The Easy Way
By Khurram Murad
Key Extracts:
Whatever is natural for human beings should be easy for them in every way, hence cause them to gravitate towards it easily, and consequently bring harmony, peace and tranquility to their lives. This describes Islam...
Allah comforts us by continuously reassuring us that He desires for us ease not hardship, despite the seemingly formidable trials and tribulations that we may sometimes face. He says in the Quran:
'God desires ease for you, and desires not hardship'(2:185)
'We shall speak to him, of our command, easiness'(18:88)
'Whoso fears God, God will appoint for him, of His command, easiness'(65:4)
'God will assuredly appoint, after difficulty; easiness'(65:7)
'Truly with hardship comes ease'(94: 6)
Prophet Muhammad (saw) advised us:
'This Deen or way of life is easy but if anyone overdoes it, it gets the better of him. So keep to the right course, approximate to perfection, rejoice, and ask for help in the mornings, the evenings, and some of the latter part of the night' (Bukhari).
The Prophet (saw) also said: 'Ibadah (act of worship) should be done with freshness of heart, not an exhausting routine carried out in spite of fatigue. 'Do those deeds which you can do easily, as Allah will not get tired [of giving rewards] till you get bored and tired [of performing good deeds! ... and the most beloved deed to Allah is the one which is done regularly even if it is little' (Bukhari).
Three principles to practising Islam:
1. The basic beliefs contain no mystery, hence easy to comprehend.
Every tenet in Islam is subject to analysis and inquiry and Islam does not present concepts or ideas which the intellect cannot grasp. Even the simplest of minds can understand its basic beliefs. It is therefore not surprising that its beliefs are universal.
2. Important obligations ordained upon Muslims are easy to undertake.
The duties and obligations laid down by Allah have been graded. And, it is the wisdom of Allah that the greater the importance He has attached to any act, the easier it is for everyone to accomplish it.
Example:
The five daily Salat (Prayers) and Sawm (fasting) during the month of Ramadan are compulsory upon everyone, since they are within every-one's reach to accomplish. Zakat (almsgiving) and Hajj (pilgrimage), on the other hand, are not compulsory upon everyone. If it were made compulsory upon everyone, then those who did not possess the financial means would be unable to carry out these duties. Therefore, these duties are obligatory only upon those who have the means to do so.
3. Provisions for derogation when it is genuinely impossible for someone to fulfill an obligation.
Examples:
If a person is genuinely unable to stand up and pray, then he is permitted to sit down or even lie down and pray. If there is no water available to perform the wudu or ablution before prayer, then one can make tayammum, which is a simple dry ablution performed by using clean earth or dust.
Therefore, even when there appear to be difficulties, if one looks closely at the Shari'ah or Islamic legal code as a whole, one will find so many rules relating to derogation that enable one to practice Islam very easily-and this is the case regardless of the problem: political, economic or simply personal.
As long as one possesses the basic tools-a sound knowledge of what is stated in the Shari'ah regarding a particular matter and an awareness of the responsibility for ones own actions-a person may decide for himself when to derogate from the standard.
The Path of Moderation
Moderation which leads to balance, is a fundamental and distinguishing feature of Islam. Excesses may eventually develop into large problems and even become a threat to the well being and security of the Muslim community.
Allah tells us: 'We have made you a nation justly balanced' (2:143).
Prophet Muhammad commented: 'Do not overburden yourselves, lest you perish. People [before you] overburdened themselves and perished. Their remains are found in hermitages and monasteries' (Musnad of Abu Ya'la).
Abiding by the will of Allah requires that we seek and maintain a delicate balance between the various obligations that demand our attention; between our obligations to Allah, our obligations towards others and our obligations towards ourselves. Moreover, whenever the Prophet had to choose between two options, he always chose the easier, unless it was explicitly forbidden (Bukhari).
Making Islam Easy for Others
In sharing the message of Islam with people the Prophet was advised in the Quran: 'It is part of the mercy of Allah that you deal gently with them If you were severe or hardhearted, they would have broken away from you' (3: 159).
The Prophet advised us to: 'Facilitate [religious matters to people] and do not make [things] difficult. Obey each other and do not differ [amongst yourselves].' (Bukhari & Muslim).
He also said: 'This Deen or way of life is easy'; 'Make it easy, don't make it difficult; 'Let people rejoice in being Muslims and not run away from it' and 'Cheerfulness towards other people, even a smile is a sadaqah or charity to be rewarded by Allah'.
Ease versus Hardship
To say, however, that Islam is easy and not 'difficult', is not to imply that Muslims will not face 'hardship'-and here the two terms must be distinguished. Indeed, although Islam is easy to understand and practice, the whole purpose of the trial is to make manifest the degree to which an individual is steadfast (and hence sincere) in his submission to Allah- and this is precisely what is indicated by the Quranic verse: 'And We will most certainly test you with something of fear and hunger, and loss of possessions and lives and crops' (2:155).
Notwithstanding these trials however, we can find ease in this world and the next. But, this will be so only if we are firm in our faith in Allah and follow the course prescribed by Islam, as He Himself has declared: 'But give good news to those who are patient, who, when a calamity strikes them, say: 'Indeed we belong to God and indeed to Him we shall be returning: They are those on whom are blessings from their Sustainer, and mercy-and those, they are the rightly-guided. (2: 155-157).
Did You Know:
Islam was described as Al-Yusraa (The Easy Way) during the early Makkan period.
Source: http://www.masmn.org/Books/Khurram_Murad/index.htm
Monday, January 30, 2006
Tuesday, January 24, 2006
Why West Aussies Convert to Islam
Key Extracts
Converts say that in Islam they have found clearer answers to questions of spirituality than in Christianity, a stronger sense of community and rules to live by.
Cremer:
"There are guidelines for everything. It shows you how to do the right thing, to be nice to people," said Mr Cremer, a former Catholic.
"The Bible does this as well, but it has been translated too much, it has been tampered with too much. And one major difference with Islam is there is no hierarchy above me, no priests, no bishops, no Vatican."Imams (holy men) lead you in prayer. But beyond that it's just you and Allah. You're talking directly to God, that simplifies things."
Mr Cremer was also attracted to rules such as Muslims donating a percentage of their annual income to the poor. The fact that Islam was a lifestyle rather than a weekend event was appealing too, because it advocated morality in all areas, including politics and work, where he believed morality was sorely needed.
Nicole Banks:
Non-Muslim women were not compelled by the religion to switch to Islam if they married a Muslim and were allowed to keep their maiden names. She had admired aspects of the religion, such as its focus on family and respect for elders.
"For instance, you wouldn't send your parents off to a nursing home. They're looked after in the home by their kids," she said. "(In Muslim homes) wives are doing the chores, while grandmothers are looking after the younger children. Whereas here, you might not see your family from one week to the next.
If someone's sick within the community, the other girls will bring food to the house. If somebody has a baby, people will bring food and help clean the house. That feeling of closeness is very much missing in Australian society."
The religion also taught her not to be so materialistic and to be thankful for God's blessings, such as good health.
Maariyah:
She converted from Catholicism last February after reading books presenting evidence against the claim that Jesus was the son of God.She preferred Islam's belief that Jesus was a prophet.
"And I like the feeling of one big family. We call each other brother and sister and we mean it. I also like the idea of kneeling five times a day and talking to God rather than once a week or once a year – we see praying as a privilege, not a duty."
Jeremy:
Jeremy Meredith, 33, became a Muslim because he also liked the sense of community and the guidelines.
"People say they want freedom, they want liberty. But the bottom line is people want to know what they can and can't do. They want rules, they want guidelines, something to believe in, something to follow. In Islam, there's a rule for absolutely everything – how I eat my food, how I go to the toilet, how I get married, how I lend money."
Did You Know:
Read the details here.
"With defined rules for life and a strong sense of community, Islam is attracting many Perth converts"By Paul Lampathakis, 15 January 2006.
Key Extracts
Converts say that in Islam they have found clearer answers to questions of spirituality than in Christianity, a stronger sense of community and rules to live by.
Cremer:
"There are guidelines for everything. It shows you how to do the right thing, to be nice to people," said Mr Cremer, a former Catholic.
"The Bible does this as well, but it has been translated too much, it has been tampered with too much. And one major difference with Islam is there is no hierarchy above me, no priests, no bishops, no Vatican."Imams (holy men) lead you in prayer. But beyond that it's just you and Allah. You're talking directly to God, that simplifies things."
Mr Cremer was also attracted to rules such as Muslims donating a percentage of their annual income to the poor. The fact that Islam was a lifestyle rather than a weekend event was appealing too, because it advocated morality in all areas, including politics and work, where he believed morality was sorely needed.
Nicole Banks:
Non-Muslim women were not compelled by the religion to switch to Islam if they married a Muslim and were allowed to keep their maiden names. She had admired aspects of the religion, such as its focus on family and respect for elders.
"For instance, you wouldn't send your parents off to a nursing home. They're looked after in the home by their kids," she said. "(In Muslim homes) wives are doing the chores, while grandmothers are looking after the younger children. Whereas here, you might not see your family from one week to the next.
If someone's sick within the community, the other girls will bring food to the house. If somebody has a baby, people will bring food and help clean the house. That feeling of closeness is very much missing in Australian society."
The religion also taught her not to be so materialistic and to be thankful for God's blessings, such as good health.
Maariyah:
She converted from Catholicism last February after reading books presenting evidence against the claim that Jesus was the son of God.She preferred Islam's belief that Jesus was a prophet.
"And I like the feeling of one big family. We call each other brother and sister and we mean it. I also like the idea of kneeling five times a day and talking to God rather than once a week or once a year – we see praying as a privilege, not a duty."
Jeremy:
Jeremy Meredith, 33, became a Muslim because he also liked the sense of community and the guidelines.
"People say they want freedom, they want liberty. But the bottom line is people want to know what they can and can't do. They want rules, they want guidelines, something to believe in, something to follow. In Islam, there's a rule for absolutely everything – how I eat my food, how I go to the toilet, how I get married, how I lend money."
Did You Know:
- There are around 200, among 20,000 Muslims in WA from about 70 countries in the Middle East, Africa, Asia and eastern Europe.
- According to the Australian Bureau of Statistcs, the numbers increased about 40 per cent between 1996 and 2001, mainly because of migration.
Read the details here.
Tuesday, January 17, 2006
The Spread of Islam in Canada
By Siraj Wahab c/o Arab News, 11 October 2005
Suhail Kapoor had been in the country only two years, having emigrated from Saudi Arabia in 1999 where he spent nearly 21 years — first as an economic researcher for the Arabic business daily, Al-Eqtisadiah, and then as Western Region sales manager of UPS.
"Ever since I have been in Canada, I've engaged in dakwah (propagation) activities. I visit jails, meet prisoners and tell them about the message of Islam. Normally I go to every little place where I see an opportunity to promote Islam. I have to make sure that the light of peace which was shown to me is shown to others as well. I will stop an airhostess, a rickshaw puller, a doctor, an uncle, a neighbor or a policeman. I leave no one out. If somebody who is a non-Muslim is in contact with me, he will get the message of Islam."
Kapoor is based in Mississauga — the third largest and fastest growing city in Canada — which is 30 km west of Toronto. He is the co-founder of Quran Academy, which is licensed by the state of Ontario. Kapoor says Islam is a good tonic for the ills of society.
"In Western society, where the outside forces are so huge, our gullible youth can become easy prey. The Quran Academy provides a place for these youngsters to come together and interact and to connect with the community."
His son, Yousef, has enrolled himself in the academy. The eighth-grader soon will become a hafiz (one who has learned the Qur'an by heart).
"We also provide the government-approved academic education at the academy," Kapoor said. "Otherwise you will produce a stereotypical Muslim who has no clue about the science of the world. In a country that is so far ahead, you have to have both `deen' (religion) and 'duniya' (world)."
Copyright: Arab News © 2003 All rights reserved.
Read the details here.
By Siraj Wahab c/o Arab News, 11 October 2005
Suhail Kapoor had been in the country only two years, having emigrated from Saudi Arabia in 1999 where he spent nearly 21 years — first as an economic researcher for the Arabic business daily, Al-Eqtisadiah, and then as Western Region sales manager of UPS.
"Ever since I have been in Canada, I've engaged in dakwah (propagation) activities. I visit jails, meet prisoners and tell them about the message of Islam. Normally I go to every little place where I see an opportunity to promote Islam. I have to make sure that the light of peace which was shown to me is shown to others as well. I will stop an airhostess, a rickshaw puller, a doctor, an uncle, a neighbor or a policeman. I leave no one out. If somebody who is a non-Muslim is in contact with me, he will get the message of Islam."
Kapoor is based in Mississauga — the third largest and fastest growing city in Canada — which is 30 km west of Toronto. He is the co-founder of Quran Academy, which is licensed by the state of Ontario. Kapoor says Islam is a good tonic for the ills of society.
"In Western society, where the outside forces are so huge, our gullible youth can become easy prey. The Quran Academy provides a place for these youngsters to come together and interact and to connect with the community."
His son, Yousef, has enrolled himself in the academy. The eighth-grader soon will become a hafiz (one who has learned the Qur'an by heart).
"We also provide the government-approved academic education at the academy," Kapoor said. "Otherwise you will produce a stereotypical Muslim who has no clue about the science of the world. In a country that is so far ahead, you have to have both `deen' (religion) and 'duniya' (world)."
Copyright: Arab News © 2003 All rights reserved.
Read the details here.
Thursday, January 12, 2006
A Lutheran Archbishop Converts to Islam
By Al Hajj Abu Bakr (a.k.a Martin John Mwaipopo), 23 December 1986
Key Extracts:
Background
The Archbishop obtained a BA, a Masters degree and a doctorate as well, in Divinity. He had obtained a diploma in Church Administration in England and the latter degrees in Berlin, Germany. He had been the World Council of Churches' General Secretary for Eastern Africa - covering Tanzania, Kenya, Uganda, Burundi, and parts of Ethiopia and Somalia. In the Council of Churches, he rubbed shoulders with the present chairman of the South African Human Rights Commission, Barney Pityana and the Truth and Reconciliation Commission's chairman, Bishop Desmond Tutu.
Revelation
It was when he began to do his doctorate, that he started questioning things. "I started wondering… different religions claim to be the true religion. What is the truth? I wanted the truth", says Mwaipopo.
He got himself a copy of the Qur'an. "When I opened the Quran, the first verse that I came across were:
“Say, He is Allah, The One and Only; Allah, the Eternal, Absolute; He beget not, nor is He begotten; And there is none like unto Him? (Surah Ikhlas)", he recalls.
That was when the seeds of Islam, unknown to him, were first sown. It was then that he discovered that the Quran was the only scripture book that had been untampered with, by human beings since its revelation. "And in concluding my doctoral thesis I said so. I didn't care whether they give me my doctorate or not - that was the truth, and I was looking for the truth."
Conversion
While in that state of mind he called his "beloved" Professor Van Burger. "I closed the door, looked him in the eye and asked him, “Of all religions in the world, which is true”. “Islam”, he responded. So on December 22, he officially embraced Islam.
Read the details here.
By Al Hajj Abu Bakr (a.k.a Martin John Mwaipopo), 23 December 1986
Key Extracts:
Background
The Archbishop obtained a BA, a Masters degree and a doctorate as well, in Divinity. He had obtained a diploma in Church Administration in England and the latter degrees in Berlin, Germany. He had been the World Council of Churches' General Secretary for Eastern Africa - covering Tanzania, Kenya, Uganda, Burundi, and parts of Ethiopia and Somalia. In the Council of Churches, he rubbed shoulders with the present chairman of the South African Human Rights Commission, Barney Pityana and the Truth and Reconciliation Commission's chairman, Bishop Desmond Tutu.
Revelation
It was when he began to do his doctorate, that he started questioning things. "I started wondering… different religions claim to be the true religion. What is the truth? I wanted the truth", says Mwaipopo.
He got himself a copy of the Qur'an. "When I opened the Quran, the first verse that I came across were:
“Say, He is Allah, The One and Only; Allah, the Eternal, Absolute; He beget not, nor is He begotten; And there is none like unto Him? (Surah Ikhlas)", he recalls.
That was when the seeds of Islam, unknown to him, were first sown. It was then that he discovered that the Quran was the only scripture book that had been untampered with, by human beings since its revelation. "And in concluding my doctoral thesis I said so. I didn't care whether they give me my doctorate or not - that was the truth, and I was looking for the truth."
Conversion
While in that state of mind he called his "beloved" Professor Van Burger. "I closed the door, looked him in the eye and asked him, “Of all religions in the world, which is true”. “Islam”, he responded. So on December 22, he officially embraced Islam.
Read the details here.
A Portuguese Woman Discovers Islam
By Khadija Margarid, 27 December 2005
Key Extracts:
January 2004:
I decided to buy and start reading the Qur'an to know what Muslims think about God. The idea of God had been hovering above my spirit more clearly for four years now. Surely I know there's a God, Who created the heavens and the earth and all that is between them.
Walking through the cities of Egypt I saw Muslims praying on the streets when it was prayer time, no matter what, and I thought "what humbleness, and what faith these people have." I had never in my life knelt before someone and even less did I put my forehead on the ground to thank someone for anything or to ask anything of someone. God revealed Himself to me to be the only one worthy of my kneeling, and towards Whom I felt the need of doing so.
And what about Jesus, the questions started sparking uninterruptedly outside and inside myself: Do you worship him? Is he the son of God? Is he God? Define the concept of trinity. Why did Jesus die? How did he resurrect? Who wrote the Bible? Do you believe Muhammad is a prophet of God? My brain started spinning round, because my heart knew what my mind did not. I continued reading the Qur'an until the end.
March 2005:
On the evening of that specific day, from the depths of my being, I repented and asked for forgiveness; I humbly said grace and prayed to be accepted while my voice was trembling with the words "There is none worthy of worship except Allah and Muhammad is the Messenger of Allah."
Note: Khadija Margarid is a psychologist who is currently studying Arabic in Egypt.
Read the details here.
By Khadija Margarid, 27 December 2005
Key Extracts:
January 2004:
I decided to buy and start reading the Qur'an to know what Muslims think about God. The idea of God had been hovering above my spirit more clearly for four years now. Surely I know there's a God, Who created the heavens and the earth and all that is between them.
Walking through the cities of Egypt I saw Muslims praying on the streets when it was prayer time, no matter what, and I thought "what humbleness, and what faith these people have." I had never in my life knelt before someone and even less did I put my forehead on the ground to thank someone for anything or to ask anything of someone. God revealed Himself to me to be the only one worthy of my kneeling, and towards Whom I felt the need of doing so.
And what about Jesus, the questions started sparking uninterruptedly outside and inside myself: Do you worship him? Is he the son of God? Is he God? Define the concept of trinity. Why did Jesus die? How did he resurrect? Who wrote the Bible? Do you believe Muhammad is a prophet of God? My brain started spinning round, because my heart knew what my mind did not. I continued reading the Qur'an until the end.
March 2005:
On the evening of that specific day, from the depths of my being, I repented and asked for forgiveness; I humbly said grace and prayed to be accepted while my voice was trembling with the words "There is none worthy of worship except Allah and Muhammad is the Messenger of Allah."
Note: Khadija Margarid is a psychologist who is currently studying Arabic in Egypt.
Read the details here.
Wednesday, January 11, 2006
An American Converted to Islam
By Michael Wolfe, 22 August 2005
Key Extracts:
I wanted access to a spiritual dimension, but the conventional paths I had known as a boy were closed. My father had been a Jew; my mother Christian. Both faiths were profound. Yet the one that emphasizes a chosen people I found insupportable; while the other, based in a mystery, repelled me.
I was looking for a framework I could live with, a vocabulary of spiritual concepts applicable to the life I was living now. I did not want to "trade in" my culture. I wanted access to new meanings. The religion I wanted should be metaphysics as metaphysics is to science. It would not be confined by a narrow rationalism or traffic in mystery to please its priests. There would be no priests, no separation between nature and things sacred. There would be no war with the flesh, if I could help it. Sex would be natural, not the seat of a curse upon the species.
Finally, I did want a ritual component, daily routine to sharpen the senses and discipline my mind. Above all, I wanted clarity and freedom. I did not want to trade away reason simply to be saddled with a dogma. The more I learned about Islam, the more it appeared to conform to what I was after. The Qur'an, caused Goethe to remark, "You see, this teaching never fails; with all our systems, we cannot go, and generally speaking no man can go, further".
Did You Know:
Read the details here.
By Michael Wolfe, 22 August 2005
Key Extracts:
I wanted access to a spiritual dimension, but the conventional paths I had known as a boy were closed. My father had been a Jew; my mother Christian. Both faiths were profound. Yet the one that emphasizes a chosen people I found insupportable; while the other, based in a mystery, repelled me.
I was looking for a framework I could live with, a vocabulary of spiritual concepts applicable to the life I was living now. I did not want to "trade in" my culture. I wanted access to new meanings. The religion I wanted should be metaphysics as metaphysics is to science. It would not be confined by a narrow rationalism or traffic in mystery to please its priests. There would be no priests, no separation between nature and things sacred. There would be no war with the flesh, if I could help it. Sex would be natural, not the seat of a curse upon the species.
Finally, I did want a ritual component, daily routine to sharpen the senses and discipline my mind. Above all, I wanted clarity and freedom. I did not want to trade away reason simply to be saddled with a dogma. The more I learned about Islam, the more it appeared to conform to what I was after. The Qur'an, caused Goethe to remark, "You see, this teaching never fails; with all our systems, we cannot go, and generally speaking no man can go, further".
Did You Know:
- 650 million Muslims, with a majority representation in 44 countries, adhered to Islamic teachings.
- 400 million more were living as minorities in Europe, Asia and the Americas.
- Assisted by postcolonial economics, Islam has become, a major faith in Western Europe.
- Of the world's great religions, Islam alone was adding to its fold.
- Historically, a Muslim sees Islam as the final, matured expression of an original religion dating back to Adam.
- It is as resolutely monotheistic as Judaism, whose major Prophets Islam reveres as links in a progressive chain, culminating in Jesus and Muhammad.
- Essentially a message of renewal, Islam has done its part to return the forgotten taste of life's lost sweetness to millions of people.
Read the details here.
Tuesday, January 03, 2006
Salat - A Direct Contact with Allah
"I have not created jins and humans but, for my worship" - Holy Quran
What is Salat (Prayer)?
A medium (through worship) where a man establishes a direct relationship with his Creator.
Why Salat?
It is one of the main doors which leads to man's complete submission to Allah's will. It is a guarantee from Allah that if a worshipper observes his salat, with all its conditions, it will prevent him from wrongdoings.
Allah says:"Surely prayer restrains one from indecency and manifest evil."
The Holy Prophet (peace be on him) asked to the companions, "If one of you had a stream running by his door and he takes a bath in it five times a day, would any dirt be left on him?."
They replied, "No dirt would be left on him".
The Holy Prophet said: "This is the case with Salat (the five daily prayers) Allah makes the Salat wipe out his sins".
Who do I worship during my salat?
When we reflect on the creation of the universe and the law that governs it and the design and variety that pleases our eyes, we naturally are convinced of existence and greatness of Allah.
Allah says in the Holy Quran: "In the creation of the heavens and the earth and in the alternation of the night and the day there are indeed signs for men of understanding;"
Those who remember Allah while standing, sitting, and lying on their sides, and ponder over the creation of the heavens and the earth: "Our Lord, Thou hast not created this in vain; nay, Holy art Thou; save us, then, from the punishment of the Fire." (Aal-e-Imran, v19l-192)
This verse implies that when a worshipper reflects upon the structure of the Universe, he becomes overwhelmed with the greatness of its Creator. The ENTITY Who created such an awe-inspiring structure with such detailed arrangement and accuracy. He is alone to be worshipped and so right for protection.
How many times must I salat in a day?
There are five daily prayer services participation in which is obligatory. This may seem a little too much, but it is all a matter of comparative values. Those who realize the true value of prayer through experience are convinced that time spent in it is occupied much more beneficially than that spent in other pursuits.
Find out more about:
Wudhu (Ablution)
Types of Salat
Rakaats in Salat
"I have not created jins and humans but, for my worship" - Holy Quran
What is Salat (Prayer)?
A medium (through worship) where a man establishes a direct relationship with his Creator.
Why Salat?
It is one of the main doors which leads to man's complete submission to Allah's will. It is a guarantee from Allah that if a worshipper observes his salat, with all its conditions, it will prevent him from wrongdoings.
Allah says:"Surely prayer restrains one from indecency and manifest evil."
The Holy Prophet (peace be on him) asked to the companions, "If one of you had a stream running by his door and he takes a bath in it five times a day, would any dirt be left on him?."
They replied, "No dirt would be left on him".
The Holy Prophet said: "This is the case with Salat (the five daily prayers) Allah makes the Salat wipe out his sins".
Who do I worship during my salat?
When we reflect on the creation of the universe and the law that governs it and the design and variety that pleases our eyes, we naturally are convinced of existence and greatness of Allah.
Allah says in the Holy Quran: "In the creation of the heavens and the earth and in the alternation of the night and the day there are indeed signs for men of understanding;"
Those who remember Allah while standing, sitting, and lying on their sides, and ponder over the creation of the heavens and the earth: "Our Lord, Thou hast not created this in vain; nay, Holy art Thou; save us, then, from the punishment of the Fire." (Aal-e-Imran, v19l-192)
This verse implies that when a worshipper reflects upon the structure of the Universe, he becomes overwhelmed with the greatness of its Creator. The ENTITY Who created such an awe-inspiring structure with such detailed arrangement and accuracy. He is alone to be worshipped and so right for protection.
How many times must I salat in a day?
There are five daily prayer services participation in which is obligatory. This may seem a little too much, but it is all a matter of comparative values. Those who realize the true value of prayer through experience are convinced that time spent in it is occupied much more beneficially than that spent in other pursuits.
Find out more about:
Wudhu (Ablution)
Types of Salat
Rakaats in Salat
Wednesday, December 28, 2005
Eid-ul-Adha: Pilgrimage of Sacrifice
In the name of Allah, the Most-Merciful, the All-Compassionate
What is Eid-ul-Adha?
Eid-ul-Adha marks the end of Hajj, the sacred pilgrimage to the holy city Mecca. It's customary for every able Muslim (as prescribed in the Five Pillars of Islam) to go on a Hajj at least once during his lifetime. This Muslim holiday Eid-ul-Adha commemorates Prophet Abraham's unselfish act of sacrificing his own son Ishmael to the One God, Allah.
When is it?
Eid-ul-Adha begins from the 10th day of the 12th Islamic month Dhul-Hijjah. But the date of Eid-ul-Adha depends on the visibility of the moon each year.
What is the significance of Hajj?
Its Background History:
The faithful Abraham was instructed by Allah in a dream to raise the foundations of Kaaba, a black stone, the most sacred Muslim shrine in Mecca (Saudi Arabia), which the Muslims face during their prayers (salat). Immediately responding to the Lord's call, Abraham set off for Mecca along with his wife and son, Ishmael.
In a divine dream, he also saw himself sacrificing his son Ishmael for Allah's sake. Ishmael asked his father to carry out the Lord's commands; he was completely ready to give up his life for God. But miraculously enough, when Abraham was about to sacrifice Ishmael, Allah spared the boy's life and replaced him with a lamb. And this is what Abraham ultimately sacrificed.
To commemorate this outstanding act of sacrifice (qurbani) by Prophet Abraham, people sacrifice a lamb, goat, ram or any other animal on Eid-ul-Adha and give the meat to friends, neighbors, relatives and the needy.
Get a detailed version of the story here.
Did You Know:
In the name of Allah, the Most-Merciful, the All-Compassionate
What is Eid-ul-Adha?
Eid-ul-Adha marks the end of Hajj, the sacred pilgrimage to the holy city Mecca. It's customary for every able Muslim (as prescribed in the Five Pillars of Islam) to go on a Hajj at least once during his lifetime. This Muslim holiday Eid-ul-Adha commemorates Prophet Abraham's unselfish act of sacrificing his own son Ishmael to the One God, Allah.
When is it?
Eid-ul-Adha begins from the 10th day of the 12th Islamic month Dhul-Hijjah. But the date of Eid-ul-Adha depends on the visibility of the moon each year.
What is the significance of Hajj?
Its Background History:
The faithful Abraham was instructed by Allah in a dream to raise the foundations of Kaaba, a black stone, the most sacred Muslim shrine in Mecca (Saudi Arabia), which the Muslims face during their prayers (salat). Immediately responding to the Lord's call, Abraham set off for Mecca along with his wife and son, Ishmael.
In a divine dream, he also saw himself sacrificing his son Ishmael for Allah's sake. Ishmael asked his father to carry out the Lord's commands; he was completely ready to give up his life for God. But miraculously enough, when Abraham was about to sacrifice Ishmael, Allah spared the boy's life and replaced him with a lamb. And this is what Abraham ultimately sacrificed.
To commemorate this outstanding act of sacrifice (qurbani) by Prophet Abraham, people sacrifice a lamb, goat, ram or any other animal on Eid-ul-Adha and give the meat to friends, neighbors, relatives and the needy.
Get a detailed version of the story here.
Did You Know:
- Eid-ul-Adha is known by different names in different parts of the world.
- In South East Asia it is called Hari Raya Aidiladha.
- In Singapore, it is called Hari Raya Haji.
- In Malaysia, it is called Id al-Adha and has made it a national holiday there.
- Indians know Eid-ul-Adha as Id al-Adha or Idu'z Zuha.
- In Bangladesh, Eid-ul-Adha is known as Eid-ul-Azha or Id al-Adha.
- Whatever the name, its celebratory spirit runs high among all Muslims.
Monday, December 26, 2005
Idulfitri
"Ramadaan has come to you - a blessed month. Allah has made obligatory upon you its fasting. In it, the gates of Heaven are open, the gates of the Hellfire are closed and the evil devils are chained. To Allah belongs a night in it, which is better than a thousand months. Whosoever is prevented from its good, then he has been deprived." (reported by Ahmad and An-Nasaa'ee. See Ahmad Shaakir's checking of the Musnad (no. 7148) and Saheeh At-Targheeb wat-Tarheeb of Al-Albaanee (1490) as well as Tamaam-ul-Mannah (395).
The hadeeth is a glad tiding to the righteous servants of Allah S.W.T, of the coming of the blessed month of Ramadaan. The Prophet SAW informed his companions of its coming and it was not just a simple relaying of news. Rather, his intent was to give them the glad tidings of a magnificent time of the year, so that the righteous people who are quick to do deeds can give it its due estimate. This is because the Prophet SAW explained in it (the hadeeth) what Allah Ta'ala has prepared for His servants from the ways towards gaining forgiveness and His contentment and they are many ways. So whosoever has forgiveness escape from him during the month of Ramadaan, then he has been deprived with the utmost deprivation.
Being able to reach Ramadaan is a magnificent bounty in itself, bestowed upon the one who reaches it and rises to its occasion, by standing in prayer during its night and fasting during its day. In it, he returns to his Protector -- from disobeying Him to obeying Him, from neglecting Him to remembering Him, from remaining distant from Him to turning towards Him in submissive repentance.
A Muslim must be conscious of this bounty and acknowledge its magnitude. For indeed, many people are prevented from fasting, either because they die before they reach it or because they are not capable of observing it or because they oppose and turn away from it. Thus, the one who fasts must give praise to his Lord for this bounty and should welcome this month with the joy and delight that a magnificent time of the year out of all the occasions for performing obedience is welcomed.
He should exert himself deeply in doing good deeds. And he should invoke Allaah to grant him fasting and standing in night prayer and that He provide him with seriousness, enthusiasm, strength and energy in that month. And that He awaken him from heedless oversleeping so that he may take advantage of these virtuous times of good. (Excerpts from "The Approach of Ramadaan by Sheikh Abdullaah ibn Salih al-Fawzaan)
However, there are questions we should ask ourselves as Ramadaan draws nears - questions such as, what does Ramadaan mean to us personally? What are our plans for this Ramadaan?
How do we attain taqwaa and tazkiyah?
Below are some excellent advice by Ustaadz Ayub Hamid in answer to the above questions entitled: "Ramadaan: What does it mean to you?" "My Plans for this Ramadaan" and "Having Taqwaa, Attaining Tazkiyah" - inshaa'Allah, you will find them beneficial.
Ramadaan: What does it mean to you?
Success, in whatever we do depends on how clear we are on the objectives we want to achieve and how well we plan for it. What does Ramadaan mean to you? Does it mean more to you than, for example, going for a vacation or excursion? Are you mentally and psychologically ready to attain all the goodness Ramadaan has to offer? Are you then spending enough time and taking pains to plan how you can get the most benefit from the opportunity
Ramadaan affords you?
Some people do plan for Ramadaan but that planning is only to the extent of who to invite for Iftaar and what special foods to prepare or how to get the best deal on dates? But is this the type of outcome that is the objective of Ramadaan?
Objectives of Ramadaan are:
* to increase our Taqwaa * to make us more charitable, and * to strengthen our knowledge of the Holy Qur'aan.
So, what are the action plans you want to undertake during Ramadaan so that when it departs, you have seen significant growth in your Taqwaa, you are more giving and more tuned to the Qur'aan?
Ramadaan is a wonderful opportunity to help us fine tune our normal patterns of behaviour thereby changing us for the better. We can ask ourselves the question: What areas of our personality, attitude, behaviour, daily routines and lifestyle, etc. do we need to change to bring us closer to the Islamic standard?
What aspect of your life have you decided to improve on during this Ramadaan and what are your plans for achieving this change?
We all need many changes and many improvements. None of us is perfect and our list of proposed improvements can be exceedingly long if we were being honest with ourselves. Naturally, one cannot pick a big list and work on all those areas in one month. The best approach is to pick one or two aspects of your personality where the change is needed most importantly and then, devise a plan to make some defined improvements in those areas this Ramadaan.
Success in making the change would make you a winner this Ramadaan and the month will be one of great triumph and blessings for you.
If you have decided to make this a meaningful and triumphant Ramadaan by identifying areas requiring improvement and if you have prepared a plan of action, may Allaah Subhaanahu wa Ta'aala assist you and bless you for taking this step in your life.
My Plans for this Ramadaan
While remembering Allaah Subhaanahu wa Ta'aala in many other ways, I will more frequently ask for Allaah Subhaanahu wa Ta'aala's mercy:
- in the first 10 days of Ramaadan (Yaa Hayyu Yaa Qayyoomu, bi-rahmatika astagheethu),
- invoke Allaah's forgiveness in the second 10 days (astaghfirullaah-al-Azeem-alladzi laa ilaaha illaa Huwa-al
Hayyu-l-Qayyoomu wa atoobu ilayh), and
- seek salvation from the Fire in the last 10 days (Rabbanaa aatinaa fi-ddunyaa hasanatanwa fil-aakhirati
hasanatanwa qinaa adzaab-annaar).
- During the last 10 nights, I will frequent the du'a: Allaahumma innaka 'afuwwun, tuhibbul 'afwa, fa'fu 'annee.
Having Taqwaa, Attaining Tazkiyah
Allaah Subhaanahu wa Ta'aala commands:
"O Believers! Adopt Taqwaa of Allaah; watch what each of you provides for Tomorrow (Hereafter);
and again, maintain Taqwa of Allaah. Indeed, Allaah is aware of what you do. And do not be like those who forgot Allaah, and as a consequence, He caused them to forget their souls (their own well-being)." (Al-Hashr 59:18-19)
The attitude and approach of a Muslim towards the affairs of life that distinguishes him from a non-Muslim is called Taqwaa. It is a paradigm shift resulting from a continual awareness, remembrance and consciousness of Allaah brought about by a true faith in Allaah (Eeman).
Taqwaa is an attitude of keeping one's duty to Allah and a paradigm of care, caution and avoidance in:
· Being willing, eager and careful to fulfill one's duties to Allah in every aspect of life.
· Being conscious of our accountability to Allah and being mindful that He is well aware of all our actions,
intentions, thoughts and behaviours.
· Being cautious not to get involved in anything that is prohibited or leads to something that is prohibited by
Allah.
· Being particular about maintaining a lifestyle that will avoid incurring the displeasure or punishment of Allah.
As per the paraphrased discussion between Ubayy Bin Ka?ab and Umar (may Allaah be pleased with them) Taqwaa is: Living one's life as carefully as one holds his clothes closer to his body while passing through a dense jungle of thorny bushes in order to protect his clothes from being caught in any of the thorns.
To capture all the aspects of Taqwaa in translation is difficult. Hence, different scholars have translated Taqwaa as being God conscious, keeping one's duty to Allaah, or fearing Allaah Subhaanahu wa Ta'aala. In fact, Taqwaa is all these things.
Taqwaa is the source of all virtues and goodness. It is the catalyst that reforms a person from inside. Once a person's paradigm shifts genuinely towards Taqwaa, he embarks on a path of continuous self-improvement. He monitors his own thoughts, motives and actions to ensure that they remain pure and aligned with the guidance of Islam. He becomes motivated, eager and enthusiastic to do good, or rather excel, in his ethics, morals, dealings, human relations, and every aspect of his conduct in day to day life. He tries his best to avoid any bad behaviour in any affairs of life. Good actions please him. Mistakes give him anxiety, in which case he immediately repents, seeks Allaah's forgiveness and makes up for them by doing more good.
He loves Allaah's creations and cares for them. He becomes generous, gracious, forgiving and kind. He becomes a champion for the rights of the weak, neglected, disadvantaged and persecuted people of the society. He courageously stands up and struggles for the establishment of justice, fairness, equity and equality of all people. He dedicates himself selflessly, never expecting or accepting any thing or any benefit in return because his goal is Allaah's pleasure, mercy and forgiveness.
This process of ongoing, continuous self-improvement in terms of one's thoughts, motives and actions regarding all affairs of one?s life is called Tazkiah (Purification). Thus, true faith makes a person continually remember Allaah Subhaanahu wa Ta'aala with love and awe. This all results in an attitude of Taqwaa which, if properly understood and adopted, results in purification (Tazkiah). The result is a person at his/her best ? the best a human being can be. For such a person, the good news is: "Successful is indeed he who purifies." (Al-A'alaa 87:14)
Given the depth as well as the sublimity of the Qur'aanic text, a faithful translation of it into another language is virtually impossible. The various translations that exists today, however accurate they may be, cannot be designated as the Qur'aan, since they can never hope to imitate the diction or the style of the Book of Allah Subhanahu wa Ta'ala. But as translation is one of the few ways to export the message of the Qur'aan to allow those lacking in knowledge of Arabic to share this priceless gift, it becomes a duty for those in a position to fulfill this task.
Truly, "The power of iman is such that once it fills the heart of a true believing Mu'min it is impossible to be removed." (Sahih Bukhari)
"Ramadaan is the (month) in which was sent down the Qur'aan as a guide to mankind, also clear (Signs) for guidance and judgement (between right and wrong)" - Surah Al Baqarah 2:185Abu Hurairah (radhiallâhu ânhu) reported that Prophet Muhammad S.A.W. said,
"Ramadaan has come to you - a blessed month. Allah has made obligatory upon you its fasting. In it, the gates of Heaven are open, the gates of the Hellfire are closed and the evil devils are chained. To Allah belongs a night in it, which is better than a thousand months. Whosoever is prevented from its good, then he has been deprived." (reported by Ahmad and An-Nasaa'ee. See Ahmad Shaakir's checking of the Musnad (no. 7148) and Saheeh At-Targheeb wat-Tarheeb of Al-Albaanee (1490) as well as Tamaam-ul-Mannah (395).
The hadeeth is a glad tiding to the righteous servants of Allah S.W.T, of the coming of the blessed month of Ramadaan. The Prophet SAW informed his companions of its coming and it was not just a simple relaying of news. Rather, his intent was to give them the glad tidings of a magnificent time of the year, so that the righteous people who are quick to do deeds can give it its due estimate. This is because the Prophet SAW explained in it (the hadeeth) what Allah Ta'ala has prepared for His servants from the ways towards gaining forgiveness and His contentment and they are many ways. So whosoever has forgiveness escape from him during the month of Ramadaan, then he has been deprived with the utmost deprivation.
Being able to reach Ramadaan is a magnificent bounty in itself, bestowed upon the one who reaches it and rises to its occasion, by standing in prayer during its night and fasting during its day. In it, he returns to his Protector -- from disobeying Him to obeying Him, from neglecting Him to remembering Him, from remaining distant from Him to turning towards Him in submissive repentance.
A Muslim must be conscious of this bounty and acknowledge its magnitude. For indeed, many people are prevented from fasting, either because they die before they reach it or because they are not capable of observing it or because they oppose and turn away from it. Thus, the one who fasts must give praise to his Lord for this bounty and should welcome this month with the joy and delight that a magnificent time of the year out of all the occasions for performing obedience is welcomed.
He should exert himself deeply in doing good deeds. And he should invoke Allaah to grant him fasting and standing in night prayer and that He provide him with seriousness, enthusiasm, strength and energy in that month. And that He awaken him from heedless oversleeping so that he may take advantage of these virtuous times of good. (Excerpts from "The Approach of Ramadaan by Sheikh Abdullaah ibn Salih al-Fawzaan)
However, there are questions we should ask ourselves as Ramadaan draws nears - questions such as, what does Ramadaan mean to us personally? What are our plans for this Ramadaan?
How do we attain taqwaa and tazkiyah?
Below are some excellent advice by Ustaadz Ayub Hamid in answer to the above questions entitled: "Ramadaan: What does it mean to you?" "My Plans for this Ramadaan" and "Having Taqwaa, Attaining Tazkiyah" - inshaa'Allah, you will find them beneficial.
Ramadaan: What does it mean to you?
Success, in whatever we do depends on how clear we are on the objectives we want to achieve and how well we plan for it. What does Ramadaan mean to you? Does it mean more to you than, for example, going for a vacation or excursion? Are you mentally and psychologically ready to attain all the goodness Ramadaan has to offer? Are you then spending enough time and taking pains to plan how you can get the most benefit from the opportunity
Ramadaan affords you?
Some people do plan for Ramadaan but that planning is only to the extent of who to invite for Iftaar and what special foods to prepare or how to get the best deal on dates? But is this the type of outcome that is the objective of Ramadaan?
Objectives of Ramadaan are:
* to increase our Taqwaa * to make us more charitable, and * to strengthen our knowledge of the Holy Qur'aan.
So, what are the action plans you want to undertake during Ramadaan so that when it departs, you have seen significant growth in your Taqwaa, you are more giving and more tuned to the Qur'aan?
Ramadaan is a wonderful opportunity to help us fine tune our normal patterns of behaviour thereby changing us for the better. We can ask ourselves the question: What areas of our personality, attitude, behaviour, daily routines and lifestyle, etc. do we need to change to bring us closer to the Islamic standard?
What aspect of your life have you decided to improve on during this Ramadaan and what are your plans for achieving this change?
We all need many changes and many improvements. None of us is perfect and our list of proposed improvements can be exceedingly long if we were being honest with ourselves. Naturally, one cannot pick a big list and work on all those areas in one month. The best approach is to pick one or two aspects of your personality where the change is needed most importantly and then, devise a plan to make some defined improvements in those areas this Ramadaan.
Success in making the change would make you a winner this Ramadaan and the month will be one of great triumph and blessings for you.
If you have decided to make this a meaningful and triumphant Ramadaan by identifying areas requiring improvement and if you have prepared a plan of action, may Allaah Subhaanahu wa Ta'aala assist you and bless you for taking this step in your life.
My Plans for this Ramadaan
While remembering Allaah Subhaanahu wa Ta'aala in many other ways, I will more frequently ask for Allaah Subhaanahu wa Ta'aala's mercy:
- in the first 10 days of Ramaadan (Yaa Hayyu Yaa Qayyoomu, bi-rahmatika astagheethu),
- invoke Allaah's forgiveness in the second 10 days (astaghfirullaah-al-Azeem-alladzi laa ilaaha illaa Huwa-al
Hayyu-l-Qayyoomu wa atoobu ilayh), and
- seek salvation from the Fire in the last 10 days (Rabbanaa aatinaa fi-ddunyaa hasanatanwa fil-aakhirati
hasanatanwa qinaa adzaab-annaar).
- During the last 10 nights, I will frequent the du'a: Allaahumma innaka 'afuwwun, tuhibbul 'afwa, fa'fu 'annee.
Having Taqwaa, Attaining Tazkiyah
Allaah Subhaanahu wa Ta'aala commands:
"O Believers! Adopt Taqwaa of Allaah; watch what each of you provides for Tomorrow (Hereafter);
and again, maintain Taqwa of Allaah. Indeed, Allaah is aware of what you do. And do not be like those who forgot Allaah, and as a consequence, He caused them to forget their souls (their own well-being)." (Al-Hashr 59:18-19)
The attitude and approach of a Muslim towards the affairs of life that distinguishes him from a non-Muslim is called Taqwaa. It is a paradigm shift resulting from a continual awareness, remembrance and consciousness of Allaah brought about by a true faith in Allaah (Eeman).
Taqwaa is an attitude of keeping one's duty to Allah and a paradigm of care, caution and avoidance in:
· Being willing, eager and careful to fulfill one's duties to Allah in every aspect of life.
· Being conscious of our accountability to Allah and being mindful that He is well aware of all our actions,
intentions, thoughts and behaviours.
· Being cautious not to get involved in anything that is prohibited or leads to something that is prohibited by
Allah.
· Being particular about maintaining a lifestyle that will avoid incurring the displeasure or punishment of Allah.
As per the paraphrased discussion between Ubayy Bin Ka?ab and Umar (may Allaah be pleased with them) Taqwaa is: Living one's life as carefully as one holds his clothes closer to his body while passing through a dense jungle of thorny bushes in order to protect his clothes from being caught in any of the thorns.
To capture all the aspects of Taqwaa in translation is difficult. Hence, different scholars have translated Taqwaa as being God conscious, keeping one's duty to Allaah, or fearing Allaah Subhaanahu wa Ta'aala. In fact, Taqwaa is all these things.
Taqwaa is the source of all virtues and goodness. It is the catalyst that reforms a person from inside. Once a person's paradigm shifts genuinely towards Taqwaa, he embarks on a path of continuous self-improvement. He monitors his own thoughts, motives and actions to ensure that they remain pure and aligned with the guidance of Islam. He becomes motivated, eager and enthusiastic to do good, or rather excel, in his ethics, morals, dealings, human relations, and every aspect of his conduct in day to day life. He tries his best to avoid any bad behaviour in any affairs of life. Good actions please him. Mistakes give him anxiety, in which case he immediately repents, seeks Allaah's forgiveness and makes up for them by doing more good.
He loves Allaah's creations and cares for them. He becomes generous, gracious, forgiving and kind. He becomes a champion for the rights of the weak, neglected, disadvantaged and persecuted people of the society. He courageously stands up and struggles for the establishment of justice, fairness, equity and equality of all people. He dedicates himself selflessly, never expecting or accepting any thing or any benefit in return because his goal is Allaah's pleasure, mercy and forgiveness.
This process of ongoing, continuous self-improvement in terms of one's thoughts, motives and actions regarding all affairs of one?s life is called Tazkiah (Purification). Thus, true faith makes a person continually remember Allaah Subhaanahu wa Ta'aala with love and awe. This all results in an attitude of Taqwaa which, if properly understood and adopted, results in purification (Tazkiah). The result is a person at his/her best ? the best a human being can be. For such a person, the good news is: "Successful is indeed he who purifies." (Al-A'alaa 87:14)
Given the depth as well as the sublimity of the Qur'aanic text, a faithful translation of it into another language is virtually impossible. The various translations that exists today, however accurate they may be, cannot be designated as the Qur'aan, since they can never hope to imitate the diction or the style of the Book of Allah Subhanahu wa Ta'ala. But as translation is one of the few ways to export the message of the Qur'aan to allow those lacking in knowledge of Arabic to share this priceless gift, it becomes a duty for those in a position to fulfill this task.
Truly, "The power of iman is such that once it fills the heart of a true believing Mu'min it is impossible to be removed." (Sahih Bukhari)
Thursday, December 22, 2005
Czechoslovakian Converts to Islam
Key Extracts:
"A former atheist, I rejected God's possible existence. It was only in my thirties, when, through my interest in science, all-of-a-sudden it dawned on me that even a brick wall cannot happen by accident. So, if all of the natural laws in the universe fit together so amazingly precisely, it cannot be a product of chance but it must have been created by God. And God must be only ONE.
I bought an English translation of the Quran (by N.J. Dawood, which in fact isn't the best). I started reading it... By the time I reached about a third, I was very impressed and commented to my wife about how smart Muhammad must have been. It was all so very logical, with no contradictions.
After that, I came suddenly across some scientific facts which took my breath away. I knew for sure that these were only discovered during the 20th century. As Muhammad could not have known them, he must have been a prophet and a messenger, as it was instantly clear to me that the Quran could only come from God."
Source: Journey to Islam
Key Extracts:
"A former atheist, I rejected God's possible existence. It was only in my thirties, when, through my interest in science, all-of-a-sudden it dawned on me that even a brick wall cannot happen by accident. So, if all of the natural laws in the universe fit together so amazingly precisely, it cannot be a product of chance but it must have been created by God. And God must be only ONE.
I bought an English translation of the Quran (by N.J. Dawood, which in fact isn't the best). I started reading it... By the time I reached about a third, I was very impressed and commented to my wife about how smart Muhammad must have been. It was all so very logical, with no contradictions.
After that, I came suddenly across some scientific facts which took my breath away. I knew for sure that these were only discovered during the 20th century. As Muhammad could not have known them, he must have been a prophet and a messenger, as it was instantly clear to me that the Quran could only come from God."
Source: Journey to Islam
British turning to Islam
Source: The Times, 9th November 1993
Key Extracts
"Prophet Muhammad S.A.W. said, "The light of Islam will rise in the West" and that is what is happening now. Western converts are coming to Islam with fresh eyes, without all the habits ofthe East, avoiding much of what is culturally wrong. The purest tradition isfinding itself strongest in the West," says Aliya Haeri, an American-born psychologist who converted 15 years ago.
Westerners despairing of their own society -- rising in crime, family breakdown, drugs and alcoholism -- have come to admire the discipline and security of Islam. Many converts are former Christians disillusioned by the uncertainty of the church and unhappy with the concept of the Trinity and deification of Jesus. They found intellectual satisfaction in Islam.
"I was a theology student and it was the academic argument that led to my conversion."Under Islam, the sins of the fathers aren't visited on the sons. The idea that God is not always forgiving is blasphemous to Muslims,"said Rose Kendrick, a religious education teacher who also objected to the concept of the original sin.
Maimuna, 39, was raised as a High Anglican and confirmed at 15 at the peak of her religious devotion. "I was entranced by the ritual of the High Church and thought about taking the veil. My belief came back stronger, but not for the Church". She researched every Christian denomination, Judaism, Buddhism and Krishna Consciousness, before turning to Islam.
Many converts from Christianity reject the ecclesiastical hierarchy emphasizing Muslims' direct relationship with God. They sense a lack of leadership in the Church of England and are suspicious of its apparent flexibility.
Huda Khattab, 28, author of The Muslim Woman's Handbook, published this year by Ta-Ha said, "Christianity changes, like the way some have said premarital sex is okay if its with the person you're going to marry. It seems so wishy-washy. Islam was constant about sex, about praying five times a day. The prayer makes you conscious of God all the time. You're continually touching base."
Source: The Times, 9th November 1993
Key Extracts
"Prophet Muhammad S.A.W. said, "The light of Islam will rise in the West" and that is what is happening now. Western converts are coming to Islam with fresh eyes, without all the habits ofthe East, avoiding much of what is culturally wrong. The purest tradition isfinding itself strongest in the West," says Aliya Haeri, an American-born psychologist who converted 15 years ago.
Westerners despairing of their own society -- rising in crime, family breakdown, drugs and alcoholism -- have come to admire the discipline and security of Islam. Many converts are former Christians disillusioned by the uncertainty of the church and unhappy with the concept of the Trinity and deification of Jesus. They found intellectual satisfaction in Islam.
"I was a theology student and it was the academic argument that led to my conversion."Under Islam, the sins of the fathers aren't visited on the sons. The idea that God is not always forgiving is blasphemous to Muslims,"said Rose Kendrick, a religious education teacher who also objected to the concept of the original sin.
Maimuna, 39, was raised as a High Anglican and confirmed at 15 at the peak of her religious devotion. "I was entranced by the ritual of the High Church and thought about taking the veil. My belief came back stronger, but not for the Church". She researched every Christian denomination, Judaism, Buddhism and Krishna Consciousness, before turning to Islam.
Many converts from Christianity reject the ecclesiastical hierarchy emphasizing Muslims' direct relationship with God. They sense a lack of leadership in the Church of England and are suspicious of its apparent flexibility.
Huda Khattab, 28, author of The Muslim Woman's Handbook, published this year by Ta-Ha said, "Christianity changes, like the way some have said premarital sex is okay if its with the person you're going to marry. It seems so wishy-washy. Islam was constant about sex, about praying five times a day. The prayer makes you conscious of God all the time. You're continually touching base."
"The knowledge of the hypocrite is in his speech, yet the knowledge of the believer is in his actions"
Reverts
Noble Qur'an - Luqmaan 31:14, 15
And We have enjoined on man (to be dutiful and good) to his parents. His mother bore him in weakness and hardship upon weakness and hardship, and his weaning is in two years give thanks to Me and to your parents, unto Me is the final destination.
But if they (both) strive with you to make you join in worship with Me others that of which you have no knowledge, then obey them not, but behave with them in the world kindly, and follow the path of him who turns to Me in repentance and in obedience. Then to Me will be your return, and I shall tell you what you used to do.
Hadith - Bukhari (#24), Muslim, Dawud, and Ahmad
Sa'd ibn Abi Waqqas said, "Four verses in the Qur'an were revealed concerning me. My mother had sworn an oath not to eat or drink until I had part company with Muhammad .
So Allah [swt] revealed: "But if they (both) strive with you to make you join in worship with Me others that of which you have no knowledge, then obey them not, but behave with them in the world kindly, and follow the path of him who turns to Me in repentance and in obedience. Then to Me will be your return, and I shall tell you what you used to do." [The Noble Qur'an - Luqman 31:15]
Hadith - Bukhari (#25), Muslim, and Dawud
Asma' bint Abi Bakr, said, "My mother (who has not yet embraced Islam) visited me in order to restore good relations after the Prophet's treaty (of Hudaybiyah). I asked the Prophet if I should have anything to do with her.
And he replied, 'Yes.'
"Allah revealed the following concerning her: "Allah does not forbid you to deal justly and kindly with those who fought not against you on account of religion and did not drive you out of your homes. Verily, Allah loves those who deal with equity." [The Noble Qur'an 60:8] Reverts should invite their family members to Islam
Read the details here
Noble Qur'an - Luqmaan 31:14, 15
And We have enjoined on man (to be dutiful and good) to his parents. His mother bore him in weakness and hardship upon weakness and hardship, and his weaning is in two years give thanks to Me and to your parents, unto Me is the final destination.
But if they (both) strive with you to make you join in worship with Me others that of which you have no knowledge, then obey them not, but behave with them in the world kindly, and follow the path of him who turns to Me in repentance and in obedience. Then to Me will be your return, and I shall tell you what you used to do.
Hadith - Bukhari (#24), Muslim, Dawud, and Ahmad
Sa'd ibn Abi Waqqas said, "Four verses in the Qur'an were revealed concerning me. My mother had sworn an oath not to eat or drink until I had part company with Muhammad .
So Allah [swt] revealed: "But if they (both) strive with you to make you join in worship with Me others that of which you have no knowledge, then obey them not, but behave with them in the world kindly, and follow the path of him who turns to Me in repentance and in obedience. Then to Me will be your return, and I shall tell you what you used to do." [The Noble Qur'an - Luqman 31:15]
Hadith - Bukhari (#25), Muslim, and Dawud
Asma' bint Abi Bakr, said, "My mother (who has not yet embraced Islam) visited me in order to restore good relations after the Prophet's treaty (of Hudaybiyah). I asked the Prophet if I should have anything to do with her.
And he replied, 'Yes.'
"Allah revealed the following concerning her: "Allah does not forbid you to deal justly and kindly with those who fought not against you on account of religion and did not drive you out of your homes. Verily, Allah loves those who deal with equity." [The Noble Qur'an 60:8] Reverts should invite their family members to Islam
Read the details here
"The new revert retains the blessings for all good deeds performed before reversion to Islam! Yet past sins upon embracing Islam are forgiven!" - Quran & Sunnah
The Heart of a Muslim Is Rediscovered
By D. Jacqueline Cosens (Jumaana Salma Amatullah), 14 April 2004
Key excerpts
Always curious and filled with tremendous conviction to find out "Who" my Creator was and what my existence and purpose was on earth, I began searching various doctrines in a quest that would last for decades. Covering the assorted divisions in Christianity, and still unfulfilled, I progressed through many other beliefs: Judaism, Hinduism, Buddhism, etc. Atheism crossed my mind. That, in itself frightened me, as it certainly makes no sense when one looks at the reality of the universe around him.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
If there were no Creator, then there seemed to be no genuine purpose in living…
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
One day, I was watching talk-show host Phil Donahue interview with a Muslim convert, a white American woman. So much of what she talked about was exactly the way I had believed and how I had lived... Everything in life has a prescribed timing. That day, it became the first time in my life that I was to hear about Islam... there was a serious conviction growing deep within my soul. Muslims worshipped the Creator, not a man and I liked that.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
My heart or my soul, something within me, was being drawn to listen…
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
When I got my copy of the Quran, it was at that moment that I embraced Islam. Everything, every word, every explanation, every answer I read suited me. I had found my Creator's wishes, commands, and the reason for living. I absolutely believed that Allah would direct my steps in whatever way He chooses.
By remaining in submission to Him, I have discovered a new harmony to my life. What I do know is that I have finally found the Way, not just knowledge of it like the many times before, but now, deep inside, I found what had always been the part of me that seemed to be missing: The Heart of a Muslim.
Read the details here.
Courtesy of The National Geographic Society ©
Source: Journey to islam
By D. Jacqueline Cosens (Jumaana Salma Amatullah), 14 April 2004
Key excerpts
Always curious and filled with tremendous conviction to find out "Who" my Creator was and what my existence and purpose was on earth, I began searching various doctrines in a quest that would last for decades. Covering the assorted divisions in Christianity, and still unfulfilled, I progressed through many other beliefs: Judaism, Hinduism, Buddhism, etc. Atheism crossed my mind. That, in itself frightened me, as it certainly makes no sense when one looks at the reality of the universe around him.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
If there were no Creator, then there seemed to be no genuine purpose in living…
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
One day, I was watching talk-show host Phil Donahue interview with a Muslim convert, a white American woman. So much of what she talked about was exactly the way I had believed and how I had lived... Everything in life has a prescribed timing. That day, it became the first time in my life that I was to hear about Islam... there was a serious conviction growing deep within my soul. Muslims worshipped the Creator, not a man and I liked that.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
My heart or my soul, something within me, was being drawn to listen…
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
When I got my copy of the Quran, it was at that moment that I embraced Islam. Everything, every word, every explanation, every answer I read suited me. I had found my Creator's wishes, commands, and the reason for living. I absolutely believed that Allah would direct my steps in whatever way He chooses.
By remaining in submission to Him, I have discovered a new harmony to my life. What I do know is that I have finally found the Way, not just knowledge of it like the many times before, but now, deep inside, I found what had always been the part of me that seemed to be missing: The Heart of a Muslim.
Read the details here.
Courtesy of The National Geographic Society ©
Source: Journey to islam
The Texan Who Found Allah
By Chris Irwin, 7 October 2003
Key Excerpts
Islam reaches the hearts of people even if they live in a desolate cave in the wilderness, or in the polar ice caps, or the middle of the densest jungles. Everywhere there is Allah's majesty.
One day, I picked up some books that my grandfather had given me. One was a history book called Early Islam. I started to read it, though I immediately hated it because I thought the Muslims hated Jews and Christians. I thought it was the Devil's religion. As I continued reading, I learnt that Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) received a vision from the angel Gabriel, just like the prophets of the Old Testament. The way in which the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) received the revelation while his reaction seemed so sincere, realistic, and modest at the same time opened my heart a little.
I then read a biased version of his life story, but it still showed the great accomplishment he did and key things that made me realize that this man, after receiving a revelation from Gabriel and spreading the message of One God while still confirming the message of the prophets of old, seemed to have accomplished more than both Jesus and King David (upon them both be peace) together. I was hooked. I then surfed and found a very important thing on the Internet: the Qur'an is compatible with science and modern knowledge. After this, I knew I had to become Muslim.
Read the details here.
Source:Journeytoislam@islam-online.net
By Chris Irwin, 7 October 2003
Key Excerpts
Islam reaches the hearts of people even if they live in a desolate cave in the wilderness, or in the polar ice caps, or the middle of the densest jungles. Everywhere there is Allah's majesty.
One day, I picked up some books that my grandfather had given me. One was a history book called Early Islam. I started to read it, though I immediately hated it because I thought the Muslims hated Jews and Christians. I thought it was the Devil's religion. As I continued reading, I learnt that Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) received a vision from the angel Gabriel, just like the prophets of the Old Testament. The way in which the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) received the revelation while his reaction seemed so sincere, realistic, and modest at the same time opened my heart a little.
I then read a biased version of his life story, but it still showed the great accomplishment he did and key things that made me realize that this man, after receiving a revelation from Gabriel and spreading the message of One God while still confirming the message of the prophets of old, seemed to have accomplished more than both Jesus and King David (upon them both be peace) together. I was hooked. I then surfed and found a very important thing on the Internet: the Qur'an is compatible with science and modern knowledge. After this, I knew I had to become Muslim.
Read the details here.
Source:Journeytoislam@islam-online.net
Dutch Woman Embraces Islam `Live'
By Nasreddine Djebbi, IOL Correspondent THE HAGUE , 9 October 2005
Key excerpts
Meranda Houtenbos, a Dutch, asked the presenter on Nio radio (a Muslim-oriented radion in Netherlands) to make public her reversion with the start of the holy fasting month of Ramadan in the northwestern European country. The 26-year-old woman was invited to the program to opine on Islam and Muslims in view of spreading stereotypes fueled by media and the rightists.
Raised Catholic, Houtenbos said she started reading about the Muslim faith after it had come under the spotlight in the wake of the 9/11 attacks.
"I preferred reading to giving my ear to media. My Muslim friends have made the task easier for me and gave me books written by trustworthy scholars. It was also thanks to a mosque nearby, whose imam has answered many of my questions. There is no Compulsion. I embraced Islam out of my own volition. ," she said.
She touched on clashes with her family over the new religion and how they tried hard to convince her to backtrack on her decision. "Of course I feel alienated from my family, and my parents refused to cope with this new reality."
Did you know:
By Nasreddine Djebbi, IOL Correspondent THE HAGUE , 9 October 2005
Key excerpts
Meranda Houtenbos, a Dutch, asked the presenter on Nio radio (a Muslim-oriented radion in Netherlands) to make public her reversion with the start of the holy fasting month of Ramadan in the northwestern European country. The 26-year-old woman was invited to the program to opine on Islam and Muslims in view of spreading stereotypes fueled by media and the rightists.
Raised Catholic, Houtenbos said she started reading about the Muslim faith after it had come under the spotlight in the wake of the 9/11 attacks.
"I preferred reading to giving my ear to media. My Muslim friends have made the task easier for me and gave me books written by trustworthy scholars. It was also thanks to a mosque nearby, whose imam has answered many of my questions. There is no Compulsion. I embraced Islam out of my own volition. ," she said.
She touched on clashes with her family over the new religion and how they tried hard to convince her to backtrack on her decision. "Of course I feel alienated from my family, and my parents refused to cope with this new reality."
Did you know:
- Radio Nio took to the airwaves on September 4 as a special service for Dutch Muslims.
- It was estimated that one million out of 16 million Dutch are Muslim.
- Dutch Muslims have established over the past 30 years.
- Today, at least one Dutch reverts to Islam monthly.
German Pop Singer Discovers Islam
By Ahmed Al-Matboli, IOL Correspondent BERLIN, 17 October 2005
Key excerpts of her conversion
Famed German pop singer Hülya Kandemir released a book, which is a personal reflection on how Islam fulfilled her spiritually.
"I found my destination in tolerant and peaceful Islam and was born again despite the recent wave of hatred and animosity towards the Muslim faith across Europe," Turkish-born Kandemir told the Web site of the Supreme Council of Muslims in Germany in an interview.
"All divine religions are invoking virtue, but what I liked most about Islam is that it strongly calls for struggling against the self and damping down evil and corporeal desires."
When Kandemir started praying, she felt an overwhelming joy."Words are unable to express how I felt when I start praying. I became preoccupied with one and only thing: how to get closer to God and utterly left behind my past life as a pop singer. I stressed in my book that there was no compulsion in religion as stated by the Noble Qur'an as people are free to choose," she said.
She also highlighted the characteristics of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) and how he should be taken as a role model for all Muslims. "I described how merciful the prophet was with the orphans, women and children."
Did you know:
- There are some 3.4 million Muslims in Germany
- Two thirds of the Muslims are of Turkish origin.
- Islam comes third in Germany after Protestant and Catholic Christianity.
Read the details here.
"I found my destination in tolerant and peaceful Islam and was born again," said Kandemir.
By Ahmed Al-Matboli, IOL Correspondent BERLIN, 17 October 2005
Key excerpts of her conversion
Famed German pop singer Hülya Kandemir released a book, which is a personal reflection on how Islam fulfilled her spiritually.
"I found my destination in tolerant and peaceful Islam and was born again despite the recent wave of hatred and animosity towards the Muslim faith across Europe," Turkish-born Kandemir told the Web site of the Supreme Council of Muslims in Germany in an interview.
"All divine religions are invoking virtue, but what I liked most about Islam is that it strongly calls for struggling against the self and damping down evil and corporeal desires."
When Kandemir started praying, she felt an overwhelming joy."Words are unable to express how I felt when I start praying. I became preoccupied with one and only thing: how to get closer to God and utterly left behind my past life as a pop singer. I stressed in my book that there was no compulsion in religion as stated by the Noble Qur'an as people are free to choose," she said.
She also highlighted the characteristics of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) and how he should be taken as a role model for all Muslims. "I described how merciful the prophet was with the orphans, women and children."
Did you know:
- There are some 3.4 million Muslims in Germany
- Two thirds of the Muslims are of Turkish origin.
- Islam comes third in Germany after Protestant and Catholic Christianity.
Read the details here.
An Austrian Scientist Discovers Islam
By Amina Islam, 26 October 2005
Key excerpts
A good Qur'an translation by Murad Hofmann, a German ambassador, who converted to Islam earlier, reflected my idea of God and the world. I found extensive conformity with the "old testament" and in the "new testament" with the gospel of Jesus, but without the church-made dogma that Jesus is regarded as son of God.
The holy Qur'an confirmed not only my idea about God and the world, but all his statements, e.g. about natural sciences, did obviously not contradict the reality. I was allowed and even encouraged to use my logic!
The "Bible, Qur'an and Natural Sciences" by Maurice Bucaille , proves that all scientific statements in the holy Qur'an are in consent with the latest research, and the "Gospel of Barnabas", where Jesus announces the prophet Muhammad and refuses to be revered as God, opened my eyes.
I discovered that Islam is not a new religion, but a "re-animation" of the roots and the essential of the old religions of the Jews and Christians, with the first Muslim Abraham as the father of all monotheistic religions and with the same prophets, including Jesus.
The last prophet Muhammad—not accepted by the other religions—was used by Allah to repeat the old truth again and to announce new regulations. The holy Qur'an must be God's revelation and Muhammad his messenger! If this is the truth and I believe this, I have to accept the holy Qur'an as a whole including the law.
Read the details here.
By Amina Islam, 26 October 2005
Key excerpts
A good Qur'an translation by Murad Hofmann, a German ambassador, who converted to Islam earlier, reflected my idea of God and the world. I found extensive conformity with the "old testament" and in the "new testament" with the gospel of Jesus, but without the church-made dogma that Jesus is regarded as son of God.
The holy Qur'an confirmed not only my idea about God and the world, but all his statements, e.g. about natural sciences, did obviously not contradict the reality. I was allowed and even encouraged to use my logic!
The "Bible, Qur'an and Natural Sciences" by Maurice Bucaille , proves that all scientific statements in the holy Qur'an are in consent with the latest research, and the "Gospel of Barnabas", where Jesus announces the prophet Muhammad and refuses to be revered as God, opened my eyes.
I discovered that Islam is not a new religion, but a "re-animation" of the roots and the essential of the old religions of the Jews and Christians, with the first Muslim Abraham as the father of all monotheistic religions and with the same prophets, including Jesus.
The last prophet Muhammad—not accepted by the other religions—was used by Allah to repeat the old truth again and to announce new regulations. The holy Qur'an must be God's revelation and Muhammad his messenger! If this is the truth and I believe this, I have to accept the holy Qur'an as a whole including the law.
Read the details here.
A Mexican Catholic Embraced Islam
H.G. Reza, Los Angeles Times, 29 Octoboer 2005
Below are the key excerpts:
Marta Khadija Ramirez
Imagine the difficulty of a Latina steeped in Roman Catholic tradition trying to explain Islam to her family in 1983. And imagine that one of her sisters is a Catholic nun.
"Islam was unknown in Mexico then. It wasn't easy for my family to accept my decision. My sister the nun was blaming herself for not teaching me enough about Catholicism," said Khadija, the youngest of 11 sisters raised on a ranch south of Mexico City and now a nurse who lives in Los Angeles.
Arwa Ayloush
Arwa Ayloush converted in 1991 while attending the University of Texas, said her parents' initial apprehension about her new religion stemmed from "fear of the unknown."
"You just left Laredo and now you're a Muslim. What happened to you, girl?" is how Ayloush, raised a Jehovah's Witness, described her family's reaction to her conversion. Over time, the families of Khadija and Ayloush, a kindergarten teacher living in Corona, accepted their Muslim identities.
Despite the differences that many U.S. Christians believe separate them from Muslims, both sides have much in common, Ayloush and the others said.
"The theological differences are there, but they shouldn't be a fence that separates us. They should be a bridge instead. I'm a Little League mom. I'm there cheering for my kids who play sports, like the other moms. The only thing that's really different about me is the hijab."
Did you know that the Los Angeles Latino Muslim Association:
Other related links:
More Hispanic Women Converting to Islam
Latino Women Finding a Place in Islam
H.G. Reza, Los Angeles Times, 29 Octoboer 2005
Below are the key excerpts:
Marta Khadija Ramirez
Imagine the difficulty of a Latina steeped in Roman Catholic tradition trying to explain Islam to her family in 1983. And imagine that one of her sisters is a Catholic nun.
"Islam was unknown in Mexico then. It wasn't easy for my family to accept my decision. My sister the nun was blaming herself for not teaching me enough about Catholicism," said Khadija, the youngest of 11 sisters raised on a ranch south of Mexico City and now a nurse who lives in Los Angeles.
Arwa Ayloush
Arwa Ayloush converted in 1991 while attending the University of Texas, said her parents' initial apprehension about her new religion stemmed from "fear of the unknown."
"You just left Laredo and now you're a Muslim. What happened to you, girl?" is how Ayloush, raised a Jehovah's Witness, described her family's reaction to her conversion. Over time, the families of Khadija and Ayloush, a kindergarten teacher living in Corona, accepted their Muslim identities.
Despite the differences that many U.S. Christians believe separate them from Muslims, both sides have much in common, Ayloush and the others said.
"The theological differences are there, but they shouldn't be a fence that separates us. They should be a bridge instead. I'm a Little League mom. I'm there cheering for my kids who play sports, like the other moms. The only thing that's really different about me is the hijab."
Did you know that the Los Angeles Latino Muslim Association:
- Was founded in 1999.
- Has an outreach program to introduce Islam to Latinos living in the city.
- Meets at the Islamic Center of Southern California in Los Angeles.
- Breaks their fast together at Vermont Avenue facility on Sundays during Ramadhan.
- Also meet at the Masjid Omar, a mosque in Los Angeles.
- Runs Luz del Islam Publishing in Culver City.
- Distributes a Spanish translation of the Koran at Latino book fairs.
- Sponsors mosque tour.
- Provides speakers to Latino student groups at area colleges.
Other related links:
More Hispanic Women Converting to Islam
Latino Women Finding a Place in Islam
Saturday, September 24, 2005
Malcolm X's (Malik al-Shabazz) Letter from Mecca
April 1964
April 1964
Key Extracts
Never have I witnessed such sincere hospitality and overwhelming spirit of true brotherhood as is practiced by people of all colors and races here in this ancient holy land, the home of Abraham, Muhammad and all the other Prophets of the holy scriptures.
Islam is the one religion that erases from its society the race problem. Throughout my travels in the Muslim world, I have met, talked to, and even eaten with people who in America would have been considered white - but the white attitude was removed from their minds by the religion of Islam.
I could see from this, that perhaps if white Americans could accept the Oneness of God, then perhaps, too, they could accept in reality the Oneness of Man - and cease to measure, and hinder, and harm others in terms of their "differences" in color.
Source: The Autobiography of Malcolm X, co-authored Alex Haley.
Editor's Note: The compassion, selflessness, brotherhood, and generosity that Malcolm encountered in Makkah during his Hajj opened his heart to the true spirit of Sunni Islam. He writes in his autobiography,
"Because of the spiritual enlightenment which I was blessed to receive as the result of my recent pilgrimage to the holy city of Makkah, I no longer subscribe to sweeping indictments of any one race. I am now striving to live the life of a true Sunni Muslim. I must repeat that I am not a racist nor do I subscribe to the tenets of racism. I can state in all sincerity that I wish nothing but freedom, justice and equality, life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness for all people."
Islam - The Religion of Peace
In the Name of Allah, most Compassionate, most Merciful
It was the inherent force of truth, reason and logic that was responsible for the rapid spread of Islam.
Islam means peace
Islam comes from the root word `salaam', which means peace.
It also means submitting one's will to Allah (swt).
No compulsion in Islam
Islam is acquired by submitting one's will to the will of the Supreme Creator, Allah (swt). The Qur'an says in the following verse:
Islam is the fastest growing religion in America, Europe & East Coast of AfricaWhy has the West accepted Islam in such large numbers?
Sword of the Intellect
It is the sword of intellect that conquers the hearts and minds of people. The Qur'an says in Surah Nahl, chapter 16 verse 125:
A reply to the misconception about Islam is given by De Lacy O'Leary in the book, "Islam at the cross road":
Another reply to the misconception about the spread of Islam is given by Thomas Carlyle in his book "Heroes and Hero worship":
He rightly says, "People who worry that nuclear weaponry will one day fall in the hands of the Arabs, fail to realize that the Islamic bomb has been dropped already, it fell the day MUHAMMED (pbuh) was born".
Did you know...
There was no Islamic Army invasion to Malaysia, Indonesia, India and Spain:
In the Name of Allah, most Compassionate, most Merciful
It was the inherent force of truth, reason and logic that was responsible for the rapid spread of Islam.
Islam means peace
Islam comes from the root word `salaam', which means peace.
It also means submitting one's will to Allah (swt).
No compulsion in Islam
Islam is acquired by submitting one's will to the will of the Supreme Creator, Allah (swt). The Qur'an says in the following verse:
"Let there be no compulsion in religion: Truth stands out clear from error" [Al-Qur'an 2:256]Increase in the world religions (1934 - 1984)An article in Reader's Digest 'Almanac', year book 1986, gave the statistics of the increase of percentage of the major religions of the world from 1934 to 1984. This article also appeared in 'The Plain Truth' magazine. Islam increased by 235% while Christianity increased by 47%.
Islam is the fastest growing religion in America, Europe & East Coast of AfricaWhy has the West accepted Islam in such large numbers?
Sword of the Intellect
It is the sword of intellect that conquers the hearts and minds of people. The Qur'an says in Surah Nahl, chapter 16 verse 125:
"Invite (all) to the way of thy Lord with wisdom and beautiful preaching; and argue with them in ways that are best and most gracious." [Al-Qur'an 16:125]Opinion of historian De Lacy O'Leary
A reply to the misconception about Islam is given by De Lacy O'Leary in the book, "Islam at the cross road":
"History makes it clear however, that the legend of fanatical Muslims sweeping through the world and forcing Islam at the point of the sword upon conquered races is one of the most fantastically absurd myth that historians have ever repeated." (Page 8)Opinion of Thomas Carlyle
Another reply to the misconception about the spread of Islam is given by Thomas Carlyle in his book "Heroes and Hero worship":
"The sword indeed, but where will you get your sword? Every new opinion, at its starting is precisely in a minority of one. In one man's head alone. There it dwells as yet. One man alone of the whole world believes it, there is one man against all men. That he takes a sword and try to propagate with that, will do little for him. You must get your sword! On the whole, a thing will propagate itself as it can."Opinion of Dr. Joseph Adam Pearson
He rightly says, "People who worry that nuclear weaponry will one day fall in the hands of the Arabs, fail to realize that the Islamic bomb has been dropped already, it fell the day MUHAMMED (pbuh) was born".
Did you know...
There was no Islamic Army invasion to Malaysia, Indonesia, India and Spain:
- Yet Malaysia and Indonesia remained countries with a majority Muslim population.
- In India, although Islam spread its wings there, tody 80% of India's population remained non-Muslim. This meant that no force was imposed on them to convert to Islam as Islam believes that there is no compulsion in religion.
- Islam ruled Spain for 800 years. After the invasion of the Christians, not a single Muslim is allowed to recite the 'Adhaan' (call to the obligatory prayer) in public.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
