسلم يعُودُهُ فقعد عندَ رَأسِهِ فقال له: «أَسْلِمْ» فنظر إلى أبيه وهو عِنْدَهُ فقال له أَطِع أَبا القَاسمِ صلى الله عليه وسلم فأَسلَم فَخَرج النبي صلى الله عليه وسلم وهو يقول: «الحمدُ لله الذي أَنقذه من النَّارِ»([3]).
"... وكل الأديان والشرائع مصدرها الله سبحاته وتعالى, حيث بدأ بآدم عليه السلام ثم تبعه الأنبياء، ثم أرسل رسوله نوح عليه السلام، وهو كما يرى بعض العلماء أنه أول رسول على وجه الأرض، والفرق بين النبي والرسول: أنّ النبيّ هو من أوحيَ إليه بشرعٍ و لم يُؤمَر بتبليغه ، أمّا الرسول فهو من أوحيَ إليه بشرعٍ و أُمِرَ بتبليغه([4]) وهكذا إلى أن أنهى الله وختم رسالته بخاتم النبيين محمد صلى الله عليه وآله وسلم، وكوننا نحن عباده فلا بدَّ لنا أن نتبع أوامره، ونفعل ما يأمرنا به دون أدنى اعتراض؛ لأن للخالق حق التصرف فيما خلقه، والأمر فيما يراه لخلقه، ولأننا معبودين له فما علينا إلا الاستسلام لأوامره جلت عظمته".
…وعقيدة المسلمين هو الإيمان بأنبياء الله جميعا، وبالكتب المنزَّلة عليهم على أصولها دون أن ينالها تحريف أو تغيير، قال تعالى في كتابه العزيز: [آمَنَ الرَّسُولُ بِمَا أُنزِلَ إِلَيْهِ مِن رَّبِّهِ وَالْمُؤْمِنُونَ كُلٌّ آمَنَ بِاللَّهِ وَمَلَائِكَتِهِ وَكُتُبِهِ وَرُسُلِهِ لَا نُفَرِّقُ بَيْنَ أَحَدٍ مِّن رُسُلِهِ]([5]) فما دمنا كذلك نعترف بالأنبياء جميعا والأديان والكتب كما أُنزِلت فلم كل هذه الضجّة حول الإسلام ونبيه والمسلمين؟ ولم لا يعترف إخوتنا بنبينا والإسلام؟ أرجو أن تكون هذه النقطة محل اهتمام من قِبل الباحثين المنصفين…
والدستور الذي شرعه الله لنا في القرآن الكريم في كيفية التعامل مع معتنقي الديانات الأخرى هو الدستور العدل، إذ يأمرنا بحسن المعاملة مع المسالمين الذين لا يضرون بأيِّ شكل من الأشكال، أما الذي يضرّك فمن المنطقي جدا أن تُدافع عن حقك، قال تعالى: [لا يَنْهَاكُمُ اللَّهُ عَنِ الَّذِينَ لَمْ يُقَاتِلُوكُمْ فِي الدِّينِ وَلَمْ يُخْرِجُوكُمْ مِنْ دِيَارِكُمْ أَنْ تَبَرُّوهُمْ وَتُقْسِطُوا إِلَيْهِمْ إِنَّ اللَّهَ يُحِبُّ الْمُقْسِطِينَ * إنَّمَا يَنْهَاكُمُ اللَّهُ عَنِ الَّذِينَ قَاتَلُوكُمْ فِي الدِّينِ وَأَخْرَجُوكُمْ مِنْ دِيَارِكُمْ وَظَاهَرُوا عَلَى إِخْرَاجِكُمْ أَنْ تَوَلَّوْهُمْ وَمَنْ يَتَوَلَّهُمْ فَأُولَئِكَ هُمُ الظَّالِمُونَ] ([6]).
أنقل هنا في هذه المقالة الموجزة بعض صور التسامح الذي أمرنا به الإسلام، وقررها الرسول صلى الله عليه وسلم وفعلها، واتبعها من بعده أبناء الإسلام من خلفاء وملوك وأمراء، فبعد أن بعث الله محمدا صلى الله عليه وسلم نبيا في مكة انقلب عليه أهله وعشيرته ووصفوه بالشاعر والساحر بعد أن كانوا يلقبونه بالأمين قبل نبوته لعلمهم بأمانته وحسن عشرته لقومه، فقد كانوا يأتمنون عنده ويحتكمون إليه إن تخاصموا واختلفت آراؤهم، لكنه بمجرد أن بعثه الله نبيا عادوه حتى أخرجوه من بلده، وآذوه ورموه بالحجارة وأدموا أقدامه إلا أنه كان عطوفا عليهم رحيما بهم ، فلم يدع عليهم بالإبادة بل دعا الله سبحانه وتعالى بأن يخرج من أصلابهم من يكون عضدا لهذا الدين([7])، وحين خضعت له مكة ودخلها فاتحا لم ينتصر لنفسه، ولم يأخذ بحقه ممن آذوه أبدا إنما خاطبهم قائلا: «ما تظنون أني فاعل بكم؟ قالوا خيراً أخ كريم وابن أخ كريم، فقال صلى الله عليه وسلم: اذهبوا فأنتم الطلقاء، لا تثريب عليكم اليوم يغفر الله لي ولكم»([8]). فإن كان رسول الله صلى الله عليه وسلم فظًّا غليظًا كما يتهمونه بعض المستشرقين، لقد كان أول ما يفعله بعد أن فتح هو الانتقام ممن آذوه أشد انتقام، لكن ذلك لم يكن أبدا، إنما نثر الورد في طريقهم، بعد أن نثروا له الأشواك، وهذا مثال بسيط من حياته المليئة بالعفو والصفح حتى عن ألدّ أعداءه.
أما أصحاب رسول الله صلى الله عليه وسلم فقد كانوا متمسكون بسننه أشد التَّمسُّكِ، فأحيَوا أمثلة رائعة خالدة في سماحة الإسلام ورفقه ولطفه، فعن مجاهد رحمه الله قال: كنا جلوسا عند عبد الله بن عمرو بن العاص وغلامه يسلخ شاة فقال لغلامه: يا غلام! إذا فرغت فابدأ بجارنا اليهودي، حتى قالها ثلاثا، فقال رجل من القوم: كم تذكر اليهودي أصلحك الله؟! قال: إني سمعت رسول الله صلى الله عليه وسلم يوصي بالجار حتى ظننا أو رأينا أنه سيورثه([9]).
هذا غيض من فيض وتاريخ الإسلام مليء بمثل هذه المواقف الإنسانية التي تدل على رفق الإسلام بأهله وبغيرهم دون تفريق، أرجو مطالعة الكتب التي تتكلم عن الإنسان بطريقة منصفة.
أختم مقالتي هذه بذكر اقتباسات من المفكرين والعلماء غير المسلمين، فهناك من انتقد الرسول صلى الله عليه وسلم والإسلام وهناك من دافع عنه وأظهر الحقيقة التي خفيت على من رأى النبي صلى الله عليه وسلم والإسلام بعين التعصب، أما من رآهما بعين الضمير فقد أنصف تمام الإنصاف.
يقول دينو نبورت في كتابه (إعتذار إلى محمد والإسلام): “إن من الحماقة أن نظن أن الإسلام قام بحد السيف، فإنَّ هذا الدين يحرِّم سفك الدِّماء، ويأمر بالمعروف، وينهى عن المنكر، وقد أمر بالشورى ونهى عن الاستبداد، ومنح الإنسان حقوقه المدنية، ولتتذكر أوروبا أنها مدينة بحضارتها للمسلمين أنفسهم”.
ويقول المستشرق العلامة سنسرتن الآسوجي (ولد عام 1866م)، أستاذ اللغات السامية ومحرر مجلة العالم الشرقي وصاحب عدة مؤلفات منها (تاريخ حياة محمد): “إننا لم ننصف محمدا إذا أنكرنا ما هو عليه من عظيم الصفات وحميد المزايا، فلقد خاض محمد معركة الحياة الصحيحة في وجهل الجهل والهمجيّة، مصرًّا على مبدئه، وما زال يحارب الطغاة حتى انتهى به المطاف إلى النصر المبين، فأصبحت شريعته أكمل الشرائع، وهو فوق عظماء التاريخ”.
ويقول الدكتور شبرك النمساوي: “إن البشرية لتفتخر بانتساب رجل كمحمد إليها؛ إذ إنه على رغم أميته استطاع قبل بضعة عشر قرنا أن يأتي بتشريع، سنكون نحن الأوروبيين أسعد ما نكون إذا توصلنا إلى قمَّته”.
وتقول المستشرقة الألمانية آنا ماري شيمل: “لا تلوموني على حبي لرسول الإسلام.. حبي وشغفي بالإسلام ورسوله بلا حدود، حتى إن البعض يقول إنني أخفي إسلامي، وأنا أقول مقولة لشاعر هندوسي: (قد أكون كافرًا أو مؤمنًا فهذا شيء علمه عند الله وحده، ولكني أود أن أنذر نفسي كمحب مخلص لسيد المدينة العظيم محمد رسول الله..) فلماذا تلومونني على حبي ودفاعي عن رسول الإسلام الذي أُحبّه، في حين لم يتعرَّض شخص في التاريخ للظلم الذي تعرَّض له محمد في الغري…فأساطير القرون الوسطى اتهمته بأنه كان كاردينالاً استاء لعدم تعيينه بابا فانفصل عن الكنيسة وأسس ديانة جديدة، واتهمته رواية فرنسية بأنه شارك مع شخصين آخرين في تكوين نوع من الثالوث الشيطاني! وجريمة لا تُغتفر في حق محمد ارتكبها الأدباء الإنجليز؛ حوَّلوا اسم محمد ليكون مردافا للشيطان.. وحول الأدب الألماني (محمد) إلى (ماحوم)، واتهموا المسلمين بأنهم يعبدون أصناما ذهبية لماحوم… وللأسف فإنَّ مثل هذه الصور الشنيعة راسخة في اللاوعي الجناعي للغرب، وهو ما يفسر العداء الغربي للإسلام.. أليس هذا الظلم دافعا لي لتوضيح حقيقة رسول الإسلام والدفاع عنه حتى لو كلفني ذلك حياتي.. فإن (الساكت عن الحق شيطان أخرس)”([10]).
وآخر دعوانا أن الحمد لله رب العالمين
راسخ كشميري - فیصل آباد- 5 ديسمبر 2007م
المصادر والمراجع:
([1]) سورة البقرة: 256.
([2]) المستدرك للحاكم، حديث رقم: 2237.
([3]) صحيح البخاري، برقم: 1290.، وصحيح ابن حبان برقم: 4884.
([4]) شرح العقيدة الطحاوية: صفحة 158.
([5]) سورة البقرة: 285.
([6]) سورة الممتحنة: 8 ،9.
([7]) الحديث في صحيح البخاري برقم: 3059، وقد ذكرت مفهوم الحديث مختصرا دون التطرق إلى كلماته.
([8]) فيض القدير 5/171.
([9]) شعب الإيمان للبيهقي، برقم: 9564، والأدب المفرد صفحة رقم: 58.
([10]) جميع الاقتباسات للمستشرقين مأخوذة من مجلة الجزيرة، العدد (160) السنة الرابعة، الثلاثاء 15 محرم 1427هـ. من موضوع (نبي الإنسانية وصورته في الغرب بين افتراء الجهلة وإنصاف العلماء). ص 10 لشعبان مصطفى قزامل.
Islam Attitude towards Other Religions and their Believers
It is painful to find rumors that are spread, regardless of its origins, for the purpose of abuse and insult of other people or nations. It is totally against human nature, and it is condemned by judicious and intelligent people.
Unfortunately, we have seen lately organized campaigns, among scholars, that target Islam and Muslims. Muslims have been unjustly accused in their personalities and beliefs. It is odd that such intellectual mistakes occur among people who claim to have a great civilization and culture, and who call for dialogues among religions. Are we culturally allowed to abuse others without verifying the charge we might accuse an entire nation with? Is it a civilized act to generalize the negatives of any nation, if they are true, and publish them via organized campaigns? How then can a dialogue among religions be achieved if such campaigns worsen the situation? How do we justify these acts which only lead to racism and discrimination among religions' adherents?
The masterminds of such conspiracies plan only to publish intellectual terrorism among people, and wise ones should not believe such intended rumors. Islam, like any other heavenly revelation, would not ask its believers to hate people due to the variation of religion and belief, nor compel others to embrace Islam. On the other hand, people do have the mind to distinguish between right wrong; as said in Qur'an: " There is no compulsion in religion. The right direction is henceforth distinct from error. And he who reject the false deities and believeth in Allah hath grasped a firm handhold which will never break. Allah is Hearer, Knower." (256)( Surat Al-Baqra)
Islam like other divine religion never urges its believers to hate others just because of difference in religion and doctrine, and it has not forced anyone to embrace it, yet God (Allah) Almighty has provided humans with the reason by which they can distinguish between right and falsehood, and showed them the path to Paradise & Hell. In the Holy Qura'n, the saying of Almighty God is: “Verily, there is no enforcement to religion Righteousness and falsehood is quite clear [1]. Out of this rule, it is mandatory on man, if right is concealed for him/her, or if he/she finds himself/herself in spiritual vacuum, he/she should set out in search of what may fill such spiritual vacuum.
Islam, my dear sirs, is neither a fascist sect as it is said or narrow – minded as it is or illustrated, yet it is an integrated religion & legislation which copes up with civilization and its development. Ahead of all this, it exceptionally cares with man and maintains his/her full rights with no exception and it never differentiates between those who are black or white complexioned. All of them are brothers & sisters combined by tolerance and leniency. Our Prophet Mohammed, “May Gods prayers be upon him, relations and companions did not practice violence on any one whether he/she is a Muslim or others. You shall be stunned by wonder if I narrated his story with a Jew, namely: Zaid Bin Sa'atah when he came to the prophet “May God’s prayers and blessings be upon him claming for something, and he (the Jew) pulled out his garment off his right shoulder and said: “You are the sons of Abdul Muttalib are procrastinate and I know you will. Omar Bin Al Khattab (The Second righteous Caliph hereinafter” rebuffed him, yet the Messenger of God “May God’s prayers and peace be upon
Be upon him” said “O Omar, me and him are in need of something else other than this like ordering the to pay back his dues in a better way and advise him to follow a better way for claiming, go away Omar give him all his dues, and since what remains for him in three measures, increase him thirty measures because of your all treatment to him” [2].
Here, the Prophet, “May Allah’s prayers & peace be upon him) visits a Jew lad who was sick. Thabit S/o. Anas “May Allah forgive him narrated as signing” when a Jew lad who was serving the prophet “May Allah’s prayers and peace be upon him” became sick, the prophet “May Allah’s prayers & peace be upon him” visited him and sat at his head side and told him “Embrace Islam”. The lad looked at his father while he was there and the father said, “Obey father of Al-Qassim (meaning the Prophet)”, and the lad embraced Islam. The prophet went out and was depicted as saying “Praise shall be to God, Who saved him from Hell” [3].
God Almighty is the source of all religions and legislations as He started with Adam “May Allah’s peace be upon him” then followed by prophets. Then He sent His Messenger Noah “May Allah’s peace be upon him”, and he is, as some scholars think is the first messenger on earth. The difference between the prophet and the messenger is that the prophet is the one who was revealed a legislation but not ordered to notify it, while the messenger is the one who was revealed a legislation but ordered to convey it [4], and so on till God terminated and finally ended His mission with the culminator of Prophets Mohammad “May Allah’s prayers & peace be upon him”. Since we are His servants, it is mandatory on us to obey His orders and do what we are ordered to with no objection from our part, because the creator is entitled to dispose with what He creates, and what He determines for His creatures is the right thing. Since we are servants of God, we have nothing to do except to surrender to His orders, “Exalted in His Highness”.
The Muslims doctrine is to believe in all the God’s prophets and in the books revealed to them as they were with no alteration or amendment Almighty God said in His great Book: “Verily, the messenger believed in what is revealed to him by his God, and all the believers in God, His angles, books and messengers. Verily we do not differentiate between anyone of His Messengers[5]. Since we acknowledge all prophets, religions and books as they were revealed, why is all this noise about Islam, its prophet and Muslims? Why do not our brothers acknowledge our prophet and Islam? I hope that this point shall come into the attention of the equitable scholars.
The constitution legislated by Allah for us in the Holy Qura'n in how to proceed with the believers of other religion is the just constitution as it orders us to deal with the peaceful ones who do not commit any harm in any way, However, with respect of those who tend to cause harm, it is logically that you should defend your right. Almighty Allah said, “Allah never urge you against those who did not fight with you in religion and did not snatch you out of your homes, and you should be kind to them and be just with them. Verily God loves those who are just. However, God urges you to be against those who fought you in religion, snatched you out of your doors and supported others to snatch you, never be their allies, and those who become their allies are those who are unjust[6].
In this brief essay I shall demonstrate some of the tolerance examples ordered by Islam, which are approved and implemented by the Messenger “May Allah’s peace & prayers be upon him”, and followed after him by Islam’s Sons of Caliphs, Kings and princes. When God sent Mohammad “May Allah’s prayers & peace by upon him” as a prophet in Makkah, his relatives and land turned-over him and described him as being the poet and magician, after they had called him the honest before his prophecy because of his honesty and his good dealing with his people. They used to leave their precious articles within his custody and consider him as a referee if they had any dispute or difference. However, as soon as God sent him as a prophet to them, they opted to be his enemies till they compelled him to leave his birth place, caused evil to him, threw stones at him, and made his feet bleed, yet he used to be sympathetic merciful to them, as he never plead to God to destroy them, but he pleased to God Almighty to let them get birth to children who should support this religion[7]. When Makkah surrendered to him and he conquest it, he did not revenge from those who had ill-treated him. Yet he addressed them saying: “What do you think I am going to do to you? They replied”, All Good, you are a noble brother and a noble nephew!” He, “May Allah’s peace & blessings be upon him”, said “Go” you are released! No sin on you today, May God forgives me and you” [8]. If the Messenger of Allah were rude & hard-hearted as some orientalists accuse him with, the first thing after the conquest of Makkah would have been severe retaliation from those who ill-treated him. However, this was never the case. He threw roses on their paths, after they had thrown thorns on his own. This is just a simple example of his rich life full of tolerance & forgiveness even on his grimed foes.
The companions of the Messenger of God “May Allah’s peace & blessings be upon him” were meticulously adherent to his traditions. They showed wonderful external examples of Islam’s tolerance, leniency and kindness. Mujahid “May Allah mercy him” said: “We were attending a meeting in the house of Abdullah S/o. of Amr & S/o. Al Ass and his servant was flaying a sheep, he said to him: “Oh boy! Start by our Jew neighbour on distributing the meat!” He said it thrice till one of the attendees said, “How much you mention the Jew”, “May Allah forgive you”, He replied, “I heard the Messenger of God”, “May Allah’s peace & blessings be upon him” recommending the neighbour so much so that he might impose inheritance for him [9].
This is just a few out of plenty. However, Islam’s history is abundant with such humanitarian situations indicating Islam’s leniency with its people & others with no distinction. Therefore, I do urge you to read the books tackling Islam’s care with humans in an equitable fashion.
I close this article with some quotations made by non-Muslim thinkers and scholars. Some of them criticized the Messenger “May Allah’s peace & blessings be upon him” and Islam. There are those who defended him and showed the fact which were concealed on those who fanatically looked at the prophet “May Allah’s peace & blessings be upon him” and Islam, yet those who looked at both of them with an eye of true conscience has been fully equitable.
Deno Nibort in his book “Apology to Muhammad & Islam said”, It is foolish that we think that Islam was established by the sword blade. This religion forbids blood shed, it orders goodness & denies reprehension, ordered democracy, denied autocracy, and awarded humans their civil rights. It is worthy noting that Europe is indebted to Muslims themselves with its civilization”.
The knowledgeable orientalist Senerston Al Asouji (born in 1866), the professor of Semitic languages, the editor of the “Oriental World Magazine”, and the author of many books, inter alia “The history of Mohammad’s life, “We have not been equitable to Mohammad is we deny his great quantities and good characteristics. Mohammad fought the proper life battle in the face of ignorance & barbarism insisting on his own principles and continued in fighting the tyrants till he ended with bright victory and his Shari'a (Law) has become the most complete law and he is above all great people in history”.
Dr. Shebrek “The Austrian Scholar said, “Humanity is proud of having a man like Mohammad, and although he was illiterate, he managed, before few tens of Centuries, to bring about a law that we, the Europeans will be happiest if we reach its summit.
The German Orientalist Anna Mary Shiwel said, “Never blame me for my love to the Messenger of Islam My love & infatuation with Islam & its Messenger is unlimited so that some say that I conceal my Islam, and I repeat the words of a Hindu Poet: “I may be an infidel or a believer, this is something known solely by God, but I would like to devote myself as a sincere lover of the great master of civilization, Mohammad the Messenger of God”. Therefore, why you blame me for my love and defense on the Messenger of Islam whom I love, while nobody throughout history has been exposed to the injustice & falsification like Mohammad. The Middle Ages myths accused him as being a Cardinal who was distasteful for not being appointed a pope, detached himself from the church and established a new religion. A French novel accused him for participating with two other persons in constituting a type of a devilish trinity. There is an unforgivable crime perpetrated by the English writers who transformed the name of Mohammad to be a symposium to Satan. The German literature transformed Mohammad into “Mahum” and accused Muslims as worshiping golden idols of Mahum. Regrettably, such horrible image is well-established in the western collective unconsciousness. This explains the Western enmity to Islam. Isn’t such injustice a constitutes a motive for me to clarify by reality of Islam’s Messenger, even if I pay my life for it, as it is said, “The silent in showing what is right is a dumb Satan”[10].