මරනින් පස්සේ පණ දෙන එක
ow Parunata passe api Piligannawa Dawasaka aaith Nagitinawa Kiyala
(Day of Judgement)A'ka thamai maranin passe nagitinawa kiyanne
Ara giya aaathme karapotthha mey aathme meeharaka wenawa kiyana Eka newei kowdo kiyanwa wage..
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** THE MISCONCEPTIONS THREAD **(about Islam/Quran etc..)
- Thread starter sirajstc
- Start date
ow Parunata passe api Piligannawa Dawasaka aaith Nagitinawa Kiyala
(Day of Judgement)A'ka thamai maranin passe nagitinawa kiyanne
Ara giya aaathme karapotthha mey aathme meeharaka wenawa kiyana Eka newei kowdo kiyanwa wage..
gal palena keppa ada banna epa ban . jesu tumata ta alla ma dunna kiyala kiyanne uba balan hitiyadaAi Ahala nadda Jesus(PBUH)ta Allah deviyan A'balaya deelathibuna kiyana Eka... Allah deviyange kamaththa anuwa Jesus (PBUH) Maruna Ayata pana dunna...
Machan Rahath wecchcha Eka naambek ganath mata Udaharanayak kiyapangko.. anna Galle patthe "My3Buddah" Kiyala kenek nam Awilla Eyage Golayo set ekath Rahath welalu... a'ka Aththada bang?
machan poddak deyak kiyanakota e de hoyala balapan. ude danuma nam antimai kollo duka tama. lankaweth one tharam idala thiyenawa rahath wechcha aya. danatath samahara wita athi. rahath unu kenek mama rahath mama tama pora kiyala ada bera gagaha yan na sana. duka tama eelaga atme wath tikak buddimath wela upadinna dan wath oya geri mas gilina eka nawattala pinak dahamak karapan ,. man me yalukamata bokken kiwwe .
ayyo ban okane kiyanne . owwa tikak terum ganna amaru dewal .alla loke mawwa wage simple talk neme kollo . tikak buddhi mattamak one oww terum gannaow Parunata passe api Piligannawa Dawasaka aaith Nagitinawa Kiyala
(Day of Judgement)A'ka thamai maranin passe nagitinawa kiyanne
Ara giya aaathme karapotthha mey aathme meeharaka wenawa kiyana Eka newei kowdo kiyanwa wage..
me atme karapotta widihata pratisandiya labuwa eka karmanuroopeewa tama meeharakek ho(samaharawita islam) kenek widihata pilisidaganne . habai hamadema karmaya anuwa wenawa kiyala buddhagame kiyanne na, ehema wennathi than buduhamuduruwo pennnala deela tiyenawa . tikak hoyala balapan ubatama hitei tawat surangangana kata aha aha sattu mara mara ganunta gagaha, podi kello dushanaya kara kara innawad nattam tamanta hari kiyala hithena margaya toraganna nidahasa deela tiyena dahamak sarana yanawad kiyala.ow ow ogollo wisawasa karana eka mata hambunahttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6aMClIz-5Xg sirawata patta storiya ban . mara atal
ow Parunata passe api Piligannawa Dawasaka aaith Nagitinawa Kiyala
(Day of Judgement)A'ka thamai maranin passe nagitinawa kiyanne
Ara giya aaathme karapotthha mey aathme meeharaka wenawa kiyana Eka newei kowdo kiyanwa wage..
[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Misconception 1[/FONT]
[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Misconception 1[/FONT]
[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Misconception 1[/FONT]
[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Islam is `the religion of peace' because:[/FONT]
- [FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]the Arabic word Islam is derived from the Arabic word "Al-Salaam" which means peace.[/FONT]
[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif][2:136] Say (O Muslims): We believe in Allah and that which is revealed to us and that which was revealed to Abraham, and Ishmael, and Isaac, and Jacob, and the tribes, and that which Moses and Jesus received, and that which the prophets received from their Lord. We make no distinction between any of them, and to Him we have surrendered. [Arabic "Muslimoon"][/FONT]
[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]A secondary root of Islam may be "Al-Salaam" (peace), however the text of the Qur'an makes it clear that Allah has clearly intended the focus of this way of life to be submission to Him. This entails submission to Him at all times, in times of peace, war, ease, or difficulty.[/FONT]
[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Misconception 2[/FONT]
[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]As stated earlier, Islam is a complete way of life. Given this, it is not surprising that the Creator is concerned with the method which we choose to govern ourselves. The pre-eminent rule which the Islamic state must observe is stated in the Qur'an (translation follows):[/FONT]
[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]The Creator also states in the Qur'an (translated):[/FONT]
[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]As for slavery, Islam is unique among the `religions' in its close attention to the peaceful removal of this practice. Before the advent of Islam, slavery was widespread all over the world. The Messenger of Islam taught us that freeing slaves was a great deed in the sight of Allah. From the Sunnah, specifically in the study of the Sunnah called Sahih Bukhari, we find:[/FONT]
[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]
[/FONT][FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif][/FONT]
[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]In Islam, denial of human rights is OK because:[/FONT]
- [FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Islam is against pure democracy[/FONT]
- [FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Islam tolerates slavery[/FONT]
[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]As stated earlier, Islam is a complete way of life. Given this, it is not surprising that the Creator is concerned with the method which we choose to govern ourselves. The pre-eminent rule which the Islamic state must observe is stated in the Qur'an (translation follows):[/FONT]
[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif][4:59] O you who believe! Obey Allah, and obey the Messenger, and those charged with authority among you. If you differ in anything among yourselves, refer it to Allah and His Messenger, if you do believe in Allah and the Last Day; That is best, and most suitable for final determination.[/FONT]
[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]From this verse, it is clear that the state's obligation of obedience to the Creator is as important as the obedience of the individual. Hence, the Islamic state must derive its law from the Qur'an and Sunnah. This principle excludes certain choices from the Islamic state's options for political and economic systems, such as a pure democracy, unrestricted capitalism, communism, socialism, etc. For example, a pure democracy places the people above the Qur'an and Sunnah, and this is disobedience to the Creator. However, the best alternative to a pure democracy is a democracy that implements and enforces the Shariah (Islamic Law).[/FONT][FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]The Creator also states in the Qur'an (translated):[/FONT]
[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif] So whatever thing you are given, that is only a provision of this world's life, and what is with Allah is better and more lasting for those who believe and rely on their Lord, and those who shun the great sins and indecencies, and whenever they are angry they forgive, and those who respond to their Lord and keep up prayer, and their rule is to take counsel among themselves, and who spend out of what We have given them.[Qur'an 42:36-38][/FONT]
[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Allah orders us in this verse to conduct our matters by taking counsel among ourselves, or by consulting each other. This is the methodology of the Islamic state, to consult one another, but to always keep the Qur'an and Sunnah paramount. Any law which contradicts the Qur'an or Sunnah is unlawful. This broad principle of consultation is certainly wide enough to encompass a form of government where all are heard - in fact, encouraged to be heard. The early Islamic states were of this form. The petty governments of many `Muslim countries' today do not apply this principle and in fact commit many crimes against the people.[/FONT][FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]As for slavery, Islam is unique among the `religions' in its close attention to the peaceful removal of this practice. Before the advent of Islam, slavery was widespread all over the world. The Messenger of Islam taught us that freeing slaves was a great deed in the sight of Allah. From the Sunnah, specifically in the study of the Sunnah called Sahih Bukhari, we find:[/FONT]
[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Narrated Abu Huraira: The Prophet said, "Whoever frees a Muslim slave, Allah will save all the parts of his body from the (Hell) Fire as he has freed the body-parts of the slave." Said bin Marjana said that he narrated that Hadith to `Ali bin Al-Husain and he freed his slave for whom `Abdullah bin Ja'far had offered him ten thousand Dirhams or one-thousand Dinars.[3:46:693][/FONT]
[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Also from the Sunnah, specifically in the study of the Sunnah called Malik's Muwatta, we find:[/FONT][FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif] Narrated Aisha Ummul Mu'minin: The Messenger of Allah, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, was asked what was the most excellent kind of slave to free. The Messenger of Allah, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, answered, "The most expensive and the most valuable to his master."[38:9:15][/FONT]
[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]The Creator has also made it easy for slaves to gain their freedom. From the Sunnah, specifically in the study of the Sunnah called Sahih Bukhari, we find:[/FONT][FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif] Narrated Abu Huraira: The Prophet said, "Whoever frees his portion of a common slave should free the slave completely by paying the rest of his price from his money if he has enough money; otherwise the price of the slave is to be estimated and the slave is to be helped to work without hardship till he pays the rest of his price."[3:46:704][/FONT]
[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]The condition of slavery is very different in Islam than the harsh conditions imposed by non-Muslims or disobedient Muslims. From the Sunnah, specifically in the study of the Sunnah called Sunan Abu-Dawud, we find:[/FONT][FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif] Narrated Abu Huraira: The Prophet (saw) said: None of you must say: "My slave" (abdi) and "My slave-woman" (amati), and a slave must not say: "My lord" (rabbi or rabbati). The master (of a slave) should say: "My young man" (fataya) and "My young woman" (fatati), and a slave should say "My master" (sayyidi) and "My mistress" (sayyidati), for you are all (Allah's) slave and the Lord is Allah, Most High.[41:4957][/FONT]
[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Also from the Sunnah, specifically in the study of the Sunnah called Sahih Bukhari, we find:[/FONT][FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif] Narrated Al-Ma'rur bin Suwaid: I saw Abu Dhar Al-Ghifari wearing a cloak, and his slave, too, was wearing a cloak. We asked him about that (i.e. how both were wearing similar cloaks). He replied, "Once I abused a man and he complained of me to the Prophet. The Prophet asked me, `Did you abuse him by slighting his mother?' He added, `Your slaves are your brethren upon whom Allah has given you authority. So, if one has one's brethren under one's control, one should feed them with the like of what one eats and clothe them with the like of what one wears. You should not overburden them with what they cannot bear, and if you do so, help them (in their hard job)."[3:46:721][/FONT]
[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]As a result of the teachings of Islam, slavery was almost completely eradicated from many areas of the Muslim world, peacefully and without bloodshed.[/FONT] [FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]
[/FONT][FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif][/FONT]
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[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Misconception 3[/FONT]
[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]What then, is the really important property which we are worried about in terms of gender equality? Naturally, from the point of view of the Qur'an and Sunnah, the obvious important property is who is dearer to Allah, men or women? This question is emphatically answered in the Qur'an (translation),[/FONT]
[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Given that Allah does not favour one gender over the other in His attention to us (and it helps to remember that Allah is neither male nor female), we can now address the differences between the genders in Islam. First, men and women are not the same as we know. The Creator states in the Qur'an (translation),[/FONT]
[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Men and women are different in their responsibilities towards the families that they are strongly encouraged to set up. Women are not obligated to work, whereas men are obligated. The man must provide for the family, but the woman does not have to spend out of her money for it, though she gets a reward for doing so. Allah says in the Qur'an (translation),[/FONT]
[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]While men are allowed to marry up to four wives, they are also commanded to meet the preconditions of being able to financially support them. They must also deal with each wife justly and fairly with respect to marital and economic obligations. Allah says in the Qur'an (translation),[/FONT]
[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Finally, the wearing of the veil by women is also an illogical premise to claim that women are inferior to men. It is more appropriate to indict a society of female exploitation if it tolerates pornography rather than if it enforces the veil. Given that Allah is neither male nor female, given that He does not endear people to Himself based on their gender, given that the Creator cares about all of us male or female, given that the sexual and violent drive of men is stronger than that of women...given all this, it is illogical to cast a negative light on the following injunctions contained in the Qur'an (translation),[/FONT]
[/FONT]
[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]In Islam, women are inferior to men because:[/FONT]
- [FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]a man can marry up to 4 wives, a woman can marry only one man[/FONT]
- [FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]a man's share of inheritance is bigger than a woman's[/FONT]
- [FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]a man can marry a non-Muslim, a woman cannot[/FONT]
- [FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]women must wear the veil[/FONT]
[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]What then, is the really important property which we are worried about in terms of gender equality? Naturally, from the point of view of the Qur'an and Sunnah, the obvious important property is who is dearer to Allah, men or women? This question is emphatically answered in the Qur'an (translation),[/FONT]
[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif] If any do deeds of righteousness - be they male or female - and have faith, they will enter Paradise, and not the least injustice will be done to them.[4:124][/FONT]
[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif] For Muslim men and women, for believing men and women, for devout men and women, for truthful men and women, for men and women who are patient and constant, for men and women who humble themselves, for men and women who give in charity, for men and women who fast, for men and women who guard their chastity, and for men and women who engage much in Allah's praise, for them has Allah prepared forgiveness and great reward.[33:35] [/FONT]
[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]The Qur'an and Sunnah repeat over and over again that Allah only favours one person over another based on that person's awareness, consciousness, fear, love, and hope of Allah (the Arabic word is difficult to translate: Taqwa). All other criteria are excluded: gender, ethnic group, country, ancestry, etc.[/FONT][FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Given that Allah does not favour one gender over the other in His attention to us (and it helps to remember that Allah is neither male nor female), we can now address the differences between the genders in Islam. First, men and women are not the same as we know. The Creator states in the Qur'an (translation),[/FONT]
[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]...and the male is not like the female...[3:36][/FONT]
[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Men and women are different in their composition, and in their responsibilities under Islam. However, both are bound by obligations to one another, especially the following important one which must be understood in any discussion on men and women. From the Qur'an (translation),[/FONT][FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif] And marry those among you who are single and those who are fit among your male slaves and your female slaves; if they are needy, Allah will make them free from want out of His grace; and Allah is Ample-giving, Knowing.[24:32][/FONT]
[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]In this verse, the Creator emphasizes that marriage is to be vigorously pursued by the Muslims: the state of being single is not to be maintained. With this in mind, we can begin to understand the four reasons cited above for the nonetheless erroneous conclusion.[/FONT][FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Men and women are different in their responsibilities towards the families that they are strongly encouraged to set up. Women are not obligated to work, whereas men are obligated. The man must provide for the family, but the woman does not have to spend out of her money for it, though she gets a reward for doing so. Allah says in the Qur'an (translation),[/FONT]
[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif] Men are in charge of women, because Allah hath made the one of them to excel the other, and because they spend of their property (for the support of women). So good women are the obedient, guarding in secret that which Allah hath guarded. As for those from whom ye fear rebellion, admonish them and banish them to beds apart, and scourge them. Then if they obey you, seek not a way against them. Lo! Allah is ever High, Exalted, Great.[4:34][/FONT]
[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]From the Sunnah, specifically in the study of the Sunnah called Sahih Bukhari, we find:[/FONT][FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif][2:24:545] Narrated `Amr bin Al-Harith: Zainab, the wife of `Abdullah said, "I was in the Mosque and saw the Prophet (saws) saying, `O women ! Give alms even from your ornaments.' " Zainab used to provide for `Abdullah and those orphans who were under her protection. So she said to `Abdullah, "Will you ask Allah's Apostle whether it will be sufficient for me to spend part of the Zakat on you and the orphans who are under my protection?" He replied "Will you yourself ask Allah's Apostle ?" (Zainab added): So I went to the Prophet and I saw there an Ansari woman who was standing at the door (of the Prophet ) with a similar problem as mine. Bilal passed by us and we asked him, `Ask the Prophet whether it is permissible for me to spend (the Zakat) on my husband and the orphans under my protection.' And we requested Bilal not to inform the Prophet about us. So Bilal went inside and asked the Prophet regarding our problem. The Prophet (saws) asked, "Who are those two?" Bilal replied that she was Zainab. The Prophet said, "Which Zainab?" Bilal said, "The wife of `Adullah (bin Masud)." The Prophet said, "Yes, (it is sufficient for her) and she will receive a double rewards (for that): One for helping relatives, and the other for giving Zakat."[/FONT]
[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Given that husbands are obligated to provide for wives, and that marriage is a highly recommended goal of Islam, it is easy to see why women's inheritance share is half that of men. We note also that men are obligated to provide a suitable dowry to women on marriage. In fact, it is preferable at this point to speak in terms of husbands and wives instead of men and women. Allah says in the Qur'an (translation),[/FONT][FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif] And give women their dowries as a free gift, but if they of themselves be pleased to give up to you a portion of it, then eat it with enjoyment and with wholesome result.[4:4][/FONT]
[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Allah says in the Qur'an (translation),[/FONT][FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]...And they (women) have rights similar to those (of men) over them in kindness, and men are a degree above them..[2:228].[/FONT]
[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]This one degree in no way affects the position of the Creator in which He has stated that He does not hold women dearer to him than men, or vice versa. Rather it is simply a way of partitioning responsibilities in a household of two adults: someone must make the final decision on daily matters. As will be shown below in a section on a different misconception, though the final decision rests with the husband, it is through mutual consultation that decisions are best reached at.[/FONT][FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]While men are allowed to marry up to four wives, they are also commanded to meet the preconditions of being able to financially support them. They must also deal with each wife justly and fairly with respect to marital and economic obligations. Allah says in the Qur'an (translation),[/FONT]
[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif][4:3] If ye fear that ye shall not be able to deal justly with the orphans, Marry women of your choice, Two or three or four; but if ye fear that ye shall not be able to deal justly (with them), then only one, or (a captive) that your right hands possess, that will be more suitable, to prevent you from doing injustice.[/FONT]
[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Moreover, women are allowed to reject any marriage proposal made to her by prospective suitors, thus if she does not feel she can abide by the rules of the Qur'an and Sunnah if she marries a certain person, she can reject his proposal. While it is irrelevant to Islam, it is worthwhile to note that both Judaism and Christianity allow polygamy. The idea is not as foreign to the non-Muslims as is often claimed.[/FONT][FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Finally, the wearing of the veil by women is also an illogical premise to claim that women are inferior to men. It is more appropriate to indict a society of female exploitation if it tolerates pornography rather than if it enforces the veil. Given that Allah is neither male nor female, given that He does not endear people to Himself based on their gender, given that the Creator cares about all of us male or female, given that the sexual and violent drive of men is stronger than that of women...given all this, it is illogical to cast a negative light on the following injunctions contained in the Qur'an (translation),[/FONT]
[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif] O Prophet, tell your wives and daughters and the believing women to draw their outer garments around them (when they go out or are among men). That is better in order that they may be known (to be Muslims) and not be annoyed...[33:59] [/FONT]
[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif] Say to the believing man that they should lower their gaze and guard their modesty; that will make for greater purity for them; and Allah is well acquainted with all that they do. And say to the believing women that they should lower their gaze and guard their modesty; and that they should not display their beauty and ornaments except what must ordinarily appear thereof; that they should draw their veils over their bosoms and not display their beauty except to their husbands...[24:30-31][/FONT]
[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]On this misconception, there is a great deal more to write, most of it showing how current practices in many Muslim lands go against what the Qur'an and Sunnah have ordained, lands in which women are treated as property (unIslamic), are not educated (unIslamic), are forbidden their economic rights (unIslamic), and more. On this point in particular, we encourage everyone to consult the Qur'an and Sunnah before incriminating Islam. Always remember that Islam is a complete way of life from the Creator, and that Muslims are people who claim to follow that way of life. A Muslim may claim to follow Islam, but be wrong. [/FONT]
[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Misconception 4[/FONT]
[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Islam is the fastest growing major religion in the world (Encyclopaedia Britannica). It has adherents on all the populated continents, and is accessible to Arabs and non-Arabs alike. In the United States, Muslims are expected to become the largest religious minority around the turn of the century, outstripping the Jews.[/FONT]
[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]The universal appeal of Islam to Arabs and non-Arabs comes in spite of the Qur'an being in Arabic. Allah states in the Qur'an that this way of life called Islam is for all people (translation follows),[/FONT]
[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Misconception 5[/FONT]
[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Islam is well-suited only to the Arabs because:[/FONT]
- [FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]most Muslims are Arabs[/FONT]
- [FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]the Qur'an is in Arabic[/FONT]
[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Islam is the fastest growing major religion in the world (Encyclopaedia Britannica). It has adherents on all the populated continents, and is accessible to Arabs and non-Arabs alike. In the United States, Muslims are expected to become the largest religious minority around the turn of the century, outstripping the Jews.[/FONT]
[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]The universal appeal of Islam to Arabs and non-Arabs comes in spite of the Qur'an being in Arabic. Allah states in the Qur'an that this way of life called Islam is for all people (translation follows),[/FONT]
[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif] And We (Allah) have not sent you (Muhammad) but as a mercy to the worlds.[21:107][/FONT]
[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif] We have not sent you but as a universal (Messenger) to men, giving them glad tidings, and warning them (against sin), but most men understand not.[34:28][/FONT]
[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Moreover, the Creator does not use the colour or mother tongue of people to judge them, be they Arab or not. Instead, it is the level of their awareness of Allah which is the criterion,[/FONT][FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif] O mankind! We created you from a single (pair) of a male and a female, and made you into nations and tribes, that you may know each other (not that you may despise each other). Verily the most honoured of you in the sight of Allah is (he who is) the most righteous of you. And Allah has full knowledge and is well acquainted (with all things)."[49:13][/FONT]
[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]The choice of Arabic as the language of the Qur'an is explained very simply and clearly (translation follows),[/FONT][FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif] And if We (Allah) had made it a Qur'an in a foreign tongue, they would certainly have said: "Why have not its communications been made clear? What! a foreign (tongue) and an Arab!" Say: It is, to those who believe, a guidance and a healing; and (as for) those who do not believe, there is a heaviness in their ears and it is obscure to them; these shall be called to from a far-off place.[41:44][/FONT]
[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]However, it is also important to emphasize that the Qur'an in its revealed form in Arabic is the literal Word of the Creator - but any translation is not. Each translation is more accurately called a translation of an interpretation, for every translator includes his or her own bias.[/FONT][FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Misconception 5[/FONT]
[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Islam rejects Jesus because:[/FONT]
- [FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Jesus is not accepted as `the Son of God'[/FONT]
[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif] They say: "(Allah) the Most Merciful has begotten a son!" Indeed you have put forth a thing most monstrous! At it the skies are ready to burst, the earth to split asunder, and the mountains to fall down in utter ruin, that they should invoke a son for (Allah) the Most Merciful. For it is not consonant with the majesty of (Allah) the Most Merciful that He should beget a son: Not one of the beings in the heavens and the earth but must come to (Allah) the Most Merciful as a servant.[19:88-93][/FONT]
[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]However, the misconception that Jesus is rejected does not follow from the reason given above. It is more precise to say that identifying Jesus as `the Son of God' is rejected. As a Messenger of Allah, Jesus is accorded the same honour that all the Messengers are given, as the following verse attests to (translation),[/FONT][FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif][2:136] Say (O Muslims): We believe in Allah and that which is revealed to us and that which was revealed to Abraham, and Ishmael, and Isaac, and Jacob, and the tribes, and that which Moses and Jesus received, and that which the prophets received from their Lord. We make no distinction between any of them, and to Him we have surrendered. [Arabic "Muslimoon"][/FONT]
[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Misconception 6[/FONT][FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Islam orders the worship of a man because:[/FONT]
- [FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Muslims are also `Muhammadans'[/FONT]
[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif] Say: He is Allah, the One and Only; Allah, the One on whom all depend; He begets not, nor is He begotten. And there is none comparable to Him.[112:1-4][/FONT]
[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif] Muhammad is no more than a messenger: many Were the messengers that passed away before him. If he died or were slain, will you then turn back on your heels? If any did turn back on his heels, not the least harm will he do to Allah; but Allah (on the other hand) will swiftly reward those who (serve Him) with gratitude.[3:144][/FONT]
[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]From the Sunnah, specifically in the study of the Sunnah called Sahih Bukhari, we find:[/FONT][FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif] Narrated Mu'adh bin Jabal: The Prophet said, "O Mu'adh! Do you know what Allah's Right upon His slaves is?" I said, "Allah and His Apostle know best." The Prophet said, "To worship Him (Allah) Alone and to join none in worship with Him (Allah). Do you know what their right upon Him is?" I replied, "Allah and His Apostle know best." The Prophet said, "Not to punish them (if they do so)."[9:93:470] [/FONT]
[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif] Narrated `Umar: I heard the Prophet saying, "Do not exaggerate in praising me as the Christians praised the son of Mary, for I am only a Slave. So, call me the Slave of Allah and His Apostle."[4:55:654]
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[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Misconception 7[/FONT]
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[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]It should be clear, then, that "Muslim terrorist" is almost an oxymoron: by killing innocent people, a Muslim is committing an awesome sin, and Allah is Justice personified. This phrase is offensive and demeaning of Islam, and it should be avoided. It is hoped that as the general level of public awareness and understanding of Islam increases, people will keep "terrorism" and "Islam" separate from each other, not to be used in the same phrase.[/FONT]
[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Another reason advanced in support of the misconception is that the Creator has imposed `jihad' on us. The term "holy war" is from the time of the Crusades and originated in Europe as a rallying cry against the Muslims in Jerusalem. Jihad is an Arabic word meaning struggle, but in the context of many verses in the Qur'an, it carries the meaning of military struggle, or war. Allah gradually introduced the obligation of military struggle to the Muslim community at the time of the Messenger (saws). The first verse ever revealed in that connection is as follows (translation),[/FONT]
[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]The Qur'an and Sunnah make it clear that the law of retaliation (or equality) governs us for murder and physical injury, but forgiveness is better as the following verses from the Qur'an show (translation),[/FONT]
[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Finally, another reason advanced for this prevalent misconception is that Islam `spread by the sword'. It should be clear by now that we must always distinguish between the Qur'an and Sunnah and the Muslims when it comes to determining what the Creator has asked of us. Allah has stated clearly in the Qur'an (translation),[/FONT]
[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Historical arguments that try to demonstrate that Muslims did not `convert others by force' are actually secondary to the argument given above. However, it is worth noting that historically, Islam did spread by peaceful means. The Message of the Creator was conveyed to Africa and to southeast Asia by trading Muslims, and today the largest Muslim country in the world is Indonesia. The military expeditions that led to the conquest of large swathes of territory in Europe and central Asia were all marked by tolerance of other creeds and faith.[/FONT]
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[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Again, it is important to remember that Allah declares it IMPOSSIBLE that Islam can be forced on a person, hence Muslims find it useless to try![/FONT]
[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Islam tolerates the killing of innocents because:[/FONT]
- [FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Muslims can be terrorists[/FONT]
- [FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Muslims engage in `holy wars' (jihad)[/FONT]
- [FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Islam spread by the sword[/FONT]
- [FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]it has a harsh and cruel judicial system[/FONT]
[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif] Nor take life - which Allah has made sacred - except for just cause. And if anyone is slain wrongfully, we have given his heir authority (to demand retaliation or to forgive): but let him not exceed bounds in the matter of taking life, for he is helped (by the Law)[17:33] [/FONT]
[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Based on this verse, it is Islamically unlawful to murder anyone who is innocent of certain crimes. It is well to remember at this point the distinction made above between Qur'an and Sunnah, and the Muslims: only the Qur'an and Sunnah are guaranteed to be in accordance with what the Creator desires, whereas the Muslims may possibly deviate. Hence, if any Muslim kills an innocent person, that Muslim has committed a grave sin, and certainly the action cannot be claimed to have been done "in the name of Islam."[/FONT][FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]
[/FONT]
[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]It should be clear, then, that "Muslim terrorist" is almost an oxymoron: by killing innocent people, a Muslim is committing an awesome sin, and Allah is Justice personified. This phrase is offensive and demeaning of Islam, and it should be avoided. It is hoped that as the general level of public awareness and understanding of Islam increases, people will keep "terrorism" and "Islam" separate from each other, not to be used in the same phrase.[/FONT]
[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Another reason advanced in support of the misconception is that the Creator has imposed `jihad' on us. The term "holy war" is from the time of the Crusades and originated in Europe as a rallying cry against the Muslims in Jerusalem. Jihad is an Arabic word meaning struggle, but in the context of many verses in the Qur'an, it carries the meaning of military struggle, or war. Allah gradually introduced the obligation of military struggle to the Muslim community at the time of the Messenger (saws). The first verse ever revealed in that connection is as follows (translation),[/FONT]
[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif] Permission (to fight) is given to those upon whom war is made because they are oppressed, and most surely Allah is well able to assist them;[22:39][/FONT]
[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]This verse lays down the precondition for all war in Islam: there must exist certain oppressive conditions on the people. The Creator unequivocally orders us to fight oppression and persecution, even at the expense of bloodshed as the following verse shows (translation),[/FONT][FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]And fight in the cause of Allah with those who fight with you, and do not exceed the limits, surely Allah does not love those who exceed the limits. And kill them wherever you find them, and drive them out from where they drove you out, and persecution is severer than slaughter, and do not fight with them at the Sacred Mosque (in Makkah) until they fight with you in it, but if they do fight you, then slay them; such is the reward of the unbelievers. But if they desist, then surely Allah is Forgiving, Merciful. And fight with them until there is no persecution, and religion should be only for Allah, but if they desist, then there should be no hostility except against the oppressors.[2:190-192][/FONT]
[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]As one might imagine, the method of military struggle has been clearly and extensively defined in the Qur'an and Sunnah. Since this subject is a huge one, we simply summarize part of it by noting that it is unlawful to kill women, children, the infirm, the old, and the innocent. From the Sunnah, specifically in the study of the Sunnah called Sahih Bukhari, we find:[/FONT][FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif] Narrated 'Abdullah: During some of the Ghazawat of the Prophet a woman was found killed. Allah's Apostle disapproved the killing of women and children.[4:52:257][/FONT]
[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]A related misconception to jihad is often propagated by Muslims who say that "Jihad is only for self-defence of physical borders." The Qur'an and Sunnah refute this notion categorically. As the verses cited above show, jihad is obligatory wherever there is injustice, and Muslims need not acknowledge imaginary lines around the earth when it comes to upholding this obligation. The Messenger of Allah (saws) has also commented on this extensively in the Sunnah. From the study of the Sunnah called Sahih Bukhari, we find that,[/FONT][FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif] Narrated Abu Musa: A man came to the Prophet and asked, "A man fights for war booty; another fights for fame and a third fights for showing off; which of them fights in Allah's Cause?" The Prophet said, "He who fights that Allah's Word (i.e. Islam) should be superior, fights in Allah's Cause."[4:52:65][/FONT]
[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Hence, the Creator obligates us to fight wherever people are being grossly deprived of freely hearing or practicing the Message of Allah as contained in the Qur'an and Sunnah. Sayyed Qutb, a famous Muslim scholar eloquently discusses the notion of jihad and self-defence in his book Milestones,[/FONT][FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]"If we insist on calling Islamic jihad a defensive movement, then we must change the meaning of the word `defence' and mean by it `defence of man' against all those elements which limit his freedom. These elements take the form of beliefs and concepts, as well as of political systems, based on economic, racial, or class distinction."[/FONT]
[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]A third reason often cited for the misconception about Islam which says that this way of life tolerates the killing of innocents is that the judicial system of Islam is unnecessarily harsh. This reason is weak in two respects. First, it presupposes that human beings are more just and more merciful than the Creator, and therefore we can change the law. Second, it is often based on gross oversimplifications of Islamic law, such as saying "all thieves get their hands cut off."[/FONT][FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]The Qur'an and Sunnah make it clear that the law of retaliation (or equality) governs us for murder and physical injury, but forgiveness is better as the following verses from the Qur'an show (translation),[/FONT]
[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif] O you who believe! the law of equality is prescribed to you in cases of murder: the free for the free, the slave for the slave, the woman for the woman. But if any remission is made by the brother of the slain, then prosecution (for the bloodwit) should be made according to usage, and payment should be made to him in a good manner; this is an alleviation from your Lord and a mercy; so whoever exceeds the limit after this he shall have a painful chastisement.[2:178][/FONT]
[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif] The recompense for an injury is an injury equal thereto (in degree): but if a person forgives and makes reconciliation, his reward is due from Allah: for (Allah) loves not those who do wrong. But indeed if any do help and defend themselves after a wrong (done) to them, against such there is no cause of blame. The blame is only against those who oppress men and insolently transgress beyond bounds through the land, defying right and justice: for such there will be a grievous penalty. And whoever is patient and forgiving, these most surely are actions due to courage.[42:40-43][/FONT]
[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]The Creator ordained the law of retaliation on us knowing full well that we might question it. In many non-Muslim societies today, there are ongoing debates about the death penalty. In Islam, this discussion is moot: the Creator has decided the matter for us. He has however given us an interesting verse in the Qur'an which advises to consider the matter carefully if we want to understand it (translation follows),[/FONT][FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif] And there is life for you in (the law of) retaliation, O people of understanding, that you may guard yourselves.[2:179][/FONT]
[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Most people are also unaware of the stringent conditions which must be met for the law of retaliation to be applicable. The Sunnah is full of examples of the Messenger of Allah showing us when the law's preconditions were fulfilled. For example, a thief is only liable to lose his or her hand if the item stolen exceeds a certain value, and if it is proven that the item was taken from its normal resting place. Stealing food is not punishable by the loss of one's hand, and other items are exempt as well. This is just an example of how gingerly the law is applied in Islam.[/FONT][FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Finally, another reason advanced for this prevalent misconception is that Islam `spread by the sword'. It should be clear by now that we must always distinguish between the Qur'an and Sunnah and the Muslims when it comes to determining what the Creator has asked of us. Allah has stated clearly in the Qur'an (translation),[/FONT]
[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif] There is no compulsion in religion; truly the right way has become clearly distinct from error; therefore, whoever rejects Satan (and what he calls to) and believes in Allah, he indeed has laid hold on the firmest handhold, which shall not break off, and Allah is Hearing, Knowing.[2:256][/FONT]
[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Hence, it is impossible to accept Islam under duress. Even if misguided Muslims were to try to `force' Islam somehow on others, it would not be accepted by the Creator based on this verse.[/FONT][FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Historical arguments that try to demonstrate that Muslims did not `convert others by force' are actually secondary to the argument given above. However, it is worth noting that historically, Islam did spread by peaceful means. The Message of the Creator was conveyed to Africa and to southeast Asia by trading Muslims, and today the largest Muslim country in the world is Indonesia. The military expeditions that led to the conquest of large swathes of territory in Europe and central Asia were all marked by tolerance of other creeds and faith.[/FONT]
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[/FONT]
[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Again, it is important to remember that Allah declares it IMPOSSIBLE that Islam can be forced on a person, hence Muslims find it useless to try![/FONT]
[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Misconception 8[/FONT]
[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Misconception 9[/FONT]
[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]It suffices to point out the `Nation of Islam's deviation in two areas. First, they reject the essence of Islam by concocting a story wherein the Creator takes the form of a black man. From their on-line publications, we find that the `Nation of Islam' believes in[/FONT]
[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Misconception 10[/FONT]
[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]From the Sunnah, specifically in the study of the Sunnah called Sunan Abu-Dawud, we find:[/FONT]
[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Islam is intolerant of other religions because[/FONT]
- [FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]the Qur'an condemns the other religions as false[/FONT]
[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif] And whoever desires a religion other than Islam, it shall not be accepted from him, and in the hereafter he shall be one of the losers.[3:85] [/FONT]
[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]However, even though the Creator has clearly specified that no other way of life is acceptable to Him except Islam (i.e. submission to Him as embodied in the Qur'an and Sunnah), He has also commanded the Muslims to be tolerant of people who espouse other creeds. From the Sunnah, specifically in the study of the Sunnah called Al-Awsat by Al-Tabarani, we find regarding those non-Muslims living in the Islamic state,[/FONT] [FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]The Messenger of Allah (saws) said, "One who kills a non-Muslim person under protection (Arabic: dhimmi) will not even smell the fragrance of Paradise."[/FONT]
[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Also from the Sunnah, specifically in a report from Al-Khatib, we find that the Messenger of Allah (saws) also said:[/FONT][FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Whoever hurts a non-Muslim person under protection, I am his adversary, and I shall be an adversary to him on the Day of Resurrection.[/FONT]
[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]In short, Islam is intolerant of false ideas, however it is tolerant of the people who hold to those ideas. One historical example of Muslims living up to the standard of Islam can be found from the time of the Spanish Inquisition. During that disaster sprung by misguided Catholics, some Spanish Jews fled to Muslim Turkey and to this day, there is a community of Spanish-speaking Jews in Turkey. Another example may be found during one of the Crusader invasions from Western Europe. Some of the the Catholic Western European knights were so likely to rape, murder, and pillage the Jews and Orthodox Christians, that when the Muslims won, they were treated as a liberating force by those non-Muslims.[/FONT][FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Misconception 9[/FONT]
[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Islam is a racist, afro-centric cult because:[/FONT]
- [FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Nation of Islam espouses the superiority of the black man[/FONT]
- [FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]The Nation of Islam recognizes God as a black man[/FONT]
[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]It suffices to point out the `Nation of Islam's deviation in two areas. First, they reject the essence of Islam by concocting a story wherein the Creator takes the form of a black man. From their on-line publications, we find that the `Nation of Islam' believes in[/FONT]
[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]...one God (Allah) and that Allah (God) appeared in the Person of Master W. Fard Muhammad, July, 1930; the long awaited `Messiah' of the Christians and the `Mahdi' of the Muslims...[/FONT]
[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]However, the Creator states in the Qur'an (translation),[/FONT][FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif][6:103] No vision can grasp Him, but His grasp is over all vision: He is above all comprehension, yet is acquainted with all things.[/FONT]
[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]The `Nation of Islam' also claims that white men are `devils', and that black people are in general superior to all other races. However, from the Sunnah, specifically in the Messenger of Allah's farewell sermon, we find the Messenger (pbuh) saying:[/FONT][FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]All mankind is from Adam and Eve, an Arab has no superiority over a non-Arab nor a non-Arab has any superiority over an Arab; also a white has no superiority over a black nor a black has any superiority over a white - except by piety and good action.[/FONT]
[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]There are many other beliefs which the `Nation of Islam' holds which take it outside of Islam. It is interesting to note that in the mid-1970's, the overwhelming majority of the group realized its errors and converted to true Islam. There is, however, a splinter group which remains active today.[/FONT][FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Misconception 10[/FONT]
[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Islam produces a lazy, uneducated society because:[/FONT]
- [FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]all things come from God, and so fatalism is OK[/FONT]
- [FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]modern technology and science are condemned[/FONT]
[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif] The worshippers of false gods say: "If Allah had so willed, we should not have worshipped anything but Him - neither we nor our fathers,- nor should we have prescribed prohibitions other than His." So did those who went before them. But what is the mission of messengers but to preach the Clear Message? [16:35][/FONT]
[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif] They (the idolaters) say, "If it had been the will of (Allah) the Most Merciful, we should not have worshipped such (deities)!" Of that they have no knowledge: they do nothing but lie![43:20] [/FONT]
[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Allah has taught us via the Qur'an and Sunnah that we all have a certain amount of free will. This free will must be exercised properly in accordance with the Qur'an and Sunnah to please the Creator. This is plenty of motivation for all Muslims to push themselves to be the most knowledgeable, effective Muslims they can be. If Muslim societies today are not meeting their potential, it is surely not due to their knowledge of Islam, rather it is their ignorance of this way of life. The importance of seeking knowledge and working are made clear in the Sunnah.[/FONT][FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]From the Sunnah, specifically in the study of the Sunnah called Sunan Abu-Dawud, we find:[/FONT]
[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif] Narrated Anas ibn Malik: A man of the Ansar came to the Prophet (pbuh) and begged from him.[9:1637][/FONT]
[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]He (the Prophet) asked: Have you nothing in your house? He replied: Yes, a piece of cloth, a part of which we wear and a part of which we spread (on the ground), and a wooden bowl from which we drink water.[/FONT]
[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]He said: Bring them to me. He then brought these articles to him and he (the Prophet) took them in his hands and asked: Who will buy these? A man said: I shall buy them for one dirham. He said twice or thrice: Who will offer more than one dirham? A man said: I shall buy them for two dirhams.[/FONT]
[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]He gave these to him and took the two dirhams and, giving them to the Ansari, he said: Buy food with one of them and hand it to your family, and buy an axe and bring it to me. He then brought it to him. The Apostle of Allah (pbuh) fixed a handle on it with his own hands and said: Go, gather firewood and sell it, and do not let me see you for a fortnight. The man went away and gathered firewood and sold it. When he had earned ten dirhams, he came to him and bought a garment with some of them and food with the others.[/FONT]
[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]The Apostle of Allah (pbuh) then said: This is better for you than that begging should come as a spot on your face on the Day of Judgment. Begging is right only for three people: one who is in grinding poverty, one who is seriously in debt, or one who is responsible for compensation and finds it difficult to pay.[/FONT]
[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Also from the Sunnah, specifically in the study of the Sunnah called Sunan Ibn Majah, we find that the Messenger of Allah said:[/FONT][FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Seeking knowledge is a duty upon every Muslim.[/FONT]
[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Knowledge of the Qur'an and Sunnah are clearly the best types of knowledge, and knowledge which benefits humanity is good as well. The Qur'an and Sunnah do not condemn the study of this earth and in fact the Creator encourages us to investigate the world we live in according to the following verse from the Qur'an (translation),[/FONT][FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif] Behold! in the creation of the heavens and the earth, and the alternation of night and day, there are indeed Signs for people of understanding. People who celebrate the praises of Allah, standing, sitting, and lying down on their sides, and contemplate the (wonders of) creation in the heavens and the earth, (with the thought): "Our Lord! not for nothing have You created (all) this! Glory to You! Give us salvation from the penalty of the Fire."[3:190-191][/FONT]
[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Anything good in this document is from Allah, while everything bad in it is from us.[/FONT]
You spun the argument about equality very well but too bad I caught you.
You say you can't really define equality, but you actually can in this context. Lets say you want to see if a woman is equal to a man. To do this you have to see if a woman is allowed to do something a man can. For eg, is a woman allowed to marry multiple husbands, like men are allowed to marry multiple wives. Are women given the same punishments as men. The answer for these questions are false. There is NO way Islam treats both sexes equally. Trying to say they do, is futile.
woman taking up more than one husband. It is the male whose children the women bear. If a woman had multiple husbands, it would not be easy to know who is the biological father of the child. When a child is conceived, God puts love and affection in the hearts of the parents so that they can bring up the child. Without this love, life cannot be sustained. But if there was dispute about who really has fathered the child, there would be no love in the heart of the fathers. Psychologists say that children who grow up without knowing who their father is, are lacking in stability and maturity. These days because of scientific progress in DNA testing, one can say who the father is; but these tests were not available for mankind till now. Islam has historically provided for peace and stability in the family, not discord.
Which "psychologists" say that? Just search for "homosexual parents" on google and you'll find plenty of articles that refer to studies where same sex parents don't affect the children at all. So having parents are more than enough for a child to grow healthily.
And you did not address the issue with punishments.
Let us look at Noble Verses 4:15-16 "If any of your women are guilty of lewdness, Take the evidence of four (Reliable) witnesses from amongst you against them; and if they testify, confine them to houses until death do claim them, or God ordain for them some (other) way.
If two men among you are guilty of lewdness, punish them both. If they repent and amend, Leave them alone; for God is Oft-returning, Most Merciful."
I love the double standard.
And you did not address the issue with punishments.
Let us look at Noble Verses 4:15-16 "If any of your women are guilty of lewdness, Take the evidence of four (Reliable) witnesses from amongst you against them; and if they testify, confine them to houses until death do claim them, or God ordain for them some (other) way.
If two men among you are guilty of lewdness, punish them both. If they repent and amend, Leave them alone; for God is Oft-returning, Most Merciful."
I love the double standard.
Gender equality in Islam has been discussed several times in this forum. In the end it was clear that women are not treated equal.
http://www.elakiri.com/forum/showthread.php?t=659883
So basically what you are saying is Islam is not a religion for all times.
It's amazing how you can't see that your logic is poor and indeed remaining silent than coming up with such rants would serve your purpose better.
#1 You Were Born Without Sin
I am sure you must have heard it said that we were born in sin- and perhaps you even believe that. But let's think about that for a moment. Would the Just God blame you for a sin you never committed? Would HE hold you responsible for what someone else did? Definetely not! God's book teaches that you are responsible for only your own actions. You cannot sin until you do something wrong. And you certainly could not have done wrong before you were even born.
Yet we often meet people who say that we are somehow born in sin. Could that possibly be true? They say that the first human being, Adam (on whom be peace) sinned, and through him sin entered the world; and now sin corrupts everything, including every newborn baby. Can you follow that logic? Can you believe that human beings are condemned before they do anything? Which judge would condemn people for crimes they never committed? A just judge cannot do that except by mistake. But what about God? Would He make such a mistake? We cannot image such false ideas about God. HE is Just.
HE holds you responsible for what you do, and HE does not blame you for what the first human being did. But, even after you do wrong, God is always willing to forgive. HE is full of loving kindness, and HE loves to forgive. HE is willing to forgive anyone who turns to Him and seeks forgiveness. This means that if you did something wrong you can still turn back to God and He will forgive you, if you sincerely decided to give up that sin. Isn't this refreshing to know? Isn't it wonderful to know that even if we lived a whole life of sin but we decide now to change our lives and obey God HE would forgive us this minute? And that's just between us and God. We don't need any confession box, and we don't need anyone to suffer for our sins. Could we resist the loving kindness that God is offering us? God wants us to know about HIS love. He wants us to know that HE is Just. HE wants us to know the truth about HIM so that when we turn to HIM we know to Whom we are turning. But, there is so much misinformation about God. Where can we get correct information about Him? In His Book! That's so obvious, isn't it? God told us about Himself in His book. We owe it to ourselves to see what God has to say about Himself. Shouldn't you be reading God's book? Here's God's message to you in His book:
O mankind! Now has a proof from your Lord come unto you, and We have sent down unto you a clear light; as for those who believe in Allah and hold fast unto Him, them will He cause to enter into His mercy, and grace, and will guide them unto Him by a straight road. (Quran 4:174-175). The Qur'an is God's final book which He revealed for the guidance of all humankind.
#2 Why God's Book Cannot Contain Error
I. God Revealed It => "Those who disbelieve in the Reminder when it comes unto them (are guilty), for indeed it is an unassailable Scripture. Falsehood cannot come at it from before it or behind it. It is a revelation from the Wise, the Owner of Praise." (Qur'an 41:41-42). "Praise be to Allah, Who has revealed the Scipture unto His slave, and has not placed therein any crookedness (but has made it) straight" (Qur'an 18:1-2). "Allah has (now) revealed the fairest of statements, a Scripture consistent" (Qur'an 39:23). "A Qur'an in Arabic, containing no crookedness" (Qur'an 39:28).
II. God Preserves It => God has promised to always preserve His book. He says; "Surely We, even We, revealed the Reminder (the Qur'an) and We verily are it's Guardian." (Qur'an 15:9). The Qur'an contains no additions. It remains today letter for letter as it was revealed over 1400 years ago. Nothing added, nothing taken away. Two of the original manuscripts of the Qur'an prepared 1400 years ago still exist today. One is in the Topkapi Saray Museum in Istanbul, Turkey, and the other in Tashkent, Russia. Both of these are identical in content with the Qur'an available all over the world today. God says: "Will they not then consider the Qur'an with care? If it has been from the other than Allah they would have found therein much discrepancy." (Qur'an 4:82). Here God challenges people to find an error in the Qur'an. If it contains errors then it cannot be from God. If, on the other hand, it had been the production of a human being it would definitely contain errors. A human writer 1400 years ago would have written on the basis of the level of knowledge of his or her day. And many of those ideas would turn out to be false later as humankind learns more, especially in the field of science. But the Qur'an is remarkably free of error.
#3 The One True God
Most people realize that there is only one true God. Throughout history, this one true God has appointed many good men to tell others about Him so that humans everywhere may turn away from false gods and worship Him alone. Abraham, Moses, and Jesus (peace be upon all of them) all spoke about this one God and worshipped Him alone. In the Gospel according to Matthew, 26:39 (King James Version) we are told that Jesus 'fell on his face, and prayed' to God. In the Gospel According to John, 17:3, Jesus declares that the one he prayed to is the only true God. This very God speaks to us in these last days in His final Scripture which He will safeguard from corruption. God announces in His book good news to all those who believe in Him and do right. He says: Surely those who say, Our Lord is Allah, and afterwards are upright, the angels descend upon them saying, Fear not nor grieve, but hear good tidings of the Paradise which you are promised. We are your protecting friends in the life of the world and in the Hereafter. There you will have all that your souls desire, and there you will have all for which you pray. A gift of welcome from the Forgiving, the Merciful.
(Qur'an 41:30-32). Those who believe and do good works and believe in that which is revealed unto Muhammad - and it is the truth from your Lord - He rids them of their ill-deeds and improves their condition. That is because those who disbelieve follow falsehood and beause those who believe follow the truth from their Lord. (Qur'an 47:2). Accept this invitation, therefore, and enjoy a life of peace and satisfaction on earth, then everlasting life in God's Paradise. The true scripture promises all this to those who choose no other god except the one true God who was worshipped by Abraham, Moses, Jesus and Muhammad (peace be upon them). The truth has now come to you from your Lord! Won't you accept it?
#4 What the Bible Says About Muhammad
According to the Bible, God said to Moses (on whom be peace): I will raise up for them a prophet like you from among their brothers; I will put my words in his mouth, and he will tell them everything I command him. (The Holy Bible, New International Version, Deuteronomy ch 18, verse 18).
The Prophet described in the above verse must have the following three characteristics;
1) He will be like Moses 2) will come from the brothers of the Israelites, ie the Ishmaelites. 3) God will put His words in the mouth of that prophet and he will declare what God commanded him. Let us see which prophet God was speaking of.
I. The Prophet like Moses-> Some people feel that this prophecy refers to the prophet Jesus, (on whom be peace). But, although Jesus (on whom be peace) was truly a prophet of God, he is not the prophet spoken of here. He was born miraculously. On the other hand, Muhammad (peace be upon him) is more like Moses (on whom be peace); both were born in a natural way and both died natural deaths.
2. From among the Ishmaelites -> Abraham (on whom be peace) had two sons, Ishmael (on whom be peace) and Isaac (on whom be peace) (genesis, ch 21). Ishmael (on whom be peace) became the grandfather of the Arab nation, and Isaac became the grandfather of the Jewish nation. The prophet spoken of was to come not from among the Jews themselves, but from among their brothers, the Ishmaelites. Muhammad (peace be upon him) a descendant of Ishmael, is indeed that prophet.
3. God will put His words in his mouth- "Neither the content of the revelation, nor its form, were of Muhammad's devising. Both were given by the angel and Mohammad's task was only to repeat what he heard." (World Religions from Ancient History to the Present, by Geoffrey Parrinder, p. 472). God sent the angel Gabriel (on whom be peace) to teach Muhammad (peace be upon him) the exact words that he should repeat to the people. The words are therefore not his own; they did not come from his own thoughts, but were put into his mouth by the angel. These are written down in the Qur'an word for word exactly as they came from God. Now that we know thaat prophet we must listen to him, for, according to the Bible, God says: "I will punish anyone who refuses to obey him" (Good News Bible, Deut. 18:19).
#5 Bible & Qur'an Says; Don't Eat Pork
Both the Bible and the Qur'an prohibit the eating of pork. Muslims are are of this prohibition and observe it strictly. Hover, most readers of the Bible say they do not know where they can find this in the Bible. In the book of Leviticus, ch 11, v. 7, it is recorded that God declares the pig to be unclean for believers. Then, in verse 8, God says: "You must not eat their meat or touch their carcasses; they are unclean for you." This command is repeated in Deuteronomy 14:7-8. Then in Isaiah 65:2-4, and 66:17, God issues a stern warning against those who eat pork. Some people are aware of this prohibition from God, but they say they can eat pork because St. Paul said that all food is clean in his letter to the Romans 14:20. St. Paul sid this because he believed (as he wrote in his letter to the Ephesians 2:14-15) that Jesus had abolished the Law with all its commandments and regulations.
He seems, however, to have misunderstood what he heard about Jesus. In the Gospel According to Matthew 5:17-20, Jesus is reported to have said quite the contrary, as follows: "Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law..." Jesus then went on in that passage (in verse 19) to denounce anyone who would break the smallest commandment and teach others likewise. He also praised his true followers who will practice and teach even the smallest commandment. One of the commandments, as we have seen, is to stay away from pork. This is why the true followers of Jesus, holding on to his teachings, did not let unclean food such as pork enter their mouths, so that Peter, the chief disciple can say, "I have never eaten anythng impure or unclean" (Acts of the Apostles, ch 10, v. 14). Five chapters later in the Acts of the Apostles, 15:29, we find that the original disciples still differentiate between clean and unclean foods, and this time Paul is in agreement with them.
Six chapters later, in ch. 21, v 25, their decision to impose food regulations on believers is mentioned without regret, and this time Paul is challenged to prove that he is in agreement with them; and he demonstrated his full agreement with them. What remains, then is that Jesus (on whom be peace) upheld the prohibition against pork. His disciples also upheld it, and so must all his followers. Those who fail to uphold it need to be informed and reminded of this rule from God. This is one reason why God sent His final messenger, on whom be peace, God says: "O people of the Scripture!
Now has Our Messenger come unto you, expounding unto you much of that which you used to hide in the Scripture, and forgiving much. Now has come unto you light from Allah and a plain Scripture." (The Meaning of the Glorious Qur'an 5:15).
#6 Jesus in the Qur'an
The Qur'an tells us alot of wonderful things about Jesus. As a result, believers in the Qur'an love Jesus, honor him, and believe in him. In fact, no Muslim can be a muslim unless he or she believes in Jesus, (on whom be peace). The Qur'an says that Jesus was born of a virgin, and he spoke while he was still a baby, that he healed the blind and the leper by God's leave, and that he raised the dead by God's leave. What then is the significance of these miracles? First, the virgin birth. God demonstrates his power to create in every way. God created everyone we know from a man and a woman. But how about Adam, (on whom be peace)? God created him from neither a man nor a woman, and Eve from only a man, but not a woman. And, finally to complete the picture, God created Jesus from a woman, not a man. What about the other miracles? These were to show that Jesus was not acting on his own behalf, but that he was backed by God.
The Qur'an specifies that these miracles were performed by God's leave. This may be compared to the Book of Acts in the Bible, ch 2, v. 22, where it says that the miracles were done by God to show that he approved of Jesus. Also, note that Jesus himself is recorded in the Gospel of John to have said, "I can do nothing of my own authority" (5:30). The miracles, therefore, were done not by his own authority, but by God's authority. What did Jesus teach? The Qur'an tells us that Jesus came to teach the same basic message which was taught by previous prophets from God - that we must shun every false god and worship only the one true God. Jesus taught that he is the servant and messenger of that one true God, the God of Abraham. These Qur'anic teachis can be compared with the Bible (Mark 10:18; Matthew 26:39; John 14:28, 17:3, and 20:17) where Jesus teaches that the one he worshipped is the only true God.
See also Matthew 12:18; Acts 3:13, and 4:27 where we find that his disciples knew him as Servant of God. The Qur'an tells us that some of the Israelites rejected Jesus, and conspired to kill him, but Allah rescued Jesus and raised him to Himself. Allah will cause Jesus to descend again, at which time Jesus will confirm his true teachings and everyone will believe in him as he is and as the Qur'an teaches about him. Jesus is the Messiah. He is a word from Allah and a spirit from Him. He is honored in this world and in the hereafter, and he is one of those brought nearest to Allah. Jesus was a man who spoke the truth which he heard from God. This can be compared with the Gospel according to John where Jesus says to the Israelites: "You are determined to kill me, a man who has told you the truth that I heard from God." (John 8:40).
#7 Scientific Accuracy of the Qur'an
This message is based on an article entitled "Highlights of Human Embryology in the Qur'an and the Hadith" by Dr. Keith Moore, Professor of Anatomy and Chairman of the Department, Faculty of Medicine, at the University of Toronto, 1982. Dr. Moore points out that the study of how the human embryo develops in the mother's womb could not progress significantly without the use of microscopes. Microscopes were not invented until the 17th century A.D. and were not used in this field of study until the 18th century. Therefore when Dr. Moorse studied certain statements in the Qur'an on this subject, he remarked, "I was amazed at the scientific accuracy of these statements which were made in the 7th century A.D." The Qur'an in 39:6 states that God made us in the wombs of our mothers in stages. Dr Moore comments: "The realization that the embryo develops in stages in the uterus was not discussed or illustrated until the 15th century A.D.
The staging of the human embryos was not proposed until the 1940's, and the stages used nowadays were not adopted worldwide until a few years ago." Furthermore he says, "The idea that development results from a genetic plan contained in the chromosomes of the zygote was not discovered until the end of the 19th century. The verse from the Qur'an 80:18) clearly implies that the nutfa (the intial drop of fluid) contains the plan or blueprint for the future characteristics and features of the developing human being." The Qur'an 23:12-16 indicates that there is a lag or gap between two of the early stages of growth. How does that compare with modern scientific knowledge? Remarkably! Says Dr. Moore: "It is well established that there is a lag or delay in the development of the embryo during the implantation... The agreement between the lag or gap in development mentioned in the Qur'an and the slow rate of change occurring during the second and third weeks is amazing. These details of human development were not described until about 40 years ago."
Finally Dr. Moore concludes by saying that the agreement he has found in the Qur'anic statements "may help to close the gap between science and religion which has existed for so many years." The above evidence shows that the Qur'an must be from God as it claims. The Qur'an says that you and every human being should consider this book with care. Had it been from anyone other than God, you would have found much discrepancy in it (4:82).
I am sure you must have heard it said that we were born in sin- and perhaps you even believe that. But let's think about that for a moment. Would the Just God blame you for a sin you never committed? Would HE hold you responsible for what someone else did? Definetely not! God's book teaches that you are responsible for only your own actions. You cannot sin until you do something wrong. And you certainly could not have done wrong before you were even born.
Yet we often meet people who say that we are somehow born in sin. Could that possibly be true? They say that the first human being, Adam (on whom be peace) sinned, and through him sin entered the world; and now sin corrupts everything, including every newborn baby. Can you follow that logic? Can you believe that human beings are condemned before they do anything? Which judge would condemn people for crimes they never committed? A just judge cannot do that except by mistake. But what about God? Would He make such a mistake? We cannot image such false ideas about God. HE is Just.
HE holds you responsible for what you do, and HE does not blame you for what the first human being did. But, even after you do wrong, God is always willing to forgive. HE is full of loving kindness, and HE loves to forgive. HE is willing to forgive anyone who turns to Him and seeks forgiveness. This means that if you did something wrong you can still turn back to God and He will forgive you, if you sincerely decided to give up that sin. Isn't this refreshing to know? Isn't it wonderful to know that even if we lived a whole life of sin but we decide now to change our lives and obey God HE would forgive us this minute? And that's just between us and God. We don't need any confession box, and we don't need anyone to suffer for our sins. Could we resist the loving kindness that God is offering us? God wants us to know about HIS love. He wants us to know that HE is Just. HE wants us to know the truth about HIM so that when we turn to HIM we know to Whom we are turning. But, there is so much misinformation about God. Where can we get correct information about Him? In His Book! That's so obvious, isn't it? God told us about Himself in His book. We owe it to ourselves to see what God has to say about Himself. Shouldn't you be reading God's book? Here's God's message to you in His book:
O mankind! Now has a proof from your Lord come unto you, and We have sent down unto you a clear light; as for those who believe in Allah and hold fast unto Him, them will He cause to enter into His mercy, and grace, and will guide them unto Him by a straight road. (Quran 4:174-175). The Qur'an is God's final book which He revealed for the guidance of all humankind.
#2 Why God's Book Cannot Contain Error
I. God Revealed It => "Those who disbelieve in the Reminder when it comes unto them (are guilty), for indeed it is an unassailable Scripture. Falsehood cannot come at it from before it or behind it. It is a revelation from the Wise, the Owner of Praise." (Qur'an 41:41-42). "Praise be to Allah, Who has revealed the Scipture unto His slave, and has not placed therein any crookedness (but has made it) straight" (Qur'an 18:1-2). "Allah has (now) revealed the fairest of statements, a Scripture consistent" (Qur'an 39:23). "A Qur'an in Arabic, containing no crookedness" (Qur'an 39:28).
II. God Preserves It => God has promised to always preserve His book. He says; "Surely We, even We, revealed the Reminder (the Qur'an) and We verily are it's Guardian." (Qur'an 15:9). The Qur'an contains no additions. It remains today letter for letter as it was revealed over 1400 years ago. Nothing added, nothing taken away. Two of the original manuscripts of the Qur'an prepared 1400 years ago still exist today. One is in the Topkapi Saray Museum in Istanbul, Turkey, and the other in Tashkent, Russia. Both of these are identical in content with the Qur'an available all over the world today. God says: "Will they not then consider the Qur'an with care? If it has been from the other than Allah they would have found therein much discrepancy." (Qur'an 4:82). Here God challenges people to find an error in the Qur'an. If it contains errors then it cannot be from God. If, on the other hand, it had been the production of a human being it would definitely contain errors. A human writer 1400 years ago would have written on the basis of the level of knowledge of his or her day. And many of those ideas would turn out to be false later as humankind learns more, especially in the field of science. But the Qur'an is remarkably free of error.
#3 The One True God
Most people realize that there is only one true God. Throughout history, this one true God has appointed many good men to tell others about Him so that humans everywhere may turn away from false gods and worship Him alone. Abraham, Moses, and Jesus (peace be upon all of them) all spoke about this one God and worshipped Him alone. In the Gospel according to Matthew, 26:39 (King James Version) we are told that Jesus 'fell on his face, and prayed' to God. In the Gospel According to John, 17:3, Jesus declares that the one he prayed to is the only true God. This very God speaks to us in these last days in His final Scripture which He will safeguard from corruption. God announces in His book good news to all those who believe in Him and do right. He says: Surely those who say, Our Lord is Allah, and afterwards are upright, the angels descend upon them saying, Fear not nor grieve, but hear good tidings of the Paradise which you are promised. We are your protecting friends in the life of the world and in the Hereafter. There you will have all that your souls desire, and there you will have all for which you pray. A gift of welcome from the Forgiving, the Merciful.
(Qur'an 41:30-32). Those who believe and do good works and believe in that which is revealed unto Muhammad - and it is the truth from your Lord - He rids them of their ill-deeds and improves their condition. That is because those who disbelieve follow falsehood and beause those who believe follow the truth from their Lord. (Qur'an 47:2). Accept this invitation, therefore, and enjoy a life of peace and satisfaction on earth, then everlasting life in God's Paradise. The true scripture promises all this to those who choose no other god except the one true God who was worshipped by Abraham, Moses, Jesus and Muhammad (peace be upon them). The truth has now come to you from your Lord! Won't you accept it?
#4 What the Bible Says About Muhammad
According to the Bible, God said to Moses (on whom be peace): I will raise up for them a prophet like you from among their brothers; I will put my words in his mouth, and he will tell them everything I command him. (The Holy Bible, New International Version, Deuteronomy ch 18, verse 18).
The Prophet described in the above verse must have the following three characteristics;
1) He will be like Moses 2) will come from the brothers of the Israelites, ie the Ishmaelites. 3) God will put His words in the mouth of that prophet and he will declare what God commanded him. Let us see which prophet God was speaking of.
I. The Prophet like Moses-> Some people feel that this prophecy refers to the prophet Jesus, (on whom be peace). But, although Jesus (on whom be peace) was truly a prophet of God, he is not the prophet spoken of here. He was born miraculously. On the other hand, Muhammad (peace be upon him) is more like Moses (on whom be peace); both were born in a natural way and both died natural deaths.
2. From among the Ishmaelites -> Abraham (on whom be peace) had two sons, Ishmael (on whom be peace) and Isaac (on whom be peace) (genesis, ch 21). Ishmael (on whom be peace) became the grandfather of the Arab nation, and Isaac became the grandfather of the Jewish nation. The prophet spoken of was to come not from among the Jews themselves, but from among their brothers, the Ishmaelites. Muhammad (peace be upon him) a descendant of Ishmael, is indeed that prophet.
3. God will put His words in his mouth- "Neither the content of the revelation, nor its form, were of Muhammad's devising. Both were given by the angel and Mohammad's task was only to repeat what he heard." (World Religions from Ancient History to the Present, by Geoffrey Parrinder, p. 472). God sent the angel Gabriel (on whom be peace) to teach Muhammad (peace be upon him) the exact words that he should repeat to the people. The words are therefore not his own; they did not come from his own thoughts, but were put into his mouth by the angel. These are written down in the Qur'an word for word exactly as they came from God. Now that we know thaat prophet we must listen to him, for, according to the Bible, God says: "I will punish anyone who refuses to obey him" (Good News Bible, Deut. 18:19).
#5 Bible & Qur'an Says; Don't Eat Pork
Both the Bible and the Qur'an prohibit the eating of pork. Muslims are are of this prohibition and observe it strictly. Hover, most readers of the Bible say they do not know where they can find this in the Bible. In the book of Leviticus, ch 11, v. 7, it is recorded that God declares the pig to be unclean for believers. Then, in verse 8, God says: "You must not eat their meat or touch their carcasses; they are unclean for you." This command is repeated in Deuteronomy 14:7-8. Then in Isaiah 65:2-4, and 66:17, God issues a stern warning against those who eat pork. Some people are aware of this prohibition from God, but they say they can eat pork because St. Paul said that all food is clean in his letter to the Romans 14:20. St. Paul sid this because he believed (as he wrote in his letter to the Ephesians 2:14-15) that Jesus had abolished the Law with all its commandments and regulations.
He seems, however, to have misunderstood what he heard about Jesus. In the Gospel According to Matthew 5:17-20, Jesus is reported to have said quite the contrary, as follows: "Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law..." Jesus then went on in that passage (in verse 19) to denounce anyone who would break the smallest commandment and teach others likewise. He also praised his true followers who will practice and teach even the smallest commandment. One of the commandments, as we have seen, is to stay away from pork. This is why the true followers of Jesus, holding on to his teachings, did not let unclean food such as pork enter their mouths, so that Peter, the chief disciple can say, "I have never eaten anythng impure or unclean" (Acts of the Apostles, ch 10, v. 14). Five chapters later in the Acts of the Apostles, 15:29, we find that the original disciples still differentiate between clean and unclean foods, and this time Paul is in agreement with them.
Six chapters later, in ch. 21, v 25, their decision to impose food regulations on believers is mentioned without regret, and this time Paul is challenged to prove that he is in agreement with them; and he demonstrated his full agreement with them. What remains, then is that Jesus (on whom be peace) upheld the prohibition against pork. His disciples also upheld it, and so must all his followers. Those who fail to uphold it need to be informed and reminded of this rule from God. This is one reason why God sent His final messenger, on whom be peace, God says: "O people of the Scripture!
Now has Our Messenger come unto you, expounding unto you much of that which you used to hide in the Scripture, and forgiving much. Now has come unto you light from Allah and a plain Scripture." (The Meaning of the Glorious Qur'an 5:15).
#6 Jesus in the Qur'an
The Qur'an tells us alot of wonderful things about Jesus. As a result, believers in the Qur'an love Jesus, honor him, and believe in him. In fact, no Muslim can be a muslim unless he or she believes in Jesus, (on whom be peace). The Qur'an says that Jesus was born of a virgin, and he spoke while he was still a baby, that he healed the blind and the leper by God's leave, and that he raised the dead by God's leave. What then is the significance of these miracles? First, the virgin birth. God demonstrates his power to create in every way. God created everyone we know from a man and a woman. But how about Adam, (on whom be peace)? God created him from neither a man nor a woman, and Eve from only a man, but not a woman. And, finally to complete the picture, God created Jesus from a woman, not a man. What about the other miracles? These were to show that Jesus was not acting on his own behalf, but that he was backed by God.
The Qur'an specifies that these miracles were performed by God's leave. This may be compared to the Book of Acts in the Bible, ch 2, v. 22, where it says that the miracles were done by God to show that he approved of Jesus. Also, note that Jesus himself is recorded in the Gospel of John to have said, "I can do nothing of my own authority" (5:30). The miracles, therefore, were done not by his own authority, but by God's authority. What did Jesus teach? The Qur'an tells us that Jesus came to teach the same basic message which was taught by previous prophets from God - that we must shun every false god and worship only the one true God. Jesus taught that he is the servant and messenger of that one true God, the God of Abraham. These Qur'anic teachis can be compared with the Bible (Mark 10:18; Matthew 26:39; John 14:28, 17:3, and 20:17) where Jesus teaches that the one he worshipped is the only true God.
See also Matthew 12:18; Acts 3:13, and 4:27 where we find that his disciples knew him as Servant of God. The Qur'an tells us that some of the Israelites rejected Jesus, and conspired to kill him, but Allah rescued Jesus and raised him to Himself. Allah will cause Jesus to descend again, at which time Jesus will confirm his true teachings and everyone will believe in him as he is and as the Qur'an teaches about him. Jesus is the Messiah. He is a word from Allah and a spirit from Him. He is honored in this world and in the hereafter, and he is one of those brought nearest to Allah. Jesus was a man who spoke the truth which he heard from God. This can be compared with the Gospel according to John where Jesus says to the Israelites: "You are determined to kill me, a man who has told you the truth that I heard from God." (John 8:40).
#7 Scientific Accuracy of the Qur'an
This message is based on an article entitled "Highlights of Human Embryology in the Qur'an and the Hadith" by Dr. Keith Moore, Professor of Anatomy and Chairman of the Department, Faculty of Medicine, at the University of Toronto, 1982. Dr. Moore points out that the study of how the human embryo develops in the mother's womb could not progress significantly without the use of microscopes. Microscopes were not invented until the 17th century A.D. and were not used in this field of study until the 18th century. Therefore when Dr. Moorse studied certain statements in the Qur'an on this subject, he remarked, "I was amazed at the scientific accuracy of these statements which were made in the 7th century A.D." The Qur'an in 39:6 states that God made us in the wombs of our mothers in stages. Dr Moore comments: "The realization that the embryo develops in stages in the uterus was not discussed or illustrated until the 15th century A.D.
The staging of the human embryos was not proposed until the 1940's, and the stages used nowadays were not adopted worldwide until a few years ago." Furthermore he says, "The idea that development results from a genetic plan contained in the chromosomes of the zygote was not discovered until the end of the 19th century. The verse from the Qur'an 80:18) clearly implies that the nutfa (the intial drop of fluid) contains the plan or blueprint for the future characteristics and features of the developing human being." The Qur'an 23:12-16 indicates that there is a lag or gap between two of the early stages of growth. How does that compare with modern scientific knowledge? Remarkably! Says Dr. Moore: "It is well established that there is a lag or delay in the development of the embryo during the implantation... The agreement between the lag or gap in development mentioned in the Qur'an and the slow rate of change occurring during the second and third weeks is amazing. These details of human development were not described until about 40 years ago."
Finally Dr. Moore concludes by saying that the agreement he has found in the Qur'anic statements "may help to close the gap between science and religion which has existed for so many years." The above evidence shows that the Qur'an must be from God as it claims. The Qur'an says that you and every human being should consider this book with care. Had it been from anyone other than God, you would have found much discrepancy in it (4:82).
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#8 Why Mike Tyson Chose Islam
Our television sets continue to associate Muslims with terrorism. This we can see anywhere from the latest blockbuster films to the international news. However, we now notice a different "muslim" personality in the media- Mike Tyson. Before going to prison, Mike Tyson was a man to be reckoned with. His competitors feared to meet him in the boxing ring. Having suh power and wealth, he thought that he could rule his world around him. He was overwhelmed with pride and arrogance. Usually, after he had demolished his opponent in the after-fight interviews he would be bursting with so much pride that his every other word would be coarse language.
Tyson's way of life was based on indulging in superficial and short lived sensations. Even with all his physical might and great wealth, there was a void inside of him thirsting to be filled. In prison, Tyson, learned the reality of a Muslim way of life. He learned, mainly through a man by the name of Muhammad Siddiqui, the great qualities of this way of life. He learned how Muslims treated all races as equal throughout the ages, and how God gave women their rights in Islam long before women in North America fought for their rights. What turned Tyson's entire life around was the Qur'an. The book pried through his huge ego and touched his soul. It taught him humility and patience in life. He became consistently humbe towards others, and prioritized the needs of those less fortunate than him. Now, when slander or criticism flies in his face, he responds with noble speech. This is all due to Tyson's marvellous realization that the Qur'an can be from none other than Allah. After he realized this, Tyson decided that the greatest priority in life is to live by the law of the Creator. Tyson's choice to accept Islam typifies his confidence. He is well acquainted with the world of the heart and soul. Such a world is large enough to engulf the entire physical world in which we live and drown it like a pebble in an ocean.
You may wonder: Why does a man with such wealth and power turn to a religion such as Islam? This question comes up only because of the poor image the media has given to Islam. After all, does the dia ever cast light on the remarkable features of Islam? The source and nucleus of Islam is the Qur'an, which touches the heart to bring out the most positive qualities in human beings, whether they be exceedingly rich, poor, or somewhere in between. As you read the Qur'an you may feel as if the author is point out your flaws in life and instructing you how to correct them. The Qur'an's guidance for humanity is inexhaustible. It is the only authentic revelation; it neither contradicts itself nor does it contradict modern knowledge. This is why many people choose Islam after reading the Qur'an. Islam is the fastest growing religion today, according to the Junior Encyclopedia of Canada.
According to some sources people say that he is not really a muslim, but who are we to say? Who are we to judge? We do not know the intention we cannot assume or be suspicious as stated in the Qur'an 49:12 not to be suspicious of one another nor backbite. We should leave it between God and that person alone and Allahu Alim. God knows Best.
#9 How to End Racism
Recent events remind us that racism remains rampant. How can it end? Only understanding and education can end racism. People must realize that God created all humans from one couple. The entire human race is therefore one large extended family. God says: O mankind! Be careful of your duty to your Lord who created you from a single soul and from its mate; and from the two of them He spread abroad a multitude of men and women (Qur'an 4:1).
Furthermore, we must understand that no race is superior to another. When we see a garden with many different flowers we apperciate the beauty of the entire arrangement. We do not object to the color of any flower since we realize that each contributes something to the beauty of the garden. In a similar way we may see the world as a garden decorated with people of different colors. Let us appreciate that each variety of people contributes something to the spe of life in this world. God says: O mankind! We have created you male and female, and have made you nations and tribes that you may know each other. The noblest of you, in the sight of Allah is the best in conduct" (Qur'an 49:13).
The noblest is the best in conduct. Such people may belong to any race or country. What really matters is their conduct and behavior. This is why the Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) in a public address said that the Arabs are not superior to the non-Arabs, and one color is not superior to the another. He also said that people should obey their leader even if he is a black person. He himself appointed a black person, Osamah, son of Zaid, to lead a Muslim task force. As a result of following these teachings, many people are able to end racism in their thoughts and actions. You can still see racial harmony today in the mosques of cosmopolitan cities. There you will find people of various colors worshipping together, all with equal status before God. Rich or poor, black or whit king or pauper all line up side by side to worship. No special preference is given to anyone based on color, or social status. In many mosques the leader is black and the followers white. There is no such concept as a "black mosque" or "white mosque" Islam removes such destructive concepts.
#10 How to Train your WillPower to Work for You
Many people fail to get ahead because they have no willpower to do what they know they should be doing. Nor can they help themselves to avoid the things which they know will ruin them. Many such people would like to give up smoking, to stop using drugs, or to avoid affairs outside of marriage. Many find that gambling or alcohol addiction is wrecking their lives. Yet these people have no willpower to set the life on the right course.
They feel helpless, and they have to deal with a nagging conscience that pricks them with what they could have done, or should have done. Yet there are some strong-willed people who seem to be able to do what they know is right and avoid what they know is wrong. Such people experience peace of mind knowing that they are doing the right thing. Their willpower is obviously working for them. But how do they do it? What is the secret? The secret is that you can train your willpower. Suppose you made a resolution to skip lunch for a month and actually stuck to your decision. Yo may save your lunch money, lose a few pounds, develop sympathy for the poor, and give your digestive system a much needed rest.
More importantly, you will strengthen your willpower. The reason this works is that you teach yourself to avoid lunch even when you know you could have it if you decide. Your stomach may growl, but you won't listen. Thus you train yourself to ignore the calling of your lower physical self and reach for the higher goals of real human achievement. If you stick to your decision day after day for a month you can develop a regular habit of doing the right thing even when your desires are calling for something else. Every year, for one month, able Muslims go through a similar fasting exercise. They observe the fast as a compulsory practice which God prescribed in His revealed messages, especially in His last revealed book. One of the many benefits they experience from fasting is its training aspect. The willpower they develop in the one month helps them to continue doing the right thing and avoiding the wrong throughout the year. They find the fast such an effective method of spiritual training and of achieving a closeness with their creator that many muslims also keep some additional, optional, fasts on other days of the year. They eat an early breakfast before dawn to sunset, they would have no food or drink; they would also refrain from sexual activity.
Whereas the baser selves regularly call for these things, Muslims train themselves with the help of God to fulfill their natural needs in the time and manner hich God declared suitable for human dignity and well-being. During the fast, Muslims also train themselves to always avoid lying, cheating, backbiting, and all manner of false speech and immoral actions.
Our television sets continue to associate Muslims with terrorism. This we can see anywhere from the latest blockbuster films to the international news. However, we now notice a different "muslim" personality in the media- Mike Tyson. Before going to prison, Mike Tyson was a man to be reckoned with. His competitors feared to meet him in the boxing ring. Having suh power and wealth, he thought that he could rule his world around him. He was overwhelmed with pride and arrogance. Usually, after he had demolished his opponent in the after-fight interviews he would be bursting with so much pride that his every other word would be coarse language.
Tyson's way of life was based on indulging in superficial and short lived sensations. Even with all his physical might and great wealth, there was a void inside of him thirsting to be filled. In prison, Tyson, learned the reality of a Muslim way of life. He learned, mainly through a man by the name of Muhammad Siddiqui, the great qualities of this way of life. He learned how Muslims treated all races as equal throughout the ages, and how God gave women their rights in Islam long before women in North America fought for their rights. What turned Tyson's entire life around was the Qur'an. The book pried through his huge ego and touched his soul. It taught him humility and patience in life. He became consistently humbe towards others, and prioritized the needs of those less fortunate than him. Now, when slander or criticism flies in his face, he responds with noble speech. This is all due to Tyson's marvellous realization that the Qur'an can be from none other than Allah. After he realized this, Tyson decided that the greatest priority in life is to live by the law of the Creator. Tyson's choice to accept Islam typifies his confidence. He is well acquainted with the world of the heart and soul. Such a world is large enough to engulf the entire physical world in which we live and drown it like a pebble in an ocean.
You may wonder: Why does a man with such wealth and power turn to a religion such as Islam? This question comes up only because of the poor image the media has given to Islam. After all, does the dia ever cast light on the remarkable features of Islam? The source and nucleus of Islam is the Qur'an, which touches the heart to bring out the most positive qualities in human beings, whether they be exceedingly rich, poor, or somewhere in between. As you read the Qur'an you may feel as if the author is point out your flaws in life and instructing you how to correct them. The Qur'an's guidance for humanity is inexhaustible. It is the only authentic revelation; it neither contradicts itself nor does it contradict modern knowledge. This is why many people choose Islam after reading the Qur'an. Islam is the fastest growing religion today, according to the Junior Encyclopedia of Canada.
Recent events remind us that racism remains rampant. How can it end? Only understanding and education can end racism. People must realize that God created all humans from one couple. The entire human race is therefore one large extended family. God says: O mankind! Be careful of your duty to your Lord who created you from a single soul and from its mate; and from the two of them He spread abroad a multitude of men and women (Qur'an 4:1).
Furthermore, we must understand that no race is superior to another. When we see a garden with many different flowers we apperciate the beauty of the entire arrangement. We do not object to the color of any flower since we realize that each contributes something to the beauty of the garden. In a similar way we may see the world as a garden decorated with people of different colors. Let us appreciate that each variety of people contributes something to the spe of life in this world. God says: O mankind! We have created you male and female, and have made you nations and tribes that you may know each other. The noblest of you, in the sight of Allah is the best in conduct" (Qur'an 49:13).
The noblest is the best in conduct. Such people may belong to any race or country. What really matters is their conduct and behavior. This is why the Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) in a public address said that the Arabs are not superior to the non-Arabs, and one color is not superior to the another. He also said that people should obey their leader even if he is a black person. He himself appointed a black person, Osamah, son of Zaid, to lead a Muslim task force. As a result of following these teachings, many people are able to end racism in their thoughts and actions. You can still see racial harmony today in the mosques of cosmopolitan cities. There you will find people of various colors worshipping together, all with equal status before God. Rich or poor, black or whit king or pauper all line up side by side to worship. No special preference is given to anyone based on color, or social status. In many mosques the leader is black and the followers white. There is no such concept as a "black mosque" or "white mosque" Islam removes such destructive concepts.
Many people fail to get ahead because they have no willpower to do what they know they should be doing. Nor can they help themselves to avoid the things which they know will ruin them. Many such people would like to give up smoking, to stop using drugs, or to avoid affairs outside of marriage. Many find that gambling or alcohol addiction is wrecking their lives. Yet these people have no willpower to set the life on the right course.
They feel helpless, and they have to deal with a nagging conscience that pricks them with what they could have done, or should have done. Yet there are some strong-willed people who seem to be able to do what they know is right and avoid what they know is wrong. Such people experience peace of mind knowing that they are doing the right thing. Their willpower is obviously working for them. But how do they do it? What is the secret? The secret is that you can train your willpower. Suppose you made a resolution to skip lunch for a month and actually stuck to your decision. Yo may save your lunch money, lose a few pounds, develop sympathy for the poor, and give your digestive system a much needed rest.
More importantly, you will strengthen your willpower. The reason this works is that you teach yourself to avoid lunch even when you know you could have it if you decide. Your stomach may growl, but you won't listen. Thus you train yourself to ignore the calling of your lower physical self and reach for the higher goals of real human achievement. If you stick to your decision day after day for a month you can develop a regular habit of doing the right thing even when your desires are calling for something else. Every year, for one month, able Muslims go through a similar fasting exercise. They observe the fast as a compulsory practice which God prescribed in His revealed messages, especially in His last revealed book. One of the many benefits they experience from fasting is its training aspect. The willpower they develop in the one month helps them to continue doing the right thing and avoiding the wrong throughout the year. They find the fast such an effective method of spiritual training and of achieving a closeness with their creator that many muslims also keep some additional, optional, fasts on other days of the year. They eat an early breakfast before dawn to sunset, they would have no food or drink; they would also refrain from sexual activity.
Whereas the baser selves regularly call for these things, Muslims train themselves with the help of God to fulfill their natural needs in the time and manner hich God declared suitable for human dignity and well-being. During the fast, Muslims also train themselves to always avoid lying, cheating, backbiting, and all manner of false speech and immoral actions.
ayeth malalu nedaජේසුට මල් උන්ගෙන් නැගිටින
Ai Ahala nadda Jesus(PBUH)ta Allah deviyan A'balaya deelathibuna kiyana Eka... Allah deviyange kamaththa anuwa Jesus (PBUH) Maruna Ayata pana dunna...
Machan Rahath wecchcha Eka naambek ganath mata Udaharanayak kiyapangko.. anna Galle patthe "My3Buddah" Kiyala kenek nam Awilla Eyage Golayo set ekath Rahath welalu... a'ka Aththada bang?
den jesus(pbuh) pana deepu eka ko, aye malada, muhammadaya pana deepu ekek vath nedda, god pana deepu evun aye marune moko
machan umbala "ape agamata apahasa karana nisa apith apahasa karanava" kiyala gt va ravattala ek eke katin paddata buddagamata mokuth venne ne ban, puluvannam buddagame vereddak pennapan.. puluvannam thread ekak hari dapan,
siraj dalpu eka sinhalen nam balanna thibuna.
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