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that is mohammed (pbuh)

that is mohammed (pbuh)


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islam vs. chrisitainity

islam vs. chrisitainity


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Introduction

All praise is due to Allah , we praise Him and we seek his help and ask His forgiveness. We seek refuge with Allah from the evil of our selves and from the evil results of our actions. I testify that Allah alone is worthy of worship and that Muhammad is His slave and final Messenger. May Allah's salawaat (peace and blessings) be upon the last and final messenger Muhammad, his family and his followers. Ameen!

To begin: The best discourse is the book of Allah, and the best way is the way of Muhammad, and the worst of the matters in the religion are those newly introduced innovations, for every innovation in the religion is misguidance, and every misguidance is going astray and every going astray is in the Hellfire.

I have embarked on my commentary on The Economist magazine's survey "Islam and the West" (large insert in August 6th 1994 issue) after some considerable deliberation, and find myself confronted with a considerable task, and indeed Allah is the best of helpers. Brian Beedham is able to rely on what Noam Chomskey calls "manufactured consent". While dictatorships use force in order to achieve consent from the people and prevent opposition, "democracies" manufacture consent through the media by using it to providing a particular world view which conforms to the interests, by and large, of the ruling elite. He is able to get away with a short, condensed, article because he doesn't need to prove much of what he is saying, he only has to repeat the prefabricated conventional platitudes. For example, when he talks the Algerian Muslims as "a singularly intransigent bunch of Islamic rebels, fundamentalists of the most bloody minded sort" he doesn't have to prove it, because the establishment has already ensured that people believe this is the case. In fact the statement in not at all true. The Algerian fundamentalists proved willing to go to elections and seek a peaceful way re-establish the Islamic Sharee'ah . Recent events, such as the meeting of the opposition groups, including the "rebel fundamentalists", in Rome, calling for talks and a return to free elections - which was even supported by the French government and was rejected by the Algerian government - shows that it is the Algerian government that has proved bloody minded. In spite of such obvious discrepancies Mr. Beedham is able to get away with it because consent has already been manufactured that the fundamentalists are rebellious and bloody minded.

Similarly he never feels he has to prove that democracy is an advantage, it is taken almost completely for granted, knowing his audience is already "captive" so as to speak. In the age of the "sound-bite" (or perhaps in this case "word-bite"), opposing the conventional wisdom is not easy, for what the likes of Mr. Beedham can say in a sentence opposing it would take a book. Even then it would be of doubtful effectiveness, for opposing the norms of society is perhaps one of the hardest paths to take for an instinctively societal creature like ourselves. Thus I shall be writing a series of letters, and not just one, thus enabling me to break down the commentary into more manageable pieces. I shall also refer certain topics to appendices, which may include video and audio tapes.

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Islam and Christianity -- part3

Non Muslims' Tributes to the prophet
With the passing of Oriental Studies from the hands of Christian
missionaries and divines into those of independent scholars the
appreciation of Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) and his message is growing in
the West.
Here arc two extracts about Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) from a recent hook
by a learned American professor:
"Pure-hearted and beloved in his circle, he was, it is said, of sweet
and gentle disposition. His bereavements having made him sensitive to
human suffering in every form, he was always ready to help others,
especially the poor and the weak. His sense of honour, duty and
fidelity won him as he grew older the high and enviable title of "The
True', The Upright', The Trustworthy One'. Yet despite his concern for
others he remained removed from them in outlook and ways, isolated in
the midst of an effetic and chaotic society. As he grew from childhood
to youth and from youth to manhood the lawless strife of his
contemporaries, the repeated outbursts of pointless quarrels among the
tribes frequenting the Meccan fairs, and the general immorality and
cynicism of the day combined to produce in the prophet-to-be sustained
reaction of horror and disgust. Silently, brooding, his thoughts
turned inward"."( Huston Smith, The Religions of Man, Mentor Books,
p.203.) "In an age charged with a supernaturalism, when miracles were
accepted as the stock-in-trade of the most ordinary saint, Muhammad
refused to traffic with human weakness and credulity. To
miracle-hungry idolaters seeking signs and portents he cut the issue
clean: 'God has not sent me to work wonders; He has sent me to preach
to you. My Lord be praised! Am I more than a man sent as an apostle?' From
first to last he resisted every impulse to glamorize his o»-n person.
'1 never said that Allah's treasures are in my hand, that 1 knew the
hidden things, or that I was an angel ... 1 am only a preacher of
God's words, the bringer of God's message to mankind.' If signs be
sought, let them be not of Muhammad's greatness, but of God's, and for
these one need only open one's eyes. The heavenly bodies holding their
swift silent course in the vault of heaven, the incredible order of
the universe, the rain that falls to relieve the parched earth, palms
bending with golden fruit, ships that glide across the seas laden with
goodness for man - can these be the handiwork of gods of stone? What
fools to cry for signs when creation harbuors nothing else! In an age
of credulity, Muhammad taught respect for the world's incontrovertible
order which was to awaken Muslim science before Christian." (luston
Smith. The. Religions ufMan, Mentor Books, pp. 205, 206)
And this is how the well-known historian, Lanc-Poole, sums up the
character of Prophet Muhammad:
"He who, standing alone, braved for years the hatred of his people, is
the same who was never the first to withdraw his hand from another's
clasp; the beloved of children, who never passed a group of little
ones without a smile from his wonderful eyes and kind word for them,
sounding all the kinder in that sweet-toned voice... He was one of
those happy few who have attained the supreme joy of making one great
truth their very life-spring. He was the messenger of the One God; and
never to his life's end did he forget who he was, or the message which
was the marrow of his being. He brought his tiding to his people with
a grand dignity sprung from the consciousness of his high office
together with a most sweet humility whose roots lay in the knowledge
of his own weakness."*'*
Major A.G. 1-conard refers to the sincerity of the Prophet and the
truth of his message in these words in his book Islam, Her Moral and
Spiritual Value.
"He must at the outset recognise that Mohammed was no mere spiritual
pedlar, no vulgar time-serving vagrant, but one of the most profoundly
sincere and earnest spirits of any age or epoch. A man not only great
but one of the greatest - i.e., truest-men that humanity has ever
produced. Great i.e., not simply as a prophet but as a patriot and a
statesman: a material as well as a spiritual builder who constructed a
great nation, a great empire, and more even than all these, a still
greater Faith. Trtic, moreover, because he was true to himself, to his
people, and above all to his God. Recognising this, he will thus
acknowledge that Islam Ls a profound and true cult, which strives to
uplift its votaries from the depths of human darkness into the higher
realms of Light and Truth.'"-'
Finally, this is what Lamartine. one of the greatest poets of France,
writes about the greatness of Muhammad (phuh):
"Never has a man set himself, voluntarily or
involuntarily, a more sublime aim, since this aim was superhuman: to
subvert superstitions which had been interposed between man and his
Creator, to render God unto man and man unto God; to restore the
rational and sacred idea of divinity amidst the chaos for the material
and disfigured gods of idolatry then existing. Never has a man
undertaken a work so far beyond human power with so feeble means, for
he had in the conception as well as in the execution of such a great
design no other instrument than himself, and no other aid, except a
handful of men living in a comer of the desert. Finally, never has a
man accomplished such a huge and lasting revolution in the world,
because in less than two centuries alter its appearance. Islam, in
faith and arms, reigned over the whole of Arabia, and conquered in
God's name Persia, Khurasan, Transoxania, Western India, Syria,
Abyssinia, all the known continent of Northern Africa, numerous
Islands of the Mediterranean, Spain, and a part of Gaul."
"If greatness of purpose, smallness of means, and astounding results
are the three criteria of human genius, who could dare to compare any
great men in modern history to Muhammad? The most famous men created
arm, laws, and empires only. They founded, if anything, at all, no
more than material powers which often crumbled away before their eyes.
This man moved not only armies, legislation, empires, peoples, and
dynasties, but millions of men in one-third of the then inhabited
world; and more than that, he moved the altars, the gods, the
religions, the ideas, the beliefs and the souls. On the basis of a
Book, every letter of which has become law, he created a spiritual
nationality which has blended together peoples of every tongue and of
every race. He has left to us as (he indelible characteristic of this
Muslim nationality, the hatred of false gods and the passion lor the
One and Immaterial God. This avenging patriotism against the
profanation of Heaven formed the virtue of the followers of Muhammad:
the conquest of one-third of the earth to his dogma was his miracle;
or ralher it was not the miracle of a man but that of reason. The idea
of the unity of God proclaimed amidst the exhaustion of fabulous
theogenies, was in itself such a miracle that upon its utterance from
his lips it destroyed all the ancient temples of idols and set on fire
one-third of the world. His life, his meditations, his heroic
revilings against the superstitions, of his country, and his boldness
in defying the furies of idolatry; his firmness in endurring them for
fifteen years at Mecca, his acceptance of the role of public scorn and
almost of being a victim of his fellow-countrymen: all these and,
finally his incessant preaching, his wars against odds, his faith in
his success and his superhuman security in misfortune, his forbearance
in victory, his ambition which was entirely devoted to one idea and in
no manner striving for an empire; his endless prayer, his mystic
conversations with God, his death and his triumph after death; all
these attest not to an imposture but to a firm conviction. It was his
conviction which gave him the power to restore a dogma. This dogma was
two-fold, the unity of God and the immateriality of God; the former
telling what God is; the latter telling what God is not. 'Philosopher,
orator, apostle, legislator, warrior, conqueror of ideas, restorer of
rational dogmas, of a cult without images; the founder of twenty
terrestrial empires and of one spiritual empire, that is Muhammad'. As
regards all standards by which human greatness may be measured, we may
well ask: is there any man greater than he?
' Complete Model
Although on the basis of the Glorious Qur'an I regard the characters
of Jesus and Prophet Muhammad to be equally godly, pure, noble and
inspiring, yet Jesus did not get the opportunity to become a perfect
model for men in all walks of life as Prophet Muhammad did. We have no
doubt that if Jesus had got the chance, he would have behaved exactly
as Prophet Muhammad did; for both of them were prophets of the same God.
Jesus never married and so he could not become an ideal husband and
father. He did not triumph over his enemies and so had no chance of
showing how a victor should behave towards his vanquished foes who
have spared no pains to annihilate him and his followers. He did not
have his persecutors at his mercy and so had no occasion to show real
forbearance and forgiveness. Jesus did not rise to power to become the
model of a benevolent and just ruler and judge.
We must turn to Prophet Muhammad, and not Jesus, if we want to see the
picture of an ideally happy and pious married life and of a wise, just
and benevolent ruler whom nothing could corrupt or divert from working
for the material and moral amelioration of his people. Prophet
Muhammad witnessed the phases of both persecution and success. He
showed rare patience, fortitude, courage and love for his foes as a
persecuted preacher of religion and in the hours of deepest gloom, and
unparalleled self-control and mercy when his bitterest foes were
helpless before him.
Jesus did not get the chance to put into practice many of his precepts
and teachings. For instance, he advised his followers to sell their
garments and purchase swords (Luke 22:36), but he could not
demonstrate to them the right use of the sword. To resist violence and
aggression sometimes becomes our highest duty - for instance, when
helpless men, women and children are being slaughtered and the freedom
to believe and practice the religion of their own choice is denied by
fanatics and tyrants. It was Prophet Muhammad who showed how a true
soldier of God, the protector of the victims of intolerance and cruel
violence, should behave on the battlefield and in moments of defeat
and triumph.
The life of Jesus runs parallel to the early life of Prophet Muhammad,
but Jesus did not live long enough to give a practical shape to his
teachings and work out the social implications of his message. He did
not have the chance to enlarge his teachings to cover all the
situations of life and to bring about the tremendous social reforms
that Prophet Muhammad did. The modern man, who has to lead a life as a
son, a husband, a father, a poor worker, a citizen, a neighbor, a
despised advocate of new ideas and ways, a victim of religious and
political bigotry, a man with authority, a successful leader, a
soldier, a business-man, a judge, and a ruler, will find Prophet
Muhammad as a perfect model for him in all situations and walks of life.
God's Justice:
The second part of the Christian doctrine of the Atonement is that
God's Justice requires that a price must be paid for the original and
other sins of man. If God were to pardon a sinner without punishing
him would be a denial of His Justice. The Rev. W. Goldsack writes in
this connection:
"It should be clear as day light to anyone that God cannot break His
own Law: He cannot forgive a sinner without first giving him an
appropriate punishment. For if He did so, who would call Him Just and
Equitable.""'
This view shows complete ignorance God. God is not a mere judge or
king. He is, as the Qur'an describes Him, "Master of the Day of
Judgment". He is not only Just but also Merciful and Forgiving. If He
finds some real good in a man or sees that he is sincerely repentant,
having a real urge to conquer the evil within him, then He may forgive
his failings and sins altogether. And this stretch of imagination can
be called a violation of His Justice. After all, the only proper
motive for punishment is to check evil and reform the offender. To
punish a person for his past sins, even after he has repented and
reformed himself, is a sign of vengeance and not of justice. A God,
Whose 'Justice' requires compensation for every fall and sin of man is
no better than Shylock. The God that we worship - the Creator and
Sustainer of all the worlds - is the God of Love and Mercy. If He
prescribes a law and a way and demands obedience, it is not for His
own benefit, but for the benefit of mankind. And if He punishes a man
for his faults and sins it is not for His own satisfaction or
compensation, as the Christian dogma proclaims,
but to check evil and purify the sinner. Hell itself is like a
hospital, where the spiritually ill - those afflicted with the
diseases of malice, hatred, selfishness, callousness, falsehood,
dishonesty, greed, impurity, arrogance, etc. - are cured through the
fire of suffering and remorse. But those who have the persistent urge
to do good and the sincerely repentant will find God Ever-Ready to
forgive their failures and sins without demanding any compensation
from them, or from any one else. Is this not what the prophet Ezekiel
proclaimed in the verses of the Bible that we have quoted above? And
is this not what Jesus taught in his beautiful parables of the Lost
Sheep, the Lost Coin and the Prodigal Son? Can we trace the origin of
the doctrine that unless every sin is compensated for and someone
punished, God's Justice would be outraged to the man who taught us to
pray to God in these words "Forgive us our debts as we have forgiven
our debtors"? Forgiveness of a sinner after punishing him, or someone
else on his behalf, is no forgiveness at all. God can and does forgive
the faults and sins of those in whom He. sees real goodness and those
who have turned away from their sins and reformed themselves without
punishing them or any other person on their behalf, and this is not
against God's Justice. In fact this alone is true forgiveness. Thus we
read in the Glorious Qur'an:
( Say: O My people, who have acted extravagantly against your own
souls, despair not of the Mercy of God, for He forgiveth the sins
altogether. Lo! He is All-Forgiving, All-Merciful. So tarn unto Him
repentant, and surrender unto Him, before there come unto you the
chastisement, when ye cannot be helped. )
(39:53.54)

4 Whoso doeth evil or wrongeth his own soul, then seeketh Pardon of
God (and reformeth himself), will find God Forgiving, Merciful. Whoso
committeth sin, committeth it only against himself. God is
All-Knowing, All-Wise. §
(4:110-111)
The Blood Atonement.
The third part of the Christian dogma of the Atonement is that Jesus
paid the penalty for the original and other sins of men by his death
on the cross of Calvary, and that salvation cannot be obtained without
belief in the saving power of his blood. This is what we read in the
First Epistle of St. Peter:
"Forasmuch as ye know that ye were not redeemed with corruptible
things, as silver and gold, but with the precious blood of Christ, as
of a lamb without blemish and without spot."'"
And this is what two modern Christian apologists (a Protestant
and a Roman Catholic) have written,:
"We pass on now to the doctrine of the Atonement, which is that
Christ's death was in some sense a sacrifice for sin, and thus
reconciled (or made 'at - one') God the Father and sinful man. And
though not actually stated in the Creeds, it is implied in the words,
was crucified also for us, and who suffered for our salvation"'2'
"Since Christ, God and man, had taken upon Himself our sins (by His
death on the cross) in order to atone for them by giving satisfaction
to God's outraged justice, he is the mediator between God and man.
"(1) This dogma is not only a denial of the Mercy of God but also of
His Justice. To demand the price of blood in order to forgive the sins
of men is to show a complete lack of mercy, and to punish a man who is
not guilty for the sins of others, whether the former is willing or
not, is the height of injustice.
Christian apologists try to defend this by saying that Jesus Christ
willingly suffered death to pay the price for the sins of men. To this
our reply is:
Firstly, it is not historically correct to say that Jesus had come to
die willingly and deliberately for the sins of men. We read in the
Bible that he did not wish to die on the cross. For, when he knew that
his enemies were plotting against his life, he declared that his "soul
was exceedingly sorrowful unto death", he asked his disciples to keep
watch over him to protect him from his enemies and he prayed to God,
"Abba, Father, all things are possible unto Thee; take '••• away this
cup from me; nevertheless not what 1 will, but what Thou wilt."
(Mark 14:36)
Secondly, we fail to see how the suffering and death of one man can
wipe out the sins of others. It sounds something like the physician
breaking his own head to cure the headache of his patients. The idea
of substitutionary or vicarious sacrifice is illogical, meaningless
and unjust.
Thirdly, the idea that shedding of blood is necessary to appease the
Wrath of God has come into Christianity from the primitive man's image
of God as an all-powerful demon. We see no connection at all between
sin and blood. What is necessary to wash away sin is not blood but
repentance, remorse, persistent struggle against evil inclinations,
development of greater sympathy for mankind and determination to carry
out the Will of God as revealed to us through the prophets. The Qur'an
says:
<^ To God does not reach the flesh or the blood I of animals they
sacrifice), but unto Him is acceptable righteousness on , your
part, fy'1 (22:37>
The doctrine of the Atonement makes the First Person of Godhead into a
blood-thirsty tyrant in order to demonstrate the self-sacrificing love
of the Second Person. To a dispassionate critic, the sacrifice of the
Second Person appears as much misplaced and meaningless as the demand
of the First Person is cruel and sadistic.
Arthur Weigall makes the following significant comment on the doctrine
of the Atonement:
"We can no longer accept the appalling theological 'j: doctrine that
for some mystic reason a propitiatory * sacrifice was necessary. It
outrages either our conception '•' of God as Almighty or else our
conception of Him as i :?l All-Loving. The famous Dr. Cruden
believed that for the : purpose of this sacrifice 'Christ suffered
dreadful pains inflicted by God', and this of course, is a standpoint
which nauseates the modem mind and which may well be termed a hideous
doctrine, not unconnected with the sadistic tendencies of primitive
human nature. Actually, it is of pagan origin, being, indeed, perhaps
the most obvious relic of heathendom in the Faith."11'
The Christian scheme of salvation is not only morally and rationally
unsound, but also has no support of the words of Jesus. Jesus may be
said to have suffered for the sins of men in the sense that, in order
to take them out of darkness into light, he incurred the wrath of the
evildoers and was tortured by them; but that does not mean that his
death was an atonement for the sins of others and that only those who
believe in his blood would be forgiven. Jesus had come to rescue men
from sin by his teaching and the example of his godly life, and not by
deliberately dying for them on the cross and offering his blood as a
propitiation for their sins. When a young man came and asked him "Good
Master, what shall I do that I may inherit eternal life?" he mentioned
nothing about his atoning sacrifice and the redeeming power of Iris
blood. His reply was the same as that of every other prophet. For he said:
"Why callest thou me good? there is none good but one, that is, God;
but if thou wilt enter into life, keep the commandments."
(Matthew 19:17)
"Keep the commandments" that, according to Jesus, was the way to
eternal life. Salvation could be gained by believing in God, eschewing
evil and doing good, and not by accepting Jesus as the redeemer and
believing in his blood atonement.
The dogma of the Atonement is unsound, for (1) man is not bom in sin.
(2) God does not require a price to forgive the sinners, and (3) the
idea of substitutionary or vicarious sacrifice is unjust and cruel. By
sinning we do not harm God, but ourselves. The stain of sin on our
souls can be removed, not by the suffering or death of any other
person, whether the latter be willing or unwilling, but by our own
repentance, turning away from evil and doing good. And so, when Adam,
after the act of disobedience, repented and submitted himself
completely to God, his sin was forgiven. Neither is the sin of Adam
inherited by the children of Adam, nor did it require the suffering
and death of Jesus Christ to be forgiven. The truth is that Jesus did
not die on the cross at all. The doctrine of the Atonement is a denial
of the Justice and Mercy of God.
Islam rejects this dogma. It declares that the forgiveness of sins
cannot be obtained by the suffering and sacrifice of any other person,
human or divine, but by the Grace of God and our own sincere and
persistent efforts to fight against evil and do good:
(that no laden one shall bear another's load, and that man hath only
that for which he maketh effort, and that his effort will be seen)
(The Glorious Qur'un 53:38,40)
(Whosoever goeth right, it is only for the good of his own soul that
he goeth right, and whosoever erreth, erreth only to its hurt. No
laden soul can bear another's load)
(17:15)

----------------------
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Islam and Christianity -- part2

Form the book
((Islam and Christianity /
by Ulfat 'Aziz-Us-Samad –
published by Al-Falah Foundation
www.falahonline.com ,
ISBN: 977-5813-14-X ))
The Prophet Muhammad
The Comforter, the spirit of truth, the Messenger of God about whose
coming Jesus (pbuh) had given the good news, was born in Arabia in the
year 571 A.C. At the time of his birth the true Religion had been
forgotten or distorted all over the world. The people among whom he
was born, the Ishmaelite Arabs, were polytheists and idolaters. They
were sunk in vice and superstitions of every kind. There was no law
among them except the law of the jungle and, perchance, a few
primitive tribal mores.
Among these people who had drifted far from God's Way, Prophet
Muhammad (pbuh) grew up to be a Man of God. He was conspicuous among
them by his pure and spotless character, his love of truth and
compassion towards the poor and the downtrodden. They called him
Al-'Amin the trustworthy, the faithful.
As he grew older the superstitions and evil ways of the people caused
greater and greater sorrow to his heart. He spent many hours in
communion with his Creator and in meditation on the end or object of
man's life, he longed to bring people to the Straight Path, to "render
God unto man and man unto God". When he was forty years of age
Gabriel, the Messenger of God, shone the Divine light in its full
resplendence in Muhammad's heart.
He preached to them One and Only God, the Loving Creator and
Sustainer of all the worlds. He exhorted them to shun all kinds of
evil and cruelty and to love one another. He told them that real
Religion was the removal of the want and suffering of others and the
selfless service of fellow-men, that the religious ceremonies were
entirely useless if they did not train and discipline man to become
more righteous and to work for the good of others:
(Hast thau observed him who belieth religion? That is he who repelleth
the orphan, and urgeth not the feeding of the needy, Ah, woe unto
worshipers who are heedless of their Prayers; who would be seen at
worship, yet refrain from works of mercy!)
(Qur'an 107)
He struck the root of the false superiority based on color, caste,
race or nationality, declaring that all human beings were equal brothers.
The treatment meted out to Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) by his people was
not different from that meted out to earlier prophets. He was rejected
by people with vested interests and subjected to all kinds of
cruelties. Many of those that believed in him were badly tortured. A
combined attempt was made by all the tribes of Mecca to put an end to
his life. After bearing these tortures and cruelties for thirteen long
years with almost superhuman patience and forbearance, Prophet
Muhammad (pbuh) at last migrated to Medina, where a large number of
people had already embraced Islam and become his followers. This was
the turning point in his life. The people of Medina not only believed
in him and his message but also made him the head of their new Islamic
state. Here Prophet Muhammad (pbuh), in addition to his moving appeals
for individual change of heart and transformation of character, worked
out the social implications of his message. The many revolutionary
changes that he introduced included the raising of women to a position
of equality with men, taking steps to abolish slavery, total
prohibition of all kinds of intoxicating drinks and of gambling,
putting an end to exploitation of every kind, doing away with
priesthood and granting religious freedom to all individuals and
communities, bringing into force the most enlightened code of laws
ever known to man and the establishment of a welfare state and a form
of administration which was an ideal blend of justice and mercy. He
brought into being a universal brotherhood in which there was no
distinction whatsoever on the basis of race, color, language, wealth
or sec. The distinguishing feature of those who joined this fold was
zeal for the Worship of One God and humanity. After accomplishing his
mission, Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) the last prophet of God, departed
form this world in the year 632 A.C., leaving behind the Glorious
Qur'an which was revealed to him by God, and his own sayings, to guide
people for all times to come.
The Ideal Character
The Prophet of Islam lived a life which can only be described as
godly. He was the model par excellence for men in various situations
and walks of life, as the Glorious Qur'an says:
(Verily in the Messenger of God ye have a perfect example for him who
looketh unto God and the Last Day and remembreth God much)
(33:21)
(O Prophet! Lo! We have sent thee as a witness and a bringer of good
tidings and a warner, and as a summoner unto God by his permission,
and as a lamp that giveth light)
(33:45.46)
He lived up to the highest ideals of the Glorious Qur'an and
exemplified in his life the virtues mentioned in the book of God. When
his wife, 'Aishah, was questioned about his morals, her reply was,
"His morals are the Qur'an". Conversely, when she asked to explain
certain ethical injunctions in the Qur'an she did so by illustrating
them from the Prophet's life and behavior.
To say that he was sinless would be only a negative description of the
Man of God who had conquered all temptations and passions and lived
only for the sake of God and in complete accord with the Will of God:
(Say: Lo! my worship and my sacrifice and my living and my dying are
for God, Lord of the worlds)
(Qur'an 6:162)
He was, as the Qur'an describes him, a "mercy to all nations". His
compassion extended to friends and foes alike, "Do you love your
Creator? Love your fellow creatures first", was his advice to his
followers. He felt extremely concerned at the depraved and corrupt
state of the people around him. It grieved his heart very much when as
the head of the state, he had to pass an order of punishment on any
one for the sake of justice or for the security of the young republic.
But for his own sake he never even lifted his finger against any one.
When at a critical moment some one asked him to cure his enemies and
persecutors, he replied:
"I have not been sent to curse but as mercy to mankind. O Lord, guide
my people for they know not."
(As-Suyuti, Aj-Jami` As-Saghir)
At the conquest of Mecca (to give just one instance out of many) he
freely forgave all his enemies, who had spared no effort to annihilate
him, his Religion and his followers, and were guilty of murder and
persecution. He told them. "this day there is no reproof against you".
Here is a practical example of the maxim "Love your enemies". He had
come to reclaim and reform the fallen humanity and he won the hearts
of the anti-social elements of his time by love and kindness. His
charity and readiness to help the people in all possible ways were
proverbial. He was the greatest friend of the poor and the downtrodden.
He strove all his life to lead mankind to One True God, to make them
godly, to rescue them from error, superstitions and sins, but in
inviting them to the truth he faithfully observed the Qur'anic injunction,
(There is no compulsion in religion)
(2:256)
He had imbued himself with Divine qualities and caused his fellow-men
to sake the greatest step towards the Divine. Yet he remained humble
and modest, conscious always of his nothingness before God, and from
the highest peak of moral and spiritual perfection to which he had
attained, he cried out to the people,
(Iam only a mortal like you)
(Qur'an 41:6)
next time we will talk about Non Muslims' tributes to the Prophet

Islam and Christianity -- part1

Form the book
((Islam and Christianity /
by Ulfat 'Aziz-Us-Samad –
published by Al-Falah Foundation
www.falahonline.com ,
ISBN:977 -5813-14-X ))

It is therefore with a feeling of deep love and respect for both Jesus
and Muhammad (pbut), and for the religions which they preached, that I
embark upon a comparative study of Islam and Christianity. If at times
I find myself disagreeing with the Christians, it is not over the
religion of Jesus, but over the altered shape and features that they
developed after his departure. In the words of Lord Headley, "Islam
and Christianity, as taught by Christ himself, are sister religions,
only held apart by dogmas and technicalities which might very well be
dispensed with" ((Lord Headley : A Western Awakening to Islam, P.15))

The Authenticity of the Qur'an
On the other hand, there is no such doubt about the Glorious Qur'an.
It contains nothing but the revelations received by the Prophet
Muhammad (pbuh). The revelations came to him in fragments, from time
to time. As soon as he received any, he used to communicate it to his
Companions and ask then not only to commit it to memory, but also to
write it down. Muhammad (pbuh) used to indicate in a precise manner
the place to which the revelation belonged. Thus the complete Qur'an
was committed to writing and also preserved in the hearts of hundreds
of Muslims in the life time of the Prophet.
After the demise of the Prophet, Abu Bakr, the first Caliph, charged
Zaid ibn Thabit with the task of preparing an authentic copy of the
entire text in the form of a book. The Companions of the Prophet wrote
the revelations that had come to the prophet on parchment or pieces of
leather. Zaid ibn Thabit collected all these and after comparing them
with what the followers of the Prophet had learnt by heart, compiled a
copy, called Mushaf (bound leaves). About the genuineness or
correctness of which there was absolutely no doubt.
At the order of 'Uthman, the third Caliph, seven copies of the Mushaf
edition of the Glorious Qur'an, again confined by the memory of those
who had learnt it by heart (hafiz), were prepared and sent to the
different centers of the vast Islamic world. One of these seven copies
is still in existence in Tashkent. The Czarist government of Russia
had published it with a facsimile reproduction; and we see that there
is a complete identity between this copy and the text otherwise in use
all over the world. The same is true of the other extant MSS of
Qur'an, complete or fragmentary, dating from the first century of the
Muslim era.
From the time of the Prophet to our own time the practice of learning
the whole of the Qur'an by heart has continued unbroken, and the
number of huffaz can now be counted by hundreds of thousands all over
the world. The result is that no scholar, Eastern or Western, Muslim
or non-Muslim, has ever cast any doubt on the purity of the text of
the Glorious Qur'an. Even such an unfriendly critic as Sir William
Muri (( The life of Mohamet, Introduction, p.18)) writes about the
Qur'an:
" There is probably in the world no other book which
has remained twelve centuries with so pure a text"

next time we will talk about (The Prophet Muhammad phuh)

Why we Chose Islaam

http://www.khayma.com/librarians/call2islaam/articles/why_we_chose_islaam_main_page.html

Notes on the Evils of Innovation (in the Religion)

The Deen is complete:

Allaah says,

"this day have I perfected your religion for you, completed my favour upon you, and have chosen for you Islaam as your religion" (Surah Al-Ma'idah 5:4)

This verse embodies a clear statement that the religion has been completed and so has no need of addition and deletion, and our noble Messenger (SAW) said, "there is nothing that Allaah ordered you with except that I have ordered you with it, and there is nothing that Allaah forbade you from except that I have forbidden you from it" (al-Bayhaqee and others)

And he (SAW) said, "there is nothing that will take you closer to paradise but that I have enjoined it upon you, and there is nothing that will take you closer to hell but that I have warned you from it" (Musnad ash-Shaafi'ee and others).

So the Prophet Muhammad (SAW) fulfilled the trust placed upon him by Allaah completely, explaining the religion to the people in it's inward and outward form, making clear the lawful from the prohibited, the encouraged from the discouraged, even to the extent that he taught us the manners of going to the toilet, the manners of having sex with our partners etc.

Allaah says in His Book,

"and We have revealed to you a Book explaining everything" (Surah An-Nahl 16:89),

and He says,

"We have neglected nothing in the Book" (Surah Al-An'am 6:37).

So in the Qur'aan is explained the principles of the religion, tawheed in all it's various categories, even to the extent that it teaches us the manners of sitting in circles, visiting other peoples houses, the correct clothing etc.

The Importance of Sticking to the Sunnah:

Allaah says,

"indeed you have in the Messenger of Allaah an excellent example for the one who hopes in Allaah and looks to the Last Day." (Surah Al-Ahzab 33:21),

He also says,

"so if you obey him (i.e. Muhammad), then you will be guided" (Surah Al-Furqan 25:54)

The Messenger of Allaah said, "I have left behind me two things, if you cling to them you will never go astray. They are the Book of Allaah and my Sunnah" (al-Haakim)

And he (SAW) also said, "and you will live to see great difference, so cling to my sunnah and the sunnah of the rightly guided caliphs after me, even if it be with your teeth" (Bukhaaree)

The Taabi'ee, the Imaam, az-Zuhree commented, "clinging to the sunnah is to be saved, as Imaam Maalik said, 'like the Ark of Noah', he who embarked upon it was saved, and he who did not was destroyed." (ad-Daarimee)

In these narrations is clear evidence that the way of salvation and safety is to closely follow the Sunnah of our Prophet (SAW), and not to deviate from his path, not accepting the guidance of another individual, nor accepting a corrupted form of the Sunnah. Allaah says,

"and whosoever contends with the Messenger after guidance has been made clear to him, and follows a way other than the way of the believers, We shall leave him in the path he has chosen, and land him in Hell, what an evil destination!"

The people will attempt to corrupt the Sunnah:

We are taught in the revelation that the sunnah shall become corrupted and this corruption would become the norm, so much so that the people who follow the sunnah would become as strangers, and those that call to purifying the sunnah would be slandered and reviled. The Prophet (SAW) said, "Islaam began as something strange, and it shall return as something strange as it began. So Tooba (a tree in paradise) to the strangers." It was asked, "who are the strangers?" He replied, "those that purify and correct what the people have corrupted of my sunnah" (Tabaraanee in al-Kabeer [6/202])

And what is this corruption? It is none other than innovation, introducing into the pure religion of Allaah new ways of worshipping Him that He has not taught, blemishing His religion with our whims and desires, something that Allaah Himself condemns,

"or do they have partners that legislate some religion which Allaah has not given permission for?" (Surah Ash-Shura 42:21)

The Companion, Abdullaah ibn Mas'ud laments, "how will it be when the trials overcome you, in which the young grow old and the old grow senile. And the people take the bid'ah as the sunnah, and when it changes they say: the sunnah has changed. It was said: when will this be O Abu Abdurrahmaan? He replied: when your speakers are many and your scholars are few, and the wealthy ones are plenty and the trustworthy ones are few." (ad-Daarimee)

How true this statement is today, that the innovations have become so widespread in the religion that the people have taken then to be the sunnah. And when the true scholar speaks out against these innovations he is labelled as a 'wahhabi' by the people because to them it seems that he is changing the sunnah. To Allah we complain of the ignorance of our times!

Only Allaah (SWT) has the right to tell us how to worship Him:

"follow that which has been revealed to you from your Lord, and do not follow as Friends and Protectors other than Him" (Surah Al-A'raaf 7:3)

From the tafseer of this verse we learn that this verse embodies a categorical statement that the privilege to tell people how to worship Allaah belongs to Allaah Alone. And how could it be otherwise when the true meaning of ibaadah is to worship Allaah in a way which He is Pleased with and not according to our desires,

"and who is more astray then the one who follows his own whims and desires devoid of revelation" (Surah Al-Qasas 28:50)

In this regard the Prophet (SAW) said, "I warn you of the newly invented matters (in the religion),and every newly invented matter is an innovation, and every innovation is misguidance, and every misguidance is in the Hellfire" (an-Nasaa'ee)

And he (SAW) used to say at the beginning of his lectures, "and the best speech is the Speech of Allah, and the best guidance is the guidance of Muhammad (SAW), and the worst of all affairs are the newly invented matters (in the religion)" (Muslim)

And he (SAW) commanded us, "whosoever does an action which we have not commanded then it must be rejected." (Muslim)

And again, "whosoever introduces into this religion of ours that which is not part of it then it must be rejected" (Ahmad)

'And in this hadeeth is a clear evidence that every action which is not legislated in the sharee'ah must be rejected' [Jaami al-Ulum of ibn Rajab 1/120]

So every bid'ah that is introduced in the religion has to be rejected because only Allaah and His Messenger (SAW) have the right to legislate in the sharee'ah of Islaam.

Hence in the light of what has preceded we can now give the formal sharee'ah definition of bid'ah:
"a newly invented way (in beliefs and actions) in the religion, in imitation of the Sharee'ah, by which nearness to Allaah is sought, not being supported by any authentic proof, neither in it's foundations nor in the manner in which it is performed." [al-I'tisaam 1/231 of ash-Shaatibee]

And in what has preceded is ample evidence for any fair-minded Muslim that all bid'ah is blameworthy, and in fact a major sin. But unfortunately the Muslims are in such a state today that the words of Allaah and His Messenger (SAW) are no longer enough to convince them. And certain groups of people have come up with a new belief to assist them with the destruction of Islaam. The belief of 'bid'ah hasanah', i.e. a good bid'ah, meaning that a scholar can introduce a new action of worship in Islaam which can be considered to be good as long it does not contradict any of the principles of Islaam. A belief that has absolutely no foundation in Islaam at all. So we resort to the sayings of the Companions and the Imaams to illuminate the road ahead of these people.

The sayings of the Companions:

Abdullaah ibn Umar (RA) states, "every innovation is misguidance, even if the people regard it as good." (ad-Daarimee)

This narration is enough to demolish the concept of 'a good bid'ah', for you have amongst the most knowledgeable companions of Muhammad (SAW) saying the exact opposite. So who do you choose to follow, ibn Umar or these modern day Shaykhs and Mullahs who are Imaams of their own whims and desires.

Abdullaah ibn Abbaas (RA) said, "do not sit with the people of innovation, for verily their sittings are a sickness for the hearts" [ash-Sharee'ah pg 65 of al-Aajurree (d.360)]

Mu'aadh bin Jabal (RA) used to say, whenever he sat in a circle of knowledge, "and I warn you of what is innovated, for all that is innovated is misguidance" [ash-Sharee'ah pg.55, also Abu Dawood with similar wording]

Abdullaah ibn Mas'ud (RA) said, "follow the sunnah of Muhammad and do not innovate, for what you have been commanded is enough for you." [ad-Daarimee]

Hudhayfah bin al-Yaman said, "every act of worship that the Companions did not do, do not do it" [Abu Dawood]

Is this not enough? That the Companions tell us to follow the way of Muhammad (SAW) and not to make up new ways of worship? "whomsoever Allaah guides to the truth, none can misguide him, and whomsoever Allaah misguides, none can guide"! [Muslim]

The sayings of the Second and Third generation scholars:

Hasan al-Basree said, "do not sit with the people of innovation, do not debate with them or listen to them" [ad-Daarimee 1/121]

Abu Aaliyah said, "learn Islaam. Then when you have learned Islaam, do not turn away from it to the right or to the left. But be upon the Straight Path and be upon the Sunnah of your Prophet and that which his companions were upon And beware of these innovations because they cause enmity and hatred amongst you, but stick to the original state of affairs that was there before they divided." [al-Hilya of Abu Nu'aym 2/218]

Sufyaan ath-Thawree, "innovations are more beloved to Satan than sin. Since a sin mat be repented from but an innovation is not repented from" [Sharh Usul I'tiqaad of al-Laalikaa'ee (d.414) no.238]

This is because the innovator believes that he is doing something good and therefore sees no need to repent.

He also said, "so cling to the original state of affairs" [al-Hilya 6/376] meaning stick to the Way of Muhammad (SAW) and his Companions.

Imaam al-Awzaa'ee said, "patiently restrict yourselves to the sunnah, stop where the people stopped, say what they said, avoid what they avoided. Take to the path of the salaf, for indeed what was sufficient for them was sufficient for you." [ash-Sharee'ah pg. 58]

Ibraaheem al-Masayrah said, "he who honours an innovator has assisted in the demolition of Islaam" [Sharh Usul I'tiqaad 1/139]

The sayings of the Later Imaams:

Imaam Abu Haneefah said, "stick to the narrations and the way of the salaf, and beware of the newly invented matters for all of it is innovation" [Sawnul Muntaq of as-Suyutee pg.32]

Imaam Maalik said, "he who innovates an innovation in Islaam regarding it as something good, has claimed that Muhammad (SAW) has betrayed his trust to deliver the message as Allaah says, 'this day have I perfected for you your religion'. And whatsoever was not part of the religion then, is not part of the religion today." [al-I'tisaam]

He also said, "how evil are the People of Innovation, we do not give them salaam" [al-Ibaanah of ibn Battah (d.387) no.441]

Imaam Ahmad said, "the fundamental principles of the sunnah with us are:.avoiding innovations and every innovation is misguidance" [Usul as-Sunnah of Imaam Ahmad pg.1]

As for the narrations from Imaam ash-Shaafi'ee in which he categorises bid'ah into two, then it is weak as all of it's chains of narrations depend upon unknown narrators. [al-Bid'ah of Shaykh Saleem al-Hilaalee, al-Masaabeeh fee Salaatit Taraaweeh of as-Suyutee with Alee Hasans footnotes]. Not only this but in his risalah he rejects the concept of istihsaan because 'the person doing so has legislated in the sharee'ah' i.e. without permission from Allaah.

Imaam Bukhaaree said, "I have met more than a thousand scholars.(then he mentioned the names of the more prominent in each of the lands that he travelled in) and I found that they all agreed on the following points: they all used to prohibit bid'ah - that which the Prophet and his Companions were not upon, because of the saying of Allaah, 'and hold fast to the rope of Allaah and do not separate'" [Imaam Bukhaaree's article on belief as quoted in Sharh Usul I'tiqaad 1/170. From amongst the scholars he met were: Ahmad bin Hanbal, Abu Ubaid al-Qaasim, ibn Ma'een, ibn Aasim, ibn Abee Shaybah.]

What I have narrated here is just a small number of the many narrations that I have in front of me from various books, I have tried to quote as best to my ability only authentic narrations, and Allaah knows best. It is good to know that the early Imaams were prolific in writing and warning against bid'ah, and even today we have a number of books from them dealing just with this topic. Amongst them: al-Bid'ah of al-Qarnushi, al-Bid'ah of ibn Waddah, al-I'tisaam of ash-Shaatibee and many more.

So once this topic becomes clear, a truth that none can deny, then know that all these innovations in the religions are a clear denial of the above mentioned verses and ahaadeeth, for none were done by the Companions.

So I leave you with the hadeeth of the Prophet (SAW), "so he who follows my sunnah has been guided, and he who follows the innovations has been destroyed." (Ahmad)

And our Lord the Most High is the One that guides to attaining the truth.

Tarbiyah: The Key To Victory

The Ways in which Creation Operates

Jubayr ibn Nufayr said: Once, when Cyprus was conquered and its people were divided and they used to cry to each other, I saw Abud-Dardaa sitting alone crying. So I said: O Abud- Dardaa! What makes you cry on this day in which Allaah has strengthened Islaam and its people? So he said: "Woe be to you O Jubayr. How insignificant the creation is to Allaah when they abandon His commands. Between us is a nation, who were evidently strong and had dominion, they abandoned the commands of Allaah, so see what has become of them!"[2]

So this is a clear and indisputable evidence that cultivation and education upon the commands of Allaah - with the beneficial knowledge and righteous actions - is the basis for achieving the help of Allaah; whilst abandoning this is the cause for defeat. "Indeed, Allaah - the One free from all defects, the Most High - has established certain Sunan (ways and causes) upon His creation, whosoever fulfills them will achieve success and felicity, but whosoever turns away from them has indeed gone astray. Allaah the Most High - explains this Sunan with regards to those who disbelieve:

"Similar Sunan were faced by people before you, so travel through the earth and see what was the end of those who disbelieved."[3]

And He - the Most Perfect - says:

"Such was the Sunnah (way) of Allaah with those who lived before. Indeed, in the Sunnah of Allaah you will find no change."[5]

This established Sunan, or way in which Allaah's creation operates, is not only for one particular nation to the exclusion of others, nor for any one particular era to the exclusion of others. Rather, this matter was practically taught to even the first of the Muslims, the Sahaabah - may Allaah be pleased with them all - as in the battle of Uhud, when the Messenger of Allaah sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam commanded the archers to remain in their positions, yet they disobeyed his order; which resulted in their defeat:

Lessons from the Battle of Uhud

Al-Baraa' ibn 'Aazib radiallaahu 'anhu said: We encountered the pagans on that day [of Uhud] and the Prophet sallallaahu alayhi wa sallam positioned a group of archers and appointed 'Abdullaah ibn Jubair to be in command of them and said: "Do not leave this position, if you should see us conquer them, do not leave this position; and if you should see them conquer us, then do not come to our aid." However, when we met the enemy they fled on their heels, until I saw their women running towards the mountain, lifting their dresses from their legs, thus exposing their ankle-bracelets. Some people started saying: The booty, the booty! So 'Abdullaah ibn Jubair said: The Prophet sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam has taken a promise from me not to abandon this position. However, his companions refused to stay. So when they refused, Allaah confused them, such that they did not know where to go; due to which they then suffered seventy deaths...."[6]

Imaam Ibn al-Qayyim (d 751H) - rahimahullaah - said: "This calamity which struck them was caused by their own actions. So our Lord said:

"When a single disaster struck you, whereas you struck them with a disaster twice as great, do you then say: from where did this come? Say: It is from your own selves! Indeed, Allaah has power over everything."[7]

And He mentioned this itself; in that which is more general than this in the Makkan soorahs. He said:

"Whatever misfortune befalls you is because of what your own hands have done, yet for many He grants forgiveness."[8]

"Whatever of good comes to you, it is from Allaah; and whatever misfortunes befall you, it is from your ownselves."[9]

So the good and the bad here are blessings and misfortunes. So the blessings of Allaah are something which He has favoured you with, whilst the misfortunes have sprung from your own selves and your actions. So the first is from His grace and the second is from His justice. And the servant is always between His grace and His justice; His grace is upon him, His judgement in him and whatever He decrees is just. And Allaah concluded the first Aayah with His saying: "Indeed Allaah has power over all things." After His saying: "Say: It is from your own selves!" Thus indicating to them about the generality of His Power along with His Justice - and He is the Most Just, the All-Powerful."[l0]

Disobedience Results in Defeat

And the story of this battle of Uhud must give us the du'aat (callers), an important lesson by which we benefit in our lives, which is that: "When the Muslims suffer defeat in jihaad or in da'wah, then they should blame themselves and straighten their course; and they should weigh their actions with the true scales. Since Allaah - the Mighty and Majestic - has informed the Muslims that the reason for their defeat in the battle of Uhud was themselves, and this was the same reason on the day of Hunayn. And it is from the Sunan of Allaah that He does not remove a blessing from a people which has been given to them, unless they change what He has given them of eemaan (faith), guidance and good. Allaah says:

"That is because Allaah will never change the favour which He bestows upon a people, until they change themselves."[11]

And this verse shows us the history of our Islaamic Ummah in the best way. So our Salafus-Saalih (Pious Predecessors) clung to the blessings of Allaah upon them, and the most important of these blessings is the correct 'aqeedah (beliefs) and noble manners; and they kept away from disunity and splitting. They took hold of those prescribed reasons which made them the best of nations ever raised for mankind, and thereby deserved through this, the victory of Allaah, establishment upon the earth and the various tribes and nations being made subservient to them.

After them came a people who changed that which the Messenger of Allaah sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam and his Companions were upon, in 'aqeedah and methodology, with their own customs, ways and manners. They split into groups and parties and raised up the banner of jaahiliyyah (pre-Islaamic ignorance), so Allaah made them despicable, causing the lowly nations to dominate over them. So the best of them were attacked and the minds of the children were brainwashed, and they became scum, like the scum upon the waves.

So if the Muslims desire good, unity and establishment upon the earth, then they should make their manners and behaviour like that of the Salaf of this Ummah and begin by changing themselves. However, he who is unable to change even himself, will not be able to change his family, not to mention changing the Ummah.

And then this aayah comes between two aayaat, which informs us about the people of Fir'awn - and those nations and tribes which preceded them - who disbelieved in Allaah and His Signs. There was much oppression and sin committed amongst them, so Allaah destroyed them. So take heed - O people of understanding and hearts - and beware of the punishment and the power of Allaah! And know that change begins with the soul and is not achieved through having many helpers, nor strength of information, nor the clamour of those who clap and shout, nor by the arenas and streets being filled with huge crowds.

Indeed, the leaders of our Ummah - those through whom Allaah gave honour and might to His Deen - when the conquest of a city was delayed for them, then they gathered the army and asked them two questions, for which there was no third: [i] What are the Sunnahs that you have fallen short in complying with? [ii] What are the sins you have committed?![12]

Therefore, they used to take account of themselves, and they used to fear the spread of sins amongst themselves. The leader used to be a good example for his army, with regards obedience to Allaah and fear of Him. However, as regards us today, then we read the previous aayah and we read other aayaat which are like it, such as the saying of Allaah - the Most High:

"Never does Allaah change the condition of a people, until they change themselves. But when Allaah wills punishment for a people, then there can be no turning it back, nor will they find besides Him any helper."[l3]

However, along with this, these sublime aayaat do not deeply enter into our hearts. We accuse the east and the west, but we do not accuse ourselves and we take a very precise account of other people - such that it contains no pity, nor mercy - but we do not take account of our ownselves."[14]

From Where Will the Help Come?

Due to all this, Allaah attached His help and assistance for His servants, to the servants aiding Him, and this does not come about except with true tarbiyah (cultivation and education) and sincerely clinging to the truth. So He - the Most Perfect - says:

"Indeed Allaah will help those who help His (cause). Indeed Allaah is Exalted in Might, all-Powerful."[15]

'Urwah ibn az-Zubayr (d.94H) - rahimahullaah - said: When the people were equipped and ready to proceed to Mu'tah, he said to the Muslims: "May Allaah accompany you and defend you. " .... Then they went on until they reached the land of Shaam (Syria, Jordan and Palestine), where they were informed that Heraclius had arrived at al-Balqaa with one- hundred thousand Romans, and added to them - from the Arab tribes of al-Hazm, Jadhaam, Balqeen and Bahraa - another one-hundred thousand men. So the Muslims waited for two nights, considering what to do. So they said: We will write to the Messenger of Allaah sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam and inform him about the number of the enemy. He said: But 'Abdullaah ibn Rawaahah encouraged the people to bravery and said: "By Allaah, O people! That which you hate is what you had come out for. You seek martyrdom. We do not fight the enemy merely with what we have prepared, nor with strength, nor with large numbers. We do not fight them except with this Deen that Allaah has blessed us with. So go forth, because it is only one of two good things: either victory, or martyrdom. He said: So the people said: By Allaah! Ibn Rawaahah has spoken the truth. So the people continued." [16]

The Mufassir and Imaam, ash-Shanqeetee (d.1393H) said:
"Allaah - the Mighty and Majestic - explains in the above noble aayah that He has sworn to help and give victory to those who help Him. It is known that the help and victory of Allaah comes by following what He has prescribed, obeying His command, avoiding His prohibitions, by helping His Messengers and their followers, aiding His Deen and fighting against His enemies and overpowering them - until the word of Allaah is made uppermost, whilst the word of His enemies is debased and made low. Then Allaah - the Most High, the Most Magnificent - explains the characteristics of those whom He has promised would receive His help and victory, distinguishing them from others. So He said, whilst explaining those to whom He swore He would aid and give victory to - because He is the one to aid and give victory:

"Those who, if We establish them in the earth, establish the prayer, give the zakaah, enjoin the good and forbid the evil."[l7]

And that which this noble aayah indicates is that whosoever aids Allaah, then Allaah will aid Him. This is clearly explained in other than this place, such as His - the Most High's - sayings:

"O you who Believe. If you help Allaah, Allaah will help you; and establish your feet firmly. But those who disbelieve, for them is destruction and Allaah will make their deeds vain."[l8]
"Indeed, Our Word has gone forth of old for our slaves, the Messengers, that they will certainly be victorious; and that Our forces will certainly be triumphant."[19]
"Allaah has Decreed: It is My Messenger and I who will prevail."[20]
"Allaah has promised to those amongst you who believe and do righteous actions that He will grant you the Khilaafah in the land."[21]

And in His - the Most High's - saying:

"Those who, if We establish them in the earth, establish the Prayer, give the Zakaah, enjoin the good and forbid the evil."[22]

In it is a proof that there is no promise from Allaah of His help, except by establishing the Salaah, paying the Zakaah, enjoining what is good and forbidding what is evil. So it is these whom Allaah will establish upon the earth and will strengthen His Word through them. However, those who do not establish the Salaah, nor pay the Zakaah, nor enjoin the good or forbid the evil, then there is no promise for them from Allaah that He will aid and grant them victory. They are not from His party, nor are they his friends - those who have the promise of His help and victory. Rather, they are the party of Shaytaan and his friends. So if they were to expect the help of Allaah and the fulfillment of His promise upon them, then their example is like that of a hired worker who refuses to do the job that he was hired for, yet he expects to be rewarded. So whosoever is like this, then he has no intellect![23]

The Fruits of Disagreement

There is here, an important point that must be mentioned, which is that disagreement, opposing views and mutual disregard is one of the greatest causes of defeat. This - in reality - is due to a deficiency in tarbiyah (education and cultivation) and therefore it is one of those matters which prevents victory.

Imaam ash-Sha'bee (d.104H) said:
"No nation differed after its Prophet, except that the people of falsehood from it, gained ascendancy over its people of truth."[24]

And this - as has preceded - is precisely what happened to the Sahaabah (Companions), those who were educated and cultivated under the shade of Revelation, with their Prophet sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam. So what is the case of those who come after them?!

Indeed: "Allaah - the Mighty and Majestic - explained that one of the greatest causes for the loss suffered by the Muslims at the battle of Uhud was the differing and ikhtilaaf (disagreement) of the archers, and that some of them disobeyed the order of the Messenger of Allaah sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam. About this Allaah - the Most High - said:

"Indeed, Allaah did fulfill His Promise to you when you were killing them by His Permission; until you lost your courage and began disputing about the command, and disobeyed, after He showed you that which you love. Amongst you are some that desire this world and some that desire the Hereafter. Then He made you flee from them, that He may test you. But He forgave you, and Allaah is Most Gracious to the Believers."[25]

So in all the battles of the Messenger of Allaah sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam, the Muslims were a single rank and a single jamaaah ' (united body), taking orders from a single leader. Allaah - the Most High - said:

"O you who Believe! When you meet an enemy, be firm against them and remember Allaah a lot so that you may be successful. And obey Allaah and His Messenger, and do not dispute less you lose courage and your strength departs. And have sabr (patient perseverance), indeed Allaah is with the patient ones."[26]

So obedience to Allaah and His Messenger means being free from defect and blemish in both 'aqeedah (beliefs) and manhaj (methodology), just as it means agreement in direction and where instructions are taken from. However, defeat is the result of disunity and disagreement between the hearts, and in having many leaders and many jamaa'ahs (groups and parties).

There has - in this present age - been no battle in which we have participated, except that in it we were differing and disputing parties, having differing leaderships and having mutual hatred. So how is it possible to achieve victory and establishment?! Indeed, everyone talks about bringing about unity, and writes about it and looks forward to it. However, the results are sorrowful and destroy and frustrate the hopes. After every attempt it becomes clear that every group strove to cause difficulties for the others; and to plot against them; and to make conditions upon them which conflict with the goals of unity and harmony. So the attempt that will be effective and successful must have as its goal, corrections for the ailments of the hearts and souls..... So when the souls are changed and the hearts are filled with taqwaa (piety, fear and obedience to Allaah), then everything in our lives will be changed."[27]

Lessons from the Battle of Hunayn

Thus the cause for the defeat has been very clearly manifested, and it is a deficiency in the tarbiyah (education and cultivation). Another clear manifestation of this also, is what happened in the battle of Hunayn, about which Allaah - the Most High - said:

"And on the day of Hunayn, when you rejoiced at your great number, but it availed you nothing; and the earth vast as it is - was straightened for you, then you turned back in flight."[28]

Imaam Ibn al-Qayyim said:
"So from the wisdom of Allaah, He first gave them a taste of the bitterness of defeat and of being overcome - despite their large number, preparation and strength - in order that heads which had been raised up due to the conquest of Makkah, should be lowered. For they did not enter His land and His Sacred Precinct (i.e. Makkah) in the way the Messenger of Allaah sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam entered it; lowering his head with humility, upon his horse - to the extent that his chin nearly touched the saddle - out of humility before His Lord, humbling himself before His Greatness and submitting to His Might. This was due to the fact that Allaah had made lawful His Sacred Precinct and His Land for him, and He had not made it lawful to anyone before him or after him. All of this occurred so that he should make clear to those who said: "We will not be defeated today because of our numbers!!" Explaining to them that the victory comes only from Him and that whomsoever He aids, then none can overcome him; and whomsoever He forsakes, then there is none to grant victory to him, besides Allaah. And that He - the Most Perfect - took it upon Himself to aid and grant victory to His Messenger and His Deen - not due to their large numbers which they (falsely) delighted in, since that was of no avail to them. Rather, they fled, turning their backs. So when their hearts had become downcast, Allaah sent them the removal of their distress and a prior taste of victory, by sending down His tranquillity upon His Messenger and upon the Believers and by sending down the unseen forces (i.e. the Angels). So from His wisdom - the Most Perfect - was that he only granted victory and its gifts to them when their hearts had become downcast and saddened:

"And We desired to favour those who were weak in the land and to make them leaders and make them the inheritors, and to establish them in the land. And We let Fir'awn and Haamaan and their hosts receive from them that which they feared."[29]"[30]

Impatience: An Obstacle against Tarbiyah

From that which negates tarbiyah and prevents its completion is: being hasty and having lack of sabr (patient perseverance). This produces a negative result, the least of which is a delay in the victory. Our Lord - the Most Perfect - said:

"And what made you hasten from your people, O Moosaa? He replied: They are close on my footsteps, and I hasten to you - O my Lord - that you might be pleased. " [31]

A clear goal and a clear intention: I have hastened to you - O my Lord - to please you. So Allaah said:

"Indeed We have put your people to fitnah (trial and tribulation) in your absence. And indeed as-Saamiree has led them astray."[32]

So this is Moosaa 'alayhis-salaam, and he was one of the Oolul-'Azm (foremost in resolve) from the Messengers, yet he sought to hasten the affair. So when he sought to hasten the affair, fitnah (trial and discord) occurred amongst his people which was that they began worshipping others besides Allaah - the Mighty and Majestic. Allaah - the Most High - said:

"So patiently persevere, and let not those who have no yaqeen (certainty of faith) discourage you from conveying Allaah's Message."[33]

Imaam al-Baghawee (d.555H) - rahimahullaah - said:
"Meaning: do not let those who have no certain faith lead you into ignorance and into following them upon misguidance."[34]

Ibn al-Qayyim - rahimahullaah - said:
"Whosoever considers the trials and discords that have come upon Islaam - the small and the great of them - will realise that they were due to abandoning this principle of not being hasty, and of having sabr upon that which is harmful, and seeking to remove the harm in a hasty manner. This in turn produces that which is greater and worse than the initial harm."[35]

So this is a word from a Scholar who has carefully and thoroughly examined the Book and the Sunnah, and has likewise carefully examined the condition of the Muslims, and therefore said what he said - may Allaah have mercy upon him.

Tarbiyah and Sabr: the Key to Victory

The teacher, Muhammad Qutb - may Allaah guide him - said in his book: Waaqi'unal-Ma'aasir, and he was speaking about the Islaamic Movements of Egypt, internally and externally, he said: "So with regards to within the country, then there occurred from them hastiness in showing the strength of the jamaa'ah ' (i.e. the Muslims) - whether in making themselves manifest, or in demonstrations, protest marches, entering into political affairs of the time - such as fighting the communists; and supporting the affairs of the country in the security council, and other than that. It is as if the jamaa'ah - each and every time - wanted to say: we are here, and we are able to do such and such.... Leaving aside the matters of the day, then was this something which was permissible for the Muslim jamaa'ah to enter into? Or was its obligation to call to the correction of the fundamental manhaj (methodology) of living, to the establishment of the firm pillars and to the perfection of the desired tarbiyah. However, seeking to hasten the movement before its time, then produced an effect upon the overall direction."[36]

I say: What will very clearly demonstrate the matter of hastiness and its many negative effects is the saying of Allaah - the Most Perfect, Most High - when He said:

"Have you not seen those who were told to hold back their hand from fighting, and offer Salaah (Prayer) and give the Zakaah. But when fighting was prescribed for them, behold! a section of them fear men as they fear Allaah, or even more. They say: Our Lord! Why have you prescribed fighting for us. Would that you had granted us respite for a short period."[37]

"So those who were resolved upon Jihaad and loved it, when they were tested with it, they were averse to it and fled from it."[38] And they were from the Companions of the Prophet sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam - those who received tarbiyah (cultivation and education) beneath the shade of Revelation and who were guided by the Sharee'ah. So how about those after them - the greatest of whom cannot even reach a handful, or even half a handful, of their calibre?!

So finally: due to all that has preceded, it has been said by the Callers to Islaam and the people of culture, and the people of Movements after previously denying it: "Indeed I certainly believe in the strength of Knowledge, and I believe in the strength of culture and learning, but I have a greater belief in the strength of tarbiyah."[39]

And only Allaah guides to the Path that is straight.

References

1. From At-Tasfiyah wat-Tarbiyah wa Atharahumaa fee Isti'naafil-Hayaatil-lslaamiyyah (pp.125- 137).
2. Related by Imaam Ahmad in az-Zuhd (2/63) and Abu Nu'aym in Hilyatul-Awliyaa (l/216-217).
3. Soorah Aal-'lmraan 3: 137
4. Soorah al-Ahzaab 33:62
5. Qul Huwa Min 'Indee Anfusakum (p.58) of Muhammad Suroor.
6. Related by al-Bukhaaree (no.4043).
7. Soorah Aal-lmraan 3:165
8. Sooratush-Shooraa 42:30
9. Sooratun-Nisaa 4:79
10. Zaadul-Ma'aad ( 3/238).
11. Sooratul-Anfaal 8:53
12. Such as the advice given by Umar ibn al-Khattaab to Sa'd ibn Abee Waqqaas and his army - radiallaahu 'anhumaa - as occurs in 'Iqdul-Fareed (1/40).
13. Sooratur-Ra'dd 13:11
14. Qul Huwa Min 'Indee Anfusakum (pp.59-62).
15. Soorah Hajj 22:40
16. Related by Abu Nu'aym in Hilyatul-Awliyaa (1/119).
17. Soorah al-Hajj 22:41
18. Soorah Muhammad 47:7
19. Sooratus-Saaffaat 37:171-173
20. Soorah al-Mujaadalah 58:21
21. Sooratun Noor 24:55
22. Soorah al-Hajj 22:41
23. Adwaa'ul-Bayaan (5/703-704) of 'Allaamah ash- Shanqeetee.
24. Related by Abu Nu’aym in al-Hilyah (4/313) and adh- Dhahabee in Siyar A'laamun - Nubalaa (4/311).
25. Soorah Aal-'lmraan 3:152
26. Sooratul Anfaal 8:45-46
27. Qul Huwa Min 'Indee Anfusakum (pp. 93-94)
28. Qul Huwa Min 'Indee Anfusakum (pp. 93-94)
29. Soorah al Qasas 28:5-6
30. Zaadul-Ma'aad (3/477-478) of Ibn al-Qayyim.
31. Soorah TaaHaa 20:83-84
32. Soorah TaaHaa 20:85
33. Soorah ar-Room 30:60
34. Ma 'aalimut-Tanzeel (6/279) of al-Baghawee.
35. A'laamul-Muwaqqi'een (3/4) of lbn al-Qayyim.
36. Quoted in Mawqiful-Mu'min minal-Fitnah (pp. 28-29) by Shaykh 'Abdullaah al-'Ubaylaan - may Allaah protect him.
37. Soorah an-Nisaa 4:77
38. Majmoo'ul-Fataawaa (10/690) of Shaykhul-lslaam lbn Taymiyyah.
39. The saying of Sayyid Qutb - as quoted in Majallatur- Risaalah (no.595/1952C.E.)

The State of the Ummah

A Fundamental Principle

We should know that the Messenger of Allah (saw) was sent by Allah to the whole of mankind, to explain and to make clear to them all that which is good and brings one closer to Allah; and also to explain to them all that is evil and would distance a person from Allah. The reason for this being, that life - with all its variety, colours and manifestations - is built upon two important matters: -

Firstly: Knowing the good - in order to follow it.
Secondly: Knowing the evil - in order to keep away from it.

So, for example, in the matter of Tawheed of Allah (to single out Allah alone for worship) - the crux of Islam - it is built eemaan (faith) in Allah and the rejection of shirk [2], kufr [3] and taaghoot [4]. Eemaan in Allah is good, whilst belief in at-taaghoot is evil. Thus, it is a must to recognise that which is good in order to follow it, whilst knowing also that which is evil so as to keep away from it. Likewise, in the matter of da'wah (calling) to Allah, which is built upon commanding the good (ma'roof) and forbidding the evil (munkar). To command the ma'roof is good and is to be followed, whilst munkar is evil and is to be shunned. Likewise, in ittibaa' (following of) the prophet (saw), which is built upon following his sunnah and turning away from bida' (religious innovations). Sunnah is good and is to be followed, whilst bida' is evil and is to be shunned.

Events to Befall this Ummah

The prophet (saw) informed us of events which will befall this Ummah (i.e. Muslim peoples), some of these narrations speak of good for this Ummah - indicating also that the future, power and honour is for the Muslims; and that they will be established in the land. Other narrations warn us against those evil matters, that which would distance us from Allah - the Most High - and make us weak in front of the nations. We will discuss some of these narrations which mention the two types of weaknesses.

First Type of Weakness Explained

The first of these narrations is that of Thawbaan (ra) the freed slave of the prophet (saw). He related that the messenger of Allah said:

"The nations are about to call each other and set upon you, just as diners set upon food."

It was said: "Will it be because of our small number that day?"

He said: "Rather, on that day you will be many, but you will be like foam, like the foam on the river. And Allah will remove the fear of you from the hearts of your enemies and will throw wahn (weakness) into your hearts."

Someone said: "O Messenger of Allah! What is Wahn?"

He said: "Love of the world and the hatred for death."[5]

This hadeeth explains the first form of weakness, which has befallen the Ummah in all corners of the world, as being a result of inclination to this world, love of it, and being preoccupied with it, whilst turning away from the Hereafter, being distant from it and hatred of death. Hatred of death is a sign of loving this world, since the one who loves this world, hates death. Since, with death, comes the meeting with Allah - the Most Perfect.

Some Benefits of this Hadeeth

From the hadeeth we can conclude the following: -

[i] That the disbelievers attentively observe the Muslim Ummah and study their condition, when they see a weakness they strike at it and if they see a barrier, they destroy it. When they see that the Ummah cannot defend itself, they do not show mercy, since they are the enemies of Allah. So they hate the Muslims because they (the Muslims) call to the worship and obedience of Allah.

[ii] The Muslim lands possess many riches, being sources of goods and blessings. This is why the enemies of Allah desire these lands and try to conquer them.

[iii] The Ummah has reached a level where it cannot defend its honour, riches nor wealth from its conquering enemies.

[iv] The disbelievers have divided the conquered lands of the Muslims between themselves, just like diners when gathered around their dish - what do they do? Each of them take their portion until he is full; and he will not be content with that which is in his plate, except with that which fills. The prophet (saw), warned us about this fact - the cutting up of the Muslim lands, for he said: "You will form different armies, an army in Greater Syria (Shaam), an army in 'Iraaq and an army in Yeman."
I asked: "Which one shall I be with O Messenger of Allah?"
He said: "I advise you with the (army) of Shaam and whoever refuses then let him join the Yemen and beware. For indeed Allah - the Mighty and Majestic-has guaranteed Shaam and its people for me."[6]

[v] That the disbelievers do not fear the Muslims. At the time of the prophet (saw) when the disbelievers heard that the prophet was preparing to engage them in battle, they would become fearful and turn on their heels. This is what happened at the battle of Tabook. At this battle, the prophet (saw) travelled a months journey to fight the Romans, when they heard of the Messenger of Allah's (saw) approach they fled. So the prophet (saw) said:

"I have been given five (things) which no one else before me has been given. I have been aided with fear - a distance of one month's travelling......." [7]

Allah the - the Most High - states: "Soon We shall cast terror into the hearts of the disbelievers, for that, they made Shirk, for which He had sent no authority." [8]

Indeed, fear is a weapon, which Allah implants in the hearts of His enemies. This is why the strength of the Muslims, is not in their great numbers - weapons or wealth - but it is in their aqeedah (belief) and their adhering to it. For today there are plenty of Muslims, but they are like foam, like the foam carried by the waves. And their riches are many but cannot be for them. Rather, it has become the possession of their enemies. For example: The Muslims today approximate over one billion and they grow in number everyday. However, at the same time they are the weakest of nations in every country they are in, being persecuted - why?

Because they have become like foam, like the foam on the waves. Also, the lands of the Muslims possess many riches and minerals, but where does it all end up? With the disbelievers in Europe or America, or it goes to the jews of palestine. The Muslim oil constitutes approximately one third of the world's reserves, but the Muslims are the poorest of people - why?

Because they do not possess anything from their deen (religion), except a name. So they call to it, but all their riches now belong to their enemies.

Second Type of Weakness

The second form of weakness which illustrates the condition of the Muslims today is their being far from the sunnah (example) of the messenger of Allah (saw), and being far away from the correct manhaj (methodology), in a state of innovation.

The prophet (saw) has informed us of this in the hadeeth of Hudayfah (ra) in which he said: "The people used to ask the Messenger of Allah (saw) about the good, and I used to ask him about the evil out of fear that it would reach me.
So I asked the Messenger of Allah: "O Messenger of Allah, we were living in ignorance and evil, then Allah brought this good to us. So will there be any evil after this good?"
He replied: "Yes."
I then asked: "Will there be any good after this evil?"
He replied: "Yes, but it will be tainted."
So I asked: "What will be its taint?"
He replied: "A people who guide others to other than my way, you will approve of some of their actions and disapprove of others."
I further enquired: "Then is there any evil after this good?"
He said: "Yes! Callers at the gates of Hell - whoever responds to their call, they will be thrown into the fire."
I then said: " O Messenger of Allah! Describe them to us."
He said: "They will be from our people and speak our language."
I asked: "So what do you order me to do if that reaches me?"
He said: "Stick to the Jamaa'ah (the united body) of the Muslims and their Imam (ruler)."
I further asked: "What if they have neither jamaa'ah or an Imam?"
He said: "Then keep away from all those sects, even if you have to bite upon the roots of a tree, until death reaches you whilst you are in that state." [9]

A Brief Explanation

(you will approve of some of their actions and disapprove of others.)
Meaning: You will accept the Sunnah from them and reject the bid'ah from them.

(Yes! Callers at the gates of Hell.)
Meaning: Callers inviting to the various deviated schools of thought which will lead their followers to the hellfire.

(whoever responds to their call, they will be thrown into the fire.)
Meaning: Whoever obeys the callers of innovation and misguidance then his end will be the fire, because the Prophet (saw) has said: "Every innovation is misguidance and every misguidance is in the fire." [10]

So the innovation is in the fire along with its companion. Whoever obeys the callers of innovation will be led to the Fire and whosoever obeys the callers of Sunnah will be led to Paradise.

(Stick to the jamaa'ah of the Muslims and their Imam)
Meaning: Stick to the Islamic Empire if they have one. So you migrate to it, live amongst the Muslims, and do not remain in the lands of the disbelievers. And you give the bay'ah (oath of allegiance) to the leader of the Muslims - if they have one.

(I asked: What if they neither have a jamaa'ah or an Imam?)
Meaning: Like today

(Then keep away from all those sects.)
Meaning: Keep away from the callers of misguidance and (religious) innovation, neither being of them, nor aiding or supporting them.

(Even if you have to bite upon the roots of a tree.)
Meaning: Adhere to the Sunnah and cling to its foundations. The meaning of this is not remain in your house and abandon the calling to Allah, nor abandon ordering the good and the prohibiting of evil, since the Prophet (saw) said "Hold fast to my Sunnah and to the Sunnah of my rightly guided caliphs - cling (lit. bite) to it tightly." [11]

And here, in this hadeeth, he has ordered them to cling (lit. bite) to the roots of a tree. So the (roots of a tree) here means the Sunnah.

(Until death reaches you whilst you are in that state.)
Meaning: To die in a state of Islam, as in the saying of Allah:

"And do not die except as a Muslim." [12]

Striking A Balance

The Prophet (saw) has explained in many other ahadeeth that clinging to this world, loving it - whilst neglecting the Hereafter and giving a greater share to worldly matters at the expense of the Hereafter - is also from the causes of weakness amongst the Muslims. These narrations do not mean that a Muslim should ignore this world and not work for it, and become dependant upon others. Rather, he should work, in order to attain his sustenance and support himself so that he is not in need of others.

Indeed the words "aakhirah" (Hereafter) and "dunyaa" (this worldly life) appear in the Qu'ran an equal number of times. This is an indication that a Muslim should maintain a balance between this world and the Hereafter, so he performs righteous deeds and seeks the pleasure of Allah; and he works in this world within the limits of the Shariah (Islamic Law) to obtain a lawful sustenance, in order to provide for himself and have no need to beg. However, if the balance is not kept, corruption appears. For example, if the Ummah inclines more to worldly matters - forgetting the Hereafter and the meeting with Allah - it is overcome with weakness and humiliation. If, however, the tendency is in the opposite direction, the Ummah forgets this world and then becomes in need of people - extending its hands towards them submissively. But the Muslim should be distinguished, strong and honourable - as Allah says in the Qu'ran:

"And to Allah belongs all honour and to His Prophet and to the believers." [13]

So the Muslim is obligated to maintain this balance. Therefore, one should be sincere in ones actions, intending with them the face of Allah and His good pleasure. However, rivalry for this world and love for it weakens the Muslims and debases them.

Rivalry for this World

'Amr ibn Auf al-Ansaaree (ra) related that the prophet (saw) sent Abu 'Ubaydah ibn al-Jarrah (the trust worthy one of this Ummah) to Bahrain to bring back its Jizyah. The Prophet had made a treaty with the people of Bahrain and had appointed over them al-'Alaa ibn Hadramee. Abu 'Ubaydah returned with the money. The Ansaar came to hear of his arrival and went to pray al-Fajr with the prophet (saw). When the Prophet had finished the prayer he got up and left, so the Ansaar approached him. He smiled and remarked: "I think you have all heard that Abu 'Ubaydah has returned with something."
They replied: "Indeed O messenger of Allah."
He said: "Then be happy and hope for that which pleases you, for by Allah I do not fear poverty for you, but I fear that this world will be opened up for you, just as it was for those before you. So you will compete with one another for it, as they competed for it; and it will destroy you as it destroyed them." [14]

Another hadeeth which shows love of this world is a reason for ruin, is the hadeeth of 'Abdullah ibn 'Umar in which he said: The Messenger of Allah (saw) said: "O Muhajirron!! You may be afflicted with five things. Allah forbid that you should live to see them.

(i) If fornication and adultery should become widespread, then you should know that this has never happened without new diseases befalling the people which their forefathers never suffered.

(ii) If people should begin to cheat in weighing out goods, you should realise that this has never happened without a drought and famine befalling the people and their rulers oppressing them.

(iii) If people should withhold Zakah, you should realise that this has never happened without the rain being stopped from falling; and were it not for the sake of the animals, it would never rain again.

(iv) If people should break their covenant with Allah and His Messenger, you should realise that this has never happened without Allah sending an enemy against them to take some of their possessions by force.

(v) If the leaders do not rule according to the book of Allah, you should realise that this has never happened without Allah making them into groups and making them fight one another." [15]

A Brief Explanation

(If fornication and adultery should become widespread, then you should know that this has never happened without new diseases befalling the people which their forefathers never suffered.)
Meaning: If faahishah (evil actions and sexual iniquity) appears in the Ummah and fornication and adultery increases, then it will be accompanied by many strange diseases not known or experienced by those before, like AIDS and Syphilis. Diseases, which now cause so much fear in Western societies, like America and Europe. Since this faahishah has become widespread in these communities to a well-known degree, rather it is considered a sign of their progression. How can this be a sign of advancement? When the animals in the jungle are ashamed to commit what they do and the bare people in Africa and its forests feel too embarrassed. If nakedness was an evidence of progression, then the naked people of the African jungle would be the most advanced!!

(If people should begin to cheat in weighing out goods.....)
Meaning: Giving short measure is now a common thing, and is something unlawful. Allah destroyed a nation - the people of Shu'aib (as) - because of this, as they did not show mercy to themselves or to others, so how can Allah show mercy to them. The prophet (saw) said: "Show mercy to one who is upon the earth, and the One above the Sky will show mercy to you." [16]

(If people should withhold Zakah, you should realise that this has never happened without the rain being stopped from falling; and were it not for the sake of the animals, it would never rain again)
Meaning: if it rains, then it is not because of them or the fact they deserve it, but it is because of the animals - as a mercy for them.

(If people should break their covenant with Allah and His Messenger, you should realise that this has never happened without Allah sending an enemy against them to take some of their possessions by force)
For example: When the Muslims neglected the obedience to Allah, He gave the Jews the power and they took palestine, and when were negligent about that which they were reminded of, Allah established the Christians over them and they took spain; and when they were negligent yet again, Allah put the Christians in control in Bosnia.

(If the leaders do not rule according to the book of Allah....)
Meaning: when they no longer implement the Laws of Allah, the Muslims will then fight and kill each other like what occurs in border disputes and so on.

The Initial Strangeness

Amongst those ahadeeth which also highlight the second form of weakness - that is, deviating from the guidance of the prophet (saw) - is the hadeeth: "Islam started as a stranger and it will return to being a stranger in the same way it started, so Tooba (a tree in paradise) is for the Strangers." [17]

Initially, Islam was strange and weak in Makkah, the disbelievers did not know of it. Then people began to believe in Islam and entered it in great numbers. It then spread, grew stronger and was no longer strange. Now, after its strength and spread, it has returned once again as a stranger as it first started. How can this be, when the Muslims are great in number and their lands are plenty? Because the Muslims no longer understand the Deen, they are far from Islam - implementing other than the sunnah of the prophet (saw), committing innovations in worship, whilst they think they are following Islam. So the correct Islam, the correct Sunnah, becomes far away from their lives - like a stranger amongst the people, they have no knowledge of it.

In Conclusion

How do we understand these ahadeeth which point out these weaknesses? Do we merely accept them and remain weak, dependant upon the West and remain far from our deen (religion)? The prophet did not intend this for us, for he explained to us these things in order for us to flee from them - like a parent who says to his child:
'Do not go up this road, as there is a wild animal awaiting to eat you if you do! '
So this is a warning from the parent to the child not to take that path. So:-

Firstly: When the Prophet (saw) informed us of these events - which are not from him but from Allah, as he does not speak of his own desire but it is a revelation inspired to him - it is understood to be a prohibition of taking the path that leads to that.

Secondly: We have to work to repel these weaknesses; to fight them, reject them and not to be pleased with them - since it is an evil which has to be rejected.

Thirdly: We have to acquire knowledge of the Qu'ran and the Sunnah upon the understanding of the Salafus-Saalih (Pious predecessors - the first three generations of Muslims) in order to comprehend our state of affairs. However, if we rely on newspapers, magazines and the radio then these media sources belong to the disbelievers, the West. Will they be truthful in their narrations and in their solutions? Do they really want good for the Muslims? Indeed, they do not spread except that which weakens the Muslims and makes them falsely believe in the West. Thus, we must become people who have understanding of the book and the sunnah to know exactly what our enemies want from us, and Allah has indeed informed us:

"Never will the Jews and the Christians be satisfied with you, until you follow their way" [18]

Notes

1. A talk delivered at the Qu'ran and Sunnah Society Conference in America 1993.
2. Shirk: " Associating partners with Allah in those matters which are particular to Allah."
3. Kufr: Disbelief, denial and rejection
4. Taaghoot: All that is worshipped other than, or along with, Allah.
5. Saheeh: Related by Abu Dawood (no.4297), Ibn'Asaakirin in Taareekh Dimashq (2/97/8) and others. It was authenticated by al-Albaanee in as-Saheehah (no.958)
6. Saheeh:Related by Ahmad (5/33), Abu Daawood (1/388) al-Haakim (4/510) - from 'Abdullah ibn Hawaalah (ra). Shaykh al-Albaanee authenticated it in Takhreej Ahaadeeth Fadaa'il ush-Shaam (no.2)
7. Related by al-Bukhaaree (1/436) and Muslim (5/3-4) from Jaabir ibn 'Abdullah (ra)
8. Surah Aal-'Imraan 3:151
9. Related by al-Bukhaaree (no.7084) and Muslim (no.1847)
10. Related by al-Bukhaaree (no.7084) and Muslim (no.1847)
11. Saheeh: Related by Abu Dawood (no.4606) and others. It was authenticated by al-Haafidh Ibn-Hajar in Takhreej Ahadeeth Mukhtasar Ibnul-Haajib
12. Surah Aal-'Imraan 3:101
13. Gotta look it up
14. Related by al-Bukhaaree and Muslim
15. Hasan: Related by Ibn Maajah (no.4019) and Abu Nu'aym in Hilyatul-Awliyaa (8/333-334), from 'Abdullah Ibn 'Umar (ra). It was authenticated by Shaykh al-Albani in as-Saheehah
16. Saheeh: Related by Abu Dawood (no.4941), at-Tirmidhee (1/350) and others, from 'Abdullah ibn 'Amr (ra). Al Haafidh al-'Iraaqee authenticated it in al-'Ishaariyaat (1/59)
17. Related by Muslim (2/175-176) and Ibn Maajah (2/320), from Abu Hurayrah (ra)
18. Soorah al-Baqarah 2:120

Alhamdu-lillaah hi rabbil Aalaameen. (All Praises be to Allaah, Lord of the Worlds)

A Return to Excellence

Indeed all praise is for Allaah. We praise Him, seek His help and we seek His forgiveness and we seek refuge in Allaah from the evils of our souls and our evil actions. Whosoever Allaah guides then none can misguide and whosoever Allaah misguides then none can guide aright. I bear witness that none has the right to be worshipped except Allaah alone, having no partners and I bear witness that Muhammad sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam is His servant and Messenger. To proceed:

Knowing the Straight Path

‘Abdullaah ibn Mas’ood radiallaahu 'anhu said: The Prophet sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam drew a line for us and said: "This is Allaah’s Straight Path." Then he drew lines to its right and left and then said: "These are other paths. Upon every one of them there is a devil calling towards it." Then he recited:[1]

"Indeed this is My Straight Path, so follow it. And do not follow other paths, they will separate you from His Path."[2]"[3]

Therefore, that which is necessary for the Muslims - both individuals and groups - in order to prepare for the mighty task and to achieve the lofty goal, is to truly know the straight path, it’s people, their ‘aqeedah (belief) and their manhaj (methodology), knowing also the innovations and evils which cause one to separate from this way. The wisdom in learning about the evil is taken from the hadeeth of Hudhayfah ibn al-Yamaan radiallaahu 'anhu where he said: "The people used to ask the Messenger of Allaah sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam about the good, but I used to ask him about the evil for fear that it would overtake me..."[4] And may Allaah have mercy upon the one who said in poetic wisdom:
I learnt what was evil, not for itself, but to avoid it. He who does not know evil from good, falls into it.
Abul-‘Aaliyah (d.90H) - rahimahullaah - said: "Learn Islaam. Then when you have learnt Islaam, do not turn away from it to the right nor the left. But be upon the Straight Path and upon the Sunnah of your Prophet sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam and that which his companions are upon ... and beware of these innovations because they cause enmity and hatred amongst you. But stick to the original state of affairs which was there before they divided." So ‘Aasim said: I related this to al-Hasan al-Basree so he said: "He has given you sincere advice and has told you the truth."[5]

The Original State of Affairs

[It is hoped that this leaflet will be a small contribution towards introducing to the noble brothers and sisters the importance of the]...original state of affairs, which has as its pure and sweet spring, the Qur’aan and the Sunnah, built upon the understanding of the Salafus-Saalih - the pious predecessors of this Ummah - the first three generations of Muslims whose excellence has been testified to by the Prophet sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam in his saying: "The most excellent of mankind is my generation, then those who follow them, then those who follow them."[6]

This principle - the obligation of adhering to the Qur’aan and the Sunnah upon the understanding of the Salafus-Saalih - being the cornerstone principle of Ahlus-Sunnah wal-Jamaa’ah, as Abu Haneefah (d.150H) - rahimahullaah - said: "Stick to the narrations and the way of the Salaf and beware of newly invented matters, for all of it is innovation."[7] Also Imaam al-Awzaa’ee (d.157H) - rahimahullaah - said: "Patiently restrict yourself to the Sunnah and pause where the people paused, say what they said and avoid what they avoided. Take to the path of your Salafus-Saalih, for indeed, what was sufficient for them, is sufficient for you."[8] [So, it is hoped that this leaflet will encourage the reader, to seek and follow] ...the path taken by our Salafus-Saalih, differentiating between their way and the way of those who opposed them with whims, desires, and innovated principles, who seek to sever the people’s connection with the Salaf of this Ummah and its scholars - those whose understanding has been praised and whose path it has been made obligatory to follow.

Softening the Hearts

[As well as the importance of seeking knowledge of]...the correct Islaamic ‘aqeedah and manhaj, and [knowledge]...pertaining to fiqh, tafseer, hadeeth, seerah and siyaasatush-shar’iyyah (concern for the affairs of this Ummah);...[the reader should also seek that which is]...pertaining to aadaab and akhlaaq (manners and etiquettes), tazkiyah (purification of the soul) and the study of the lives of the Salafus-Saaliheen. This, by Allaah’s permission, will further enable the hearts to cultivate submissiveness and humility in the worship and obedience to Allaah - the Most High.

Ibn al-Jawzee (d.597H) - rahimahullaah - said: "I feel that occupying oneself with jurisprudence and acquiring the narrations is hardly enough to correct the heart, unless he adds to that the study of raqaa’iq (heart-melting narrations) and the study of the lives of the Salafus-Saaliheen. Since they attained what is desirous from the narrations and took from the outer actions that which is ordered and required. And I do not inform you of this except after personal trial and experience. Since I have found that the majority of the narrators and the students of Hadeeth are concerned chiefly with obtaining the briefest isnaad (chain of narration) and increase in the number of narrations. And the majority of the jurisprudents are concerned with dialects and how to win arguments. So how can the hearts be softened with these things? Previously a group of the Salaf would visit a pious servant to see his conduct and manners, not to take from his knowledge. This was because the fruits of his knowledge were his manners and conduct, so understand this. Thus, along with the study of fiqh and Hadeeth, study the lives of the Salaf and those who abstained with regards to the world, so that this may be a cause of softness in your hearts."[9]

The Means and the Goal

Yoonus ibn ‘Ubayd (d.139H) - rahimahullaah - said: "With good manners you understand the knowledge. With the knowledge your actions are corrected. With actions wisdom is obtained. With wisdom you understand zuhd (abstinence) and are granted its benefits. With zuhd comes abandoning the world. With abandoning the world comes desire for the hereafter. With desire for the hereafter the pleasure of Allaah - the Mighty and Majestic - is obtained."

Abu Qilaabah (d.104H) - rahimahullaah - said: "If Allaah gives you knowledge, then give Him worship; and do not let your desire be just to narrate it to the people."[10]

Abu ‘Abdullaah ar-Roodhabaaree said: "He who goes out for knowledge, desiring knowledge, it does not benefit him. He who goes out for knowledge seeking the action by the knowledge, even little knowledge benefits him."[11]

Maalik ibn Deenaar - rahimahullaah - said: "When a servant seeks the knowledge for practice, his knowledge humbles him. When he seeks it for other than that, it increases him in immorality and pride by it."[12]

Al-Haafidh Ibn Rajab (d.795H) - rahimahullaah - said: "So the beneficial knowledge from amongst all the types of knowledge is to take possession of the texts of the Book and the Sunnah and to understand their meanings, and to limit oneself to that which is reported from the Companions, the Taabi’een and their Successors - with regards to the meaning of the Qur’aan and Hadeeth, and what is reported from them as regard to the halaal (lawful) and haraam (prohibited), and zuhd, raqaa’iq, the accounts (of previous nations and Prophets), and other than that. Striving firstly, to distinguish what is authentic and what is weak; and then secondly, striving to understand and comprehend it. And there is enough in that for the intelligent one, and enough to occupy one who busies himself with beneficial knowledge. And he who stops at that and makes his intention purely for the Face of Allaah and seeks His help - then Allaah will help him, guide him and grant him success, satisfaction, understanding and inspiration. Then he will take the benefits of this knowledge - which are found through it alone - and that is fear of Allaah, as Allaah - the Exalted and Majestic - says:

"Indeed, it is only those who have knowledge, amongst His slaves, that fear Allaah."[13]"[14]

The Reminder

Thus - O noble reader - if this brief introduction is something already familiar to you, then we hope that it will serve as a reminder for you - if Allaah wills - since it will not be hidden from any Muslim, whatever level of knowledge they are at, that reminding of the truth has a very lofty station in our great and tolerant religion, as Allaah - the most High - says:

"So remind! For indeed reminding benefits the Believers."[15]

For this reminding comes this magazine [Al-Ibaanah] ... which we present to our Muslim brothers and sisters - praying that together we may adorn ourselves with the correct knowledge bequeathed to us by or Salafus-Saalih, learning their ‘aqeedah, so that hearts may embrace it; learning their manhaj, so that people may follow it and learning also their manners and behaviour, so that souls may be cultivated upon it, seeking to convey this to others with the wisdom, patience and forbearance that this pure and sublime message demands. So herein lies the excellence of the one who reaches it.

Al-Hasan al-Basree (d.110H) - rahimahullaah - said: "If there was a man who reached the first Salaf, then he (this man) was up today, he would not recognise anything of Islaam." The narrator said: And al-Hasan put his hand on his cheek and said: "Except for this prayer." Then he said: "Then how is it - by Allaah - for one who lives in this bad time, not having reached the Salafus-Saalih. So he sees an innovator calling to his innovation, and a worldly person calling to the world. But Allaah protects him from that and makes his heart lean towards those Salfus-Saalih. Asking about their way, seeking their narrations and following their path. Allaah will recompense him with a great reward. So be like that if Allaah wills."[16]

Finally, we ask Allaah to make this magazine of benefit to the noble reader and to the one who seeks it. Indeed Allaah is the One who hears and He is the One who responds.

Footnotes:

1. All Qur’aanic quotations are translations of the meaning of the Qur’aan.
2. Sooratul-An’aam (6):153.
3. Hasan: Related by Ahmad (1/435) and an-Nasaa’ee (7/49). It was authenticated by Shaykh al-Albaanee in his checking to Kitaab us-Sunnaah (no.16) of Ibn Abee ‘Aasim.
4. Related by al-Bukhaaree (6/615) and Muslim (12/235).
5. Related by Ibn Battah in al-Ibaanah (no.136).
6. Related by al-Bukhaaree (no.2652) and Muslim (no.2533), from Ibn Mas’ood radiallaahu 'anhu.
7. Related by as-Suyootee in Sawnul-Mantaq wal-Kalaam (p.32).
8. Related by Imaam al-Aajurree in ash-Sharee’ah (p.58) and also al-Bayhaqee in Madhkal ilas-Sunan (no.233).
9. Sayid ul-Khaatir (p.216).
10. Related by al-Khatteeb in Iqtidaa’ul-‘Ilmil-‘Aml (no.37).
11. Iqtidaa’ul-‘Ilmil-‘Aml (no.29).
12. Iqtidaa’ul-‘Ilmil-‘Aml (no.31).
13. Soorah Faatir (35):28.
14. Fadlu ‘Ilmus-Salaf ‘alal-Khalaf (p.48) of al-Haafidh Ibn Rajab.
15. Soorah adh-Dhaariyaat (51):55.
16. Related by Ibn Waddaah in Al-Bida’ wan-Nahee ‘Anhaa (p.74).

This leaflet is an adaptation of the Introduction to Al-Ibaanah Magazine, Vol.1 No.1 April 1995.

No Doubt about it!

So what is this evidence that Islam claims to present that is so convincing? The first issue is authenticity. Purity of text is quite vital to the whole spirit of "fund". This is because once a text has shown to have been corrupted and altered in order to make it comply with doctrinal or political expediencies, and if there is no reliable means to distinguish the corrupt from the pure, then there is not one passage of that text that cannot be called into question. This is not so easy with a pure and preserved text. This is well understood by the Christian fundamentalists. If it is not the "Word of God", then what real value does it posses as guidance, except as a collection of wisdom? Few serious scholars, even from Islam's opponents, have tried to dispute the Qur'an's historical authenticity . Indeed it would be a pointless exercise, since anyone who cares to take a trip to Tashkent (in the former Soviet Union) will find there a complete copy of the Qur'an written by one of the Prophet's scribes, Zayed ibn Thabit, upon the order of the first Caliph Abu Bakr within two years of the Prophet's death. The manuscript in Tashkent is a copy of that first manuscript, also written by the hand of the same Zayed, but some twelve years later under the order of 'Uthman bin Affan, the third Caliph, with the consensus of over fifty companions of the Prophet who also had written portions of the Qur'an, and also others who had memorised it in toto.

This "Uthmanic" Qur'an, as it later came to known, was accepted without exception by the surviving companions of the Prophet, peace be upon him, as being one and the same that was revealed by Allah to his Final Messenger Muhammad, peace be upon him,. One can take any copy of any Qur'an, from any mosque anywhere in the word and compare it with the mushaf of Zayed, and find it exactly the same - word for word. It is even recited in the same accent in which the Prophet, peace be upon him, recited it. Furthermore Arabic, the language of the Qur'an, is a living language, and the Book has always been in the hands of the people - not merely the domain of a few priests.

Thus anyone reading the Qur'an can be certain beyond reasonable doubt that they are reading the same words revealed to Muhammad, peace be upon him, over one thousand four hundred years ago.

"Verily! It is We Who have sent down the Qur'an and surely, We will guard it"
(Surah al-Hijr 15:9)

The reality of the fruition of this statement is a clear sign to mankind, and one of the manifest miracles of the Qur'an. Moreover this preservation is not limited to only the Qur'an, but also its explanation, the Sunnah, i.e. the actions, sayings and tacit approvals of the Prophet, peace be upon him,. These were meticulously memorised and written down by his wives and companions, and passed down until they were collected in the more famous books of hadeeth some two to three hundred years after the Hijra.. The body of hadeeth literature has not enjoyed, quite unjustly, the same general acceptance of authenticity as the Qur'an. This is simply because the means by which the hadeeth became preserved was a longer and more complicated affair than that of the Qur'an, and therefore became a relatively easier target of attack by Islam's enemies. Some Orientalists have even claimed that Hadith authenticity rates the same as the Biblical texts . This is, however a very superficial comparison, even if there are some apparent similarities. For example the major books of hadeeth such Saheeh al-Bukhari, Saheeh Muslim and the Sunan of Abu Dawood, did not appear until just over two hundred years the Hijra. Those who compiled the books were not themselves eye witnesses. Many hadeeth within the entire body of hadeeth literature are clearly fabricated and of dubious authenticity, and ,as a whole, contain contradictions.

These statements are true in general, but a more detailed study of the history of the preservation of the hadeeth makes it immediately clear that the reality is quite different. Firstly, as we mentioned concerning the Qur'an, the language of the Prophet, peace be upon him, is preserved. Secondly the major hadeeth books we mentioned were not so much new works as compilations of earlier, smaller ones. There was also a good deal of oral transmission, but the collectors of Prophetic sayings were extremely weary of ensuring that any given narration attributed to the Prophet, peace be upon him, could be effectively proven as such. The method by which this was accomplished was through the 'isnad', or chain of narrators. From the earliest days of Islam after the death of the Prophet, peace be upon him,, various groups arose deviating from the teachings of Islam that had been given to the Prophet's Companions. These sects began to invent sayings which they attributed to the Prophet, peace be upon him,. So in response the Companions of the Prophet began to demand that anyone transmitting a narration must name which companion they had received it from, and thus the truth of narrator ascertained. The students of the Companions continued this policy, and further safe guards were added as not only the Companions name was needed, but also the next narrator in the chain of transmission. Conditions were laid down for these narrators to be accepted. The scholars differed over some of the conditions, some being stricter than others, but three basic requirements were agreed by all.

First the transmitter must be a pious Muslim, secondly they must be known not to forget, thirdly they must not be liars. The next generation of hadeeth transmitters began to write the names of all those who attended their lectures. No one was allowed to narrate a hadeeth on that lecturers authority unless he attended the lecture in which that hadeeth was narrated and its meaning explained. From this developed the books of "Rijal" in which was listed the character, quality of memory, place of habitation, travels, teachers and students, and opinion of other scholars, concerning all the narrators of the hadeeth. Thus every available method was used to ensure that when the scholars of the sciences of hadeeth declared a narration of the Prophet, peace be upon him, as being authentic it was, beyond any reasonable doubt said by him. This methodology is not only used for the Prophetic traditions, but also the sayings of the Companions and the early scholars. Indeed any true scholar must be able to produce the isnad of his teachers back to the Prophet himself!

Along with this textual and contextual authenticity, the Qur'an itself lays down claims to prove its veracity as God's revealed Words. Of course, "proof" is a big word, especially when it comes to God or religion, especially for the "Western mind", programmed by two thousand years of Christianity, which seems to think that religion is supposed to be "mysterious" and "incomprehensible". The idea that God and revelation are not only compatible with reason, but also can be proven, is often met with incredulity. After all, what's the point? If you can prove it where does faith come in? This is because the Christian world has been taught that "faith" means believing the unbelievable without any proof. This is manifest in the that nonsense called the Trinity, and all the theological contortions surrounding it. Christians are expected to believe that black is white and yet still black, or in their terms, that the Invisible, Self-Sufficient, Un-Changing, Omnipotent and Omniscient Creator became a visible, needy, mortal, fallible creature who was killed on a cross, and this man was still the Invisible, Self-Sufficient, Un-Changing, Omnipotent and Omniscient Creator - completely God and completely man. Of course anyone with a mind will understand that one by necessity precludes the other.

Something completely God cannot possibly be, or contain the qualities of, a man, for this would immediately exclude such a being from being truly God. Furthermore, any man that had the qualities of God would no longer be a man. In an attempt to "explain the unexplainable" the Doctrine of the Trinity was invented: One God made of three entities, each one completely God, (and therefor completely the same, yet somehow different) not making three Gods but only One! Moreover the Christian has been asked to believe that mankind's salvation lies in believing God killed Himself (or His son, or an innocent man, or all three at the same time) as a ransom for a burden of sin - that He placed on all human beings for the sin of Adam and Eve eating from the forbidden tree! The inevitable refuge of the Christian when assaulted with a barrage questions over this muddle is that its all "a mystery", and if you want to be saved from Hell you should stop asking so many questions and accept it as an act of faith. Yet it seems rather absurd that the Just Creator would punish anyone for refusing to believe things which are unacceptable and incomprehensible to the very faculties of reason and common sense that He has provided for the human to make their decisions, without providing some strong proof that they should do so!

The Qur'an, however, chastises mankind for not using their common sense and reasoning powers, and states that their failure to do so is itself a cause of their destruction:

"And for those who disbelieve in their Lord is the torment of Hell, and worst indeed is that destination. When they are cast therein, they will hear the terrible drawing in of its breath as it blazes forth. It almost bursts with fury. Every time a group is cast therein, its keeper will ask: 'Did no warner come to you?' They will say: 'Yes indeed; a warner did come to us, but we belied him and said: 'Allah never sent down anything, you are only in great error.' And they will say: 'Had we but listened or used our intelligence, we would not have been among the dwellers of the Fire!'"
(Surah al-Mulk 67:6-9)

Indeed there is nothing in the theology of Islam that cannot be understood by sound reasoning. In fact it is possible for anyone, anywhere to reach an understanding of the essence of Islam without ever having heard of Muhammad or the Qur'an. This is because the Creator's existence can be readily understood by anyone observing the patterns and intricate mechanisms of the world and universe around us, and that ultimate power and control rests with this Being, and thus is alone truly worthy of worship, and that to worship this Creator one can only rely on Divine guidance. To attempt to do this is "Islam", which means "sincerity and submission to Allah". This very universality and simplicity is one of the strong arguments in favour of Islam's Divine origin. For the Muslim, faith is not a blind leap in the dark against proof and reason, but rather a step taken as a consequence of contemplation, experience, instinct and evidence. Ultimately it does mean a complete acceptance of a single truth, but this is no more blind than the faith of a scientist in a particular theory, or a doctor in form of treatment that has proven itself valid clinically and operationally. It might be compared to the situation in a court, with a jury. Ideally what is supposed to happen is that the jury is presented with a series of evidences concerning a case. When the weight of evidence is so conclusive the jury makes its decision. It is not sufficient for it to say: "Well, we found the evidence really convincing!" In the end it must make a decision, "Guilty!" or "Not guilty!", based on the facts. Similarly in Islam, the Creator presents the human being with a series of conclusive evidences, upon the basis of which the human should declare their faith, and act accordingly.

The Future is for Islam

Allaah the Mighty and Majestic said:

"It is He who has sent His Messenger with guidance and the religion of truth, that He may make it prevail over all other religions, no matter how much the disbelievers detest it." (Soorah as saff 61 : 9)

We are given the good tidings in this verse that the future is for Islaam, which will gain dominance, ascendancy and rule over all other religions. Some people may think that this was fulfilled in the time of the Prophet sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam and the Rightly guided Khaleefahs ( successors) and the righteous kings but that is not the case. Rather, only a part of this true promise was fulfilled then as the Prophet sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam indicated in his saying:

"Night and day will not pass away until al-Laat and al 'Uzzaa are worshipped." So 'Aaishah radiallaahu 'anhaa said: O Messenger of Allaah! I thought that when Allaah sent down:

"It is He who has sent His Messenger with guidance and the religion of truth, that He may make it prevail over all other religions, no matter how much the disbelievers detest it."

that it would be complete. He sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam said:

"There will be of that what Allaah wishes [2].

There are other ahaadeeth which show how far Islaam will reach and dominate and how far it will spread, such that there is no doubt that the future is for islaam, by the permission and favour of Allaah. So I will quote what I am able to from these ahaadeeth and hopefully they will strengthen the determination of the workers for Islaam; and be a proof against those who are indifferent and those who have despaired!

Firstly: "Indeed Allaah gathered up the earth for me so that I saw its east and its west; and indeed the dominion of my Ummah will reach what was gathered up for me from it. "[3]

And even clearer than it and more general is the hadeeth:
Secondly: "This affair will reach what is reached by the night and the day; and Allaah will not leave a dwelling of brick, nor fur, except that Allaah will cause this Deen to enter it bringing honour or humiliation. Honour which Allaah gives to Islaam and humiliation which Allaah will give to disbelief [4].

[Therefore, it is upon the Muslims to prepare themselves, by turning to their Lord, holding on to His Book, following the Sunnah of His Prophet sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam, turning away from all that Allaah has made unlawful and uniting upon that which He the Most Perfect, Most High is pleased with.] [5].

Indeed, there is no doubt that fulfillment of this domination necessitates that the Muslims return to spiritual, material and armed strength, so that they are able to overcome the might of kufr (disbelief) and suppression. This good tiding is given to us in the hadeeth:

Thirdly: From Abu Qabeel who said: We were with 'Abdullaah ibn 'Amr ibn al 'Aas and he was asked which city will be conquered first Constantinople or Rome? So 'Abdullaah called for a sealed trunk and he said: Take out a book from it. Then 'Abdullaah said: Whilst we were with the Messenger of Allaah sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam writing, The Messenger of Allaah sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam was asked: Which city will be conquered first, Constantinople or Rome? So Allaah's Messenger sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam said: "The city of Heracilius will be conquered first " meaning Constantinople.[6]

The first conquest mentioned, occurred at the hands of Muhammad al Fattaah al-Uthmaanee as is well known and it occurred more than eight hundred years after the Prophet sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam foretold of the conquest. So the second conquest will take place, by the permission of Allaah the Most High and it is certain and you will hear of it after a time. There is also no doubt that the fulfillment of the second conquest necessitates the return of the rightly guided Khilaafah to the Muslim Ummah, which is what he sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam foretold with his saying in the hadeeth:

Fourthly: "Prophethood will remain amongst you for as long as Allaah wishes it to, then Allaah will raise it up when He wishes to raise it up. Then there will be Khilaafah upon the manner of Prophethood and it will remain amongst you for as long as Allaah wishes it to, then Allaah will raise it up when He wishes to raise it up. Then there will be harsh kingship which will remain amongst you for as long as Allaah wishes it to, then Allaah will raise it up when He wishes to raise it up. Then there will be tyrannical kingship and it will remain amongst you for as long as Allaah wishes it to, then Allaah will raise it up when He wishes to raise it up. Then there will be Khilaafah upon the manner of Prophethood. Then he was silent [7].

From the good tidings of the return of strength to the Muslims, and their having the ability to utilize the earth to attain their goals, and that they have a bright future even in the economic and agricultural spheres, is his sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam's saying:

Fifthly: "The Hour will not be established until the land of the 'Arabs returns to being pastures and rivers." [8] The first signs of the fulfillment of this hadeeth have begun to appear in some parts of the Arab lands, upon which Allaah has poured forth His blessings and great favors such that plentiful water is extracted from the desert, and tomorrow is very near for the one who awaits it.

It must also be known that his sallallahu 'alayhi wa sallam's saying: "A time will not come upon you, except that which comes after it will be worse until you meet your Lord."[9]. Then this hadeeth must be understood in the light of the preceding ahaadeeth as well as in the light of others such as the ahaadeeth about the Mahdee and also the descent of Eesaa (Jesus) 'alayhis salaam which show that this hadeeth is not to be understood as having no exceptions. Rather, it is general and has exceptions.

Thus, it is not permissible to cause the people to understand it to be unrestricted, so that they fall into despair which no Believer should have as an attribute:

"Indeed, no one despairs of Allaah's Mercy, except those who disbelieve." (Soorah Yoosuf 12:87)

I ask that Allaah makes us all true Believers in Him.

References :

1. Silsilatul Ahaadeethus Saheehah (pp.6 8) of Shaykh al Albaanee. All the ahaadeeth authentication and checkings have been abridged and edited.
2. Related by Muslim (8/182) and AbuYa'laa in his Musnad (Q.216/2).
3. Related by Muslim (8/171) and Abu Daawood (no.4252), from Thawbaan radiallaahu anhu.
4. Saheeh: Related by Ahmad (4/103) and Ibn Hibbaan in his Saheeh (no.1631).
5. Added from Tahdheerus Saajid (p.119).
6. Saheeh: Related by Ahmad (2/176), ad-Daarimee (1/126) and al Haakim (3/422).
7. Saheeh: Related by Ahmad (4/273), from an Nu'maan ibn Basheer radiallaahu anhu.
8. Related by Muslim (3/84) and al Haakim (4/ 477) from Abu Hurayrah radiallaahu anhu.
9. Related by al Bukhaaree from the hadeeth of Anas radiallaahu anhu.

Converts in Kuwait - From skirts to abayas

KUWAIT: Like all devout Muslim women here, the figure in the veil and black cloak gave off an air of mystery and other worldliness. As she disappeared inside a building, it was easy to imagine her background: Raised in her faith, shrouded in an abaya since the first sign of puberty. Actually, the woman rushing so purposefully inside the high walls of the, Women's Committee of the Revival of Islamic Heritage Society (RIHS) was an American raised as a Protestant, who converted to Islam in her twenties. She and other converted Muslim women meet weekly at various organisations around town to discuss issues of their new faith. They have a lot of company --- thousands of Muslims living in Kuwait are former Christians, and many of them embrace practices that seem antithetical to the morals of those brought up in Europe or the United States. The most obvious custom is wearing the veil.

"Modesty, mostly" is the reason Hazel, a British woman who converted to Islam in 1981, gave for wearing it. "When you're covered, you're treating each other as human beings without being distracted." Another convert. Iman, points out covering is ordered in the Quran, and it is not nearly as restrictive as some people believe. "The translation for hijab (the term used for covering the hair, arms, and legs) is "shield", and it is shielding the woman from harm and corruption. It doesn't restrict the freedom of the woman to move about, to carry out all her normal duties," she said.
It is stipulated in the Quran, rather ambiguously, that women should cover from "head to toe." But the Hadith or Sunna, a collection of sayings of the Holy Prophet Mohammed, peace be upon him, and a description of his life, says women should be covered except for their hands and faces. Nowhere does it say women should wear black --- this is a custom of the region rather than an Islamic requirement.

For Linda, a Canadian woman who converted to Islam in her 30s, wearing hijab was something she had to ease into. "Living in the Middle East has helped a lot," said Linda who met and married an Egyptian man after she converted. She thinks she still might be dressing in the Western tradition if she and her husband had not spent a year in Saudi Arabia shortly after they married, by the end of which time she was wearing hijab. Linda recalls gradually becoming more and more uncomfortable with some of her clothes. A turning point came when she dressed in a shirtwaist dress one evening to meet friends. As she and her husband waited for them in the lobby of her apartment building, she realised how ill at ease she felt in her outfit. After checking with her husband, she ran back upstairs and changed into something looser and longer. After that incident, she bought her first abaya.

Covering her hair was also something she took step by step. "A friend gave me two light scarves, chiffon, blue' and beige," she said. She wore them from time to time, sometimes over her head, until she got used to the idea. Then she started wearing the traditional opaque scarf, tied at the throat and covering the neck. The decision to wear hijab was taken with her husband, after much consultation. Today, Linda would like to cover more by wearing a coat, which buttons up the front and never flies open to reveal the clothing underneath, as abayas sometimes do. But her husband does not want her to, so for the time being, she continues to wear the abaya. "He wants me to look nice," she explained. "He thinks that just because a person is wearing hijab doesn't mean they can't look nice." True to his word, Linda always does look well put together under her abaya, and takes obvious care with her appearance. Soon, Linda's adolescent daughter will have to start wearing hijab, a transition both are somewhat apprehensive about. "She's nervous about it, because not too many kids (in her English school) do," Linda explained. "It's going to be a little bit difficult. I wish that it would have come naturally, earlier."

Another regular visitor to the RIHS is Badriya, an Egyptian chemist in her thirties who lived in Canada for many years. Although she was raised in Islam, she started wearing hijab in 1990, two years after moving back to Egypt. "I saw my younger sisters in hijab, and I started to ask myself why I didn't wear hijab," she said. She tried on a sister's scarves, and decided to start covering. But there was no going step-by-step for her, graduating from flimsy wraps to the large cloth that covers hair and neck.

"One day, I said, okay, I'm going to wear hijab. The second day, I went to my work, covered." But as with Linda, her decision was taken jointly with her engineer husband, whom she married in 1982. "My husband - I won't say forced, but he encouraged me," she explained. "He said, you're working with men, you should cover." Now, Badriya regrets not covering sooner, and is contemplating covering more. "I hope, if it's right Allah will let me cover my face," she said.

Iman is a Muslim convert who does cover her face. Originally from Oregon in the United States, she has gone well beyond hijab to wear a mask called bashiya, which hides the entire face except the eyes. These peep through slits show not at all, because she often covers the bashiya with a semi-transparent black veil known as niqab. She also wears gloves, so she does not have to show an inch of skin when she is out on the street. Despite her propriety, she says she does not advocate that everyone cover the face. "There's no compulsion --- it's up to the individual," she explained. "It's my choice and I stand behind it." Nevertheless, she is thinking about easing up a little. "I'm thinking of going to navy blue," she announced breezily. "It's not Islamically required to wear black." She is also contemplating finding an alternative for her abaya, which has been seeming cumbersome of late. "I move a lot --- I'm always stopping and having to adjust it," she said.

Like Linda, she eased into Islamic modesty. Although she converted in her mid-twenties, she did not become devout at first. She gradually started wearing hijab in Seattle, where she met women in an Arabic class who were practising Islam fully. To the office, she wore long-sleeved blouses and long skirts, which were fine with the dress code of the fabric company where she worked. Sometimes, she put on a hat and gloves. "I dressed very elegant, as they put it," she said. One day, a friend from Saudi Arabia called her and asked her to read; a certain verse from the Quran. "It was the verse dealing with hijab," Iman said. "It was like somebody had taken a flashlight or a spotlight and shined it on this verse of the Quran." After that she started to take hijab much more seriously, but still her understanding of it was flawed. For example, her clothes would be modest in style, but too flashy in colour. Bright red was a favourite, which defeats the purpose of deflecting attention. She also did not really grasp the concept of an abaya, but tried to wear one while praying. "I wrapped this gigantic bedsheet around me because I'd seen it on TV", she said, laughing.

Listening to her, it is at first hard to see how anyone with such a seeming vague idea of her religion could embrace it so whole-heartedly. But for many converts, the peace they found with Islam came long before a deep understanding. Talking to enough of them reveals a pattern: Until they became Muslim, they were often depressed and adrift, feeling a large spiritual void. Many of them experimented with several religions before turning to Islam. In many ways, Linda is a good illustration. "I was not very happy," Linda said. "I felt lost, I was drifting. I didn't feel like I belonged in my society." Her first move was to go back to her church, the United Church of Canada. "But the United Church . . . it's a very boring church," she said. "There was no vitality, there was no life." At the same time, she was learning about Islam, where she found a belief system and rules she liked. "The answers were there, it brought (faith) to life," she said. In Christianity, "it's very difficult to find them." Eventually, she converted.

For her family. this seemed strange, but they don't understand Islam, Linda said. One recurring problem is her mother's failure to grasp that the incentive for wearing hijab is spiritual, and does not depend on location. When Linda returns to Canada for visits, her mother invariably tries to get her to take off her scarves, saying she doesn't need to wear them in the West.

Hazel faced the same difficulty back in England, with her mother assuming she wore the veil only to make her Kuwaiti husband happy. "Go on, take it off, I won't tell him," her mother would urge her. As an Englishwoman embracing a very unEnglish practice, she thinks she makes some people uncomfortable, she says. Others are more snide than embarrassed. "Isn't the, a bit hot?" Is a favourite question about her clothing. Laughing, she said her favourite reply was, "Not as hot as hellfire . . . it's a bit cheeky, I know, but they deserve it."

Iman faced far more serious problems. She went through a divorce in her mid-twenties, and lost her two young sons to her ex-husband. A large part of his custody case hinged on her conversion to Islam, she said. Other members of her family shun her. At her mother's funeral in 1980, her devout Assembly of God uncle told her the family considered her as good as dead for converting from Christianity. "When we bury her, we bury you," she said he told her. Shortly after that, she moved to the United Arab Emirates to study at the Sheikh Sayeed Center for New Muslims, and has not left the Gulf area since. Staying here, where she directs a women's group at the Revival of Islamic Heritage Society, enables her to practice her religion more fully, she said.

Perhaps most impressive is her obvious commitment and conviction. "I chose the right religion," she said. "I've stayed with it." Badriya and Linda are assumed names to protect the privacy of the people interviewed.

From the Kuwait Times, page 1, Tuesday, January 30, 1996 / Ramadan 10, 1416.

The Reality of Hijaab

Amidst the hustle and bustle of a teeming metropolis, a solitary figure traverses. She moves steadily in her black garment which shields her against the tyranny of this life. Whilst others around her rush frantically, she move with tranquillity and ease. The peace which she achieves beneath this veil of hers, is immense. It is a liberation beyond measure. Is this a princess of royal blood? No. Is she a head of state? No. So who is this woman of serenity? This is a woman of Hijab. A woman amongst many women. A Muslim Woman.

The site of a woman covering from top to bottom, is not so rare anymore in the major cities of the West. For many Westerners it represents the oppression which Islam imposes upon women. For Muslims however, it is the realisation that Islam will eventually reach every corner of this planet. This is not surprising, considering that Islam is the fastest growing religion on Earth. What is surprising, for Westerners, is that 7 out of 10 (70%) people who become Muslim are Women! It is these same women who then go on to willingly observe the Hijab without coercion or force. The women of Hijab in the cities of London, Paris, New York etc, are not all immigrants who have just stepped off the boat, as many people think. Rather, many of them tend to be women of high intellect and education. Women who have experienced the bitterness of western oppression. Women of diverse nationalities and races, who are brought together as one, under the banner of Islam.

An Islamic Duty

Ever since the appearance of Hijab in the west, there has been a constant crusade against this noble act. The hypocrisy[1] of the Western media has been evident for many years now, through its constant attacks on Islam and Hijab. Despite these attempts, women in Hijab are still on the increase. Thus, a new crusade had to be launched by the advocates of "liberation" and "freedom". For a while now, many Western critics have insisted that the Hijab has nothing to do with Islam. They claim that it is a cultural practice and not a religious one. This has been broadcast in the Western media with the aid of its puppets, the modernist Muslims. People such as Dr Zaki Badawi[2], have pushed this erroneous view for a number of years now. This has led to much confusion amongst ignorant Muslims, and many Muslim women are being led into depriving themselves of this great benefit. So what is the reality behind this issue? Is the Hijab obligatory?

Hijab is an Arabic word which literally means a cover, a screen or a partition. Islamically it refers to the dress code of the Muslim woman. In answering the above question, as Muslims we unashamedly say, Yes!, the Hijab IS OBLIGATORY!! The proofs for this obligation are many, but due to lack of space we will only quote two here. In the Qur’an Allaah says:

"And tell the believing women to lower their gaze and guard their modesty, and not to display their adornment except that which appears ordinarily thereof, and to draw their veils over their necks and bosoms.." (Sura An-Noor 24:31)

About the words "..except that which appears ordinarily thereof..", then the scholars of Islam have explained that these words refer to the hands and face of a woman. This is supported by the hadith of the Prophet (saws) : "Aisha reported that Asmaa, the daughter of Abu Bakr, entered into the presence of the Messenger of Allaah wearing thin transparent clothing, So the Messenger of Allaah turned away from her saying : ‘O’ Asmaa, when a women reaches the age of menstruation, it is not allowed that any of her should be seen except this’ – and he pointed to his face and two hands."[3] The Hijab is therefore something which MUST cover the entire body of a woman, except her face and hands.[4] It is NOT a simple headscarf which many women wear, because a piece of cloth on the head does not conceal the parts of a woman’s body, which when exposed, are the result of much strife. Besides covering the entire body, the Hijab also has other conditions, such as not being tight, transparent, too colourful or resembling the clothes of a man. These conditions are also proven from Islam.[5]

The Benefits of Hijab

-Obedience- Whilst other women are subjected to the pressures and slavery of modern society, the Muslim woman is truly free from this. In the west, women are expected to conform to the liberal fashions which appear daily. These fashions and expectations are often shaped by men. In this way, women become the slaves of society and man. Hijab is the liberator of this slavery. It takes women away from the obedience of man, to the obedience of the Most Perfect, Allaah. This obedience will only bring about good, because we believe that Allaah is the Most Kind and the Most Just. Slavery to the one with such characteristics, is a slavery of reward and contentment. It is not a slavery from which your fellow human (the woman) is exploited and oppressed, just because your desires and lusts run wild.

As a command of Allaah, the Hijab has united the hearts of so many. Hijab knows no colour, nationality, race, height or weight. Through obedience to Allaah, it truly unites the women of the world. Thus, this unification has surpassed the ranks and shallowness of all female liberation movements. Christian nuns, Jews, Hindus, Sikhs, feminists, lesbians, women boxers and even female gang members, are all known to have become united under Islam and its Hijab. It is truly a force to be reckoned with. It must be remembered that this obedience to Allaah is a voluntary act from most Muslim women. Many assume that those brought up as Muslims, have always been wearing Hijab. However, this is not so. Many Muslim women (especially in the UK), who are Muslim by name, often know very little of Islam. When they discover its true meaning, most of them willingly adopt the Hijab simply to obey their Creator, and not because of any external pressures.

Wearing the Hijab is no futile action. A woman may go through much trial and tribulation[6] because she has obeyed Allaah. But the fulfilment of this action will never go unnoticed, as Allaah say :

"Never will I allow to be lost the actions of any of you; whether male or female" (Surah Al-Imran 3:195).

The result of these obedient actions will be an everlasting reward. A reward which all Muslim women aspire for. A reward called paradise :

"And whosoever does righteous actions- whether male or female, and is a believer, will enter paradise" (Sura An-Nisa 4:124).

-A Shield- Allaah says :

"O’ Prophet! Tell your wives and your daughters and the women of the believers to draw their veils over their bodies. That is most convenient that they should be recognised and not be molested" (Sura Al-Ahzab 33:59)

One of the greatest benefits of Hijab, is the natural protection it gives to a woman. By wearing Hijab, a woman shields herself from the rampant desires of man. By his very nature, man is a creature of intense desire. The Hijab controls this desire and thus not only protects the woman, but also the man. Sexually motivated crimes in the west are on the increase. Rape, molestation and harassment are reaching epidemic levels. Undoubtedly the clothing of a woman has something to do with this. When women walk around with literally nothing on, some men see it as a signal to do as they please. This results in the honour of a woman being scarred for life. The Muslim woman does not have this problem. She knows that when she walks on the streets, the men will not look at her. Why? Because there is nothing for them to look at!! She feels like a princess who is shielded from the savages of her domain. Peace and security is felt beneath the veil. The woman of Hijab does not have to reveal her body in order to gain respect. She does not have to have her ‘bits’ hanging out so that men can drool over her. If a man desires her, then it has to be for her religion and intellect. The Hijab gives him no other choice. She is a woman who is truly shielded from the nature of man.[7]

-Nature- The nature of a woman is fundamentally different from man. Women are more timid, gentle and caring then men. This is the reason why they have been chosen (by Allaah) to be the perfect rearers of children. The Hijab reinforces this nature of the woman. We praise Allaah that he has ordered this Hijab, for the world that we live in seeks to change our very nature as human beings. Men try to be women and women try to be men. People are being led into confusion by the political correctness which is so popular in our societies. Many women have jumped onto the bandwagon of feminism and lesbianism, shouting how evil and oppressive men are. But when one looks at these sad creatures, their delusion is clear. While claiming to hate men, their attire suggests otherwise. Short hair, bomber jackets and steel toecapped boots, are the vogue for these women. Their hatred for men is so much, that their very appearance resembles the enemy!! Some of these women have even gone to the extreme of growing masses of facial hair. The hideous site of these bearded ladies, is enough to put anyone off their dinner!!! Such depravity is far from natural. The Hijab on the other hand, enables the woman to stay as a woman. Rather then being a monstrosity, a woman in Hijab is like an oyster with a beautiful pearl inside it. Her femininity has stayed feminine, without being altered into masculinity. There is no doubt about it, this is a TRUE WOMAN.

-Honour- Contrary to the tales of the media, the Hijab provides an honour for the woman like no other garment does. For many women, a dress designed by Versace[8] or Armani is all the honour they need. But the Hijab carries far more honour then these worthless clothes. Whilst the dresses of the catwalks are designed by mere mortals, the Hijab comes from the one who is immortal, Allaah. Through it a woman is held with the utmost respect. True Muslim men are obliged to keep their Muslim sisters away from the corruption of this world. Thus a Muslim will not allow for someone to ogle his wife, chat her up or harass her. The honour of a Muslim woman demands that this does not happen. How contrary this is to life in the west. Men in the west feel no obligation to protect women from the harms of society. This is why a man will allow his wife to be a stripper, call-girl and even a prostitute. Honour knows no place in the west. This honour will only be achieved from Islam and its Hijab.

The honour of a Muslim woman is so high, that we believe that the state of a society is dependent upon its women. If the women are corrupt and immoral, then the society will be corrupt and immoral. If the women are righteous and god-fearing, then the society will be righteous and god-fearing. Women are the educators of the nation. But if they have no honour and have been corrupted, then society will be void of education and steeped in ignorance. This is the predicament of a society which rejects Hijab. This is the predicament of all Western societies, which stubbornly cling onto their depressing ways of life.

Those who seek to reject Hijab after reading this, then their loss will eventually become apparent. But those who seek to please Allaah through this action, can be sure that this good can only bring more good:

"Is there any reward for good – other then goodness?" (Sura Ar-Rahman 55:60)

Footnotes:-

1. The British media is an example of this. Whilst condemning the Hijab as oppressive, it is well known that newspapers such as The Sun and The News of the World, often display pictures of naked women. This of course, is the liberation which the West claims to give women!

2. Dr Zaki Badawi is a self-styled mufti who is unfortunately seen as a public face of Islam. A number of years ago, Dr. Badawi appeared on Dutch T.V. proclaiming that Hijab was not obligatory. This announcement caused much confusion and resulted in some women taking their Hijab off.

3. Authentic – Reported by Al-Baihaqee.

4. Even though it is not obligatory to cover the face and hands, it is without doubt recommended that the niqab (the face veil) and/or gloves be worn. Such acts are seen as modesty and piety from the woman, and they can only bring her more reward.

5. The proofs for these conditions can be found in an excellent book entitled “The Islamic ruling regarding Women’s dress, according to the Qur’an and Sunnah” by Abu Bilal Mustafa Al-Kanadi.

6. Wearing Hijab in the West can be a struggle for many women. The hypocrisy of the West is such, that it does not respect this choice which is made willingly, and subjects these women to much psychological pressure. 2 years ago, two Muslim girls were even expelled from a school in France because they wore Hijab. Freedom has truly been given a new meaning!

7. “A view through Hijab” is an informative account of life in Hijab. Written by Khaula Nakata, it is the experience of Hijab as seen through the eyes of a Japanese woman who embraced Islam.

8. There will be no more dresses designed by Gianni Versace!! The evils of Homosexuality ensured that this man (?) reaped the fruits of his unholy labour.

Article taken from ‘Invitation to Islam’ newsletter, September 1997

A Woman on a Mission

Sidra Khan reports on Aisha Bhutta's bid to convert the world to Islaam
The Guardian Newspaper (London)
Thursday 8th May 1997

Aisha Bhutta, nee Debbie Rogers, is serene. She sits on the sofa in big front room of her tenement flat in Cowcaddens, Glasgow. The walls are hung with quotations from the Koran, a special clock to remind the family of prayer times and posters of the Holy City of Mecca. Aisha's piercing blue eyes sparkle with evangelical zeal, she smiles with a radiance only true believers possess. Her face is that of a strong Scots lass - no nonsense, good-humoured - but it is carefully covered with a hijab.

For a good Christian girl to convert to Islam and marry a Muslim is extraordinary enough. But more than that, she has also converted her parents, most of the rest of her family and at least 30 friends and neighbours.

Her family were austere Christians with whom Rogers regularly attended Salvation Army meetings. When all the other teenagers in Britain were kissing their George Michael posters goodnight, Rogers had pictures of Jesus up on her wall. And yet she found that Christianity was not enough; there were too many unanswered questions and she felt dissatisfied with the lack of disciplined structure for her beliefs. "There had to be more for me to obey than just doing prayers when I felt like it."

Aisha had first seen her future husband, Mohammad Bhutta, when she was 10 and regular customer at the shop, run by his family. She would see him in the back, praying. "There was contentment and peace in what he was doing. He said he was a Muslim. I said: "What's a Muslim?".

Later with his help she began looking deeper into Islam. By the age of 17, she had read the entire Koran in Arabic. "Everything I read", she says, "was making sense."

She made the decision to convert at 16. "When I said the words, it was like a big burden I had been carrying on my shoulders had been thrown off. I felt like a new-born baby."

Despite her conversion however, Mohammed's parents were against their marrying. They saw her as a Western woman who would lead their eldest son astray and give the family a bad name; she was, Mohammed's father believed, "the biggest enemy."

Nevertheless, the couple married in the local mosque. Aisha wore a dress hand-sewn by Mohammed's mother and sisters who sneaked into the ceremony against the wishes of his father who refused to attend.

It was his elderly grandmother who paved the way for a bond between the women. She arrived from Pakistan where mixed-race marriages were even more taboo, and insisted on meeting Aisha. She was so impressed by the fact that she had learned the Koran and Punjabi that she convinced the others; slowly, Aisha, now 32, became one of the family. Aisha's parents, Michael and Marjory Rogers, though did attend the wedding, were more concerned with the clothes their daughter was now wearing (the traditional shalwaar kameez) and what the neighbours would think.

Six years later, Aisha embarked on a mission to convert them and the rest of her family, bar her sister ("I'm still working on her). "My husband and I worked on my mum and dad, telling them about Islam and they saw the changes in me, like I stopped answering back!"

Aisha's father proved a more difficult recruit, so she enlisted the help of her newly converted mother (who has since died of cancer). "My mum and I used to talk to my father about Islam and we were sitting in the sofa in the kitchen one day and he said: "What are the words you say when you become a Muslim?" "Me and my mum just jumped on top of him."

Three years later, Aisha's brother converted "over the telephone - thanks to BT [British Telecom]", then his wife and children followed, followed by her sister's son. It didn't stop there. Her family converted, Aisha turned her attention to Cowcaddens, with its tightly packed rows of crumbling, grey tenement flats.

Every Monday for the past 13 years, Aisha has held classes in Islam for Scottish women. So far she has helped to convert over 30. The women come from a bewildering array of backgrounds. Trudy, a lecturer at the University of Glasgow and a former Catholic, attended Aisha's classes purely because she was commissioned to carry out some research. But after six months of classes she converted, deciding that Christianity was riddled with "logical inconsistencies". Unlike Aisha, Trudy has chosen not to wear the hijab, believing it to be a masculine interpretation of the Koran. Her family don't know that she has converted.

"I could tell she was beginning to be affected by the talks", Aisha says. How could she tell? "I don't know, it was just a feeling." The classes include Muslim girls tempted by Western ideals and needing salvation, practising Muslim women who want an open forum for discussion denied them at the local male-dominated mosque, and those simply interested in Islam. Aisha welcomes questions. "We cannot expect people blindly to believe."

Her husband, Mohammad Bhutta, now 41, does not seem so driven to convert Scottish lads to Muslim brothers. He occasionally helps out in the family restaurant, but his main aim in life is to ensure the couple's five children grow up as Muslims. The eldest, Safia, "nearly 14, alhumdulillah (Praise be to God!)", is not averse to a spot of recruiting herself. One day she met a woman in the street and carried her shopping, the woman attended Aisha's classes and is now a Muslim.

"I can honestly say I have never regretted it", Aisha says of her conversion to Islam. "Every marriage has its ups and downs and sometimes you need something to pull you out of any hardship. But the Prophet Peace by upon him, said: 'Every hardship has an ease.' So when you're going through a difficult stage, you work for that ease to come." Mohammed is more romantic: "I feel we have known each other for centuries and must never part from one another. According to Islam, you are not just partners for life, you can be partners in heaven as well, for ever. Its a beautiful thing, you know."

A World Where Womanhood Reigns Supreme

When I joined the team of "Living Islam" two years ago, my perception of Islam was dominated by prejudice and ignorance, and I found its treatment of women abhorrent. To me the veil symbolised the oppression of women, making them invisible, anonymous and voiceless, and the cause of this oppression lay in the will to perpetuate the family and maintain a patriarchal framework - the very basis of an Islamic Society. I thought women were entirely submerged by divine justification of their role as wife and mother.

"Living Islam" was filmed over two years in 19 different countries and on location I was a lone female in an otherwise male team. I was aware that I especially should behave appropriately. In my mind, women were to be neither seen nor heard. My first trip took me to Mali - to an untypical Muslim community in the bush. Making sure to cover every bit of naked flesh while the men wandered around in short sleeves, I wondered what rooms I was permitted to enter and who I was permitted to talk to. But I also wondered whether my new-found meekness was not in part a reaction to the overpowering atmosphere of the patriarchal society I found my self in. Was this how Muslim women felt - resignation in the face of impossible odds?

The first Muslim woman I met in Mali was far removed from my preconception about the Muslim female. She was the wife of a Shaikh dedicated to converting pagan villagers to Islam. A sophisticated, well-educated woman, previously married to a diplomat, she had renounced a Western lifestyle for a life in purdah. In my eyes she had sentenced herself to life imprisonment. But here was no prisoner, no poor downtrodden slave. A sharp intelligent and influential woman stood before me, clearly the one "who wore trousers" round here. Here seclusion gave her a status of honour and allowed her to exercise control from behind closed doors without confrontation. She was the bargainer, the head of the household, and the manager of her husbands affairs and schedule.

The emancipated woman in the West faces the conflict between confirmation of her femininity and the privileges that she associates with it, and repudiation of the confines of her female role and all the limitations that men want her to assume. From where I stood, this woman had transformed those limitations into privileges.

On my next trip to northern Nigeria I met two more women who would alter my views even further. These were two women from the household of Shaikh Zakzaky, a fervent preacher of Jihad who urges his supporters to follow the example of Iran and replace the imperialistic western regime with an Islamic state. Zeenah Ibraheem, Zakzaky's wife and Fatima Yunus, her friend, had agreed to be interviewed about the role of women in Islam. They were in purdah and would only speak to another woman. The producer asked me to interview them. I was nervous apart from the fact that I had never interviewed anyone before. I was worried that my feminist sympathies would antagonise the women. But it was precisely these sympathies that Zeenah and Fatima themselves were questioning. Once again, the women were educated and articulate. And once again they had rejected the Western lifestyle which I considered so superior to Islam in its treatment of women.

As I took my seat on a carpet in the courtyard, the invisible boundary between men and women was a welcome partition, and within this boundary womanhood reigned supreme. This was a sharp contrast with the feelings from the previous days in locations where my presence had been acceptable only as an "honorary man". We had been filming the medieval theatrics of the 'Salla' celebrations that marked the end of Ramadan. Men, men, men everywhere: 500,000 men gathered for prayer on the morning of the Salla, men pouring into the inner courtyard of the Emir of Kano's inner courtyard to pay homage - I was grateful to be allowed to witness these events but at what price? The complete annihilation of my female identity?

But now I was taking the reins because of my sex. No more the feeling of inferiority and exclusion, as a novice in things Islamic surrounded by a team of experts, as a woman in a patriarchal society. Now the men were excluded. Apart from the cameraman and sound recordist, they were encouraged to stand well back. The cameraman covered his head and the camera with a black cloth - his very own veil. I was now in a world where the men had no voice.

The women talked and in their answers I saw the seeds of my own re-evaluations. They argued that the veil signified their rejection of an unacceptable system of values which debased women while Islam elevated women to a position of honour and respect. "It is not liberation where you say women should go naked. It is just oppression, because men want to see them naked." Just as to us the veil represents Muslim oppression, to them miniskirts and plunging necklines represent oppression. They said that men are cheating women in the West. They let us believe we're liberated but enslave us to the male gaze. However much I insist on the right to choose what I wear, I cannot deny that the choice is often dictated by what will make my body more attractive to men. Women cannot separate their identity from their appearance and so we remain trapped in the traditional feminine world, where the rules are written by men.

By choosing to wear the veil, these women were making a conscious decision to define their role in society and their relationship with men. That relationship appeared to be based more on exchange and mutual respect (a respect that was often lacking in the personal relationships I saw in the West), than the master/servant scenario I had anticipated. The Veil to them signified visual confirmation of their religious commitment, in which men and women were united, and for Zeenah and Fatima an even stronger commitment to a political ideal.

So were my notions of oppression in the form of the veil disqualified? If my definition of equality was free will then I could no longer define that oppression as a symptom of Islam. The women had all exercised their right to choose. To some extent, they were freer than me - I had less control over my destiny. I could no longer point at them and say they were oppressed and I was not. my life was influenced by male approval as theirs - but the element of choice had been taken out of mine. their situations and their arguments had, after all, served to highlight shortcomings in my view of my own liberty.

MARY WALKER
Mary Walker was Production Co-ordinator on the BBC2 series "Living Islam".
Article courtesy of Impact Magazine

Why British Women are turning to Islaam

Unprecedented numbers of British people, nearly all of them women, are converting to Islam at a time of deep divisions within the Anglican and Catholic churches.

The rate of conversions has prompted predictions that Islam will rapidly become an important religious force in this country.[1] "Within the next 20 years the number of British converts will equal or overtake the immigrant Muslim community that brought the faith here", says Rose Kendrick, a religious education teacher at a Hull comprehensive and the author of a textbook guide to the Koran. She says: "Islam is as much a world faith as is Roman Catholicism. No one nationality claims it as its own". Islam is also spreading fast on the continent and in America.

The surge in conversions to Islam has taken place despite the negative image of the faith in the Western press. Indeed, the pace of conversions has accelerated since publicity over the Salman Rushdie affair, the Gulf War[2] and the plight of the Muslims in Bosnia. It is even more ironic that most British converts should be women, given the widespread view in the west that Islam treats women poorly. In the United States, women converts outnumber men by four to one, and in Britain make up the bulk of the estimated 10, 000 to 20, 000 converts, forming part of a Muslim community of 1 to 1.5 million. Many of Britain's "New Muslims" are from middle-class backgrounds. They include Matthew Wilkinson, a former head boy of Eton who went on to Cambridge, and a son and daughter of Lord Justice Scott, the judge heading the arms-to-Iraq enquiry.

A small-scale survey by the Islamic Foundation in Leicester suggests that most converts are aged 30 to 50. Younger Muslims point to many conversions among students and highlight the intellectual thrust of Islam. "Muhammad" said, "The light of Islam will rise in the West" and I think that is what is happening in our day" says Aliya Haeri, an American-born psychologist who converted 15 years ago. She is a consultant to the Zahra Trust, a charity publishing spiritual literature and is one of Britain's prominent Islamic speakers. She adds: "Western converts are coming to Islam with fresh eyes, without all the habits of the East, avoiding much of what is culturally wrong. The purest tradition is finding itself strongest in the West."[3]

Some say the conversions are prompted by the rise of comparative religious education. The British media, offering what Muslims describe as a relentless bad press on all things Islamic, is also said to have helped. Westerners despairing of their own society - rising in crime, family breakdown, drugs and alcoholism [4] - 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.

Quest of the Convert - Why Change?

Other converts describe a search for a religious identity. Many had previously been practising Christians but found intellectual satisfaction in Islam. "I was a theology student and it was the academic argument that led to my conversion." Rose Kendrick, a religious education teacher and author, said she objected to the concept of the original sin: "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.

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." Her crisis came when a prayer was not answered. She slammed the door on visiting vicars but travelled to convents for discussions with nuns. "My belief came back stronger, but not for the Church, the institution or the dogma." She researched every Christian denomination, plus Judaism, Buddhism and Krishna Consciousness, before turning to Islam.

Many converts from Christianity reject the ecclesiastical hierarchy emphasising Muslims' direct relationship with God. They sense a lack of leadership in the Church of England and are suspicious of its apparent flexibility. "Muslims don't keep shifting their goal-posts," says Huda Khattab, 28, author of The Muslim Woman's Handbook, published this year by Ta-Ha. She converted ten years ago while studying Arabic at university. "Christianity changes, like the way some have said pre-marital 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.

Footnotes

1 This is one of the reasons why there is an onslaught of bad press against Islam and the Muslims. Whoever considers Islam carefully with its principle belief Tawheed (the Uniqueness of Allaah, His and His sole right to subservience, worship and legislation), the sum total of its injunctions, formulated by Allaah (which are harmonic and define the true nature, position, rights and responsibilities of both sexes), and its justice in every sphere of life (social, economical and political) for all categories of people - wives, husbands, children, orphans, women, the poor and indigent, the poverty-stricken - will realise why it poses a threat to the leading elite of the western civilisations (i.e. those who benefit most from the unfair and unjust forms by which the people are governed). It is in the hands of such people that the control of peoples beliefs and ideas lie (via television, Magazines, Films, Education) and naturally this advantage is used to maintain the existing status quo. Muslims are not governed by and enslaved the false beliefs and ideas of humans, they are enslaved to and governed by Allaah alone. This is the essence of Islam - That enslavement is to none but to Allaah alone and everything besides Him is undeserving of worship and subservience.

2 It is now an established fact that around 5,000 of the US Troops who were stationed in Saudi Arabia became Muslims during and shortly after the Gulf War.

3 Much of the alleged oppression of women is due to localised culture which is based on a superstition that is more akin to Hinduism. It is, however, portrayed as being Islamic in origin which in turn seriously affects the 'independence of thought' of those who do not bother to pursue the matter in an objective manner - which includes most people.

4 One of the biggest industries in the West is that of entertainment and amusement. This is essential to maintain the false idea of progress, that what comes next is better and worth enduring for. Peoples minds are preoccupied with their own pleasures and other pursuits while others are being murdered, slaughtered, women raped, innocent babies and children butchered with axes and knives, innocent by-standers in robberies and muggings killed, the aged battered to death by adolescents, thousands dying of drug abuse, thousands of innocent lives destroyed by the consumption of alcohol, drunkards beating their women and children... the list is endless. The entertainment industry is one of the effective tools in the 'normalisation of the thought process', the 'desensitisation of the humanistic concern', and the intensification of the 'my pleasure and gratification is what is most important' syndrome.

Women in Islam Versus Women in The Judaeo-Christian Tradition: The Myth & The Reality

Four and a half years ago, I read in the Toronto Star issue of July 3, 1990 an article titled "Islam isn't alone in patriarchal doctrines", by Gwynne Dyer. The article described the furious reactions by the participants of a conference on women and power held in Montreal to the comments of the famous Egyptian feminist Dr. Nawal Saadawi. Her politically incorrect statements included : "the most restrictive elements towards women can be found first in Judaism in the Old Testament then in Christianity and then in the Quran"; "all religions are patriarchal because they stem from patriarchal societies"; and "veiling of women isn't a specifically islamic practice but an ancient cultural heritage with analogies in sister religions". The participants couldn't bear sitting around while their faiths were being equated with Islam. Thus, Dr. Saadawi received a barrage of criticism. "Dr. Saadawi's comments are unacceptable. Her answers reveal a lack of understanding about other people's faiths", declared Bernice Dubois of the World Movement of Mothers. "I must protest" said panelist Alice Shalvi of Israel women's network,"there is no conception of the veil in Judaism." The article attributed these furious protests to the strong tendency in the west to scapegoat Islam for practices that are just as much part of the west's own cultural heritage. "Christian and Jewish feminists were not going to sit around being discussed in the same category as those wicked Muslims" wrote Gwynne Dyer.

I wasn't surprised that the conference participants had held such a negative view of Islam, especially when women's issues were involved. Islam is believed , in the West, to be the symbol of the subordination of women par excellence. In order to understand how firm this belief is, it is enough to mention that the Minister of Education in France, the land of Voltaire, has recently ordered the expulsion of all young muslim women wearing the veil from french schools [1]! What intrigued me the most about the conference was one question : Were the statements made by Saadawi, or any of her critics, factual ? In other words, do Judaism, Christianity, and Islam have the same conception of women? Are they different in their conceptions ? Do Judaism and Christianity , truly, offer women a better treatment than Islam does? What is the Truth?

It is not easy to search for and find answers to these difficult questions. The first difficulty is that one has to be fair and objective or, at least, that one does one's utmost to be so. This is what Islam teaches. The Quran has instructed us to say the truth even if those who are very close to us don't like it:

"Whenever you speak, speak justly, even if a near relative is concerned"
(Qur'an 6:152)

"O you who believe stand out firmly for justice, as witnesses to Allah, even as against yourselves, or your parents or your kin, and whether it be (against) rich or poor"
(Qur'an 4:135)

The other great difficulty is the overwhelming breadth of the subject. Therefore, during the last few years, I have spent many hours reading the Bible, The Encyclopedia of Religion, and the Encyclopedia Judaica searching for answers. I have also read several books discussing the position of women in different religions written by scholars, apologists, and critics. Today, I am here to present some of the important findings of this humble research. I don't claim to be absolutely objective. This is beyond my limited capacity. All what I can say is that I have been trying, throughout this research, to approach the Quranic ideal of "speaking justly".

Before we start, I would like to emphasize that my purpose from this presentation is not to denigrate Judaism or Christianity. As Muslims, we believe in the divine origins of both. No one can be a Muslim without believing in Moses and Jesus as great prophets of Allah. My goal is only to vindicate Islam and pay a tribute ,long overdue in the West, to the final truthful Message from God to the human race. I would also like to emphasize that I concerned myself only with Doctrine. That is, my concern is, mainly, the position of women in the three religions as it appears in their original sources not as practiced by their millions of followers in the world today. Therefore, most of the evidence cited comes from the Quran, the Bible, the Talmud , and the sayings of some of the most influential Church Fathers whose views have contributed immeasurably to defining and shaping Christianity. This interest in the sources relates to the fact that understanding a certain religion from the attitudes and the behaviour of some of its nominal followers is misleading. Many people confuse culture with religion, many others don't know what their religious books are saying, and many others don't even care.

Eve's Fault?

The three religions agree on one basic fact : Both women and men are created by God The Creator of the whole universe. However, disagreement starts soon after the creation of the first man, Adam and the first woman, Eve. The Judaeo-Christian conception of the creation of Adam and Eve is narrated in detail in Genesis 2:4-3:24. God prohibited both of them from eating the fruits of the forbidden tree. The serpent seduced Eve to eat from it and Eve, in turn, seduced Adam to eat with her. When God rebuked Adam for what he did, he put all the blame on Eve "The woman you put here with me --she gave me some fruit from the tree and I ate it." Consequently, God said to Eve "I will greatly increase your pains in childbearing; with pain you will give birth to children. Your desire will be for your husband and he will rule over you." To Adam he said,"Because you listened to your wife and ate from the tree .... Cursed is the ground because of you; through painful toil you will eat of it all the days of your life..."

The Islamic conception of the first creation is found in several places in the Quran, for example

"O Adam dwell with your wife in the garden and enjoy as you wish but approach not this tree or you run into harm. Then Satan whispered to them your Lord only forbade you this tree lest you become angels or such beings as live forever. And he swore to them both that he was their sincere adviser.So by deceit he brought them to their fall: when they tasted the tree their shame became manifest to them... Their Lord called unto them did I not forbid you that tree...They said: our Lord we have wronged our own souls and if You forgive us not and bestow not upon us Your mercy, we shall certainly be lost..."
(Qur'an 7:19-25)

A careful look into the two accounts of the story of the Creation reveals some essential differences. The Quran, contrary to the Bible, places equal blame on both Adam and Eve for their mistake. Nowhere in the Quran can one find even the slightest hint that Eve tempted Adam to eat from the tree or even that she had eaten before him. Eve in the Quran is no temptress, no seducer, and no deceiver. Moreover, Eve isn't to be blamed for the pains of childbearing. God, according to the Quran, punishes no one for another's faults. Both Adam and Eve committed a sin and then asked God for forgiveness and He forgave them both.

Eve's Legacy

The image of Eve as temptress in the Bible has resulted in an extremely negative impact on women throughout the Judaeo-Christian tradition. In order to understand how negative the impact on women was we have to look at the writings of some of the most important Jews and Christians of all time. Let us start with the Old Testament and listen to excerpts from what is called the Wisdom Literature in which we find," I find more bitter than death the woman who is a snare, whose heart is a trap and whose hands are chains. The man who pleases God will escape her, but the sinner she will ensnare....while I was still searching but not finding, I found one upright man among a thousand but not one upright woman among them all." (Ecclesiastes 7:26-28) One has to ask what is the wisdom in denying the existence of even one upright woman on earth ? In another part of the Hebrew literature which is found in the Catholic Bible we read," No wickedness comes anywhere near the wickedness of a woman.....Sin began with a woman and thanks to her we all must die"(Ecclesiasticus 25:19,24) Orthodox Jewish men in their daily morning prayer recite "Blessed be God King of the universe that Thou has not made me a woman." The women, on the other hand, thank God every morning for "making me according to Thy will" [2].

The same severe tone is found also in the New Testament. Listen to St. Paul," A woman should learn in quietness and full submission. I don't permit a woman to teach or to have authority over a man; she must be silent. For Adam was formed first, then Eve. And Adam wasn't the one deceived; it was the woman who was deceived and became a sinner, but women will be saved through childbearing...."(I Timothy 2:11-15) St. Tertullian was even more blunt than St. Paul, while he was talking to his 'best beloved sisters' in the faith, he said," Do you not know that you are each an Eve? The sentence of God on this sex of yours lives in this age: the guilt must of necessity live too. You are the Devil's gateway: You are the unsealer of the forbidden tree: You are the first deserter of the divine law: You are she who persuaded him whom the devil wasn't valiant enough to attack. You destroyed so easily God's image ,man."

St. Augustine was faithful to the legacy of his predecessors, he wrote to a friend, " What is the difference whether it is in a wife or a mother, it is still Eve the temptress that we must beware of in any woman."

Centuries later, St. Thomas Aquinas still considered women as defective, "As regards the individual nature, woman is defective and misbegotten, for the active force in the male seed tends to the production of a perfect likeness in the masculine sex; while the production of woman comes from a defect in the active force or from some material indisposition, or even from some external influence."

Finally, the renowned reformer Martin Luther couldn't see any benefit from a woman but bringing into the world as many children as possible regardless of the possible side effects," If they become tired or even die, that doesn't matter. Let them die in childbirth, that's why they are there" [3]. Again and again all women are denigrated because of the image of Eve the temptress, thanks to the Genesis account.

If we now turn our attention to what the Quran has to say about women, we will soon realize that the Islamic conception of women is radically different from that of the Judaeo-Christian tradition. Let the Quran speak for itself.

"For muslim men and women, for believing men and women, for devout men and women, for true men and women, for men and women who are patient, 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 all has Allah prepared forgiveness and great reward"
(Qur'an 33:35)

"Whoever works evil will not be requited but by the like thereof, and whoever works a righteous deed -whether man or woman- and is a believer- such will enter the Garden of bliss"
(Qur'an 40:40)

"Whoever works righteousness, man or woman, and has faith, verily to him/her we will give a new life that is good and pure, and we will bestow on such their reward according to the best of their actions"
(Qur'an 16:97)

It is clear that the Quranic view of women is no different than that of a man. They, both, are God's creatures whose sublime goal on earth is to worship their Lord, do righteous deeds, and avoid evil and they, both, will be assessed accordingly. The Quran never mentions that the woman is the devil's gateway or that she is a deceiver by nature. The Quran, also, never mentions that man is God's image, all men and all women are his creatures, that's all. According to the Quran, a woman's role on earth isn't limited only to childbirth. She is required to do as many good deeds as any other man is required to do. The Quran never said that no upright women had ever existed. To the contrary, the Quran has instructed all the believers, women as well as men, to follow the example of those ideal women such as the Virgin Mary and the Pharoah's wife (66:11-13)

Shameful Daughters?

In fact, the difference between the Biblical and the Quranic attitude towards the female sex starts as soon as a female is born. For example the Bible states that the period of the mother's ritual impurity is twice as long if a girl is born than if a boy is (Leviticus 12:2-5). The Catholic Bible does state explicitly that "The birth of a daughter is a loss" (Ecclesiasticus 22:3) In contrast to this shocking statement, boys receive special praise, "A man who educates his son will be the envy of his enemy." (Ecclesiasticus 30:3) A daughter is considered a painful burden, a potential source of shame to her father "Your daughter is headstrong? Keep a sharp look-out that she doesn't make you the laughing stock of your enemies, the talk of the town, the object of common gossip, and put you to public shame."(Ecclesiasticus 42:11)

It was this very same idea of treating daughters as sources of shame that led the pagan Arabs, before the advent of Islam, to practice female infanticide. The Quran severely condemned this heinous practice

"When news is brought to one of them of the birth of a female child, his face darkens and he is filled with inward grief. With shame does he hide himself from his people because of the bad news he has had! Shall he retain her on contempt or bury her in the dust? Ah! what an evil they decide on?"
(Qur'an 16:59)

It has to be mentioned that this sinister crime would have never stopped in Arabia if it were not to the power of the scathing terms the Quran used to condemn this practice (16:59, 43:17, 81:8-9). The Quran, moreover, makes no distinction between boys and girls. In contrast to the Bible, the Quran considers the birth of a female as a gift and a blessing from God, same as the birth of a male. The Quran even mentions the gift of the female birth first,

"To Allah belongs the dominion of the heavens and the earth. He creates what he wills. He bestows female children to whomever he wills and bestows male children to whomever he wills"
(Qur'an 42:49)

Female Education?

The difference between the Biblical and the Quranic conceptions of women is not limited to the newly born female, it extends far beyond that. Let's compare their attitudes towards a female trying to learn her religion. The heart of Judaism is the Torah, the law. However, according to the Talmud, "women are exempt from the study of the Torah." In the first century C.E., Rabbi Eliezer said: "If any man teaches his daughter Torah it is as though he taught her lechery" [4]. The attitude of St. Paul in the New Testament isn't brighter "As in all the congregations of the saints, women should remain silent in the churches. They are not allowed to speak, but must be in submission as the law says. If they want to inquire about something, they should ask their own husbands at home; for it is disgraceful for a woman to speak in the church."(I Corinthians 14:34,35) How can a woman learn if she is not allowed to speak? How can a woman grow intellectually if she is obliged to be in a state of full submission? How can she broaden her horizons if her one and only source of information is her husband at home?

Now, to be fair, we should ask: is the Quranic position any different? One short story narrated in the Quran sums its position up concisely. Khawlah was a Muslim woman whose husband Aws at a moment of anger pronounced this statement: "You are to me as the back of my mother." This was held by pagan Arabs to be a statement of divorce which freed the husband from any conjugal responsibility but didn't leave the wife free to leave the husband's home or to marry another man. Having heard these words from her husband, Khawlah was in a miserable situation. She went straight to the Prophet of Islam to plead her case. The prophet was of the opinion that she should be patient since there seemed to be no way out. Khawla kept arguing with the prophet in an attempt to save her suspended marriage. Shortly, the Quran intervened; Khawla's plea was accepted. The divine verdict abolished this iniquitous custom. One full chapter (Chapter 58) of the Quran whose title is *Almujadilah* or "The woman who is arguing" was devoted to this incident,

"Allah has heard and accepted the statement of the woman who pleads with you (the prophet) concerning her husband and carries her complaint to Allah, and Allah hears the arguments between both of you for Allah hears and sees all things...."
(Qur'an 58:1)

A woman in the Quranic conception has the right to argue even with the Prophet of Islam himself. No one has the right to instruct her to be silent. She is under no obligation to consider her husband the one and only reference in matters of law and religion.

Adultery

Women's position, role, rights, and duties in the Quran are very different from those found in the Bible. Let us take some examples. Adultery and fornication are considered sins in all religions. The Bible decrees the death sentence for both the adulterer and the adulteress (Leviticus 20:10). Islam also equally punishes both the adulterer and the adulteress (24:2). However, the Quranic definition of adultery is very different from the Biblical definition. Adultery, according to the Quran, is the involvement of a married man or a married woman in an extramarital affair. The Bible only considers the extramarital affair of a married woman as adultery (Leviticus 20:10, Deuteronomy 22:22, Proverbs 6:20-7:27). The extramarital affair of a married man isn't per se a crime in the Bible. Why this dual moral standard?

According to Encyclopedia Judaica, the wife was considered to be the husband's possession and adultery constituted a violation the husband's exclusive right to her; the wife as the husband's possession had no such right to him [5].

The New Testament echoes the same attitude in Matthew 5:31-32, where it is attributed to Jesus to have said," I tell you that anyone who divorces his wife, except for marital unfaithfulness, causes her to become an adulteress, and anyone who marries the divorced woman commits adultery." Why didn't he label the man who divorces his wife and marries another woman as adulterer? To the present day in Israel, if a married man indulges in an extramarital affair with a woman, his children by that woman are considered legitimate. But, if a married woman has an affair with another man, her children by that man are not only illegitimate but are forbidden to marry any other Jews except converts and other bastards. This ban is handed down to the child's descendants for 10 generations until the taint of adultery is presumably weakened [6].

The Quran, on the other hand, never considers any woman to be the possession of any man. The Quran eloquently describes the relationship between the spouses by saying,

"And among His signs is that He created for you mates from among yourselves, that you may dwell in tranquility with them and He has put love and mercy between your hearts: verily in that are signs for those who reflect"
(Qur'an 30:21)

This is Quranic conception of marriage: love, mercy, and tranquility, not possession and double standards.

Bearing Witness

Another issue in which the Quran and the Bible disagree is the issue of women bearing witness. It is true that the Quran has instructed the believers dealing in financial transactions to get two male witnesses or one male and two females (2:282). However, it is also true that the Quran in other situations accepts the testimony of a woman as equal to that of a man. In fact the woman's testimony can even invalidate the man's. If a man accuses his wife of unchastity, he is required by the Quran to solemnly swear five times as evidence of the wife's guilt. If the wife denies and swears similarly five times, she isn't considered guilty and in either case the marriage is dissolved (24:6-11).

On the other hand, women were not allowed to bear witness in early Jewish society [7]. Women in Today's Israel are not allowed to give evidence in Rabbinical courts because the Talmud says: "Women are temperamentally light-headed" [8]. The Rabbis, also, justify why women can't bear witness by citing Genesis 18:9-16, where it is stated that Sara, Abraham's wife had lied. The rabbis use this incident as evidence that women are unqualified to bear witness. It should be noted here that this story narrated in Genesis 18:9-16 has been mentioned more than once in the Quran without any hint of any lies by Sara (11:69-74, 51:24-30).

If a man accuses his wife of unchastity, her testimony will not be considered at all according to the Bible. The accused wife has to be subjected to a trial by ordeal (Numbers 5:11-31). In this trial, the wife faces a complex and humiliating ritual which was supposed to prove her guilt or innocence. If she is found guilty after this ordeal, she will be sentenced to death. Also, if a man takes a woman as a wife and then accuses her of not being a virgin, her own testimony will not count. Her parents had to bring evidence of her virginity before the elders of the town. If the parents couldn't prove the innocence of their daughter, she would be stoned to death on her father's doorsteps. If the parents were able to prove her innocence, the husband will only be fined one hundred shekels of silver and he must not divorce his wife as long as he lives (Deuteronomy 22:13-21). Why should the poor woman live with the man who slandered her in public for the rest of his life?

Female Inheritance

One of the most important differences between the Quran and the Bible is their attitude towards female inheritance of the property of a deceased relative. According to Numbers 27:1-11, widows and sisters don't inherit at all. Daughters can inherit only if their deceased father had no sons. Otherwise the sons receive the entire inheritance. Among the pagan Arabs before Islam, inheritance rights were confined exclusively to the male relatives. The Quran abolished all these unjust customs and gave all the female relatives their just share (4:7,11,12,176).

Plight of Widows

Because of the fact that the Old Testament recognized no inheritance rights to them, widows were among the most vulnerable of the Jewish population. The male relatives who inherited all of her deceased husband's estate were to provide for her from that estate. However, widows had no way to ensure this provision was carried out and lived on the mercy of others. Therefore, widows were among the lowest classes in ancient Israel and widowhood was considered a symbol of great degradation (Isaiah 54:4). But the plight of a widow in the Biblical tradition extended even beyond her exclusion from her husband's property. According to Genesis 38, a childless widow must marry her husband's brother, even if he is already married, so that he can produce offspring for his dead brother, thus ensuring his brother's name will not die out. The widow's consent to this marriage is not required. The widow is treated as part of her deceased husband's property whose main function is to ensure her husband's posterity. This biblical law is still practiced in today's Israel [9]. The pagan Arabs before Islam had similar practices. The widow was considered a part of her husband's property to be inherited by his male heirs and she was, usually, given in marriage to the deceased man's eldest son from another wife. The Quran scathingly attacked and abolished this degrading custom (4:22).

Widows and divorced women were so looked down upon in the biblical tradition that the high priest must not marry a widow, a divorced woman, or a prostitute (Leviticus 21:13). In Israel today, a descendent of the Cohen caste (the high priests of the days of the Temple) cannot marry a divorcee, a widow, or a prostitute [10]. In the Jewish legislation, a woman who has been widowed three times with all the three husband's dying of natural causes is considered 'fatal' and forbidden to marry again [11]. The Quran, on the other hand, recognizes neither castes nor fatal persons. Widows and divorcees have the freedom to marry whomever they choose. There is no stigma attached with divorce or widowhood in the Quran (2:231,232, 234, 240).

Polygamy

Let's now tackle the important question of polygamy. Polygamy is a very ancient practice found in many human societies. The Bible didn't condemn polygamy. To the contrary, the Old Testament and Rabbinic writings frequently attest to the legality of polygamy. King Solomon is said to have had 700 wives and 300 concubines (1 Kings 11:3) Also, king David is said to have had many wives and concubines (2 Samuel 5:13). The Old Testament does have some injunctions on how to distribute the property of a man among his sons from different wives (Deut. 22:7). The only restriction on polygamy is a ban on taking a wife's sister as a rival wife (Leviticus 18:18). The Talmud advices a maximum of four wives [12]. European Jews continued to practice polygamy until the sixteenth century. Oriental Jews regularly practised polygamy until they arrived in Israel where it is forbidden under civil law. However, under religious law which overrides civil law in such cases, it is permissible [13].

What about the New Testament? According to Father Eugene Hillman in his insightful book 'Polygamy reconsidered'," No where in the New Testament is there any explicit commandment that marriage should be monogamous or any explicit commandment forbidding polygamy" [14]. Moreover, Jesus hasn't spoken against polygamy though it was practiced by the Jews of his society. Father Hillman stressed the fact that the church in Rome banned polygamy in order to conform to the Greco-Roman culture (which prescribed only one legal wife while tolerating concubinage and prostitution). He cited St. Augustine, "Now indeed in our time, and in keeping with Roman custom, it is no longer allowed to take another wife" [15].

African churches and African christians often remind their European brothers that the Church's ban on polygamy is a cultural tradition and not an authentic Christian injunction.

The Quran, too, allowed polygamy, but not without restrictions,

"If you fear that you shall not be able to deal justly with the orphans, marry women of your choice, two or three or four but if you fear that you shall not be able to deal justly with them, then only one"
(Qur'an 4:3)

The Quran, Contrary to the Bible, limited the maximum number of wives to four under the strict condition of treating the wives equally and justly. It should not be understood that the Quran is exhorting the believers to practice polygamy, or that polygamy is considered as an ideal. In other words, the Quran has "tolerated" or "allowed" polygamy, and no more, but why? Why is polygamy permissible or allowed? The answer is simple, there are places and times in which there are compelling reasons for polygamy. Islam as a universal religion suitable for all places and all times couldn't ignore these compelling reasons.

In most human societies, females outnumber males. In the U.S. there are, at least, eight million more women than men. In a country like Guinea there are 122 females for every 100 males. In Tanzania, there are 95.1 males per 100 females [16]. What should a society do towards such unbalanced sex ratios? There are various solutions, some might suggest celibacy, others would prefer female infanticide (which does happen in some societies in the world today !). Others would think the only outlet is that the society should tolerate all manners of moral decadence : prostitution, sex out of wedlock, homosexuality ...etc. Other societies (like most African societies today) would see the most honourable outlet is to allow polygamous marriage as a culturally accepted and socially respected institution. The point that is often misunderstood in the west is that women in other cultures don't necessarily look at polygamy as a sign of women's degradation.

For example, many young African brides (whether Christians or Muslims or otherwise), would prefer to marry a married man who has already proved himself to be a responsible husband. Many African wives urge their husbands to get a second wife so that they don't feel lonely [17]. The problem of the unbalanced sex ratios becomes truly problematic at times of war. Native American Indian tribes used to suffer highly unbalanced sex ratios after wartime losses. Women in these tribes, who in fact enjoyed a fairly high status, accepted polygamy as the best protection against indulgence in indecent activities. European settlers, without offering any other alternative, condemned this Indian polygamy as 'uncivilized' [18].

After the second world war, there were 7,300,000 more women than men in Germany (3.3 million of them were widows). There were 100 men aged 20 to 30 for every 167 women in that age group [19]. Many of these women needed a man not only as a companion but also as a provider for the household in a time of unprecedented misery and hardship. The soldiers of the victorious Allied Armies exploited these women's vulnerability. Many young girls and widows had liaisons with members of the occupying forces. Many American and British soldiers paid for their pleasures in cigarettes, chocolate, and bread. Children were overjoyed at the gifts these strangers brought. A 10 year old boy on hearing of such gifts from other children wished from all his heart for an 'Englishman' for his mother so that she need not go hungry any longer [20]. We have to ask our own consciences at this point: What is more dignifying to a woman? An accepted and respected second wife as in the native Indians' approach, or a virtual prostitute as in the 'civilised' Allies approach? In other words, what is more dignifying to a woman, the Quranic prescription or the theology based on the culture of the Roman Empire?

The world today possesses more weapons of mass destruction than ever before and the European churches might, sooner or later, be obliged to accept polygamy as the only way out. Father Hillman has thoughtfully recognized this fact," It is quite conceivable that these genocidal techniques (nuclear, biological, chemical..) could produce so drastic an imbalance among the sexes that plural marriage would become a necessary means of survival....Then contrary to previous custom and law, an overriding natural and moral inclination might arise in favour of polygamy. In such a situation, theologians and church leaders would quickly produce weighty reasons and biblical texts to justify a new conception of marriage" [21].

It has to be added also that polygamy in Islam is a matter of mutual consent. No one can force a woman to marry a married man. The Bible, on the other hand, sometimes resorts to forcible polygamy. A childless widow must marry her husband's brother, even if he is already married, regardless of her consent (Genesis 38).

It should be noted that in many Muslim societies today the practice of polygamy is rare since the gap between the numbers of both sexes is not huge. One can, safely, say that the rate of polygamous marriages in the Muslim world is much less than the rate of extramarital affairs in the West. In other words, Men in the Muslim world today are far more strictly monogamous than men in the Western world !

The Veil

Finally, let us shed some light on what is considered in the west as the greatest symbol of women's oppression and servitude, the veil or the head cover. Is it true that there is no such thing as the veil in the Judaeo-Christian tradition? Let's set the record straight. According to Rabbi Dr. Menachem M. Brayer (Professor of Biblical Literature at Yeshiva University) in his book 'The Jewish woman in Rabbinic literature', it was the custom of Jewish women to go out in public with a head covering which, sometimes, even covered the whole face leaving one eye free [22]. He quotes some famous ancient Rabbis saying," It is not like the daughters of Israel to walk out with heads uncovered" and "Cursed be the man who lets the hair of his wife be seen....a woman who exposes her hair for self-adornment brings poverty." Rabbinic law forbids the recitation of blessings or prayers in the presence of a bareheaded married woman since uncovering the woman's hair is considered "nudity" [23]. Dr. Brayer also mentions that "During the Tannaitic period the Jewish woman's failure to cover her head was considered an affront to her modesty. When her head was uncovered she might be fined four hundred zuzim for this offense." Dr. Brayer also explains that veil of the Jewish woman wasn't always considered a sign of modesty. Sometimes, the veil symbolized a state of distinction and luxury rather than modesty. The veil personified the dignity and superiority of noble women. It, also, represented a woman's inaccessibility as a sanctified possession of her husband [24]. It is clear in the Old Testament that uncovering a woman's head was a great disgrace and that's why the priest had to uncover the suspected adulteress in her trial by ordeal (Numbers 5:16-18).

What about the Christian tradition? It is well known that Catholic Nuns have been covering their heads for hundreds of years, but that's not all. St. Paul in the New Testament made some very interesting statements about the veil," Now I want you to realize that the head of every man is Christ, and the head of the woman is man, and the head of Christ is God. Every man who prays or prophesies with his head covered dishonours his head. And every woman who prays or prophesies with her head uncovered dishonours her head - it is just as though her head were shaved. If a woman doesn't cover her head, she should have her hair cut off; and if it is a disgrace for a woman to have her hair cut off or shaved off, she should cover her head. A man ought not to cover his head, since he is the image and glory of God; but the woman is the glory of man. For man didn't come from woman, but woman from man; neither was man created for woman, but woman for man. For this reason, and because of the angels, the woman ought to have a sign of authority on her head." (I Corinthians 11:3-10) St Paul's rationale for veiling women is that the veil represents a sign of authority of the man, who is the image and glory of God, over the woman who was created from and for the man. St. Tertullian in his famous treatise 'On The Veiling Of Virgins' wrote," Young women, you wear your veils out on the streets, so you should wear them in the church, you wear them when you are among strangers, then wear them among your brothers..." Among the Canon laws of the Catholic church today, there is a law that require women to cover their heads in church [25]. Some Christian denominations, such as the Amish and the Mennonites for example, keep their women veiled to the present day. The reason for the veil, as offered by their Church leaders, is "The head covering is a symbol of woman's subjection to the man and to God" : The same logic introduced by St. Paul in the New Testament [26].

From all the above evidence, it is obvious that Islam didn't invent the head cover, but Islam endorsed it. The Quran urges the believing men and women to lower their gaze and guard their modesty and then urges the believing women to extend their head covers to cover the neck and the bosom

"Say to the believing men that they should lower their gaze and guard their modesty......And say to the believing women that they should lower their gaze and guard their modesty; that they should not display their beauty and ornaments except what ordinarily appear thereof; that they should draw their veils over their bosoms...."
(Qur'an 24:30,31)

The Quran is quite clear that the veil is an essential part of a recipe designed for the purposes of modesty, but why modesty? The Quran is still clear

"O prophet, tell your wives and daughters and the believing women that they should cast their outer garments over their bodies (when abroad) so that they should be known and not molested"
(Qur'an 33:59)

This is the whole point, modesty is prescribed to protect women from molestation or simply, modesty is protection.

Thus, the only purpose of the veil in Islam is protection. The Islamic veil, unlike the veil of the Christian tradition, is not a sign of man's authority over woman nor is it a sign of woman's subjection to man. The Islamic veil, unlike the veil in the Jewish tradition, is not a sign of luxury and distinction of some noble married women.The Islamic veil is only a sign of modesty with the sole purpose of protecting women, all women. The Islamic philosophy is that it is always better safe than sorry. In fact, the Quran is so concerned with protecting women's bodies and women's reputation that a man who dares to falsely accuse a woman of unchastity will be severely punished,

"And those who launch a charge against chaste women, and produce not four witnesses (to support their allegations)- Flog them with eighty stripes; and reject their evidence ever after: for such men are wicked transgressors"
(Qur'an 24:4)

Compare this strict Quranic attitude with the extremely lax punishment for rape in the Bible " If a man happens to meet a virgin who is not pledged to be married and rapes her and they are discovered, he shall pay the girl's father fifty shekels of silver. He must marry the girl, for he has violated her. He can never divorce her as long as he lives" (Deut. 22:28-30). One must ask a simple question here, who is really punished? The man who only paid a fine for rape, or the girl who is forced to marry the man who raped her and live with him until he dies? Another question that also should be asked is this: which is more protective of women, the Quranic strict attitude or the Biblical lax attitude?

Some people, especially in the West, would tend to ridicule the whole argument of modesty for protection. Their argument is that the best protection is the spread of education, civilised behaviour, and self restraint. We would say: Fine but not enough. If 'civilization' is enough protection, then why is it that women in North America, dare not walk alone in a dark street - or even across an empty parking lot ? If Education is the solution, then why is it that a respected university like ours has a 'walk home service' for female students on campus? If self restraint is the answer, then why are cases of sexual harassment in the workplace on the news media every day? A sample of those accused of sexual harassment, in the last few years, includes: Navy officers, Managers, University professors, Senators, Supreme Court Justices, and the President of the United States! I couldn't believe my eyes when I read the following statistics, written in a pamphlet issued by the Dean of Women's office at Queen's University:

• In Canada, a woman is sexually assaulted every 6 minutes",

• 1 in 3 women in Canada will be sexually assaulted at some time in their lives",

• 1 in 4 women are at the risk of rape or attempted rape in her lifetime",

• 1 in 8 women will be sexually assaulted while attending college or university, and

• A study found 60% of Canadian university-aged males said they would commit sexual assault if they were certain they wouldn't get caught."

Something is fundamentally wrong in the society we live in. A radical change in the society's life style and culture is absolutely necessary. A culture of modesty is badly needed, modesty in dress, in speech, and in manners of both men and women. Otherwise, the grim statistics will grow even worse day after day and , unfortunately, women alone will be paying the price. Therefore, a society like France which expels young women from schools because of their modest dress is, in the end, simply harming itself.

Conclusion

In the light of the evidence presented above, there is no doubt that Islam has immensely improved the status of women compared to the Judaeo-Christian tradition. The Quran has offered women dignity, justice, and protection which ,for long, have remained out of their reach. That's why it is no surprise to find that most converts to Islam, today, in a country like Britain are women. In the U.S. women converts to Islam outnumber men converts 4 to 1 [27].

The problem is that the majority of the population in the West do not know these facts. They easily believe the media's distorted image of Islam. Therefore, it is a must that we change our defensive attitude towards the whole issue of women in Islam. We must stop being apologetic. We have nothing to be ashamed of. What the Quran has given to women is unparalleled in the history of religion. Instead of always reacting to the consistent barrage of articles defaming Muslim women, we have to take the initiative. We have to act first and let others react. We should boldly initiate discussions with our friends and colleagues regarding the true status of women in Islam. Tell them how the Quran has ended so many injustices against women found in other scriptures. We have to talk to the media, write to the press, and Invite the whole world to read the Quran, read other scriptures and compare for themselves. It goes without saying that the sisters' role is far more important than the brothers' in this respect. The Quran is an incredibly powerful book and it is our task to spread its impressive message to the world. But, are we up to this task ?

Foot Notes

[1] The Globe and Mail, Oct. 4,1994.
[2]Thena Kendath, "Memories of an Orthodox youth" in Susannah Heschel, ed. On being a Jewish Feminist (New York: Schocken Books, 1983), pp. 96-97.
[3] For all the sayings of the prominent Saints, see Karen Armstrong, The Gospel According to Woman (London: Elm Tree Books, 1986) pp. 52-62. See also Nancy van Vuuren, The Subversion of Women as Practiced by Churches, Witch-Hunters, and Other Sexists (Philadelphia: Westminister Press) pp.28-30.
[4] Leonard J. Swidler, Women in Judaism: the Status of Women in Formative Judaism (Metuchen, N.J: Scarecrow Press, 1976) pp. 83-93.
[5] Jeffry H. Togay, "Adultery," Encyclopaedia Judaica, Vol. II, col. 313. Also, see Judith Plaskow, Standing Again at Sinai: Judaism from a Feminist Perspective (New York: Harper & Row Publishers, 1990) pp. 170-177.
[6] Lesley Hazleton, Israeli Women The Reality Behind the Myths (New York: Simon and Schuster, 1977) pp. 41-42.
[7] Swidler, op. cit., p. 115.
[8] Hazleton, op. cit., p. 41.
[9] Ibid., pp. 45-46.
[10] Ibid., p. 47.
[11] Ibid., p. 49.
[12] Swidler, op. cit., pp. 144-148.
[13] Hazleton, op. cit., pp 44-45.
[14] Eugene Hillman, Polygamy Reconsidered: African Plural Marriage and the Christian Churches (New York: Orbis Books, 1975) p. 140.
[15] Ibid., p. 17.
[16] Ibid., pp. 88-93.
[17] Ibid., pp. 92-97.
[18] John D'Emilio and Estelle B. Freedman, Intimate Matters: A history of Sexuality in America (New York: Harper & Row Publishers, 1988) p. 87.
[19] Ute Frevert, Women in German History: from Bourgeois Emancipation to Sexual Liberation (New York: Berg Publishers, 1988) pp. 263-264.
[20] Ibid., pp. 257-258.
[21] Hillman, op. cit., p. 12.
[22] Menachem M. Brayer, The Jewish Woman in Rabbinic Literature: A Psychosocial Perspective (Hoboken, N.J: Ktav Publishing House, 1986) p. 239.
[23] Ibid., pp. 316-317. Also see Swidler, op. cit., pp. 121-123.
[24] Ibid., p. 139.
[25] Clara M. Henning, " Cannon Law and the Battle of the Sexes" in Rosemary R. Ruether, ed., Religion and Sexism: Images of Woman in the Jewish and Christian Traditions (New York: Simon and Schuster, 1974) p. 272.
[26] Donald B. Kraybill, The riddle of the Amish Culture (Baltimore: Johns Hopkins University Press, 1989) p. 56.
[27] The Times, Nov. 18, 1993.

Distorted Image of Muslim Women

Since the height of the feminist movement in the late 70's there has been a magnifying glass placed over the status of Muslim women. Unfortunately, the magnifying glass that has been used is an unusual one. Unusual in the sense that it is very selective about which items it will magnify; other items it will distort to such a degree that they will no longer look familiar. I remember once reading in an "in depth" article about the lives of Muslim women. This article "explained" that at any time a man can divorce his wife by simply stating "I divorce you, I divorce you, I divorce you". This article can lead anyone ignorant of the Islamic ruling regarding divorce to believe that in less than five seconds the woman is left with no husband and is left to care for herself (and possibly children) by any means necessary. The question that immediately popped up in my mind was, "Did the author innocently write that out of sincere ignorance or was it another of the many attempts to degrade the religion of Islam and its followers (muslims)?" It may be my own paranoia, but I tend to believe it was the latter of the two.

The truth of the matter is that Islam has the most humane and most just system of divorce that exists. Firstly, many options are taken and tried before coming to the decision of the divorce. If the man and woman decide that they can no longer live together successfully as a husband and wife, the husband (in most cases, not always) pronounces the divorce by saying "I divorce you". At this point the waiting period begins. The waiting period lasts for three menstrual cycles to assure the woman is not pregnant. This period allows the couple time to think about what they are doing and if this is what they really want to do. There are no lawyers involved to antagonise an already delicate situation.

In the case that it is realised, that the woman is pregnant, the waiting period lasts the entire time she is pregnant. During the waiting period (whether the woman is pregnant or not) the man is obligated to provide food, clothing and shelter to the woman as he did before the divorce pronouncement. If the couple carries the divorce through to the birth of the child and the woman suckles the baby, the man is obligated to feed and clothe both his ex-wife for the time the woman suckles (the maximum being two years). After this weaning, the child will be provided for by the father until he/she is no longer in need of support.

It is quite ironic that in such an "advanced society" as America, there are divorce cases in which women are being forced to pay alimony to their ex-husbands. Can this and many other things we know about the American system of divorce compare to the Islamic system of divorce?

I have also read stories wherein it is stated that women are forced to marry men without their consent. This in no way resembles the marriage system in Islam. In Islaam the woman marries the man of her choice. She may even marry someone that her mother and/or father objects to. The point is that it is the woman who makes the final decision as to whom she will marry. Once the man and the woman decide that they are interested in one another for marriage, a dowry is decided upon. A dowry is not a brides price but, it is a gift from the groom to the bride. They agree upon a gift that is affordable by the groom. In the time of the Prophet (sas), often things such as livestock and money were given. This is a wise decision in the event that a woman becomes divorced or widowed, she has some financial security to fall back on even if it is for a limited amount of time. Once the man and woman are married, the man is required to clothe, feed, shelter and educate her (or allow her to be educated) in the same manner as he does himself.

The last distorted image that I will cover is that of the Muslim women's dress. The western influenced media portrays our dress to be outdated and oppressive. Needless to say however, I differ with these adjectives. Our dress code does not hinder us from doing anything productive in our lives. Muslim women maintain a variety of jobs, non of which are devalued nor hampered due to their dress code. And as for the timing of muslims women's dress during these contemporary times, it seems most appropriate due to decreasing morals in the world today.

For those who say that Islamic dress is outdated, they speak from great ignorance. The decreasing morality and trials of this time makes Hijaab even more in need. More than ever before sex crimes are rampant. Although this society tells women they can wear what they want to wear, anytime a rape occurs the woman is the one put on trial an one of the first questions is, "What were you wearing?" This concept seems as though it is a set up directed against the so called contemporary woman. Also there is a direct correlation between the respect a man has for a woman and the amount of her body her body she displays flauntingly.

In conclusion, I hope this article helped to clear up some distorted/misunderstood aspects of Islam and women. Women in Islam are respected and held in high regard. We will never find success and/or solutions to our problems until we realise that Allaah knows best and that this disbelieving society will ruin itself.

Taken from Hudaa magazine, Jamaica, New York.

Malcolm X - An Islamic Perspective

Malcolm X Timeline

May 19, 1925 - Born Malcolm Little in Omaha, Nebraska

1940 - Drops out of school at age 15

1946 - Convicted of burglary and sent to prison

1949 - 1951 - Studies the Nation of Islam

1952 - Leaves prison, dedicates himself to Nation of Islam, changes name to Malcolm X

Jan. 14, 1958 - Marries Betty X

Dec. 4, 1963 - Suspended from the Nation of Islam

March 1964 - Leaves Nation of Islam, starts the Muslim Mosque, Inc.

Apr. 22, 1964 - Makes his Hajj and becomes El-Hajj Malik al-Shabazz

Jun. 28, 1964 - Forms the Organization of Afro-American Unity

Jul. 17, 1964 - Speaks at the Organization of African Unity in Cairo

Aug. 13, 1964 - U.S. State and Justice Departments take notice of his influence on African leaders at the U.N.

Feb 21, 1965 - Al Hajj Malik assassinated in New York

Early Life

On May 19, 1925 in Omaha, Nebraska, Malcolm Little was born to Reverend Earl and Louise Little. Rev. Little, who believed in self-determination and worked for the unity of black people. Malcolm was raised in a background of ethnic awareness and dignity, but violence was sparked by white racists trying to stop black people such as Rev. Little from preaching the black cause.

The history of Malcolm's dedication to black people, like that of his father, may have been motivated by a long history of oppression of his family. As a young child, Malcolm, his parents, brothers, and sisters were shot at, burned out of their home, harassed, and threatened. This culminated in the murder of his father by white racists when Malcolm was six.

Malcolm became a drop-out from school at the age of fifteen. Learning the ways of the streets, Malcolm became acquainted with hoodlums, thieves, dope peddlers, and pimps. Convicted of burglary at twenty, he remained in prison until the age of twenty-seven. During his prison stay he attempted to educate himself. In addition, during his period in prison he learned about and joined the Nation of Islam, studying the teachings of Elijah Muhammed fully. He was released, a changed man, in 1952.

The Nation of Islam

Upon his release, Malcolm went to Detroit, joined the daily activities of the sect, and was given instruction by Elijah Muhammad himself. Malcolm's personal commitment helped build the organization nation-wide, while making him an international figure. He was interviewed on major television programs and by magazines, and spoke across the country at various universities and other forums. His power was in his words, which so vividly described the plight of blacks and vehemently incriminated whites. When a white person referred to the fact that some Southern university had enrolled black freshmen without bayonets, Malcolm reacted with scorn:

When I "slipped," the program host would leap on the bait: "Ahhh! Indeed, Mr. Malcolm X -- you can't deny that's an advance for your race!"

I'd jerk the pole then. "I can't turn around without hearing about some 'civil rights advance'! White people seem to think the black man ought to be shouting 'hallelujah'! Four hundred years the white man has had his foot-long knife in the black man's back -- and now the whit man starts to wiggle the knife out, maybe six inches! The black man's supposed to be grateful? Why, if the white man jerked the knife out, it's still going to leave a scar!

Although Malcolm words often stung with the injustices against blacks in America, the equally racist views of the Nation of Islam kept him from accepting any whites as sincere or capable of helping the situation. For twelve years he preached that the white man was the devil and the "Honorable Elijah Muhammad" was God's messenger. Unfortunately, most images of Malcolm today focus on this period of his life, although the transformation he was about to undergo would give him a completely different, and more important, message for the American people.

The Change to True Islam

On March 12, 1964, impelled by internal jealousy within the Nation of Islam and revelations of Elijah Muhammad's sexual immorality, Malcolm left the Nation of Islam with the intention of starting his own organization:

I feel like a man who has been asleep somewhat and under someone else's control. I feel what I'm thinking and saying now is for myself. Before, it was for and by guidance of another, now I think with my own mind.

Malcolm was thirty-eight years old when he left Elijah Muhammad's Nation of Islam. Reflecting on reflects that occurred prior to leaving, he said:

At one or another college or university, usually in the informal gatherings after I had spoken, perhaps a dozen generally white-complexioned people would come up to me, identifying themselves as Arabian, Middle Eastern or North African Muslims who happened to be visiting, studying, or living in the United States. They had said to me that, my white-indicting statements notwithstanding, they felt I was sincere in considering myself a Muslim -- and they felt if I was exposed to what they always called "true Islam," I would "understand it, and embrace it." Automatically, as a follower of Elijah, I had bridled whenever this was said. But in the privacy of my own thoughts after several of these experiences, I did question myself: if one was sincere in professing a religion, why should he balk at broadening his knowledge of that religion?

Those orthodox Muslims whom I had met, one after another, had urged me to meet and talk with a Dr. Mahmoud Youssef Shawarbi. . . . Then one day Dr. Shawarbi and I were introduced by a newspaperman. He was cordial. He said he had followed me in the press; I said I had been told of him, and we talked for fifteen or twenty minutes. We both had to leave to make appointments we had, when he dropped on me something whose logic never would get out of my head. He said, "No man has believed perfectly until he wishes for his brother what he wishes for himself."

The Effect of the Pilgrimage

Malcolm further continues about the Hajj:

The pilgrimage to Mecca, known as the Hajj, is a religious obligation that every orthodox Muslim fulfils, if able, at least once in his or her lifetime.

The Holy Quran says it, "Pilgrimage to the House [of God built by the prophet Abraham] is a duty men owe to God; those who are able, make the journey." (3:97)

Allah said: "And proclaim the pilgrimage among men; they will come to you on foot and upon each lean camel, they will come from every deep ravine" (22:27).

Every one of the thousands at the airport, about to leave for Jeddah, was dressed this way. You could be a king or a peasant and no one would know. Some powerful personages, who were discreetly pointed out to me, had on the same thing I had on. Once thus dressed, we all had begun intermittently calling out "Labbayka! (Allahumma) Labbayka!" (Here I come, O Lord!) Packed in the plane were white, black, brown, red, and yellow people, blue eyes and blond hair, and my kinky red hair -- all together, brothers! All honoring the same God, all in turn giving equal honor to each other. . . .

That is when I first began to reappraise the "white man." It was when I first began to perceive that "white man," as commonly used, means complexion only secondarily; primarily it described attitudes and actions. In America,"white man" meant specific attitudes and actions toward the black man, and toward all other non-white men. But in the Muslim world, I had seen that men with white complexions were more genuinely brotherly than anyone else had ever been. That morning was the start of a radical alteration in my whole outlook about "white" men.

There were tens of thousands of pilgrims, from all over the world. They were of all colors, from blue-eyed blonds to black-skinned Africans. But we were all participating in the same ritual displaying a spirit of unity and brotherhood that my experiences in America had led me to believe never could exist between the white an d the non-white...America needs to understand Islam, because this 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 have never before seen sincere and true brotherhood practiced by all colors together, irrespective of their color.

Malcolm's New Vision of America

Malcolm continues:

Each hour here in the Holy Land enables me to have greater spiritual insights into what is happening in America between black and white. The American Negro never can be blamed for his racial animosities -- he is only reacting to four hundred years of the conscious racism of the American whites. But as racism leads America up the suicide path I do believe, from the experiences that I have had with them, that the whites of the younger generation, in the colleges and universities, will see the handwriting on the wall and many of them will turn to the spiritual path of truth -- the only way left to America to ward off the disaster that racism inevitably must lead to. . . .

I believe that God now is giving the world's so-called 'Christian' white society its last opportunity to repent and atone for the crimes of exploiting and enslaving the world's non-white peoples. It is exactly as when God gave Pharaoh a chance to repent. But Pharaoh persisted in his refusal to give justice to those who he oppressed. And, we know, God finally destroyed Pharaoh.

I will never forget the dinner at the Azzam home with Dr. Azzam. The more we talked, the more his vast reservoir of knowledge and its variety seemed unlimited. He spoke of the racial lineage of the descendants of Muhammad (PBUH) the Prophet, and he showed how they were both black and white. He also pointed out how color, and the problems of color which exist in the Muslim world, exist only where, and to the extent that, that area of the Muslim world has been influenced by the West. He said that if on encountered any differences based on attitude toward color, this directly reflected the degree of Western influence.

The Oneness of Man Under One God

It was during his pilgrimage that he began to write some letters to his loyal assistants at the newly formed Muslim Mosque in Harlem. He asked that his letter be duplicated and distributed to the press:

Never have I witnessed such sincere hospitality and the overwhelming spirit of true brotherhood as is practiced by people of all colors and races here in this ancient Holy Land, the House of Abraham, Muhammad, and all the other Prophets of the Holy Scriptures. For the past week, I have been utterly speechless and spellbound by the graciousness I see displayed all around me by people of all colors. . . .

You may be shocked by these words coming from me. But on this pilgrimage, what I have seen, and experienced, has forced me to rearrange much of my thought-patterns previously held, and to toss aside some of my previous conclusions. This was not too difficult for me. Despite my firm convictions, I have always been a man who tries to face facts, and to accept the reality of life as new experience and new knowledge unfolds it. I have always kept an open mind, which necessary to the flexibility that must go hand in hand with every form of intelligent search for truth.

During the past eleven days here in the Muslim world, I have eaten from the same plate, drunk from the same glass, and slept in the same bed (or on the same rug) -- while praying to the same God -- with fellow Muslims, whose eyes were the bluest of blue, whose hair was the blondest of blond, and whose skin was the whitest of white. And in the words and in the actions and in the deeds of the "white" Muslims, I felt the same sincerity that I felt among the black African Muslims of Nigeria, Sudan, and Ghana.

We were truly all the same (brothers) -- because their belief in one God had removed the "white" from their minds, the 'white' from their behavior, and the 'white' from their attitude.

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.

With racism plaguing America like an incurable cancer, the so-called "Christian" white American heart should be more receptive to a proven solution to such a destructive problem. Perhaps it could be in time to save America from imminent disaster -- the same destruction brought upon Germany by racism that eventually destroyed the Germans themselves.

They asked me what about the Hajj had impressed me the most. . . . I said, "The brotherhood! The people of all races, color, from all over the world coming together as one! It has proved to me the power of the One God. . . . All ate as one, and slept as one. Everything about the pilgrimage atmosphere accented the Oneness of Man under One God.

Malcolm returned from the pilgrimage as El-Hajj Malik al-Shabazz. He was afire with new spiritual insight. For him, the struggle had evolved from the civil rights struggle of a nationalist to the human rights struggle of an internationalist and humanitarian.

After the Pilgrimage

White reporters and others were eager to learn about El-Hajj Malik's newly-formed opinions concerning themselves. They hardly believed that the man who had preached against them for so many years could suddenly turn around and call them brothers. To these people El-Hajj Malik had this to say:

You're asking me "Didn't you say that now you accept white men as brothers?" Well, my answer is that in the Muslim world, I saw, I felt, and I wrote home how my thinking was broadened! Just as I wrote, I shared true, brotherly love with many white-complexioned Muslims who never gave a single thought to the race, or to the complexion, of another Muslim.

My pilgrimage broadened my scope. It blessed me with a new insight. In two weeks in the Holy Land, I saw what I never had seen in thirty-nine years here in America. I saw all races, all colors, -- blue-eyed blonds to black-skinned Africans -- in true brotherhood! In unity! Living as one! Worshipping as one! No segregationists -- no liberals; they would not have known how to interpret the meaning of those words.

In the past, yes, I have made sweeping indictments of all white people. I will never be guilty of that again -- as I know now that some white people are truly sincere, that some truly are capable of being brotherly toward a black man. The true Islam has shown me that a blanket indictment of all white people is as wrong as when whites make blanket indictments against blacks.

To the blacks who increasingly looked to him as a leader, El-Hajj Malik preached a new message, quite the opposite of what he had been preaching as a minister in the Nation of Islam:

True Islam taught me that it takes all of the religious, political, economic, psychological, and racial ingredients, or characteristics, to make the Human Family and the Human Society complete.

Since I learned the truth in Mecca, my dearest friends have come to include all kinds -- some Christians, Jews, Buddhists, Hindus, agnostics, and even atheists! I have friends who are called capitalists, Socialists, and Communists! Some of my friends are moderates, conservatives, extremists -- some are even Uncle Toms! My friends today are black, brown, red, yellow, and white!

I said to my Harlem street audiences that only when mankind would submit to the One God who created all -- only then would mankind even approach the "peace" of which so much talk could be heard...but toward which so little action was seen.

Too Dangerous to Last

El-Hajj Malik's new universalistic message was the U.S. establishment's worst nightmare. Not only was he appealing to the black masses, but to intellectuals of all races and colors. Now he was consistently demonized by the press as "advocating violence" and being "militant," although in actuality he and Dr. Martin Luther King were moving closer together in outlook:

The goal has always been the same, with the approaches to it as different as mine and Dr. Martin Luther King's non-violent marching, that dramatizes the brutality and the evil of the white man against defenseless blacks. And in the racial climate of this country today, it is anybody's guess which of the "extremes" in approach to the black man's problems might personally meet a fatal catastrophe first -- "non-violent" Dr. King, or so-called "violent" me."

El-Hajj Malik knew full well that he was a target of many groups. In spite of this, he was never afraid to say what he had to say when he had to say it. As a sort of epitaph at the end of his autobiography, he says:

I know that societies often have killed the people who have helped to change those societies. And if I can die having brought any light, having exposed any meaningful truth that will help to destroy the racist cancer that is malignant in the body of America -- then, all of the credit is due to Allah. Only the mistakes have been mine.

The Legacy of Malcolm X

Although El-Hajj Malik knew that he was a target for assassination, he accepted this fact without requesting police protection. On February 21, 1965, while preparing to give a speech at a New York hotel, he was shot by three black men. He was three months short of forty, the age of maturity according to the Qur'an. While it is clear that the Nation of Islam had something to do with the assassination, many people believe there was more than one organization involved. The FBI, known for its anti-black movement tendency, has been suggested as an accomplice. We may never know for sure who was behind El-Hajj Malik's murder, or, for that matter, the murder of other national leaders in the early 1960s.

Malcolm X's life has affected Americans in many important ways. His conversion must have had an influence on Elijah Muhammad's son, Wallace Muhammad, who, after his father's death, led the Nation of Islam's followers into orthodox Islam. African-Americans' interest in their Islamic roots has flourished since El-Hajj Malik's death. Alex Haley, who wrote Malcolm's autobiography, later wrote the epic Roots about an African Muslim family's experience with slavery. More and more African-Americans are becoming Muslim, adopting Muslim names, or exploring African culture. Interest in Malcolm X has seen a surge recently due to Spike Lee's movie, X. El-Hajj Malik is a source of pride for African-Americans, Muslims, and Americans in general. His message is simple and clear:

I am not a racist in any form whatever. I don't believe in any form of racism. I don't believe in any form of discrimination or segregation. I believe in Islam.

The True Narrative of Jesus the Son of Mary as revealed in the Qur'aan

The True Narrative of Jesus the Son of Mary as revealed in the Qur'aan
the following is the Story of Jesus in translations-of-the-meanings of the verses of the Holy Qur'aan

‘The Noble Qur’ân’ is the title of a verse-by-verse translation into English of the Qur’ân, and is available from most Islamic bookshops. The Qur'aan only exists in the Arabic language and is preserved in the form it was revealed in, consequently a translation into another language is only refered to as a translation-of-the-meanings of the Qur'aan, the translation loses some of the meanings and most of the rythm and style. Allâh (Arabic): from a contraction of Al (the) + ILâh (god: equivalent to Hebrew: Elâh, Alâh) meaning the one and only God, pronounced with a deep, stressed, slightly-rolled double ‘L’ sound. "And this Qur'ân is not such as could ever be produced by other than Allâh (Lord of the heavens and the earth), but (on the contrary) it is a confirmation of (the revelation) which was before it [i.e. the Taurât (Torah), and the Injeel (Gospel), etc.], and a full explanation of the Book (i.e. laws and orders, etc, decreed for mankind) - wherein there is no doubt, from the Lord of the 'Alamîn (mankind, jinns,and all that exists)." [The Noble Qur’ân, Chapter Yûnus (no.10), Verse 37] "Do they not consider the Qur’ân carefully? Had it been from other than Allâh, they would surely, have found therein many a contradiction." [The Noble Qur’ân, Chapter An-Nisâ’ (no.4), Verse 82] First mention of Jesus (may the peace and blessings of Allâh be upon him) in the Qur'an

"And indeed, We gave Mûsa (Moses) the Book and followed him up with a succession of Messengers. And We gave 'Iesa (Jesus), the son of Maryam (Mary), clear signs and supported him with Rûh-ul-Qudus [Jibrael (Gabriel)]. Is it that whenever there came to you a Messenger with what you yourselves desired not, you grew arrogant? Some, you disbelieved and some, you killed." [The Noble Qur’ân, Chapter Al-Baqarah (no.2), Verse 87]

Mention made of some of the Prophets of Allâh

"And that was Our Proof which We gave Ibrâhim (Abraham) against his people. We raise whom We will in degrees. Certainly your Lord is All­Wise, All­Knowing. ( ) And We bestowed upon him Ishâque (Isaac) and Ya'qûb (Jacob), each of them We guided, and before him, We guided Nûh (Noah), and among his progeny Dawûd (David), Sulaimân (Solomon), Ayub (Job), Yûsuf (Joseph), Mûsa (Moses), and Hârûn (Aaron). Thus do We reward the good­doers. ( ) And Zakariyâ (Zachariya), and Yahya (John) and 'Iesa (Jesus) and Iliyâs (Elias), each one of them was of the righteous. ( ) And Ismâ'il (Ishmael) and Al-Yas'â (Elisha), and Yûnus (Jonah) and Lout (Lot), and each one of them We preferred above the 'Alamîn (mankind and jinns) (of their times)." [The Noble Qur’ân, Chapter Al-An’âm (no.6), Verse 83-86]

The religion followed by the Messengers was one and the same.

"He (Allâh) has ordained for you the same religion (Islâm) which He ordained for Nûh (Noah), and that which We have inspired in you (O Muhammad (may the peace and blessings of Allâh be upon him)), and that which We ordained for Ibrahîm (Abraham), Mûsa (Moses) and 'Iesa (Jesus) saying you should establish religion (i.e. to do what it orders you to do practically), and make no divisions in it (religion) (i.e. various sects in religion). Intolerable for the Mushrikûn [Those who worship others along with Allâh], is that to which you (O Muhammad) call them. Allâh chooses for Himself whom He wills, and guides unto Himself (he) who turns to Him in repentance and in obedience." [The Noble Qur’ân, Chapter Ash-Shûra (no.42), Verse 13]

"Say (O Muhammad): "We believe in Allâh and in what has been sent down to us, and what was sent down to Ibrâhim (Abraham), Ismâ'il (Ishmael), Ishâque (Isaac), Ya'qûb (Jacob) and Al-Asbât [the twelve sons of Ya'qûb (Jacob)] and what was given to Mûsa (Moses), 'Iesa (Jesus) and the Prophets from their Lord. We make no distinction between one another among them and to Him (Allâh) we have submitted (in Islâm)." ( ) And whoever seeks a religion other than Islâm, it will never be accepted of him, and in the Hereafter he will be one of the losers. ( ) How shall Allâh guide a people who disbelieved after their belief and after they bore witness that the Messenger (Muhammad) is true and after clear proofs had come unto them? And Allâh guides not the people who are Zâlimûn (polytheists and wrong-doers)." [The Noble Qur’ân, Chapter Âl-‘Imrân (no.3), Verse 84-86]

What was this message?

"And verily, We have sent among every Ummah (community, nation) a Messenger (proclaiming): "Worship Allâh (Alone), and avoid (or keep away from) Tâghût (all false deities, etc. i.e. do not worship Tâghût besides Allâh)." Then of them were some whom Allâh guided and of them were some upon whom the straying was justified. So travel through the land and see what was the end of those who denied (the truth)." [The Noble Qur’ân, Chapter An-Nahl (no.16), Verse 36]

Summary of Allâh's message sent first to the Jews then to the Christians and then to the Muslims

"Indeed Allâh took the covenant from the Children of Israel (Jews), and We appointed twelve leaders among them. And Allâh said: "I am with you if you perform As-Salât (Iqâmat-as-Salât [establish the prayer]) and give Zakât [compulsory religious charity] and believe in My Messengers; honour and assist them, and lend to Allâh a good loan. Verily, I will remit your sins and admit you to Gardens under which rivers flow (in Paradise). But if any of you after this, disbelieved, he has indeed gone astray from the Straight Path." ( ) So because of their breach of their covenant, We cursed them, and made their hearts grow hard. They change the words from their (right) places and have abandoned a good part of the Message that was sent to them. And you will not cease to discover deceit in them, except a few of them. But forgive them, and overlook (their misdeeds). Verily, Allâh loves Al­Muhsinûn (good­doers - see V.2:112). ( ) And from those who call themselves Christians, We took their covenant, but they have abandoned a good part of the Message that was sent to them. So We planted amongst them enmity and hatred till the Day of Resurrection (when they discarded Allâh's Book, disobeyed Allâh's Messengers and His Orders and transgressed beyond bounds in Allâh's disobedience), and Allâh will inform them of what they used to do. ( ) O people of the Scripture (Jews and Christians)! Now has come to you Our Messenger (Muhammad) explaining to you much of that which you used to hide from the Scripture and passing over (i.e. leaving out without explaining) much. Indeed, there has come to you from Allâh a light (Prophet Muhammad) and a plain Book (this Qur'ân). ( ) Wherewith Allâh guides all those who seek His Good Pleasure to ways of peace, and He brings them out of darkness by His Will unto light and guides them to a Straight Way (Islâmic Monotheism). ( ) Surely, in disbelief are they who say that Allâh is the Messiah, son of Maryam (Mary). Say (O Muhammad): "Who then has the least power against Allâh, if He were to destroy the Messiah, son of Maryam (Mary), his mother, and all those who are on the earth together?" And to Allâh belongs the dominion of the heavens and the earth, and all that is between them. He creates what He wills. And Allâh is Able to do all things. ( ) And (both) the Jews and the Christians say: "We are the children of Allâh and His loved ones." Say: "Why then does He punish you for your sins?" Nay, you are but human beings, of those He has created, He forgives whom He wills and He punishes whom He wills. And to Allâh belongs the dominion of the heavens and the earth and all that is between them, and to Him is the return (of all). ( ) O people of the Scripture (Jews and Christians)! Now has come to you Our Messenger (Muhammad) making (things) clear unto you, after a break in (the series of) Messengers, lest you say: "There came unto us no bringer of glad tidings and no warner." But now has come unto you a bringer of glad tidings and a warner. And Allâh is Able to do all things." [The Noble Qur’ân, Chapter Al-Mâ’idah (no.5), Verse 12-19]

Allâh's covenant with his Prophets

"And (remember) when We took from the Prophets their covenant, and from you (O Muhammad), and from Nûh (Noah), Ibrâhim (Abraham), Mûsa (Moses), and 'Iesa (Jesus), son of Maryam (Mary). We took from them a strong covenant. ( ) That He may ask the truthfuls (Allâh's Messengers and His Prophets) about their truth (i.e. the conveyance of Allâh's Message that which they were charged with). And He has prepared for the disbelievers a painful torment (Hell-fire)." [The Noble Qur’ân, Chapter Al-Ahzâb (no.33), Verse 7-8]

The ones who truly believe in Allâh and his Messengers, strive to obey him. While those who reject belief are deceived by the wealth and the possessions of this short life.

"O (you) Messengers! Eat of the Taiyibât [all kinds of Halâl (legal) foods which Allâh has made legal (meat of slaughtered eatable animals, milk products, fats, vegetables, fruits, etc.], and do righteous deeds. Verily! I am Well-Acquainted with what you do. ( ) And verily! This your religion (of Islâmic Monotheism) is one religion, and I am your Lord, so keep your duty to Me. ( ) But they (men) have broken their religion among them into sects, each group rejoicing in its belief. ( ) So leave them in their error for a time. ( ) Do they think that We enlarge them in wealth and children, ( ) We hasten unto them with good things (in this worldly life so that they will have no share of good things in the Hereafter)? Nay, but they perceive not. ( ) Verily! Those who live in awe for fear of their Lord; ( ) And those who believe in the Ayât (proofs, evidences, verses, lessons, signs, revelations, etc.) of their Lord, ( ) And those who join not anyone (in worship) as partners with their Lord; ( ) And those who give that (their charity) which they give (and also do other good deeds) with their hearts full of fear (whether their alms and charities, etc., have been accepted or not), because they are sure to return to their Lord (for reckoning). ( ) It is these who race for the good deeds, and they are foremost in them [e.g. offering the compulsory Salât (prayers) in their (early) stated, fixed times and so on]. ( ) And We tax not any person except according to his capacity, and with Us is a Record which speaks the truth, and they will not be wronged. ( ) Nay, but their hearts are covered (blind) from understanding this (the Qur'ân), and they have other (evil) deeds, besides, which they are doing. ( ) Until, when We grasp those of them who lead a luxurious life with punishment, behold! They make humble invocation with a loud voice. ( ) Invoke not loudly this day! Certainly, you shall not be helped by Us. ( ) Indeed My Verses used to be recited to you, but you used to turn back on your heels (denying them, and with hatred to listen to them). ( ) In pride (they Quraish pagans and polytheists of Makkah used to feel proud that they are the dwellers of Makkah sanctuary Haram), talking evil about it (the Qur'ân) by night." [The Noble Qur’ân, Chapter Al-Mu’minûn (no.23), Verse 51-67]

The mission of Jesus

"And in their footsteps, We sent 'Iesa (Jesus), son of Maryam (Mary), confirming the Taurât (Torah) that had come before him, and We gave him the Injeel (Gospel), in which was guidance and light and confirmation of the Taurât (Torah) that had come before it, a guidance and an admonition for Al-Muttaqûn (the pious)." [The Noble Qur’ân, Chapter Al-Mâ’idah (no.5), Verse 46]

The endurance of Moses, Jesus and Muhammad

"And (remember) when Mûsa (Moses) said to his people: "O my people! Why do you hurt me while you know certainly that I am the Messenger of Allâh to you? So when they turned away (from the Path of Allâh), Allâh turned their hearts away (from the Right Path). And Allâh guides not the people who are Fâsiqûn (rebellious, disobedient to Allâh). ( ) And (remember) when 'Iesa (Jesus), son of Maryam (Mary), said: "O Children of Israel! I am the Messenger of Allâh unto you confirming the Taurât [(Torah) which came] before me, and giving glad tidings of a Messenger to come after me, whose name shall be Ahmed. But when he (Ahmed i.e. Muhammad) came to them with clear proofs, they said: "This is plain magic." ( ) And who does more wrong than the one who invents a lie against Allâh, while he is being invited to Islâm? And Allâh guides not the people who are Zâlimûn (polytheists, wrong-doers and disbelievers) folk. ( ) They intend to put out the Light of Allâh (i.e. the religion of Islâm, this Qur'ân, and Prophet Muhammad) with their mouths. But Allâh will complete His Light even though the disbelievers hate (it). ( ) He it is Who has sent His Messenger (Muhammad) with guidance and the religion of truth (Islâmic Monotheism) to make it victorious over all (other) religions even though the Mushrikûn (polytheists, pagans, idolaters, and disbelievers in the Oneness of Allâh and in His Messenger Muhammed) hate (it). ( ) O You who believe! Shall I guide you to a commerce that will save you from a painful torment. ( ) That you believe in Allâh and His Messenger (Muhammad), and that you strive hard and fight in the Cause of Allâh with your wealth and your lives, that will be better for you, if you but know! ( ) (If you do so) He will forgive you your sins, and admit you into Gardens under which rivers flow, and pleasant dwelling in Gardens of 'Adn ­ Eternity ['Adn (Edn) Paradise], that is indeed the great success." [The Noble Qur’ân, Chapter As-Saff (no.61), Verse 5-12]

The upbringing of Maryam (Mary) and the blessing she received due to the supplication of her mother

"(Remember) when the wife of 'Imrân said: "O my Lord! I have vowed to You what (the child that) is in my womb to be dedicated for Your services (free from all worldly work; to serve Your Place of worship), so accept this, from me. Verily, You are the All-Hearer, the All-Knowing." ( ) Then when she delivered her [child Maryam (Mary)], she said: "O my Lord! I have delivered a female child," - and Allâh knew better what she delivered, - "And the male is not like the female, and I have named her Maryam (Mary), and I seek refuge with You (Allâh) for her and for her offspring from Shaitan (Satan), the outcast." ( ) So her Lord (Allâh) accepted her with goodly acceptance. He made her grow in a good manner and put her under the care of Zakariyâ (Zachariya). Every time he entered Al-Mihrâb to (visit) her , he found her supplied with sustenance. He said: "O Maryam (Mary)! From where have you got this?" She said, "This is from Allâh." Verily, Allâh provides sustenance to whom He wills, without limit." ( ) At that time Zakariyâ (Zachariya) invoked his Lord, saying: "O my Lord! Grant me from You, a good offspring. You are indeed the All-Hearer of invocation." ( ) Then the angels called him, while he was standing in prayer in Al-Mihrâb (a praying place or a private room), (saying): "Allâh gives you glad tidings of Yahya (John), confirming (believing in) the Word from Allâh [i.e. the creation of 'Iesa (Jesus), the Word from Allâh ("Be!" - and he was!)], noble, keeping away from sexual relations with women, a Prophet, from among the righteous." ( ) He said: "O my Lord! How can I have a son when I am very old, and my wife is barren?" Allâh said: "Thus Allâh does what He wills." ( ) He said: "O my Lord! Make a sign for me." Allâh said: "Your sign is that you shall not speak to mankind for three days except with signals. And remember your Lord much (by praising Him again and again), and glorify (Him) in the afternoon and in the morning." ( ) And (remember) when the angels said: "O Maryam (Mary)! Verily, Allâh has chosen you, purified you (from polytheism and disbelief), and chosen you above the women of the 'Alamîn (mankind and jinns) (of her lifetime)." ( ) O Mary! "Submit yourself with obedience to your Lord (Allâh, by worshipping none but Him Alone) and prostrate yourself, and Irkâ'i (bow down etc.) along with Ar-Râki'ûn (those who bow down etc.)." ( ) This is a part of the news of the Ghaib (unseen, i.e. the news of the past nations of which you have no knowledge) which We inspire you with (O Muhammad). You were not with them (the angels), when they cast lots with their pens as to which of them should be charged with the care of Maryam (Mary); nor were you with them when they disputed. ( ) (Remember) when the angels said: "O Maryam (Mary)! Verily, Allâh gives you the glad tidings of a Word ["Be!" - and he was! i.e. 'Iesa (Jesus) the son of Maryam (Mary)] from Him, his name will be the Messiah 'Iesa (Jesus), the son of Maryam (Mary), held in honour in this world and in the Hereafter, and will be one of those who are near to Allâh." ( ) "He will speak to the people in the cradle and in manhood, and he will be one of the righteous." ( ) She said: "O my Lord! How shall I have a son when no man has touched me." He said: "So (it will be) for Allâh creates what He wills. When He has decreed something, He says to it only: "Be!" and it is. ( ) And He (Allâh) will teach him ['Iesa (Jesus)] the Book and Al-Hikmah (i.e. the Sunnah, the faultless speech of the Prophets, wisdom, etc.), (and) the Taurât (Torah) and the Injeel (Gospel). ( ) And will make him ['Iesa (Jesus)] a Messenger to the Children of Israel (saying): "I have come to you with a sign from your Lord, that I design for you out of clay, as it were, the figure of a bird, and breathe into it, and it becomes a bird by Allâh's Leave; and I heal him who was born blind, and the leper, and I bring the dead to life by Allâh's Leave. And I inform you of what you eat, and what you store in your houses. Surely, therein is a sign for you, if you believe. ( ) And I have come confirming that which was before me of the Taurât (Torah), and to make lawful to you part of what was forbidden to you, and I have come to you with a proof from your Lord. So fear Allâh and obey me. ( ) Truly! Allâh is my Lord and your Lord, so worship Him (Alone). This is the Straight Path. ( ) Then when 'Iesa (Jesus) came to know of their disbelief, he said: "Who will be my helpers in Allâh's Cause?" Al-Hawâriûn (the disciples) said: "We are the helpers of Allâh; we believe in Allâh, and bear witness that we are Muslims (i.e. we submit to Allâh)." ( ) Our Lord! We believe in what You have sent down, and we follow the Messenger ['Iesa (Jesus)]; so write us down among those who bear witness (to the truth i.e. Lâ ilâha ill-Allâh - none has the right to be worshipped but Allâh). ( ) And they (disbelievers) plotted [to kill 'Iesa (Jesus)], and Allâh planned too. And Allâh is the Best of the planners." [The Noble Qur’ân, Chapter Âl-‘Imrân (no.3), Verse 35-54]

The creation of Jesus, his birth and the first miracle of defending his mother, Mary, from slander

"And mention in the Book (the Qur'ân, O Muhammad), the story of) Maryam (Mary), when she withdrew in seclusion from her family to a place facing east. ( ) She placed a screen (to screen herself) from them; then We sent to her Our Ruh [angel Jibrael (Gabriel)], and he appeared before her in the form of a man in all respects. ( ) She said: "Verily! I seek refuge with the Most Beneficent (Allâh) from you, if you do fear Allâh." ( ) (The angel) said: "I am only a Messenger from your Lord, (to announce) to you the gift of a righteous son." ( ) She said: "How can I have a son, when no man has touched me, nor am I unchaste?" ( ) He said: "So (it will be), your Lord said: 'That is easy for Me (Allâh): And (We wish) to appoint him as a sign to mankind and a mercy from Us (Allâh), and it is a matter (already) decreed, (by Allâh).'" ( ) So she conceived him, and she withdrew with him to a far place (i.e. Bethlehem valley about 4-6 miles from Jerusalem). ( ) And the pains of childbirth drove her to the trunk of a date-palm. She said: "Would that I had died before this, and had been forgotten and out of sight!" ( ) Then [the babe 'Iesa (Jesus) or Jibrael (Gabriel)] cried unto her from below her, saying: "Grieve not! Your Lord has provided a water stream under you; ( ) "And shake the trunk of date-palm towards you, it will let fall fresh ripe-dates upon you." ( ) "So eat and drink and be glad, and if you see any human being, say: 'Verily! I have vowed a fast unto the Most Beneficent (Allâh) so I shall not speak to any human being this day.'" ( ) Then she brought him (the baby) to her people, carrying him. They said: "O Mary! Indeed you have brought a thing Fariya (an unheard mighty thing). ( ) "O sister (i.e. the like) of Hârûn (Aaron) [not the brother of Mûsa (Moses), but he was another pious man at the time of Maryam (Mary)]! Your father was not a man who used to commit adultery, nor your mother was an unchaste woman." ( ) Then she pointed to him. They said: "How can we talk to one who is a child in the cradle?" ( ) "He ['Iesa (Jesus)] said: Verily! I am a slave of Allâh, He has given me the Scripture and made me a Prophet;" ( ) "And He has made me blessed wheresoever I be, and has enjoined on me Salât (prayer), and Zakât (charity), as long as I live." ( ) "And dutiful to my mother, and made me not arrogant, unblest. ( ) "And Salâm (peace) be upon me the day I was born, and the day I die, and the day I shall be raised alive!" ( ) Such is 'Iesa (Jesus), son of Maryam (Mary). (it is) a statement of truth, about which they doubt (or dispute). ( ) It befits not (the Majesty of) Allâh that He should beget a son [this refers to the slander of Christians against Allâh, by saying that 'Iesa (Jesus) is the son of Allâh]. Glorified (and Exalted be He above all that they associate with Him). When He decrees a thing, He only says to it, "Be!" and it is. ( ) ['Iesa (Jesus) said]: "And verily Allâh is my Lord and your Lord. So worship Him (Alone). That is the Straight Path. (Allâh's Religion of Islâmic Monotheism which He did ordain for all of His Prophets)." [Tafsir At-Tabarî]( )Then the sects differed [i.e. the Christians about 'Iesa (Jesus)], so woe unto the disbelievers [those who gave false witness by saying that 'Iesa (Jesus) is the son of Allâh] from the meeting of a great Day (i.e. the Day of Resurrection, when they will be thrown in the blazing Fire). ( ) How clearly will they (polytheists and disbelievers in the Oneness of Allâh) see and hear, the Day when they will appear before Us! But the Zalimûn (polytheists and wrong-doers) today are in plain error. ( ) And warn them (O Muhammad) of the Day of grief and regrets, when the case has been decided, while (now) they are in a state of carelessness, and they believe not. ( ) Verily! We will inherit the earth and whatsoever is thereon. And to Us they all shall be returned," [The Noble Qur’ân, Chapter Maryam (no.19), Verse 16-40]

A severe admonition to those who changed the Message of Jesus after his ascension

"And when 'Iesa (Jesus) came with (Our) clear Proofs, he said: "I have come to you with Al-Hikmah (Prophethood), and in order to make clear to you some of the (points) in which you differ, therefore fear Allâh and obey me, ( ) "Verily, Allâh! He is my Lord (God) and your Lord (God). So worship Him (Alone). This is the (only) Straight Path (i.e. Allâh's religion of true Islâmic Monotheism)." ( ) But the sects from among themselves differed. So woe to those who do wrong (by ascribing things to 'Iesa (Jesus) that are not true) from the torment of a painful Day (i.e. the Day of Resurrection)! ( ) Do they only wait for the Hour that it shall come upon them suddenly, while they perceive not? ( ) Friends on that Day will be foes one to another except Al-Muttaqûn (pious - see V.2:2). ( ) (It will be said to the true believers of Islâmic Monotheism): My worshippers! No fear shall be on you this Day, nor shall you grieve, ( ) (You) who believed in Our Ayât (proofs, verses, lessons, signs, revelations, etc.) and were Muslims (i.e. who submit totally to Allâh's Will, and believe in the Oneness of Allâh - Islâmic Monotheism). ( ) Enter Paradise, you and your wives, in happiness. ( ) Trays of gold and cups will be passed round them, (there will be) therein all that the one's inner-selves could desire, all that the eyes could delight in, and you will abide therein forever. ( ) This is the Paradise which you have been made to inherit because of your deeds which you used to do (in the life of the world). ( ) Therein for you will be fruits in plenty, of which you will eat (as you desire). ( ) Verily, the Mujrimûn (criminals, sinners, disbelievers, etc.) will be in the torment of Hell to abide therein forever. ( ) (The torment) will not be lightened for them, and they will be plunged into destruction with deep regrets, sorrows and in despair therein. ( ) We wronged them not, but they were the Zâlimûn (polytheists, wrong-doers, etc.). ( ) And they will cry: "O Malik (Keeper of Hell)! Let your Lord make an end of us." He will say: "Verily you shall abide forever." ( ) Indeed We have brought the truth (Muhammad with the Qur'ân), to you, but most of you have a hatred for the truth." [The Noble Qur’ân, Chapter Az-Zukhruf (no.43), Verse 63-78]

Some of the miracles of Jesus mentioned again

"(Remember) when Allâh will say (on the Day of Resurrection). "O 'Iesa (Jesus), son of Maryam (Mary)! Remember My Favour to you and to your mother when I supported you with Rûh­ul­Qudus [Jibrael (Gabriel)] so that you spoke to the people in the cradle and in maturity; and when I taught you writing, Al­Hikmah (the power of understanding), the Taurât (Torah) and the Injeel (Gospel); and when you made out of the clay, as it were, the figure of a bird, by My Permission, and you breathed into it, and it became a bird by My Permission, and you healed those born blind, and the lepers by My Permission, and when you brought forth the dead by My Permission; and when I restrained the Children of Israel from you (when they resolved to kill you) since you came unto them with clear proofs, and the disbelievers among them said: 'This is nothing but evident magic.'"" [The Noble Qur’ân, Chapter Al-Mâ’idah (no.5), Verse 110]

How Allâh, the Most High, saved Jesus from crucifixion by ascension

"And they (disbelievers) plotted [to kill 'Iesa (Jesus)], and Allâh planned too. And Allâh is the Best of the planners. ( ) And (remember) when Allâh said: "O 'Iesa (Jesus)! I will take you and raise you to Myself and clear you [of the forged statement that 'Iesa (Jesus) is Allâh's son] of those who disbelieve, and I will make those who follow you (Monotheists, who worship none but Allâh) superior to those who disbelieve [in the Oneness of Allâh, or disbelieve in some of His Messengers, e.g. Muhammad, 'Iesa (Jesus), Mûsa (Moses), etc., or in His Holy Books, e.g. the Taurât (Torah), the Injeel (Gospel), the Qur'ân] till the Day of Resurrection. Then you will return to Me and I will judge between you in the matters in which you used to dispute." ( ) "As to those who disbelieve, I will punish them with a severe torment in this world and in the Hereafter, and they will have no helpers." ( ) And as for those who believe (in the Oneness of Allâh) and do righteous good deeds, Allâh will pay them their reward in full. And Allâh does not like the Zâlimûn (polytheists and wrong-doers). ( ) This is what We recite to you (O Muhammad) of the Verses and the Wise Reminder (i.e. the Qur'ân). ( ) Verily, the likeness of 'Iesa (Jesus) before Allâh is the likeness of Adam. He created him from dust, then (He) said to him: "Be!" - and he was. ( ) (This is) the truth from your Lord, so be not of those who doubt." [The Noble Qur’ân, Chapter Âl-‘Imrân (no.3), Verse 54-60]

"And because of their saying (in boast), "We killed Messiah 'Iesa (Jesus), son of Maryam (Mary), the Messenger of Allâh," - but they killed him not, nor crucified him, but the resemblance of 'Iesa (Jesus) was put over another man (and they killed that man), and those who differ therein are full of doubts. They have no (certain) knowledge, they follow nothing but conjecture. For surely; they killed him not [i.e. 'Iesa (Jesus), son of Maryam (Mary)]: ( ) But Allâh raised him ['Iesa (Jesus)] up (with his body and soul) unto Himself (and he is in the heavens). And Allâh is Ever All­Powerful, All­Wise." [The Noble Qur’ân, Chapter An-Nisâ’ (no.4), Verse 157-158]

The fallacy of the attribution of divinity to Jesus and his Mother

"Surely, they have disbelieved who say: "Allâh is the Messiah ['Iesa (Jesus)], son of Maryam (Mary)." But the Messiah ['Iesa (Jesus)] said: "O Children of Israel! Worship Allâh, my Lord and your Lord." Verily, whosoever sets up partners in worship with Allâh, then Allâh has forbidden Paradise for him, and the Fire will be his abode. And for the Zâlimûn (polytheists and wrong­doers) there are no helpers. ( ) Surely, disbelievers are those who said: "Allâh is the third of the three (in a Trinity)." But there is no ilâh (god) (none who has the right to be worshipped) but One Ilâh (God -Allâh). And if they cease not from what they say, verily, a painful torment will befall the disbelievers among them. ( ) Will they not repent to Allâh and ask His Forgiveness? For Allâh is Oft­Forgiving, Most Merciful. ( ) The Messiah ['Iesa (Jesus)], son of Maryam (Mary), was no more than a Messenger; many were the Messengers that passed away before him. His mother [Maryam (Mary)] was a Siddiqah [i.e. she believed in the words of Allâh and His Books]. They both used to eat food (as any other human being, while Allâh does not eat). Look how We make the Ayât (proofs, evidences, verses, lessons, signs, revelations, etc.) clear to them, yet look how they are deluded away (from the truth)." [The Noble Qur’ân, Chapter Al-Mâ’idah (no.5), Verse 72-75]

Jesus is not the son of God but instead is His creation (like Adam)

"Verily, the likeness of 'Iesa (Jesus) before Allâh is the likeness of Adam. He created him from dust, then (He) said to him: "Be!" - and he was. ( ) (This is) the truth from your Lord, so be not of those who doubt. ( ) Then whoever disputes with you concerning him ['Iesa (Jesus)] after (all this) knowledge that has come to you, [i.e. 'Iesa (Jesus)] being a slave of Allâh, and having no share in Divinity) say: (O Muhammad) "Come, let us call our sons and your sons, our women and your women, ourselves and yourselves - then we pray and invoke (sincerely) the Curse of Allâh upon those who lie." ( ) Verily! This is the true narrative [about the story of 'Iesa (Jesus)], and, Lâ ilâha ill-Allâh (none has the right to be worshipped but Allâh, the One and the Only True God, Who has neither a wife nor a son). And indeed, Allâh is the All-Mighty, the All-Wise. ( ) And if they turn away (and do not accept these true proofs and evidences), then surely, Allâh is All-Aware of those who do mischief. ( ) Say (O Muhammad): "O people of the Scripture (Jews and Christians): Come to a word that is just between us and you, that we worship none but Allâh, and that we associate no partners with Him, and that none of us shall take others as lords besides Allâh. Then, if they turn away, say: "Bear witness that we are Muslims."" [The Noble Qur’ân, Chapter Âl-‘Imrân (no.3), Verse 59-64]

Jesus did not teach the people to worship him, but the people deified him after his ascension

"And (remember) when Allâh will say (on the Day of Resurrection): "O 'Iesa (Jesus), son of Maryam (Mary)! Did you say unto men: 'Worship me and my mother as two gods besides Allâh?' " He will say: "Glory be to You! It was not for me to say what I had no right (to say). Had I said such a thing, You would surely have known it. You know what is in my inner­self though I do not know what is in Yours, truly, You, only You, are the All­Knower of all that is hidden and unseen. ( ) "Never did I say to them aught except what You (Allâh) did command me to say: 'Worship Allâh, my Lord and your Lord.' And I was a witness over them while I dwelt amongst them, but when You took me up, You were the Watcher over them, and You are a Witness to all things. (This is a great admonition and warning to the Christians of the whole world). ( ) "If You punish them, they are Your slaves, and if You forgive them, verily You, only You are the All­Mighty, the All­Wise." ( ) Allâh will say: "This is a Day on which the truthful will profit from their truth: theirs are Gardens under which rivers flow (in Paradise) - they shall abide therein forever. Allâh is pleased with them and they with Him. That is the great success (Paradise). ( ) To Allâh belongs the dominion of the heavens and the earth and all that is therein, and He is Able to do all things." [The Noble Qur’ân, Chapter Al-Mâ’idah (no.5), Verse 116-120]

The lies of the people who tampered with the scriptures after the ascension of Jesus

"They (Jews, Christians and pagans) say: "Allâh has begotten a son (children)." Glory be to Him! He is Rich (Free of all wants). His is all that is in the heavens and all that is in the earth. No warrant you have for this. Do you say against Allâh what you know not. ( ) Say: "Verily, those who invent a lie against Allâh will never be successful" ( ) A brief enjoyment in this world! - and then unto Us will be their return, then We shall make them taste the severest torment because they used to disbelieve [in Allâh, belie His Messengers, deny and challenge His Ayât (proofs, signs, verses, etc.)]." [The Noble Qur’ân, Chapter Yûnus (no.10), Verse 68-70]

"And they (Jews, Christians and pagans) say: Allâh has begotten a son (children or offspring). Glory be to Him (Exalted be He above all that they associate with Him). Nay, to Him belongs all that is in the heavens and on earth, and all surrender with obedience (in worship) to Him. ( ) The Originator of the heavens and the earth. When He decrees a matter, He only says to it : "Be!" - and it is." [The Noble Qur’ân, Chapter Al-Baqarah (no.2), Verse 116-117]

"And they say: "The Most Beneficent (Allâh) has begotten a son (or children)." Glory to Him! They [those whom they call children of Allâh i.e. the angels, 'Iesa (Jesus) son of Maryam (Mary), 'Uzair (Ezra), etc.], are but honoured slaves. ( ) They speak not until He has spoken, and they act on His Command. ( ) He knows what is before them, and what is behind them, and they cannot intercede except for him with whom He is pleased. And they stand in awe for fear of Him. ( ) And if any of them should say: "Verily, I am an ilâh (a god) besides Him (Allâh)," such a one We should recompense with Hell. Thus We recompense the Zâlimûn (polytheists and wrong-doers, etc.)." [The Noble Qur’ân, Chapter Al-Anbiyâ (no.21), Verse 26-29]

"And they say: "The Most Beneficent (Allâh) has begotten a son (or offspring or children) [as the Jews say: 'Uzair (Ezra) is the son of Allâh, and the Christians say that He has begotten a son ['Iesa (Christ)], and the pagan Arabs say that He has begotten daughters (angels, etc.)]." ( ) Indeed you have brought forth (said) a terrible evil thing. ( ) Whereby the heavens are almost torn, and the earth is split asunder, and the mountains fall in ruins, ( ) That they ascribe a son (or offspring or children) to the Most Beneficent (Allâh). ( ) But it is not suitable for (the Majesty of) the Most Beneficent (Allâh) that He should beget a son (or offspring or children). ( ) There is none in the heavens and the earth but comes unto the Most Beneficent (Allâh) as a slave. ( ) Verily, He knows each one of them, and has counted them a full counting. ( ) And everyone of them will come to Him alone on the Day of Resurrection (without any helper, or protector or defender). ( ) Verily, those who believe [in the Oneness of Allâh and in His Messenger (Muhammad)] and work deeds of righteousness, the Most Beneficent (Allâh) will bestow love for them (in the hearts of the believers)." [The Noble Qur’ân, Chapter Maryam (no.19), Verse 88-96]

"Surely, in disbelief are they who say that Allâh is the Messiah, son of Maryam (Mary). Say (O Muhammad): "Who then has the least power against Allâh, if He were to destroy the Messiah, son of Maryam (Mary), his mother, and all those who are on the earth together?" And to Allâh belongs the dominion of the heavens and the earth, and all that is between them. He creates what He wills. And Allâh is Able to do all things." [The Noble Qur’ân, Chapter Al-Mâ’idah (no.5), Verse 17]

"And the Jews say: 'Uzair (Ezra) is the son of Allâh, and the Christians say: Messiah is the son of Allâh. That is a saying from their mouths. They imitate the saying of the disbelievers of old. Allâh's Curse be on them, how they are deluded away from the truth! ( ) They (Jews and Christians) took their rabbis and their monks to be their lords besides Allâh (by obeying them in things which they made lawful or unlawful according to their own desires without being ordered by Allâh), and (they also took as their Lord) Messiah, son of Maryam (Mary), while they (Jews and Christians) were commanded [in the Taurât (Torah) and the Injeel (Gospel)] to worship none but One Ilâh (God - Allâh) Lâ ilâha illa Huwa (none has the right to be worshipped but He). Praise and glory be to Him, (far above is He) from having the partners they associate (with Him)." ( ) They (the disbelievers, the Jews and the Christians) want to extinguish Allâh's Light (with which Muhammad has been sent - Islâmic Monotheism) with their mouths, but Allâh will not allow except that His Light should be perfected even though the Kâfirûn (disbelievers) hate (it). ( ) It is He Who has sent His Messenger (Muhammad) with guidance and the religion of truth (Islâm), to make it superior over all religions even though the Mushrikûn (polytheists, pagans, idolaters, disbelievers in the Oneness of Allâh) hate (it)." [The Noble Qur’ân, Chapter At-Taubah (no.9), Verse 30-33]

A severe warning from the Lord of the Heavens and the Earth, Allâh, against the concept of 'Trinity'

"O mankind! Verily, there has come to you the Messenger (Muhammad) with the truth from your Lord, so believe in him, it is better for you. But if you disbelieve, then certainly to Allâh belongs all that is in the heavens and the earth. And Allâh is Ever All­Knowing, All­Wise. ( ) O people of the Scripture (Jews and Christians)! Do not exceed the limits in your religion, nor say of Allâh aught but the truth. The Messiah 'Iesa (Jesus), son of Maryam (Mary), was (no more than) a Messenger of Allâh and His Word, ("Be!" - and he was) which He bestowed on Maryam (Mary) and a spirit (Rûh) created by Him; so believe in Allâh and His Messengers. Say not: "Three (trinity)!" Cease! (it is) better for you. For Allâh is (the only) One Ilâh (God), Glory be to Him (Far Exalted is He) above having a son. To Him belongs all that is in the heavens and all that is in the earth. And Allâh is All­Sufficient as a Disposer of affairs. ( ) The Messiah will never be proud to reject to be a slave to Allâh, nor the angels who are near (to Allâh). And whosoever rejects His worship and is proud, then He will gather them all together unto Himself. ( ) So, as for those who believed (in the Oneness of Allâh - Islâmic Monotheism) and did deeds of righteousness, He will give their (due) rewards, and more out of His Bounty. But as for those who refuse His worship and were proud, He will punish them with a painful torment. And they will not find for themselves besides Allâh any protector or helper." [The Noble Qur’ân, Chapter An-Nisâ’ (no.4), Verse 170-173]

The miraculous birth of Prophet John (Yahyah) (the Baptist)

"(This is) a mention of the mercy of your Lord to His slave Zakariya (Zachariah). ( ) When he called out to his Lord (Allâh) a call in secret, ( ) Saying: "My Lord! Indeed my bones have grown feeble, and grey hair has spread on my head, And I have never been unblest in my invocation to You, O my Lord! ( ) "And Verily! I fear my relatives after me, since my wife is barren. So give me from Yourself an heir, ( ) "Who shall inherit me, and inherit (also) the posterity of Ya'qûb (Jacob) (inheritance of the religious knowledge and Prophethood, not the wealth, etc.). And make him, my Lord, one with whom You are Well-pleased!" ( ) (Allâh said) "O Zakariya (Zachariah)! Verily, We give you the glad tidings of a son, His name will be Yahya (John). We have given that name to none before (him)." ( ) He said: "My Lord! How can I have a son, when my wife is barren, and I have reached the extreme old age." ( ) He said: "So (it will be). Your Lord says; It is easy for Me. Certainly I have created you before, when you had been nothing!" ( ) [Zakariya (Zachariah)] said: "My Lord! Appoint for me a sign." He said: "Your sign is that you shall not speak unto mankind for three nights, though having no bodily defect." ( ) Then he came out to his people from Al-Mihrâb (a praying place or a private room, etc.), he told them by signs to glorify Allâh's Praises in the morning and in the afternoon. ( ) (It was said to his son): "O Yahya (John)! Hold fast the Scripture [the Taurât (Torah)]." And We gave him wisdom while yet a child. ( ) And (made him) sympathetic to men as a mercy (or a grant) from Us, and pure from sins [i.e. Yahya (John)] and he was righteous, ( ) And dutiful towards his parents, and he was neither an arrogant nor disobedient (to Allâh or to his parents)." [The Noble Qur’ân, Chapter Maryam (no.19), Verse 2-14]

The table spread with food from Heaven

"And when I (Allâh) put in the hearts of Al-Hawârîeen (the disciples) [of 'Iesa (Jesus)] to believe in Me and My Messenger, they said: "We believe. And bear witness that we are Muslims." ( ) (Remember) when Al-Hawârîûn (the disciples) said: "O 'Iesa (Jesus), son of Maryam (Mary)! Can your Lord send down to us a table spread (with food) from heaven?" 'Iesa (Jesus) said: "Fear Allâh, if you are indeed believers." ( ) They said: "We wish to eat thereof and to be stronger in Faith, and to know that you have indeed told us the truth and that we ourselves be its witnesses." ( ) 'Iesa (Jesus), son of Maryam (Mary), said: "O Allâh, our Lord! Send us from heaven a table spread (with food) that there may be for us - for the first and the last of us - a festival and a sign from You; and provide us sustenance, for You are the Best of sustainers." ( ) Allâh said: "I am going to send it down unto you, but if any of you after that disbelieves, then I will punish him with a torment such as I have not inflicted on anyone among (all) the 'Alamîn (mankind and jinns)."" [The Noble Qur’ân, Chapter Al-Mâ’idah (no.5), Verse 111-115]

The invention of Monasticism long after the ascension of Jesus

"And indeed, We sent Nûh (Noah) and Ibrahîm (Abraham), and placed in their offspring Prophethood and Scripture, and among them there is he who is guided, but many of them are Fâsiqûn (rebellious, disobedient to Allâh). ( ) Then, We sent after them, Our Messengers, and We sent 'Iesa (Jesus) ­ son of Maryam (Mary), and gave him the Injeel (Gospel). And We ordained in the hearts of those who followed him, compassion and mercy. But the Monasticism which they invented for themselves, We did not prescribe for them, but (they sought it) only to please Allâh therewith, but that they did not observe it with the right observance. So We gave those among them who believed, their (due) reward, but many of them are Fâsiqûn (rebellious, disobedient to Allâh). ( ) O you who believe [in Mûsa (Moses) (i.e. Jews) and 'Iesa (Jesus) (i.e. Christians)]! Fear Allâh, and believe too in His Messenger (Muhammad), He will give you a double portion of His Mercy, and He will give you a light by which you shall walk (straight), and He will forgive you. And Allâh is Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful. ( ) So that the people of the Scripture (Jews and Christians) may know that they have no power whatsoever over the Grace of Allâh, and that (His) Grace is (entirely) in His Hand to bestow it on whomsoever He wills. And Allâh is the Owner of Great Bounty." [The Noble Qur’ân, Chapter Al-Hadîd (no.57), Verse 26-29]

"And when the son of Maryam (Mary) is quoted as an example [i.e. 'Iesa (Jesus) is worshipped like their idols), behold! Your people cry aloud (laugh out at the example). ( ) And say: "Are our âliha (gods) better or is he ['Iesa (Jesus)]?" They quoted not the above example except for argument. Nay! But they are a quarrelsome people. [(See V. 21:97-101) - The Qur'ân.] ( ) He ['Iesa (Jesus)] was not more than a slave. We granted Our Favour to him, and We made him an example to the Children of Israel (i.e. his creation without a father)." [The Noble Qur’ân, Chapter Az-Zukhruf (no.43), Verse 57-59]

Jews, Christians and Islâm

"Verily, you will find the strongest among men in enmity to the believers (Muslims) the Jews and those who are Al-Mushrikûn [polytheists, pagans etc.], and you will find the nearest in love to the believers (Muslims) those who say: "We are Christians." That is because amongst them are priests and monks, and they are not proud. ( ) And when they (who call themselves Christians) listen to what has been sent down to the Messenger (Muhammad), you see their eyes overflowing with tears because of the truth they have recognised. They say: "Our Lord! We believe; so write us down among the witnesses. ( ) "And why should we not believe in Allâh and in that which has come to us of the truth (Islâmic Monotheism)? And we wish that our Lord will admit us (in Paradise on the Day of Resurrection) along with the righteous people (Prophet Muhammad and his Companions)." ( ) So because of what they said, Allâh rewarded them Gardens under which rivers flow (in Paradise)[i.e. they became true Muslims], they will abide therein forever. Such is the reward of good­doers. ( ) But those who disbelieved and belied Our Ayât (proofs, evidences, verses, lessons, signs, revelations, etc.), they shall be the dwellers of the (Hell) Fire." [The Noble Qur’ân, Chapter Al-Mâ’idah (no.5), Verse 82-86]

Relationship of Islâm and the Qur'ân to the previous scriptures

"And We have sent down to you (O Muhammad) the Book (this Qur'ân) in truth, confirming the Scripture that came before it and Mohayminan (trustworthy in highness and a witness) over it (old Scriptures). So judge between them by what Allâh has revealed, and follow not their vain desires, diverging away from the truth that has come to you. To each among you, We have prescribed a law and a clear way. If Allâh willed, He would have made you one nation, but that (He) may test you in what He has given you; so strive as in a race in good deeds. The return of you (all) is to Allâh; then He will inform you about that in which you used to differ. ( ) And so judge (you O Muhammad) between them by what Allâh has revealed and follow not their vain desires, but beware of them lest they turn you (O Muhammad) far away from some of that which Allâh has sent down to you. And if they turn away, then know that Allâh's Will is to punish them for some sins of theirs. And truly, most of men are Fâsiqûn (rebellious and disobedient to Allâh)." [The Noble Qur’ân, Chapter Al-Mâ’idah (no.5), Verse 48-49]

Why Prophets were sent to Mankind

Ever since people innovated the dogma of Shirk, (i.e. joining others in worship along with Allâh), Allâh had been sending Prophets and Messengers to His devotees in order to invite them to the worship of Allâh and Allâh Alone, to order them not to ascribe partners unto Him and bring them out of the darkness of polytheism into the light of Monotheism. All the Prophets preached Tauhîd (i.e. Pure Monotheism, the Belief in the Oneness of Allâh, the Glorious, the Elevated). The following Verses from the Noble Qur'ân illustrate this fact:
"Indeed We sent Noah to his people, and he said: ‘O my people! Worship Allâh! You have no other Ilâh (God) but Him. (Lâ ilaha ill Allâh, none has the right to be worshipped but Allâh). Certainly, I fear for you the torment of a great Day!’" (V. 7:59).

"And to ‘Ad (people, We sent) their brother Hûd. He said: ‘O my people! Worship Allâh! You have no other Ilâh (God) but Him. (Lâ ilâha ill Allâh, none has the right to be worshipped but Allâh). Will you not fear (Allâh)?’" (V. 7:65).

"And to (the people of) Madyan (Midian), (We sent) their brother Shu’aib. He said: ‘O my people! Worship Allâh! You have no other Ilâh (God) but Him. (Lâ ilâha ill Allâh, none has the right to be worshipped but Allâh). Verily, a clear proof (sign) from your Lord has come unto you, so give full measure and full weight and wrong not men in their things, and do not make mischief on the earth after it has been set in order, that will be better for you, if you are believers.’" (V.7:85)

"And to Thamûd (people, We sent) their brother Salih. He said: ‘O my people! Worship Allâh! You have no other Ilâh (God) but Him. (Lâ ilâha ill Allâh, none has the right to be worshipped but Allâh).’" (V. 7:73).

"And verily, We have sent among every Ummah (community, nation) a Messenger (proclaiming): Worship Allâh (Alone) and avoid (or keep away from) Tâghût (all false deities etc. i.e. do not worship Tâghûts besides Allâh)." (V. 16:36).

Every Prophet was sent unto his own nation for their guidance, but the Message of Prophet Muhammad SAW was general for all mankind and jinns.

"Say (O Muhammad SAW ): ‘O mankind: Verily, I am sent to you all as the Messenger of Allâh.’" (V. 7:158).

So the aim of sending these Prophets and Messengers to men and jinns was only that they should worship Allâh Alone, as Allâh; said: "And I (Allâh) created not the jinns and men except they should worship Me (Alone)" The Qur’ân (V. 51:56).

And to worship Allâh means to obey Him and to do all He has ordained, and to fear Him by abstaining from all He has forbidden. Then those who will obey Allâh will be rewarded in Paradise, and those who will disobey Him, and rebel against his commands after He has ordered them to believe in Islâm and the Final Messenger, will be punished in the Hell-Fire.

"O mankind! Verily, there has come to you the Messenger (Muhammad) with the truth from your Lord, so believe in him, it is better for you. But if you disbelieve, then certainly to Allâh belongs all that is in the heavens and the earth. And Allâh is Ever All­Knowing, All­Wise." [The Noble Qur’ân, An-Nisâ’, 170] "O you who believe! Be you helpers (in the Cause) of Allâh as said 'Iesa (Jesus), son of Maryam (Mary), to Al­Hawârîûn (the disciples): "Who are my helpers (in the Cause) of Allâh?" Al­Hawârîeen (the disciples) said: "We are Allâh's helpers" (i.e. we will strive in His Cause!). Then a group of the Children of Israel believed and a group disbelieved. So We gave power to those who believed against their enemies, and they became the uppermost. " [The Noble Qur’ân, As-Saff, 14] "Verily, AllÂh forgives not that partners should be set up with Him in worship, but He forgives except that (anything else) to whom He pleases, and whoever sets up partners with AllÂh in worship, he has indeed invented a tremendous sin." [The Noble Qur’ân, An-Nisâ’, 48] ‘The Noble Qur’ân’ is the title of a verse-by-verse translation into English of the Qur’ân, and is available from most Islamic bookshops.

The Noble Qur'an

The Noble Qur'an - An English translation accurate to the meaning of the verses of the Qur'an in Arabic

http://www.khayma.com/librarians/call2islaam/quran/index.html

The Existence of God

The concept of a Supreme Creator of the universe has been something, which the western world has been trying to prove or refute now for thousands of years. However, only in the past 200 years have the creme de la creme of western intellectuals, come to the conclusion that a God/Creator of the universe is and has been a figment of mans imagination. This conclusion was formed as a reaction to the beliefs and practices of Christianity, which was a major force in European life at this time. Beliefs such as that of the Trinity[1] and the divine nature of Jesus Christ, were so complicated to understand - even for the elite of the church - that eventually the idea of a supreme and perfect creator (which Christianity had distorted) was replaced by many new theories which tried to explain how mankind came about and developed. Many different theories were introduced to the western world, but one common trait, which they all shared, was that there was no Supreme force, which governed the universe.

So where does Islam come into all of this? Islam[2] is the one way of life, the one religion which until now has not been challenged successfully by any philosopher, atheist or intellectual. Rather the case has been the exact opposite and there have been thousands, if not millions, of so-called 'atheists' who have reverted back to Islam. So how does Islam explain the existence of this Supreme Creator?

The Natural Way

Allaah says in his final revelation, the Qur'aan:

"Therefore turn your face steadfastly towards the true faith, away from all that which is false, in accordance with the Pure nature with which Allaah has Created people. Let there be no altering in the laws of Allaah's Creation. This is surely the true religion, but most people do not know it."
(Surah Ar-Rum 30:30)

The pure nature which is mentioned in this verse is probably the most convincing proof of a divine creator to any sincere seeker of truth. Which person can deny (atheist or otherwise) that when he/she is in dire trouble, when life is about to be taken away from them, when the pressures are unbearable - that then do they turn to that force above the skies. How many times are we confronted by a scenario in which the words: "Please God help me, and I promise that Iwill always pray to you and be good." roll off our tongues with such sincerity? Every time something bad happens, words such as these come out of the people's mouths. Yet as soon as the harm is removed the very same people beseeching the help of their creator, turn away:

"And whatever of blessings and good things you have, it is from Allah. Then, when harm touches you, unto him you cry aloud for help. Yet no sooner does he remove your ills then some of you set up partners to their lord."
(Surah An-Nahl 16:53-54)

This pure nature which every human is born with is known as the Fitrah in the Arabic language. Every human being, man or woman is born with this natural instinct to recognise the Creator and turn to Him. This is proved by the hadeeth[5] of the last messenger to mankind Muhammed (s.a.w.) who said: "Every child is born upon the pure fitra, it is only his parents that later turn him into a Jew, a Christian, or a Magian.[6]"[7]

In fact if humans were not influenced by their societal pressures then their belief in the Creator would be distinct and clearly visible. But unfortunately this is not the case, and there exists in all non-Muslim societies a clear trend to distort the nature of human beings. One of the ways in which this is done in western societies is through the education system and its institutions. Western education is based around a whole body of secular thought which has no place for a Creator. In science lessons kids are taught that we are the ancestors of monkeys and apes and that this implies that we came about by pure chance.[8] In subjects such as psychology and sociology we are taught that religion is a tool of the privileged few who oppress the downtrodden majority.[9] This form of education has also unfortunately influenced the Muslims, and we find it very common nowadays to see the likes of the 'Abdullaah's' and the 'Fatima's' of western society proclaiming that they do not believe in God.

The Beauty of creation

Allaah says in the Qur'aan:

"Verily in the creation of the heavens and the earth, in the alternation of night and day, in the sailing of the ships through the ocean for the profit of the people, in the water which Allaah sends down from the skies reviving with it the dead earth and dispersing over it all kinds of beasts, in the change of the winds, and in the clouds that run their appointed courses between heaven and earth: In all of this, indeed there are signs for people of understanding."
(Surah Al-Baqarah 2:164)

SubhaanAllaah![11] How beautiful and accurate this verse is. Is it not true that when we look at the world around us we see such beauty and craftsmanship. Surely such excellence could not have come about by chance. Everything in this world and universe runs on a set course and pattern, so how is it possible then, that by pure chance everything in this universe was created with such skill and precision?

The wonders of nature are absolutely astounding, the wind, the rain, the hail and the snow were all products of chance, then why is it that mankind, with all his technological know how, cannot even divert the softest of breezes which blows through the trees in summer? The answer is obvious. All these natural elements are aspects of Allaah's Creation and he alone can control and manipulate them as he wills.

In fact the Creation of Allaah is so perfect that even if we try to detect a fault in it, then we will not succeed:

"Blessed he He to Whom all sovereignty belongs; He has power over all things. He Who Created death and life that He may test which of you is best in deed. He is the Almighty, the Oft-forgiving. He Who Created the seven heavens one above another. You can see no fault in the Creation of the Bestower of Mercy. Turn up your eyes: Can you detect a single flaw? Look once more, and yet again: Your sight will in the end grow humbled and weary."
(Surah Al-Mulk 67:1-4)

It is not just the seas, the mountains, the rivers and the skies which are a proof for the existence of our Creator, but also ourselves. Allaah says in the Qur'aan:

"On the earth are signs visible to all who have faith with certainty, just as there are signs within your ownselves. Will you then not see?"
(Surah Adh-Dhariyat 51:20-21)

The variety of humanity is indeed amazing, black and white, tall and short, fat and thin, good and evil, man and woman etc. etc. How many times have we considered the complex makeup of our bodies both physical and mental and found it to be completely beyond belief. It is known that if the intestines of a human being were taken out of the body, they would be so long that they could cover the entire area of a tennis court!

But when we think about these long intestines being inside of us, it astounds and amazes us. The human brain is thought to be more powerful that any mainframe computer on earth, whilst the eye is said to be more complex and structured then any telescope invented by man. The human mind is something which is still undiscovered by psychologists and psychiatrists, and the nature of our dreams and thoughts is something which these people will probably never unravel. So we should ask ourselves, is it still possible for such a complex being such as ourselves, to be a mere product of chance, or rather, are we products of a supreme and skillful creator, who has shown us that he really is Al-Khaliq?[14]

Yet despite our complicated and intricate makeup, our comparison to the Creator is not even possible. Mankind with his level of technology has gained the impression that he is the most supreme being in this universe. Yet when we look at examples of western society we see that these same humans who claim such superiority, cannot even maintain basic standards of hygiene! Washing the body-parts after urinating or excreting has almost become a sin for many people in the west, yet at the same time these people are the very same who claim technological advancement! Maybe if they believed in a Creator, the basics of life would perchance return to them, just as they have returned to the Muslims.

The proofs for the existence of a creator are so numerous that it would take us a very long time to go through every single one. So finally we should remember, that the creation of humanity was neither an accident, nor a development from monkey to man. Rather it was the creation of Allah the Most High, the Most Perfect, who reminds us of the stupidity of those who claim that He did not create us:

"Were they created of nothing? or were they perchance, their own creators? or did they create the heavens and the earth? surely they have no firm belief."
(Surah At-Tur 52:35-36)

Footnotes
1 The belief that the Father (God), the son (Jesus) and the Holy spirit (?) are all parts of one God, despite the fact that they are 3 separate entities!! To this very day millions of Christians are still unable to understand this belief, which is one of the reasons why it has even been thrown out of some versions of the Bible.
2 The meaning of Islam is to 'sincerely submit your will, to the will of Allaah (God)'.
3 Surah Ar-Rum 30:30
4 Surah An-Nahl 16:53-54
5 Hadeeth: A report of the Prophet Muhammed's (s.a.w.'s) sayings, actions or approvals.
6 A Magian is another word for a fire worshipper.
7 Sahih Muslim.
8 This theory was made popular by a man known as Charles Darwin.
9 This is the view of the German scientist Karl Marx.
10 Surah AI-Baqara 2:164.
11 Glory be to Allaah who is free form any imperfection.
12 Surah Tabarak 67:14
13 Surah Az-Dhariyat 51:20-21.
14 The supreme creator: This is one of the many attributes of Allaah.
15 Surah At-Tur 52:35-36.

Racism: is there a solution?

Nigger, Paki, Gollywog, Chink, Honkey, Sand-Nigger[1] .... The list of remarks which signify racism in our world, is endless. But to many people in the West, racism no longer exists. Many believe that our 'free'(?) world has eradicated this problem. The rights of homosexuals and animals are given higher priority, and people believe that the real oppression in the world lies here! Such delusion clouds the reality which we live in. Whilst animal rights activists and homosexuals march so vigorously for freedom, they seem to forget that people the world-over are continually being oppressed, simply due to the colour of their skin or the label of their race. How sad it is that the Western world conveniently chooses to ignore the devastating consequences of this problem.

According to the Oxford dictionary, racism is the: "belief in superiority of particular race; antagonism towards other races" [2]. From such a simple definition arises so much oppression and hatred. The belief that one particular race is superior to another, has led to injustice and tyranny against fellow humans. Racism is a disease which has taken on epidemic proportions and has even become accepted in many societies, past and present. But one may well ask, where did such behaviour originate from?

Origins

The origins of racism can be found in the annals of history. However, people are often biased and very subjective in their findings. For example, a Jew may claim that racism started with the expulsion of the Jews from Jerusalem by the Romans in 70 CE [3]. An Afro-centric[4] person on the other hand, may claim that racism originated from the European colonisation of Africa and the engagement with the slave trade. Each race can thus claim to reveal the origins of this problem according to their own historical sufferings.

Islam however, is not like this. Because Islam was not revealed for a specific set of people or for a specific period of time, it is able to answer this question in a truly objective manner. This is one of the reasons why Islam has been so successful against racism. The origins of racism, as explained by Islam, go back to the beginning of mankind's creation. Before the creation of man, Allah the Most High, had already created the Angels and the Jinn. Amongst the Angels at that time was a Jinn by the name of Iblis. Iblis had resided amongst the Angels and was very obedient to Allah. However, this was to change, as Allah then created man. This new creation of Allah was created from clay and named Adam. He was first in the line of humanity, and as a result occupies a very special place in history. From him and his wife Hawwa (Eve), the generations of humanity have descended. After his creation, Allah ordered the Angels and those with them to prostrate to Adam. The Qur'an informs us of this important event, from which we may all learn a valuable lesson:

"And (remember) when We said to the Angels: 'Prostrate yourselves to Adam', and they all prostrated except Iblis. He refused and was proud and was one of the disbelievers"
(Surah Al-Baqarah 2:34)

and:

"(Allah) said: 'What prevented you (Iblis) that you did not prostrate?' Iblis said; 'I am better then him, you created me from fire and you created him from clay'"
(Surah Al-A'raf 7:12)

In Islam, the other name for Iblis is 'Shaytan'[5] or the Devil. Thus, the root of racism is attributed to the Devil. Iblis's insistence on being better than Adam, aroused his arrogance and pride. And what was the reason for this insistence? Nothing more then the fact that Iblis was of fire and Adam was of clay. It was at this stage in the history of the world, that the ugly head of racism first reared itself.

Iblis, the Devil, was consequently the world's first racist! This Islamic explanation helps us to understand the reality of racism. Pride and arrogance leads to people thinking that they are better than others, simply because of their physical makeup. This pride and arrogance is truly a Devilish trait which humans have learnt from Iblis, the accursed Devil. Iblis's refusal to prostrate before Adam led to his expulsion from the company of the Angels, and he vowed to Allah that:

".. I shall indeed adorn the path of error for them (humanity) on the earth and I shall mislead them all, except Your chosen slaves among them"
(Surah Al-Hijr 15:39-40)

True to his word, the astray Devil has indeed adorned the path of error for most of mankind throughout the ages. One of these adornments has of course been the Devilish behaviour of Racism.

Manifestations

Ever since Iblis's refusal to bow down to Adam, the world has seen an increase in racism. Not only were people affected by this trend, but so were religions, creeds and ideologies. Before long Religions and creeds were justifying the superiority of some over others. An example of this is the religions of Judaism and Hinduism. By their very teachings, both of these ancient religions are racist. With Judaism, a person cannot become a Jew unless be/she is born from a Jewish mother. This then means that all non-Jews cannot enter Paradise, simply because they were not born into this faith! With Hinduism, not only does it degrade the Creator by representing him as a monkey, rat, cow, elephant and even the male private organ (!), but it has also created one of the worlds most ancient forms of racism - the caste system. According to Hinduism, the higher castes originate from the upper body-parts of God, such as the chest and head, whereas the lower castes come from the lower bodyparts of God such as the legs and feet! This theory of degrading the Creator then justifies the oppression which happens to the lower castes. Such is this oppression, that if a higher caste person walks through the shadow of a lower caste person, he deems himself to have become impure and consequently has to bathe himself!

Other religions such as Christianity, have often been used to justify racist ventures. During the age of exploration the European powers used Christianity to justify their own imperial ambitions. The infamous Spanish Conquistadors used Christianity as a pretext to wipe out the Inca and Aztec civilisations of Central and South America during the 15th and 16th centuries. Nations such as the Dutch and the British used Christianity to justify their horrendous treatment of native Africans. The notorious Trans-Atlantic slave trade saw one of the worst forms of racism ever implemented. This form of racism saw entire cultures wiped out and replaced with the culture of their racist aggressors. This is why even today, many of the surnames which people from the Caribbean have, are in fact the names of their ancestral European slave masters.

It is not only religion which has been gripped by this disease, but also science. By the 19th century the Western world had rejected religion and was looking towards science to provide the answers for our existence. The dominant theory at the time was Charles Darwin's theory of Evolution. However, unknown to many, Darwin's expeditions were only-funded by the British government so that a scientific base could be used for racist and imperial ambitions. The theory espoused that man evolved from apes. It then claimed that some people had not fully evolved from their primate forms, and were thus inferior to others. These inferior people were said to be the non-Europeans, and especially the Africans. Thus, on a mission to civilise these 'savages', the Europeans used Darwin's theory to oppress and destroy many parts of the world.

The 20th century has also seen attempts to justify racism and its theories. During the 30's and 40's the German Nazi regime of Adolph Hitler used the credentials of the Aryan[6] people, to legitimise his ruthless actions. The Apartheid regime of South Africa also used racism and racial segregation to maintain its existence. This has continued until today with many groups advocating clear White supremacy over the rest of mankind. The Ku Klux Klan, the British National Party and the Aryan Nation are examples of such groups.

The faces of racism are many. It should not be thought that racism is only conducted by the Europeans or Whites. Racial superiority over Whites has also been advocated by Black people during this century. After centuries of oppression, the Black community in the Western world expressed its sentiments in an explosive way. The decade of the 60's saw many civil rights movements emerge. Along with these came all the radical movements who popularised slogans such as 'Black Power'. Before long there were many movements who openly advocated racism against White people. What made things even worse, was that some of the most vocal movements attached themselves to the religion of Islam - a religion which (as will be seen) destroys racism from its very root. Amongst these groups were the Nation of Islam and the Ansarullah[7]. They openly advocated that the White people were devils and Black people were gods. Their open (but false) attachment to Islam helped to visualise Islam as being racist - something which could not be further from the truth.

The Solution

So what is the solution for this world-wide epidemic? As Muslims we know that to defeat racism means to defeat Iblis, the Devil. Because humans are weak, it would be imperative that we adopt some, divine method in tackling this Devilish disease. This method is none other then ISLAM, the untainted and pure religion which came to benefit humanity through its teachings.

Just as Islam explains the origins of racism, it also tells us how to combat it. This is firmly expressed in the Qur'an, when Allah explains the reason for our variety as different races and peoples:

"O' mankind, We have created you from a male and a female, and made you into nations and tribes so that you may know one another. Indeed the most honourable of you in the sight of Allah is the one with the most piety"
(Surah Al-Hujjarat 49:13)

It is clear from this verse as to how humanity should act towards one another. We have been created like one huge beautiful garden with many different types of flowers in it. Each flower is clearly distinguished from the other, yet they all belong to the same garden. This unity of the nations can only be achieved when people recognise that it is Islam which will bring the different peoples of the world under one banner. And it is within this banner that people can achieve true piety and thus excel themselves in the sight of Allah.

The teachings of Islam cut racism from its very root. By looking at the sayings and actions of the last Messenger, Muhammed (saws), we can see how racism was truly obliterated with the advent of Islam. The Prophet (saws) said: "Indeed there is no excellence for an Arab over a non-Arab, nor a non-Arab over an Arab, nor a White person over a Black one, nor a Black person over a White one, except through piety"[8].A statement like this tells us that this man, Muhammed, was truly a recipient of Divine inspiration. His words were not empty like the words of so many leaders today. Rather, he was always the first to lead by example, and this is why we find that during his lifetime so many different types of people accepted Islam. From amongst the Prophet's companions we find that he had an Ethiopian companion by the name of Bilal. Bilal had been a slave before he accepted Islam, and as a result his standing in Arabian society was worse then the animals. However, upon Bilal's conversion to Islam, the force to combat the disease of Iblis, became known to all. Bilal was given a status like no Black slave had been given before. He was given the immense honour of being the first person to call the Adhaan (call to prayer) in Islam's glorious history. More importantly however, he was accepted as an equal and a brother by the Prophet and his companions.

Through its teachings and practical implementation by the Prophet and his companions, Islam has spread to every corner of the known world. You will not see a more assorted group of people than the Muslims. From China to Spain, Siberia to Australia - never has there been such a wide body of people all united under one banner - the banner of Islam.

The Prophet (saws) said: "Whosoever fights under the banner of the blind, becoming angry for nationalism or calling to nationalism or assisting nationalism and then dies, he dies the death of the pre-Islamic days"[9]. This statement of the Prophet makes it clear that the consequences of involving ourselves in nationalism (which is a form of racism), is dying upon disbelief. And whosoever dies upon disbelief will undoubtedly taste the Fire of Hell. Through such statements, Islam totally isolates all forms of racism which can occur amongst humanity. It is indeed sad, that people cannot observe such beautiful advice, for if they did then maybe all the bloodshed caused by nationalism, ethnic cleansing etc. can be avoided.

The rites and injunctions of Islam also help to overcome racism. An example of this is the prayer of the Muslims. When Muslims pray in congregation, they are commanded by Islam to join together their ankles and shoulders to those next to them. Whether a man is a king, a leader, a stave, a judge or even a beggar, this command is incumbent upon every Muslim. Thus Blacks, Whites, Arabs, Indians, Malays and all other races: are truly united by worshipping their Creator. This unity is not only confined to the prayer, but to the whole of ones life, to the extent that Muslims try to fall under the saying of their beloved Prophet who said: "The example of the believers in their mutual love and mercy is like the example of a body; if one part of the body feels pain, then all the body suffers in sleeplessness and fever "[10]. It is evident that a Muslim follows this example set by the Prophet, when he/she feels distress at the situation of the Muslims around the world, be they from Africa, Palestine, Kashmir, Bosnia etc. Unity amongst such a wide range of people, can only be created by Islam.

Another rite which has helped so many to eradicate racism from their lives, is the Hajj (pilgrimage to Mecca), which is obligatory upon every Muslim at least once in a lifetime. The Hajj brings together the peoples of the world, all at one time of the year, in one place. Anyone who has witnessed this annual rite of Islam, will truly testify that there is nothing quite like it. The breathtaking view of millions of people gathered together, all for the purpose of worshipping Allah, is unforgettable. It was this rite of lslam which changed the life of the famous Black nationalist-turned-Muslim, Malcolm X[11]. Describing his experiences he said: "Never have I witnessed such sincere hospitality and overwhelming spirit of true brotherhood as is practised by people of all colours here in this ancient Holy land.... There were tens of thousands of pilgrims from all over the world. They were of all colours, from Blue-eyed blondes to Black-skinned Africans. But we were all participating in the same ritual, displaying a spirit of unity and brotherhood that my experiences in America had led me to believe never could exist between the White and non-White. America needs to understand Islam, because this is the one religion that erases from its society the race problem"[12].

The words of Malcolm X can be added to; it is not only America which needs to understand Islam, but rather the whole world. Islam has brought so much to the lives of so many, that it is inconceivable that racism could be defeated without it. From the moment the Prophet preached his message of unity under the worship of Allah, did the light of hope shine forth in this World of darkness. Honour has been given to all those who have entered Islam. Throughout the ages, those who normally would have been downtrodden were rescued and dignified by Islam. Today, this is still continuing. People who were clearly racist (like Malcolm X) have been humbled and overwhelmed by the truth of Islam. British National Party members, Ku Klux Klan members, members of the Nation of Islam and many others from racist organisations, have all become united under the banner of Islam. It is now up to the people of the world to choose; do they want to stay in the darkness of racism or do they want to be illuminated by the light of Islam?

Either way, Islam will still be, the ONLY solution for racism.

Footnotes
1 Sand-Nigger: A racist term for Arabs.
2 The little Oxford Dictionary - 7th Ed - 1994
3 In 70 CE Jerusalem was under the Roman empire. Following revolts by the Jews, the Romans expelled them and destroyed their temple. After this the Jews became widely dispersed and were oppressed greatly by the Christians. During the Middle Ages the Jews were granted sanctuary by the Muslim Empire from this oppression. This debt was paid back when the Jews came into Palestine and stole the land of the Muslims! It is indeed ironic that the same people who were once racially persecuted, have now turned racist persecutors.
4 Afro-centric: One who identifies immensely with Africa as being a place of origin for the human race.
5 In English he is known as 'Satan', 'Lucifer' or 'Beeizebub'
6 Aryan: Anyone who speaks an Indo-European language; However in Hitler's case it had more to do with physical characteristics, such as having Blond hair and Blue eyes.
7 The founder of this freakish and unstable cult is Dwight York, who was born in 1935 in New York, USA. In 1967 he officially formed this overtly racist group. Like so many other cult leaders, York has claimed divinity and abused his power. His corruption has even landed him in jail (for tax evasion!), and his sexual promiscuity has caused rumours that he has AIDS. Thegroup has undergone much change since its inception in the late 60's. Since then it has changed a number of times and now goes by the name of the 'Holy Tabernacle Ministry'. It has also dropped its affiliation with Islam.
8 Authentic - Reported by Ahmed
9 Reported by Muslim - Eng Trans. Vol.3 p.1029-30, No.4555
10 Reported by Muslim - Eng Trans. Vol.4, p.1368, No.6258
11 Malcolm X was born as Malcolm Little in 1925 in Omaha, Nebraska. After spending time in jail he joined the Nation of Islam and changed his surname to indicate his detachment from White superiority. Malcolm's powerful oratory skills brought international recognition for the Nation of Islam. However, upon discovering that Elijah Muhammed had impregnated 2 of his secretaries, Malcolm's faith in this man who claimed to be a messenger of God, was shaken. In 1964 Malcolm made the Hajj which was to show him true Islam. He changed his name to Malik al-Shabbaz, and formally renounced the Nation of Islam. This renunciation led to his assassination in 1965.
12 Taken from his biography by Alex Haley.

The World of the Jinn

Throughout history man has always had a deep attraction for the supernatural and the unseen. The existence of a world parallel to our own has always fascinated people. This world is commonly referred to as the spirit world, and almost every set of people have some concept of one. With some people, these spirits are no more then the souls of dead people- or ghosts. With others, spirits are either the forces of good or the forces of evil - both battling against one another to gain influence over humanity. However, both of these explanations are more in tune with folk tales and fantasy. The true explanation of such a world comes from Islam. Like every other way, Islam also claims to explain this realm of the unseen. It is from this realm that Islam explains to us about the world of the Jinn. The Islamic explanation of the Jinn provides us with so many answers to modem day mysteries. Without the knowledge of this world, the Muslims would become like the non-Muslims and be running around looking for any old answer to come their way. So, who or what are the Jinn?

Existence

The Jinn are beings created with free will, living on earth in a world parallel to mankind. The Arabic word Jinn is from the verb 'Janna' which means to hide or conceal. Thus, they are physically invisible from man as their description suggests. This invisibility is one of the reasons why some people have denied their existence. However, (as will be seen) the affect which the world of the Jinn has upon our world, is enough to refute this modem denial of one of Allah's creation. The origins of the Jinn can be traced from the Qur'an and the Sunnah. Allah says:

"Indeed We created man from dried clay of black smooth mud. And We created the Jinn before that from the smokeless flame of fire"
(Surah Al-Hijr 15:26-27)

Thus the Jinn were created before man. As for their physical origin, then the Prophet (saws) has confirmed the above verse when he said: "The Angels were created from light and the Jinn from smokeless fire"[1]. It is this description of the Jinn which tells us so much about them. Because they were created from fire, their nature has generally been fiery and thus their relationship with man has been built upon this. Like humans, they too are required to worship Allah and follow Islam. Their purpose in life is exactly the same as ours, as Allah says:

"I did not create the Jinn and mankind except to worship Me"
(Surah Ad-Dhariyat 51:56)

Jinns can thus be Muslims or non-Muslims. However, due to their fiery nature the majority of them are non-Muslims. All these non-Muslim Jinns form a part of the army of the most famous Jinn, Iblis- the Shaytan[2]. Consequently, these disbelieving Jinns are also called Shaytans (devils). As for the Jinns who become Muslims, then the first of them did so in the time of the Prophet (saws) when a group of them were amazed by the recitation of the Qur'an. Allah orders the Prophet to tell the people of this event:

"Say (O' Muhammed): It has been revealed to me that a group of Jinn listened and said; 'Indeed we have heard a marvellous Qur'an. It guides unto righteousness so we have believed in it, and we will never make partners with our lord'"
(Surah Al-Jinn 72:1-2)

In many aspects of their world, the Jinn are very similar to us. They eat and drink, they marry, have children and they die. The life span however, is far greater then ours. Like us, they will also be subject to a Final Reckoning by Allah the Most High. They will be present with mankind on the Day of Judgement and will either go to Paradise or Hell.

Abilities

That which clearly distinguishes the Jinn from mankind, are their powers and abilities. Allah has given them these powers as a test for them. If they oppress others with them, then they will be held accountable. By knowing of their powers, we can often make sense of much of the mysteries which go on around us. One of the powers of the Jinn, is that they are able to take on any physical form they like. Thus, they can appear as humans, animals trees and anything else. Over the last few years the interest in the subject of aliens and UFO's has become heightened. Programmes such as the X-files and the Outer limits have increased the popularity of the theory that aliens exist. Thousands of people have sighted strange looking creatures all over the world. These sightings however, have still not proven substantially that aliens exist. Rather - and it seems more plausible all the sightings of such creatures were just Jinns parading in different forms. So the next time you see something that looks like E.T, its most probably just a wicked Jinn trying to scare and confuse you!

The ability to possess and take over the minds and bodies of other creatures is also a power which the Jinn have utilised greatly over the centuries. This however, is something which has been prohibited to them as it is a great oppression to possess another being. Human possession is something which has always brought about great attention. But the true knowledge of this subject is rare amongst the people. Over the last 3 decades the subject of possession has become very commercialised. During the 70's films such as The Exorcist and Rosemary's Baby were used to educate people about possession. However, because such institutions (the film industry) were heavily influenced by Christianity, knowledge of the subject was non-existent. Rather then educate people about Jinn possession, films such as The Exorcist just tended to scare the living daylights out of us![3] Only through Islam can we understand such a phenomena. We know as Muslims, that Jinns possess people for many reasons. Sometimes it is because the Jinn or its family has been hurt accidentally. It could be because the Jinn has fallen in love with the person. However, most of the time possession occurs because the Jinn is simply malicious and wicked. For this reason we have been told by the Prophet (saws) not to loiter in those places where the Jinns reside, e.g. graveyards, ruins, deserts, market places etc. We have also been commanded to recite the Qur'an frequently in our houses as the Prophet (saws) said: 'Indeed, the shaytan flees from the house in which Surah AI-Baqarah (the 2nd chapter of the Qur'an) is recited"[4].

If a person does become possessed, then the name of Allah has to be used in expelling the Jinn. If we look at the practice of the Prophet and his companions, we find many duas (supplications) to exorcise the Jinn. All these duas invoke Allah to help the possessed person. How contrary this is to many modern-day exorcists. Many exorcists, Muslim and non-Muslim, often invoke the names of others besides Allah to exorcise the Jinn[5]. When the Jinn does leave, these people believe that their way was successful. However, this is a ploy of the Jinn, as it knows that if it obeys the exorcist, then it has succeeded in making him worship others besides Allah i.e. commit shirk. The Jinn often returns when the exorcist leaves, as it knows that nothing except the words of Allah can stop it from oppressing others.

It is not only humans which are possessed, but also animals, trees and other objects. By doing this, the evil Jinn hope to make people worship others besides Allah. The possession of idols is one way to do this. Not so long ago the world-wide phenomenon of Hindu idols drinking milk, shocked the world. From Bombay to London, Delhi to California, countless idols were lapping up milk. Ganesh[6] the elephant god, Hanuman the monkey god and even Shiva lingam, the male private organ(!), all seemed to guzzle down the milk as if there was no tomorrow! Unfortunately people were taken in by this (including Muslims) and many flocked to feed (?) the Hindu gods. Anyone who knows about Jinn possession, will undoubtedly know that this is a classic attempt to make people commit shirk. And it worked, as many people started to worship these lifeless pieces of wood and marble. Anyone with half a brain would say to themselves, 'why on earth does a god need to be fed?!! Surely if Ganesh, Hanuman or Shiva were divine then they wouldn't need feeding?' However, such common sense seemed to be lacking as the Jinns played havoc with these gullible people.

The Occult

Through their powers of flying and invisibility, the Jinn are the chief component in occult activities. Voodoo, Black magic, Poltergeists, Witchcraft and Mediums can all be explained through the world of the Jinn. Likewise, so can the illusions and feats of magicians. Because the Jinn can traverse huge distances over a matter of seconds, their value to magicians is great. In return for helping them in their magic, the Jinns often ask for the magicians to sell their souls to them and even to Iblis. Thus the magicians take the Jinn and Iblis as lords besides Allah. In our day, some of the feats performed by magicians and entertainers are without doubt from the assistance of the Jinn. Making the Statue of Liberty disappear, flying across the Grand Canyon and retrieving a ship from the Bermuda Triangle[7], have all been done by the Jewish magician David Copperfield. There is NO way that a man could do such things without the assistance of the Jinn. It would not be surprising therefore, if David Copperfield had sold his soul to Iblis himself. Because of their involvement with the Jinn, and its result in shirk, the Prophet (saws) said: "The prescribed punishment for the magician is that he be executed by the sword"[8]. Some may argue that this is barbaric, but if, the likes of David Copperfield truly had powers, then they could just put theirheads back on again!!

One of the most frequent activities associated with the Jinn, is fortune telling. Before the advent of the Prophet (saws) fortune-tellers and soothsayers were wide spread. These people would use their associates from the Jinn to find out about the future. The Jinns would go to the lowest heaven and listen to the Angels conversing amongst themselves about events of the Future which they heard from Allah. The Jinns would then inform the fortune-tellers. This is why before the time of the Prophet (saws) many fortune-tellers were very accurate in their predictions. However, upon the Prophet's arrival the heavens were guarded intensely by the Angels, and any Jinn who tried to listen was attacked by meteors (shooting stars):

"And We have guarded it (the heavens) from every accursed devil, except one who is able to snatch a hearing and he is pursued by a brightly burning flame"
(Surah Al-Hijr 15:18)

The Prophet (saws) also said: "They (the Jinn) would pass the information back down until it reaches the lips of a magician or forrtune-teller Sometimes a meteor would overtake them before they could pass it on. If they passed it on before being struck, they would add to it a hundred lies"[9]. Thus, it is clear from this as to how fortune-tellers get predictions of the future right. It is also evident as to why they get so many wrong. Men like Nostradamus[10] are an example, as some of his predictions of the future were correct whilst many were completely wrong. Unfortunately, the amount of fortune telling which occurs amongst the Muslims is also increasing. By visiting Muslim lands such as Morocco, one is able to see as to how much inter Jinn-fortune-teller activity there really is. If you look up at the sky on a clear night in Morocco, you will see the heavens ablaze with shooting stars! A clear display of the devils being chased away from the heavens.

Fortune-tellers also operate through the Qareen. The Qareen is the Jinn companion which is assigned to every human being. It is this Jinn which whispers to our base desires and constantly tries to divert us from righteousness. The Prophet (saws) said: "Everyone of you has been assigned a companion from the Jinn. The companions asked: Even you O' Messenger of Allah? And the Prophet replied: Even me, except that Allah has helped me against him and he has submitted. Now he only tells me to do good"'[11]. Because the Qareen is with a person all his life, it knows all that has happened to the person from the cradle to the grave. By making contact with the Qareen, the fortune-teller is thus able to make out that it is he who knows about the person. He looks in his crystal ball or the palm of a person and proceeds to amaze him with knowledge which no one else knows[12]. The severity of going to a fortune-teller is such that the Prophet (saws) said: "The prayer of one who approaches a fortune-teller and asks him about anything, will not be accepted for forty days or nights"[13] and: "Whosoever approaches a fortune-teller and believes in what he says, has disbelieved in what was revealed to Muhammed"[14]

The effects of the Jinn are not just limited to fortune-tellers. Other activities such as oujia boards and seances, which are used to contact the dead, are manipulated by the Jinn. 'Are you there Charlie? Speak to us Charlie!!' are the sort of words spoken by anxious relatives (names are obviously different!) seeking to make contact with their loved ones. And it is when the Jinn starts to talk and communicate as 'Charlie', that the people are truly fooled[15].

One of the biggest manipulations of the Jinn is through visions. Through these visions the Jinns are more likely to lead people away from the worship of Allah then any other way. When a person sees a vision in front of his eyes it is something which is very hard to explain away. Only by having knowledge of the world of the Jinn and conviction in Allah, can a person fight such a trial. The countless numbers of visions of Jesus Christ and the Virgin Mary over the centuries has been a popular choice for the devils. It almost seems as if leading Christians astray is the most easiest trick for the Jinns! Not only are Christians fooled by these visions, but often the Jinns possess and begin to talk from their voices. To the Christians this is known as the tongues of the Angels and thus a proof for their faith. However, the amount of unintelligible nonsense and rubbish which is heard is a clear proof that this is in fact the tongues of the devils! For other people, visions of their parents or relatives are commonplace. By taking on the form of peoples parents, the Jinns can convince people that the souls of dead people still mix with the people of the earth. This is why so many people believe in ghosts.

The onslaught of satanic visions has also hit the Muslims. Many Muslims claim to have seen visions of the Prophet Muhammed (saws) and even Allah! By doing this, Shaytan is able to lead astray the weak Muslims. Through such visions, Muslims are often told that the commands of Islam are not applicable to them. The Jinns tell them that Prayer, Fasting, Hajj etc. are not obligatory for them. It is a great deception and unfortunately one which has been very effective. The extent of satanic visions still continues to this day. The recent death of Diana Princess of Wales sparked off great love and adoration for this woman. In fact the grief of the British people was such, that it was as if Diana was something divine. No sooner had the mourning of Diana reached its peak, that visions of her were already being seen at Hampton Court Palace! If these visions did occur, the desire of Iblis and his army of Jinn to capitalise on this event, was evident. Such visions are clear attempts by Iblis to lead mankind away from the path of Allah [16].

The world of the Jinn is one which is both sinister and intriguing. By knowing of this world we can explain many of the mysteries and issues which bother us. By doing this we can avoid the extremes which the people have gone to; nothing being more extreme then worshipping others besides Allah. By learning the Tawheed of Allah, we defend ourselves from these hidden allies of Iblis:

"Indeed he (Iblis) and his tribe watch you from a position where you cannot see them"
(Surah Al-A'raf 7:27)

Maybe there is a Jinn sitting in the corner of your room right now, or even one behind you. If so, then how will you deal with this creation of Allah? Learn Islam properly and you will be able to deal with all of Allah's creation - and not just the Jinn. By becoming true Muslims and followers of Islam, the fear of Iblis, Jinns and anything else will leave us - nothing will touch the Believer unless Allah wills.

Footnotes
1 Reported by Muslim - Eng. Trans. Vol. 4, p.1540, No.7134
2 It must be remembered that Iblis is a Jinn and not an Angel. The concept of the Devil being a fallen Angel is from Christianity and not Islam.
3 In fact when The Exorcist was first shown on cinema, it was so scary that many people fainted and one even died!
4 Authentic - Reported by Tirmidhee
5 Whilst Christians invoke the name of Jesus, many Muslims invoke the name of pious Muslim saints! The rituals which are conducted by many Muslims are more akin to voodoo then the exorcism practised by the Prophet and his companions!!
6 Ganesh, the elephant headed deity, seemed to be the biggest drinker! In fact it didn't just stop at milk. At the time of these occurrences, a woman in India decided to see if Ganesh would drink anything else - so she offered him whiskey!! And Lo and behold Ganesh drank the Whiskey!!! Suffice to say, the woman was kicked out of India.
7 The ship which was recovered was more then 50 years old. It subsequently caught alight and was conveniently destroyed.
8 Authentic - Reported by Tirmidhee
9 Reported by Bukhari - Eng. Trans. Vol.7, p.439, No.657
10 Michel de Nostradamus was a famous French soothsayer of the 16th century.
11 Reported by Muslim - Eng. Trans. Vol.4, p.1472, No.6757
12 The classic example of how fortune tellers can be wrong is the case of Diana, Princess of Wales and Dodi Fayed. Both went to see a fortune teller who told Diana that she would live a long and happy life. A few weeks later, on August 31st 1997, Diana and Dodi Fayed were dead. After this the fortune tellers flew for cover, as their evil art showed its decadence.
13 Reported by Muslim - Eng. Trans. Vol.4, p.1211, No.5540
14 Authentic - Reported by Ahmed
15 Ouija boards are so misleading, that people have even managed to get in touch with the spirit of Jack the Ripper!!
16 An informative book on the world of the Jinn is 'Ibn Taymeeyah's Essay on the Jinn' translated by Abu Ameenah Bilal Phillips.

Islam! the modern alternative

Some people think that to live an Islamic life is "restrictive". Islam however, was revealed as a balanced way of living.

Allah (The Most High) created all the humans with what is called 'A Fitrah' (a natural state/desire) [1].

Islam recognises that within this Fitrah there are motivations that influence a man's role on earth e.g. a desire for good food and drink, to have a home, a desire for love and sex, to protect and be protected and to be successful and strong. Without some form of control and limit, all of these legitimate motives could prove very dangerous.

So what constitutes the perfect control for the Fitrah? It must be a method that provides an organised yet practical demonstration of how to balance all these natural human desires. It cannot be something that goes against the Fitrah, by placing on it extra burdens. Likewise, it cannot be something that allows the human desires to run wild without any form of control.

Islam is the perfect control for the Fitrah. It provides a divine method that elevates man above animals and the rest of creation.

Limited Wisdom

Humans lack perfect knowledge as well as perfect wisdom. No matter how hard we try, we will never attain the perfect way of life by our own thinking and interpretation. This is the reason why Allaah being the Most Wise, sent us the Qur'an and the Prophet Muhammad (SAW)[2], to show us this practical and organised way of life.

Allaah, being Perfect, in His Wisdom and Knowledge, perfected a complete way of life for us. He has set His limitations and rules, all of which are beneficial to mankind, and therefore, do not need changing:

"These are the limits (set) by Allaah, so do not approach them"
(Surah al-Baqarah 2:1871)

"These are the limits set by Allaah, so do not transgress them"
(Surah al-Baqarah 2:229)

This is why Islam does not allow celibacy, because it is against the Fitrah, i.e., the desire for sex. Celibacy goes beyond the limits required by humans, and is something that cannot be fulfilled because humans are designed to procreate. As humans we are not expected to fast every single day for the rest of our lives (for most 30 days of the year provides an up-hill struggle). It is also from ignorance to say that 'I shall not sleep during the night, but rather I shall pray!' [3] Humans have not been created by Allah to live life in such a manner. There is a balance which must be observed.

The following incident describes the Islamic stance towards such behaviour, Anas reported that some of the Companions of Allaah's Messenger (SAW) used to say: "I will not marry women"; someone else said: "I will not eat meat"; and someone else said: "I will not lie down in bed". (On hearing this): The Prophet (SAW) praised Allaah, and glorified Him and said: "what has happened to these people that they say so and so, whereas I observe prayer and I sleep too. I observe fast and I break my fast; I marry women also. And he who turns away from my Sunnah (i.e., my example or lifestyle), he has no relation with me" [Narrated in Saheeh Muslim vol. 2. p703. no. 32361].

Islam on the other hand, does not allow the person to surrender themselves to lust and desire, as in contemporary 'civilisation'. Islam recognises the love a man has for women, children, gold, silver, and other possessions. But it provides a limit for the amount of this worldly pleasure which we require, and reminds us of the life in the hereafter.

"Beautified for men is the love of things they desire: Women, Children, much of gold and silver (wealth), branded beautiful horses, cattle and well-tilled land. This is the pleasure of the present world's life, but Allaah has the excellent return (Paradise)"
(Surah Aali-Imraan 3:141)

The inclinations and desires of the Fitrah are not to become the objective in life. Rather they are to be taken in a stabilised manner. The way to deal with them is real and Allaah (The Most High) has given us the detailed descriptions of a levelled approach. This levelled approach gives mankind the perfectly balanced pleasure in this worldly life. The method of maintaining a well-balanced life is not an endurance test to see who lasts the longest. Allah has revealed Islam, to show us how to attain this balance in a real manner. Life is not a torturous spiritual test, where you are ordered to Iive in mountains and trees. Fasting all year round is not obligatory. Marriage is permissible and you do not have to beat yourself senseless to purify your soul! Rather as Muslims, we must try to follow the Prophet and his balanced teachings of life and living. As Allah says in the Qur'an:

"Indeed in the Messenger of Allah (saw), you have a good example to follow.."
(Surah Al-Ahzab 33:21)

Restrictive Rules

The use of the word "restrictive" often comes from those who think they live a "free- life". But the fact of the matter is that, wherever you go you will find rules and regulations. For example, in the workplace, in colleges and universities and more obviously on the roads, i.e. the highway and green cross codes. Wherever you are, there are rules and regulations.

Islam forbids us to follow many of the rules which are held by western culture and subcultures. Yet people in the west are more than willing to obey them, because they believe that these rules will protect them. How wrong they are! Rave subculture is a classical example of this. Informal dance floor rules dictate to us ". . . . to drink lots of water, have frequent breaks and don't take too many pills in one go!" Despite these "recommendations", young people are still dying [4].

Western society is obsessed with 'safe sex', in order to 'prevent the risk of catching AIDS'. Despite the wide availability of contraceptives, AIDS is still on the increase, and people are dropping like flies from this killer epidemic.

Do we think of these rules as being restrictive? If anything you would expect them to bring about a sense of control and order, as well as increasing the pleasure. Without realising, people are ready and willing to accept many man-made rules. Rules that are invented by one group of people and to be obeyed by the rest of society. These rules are not perfect because man is imperfect, yet people accept them and hope and believe that they will benefit from them.

A Better Offer!

So when the Creator of the Heavens and the Earth is offering a reward which is high, and the Benefit is eternal, shouldn't we at least see what's on offer?

"You desire the good of this world, but Allaah desires (for you) the Hereafter. And Allaah is Almighty, All Wise"
(Surah Al-Anfal 8:67)

". . . in a lofty Paradise. Therein will be a running spring. Therein will be thrones raised high. And cups set at hand. And cushions set in rows. And rich carpets (all) spread out"
(Surah Al-Ghaashiyah 88:10-16)

This worldly life has many good things in it. Things that Allah has created for us to utilise. But the reality is all of these luxuries and benefits of the world will come to an end. For example, a person's good looks may do them many favours during their youth, but will it hold them on good ground when they are 60. Such is the reality of old age.

Likewise with wealth. Islam allows you to gain wealth as long as you do not oppress other people, and transgress the limits set by Allaah (The Most High). An example of this is making people pay back more money than they actually borrow, through usury or interest payments.

However wealth can not benefit you when you die, as it only passes on to your family as inheritance. Such is the civility of modem society, that many people are even killed, just so that inheritance can be gained sooner rather then later!!

Thus, we should see ourselves as travellers on a journey. A traveller is one who is constantly on the move. He will only take essential provisions, and not all his life's possessions. Likewise, a person must realise that Allah did not design the luxuries of this world to last forever. They only exist to aid our worship of Allah, which will take us to the journey's end, the hereafter. Being human, we must one-day die, and our worldly benefits and luxuries will also perish. The true wealth is indeed with Allah in the next-life. As Allah says:

"Seeking the perishable goods of the worldly life. There are much more profits and booties with Allah"
(Surah An-Nisa 4:94)

Man-made restrictions exist in all aspects of western society. Industry, travel and leisure, are just a few of the sectors which are dominated by human restrictions. Humans automatically assume that these restrictions are there to protect them. In part this may be true, but what about the restrictions set by Allah which can save the whole of man-kind? Such restrictions come from the One Who is Perfect, and not man, who is imperfect! The so-called 'freedom' of 'modern civilisation', is one which is defined for you, by another human. We are often told what is 'politically correct' and what is not. We are told that this is what everybody will be wearing this Summer, and that this is the film to watch. Those are the new Hollywood stars to emerge. You shouldn't be seen 'dead' in this dress and you should paint your finger-nails this colour. The list is endless. All of this is then redefined to fit in with the next wave of fashion trends.

Those who do not conform are labelled, bigamist, narrow-minded, backward, out-dated and so on.

Modem civilisation allows you so much freedom, that you can even waiver the law if you are 'well connected'. Laws are often defined by a small group of people, with everyone else conforming to what they consider right and wrong. What kind of justice is this? This would be more acceptable to those who accept the concept of man being divine. A concept where men decide what is moral and immoral even if it contradicts what God has already laid out for us. God has no part to play in such a civilisation, because man has adopted the role of god for himself. History bears witness to this as it was the way of the civilisations before the advent of the prophet Muhammad (SAW), as Allah says:

"They (Jews & Christians) took their rabbis and their monks to be their lords besides Allah (by obeying them in things which they made lawful or unlawful according to their own desires without being ordered by Allah)"
(Surah 9:31)

The true freedom of man is found in a civilisation that has a divine value system. A civilisation in which man submits to his Creator alone. A civilisation that reacts with the life of this world and links it to the Day of Judgement. On that Day, everyone will be held accountable in front of ALLAH, the Creator and The True Master of the universe.

The Purpose

Allaah created man and man belongs to Him. Allah decreed that one day man shall die and return to Him. The world is just a temporary period. We are born, we live in this world and then we die.

So while we are on this earth Allaah has given us the instruction manual to shape our lives according to what He has decreed. This is the meaning of worship. It requires absolute obedience, humility and love for Allaah, the way He has prescribed it.

We cannot love Allaah the way we want to, especially if we do not know what Allaah loves or hates in the first place.

So through Allaah's Perfect Wisdom and Infinite Knowledge, He sent us the Qur'aan and the Prophet Muhammad (SAW), and told us how this love is to be expressed:

"Say (O Muhammad (SAW) to mankind): If you really love Allaah then follow me (i.e. the Prophet (saw), and accept that Allaah is the one truly deserving of worship, follow the Qur'an and the Sunnah). Allaah will love you and forgive you your sins. And Allaah is Most Forgiving, Most Merciful"
(Surah Aali-Imraan 3:31)

The Problem with Human Law

Humans by themselves cannot determine what is good and bad for each other for all of the time.

Man-made laws are often defined by a person's personal motives, emotions, limited intellect, beliefs and prejudices. Thus, they are designed with these built-in flaws. This is why human law has so many loop-holes and deficiencies. It is always requiring change, modification and re-modification, time after time!

So when Allaah (The Most High) revealed the Qur'an and the example of the Prophet (SAW), all the details about good and bad, or right and wrong, were not left for the limited nature of mankind to define for themselves. Allaah (The Most High) says:

"And We have sent down to you the Book (Qur'an) as an EXPLANATION of EVERYTHING and a GUIDANCE, a Mercy and glad tidings for those who have surrendered (to Allaah as Muslims)"
(Surah An-Nahl 16:89)

So What is Islam saying?

The message of Islam fits the Fitrah of man. Allaah (The Most Wise) created man in the best form. He gave his Fitrah the ability to believe in the unseen. Thus, man's soul and its horizons are broader and more open than that of the rest of creation - like the animals, bird's and insects. In nature we can see the signs of Allah:

"Do they not look at the camels, and how they were created? And at the heavens, how it is raised? And at the mountains, how they are rooted and fixed firm? And at the earth, how it is spread out?"
(Surah Al-Ghaashiyah 88:17-20)

In ourselves we can see Allah's signs through the diversity of our languages, colours and nationalities.

"O mankind! We have created you from a male and female, and have made you into nations and tribes, that you may know one another"
(Surah Al-Hujuraat 49:13)

Having been told this, we must now recognise the Perfect way our Creator has chosen for us to follow, which is:

"Indeed, in the Messenger (Muhammad [saw]), you have a good example to follow"
(Surah Al-Ahzab 33:21)

We have been commanded to worship Allah alone without partners. We must recognise and understand that He is the Only True God who deserves to be worshipped;

"So know (Muhammad [saw]), that none has the right to be worshipped except Allah"
(Surah Muhammad 47:19)

To help us do this, Allaah (The Most High) sent the Prophet Muhammed (SAW), to deliver and explain the Final Message of Islam, and to help us recognise and worship our Lord in the best manner. We have been told to form our lives' according to this Message, by following and imitating the Final Messenger who is our only guide to worshipping our Lord: Allah.

This is what is meant when we say: Laa-illaa-ha il-Allaah, wa Muhammadur Rasool-Allah. "There is no true God worthy of worship except Allaah, and Muhammad is the Final Messenger of Allaah"

Footnotes
1 This can be explained as, the inborn or innate nature of mankind to recognise the Truth about the Creator [Allah]; that he is the only one who truly and sincerely deserves to be worshipped.
2 Sallallahu Alayhi Wassallam, i.e. The peace and Blessings Of Allah Be upon him (the Prophet). We as Muslims have been commanded to say this every time the Prophet's name is mentioned. This is done as a mark of respect and the honour which he deserves.
3 This is not to say that prayer at night is not important, but if you don't get enough sleep how are you going to fulfil your other obligations, e.g. going to work in order to provide for your family. The times of praying at night have been explained by the Prophet (SAW) as being in the last 3rd of the night before the Fajr prayer.
4 The death of the teenager Leah Betts a few years ago [in England -SA], has shown how such rules work to destroy the very society which forms them.

A History of Hajj (Pilgrimage)

Hajj literally means 'to set out for a place'. Islamically however it refers to the annual pilgrimage that Muslims make to Makkah with the intention of performing certain religious rites in accordance with the method prescribed by the Prophet Muhammad (saws).

Hajj and its rites were first ordained by Allaah in the time of the Prophet lbraaheem [Abraham] (AS) and he was the one who was entrusted by Allaah to build the Ka'ba - the House of Allaah - along with his son Ismaa'eel [Ishmael] at Makkah. Allaah described the Ka'ba and its building as follows:

"And remember when We showed Ibraaheem the site of the [Sacred] House [saying]: Associate not anything [in worshipi with Me and purify My House for those who circumambulate it [i.e. perform tawaaf] and those who stand up for prayer and those who bow down and make prostration [in prayer etc.]."
(Surah al-Hajj 22:26)

After building the Ka'ba, Ibraaheem (AS) would come to Makkah to perform Hajj every year, and after his death, this practice was continued by his son. However, gradually with the passage of time, both the form and the goal of the Hajj rites were changed. As idolatry spread throughout Arabia, the Ka'ba lost its purity and idols were placed inside it. Its walls became covered with poems and paintings, including one of Jesus and his mother Maryam and eventually over 360 idols came to be placed around the Ka'ba.

During the Hajj period itself, the atmosphere around the sacred precincts of the Ka'ba was like a circus. Men and women would go round the Ka'ba naked, arguing that they should present themselves before Allaah in the same condition they were born. Their prayer became devoid of all sincere remembrance of Allaah and was instead reduced to a series of hand clapping, whistling and the blowing of horns. Even the talbeeyah [2] was distorted by them with the following additions: 'No one is Your partner except one who is permitted by you. You are his Master and the Master of what he possesses'.

Sacrifices were also made in the name of God. However, the blood of the sacrificed animals was poured onto the walls of the Ka'ba and the flesh was hung from pillars around the Ka'ba, in the belief that Allaah demanded the flesh and blood of these animals.

Singing, drinking, adultery and other acts of immorality was rife amongst the pilgrims and the poetry competitions, which were held, were a major part of the whole Hajj event. In these competitions, poets would praise the bravery and splendour of their own tribesmen and tell exaggerated tales of the cowardice and miserliness of other tribes. Competitions in generosity were also staged where the chief of each tribe would set up huge cauldrons and feed the pilgrims, only so that they could become well-known for their extreme generosity.

Thus the people had totally abandoned the teachings of their forefather and leader Ibraaheem (AS). The House that he had made pure for the worship of Allaah alone, had been totally desecrated by the pagans and the rites which he had established were completely distorted by them. This sad state of affairs continued for nearly two and a half thousand years. But then after this long period, the time came for the supplication of Ibraaheem to be answered:

"Our Lord! Send amongst them a Messenger of their own, who shall recite unto them your aayaat (verses) and instruct them in the book and the Wisdom and sanctify them. Verily you are the 'Azeezul-Hakeem [the All-Mighty, the All-Wise]."
(Surah al-Baqarah 2:129)

Sure enough, a man by the name of Muhammad ibn 'Abdullaah (SAWS) was born in the very city that Ibraaheem (AS) had made this supplication centuries earlier. For twenty-three years, the Prophet Muhammad (SAWS) spread the message of Tawheed [true monotheism -SA] - the same message that Ibraaheem and alI the other Prophets came with - and established the law of Allaah upon the land. He expended every effort into making the word of Allaah supreme and his victory over falsehood culminated in the smashing of the idols inside the Ka'ba which once again became the universal centre for the worshippers of the one True God.

Not only did the Prophet rid the Ka'ba of all its impurities, but he also reinstated all the rites of Hajj which were established by Allaah's Permission, in the time of Ibraaheem (AS). Specific injunctions in the Qur'aan were revealed in order to eliminate all the false rites which had become rampant in the pre-Islamic period. All indecent and shameful acts were strictly banned in Allaah's statement:

"There is to be no lewdness nor wrangles during Hajj."
(Surah al-Baqarah 2:197)

Competitions among poets in the exaltations of their forefathers and their tribesmen's' achievements were all stopped. Instead, Allaah told them:

"And when you have completed your rites [of Hajj] then remember Allah as you remember your forefathers; nay with a more vigorous remembrance."
(Surah al-Baqarah 2:200)

Competitions in generosity were also prohibited. Of course, the feeding of the poor pilgrims was still encouraged as this was done in the time of Ibraaheem (AS) but Allaah commanded that the slaughtering of the animals which was done for this purpose should be done seeking the pleasure of Allaah rather than fame and the praise of the people. He said:

"So mention the name of Allaah over these animals when they are drawn up in lines. Then, when they are drawn on their sides [after the slaughter], eat thereof and feed the beggar who does not ask, and the beggar who asks."
(Surah al-Hajj 22:36)

As for the deplorable practice of spattering blood of the sacrificed animals on the walls of the Ka'ba and hanging their flesh on alters, then Allaah clearly informed them that:

"It is neither their meat nor their blood that reaches Allaah, but it is Taqwaa (piety) from you that reaches Him."
(Surah al-Hajj 22:37)

The Prophet (SAWS) also put a stop to the practice of circling the Ka'ba in a state of nudity and the argument that the pagans put forward to justify this ritual was sharply rebutted in Allaah's question:

"Say: Who has forbidden the adornment [i.e. clothes] given by Allaah which He has produced for His Slaves?"
(Surah al-A'raaf 7:32)

Another custom which was prohibited through the Qur'aan was that of setting off for Hajj without taking any provisions for the journey. In the pre-Islamic period, some people who claimed to be mutawakkiloon (those having complete trust in Allaah) would travel to perform Hajj begging food the whole journey. They considered this form of behaviour a sign of piety and an indication of how much faith they had in Allaah. However Allaah told mankind that to have sufficient provisions for the journey was one of the preconditions for making Hajj. He said:

"And take a provision [with you] for the journey, but the best provision is at-Taqwaa (piety)."
(Surah al-Baqarah 2:197)

In this way, all the pre-Islamic practices, which were based in ignorance, were abolished and Hajj was once more made a model of piety, fear of Allaah, purity, simplicity and austerity. Now, when the pilgrims reached the Ka'ba, they no longer found the carnivals and the frolic and frivolity that had once occupied the minds of the pilgrims there before. Now, there was the remembrance of Allaah at every step and every action and every sacrifice was devoted to Him alone. It was this kind of Hajj that was worthy of the reward of paradise, as the Prophet (SAWS) said: "The reward for an accepted Hajj is nothing less than paradise." [10]

May Allaah grant us all the ability to visit His House and perform the Hajj in the manner of the Prophet Muhammad (SAWS). Aameen.

Footnotes
1 Surah al-Hajj 22:26
2 Labbaik Allaahumma labbaik... (Here I am present, O' Allaah, I am present...) This is the chant which the pilgrims say when they are going around the Ka'ba.
3 Surah al-Baqarah 2:129
4 Surah al-Baqarah 2:197
5 Surah al-Baqarah 2:200
6 Surah al-Hajj 22:36
7 Surah al-Hajj 22:37
8 Surah al-A'raaf 7:32
9 Surah al-Baqarah 2:197
10 Saheeh al-Bukhaaree (Eng. trans. Vol. 3 p. 1 no 1)
11 This article has been taken from: "The Call To Allaah magazine", (Vol. 1 Issue 4)

Shirk: the ultimate crime

Murder, rape, child molesting and genocide. These are all some of the appalling crimes which occur in our world today. Many would think that these are the worst possible offences which could be committed. But there is something which outweighs all of these crimes put together: It is the crime of shirk.

Some people may question this notion. But when viewed in a proper context, the fact that there is no crime worse then shirk, will become evident to every sincere person.

There is no doubt that the above crimes are indeed terrible, but their comparison with shirk shows that they do not hold much significance in relation to this travesty. When a man murders, rapes or steals, the injustice which is done is directed primarily at other humans. But when a man commits shirk, the injustice is directed towards the Creator of the heavens and the earth; Allah. When a person is murdered, all sorts of reasons and explanations are given. But one thing that the murderer cannot claim, is that the murdered was someone who provided him with food, shelter, clothing and all the other things which keep humans aloft in this life.

But when a person commits shirk, they attempt to, willingly or unwillingly, direct an injustice towards the one who has provided them with all these necessary things - and often a whole lot more. This Being who provides us with all our needs and wants is of course Allah, the Lord of this universe. So is it