Search This Blog

Thursday 25 December 2014

JESUS & MUHAMMAD BROUGHT THE SAME MESSAGE

People Import Pagan Traditions Into Deen

Muhammad (s.a.w.) & Jesus (a.s.)
Brought The Same Message:
‘Worship Allah, None Other!’

(M. Javed Naseem)


Christmas ‘Mela’ vs Eid Milad-un-Nabi ‘Mela’,
And ‘Deewali’ vs ‘Shab-e-Meraj’:

December is generally dedicated to Prophet Jesus, the son of Mary, as many falsely claim that he was born on the 25th of December. Almost all Christian scholars and religious leaders believe that he was not. But people wanted to celebrate the birthday of Jesus so they (majority) picked up 25th of December (as it was promoted by an influential group), although it happened to be the date of birth of Nimrod – the one who claimed to be god on earth, during Prophet Abraham’s (Ibrahim’s) era. Still it gave the modern Christians an excuse to celebrate and enjoy the ‘mela’.

Similarly, some groups of ignorant (Jaahil) Muslims are competing with the Christians and they decided to celebrate the birthday of Prophet Muhammad (s.a.w.) on the 12th of Rabi-al-Awwal. There are scholars and other groups who claim that he was not born on the 12th, he was rather born on the 10th, while the third group claims that he was born on the 8th of Rabi-al-Awwal. But why is that important?
What’s important for these people that they can compete with the Christians with a parallel celebration on the same lines and enjoy the ‘mela’. That’s the ‘Islamization’ of the Christmas.

They are the same ignorant people who competed with Hindus and copied their ‘Deewali’ celebration converting it into ‘Shab-e-Meraj’ celebration and have fun with lighting. No such thing existed during the lifetime of the Prophet (s.a.w.) or during the times of ‘Khulafa-e-Raashideen’. But ‘Jaahil’ Mullahs wanted a parallel festival, so they ‘Islamized’ the festival of lights ‘Deewali’.

Muslims in India and Pakistan very badly need education – the Quranic education. Otherwise, ignorant Mullahs (Maulvis) will corrupt Islam just like their Christians brothers corrupted Christianity. And that’s what Kaafireen want.

The messengers were chosen by Allah for the guidance of mankind from among the nations living on earth at that time. They were the best models for people to show them how to implement the commands of Allah, and how to live by the Book (the Message) of Allah. We should look at the lives of these messengers or prophets of God and try to follow these role-models in living by the rules prescribed for us by Allah. It’s the Message and ‘living by the Message’ which is more important than anything else in this world because we’ll be questioned about it in the next world.

Since we are very easily influenced by the Devil, we look for joy and glitter of this worldly life. We love ‘mujras’, ‘dharnas’, ‘jalsa’, ‘jaloos’, ‘tamasha’, ‘jashn’, fun, parties and celebrations, directly or indirectly attributed to the religion.

It’s ironical as well as sad, unfortunate and unforgivable that we spend millions on the birthday celebrations (lighting and decorations) of Muhammad (s.a.w.) ignoring, at the same time, the teachings, the instructions and recommendations of Muhammad (s.a.w.) on how to live as Muslims. The same amount of money can bring food to many mouths in Pakistan and India. This money can build shelters for the homeless who sleep on the streets. This money can be used to help those young girls who could not get married because of the dowry and wedding expenses. These millions can give orphan children some means to pursue good education, a bright future and a respectable life.

Unfortunately, the general attitude is: ‘It’s not our problem. The Govt. should help them’. If, what the Prophet (s.a.w.) tells us to do, is not our problem, then celebrating Prophet’s birthday is not our problem either. We should not be collecting donations by knocking at every door in the street if we are not going to spend that money as per the teachings of the Prophet (s.a.w.). It’s not right. People’s money must be spent on people’s welfare, not on parties!
We glorify the messengers and
ignore or practically reject the
message they brought. But they
brought us the Message of Allah,
and we’ll be questioned about it!

Listen, people! If you are Muslims, then follow Islam! Simple as that! Don’t try to import Pagan festivals and traditions to your Deen by ‘Islamizing’ Deewali, Holi, Christmas, Easter, Valentine’s Day, etc., etc.! Prophet Jesus (a.s.) and Prophet Muhammad (s.a.w.) never celebrated their birthdays nor did they ask or recommend anybody to do that. Christians imported and started celebrating Christmas over 300 years after the death of Jesus. Munafiqeen started that.

Similarly, Prophet Muhammad (s.a.w.)’s birthday was never celebrated in his lifetime, nor during the time of Khalifah Abu Bakr (r.a.a.), nor during the time of Khalifah Umar bin al-Khattab (r.a.a.), nor during the time of Khalifah Usman bin Affan (r.a.a.), and nor during the time of Khalifah Ali bin Abu Talib (r.a.a.). When was it started and who started it? Go figure it out and please do some research before putting on me a stupid label or issuing a ‘Jaahilana Fatwa’.

The best homage to the Prophet (s.a.w.) is to follow his Sunnah; and the best way to remember him is to implement his teachings. He lived a very simple but clean and honest life as a leader, as a reformer, as a teacher, as a father, as a husband and as a man. He’s the best role-model on the face of earth! May Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him!

Islam is a very simple Deen based on social justice, equality, and piety (or Taqwa). As a Muslim, you should know what Taqwa (piety or righteousness) is! Taqwa (righteousness) is the foundation stone of Faith (Iman). Here’s what Allah says about it in the Quran:

لَّيْسَ ٱلْبِرَّ أَن تُوَلُّواْ وُجُوهَكُمْ قِبَلَ ٱلْمَشْرِقِ وَٱلْمَغْرِبِ وَلَـٰكِنَّ
ٱلْبِرَّ مَنْ آمَنَ بِٱللَّهِ وَٱلْيَوْمِ ٱلآخِرِ وَٱلْمَلاۤئِكَةِ وَٱلْكِتَابِ وَٱلنَّبِيِّينَ
وَآتَى ٱلْمَالَ عَلَىٰ حُبِّهِ ذَوِى ٱلْقُرْبَىٰ وَٱلْيَتَامَىٰ وَٱلْمَسَاكِينَ
وَٱبْنَ ٱلسَّبِيلِ وَٱلسَّآئِلِينَ وَفِى ٱلرِّقَابِ وَأَقَامَ ٱلصَّلاةَ وَآتَى ٱلزَّكَاةَ
وَٱلْمُوفُونَ بِعَهْدِهِمْ إِذَا عَاهَدُواْ وَٱلصَّابِرِينَ فِى ٱلْبَأْسَآءِ وٱلضَّرَّاءِ
وَحِينَ ٱلْبَأْسِ أُولَـٰئِكَ ٱلَّذِينَ صَدَقُوآ وَأُولَـٰئِكَ هُمُ ٱلْمُتَّقُونَ
“It is not righteousness that you turn your faces
towards east or west; but it is righteousness to
believe in Allah and the Last Day, and the Angels,
and the Book, and the Messengers; to spend of
your wealth, out of love for Him, for your kin,
for orphans, for the needy, for the wayfarer, for
those who ask, and for the ransom of slaves; to be
steadfast in prayer, and practice regular charity;
to fulfill the contracts which you have made; and
to be firm and patient in pain (or suffering) and
adversity, and throughout all periods of panic.
Such are the people of truth, the Allah-fearing.”
(al-Quran 2:177)

That’s precisely the true meaning of Islam – the Deen Allah prescribed for the entire human race.


Jesus On Faith:

“Wherefore God, having created before all things His Messenger, gave to him before aught else the faith which is as it were a likeness of God and of all that God has done and said. And so the faithful by faith sees all things better than one sees with his eyes; because the eyes can err; no they do almost always err; but faith errs never, for it has for foundation God and His word. Believe me that by faith are saved all the elect of God. And it is certain that without faith it is impossible for any one to please God.”
                                                                                                                    --- Jesus Christ

Jesus says:
“God is a spirit; and they that worship Him must
worship Him in spirit and in truth”. (John 4:24).

And the Bible says God will not accept worship when people take a pagan custom or manner of worship and try to honor Jesus with it.

Again Jesus said:
“In vain they do worship me, teaching for doctrines
the commandments of men”. (Matt. 15:9).

Jesus said further:
“Full well ye reject the commandment of God, that ye may keep your own tradition”.
This is precisely what the millions are doing today. They ignore the commandment of God and follow pagan customs.

Christmas Was Outlawed:

In England, as the authorized Bible became available to the common people by the decree of King James II in 1611, people began to discover the pagan roots of Christmas (Yule, its true name) which are clearly revealed in Scripture. The Puritans in England, and later in Massachusetts Colony, outlawed this holiday as witchcraft. Near the end of the nineteenth century, when other Bible versions began to appear, there was revival of the celebration of Christmas.

The Last Trumpet Ministries International declares:

  1. “To say that Jesus was born on December 25th is a lie! The true date is sometime in September according to the Scriptures.
  2. Trees, wreaths, holly, mistletoe and the like are strictly forbidden as pagan and heathen! To say that these are Christian or that they can be made Christian is a lie!
  3. The Lord never spoke of commemorating his birth but rather commanded us to remember the sacrifice of His suffering and death, which purchased our salvation.”
Allah sent His Messengers to the world to guide humans to choose the right path. They all promoted and preached Islam – the Faith Allah chose for the mankind. Those who, after receiving the true guidance from the Prophets, knowingly make the wrong choices and defy Allah and His Messengers, they earn the wrath of Allah. All those people who follow the Pagan teachings and customs, make that category. They are not true believers. The Almighty warns us:
وَمَن يُشَاقِقِ ٱلرَّسُولَ مِن بَعْدِ مَا تَبَيَّنَ
لَهُ ٱلْهُدَىٰ وَيَتَّبِعْ غَيْرَ سَبِيلِ ٱلْمُؤْمِنِينَ نُوَلِّهِ
مَا تَوَلَّىٰ وَنُصْلِهِ جَهَنَّمَ وَسَآءَتْ مَصِيراً
‘If anyone contends with the Messenger
even after guidance has been plainly
conveyed to him, and follows a path
other than that becoming to men of
Faith, We shall leave him in the path
he has chosen, and land him in Hell –
what an evil refuge!’
(Quran 4:115)
It Was Islam!

Yes, Islam. That’s the faith Allah Himself chose for the mankind and that was the religion promoted by all messengers of God in every era. We humans changed the contents and gave different names to it. Allah mentions in the Holy Quran the instance when Jesus asks his disciples to help him in the cause of Allah. Here is the verse:

فَلَمَّآ أَحَسَّ عِيسَىٰ مِنْهُمُ ٱلْكُفْرَ
قَالَ مَنْ أَنصَارِىۤ إِلَى ٱللَّهِ
قَالَ ٱلْحَوَارِيُّونَ نَحْنُ أَنْصَارُ ٱللَّهِ
آمَنَّا بِٱللَّهِ وَٱشْهَدْ بِأَنَّا مُسْلِمُونَ
‘When Jesus found unbelief on their
part he said: Who will be my helpers
to (the work of) Allah? Said the
disciples: We are Allah’s helpers;
we believe in Allah, and do you
bear witness that we are Muslims.’
(Quran 3:52)

The disciples asked Jesus to be a witness for them in front of Allah testifying that they were Muslims. Yes, Muslims! Islam was the Faith of Prophet Jesus, and of all the other Prophets/Messengers of Allah.


Here are a few excerpts from the Gospel of Barnabas:

 “Everything that may hinder you from
serving God, cast it from you as man casts
away everything that hinders his sight.”
--- Jesus Christ

Jesus Defines God:
                                  
“… God is a good without which there is naught good; God is a being without which there is naught that is; God is a life without which there is naught that liveth; so great that he filleth all and is everywhere. He alone hath no equal. He hath had no beginning, nor will he ever have an end, but to everything hath he given a beginning, and to everything shall he give an end. He hath no father nor mother; he hath no sons, nor brethren, nor companions. And because God hath no body, therefore he eateth not, sleepeth not, dieth not, walketh not, moveth not, but abideth eternally without human similitude, for that he is incorporeal, uncompounded, immaterial, of the most simple substance. He is so good that he loveth goodness only; he is so just that when he punisheth or pardoneth it cannot be gainsaid.”
(From the Gospel of Barnabas, Chapter 17)

“And it is certain that without faith it is
impossible for any one to please God.”
--- (Jesus Christ)

Love Thy Neighbor!

“Woe to that man through whom the offence
comes. It were better for the man if he
should have millstone about his neck and
should be sunk in the depths of the sea than
that he should offend his neighbor.”
--- (Jesus Christ)

We choose the path we want to follow, and that will lead us to Heaven or Hell. We’ll be held accountable for our choices. Allah has made everything clear for us in the Quran so that we don’t look for excuses.

وَإِنَّهُ لَذِكْرٌ لَّكَ وَلِقَوْمِكَ وَسَوْفَ تُسْأَلُونَ
“This (Quran) is indeed a Reminder
for you and your people; and you
shall soon be questioned.”
(Quran 43:44)

قُلْ إِنَّ صَلاَتِى وَنُسُكِى وَمَحْيَاىَ وَمَمَاتِى لِلَّهِ رَبِّ ٱلْعَالَمِينَ
لاَ شَرِيكَ لَهُ وَبِذٰلِكَ أُمِرْتُ وَأَنَاْ أَوَّلُ ٱلْمُسْلِمِينَ
"Say (O Muhammad): Indeed, my prayer, my rites
of sacrifice, my living and my dying are for God,
Lord of the Worlds. No partner has He. And this
I have been commanded and I am the first
(among you) of the Muslims.”
(al-Quran 6:162-163)

We are commanded by Allah to live and die for Allah, Lord of the Worlds. The best role-model for us to follow is the Prophet (s.a.w.) himself. So, we shouldn’t do anything that the Prophet (s.a.w.) didn’t do.

قُلْ إِن كُنتُمْ تُحِبُّونَ ٱللَّهَ فَٱتَّبِعُونِى يُحْبِبْكُمُ ٱللَّهُ
وَيَغْفِرْ لَكُمْ ذُنُوبَكُمْ وَٱللَّهُ غَفُورٌ رَّحِيمٌ
“Say (O Muhammad): ‘If you do love Allah, follow
me. Allah will love you and forgive you your sins;
for Allah is Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful’."
(al-Quran 3:31)

وَمَا مُحَمَّدٌ إِلاَّ رَسُولٌ قَدْ خَلَتْ مِنْ  قَبْلِهِ ٱلرُّسُلُ
أَفإِنْ مَّاتَ أَوْ قُتِلَ ٱنْقَلَبْتُمْ عَلَىٰ أَعْقَابِكُمْ وَمَن يَنْقَلِبْ
عَلَىٰ عَقِبَيْهِ فَلَنْ يَضُرَّ ٱللَّهَ شَيْئاً وَسَيَجْزِى ٱللَّهُ ٱلشَّاكِرِينَ
“Muhammad is no more than a Messenger.
Many were the messenger that passed away before
him. If he died or were slain, will you then turn back
on your heels? If any did turn back on his heels, not
the least harm will he do to Allah; but Allah (on the
other hand) will swiftly reward those who
(serve Him) with gratitude”.
(al-Quran 3:144)

Prophet Jesus (a.s.) was the second to the last of all Prophets. In the Bible, he talks about the last Prophet. In Chapter 43 of the Gospel of Barnabas, we find these paragraphs:

“… Then said Andrew: “You have told us many things of the Messiah, therefore of your kindness tell us clearly all”. And in like manner the other disciples besought him.’

“Accordingly, Jesus said: Truly I say to you, that every prophet when he is come has borne to one nation only the mark of the mercy of God. And so their words were not extended save to that people to which they were sent. But the Messenger of God, when he shall come, God shall give to him as it were the seal of his hand, insomuch that he shall carry salvation and mercy to all the nations of the world (‘Mercy for the Mankind’) that shall receive his doctrine. He shall come with power upon the ungodly, and shall destroy idolatry, insomuch that he shall make Satan confounded; for so promised God to Abraham, saying: “Behold, in your seed I will bless all the tribes of the earth; and as you have broken in pieces the idols, O Abraham; even so shall your seed do.”

In another part of the Gospel (Chapter 44), we find this passage in which Jesus is talking to his disciples about Prophet Muhammad (s.a.w.):

“I, therefore, say to you that the Messenger of God is splendour that shall give gladness to nearly all that God has made, for he is adorned with the spirit of understanding and of counsel, the spirit of wisdom and might, the spirit of fear and love, the spirit of prudence and temperance, he is adorned with the spirit of charity and mercy, the spirit of justice and piety, the spirit of gentleness and patience, which he has received from God three times more than he has given to all his creatures.”

“O blessed time, when he shall come to the world! Believe me that I have seen him and have done him reverence, even as every prophet has seen him; seeing that of his spirit God gives to them prophecy. And when I saw him my soul was filled with consolation, saying: “O Muhammad, God be with you, and may he make me worthy to untie, your shoe-latchet, for obtaining this I shall be a great prophet and holy one of God”. And having said this, Jesus rendered his thanks to God.”


What is ‘Iman’ (Faith)?

Allah, the Almighty, sent angel Jibril (Gabriel) to teach Prophet Muhammad (s.a.w.) the elements of true Faith (Iman) and the elements of ‘Deen’ (Islam). Here is what Allah tells us in the Holy Quran:
آمَنَ الرَّسُولُ بِمَا أُنزِلَ إِلَيْهِ مِن رَّبِّهِ وَالْمُؤْمِنُونَ
كُلٌّ آمَنَ بِاللّهِ وَمَلآئِكَتِهِ وَكُتُبِهِ وَرُسُلِهِ
لاَ نُفَرِّقُ بَيْنَ أَحَدٍ مِّن رُّسُلِهِ وَقَالُواْ سَمِعْنَا
وَأَطَعْنَا غُفْرَانَكَ رَبَّنَا وَإِلَيْكَ الْمَصِيرُ
“The Messenger believes in what has been
revealed to him from his Lord, as do the men of faith.
Each one (of them) believes in Allah, His angels, His
books, and His messengers. ‘We make no distinction
(they say) between one and another of His messengers’.
And they say: ‘We hear, and we obey’; (we seek)
your forgiveness, our Lord, and to you
is the end of all journeys."
(al-Quran 2:285)

According to a Hadith, narrated Abu Hurairah (Bukhari, Book No.2, Chapter 37, No.50):

“One day while the Prophet (s.a.w.) was sitting out with people, a man came to him and asked:
“What is Faith (Iman)?”
Allah's Messenger (s.a.w.) replied: "Faith is to believe in Allah; His angels; His Messengers; (the) meeting with Him (on Judgment Day); and to believe in the Resurrection."      
Then he (the man) further asked: "What is Islam?"
Allah's Messenger (s.a.w.), replied: "To worship Allah alone and none else; to perform Salat (prayers); to pay Zakat; and to observe Saum (fasting) during the month of Ramadan".
Then he (the man) further asked: "What is Ihsan (perfection)?"
Allah's Messenger (s.a.w.) replied, "To worship Allah as if you see Him, and if you cannot achieve this state of devotion then you must consider that He is looking at you."
Then he (the man) further asked: "When will the Hour be established?”
Allah's Messenger (s.a.w.) replied: "The answerer has no better knowledge than the questioner. But I will inform you about its portents:
1. When a slave (lady) gives birth to her master.
2. When the shepherds of black camels start boasting and competing with others in the construction of higher buildings.
And the Hour is one of five things which nobody knows except Allah. The Prophet (s.a.w.) then recited (from the Quran):

إِنَّ ٱللَّهَ عِندَهُ عِلْمُ ٱلسَّاعَةِ
"Verily, Allah, with Him (alone) is
the knowledge of the Hour”.
(al-Quran 31:34).

Then that man left and the Prophet (s.a.w.) asked his Companions to call him back, but they could not see anything (him). Then the Prophet (s.a.w.), said:
"That was Jibril (Gabriel) who came to teach people their religion.”
Abu Abdullah said: He (the Prophet, s.a.w.) considered all that as a part of Faith (Iman).”

People always try to make religion easier for themselves and invent things. When they cannot find any support for these inventions or innovations from the Quran, they go for weak or fake Ahadith. The researchers have proved that the fabricated Ahadith have been included in the authentic ones to confuse people and create Fitnah. We should be careful. The best source of knowledge is the Quran.

Prophet Muhammad (s.a.w.) said:

“Whoever ascribes to me what I have not said
then let him occupy his place in Hell-fire!”
(Sahih Bukhari, Book 3, No: 109)


***********

Monday 22 December 2014

ALLAH PUTS US TO TESTS BUT WE FAIL

Remembering Peshawar School Attack

It’ll Get Worse
Before It Gets Better

Allah Puts Us To Tests But
We Fail Every Test!

And Still Claim To Be Muslims!

(M. Javed Naseem)



يٰأَيُّهَا ٱلَّذِينَ آمَنُواْ لاَ تُلْهِكُمْ أَمْوَالُكُمْ وَلاَ أَوْلاَدُكُمْ
عَن ذِكْرِ ٱللَّهِ وَمَن يَفْعَلْ ذٰلِكَ فَأُوْلَـٰئِكَ هُمُ ٱلْخَاسِرُونَ
“O you who believe! Let not your wealth nor
your children distract you from remembrance
of Allah. Those who do so, they are the losers.”
(al-Quran 63:9)

Loyalty, faithfulness, honesty and sincerity are the basic ingredients of Faith. In our Faith (Islam) we believe that Allah (our Lord) is the Supreme Creator, the King of Kings, the Controller of the Heavens & the Earth and whatever is in between; the Lord of the Worlds, the ‘Rabb-al-Aalameen’. To Him belongs everything that we have the knowledge of, and He has the dominion over all things known or unknown, seen or unseen. All affairs return to Him and so do we. One day, the Day of Judgment, we’ll be standing before Him answering questions.

In Faith, we acknowledge that we believe in Allah and we pledge our loyalty to Him. But that’s not enough. Allah wants proof. We need to show our fidelity and faithfulness by good deeds and by our practical life. We have to be consistent in our good deeds and show patient perseverance. Allah gives us tests from time to time to make sure that we remain faithful servants/slaves to Him.

أَحَسِبَ ٱلنَّاسُ أَن يُتْرَكُوۤاْ أَن يَقُولُوۤاْ آمَنَّا وَهُمْ لاَ يُفْتَنُونَ
“Do men think that they will be left alone
on saying, "We believe", and that
they will not be tested?”
(al-Quran 29:2)

وَلَقَدْ فَتَنَّا ٱلَّذِينَ مِن قَبْلِهِمْ فَلَيَعْلَمَنَّ ٱللَّهُ
ٱلَّذِينَ صَدَقُواْ وَلَيَعْلَمَنَّ ٱلْكَاذِبِينَ
“We did test those before them, and Allah
will certainly know those who are true,
from those who are false.
(al-Quran 29:3)

وَلَيَعْلَمَنَّ ٱللَّهُ ٱلَّذِينَ آمَنُواْ وَلَيَعْلَمَنَّ ٱلْمُنَافِقِينَ
“And Allah most certainly knows those who
believe, and as certainly those who are Hypocrites.
(al-Quran 29:11)

There are thousands of universities, colleges and educational institutions that impart education to a maximum number of human beings in this world. But in spite of that, most people in this world don’t know the purpose of their lives on this planet Earth. It’s a pity! The man-made education cuts off the connecting thread between the Creator and the Creation. Once we are disconnected, we are lost.

It’s so funny and ironical at the same time that we are trying to establish this connection by flying to the Moon and the Mars! We have long term plans to penetrate the heavens but we are unable to see inside ourselves. There’s the connection right there! Again, we cannot see it because we are programmed through our secular education, right from our childhood, to ignore that which is inside us. We follow the man-made books and these books tell us only how to make money and live comfortably in this world. The book that guarantees us the guidance, blessing and the cure of our spiritual diseases (the Quran), is kept at bay. We don’t follow that. And that’s the biggest and most blatant act of infidelity and disobedience.

That Book (the Quran) is the ‘God’s Prescription’ for all of our worldly ailments and has been prescribed by the Lord Creator, Allah, Himself. That Book also helps us to make connection with our Creator and live a peaceful life.

**********************
People are driven by lusts and
motivated by personal interests.
Even the family relations have
lost love and mercy. It is all
about material benefits.

**********************
The world has been fragmented and the controllers of each fragment are conspiring to attain or annex more for their material (political and economic) benefits. Everybody is fighting for his own material interests, violating the rights of others, without caring about the lives and properties of others. They don’t even hesitate to spill blood. And today, if you look down from the skies, you see the blood streams in every town, in every country.
It’s the blood of mostly innocent people, the children, the women, the elderly and the weak. The word ‘mercy’ has lost its meanings!



Prophet Muhammad (s.a.w.) said: If you are not merciful to others, Allah will not be merciful to you on the Day of Judgment. Looks like that it is happening even before the Day of Judgment. Allah has left us in the ignorance because we don’t seek His guidance. Allah has left us in the Haraam because we don’t seek His help for the Halaal. Allah has left us in merciless bloodshed because we chose so. We don’t repent and don’t seek His mercy. And this is the biggest test/trial for all humans on this earth. Allah wants to see how we handle that and what we do to end the corruption, mischief, bloodshed and evil in the Earth.

وَلَنَبْلُوَنَّكُمْ بِشَيْءٍ مِّنَ ٱلْخَوفْ وَٱلْجُوعِ وَنَقْصٍ
مِّنَ ٱلأَمَوَالِ وَٱلأَنفُسِ وَٱلثَّمَرَاتِ وَبَشِّرِ ٱلصَّابِرِينَ 
“Be sure we shall test you with something of
fear and hunger, some loss in goods or lives or
the fruits (of your toil), but give glad tidings
to those who patiently persevere.”
(al-Quran 2:155)

لِّيَسْأَلَ ٱلصَّادِقِينَ عَن صِدْقِهِمْ وَأَعَدَّ لِلْكَافِرِينَ عَذَاباً أَلِيماً
“That He may ask the loyal of their loyalty. And
He has prepared a painful doom for the unfaithful.”
Shakir’s version:
“That He may question the truthful
of their truthfulness, and He has prepared
for the unbelievers a painful punishment.”
(al-Quran 33:8) 

There’s the light at the end of the tunnel. There’s hope as Allah conveys us the ‘glad tidings’ if we stay on the right path with patience, perseverance and prayer. As a faithful, sincere and loyal servants/slaves of our Creator Lord, we are expected to say on losing a life or property: ‘It came from Allah and it went back to Allah’. It was Allah’s property; He gave it to us, and He can take it back whenever He wills. We are supposed to say, “Thank You, Allah” (Alhamd-o-lillah) in every situation and under all circumstances. Allah takes one thing back and gives us another, even better. But He always tests our Faith (Iman), our loyalty and our truthfulness.

يٰأَيُّهَا ٱلَّذِينَ آمَنُواْ لاَ تُلْهِكُمْ أَمْوَالُكُمْ وَلاَ أَوْلاَدُكُمْ
عَن ذِكْرِ ٱللَّهِ وَمَن يَفْعَلْ ذٰلِكَ فَأُوْلَـٰئِكَ هُمُ ٱلْخَاسِرُونَ
“O you who believe! Let not your wealth nor
your children distract you from remembrance
of Allah. Those who do so, they are the losers.”
(al-Quran 63:9)



ٱلْمَالُ وَٱلْبَنُونَ زِينَةُ ٱلْحَيَاةِ ٱلدُّنْيَا وَٱلْبَاقِيَاتُ
ٱلصَّالِحَاتُ خَيْرٌ عِندَ رَبِّكَ ثَوَاباً وَخَيْرٌ أَمَلاً
“Wealth and children are an ornament of the
life of the world. But the good deeds which
endure, are better in your Lord's sight for
reward, and better in respect of hope.”
(al-Quran 18:46)

Allah has made it very clear in the above verses what’s better for us in this world and in the Hereafter. It’s the obedience that matters as through obedience to Allah, we are going to perform good deeds. These good deeds are our ‘surety bonds’ in the Hereafter.
We are born in this world and we’ll die in it but during our tenure here we are supposed to follow the commands of Allah. We need to work in this world to carry some assets over to the next and everlasting world – the Hereafter. So, we need to accumulate and put as much ‘right stuff’ as possible in our ‘savings bank’. This capital would be multiplied and coupled with a special reward from the Most Merciful to get us through to Paradise. Mind it! It’s neither wealth nor children!

وَمَآ أُوتِيتُم مِّن شَيْءٍ فَمَتَاعُ ٱلْحَيَاةِ ٱلدُّنْيَا
وَزِينَتُهَا وَمَا عِندَ ٱللَّهِ خَيْرٌ وَأَبْقَىٰ أَفَلاَ تَعْقِلُونَ
“And whatsoever you have been given is a
comfort of the life of the world and an ornament
thereof; and that which Allah has is better and
more lasting. Have you then no sense?”
(al-Quran 28:60)

Allah provides with the sources, resources and with money so that we could put it to good use and prepare for the Hereafter. This world is a resting place during a long journey and not the destination. Allah commands us:
وَٱبْتَغِ فِيمَآ آتَاكَ ٱللَّهُ ٱلدَّارَ ٱلآخِرَةَ وَلاَ تَنسَ نَصِيبَكَ
مِنَ ٱلدُّنْيَا وَأَحْسِن كَمَآ أَحْسَنَ ٱللَّهُ إِلَيْكَ وَلاَ تَبْغِ ٱلْفَسَادَ
فِى ٱلأَرْضِ إِنَّ ٱللَّهَ لاَ يُحِبُّ ٱلْمُفْسِدِينَ
"But seek, with the (wealth) which Allah has
bestowed on you, the Home of the Hereafter,
nor forget your portion in this world, but do
good, as Allah has been good to you, and
seek not (occasions for) mischief in the land,
for Allah loves not those who do mischief."
(al-Quran 28:77)

But ‘mischief’ or ‘evil’ is also the part of life. We humans, very easily, fall into the Devil’s traps. Under his influence, we spread corruption and mischief in the world. We promote injustice and violate others’ rights. By doing that, we not only disobey Allah but also fail the test of truthfulness or loyalty.



As a matter of fact, we fail these tests most of the times, if not always.
When Allah says that we should not follow the footsteps of Shaitan, we fail there.
When Allah says that we should enjoin good and forbid evil, we fail there too.
When Allah says that we should stop the oppression and help the oppressed, we fail in that test also.
When Allah says that we should help our Muslim brothers, the victims of aggression, to fight the aggression through Jihad, we fail again.
When Allah says that we should feed our hungry brethren, give clothing and shelter to the homeless and help the sick, we fail miserably in that test too.

So, where do we stand with Allah? How can we ask Allah for victory against the Kaafireen (unbelievers) when we ourselves are not practicing Muslims? We have become a nation of Munafiqeen (Hypocrites).

Since we have failed and never tried to rectify the situation, this evil of corruption, injustice, oppression, aggression, poverty and hunger has swelled into a gigantic monster that we are unable to handle. We do nothing but we look up to Allah to fix these problems for us. It’s not going to happen. Allah commands us:

وَتَعَاوَنُواْ عَلَى ٱلْبرِّ وَٱلتَّقْوَىٰ وَلاَ تَعَاوَنُواْ عَلَى ٱلإِثْمِ
وَٱلْعُدْوَانِ وَٱتَّقُواْ ٱللَّهَ إِنَّ ٱللَّهَ شَدِيدُ آلْعِقَابِ
“Help one another in righteousness and piety,
but help not one another in sin and rancor.
Fear Allah, for Allah is strict in punishment.”
(al-Quran 5:2)

We make no effort to change the plight of the Ummah and pray that Allah improve our situation. But Allah has already shown us the way:

إِنَّ اللَّهَ لاَ يُغَيِّرُ مَا بِقَوْمٍ حَتَّىٰ يُغَيِّرُواْ مَا بِأَنْفُسِهِمْ
“… Lo! Allah changes not the condition of a
people until they (first) change that which is
in their hearts…”
(al-Quran 13:11)

Let’s not allow these tragedies and mishaps or conspiracies to stop you from moving forward! Just learn your lesson from them and move on with a new resolve! Life goes on and time never stops for any one. But time never forgives those who don’t learn their lesson. Open the history books and see the proof! People are driven by their lusts and personal interests.

فَإِن لَّمْ يَسْتَجِيبُواْ لَكَ فَٱعْلَمْ أَنَّمَا يَتَّبِعُونَ أَهْوَآءَهُمْ
وَمَنْ أَضَلُّ مِمَّنِ ٱتَّبَعَ هَوَاهُ بِغَيْرِ هُدًى مِّنَ ٱللَّهِ
إِنَّ ٱللَّهَ لاَ يَهْدِى ٱلْقَوْمَ ٱلظَّالِمِينَ
“But if they hearken not to you, know that
they only follow their own lusts: and who is
more astray than one who follow his own lusts,
devoid of guidance from Allah? For Allah
guides not the wrong-doing people.”
(al-Quran 28:50)



Today, the relations are judged on the scale of ‘interest’. Everything is motivated by personal, political or financial interest. People go for material benefits. There are parents in this world who sell their children; some send their daughters to prostitution; some kill them. There are children who are only interested in their parents’ wealth and property; they don’t respect or serve them; there are those who even kill them. It’s like dogs fighting over bones. This is the End Time!

Here are some of the signs of the End Time: Narrated Abu Huraira (r.a.a.) that the Prophet (s.a.w.) said:

Time will pass rapidly; good deeds will
decrease; miserliness will be thrown (in the
hearts of the people); afflictions will
appear; and there will be much Al-Harj”.
People asked: “O Allahs Apostle!
What is ‘Al-Harj?” The Prophet (s.a.w.)
said: “Killing! Killing(or bloodshed)!”
(Sahih Bukhari, Vol. 9, Book 88, No. 183)
                                                     
According to another Hadith, narrated by Abu Musa (r.a.a.), the Prophet (s.a.w.) said:

Near the establishment of the Hour, there
will be days during which (religious) knowledge
will be taken away (vanish) and general
ignorance will spread, and there will be
Al-Harj in abundance, and
Al-Harj means killing.”
(Sahih Bukhari, Vol. 9, Book 88, No. 185)

Are we seeing and experiencing some of these signs yet? If not, then we must be blind and cannot be rescued.

يٰأَيُّهَا ٱلَّذِينَ آمَنُواْ ٱتَّقُواْ ٱللَّهَ وَقُولُواْ قَوْلاً سَدِيداً
“O you who believe! Be careful of (your
duty to) Allah and speak the right word!”
(al-Quran 33:70)




***********

Friday 12 December 2014

QURAN: THE RIGHT BOOK; ISLAM: THE RIGHT WAY - (Part 2/2)

Al-Quran:
The Right Book!

Islam:
The Right Way!

For a society plagued by
Social, cultural, financial,
Religious and political evils,
Islam Is The Solution!

(Part 2 of 2)

(M. Javed Naseem)


هُوَ ٱلَّذِيۤ أَرْسَلَ رَسُولَهُ بِٱلْهُدَىٰ وَدِينِ ٱلْحَقِّ
لِيُظْهِرَهُ عَلَى ٱلدِّينِ كُلِّهِ وَلَوْ كَرِهَ ٱلْمُشْرِكُونَ
“It is He Who has sent His Messenger with guidance
and the Religion of Truth, to proclaim it over all religions,
even though the Pagans may detest (it).”
(al-Quran 9:33)

Islam is a ‘Deen’ (system or way of life) and to call it simply a religion does not do any justice with it. There is no doubt that religion, as we know it, is a part of it, not the whole of it. ‘Deen’ is a lot more comprehensive term than ‘religion’. Islam was prescribed by the Creator for the entire mankind. It was introduced through a Book which was revealed to Prophet Muhammad (s.a.w.) in parts over many years.

Prophet Muhammad (s.a.w.) and his followers lived in accordance with the rules and instructions contained in that Book, hence they became great role-models for the generations to come. That Book (al-Quran) is the Word of God and God tells us that it contains guidance and mercy for mankind. And a billion-head strong community of Muslims on this earth are a proof of it.
“I did not come into contact with any Muslim before I embraced Islam. I read the Quran first and realized no person is perfect, Islam is perfect, and if we imitate the conduct of the Holy Prophet... we will be successful.”
“It is part of my faith as a Muslim to try to help those who are suffering from poverty or economic or political injustice.”
-- Yusuf Islam (Cat Stevens)
Musician/Singer.

The Divine Message keeps attracting people from all walks of life and from all regions of the globe. It has a universal appeal.

"The essential and definite element of my conversion to
Islam was the Quran. I began to study it before my
conversion with the critical spirit of a Western intellectual ....
There are certain verses of this book, the Quran, revealed
more than thirteen centuries ago, which teach exactly the
same notions as the most modern scientific researches do.
This definitely converted me."
-- Ali Selman Benoist
(Doctor of Medicine, France)

"I have read the sacred Scriptures of every religion;
nowhere have I found what I encountered in Islam: Perfection.
The Holy Quran, compared to any other scripture I have read,
is like the Sun compared to that of a match. I firmly believe
that anybody who reads the Word of Allah with a mind that
is not completely closed to Truth, will become a Muslim…..
May Allah grant His Guidance to all the sincere seekers of
Truth. The arms of Islam are open to receive them in the heart
of a community called by Allah Himself: "The best people that
were ever raised for the benefit of mankind."
-- Dirk (Saifuddin) Walter Mosig,
(U.S.A.)

"The universal brotherhood of Islam, regardless of race,
politics, color or country, has been brought home to me
most keenly many times in my life -- and this is another
feature which drew me towards the Faith."
-- Col. Donald S. Rockwell
(Poet, Critic and Author, USA)

"Medieval Islam was technologically advanced and
open to innovation. It achieved far higher literacy rates
than in contemporary Europe. It assimilated the legacy
of classical Greek civilization to such a degree that
many classical books are now known to us o­nly through
Arabic copies. It invented windmills, trigonometry,
lateen sails and made major advances in metallurgy,
mechanical and chemical engineering and irrigation
methods. In the middle-ages the flow of technology
was overwhelmingly from Islam to Europe rather
from Europe to Islam. O­nly after the 1500's did the
net direction of flow begin to reverse."
-- Jared Diamond
(World renowned UCLA sociologist and physiologist, winner
of the Pulitzer Prize for his book: "Guns, Germs, and Steel."

Since the message of Truth is spreading and more and more people are embracing Islam in all parts of the world, the forces of evil are worried. They are trying to destroy Muslim countries to stop the ‘Tsunami of Islam’. All those wars in Muslim countries and the bloodshed in other part of the world, cannot deter the Truth-seekers. They’ll come and join the community no matter what the stakes. Islam is the flame of guidance and the Devil’s followers or friends cannot extinguish it. It’s the promise of Allah and His promise is always true. Islam is going to spread all over and is going to stay.

يُرِيدُونَ أَن يُطْفِئُواْ نُورَ ٱللَّهِ بِأَفْوَاهِهِمْ
وَيَأْبَىٰ ٱللَّهُ إِلاَّ أَن يُتِمَّ نُورَهُ وَلَوْ كَرِهَ ٱلْكَافِرُونَ
“Fain would they extinguish Allah's light with
their mouths, but Allah will not allow but that
His light should be perfected, even though the
Unbelievers may detest (it).”
(al-Quran 9:32)

يُرِيدُونَ لِيُطْفِئُواْ نُورَ ٱللَّهِ بِأَفْوَاهِهِمْ
وَٱللَّهُ مُتِمُّ نُورِهِ وَلَوْ كَرِهَ ٱلْكَافِرُونَ
“Their intention is to extinguish Allah's Light
(by blowing) with their mouths. But Allah will
complete (the revelation of) His Light, even
though the Unbelievers may detest (it).”
(al-Quran 61:8)

Despite the all-out efforts and big plans by the forces of evil to eliminate Islam (or Muslims), Islam is spreading leaps and bounds, because Allah is the Best of Planners. In the war between Good and Evil, Good will enjoy the victory. In the clash between the Truth and Falsehood, the Truth is going to prevail and Falsehood will vanish.

“Islam is the fastest-growing religion in America,
a guide and pillar of stability for many of our people..."
-- Hillary R. Clinton
Los Angeles Times, May 31, 1996, p.3

“Already more than a billion-people strong, Islam is
the world’s fastest-growing religion.”
-- ABC News, (Abcnews.com)

"Islam is the fastest-growing religion in the country."
-- NEWSDAY, March 7, 1989, p.4

"Islam is the fastest-growing religion in the United States..."
-- NEW YORK TIMES, Feb 21, 1989, p.1

“Moslems are the world's fastest-growing group..."
-- USA TODAY, Feb. 17, 1989. p.4A
(The Population Reference Bureau)

"There are more Muslims in North America than Jews now.”
-- Dan Rather, CBS NEWS

"Islam is the fastest growing religion in North America."
-- TIME Magazine

"Islam continues to grow in America, and no o­ne can doubt that!"
-- CNN, December 15, 1995

"In fact, religion experts say Islam is the second-largest
religion in the United States... Islam has 5 million to 6
million members, followed by Judaism, with approximately
4.5 million..... And Islam is believed to be fastest-growing
religion in the country, with half its expansion coming from
new immigrants and the other half from conversions."
-- Elsa C. Arnett,
Knight-Ridder News Service

Here’s the positive approach of an educated and civilized person who happens to be a scientist, and who is in a position to do some research on the Quranic statements. His findings are very beneficial for humanity:

“It has been a great pleasure for me to help clarify statements
in the Quran about human development. It is clear to me that
these statements must have come to Muhammad from God,
or 'Allah', because almost all of this knowledge was not
discovered until many centuries later. This proves to me
that Muhammad must have been a messenger of Allah.”
-- Prof. Keith Moore,
World-famous scientist of anatomy & embryology,
University of Toronto, Canada.

And those educated people all over the world (Muslims and non-Muslims alike) who studied the Quran and understood its verses, realizing that these are from the Creator of the universe, know it well that it can bring peace, happiness, understanding and harmony among the people of different regions of the planet Earth. Since Islam stands for peace and social justice, they expect more from it.

"But Islam has a still further service to render to the cause
of humanity. It stands after all nearer to the real East than
Europe does, and it possesses a magnificent tradition of
inter-racial understanding and cooperation. No other society
has such a record of success uniting in an equality of status,
of opportunity, and of endeavors so many and so various races
of mankind . . . Islam has still the power to reconcile apparently
irreconcilable elements of race and tradition. If ever the
opposition of the great societies of East and West is to be
replaced by cooperation, the mediation of Islam is an
indispensable condition. In its hands lies very largely the
solution of the problem with which Europe is faced in its
relation with East. If they unite, the hope of a peaceful issue
is immeasurably enhanced. But if Europe, by rejecting the
cooperation of Islam, throws it into the arms of its rivals,
the issue can o­nly be disastrous for both."
-- H.A.R. Gibb,
(‘Whither Islam’, London, 1932, p. 379)

"It (Islam) replaced monkishness by manliness. It gives
hope to the slave, brotherhood to mankind, and recognition
of the fundamental facts of human nature."
-- Canon Taylor,
(Paper read before the Church Congress at Wolverhampton, Oct. 7, 1887;
Quoted by Arnoud in ‘The Preaching of Islam’, pp. 71-72)


"How, for instance, can any other appeal stand against
that of the Moslem who, in approaching the pagan, says
to him, however obscure or degraded he may be, “Embrace
the faith, and you are at o­nce equal and a brother”.
Islam knows no color line."
-- S.S. Leeder,
(‘Veiled Mysteries of Egypt’)

“I can say, I am very much impressed by finding
true astronomical facts in the Quran.”
-- Prof. Yushudi Kusan,
Director, The Tokyo Observatory.

“It follows, I think, that not o­nly is there no conflict between
genetics and religion, but in fact religion can guide science
by adding revelation to some traditional scientific approaches.
That there exists statements in the Quran shown by science
to be valid, which supports knowledge in the Quran having
been derived from Allah.”
-- Joe Leigh Simpson,
Professor of Obstetrics & Gynecology,
North Western University, Chicago, USA.

“We need research into the history of early Middle Eastern
oral traditions to know whether in fact such historical
events have been reported. If there is no such record,
it strengthens the belief that Allah transmitted through
Muhammad bits of his knowledge that we have o­nly
discovered for ourselves in recent times. We look
forward to a continuing dialogue o­n the topic of
science in the Quran in the context of geology.”
-- Prof. Palmer,
American scientist.

“From my studies and from what I have learned throughout
this conference, I believe that everything that has been
recorded in the Quran 1400 years ago must be the truth,
that can be proved by the scientific means. Since Prophet
Muhammad could neither read nor write, Muhammad must
be a messenger who relayed this truth which was revealed
to him as an enlightenment by the o­ne Who is an eligible
Creator. This Creator must be God, or Allah. Therefore, I
think this is the time to say ‘La ilaha illallaha’, (there is no
God to worship except Allah, ‘Muhammad Rasool-Allaha’,
(Muhammad is messenger of Allah).
-- Prof. Tagata Tagasone,
Ex-Head of the Dept. of Anatomy & Embryology,
University of Shiang Mai, Thailand.
Current Dean, College of Medicine at the same University.

“No other society has such a record of success in uniting
in an equality of status, of opportunity and endeavor so
many and so varied races of mankind. The great Muslim
communities of Africa, India and Indonesia, perhaps also
the small community in Japan, show that Islam has still the
power to reconcile apparently irreconcilable elements of race
and tradition. If ever the opposition of the great societies of
the East and West is to be replaced by cooperation, the
mediation of Islam is an indispensable condition."
-- H.A.R. Gibb,
(‘Whither Islam’, p. 379)

Christian Priest Turned Muslim Preacher:

“I could perhaps begin by saying, that I have personally witnessed
many “converts” coming into Islam in this country (and Mexico as well).
But many people consider my own personal experience to be rather unique
in that it was not simple one person changing their religion, but rather
an entire household of very religious Christians of three different
denominations (Catholic, "Born Again" and Protestant)
all "converting" to Islam.”

(Yusuf Estes)
“While we would all agree that there are always going to be a certain number of people who, for whatever reason, will change from one religion to another, we must also quickly agree that it is highly unusual to find a number of priests, preachers, reverends and holy men (and women) from various faith groups, simultaneously entering the same faith around the world.”
-- Yusuf Estes,
Ex-Christian Priest

If you are not worshiping Him, you are wasting your time, actually wasting your life!
Do some homework if you are seeking guidance. All guidance comes From Allah but it surely comes to those who strive for it. In the Quran, Allah is talking to you, me, them and everybody else. Are you not curious to know what He says? He is definitely showing you the right path.

مَا تَعْبُدُونَ مِن دُونِهِ إِلاَّ أَسْمَآءً سَمَّيْتُمُوهَآ أَنتُمْ وَآبَآؤُكُمْ
مَّآ أَنزَلَ ٱللَّهُ بِهَا مِن سُلْطَانٍ إِنِ ٱلْحُكْمُ إِلاَّ لِلَّهِ
أَمَرَ أَلاَّ تَعْبُدُوۤاْ إِلاَّ إِيَّاهُ ذٰلِكَ ٱلدِّينُ ٱلْقَيِّمُ
وَلَـٰكِنَّ أَكْثَرَ ٱلنَّاسِ لاَ يَعْلَمُونَ
"If not Him, you worship nothing but names
which you have named – you and your fathers –
for which Allah has sent down no authority.
The command is for none but Allah. He has
commanded that you worship none but Him.
That is the right religion, but most men
understand not.”
(al-Quran 12:40)

وَمَنْ أَظْلَمُ مِمَّنِ ٱفْتَرَىٰ عَلَى ٱللَّهِ ٱلْكَذِبَ وَهُوَ
يُدْعَىٰ إِلَى ٱلإِسْلاَمِ وَٱللَّهُ لاَ يَهْدِى ٱلْقَوْمَ ٱلظَّالِمِينَ
“Who does greater wrong than one who invents
falsehood against Allah, even as he is being invited
to Islam? And Allah guides not those who do wrong.”
(al-Quran 61:7)


************