Why Islam is the true religion of God.

2015-04-29 Thread EN ISLAM
Why Islam is the true religion of God.

Ever since the dawn of mankind, we have sought to understand nature and our
place in it.  In this quest for the purpose of life many people have turned
to religion.  Most religions are based on books claimed by their followers
to be divinely inspired, without any proof.  Islam is different because it
is based upon reason and proof.
There are clear signs that the book of Islam, the Quran, is the word of God
and we have many reasons to support this claim:
·   There are scientific and historical facts found in the Quran which
were unknown to the people at the time, and have only been discovered
recently by contemporary science.
·   The Quran is in a unique style of language that cannot be
replicated, this is known as the ‘Inimitability of the Quran.’
·   There are prophecies made in the Quran and by the Prophet Muhammad,
may the mercy and blessings of God be upon him, which have come to be pass.
This article lays out and explains the scientific facts that are found in
the Quran, centuries before they were ‘discovered’ in contemporary
science.  It is important to note that the Quran is not a book of science
but a book of ‘signs’.  These signs are there for people to recognise God’s
existence and affirm His revelation.  As we know, science sometimes takes a
‘U-turn’ where what once scientifically correct is false a few years
later.  In this article only established scientific facts are considered,
not just theories or hypothesis.
Scientific Facts in the Quran
The Quran was revealed to the Prophet Muhammad in the 7th century.
Science at the time was primitive, there were no telescopes, microscopes or
anything even close to the technology we have today.  People believed that
the sun orbited the earth and that the sky was held up by big pillars at
the corners of a flat earth.  Within this backdrop the Quran was revealed,
and it contains many scientific facts on topics ranging from astronomy to
biology, geology to sociology.
Some people may claim that the Quran was changed as new scientific facts
were discovered but this cannot be the case because it is a historically
documented fact that the Quran is preserved in its original language[1].
The Quran was written down and memorised by people during the lifetime of
the Prophet Muhammad.  One of the copies of the Quran which was written a
few years after the death of the Prophet Muhammad is preserved in a museum
in Uzbekistan.  This copy is over 1400 years old and is exactly the same as
the Arabic Quran that we have today[2].
The following are nine scientific facts found in the Quran:
1.  Origin of Life
Water is essential for all living things.  We all know that water is vital
to life but the Quran makes a very unusual claim:
We made every living thing from water? Will they not believe? (Quran 21:30)
In this verse water is pointed out as the origin of all life.  All living
things are made of cells.  We now know that cells are mostly made up of
water[3].  For example, 80% of the cytoplasm (basic cell material) of a
standard animal cell is described as water in biology textbooks.
The fact that living things consist mostly of water was discovered only
after the invention of the microscope.  In the deserts of Arabia, the last
thing someone would have guessed is that all life came from water.
2.  Iron
Iron is not natural to the earth.  It did not form on the earth but came
down to earth from outer space.  This may sound strange but it’s true.
Scientists have found that billions of years ago the earth was stuck by
meteorites.  These meteorites were carrying Iron from distant stars which
had exploded[4].
The Quran says the following on the origin of Iron:
“We sent down Iron with its great inherent strength and its many benefits
for humankind.” (Quran 57:25)
God uses the words ‘sent down’ for Iron.  It is clear from the verse that
Iron is not an earthly material, but was sent down for the benefit of
humanity.  The fact that Iron came down to earth from outer space is
something which could not be known by the primitive science of the 7th
century.
3.  Sky’s Protection
The sky plays a crucial role in protecting the earth.  The sky protects the
earth from the lethal rays of the sun.  If the sky did not exist then the
sun’s radiation would have killed off all life on earth.  It also acts like
a blanket wrapped around the earth, to protect it from the freezing cold of
space.  The temperature just above the sky is approximately -270oC.  If
this temperature was to reach earth then the planet would freeze over
instantly.  The sky also protects life on earth by warming the surface
through heat retention (greenhouse effect), and reducing temperature
extremes between day and night[5].  These are some of the many protective
functions of the sky.
The Quran asks us to consider the sky in the following verse:
“We made the sky a protective ceiling.  And yet they are turning away from
Our signs!” (Quran 21:32)
The Quran points to the sky’s pro

THE SUPERIORITY OF THE MOTHER IN ISLAM

2014-12-11 Thread EN ISLAM
THE SUPERIORITY OF THE MOTHER IN ISLAM

#1- From Abu Hurairah -radiallaahu anhu- who said: A man came to the
Messenger of Allah -sallallaahu alayhi wa sallam- and said: ‘O Messenger of
Allah who from the people is the most deserving of my good companionship?

The Messenger -sallallaahu alayhi wa sallam- replied:

*‘Your mother.’*

The man said: ‘then who?’

The Messenger -sallallaahu alayhi wa sallam- replied:

*‘Your mother.’*

The man said: ‘then who?’

The Messenger -sallallaahu alayhi wa sallam- replied:

*‘Your mother.’*

The man said: ‘then who?’

The Messenger -sallallaahu alayhi wa sallam- said:

*‘Your father.’*

[In another narration: ‘. . . . . the next closest relative then those
closest after them.’]

[Collected in ‘Adab al-Mufrad’ no.3, Tirmidhi and ‘Irwaa al-Ghaleel’
829/2232, declared Hasan by Albaani.]

In another narration: ‘A man came to the Prophet of Allah -sallallaahu
alayhi wa sallam- and said: ‘What do you order me with?’ The Messenger
-sallallaahu alayhi wa sallam- said:

*‘Be good to your mother.’*

[Collected by ‘Adab al-Mufrad’ no. 6]

[Collected by Bukhari in ‘Kitaab al-Adab’ in the second chapter: ‘Who from
the people is the most deserving of my good companionship?’ and also
collected by Muslim in ‘Kitaab al-Birr wa Silat wal Adab’]

Imam Nawawi said in his explanation of this hadeeth:

*‘The Scholars have said: the reason for the superiority of the mother is
due to her becoming tired on your account, her compassion, her serving you,
suffering hardship while being pregnant with you, then giving birth to you,
then suckling you, then bringing you up, serving you, nursing you and other
things.’*

[Taken from the ‘Sharh Saheeh Muslim’ 16/80]

Ibn Hajr quotes Ibn Battaal in the explanation of this hadeeth:

Ibn Battaal said: ‘Malik was asked: my father requests me to do something
but my mother prevents me from it.’

Imam Malik answered:

*‘Obey your father and do not disobey your mother.’*

[‘Fath ul Bari’10/402]

#2- ‘Asma bint Abu Bakr said: ‘My mother came to me and she is a Mushrikah
(Non-Muslim) at the time of the Messenger of Allah -sallallaahu alayhi wa
sallam-, so I asked the Messenger of Allah -sallallaahu alayhi wa sallam-
about this and I said to him: ‘My mother has come to me, and she is asking
for me to be good to her, should I keep good relations with my mother?

The Messenger of Allah -sallallaahu alayhi wa sallam- said: *‘Keep good
relations with her.’*

[Collected by Bukhari, Muslim and in the wording mentioned by Abu Dawud:
‘Asma -radiallaahu anha- said: ‘… and she hates Islam.’ ‘Saheeh Targhib wa
Tarhib’ p.657 no. 2500]

Ibn Uayainah said: Allah -Azza wa Jall- revealed:

*<< Allah does not forbid you from dealing justly and kindly with those who
did not fight against you on account of religion >>*

[al-Mumtahina: 8] regarding her.

[Collected by Bukhari in ‘Adab al-Mufrad’ no. 25, declared Saheeh by
Albaani in ‘Saheeh Abu Dawud’ (1468)]

#3- It is narrated from Talha bin Muaaweeyah as-Sulamee -radiallaahu anhu-
who said: I came to the Prophet -sallallaahu alayhi wa sallam- and said: ‘O
Messenger of Allah! Indeed I want to participate in Jihad in the path of
Allah.’

The Prophet -sallallaahu alayhi wa sallam- said: ‘Is your mother alive?’

I said: ‘Yes.’

The Prophet -sallallaahu alayhi wa sallam- said:

*‘Stay at her feet, for there is Paradise.’*

[Collected by Tabraani and Albaani declared it Saeeih li Ghayreehi in
‘Saheeh Targhib wa Tarhib’ 2/2484 p.649]

In a similar narration from Muaaweeyah bin Jaahimah where the Prophet
-sallallaahu alayhi wa sallam- said:

*‘Stick to your mother, since indeed Paradise is at her feet.’*

[Collected by Ibn Majah, Nisa’i and Albaani declared it Hasan Saheeh in
‘Saheeh Targhib wa Tarhib’ 2/2485]

In a similar hadeeth the Prophet -sallallaahu alayhi wa sallam- asked: ‘Do
you have parents?’

I said: ‘Yes.’

The Prophet -sallallaahu alayhi wa sallam- said:

*‘Stick to them, since indeed Paradise is under their feet.’*

[Collected by Tabrani and Albaani declared it Hasan Saheeh in ‘Saheeh
Targhib wa Tarhib’ no. 2485]

#4 – From Ibn Umar -radiallaahu anhu- who said: ‘A man came to the Prophet
-sallallaahu alayhi wa sallam- and said: ‘Indeed I have committed a major
sin, is there any repentance for me?’

The Prophet -sallallaahu alayhi wa sallam- said: ‘Do you have a mother?’

He answered: ‘No.’

The Prophet -sallallaahu alayhi wa sallam- said: ‘Do you have an aunt
(mother’s sister)?’

He answered: ‘Yes.’

The Prophet -sallallaahu alayhi wa sallam- said:

*‘Then be good to her.’*

[Collected by Tirmidhi, and declared Saheeh by Albaani and in the wording
collected by Ibn Hibban and Hakim: ‘Do you have parents?’ ‘Saheeh Targhib
wa Tarhib’ p.658 no. 2504]

#5- From al-Mughirah bin Shaybah -radiallaahu anhu- from the Prophet
-sallallaahu alayhi wa sallam- who said:

*‘Indeed Allah has prohibited you from being disobedient to your mothers,
and burying your daughters alive, to withhold from what Allah has allowed,
claiming something whic

Why is Smiling a Donation?

2014-11-21 Thread EN ISLAM
Why is Smiling a Donation?


(And smiling to your brother is donation). This is what the greatest
Prophet (All Prayers and Peace of Allah be upon him) said and this is what
the latest researches are discovering, so let’s read ….
Researchers have studied about smiling influence on others. They have found
that smiling contains strong information that can influence the human
subconscious mind!
They found that everyone has his particular smile that no one can share
with him. Moreover, every smile contains special effect, too. They
photographed these smiles and showed it slowly, hence, they noticed some
specific movements. Likewise, a person can have more than one kind of
smiles, regarding his mental status, what is he speaking about and the
person he is speaking to…

Some of the most important information of such researches, researches are
talking about what you can give to others through the smile, because it is
more than giving a material thing for the following reasons:
When smiling you can transmit joy to others, which is a sort of donation
and which can be the most important. Studies showed that sometimes man may
need joy and gladness more than food and drink. Also, that joy can treat
many diseases starting by heart problems.
Through the smile you can transmit information to others very easily,
because a word with a smile has more influence on the brain. Magnetic
resonance imaging has shown that expression influence changes too much with
a smile. The expression is the same , however, the influenced brain parts
differ according to smile type accompanying this information or this
expression.
You can calm an atmosphere stain of a given situation with a soft smile.
This cannot be done with money. Hence, smile is worthier and more important
than money. So, the less you can give to others is smile donation.
Smile and recovery: Many doctors have noticed smile influence on recovery.
Therefore, some researches declare that the doctor’s smile is a part of the
treatment! Then, giving a smile to your friend, your wife or your neighbor,
you are giving them a free remedy prescription without feeling, and this is
a kind of donation.
For these reasons and others, smile is considered as a sort of donation,
giving and generosity. And now dear reader, do you realize why did the
prophet of compassion (All Prayers and Peace of Allah be upon him)  say:
(and smiling to your brother is donation)!!

By: Abduldaem Al-Kaheel
www.kaheel7.com/eng
http://www.kaheel7.com/eng/index.php/legislative-miracles/193-why-is-smiling-a-donation-

*Source:*
·  Smile -- And The World Can Hear You, Even If You Hide,
www.sciencedaily.com, Jan. 16, 2008.

Thank you

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Islam prohibited women to be Unveiled….why?

2014-11-11 Thread EN ISLAM
Islam prohibited women to be Unveiled….why?

Are there any harmful effects on women if they used to display parts of
their body? Let us read………

According to the latest figures, the incidence of melanoma, a potentially
fatal skin cancer, is increasing dramatically. It is currently the most
common type of cancer in young women between the ages of 25 and 29.
Researchers believe that sun exposure plays a significant role in the
development of melanoma. According to Dr. Diane Berson, an American
dermatologist says “intense sun exposure prior to age 20 may be more of a
significant risk factor for skin cancer than sun exposure past the age of
20. Three or more blistering sunburns early in life, or three or more years
of working out of doors, (e.g. camp counselors or lifeguards), without
protection, can increase the risk of skin cancer by more than three times."
Another study held  from 1973 to 2004 found that the rate of new melanoma
cases in younger women had jumped 50 percent since 1980, but did not
increase for younger men in that period.
"It's worrying," said Mark Purdue, a research fellow at the National Cancer
Institute, who led the analysis published in the Journal of Investigative
Dermatology. "What we are seeing in young adults right now could foretell a
much larger number of melanoma cases in older women." he said.
"One possible explanation is increases among young women of recreational
sun exposure or tanning bed use," Purdue said. "Both of these things have
been identified as risk factors."
Statistics say that 62,000 melanoma cases are diagnosed each year in the
United States, and more than 8,400 people die from the disease, according
to the American Cancer Society. Previous studies have shown that the rate
of new diagnoses has been increasing among adults overall.
Woman’s dress in Islam
According to religion of Islam woman should only display her face and palms
of hands in front of foreigner men (indoor and outdoor) and more than that
is prohibited.
Allah Almighty tells prophet Mohamed peace be upon him to order women to do
the following: (And tell the believing women to lower their gaze (from
looking at forbidden things), and protect their private parts (from illegal
sexual acts) and not to show off their adornment except only that which is
apparent (like both eyes for necessity to see the way, or outer palms of
hands or one eye or dress like veil, gloves, head-cover, apron, etc.), and
to draw their veils all over Juyûbihinna (i.e. their bodies, faces, necks
and bosoms) and not to reveal their adornment except to their husbands, or
their fathers, or their husband’s fathers, or their sons, or their
husband’s sons, or their brothers or their brother’s sons, or their
sister’s sons, or their (Muslim) women (i.e. their sisters in Islâm), or
the (female) slaves whom their right hands possess, or old male servants
who lack vigour, or small children who have no sense of feminine sex. And
let them not stamp their feet so as to reveal what they hide of their
adornment. And all of you beg Allâh to forgive you all, O believers, that
you may be successful.){ Sûrat An-Nûr - The Light -verse31}.
Also prophet Mohamed peace be upon him says in the right Hadith about some
indications for the imminence of day of resurrection that “there will be
women who are dressed and naked at the same time, who are reeling while
walking and their heads are like the top of the camel, those will not enter
the heaven or even smell its smell” [narrated by Abu- horraira]
Muslim women who are veiled believe that their body is valuable so it
should not be as a commodity that is exposed to everyone to evaluate.
Conclusion
The great religion of Islam doesn’t approve any practice that may cause any
harm to both men and women , therefore Allah Almighty and His prophet
Mohamed peace be upon him order women to be veiled because woman’s
veil  definitely respects woman than exposing her parts in front of
everyone.
Also, Allah Almighty didn’t order women to be veiled and ordered men to do
what they want but He Almighty orders men also to respect women by not to
look in their parts because that is purer for them so that Allah Almighty
tells the prophet to inform men to:(Tell the believing men to lower their
gaze (from looking at forbidden things), and protect their private parts
(from illegal sexual acts, etc.). That is purer for them. Verily, Allah is
All-Aware of what they do.){ Sûrat An-Nûr - The Light -verse30}.

--
By: Abduldaem Al-Kaheel
www.kaheel7.com/eng
 
http://www.kaheel7.com/eng/index.php/legislative-miracles/646-islam-prohibited-women-to-be-unveiledwhy

*References:*

•
http://www.webmd.com/skin-beauty/guide/sun-exposure-skin-cancer
•
http://www.boston.com/news/nation/washington/articles/2008/07/11/ski

Women's Rights in Islam

2014-10-12 Thread EN ISLAM
*Women's Rights in Islam*

*Islam is the sole religion that gave women her rights, these are so many
and recorded in the Quran verses and the traditional sayings of the
prophet, these rights are condensed in points here as holy texts, if all
written, will take many pages.*

*Equality between man and women*

  Islam acquits Eve from the original Sin which lived through
generation and women have to bear it. In Quran God has remitted this sin
the moment it was committed.

  Women have the same spiritual status as men in the eye of God.



*Female Embryo's rights*

  A female embryo, like a male embryo, should be guarded against
hereditary disease.

*Females' rights in infantry *

  While in other religions the birth of a female is not always welcome,
the birth of a female is celebrated in Islam.

  Females like males should be given beautiful names.

  Females like males are to be given love while still children without
any preference of one sex over another as stated in the prophet's hadith.

  Islam is against denigrating females in any way especially killing
them during their infantry- an old custom practiced by the pagan Arabs.

*Rights of Females over Parents *

  Females are to receive the due care and be brought up in the best
way( God's reward for this is shielding parents against the  hellfire and
raising their ranks high up to that of the prophet as stated in the
hadiths). Even Female slaves are to be taught, this is doubly rewarded by
God.

  Teaching females is mandatory in Islam.

  A female(married or unmarried) has the right to inherit her father,
mother, husband , her children, sisters and daughters( Note that Females in
Judeo-Christianity inherit only from their parents in case no brothers are
found)

  A female is not to be killed in wars.

  A female chastity is to be given high care.

  Parents should not favor sons over daughters

  A woman has the right to argue with men even with the prophet himself.

  Women are equal to men as stated in the hadith" Women are sisters to
men."

  A woman, just like a man, can give someone the right of refuge and
security among the Muslims.

*Rights of Wives*

  A female has the right to choose her husband.

  A wife has the right to manage her property and the husband should
not take any of her property.

  A wife is not responsible for spending on her family, it is not
allowed for a husband to take a penny from her property.



  A wife has the full right to her dowry ( The husband is not to take
any  from it )

  A wife can divorce herself if she doesn't like her husband.

  A husband is responsible for feeding, dwelling, taking the utmost
care of his wife to the extent that raising a piece of bread to a wife's
mouth will be rewarded by God)

  A wife should be given her full right in bed and even such an act is
rewarded by God because the husband and the wife are sinners if they commit
adultery.

  During menses, contrary to the holy Book, a woman can live among her
family members and whoever touches her remains clean.

  The best among the Muslims are those who are good to their wives.

*As a Mother*

  To show how important is the obedience of mothers the prophet says
"paradise is under the feet of mothers."

  Though both the father and the mother are to be given the utmost
care, a mother should be always at the top priority.

  Mothers  should always be given due care from her children

  A son must not prefer his wife to his mother under any circumstances.

  A Muslim should ask for his parent permission before joining the
Muslim army, which is engaged in fighting.

  Caring about parents is more preferred to fighting in the cause of
God, if they are old and need care.

  A mother, like father, is to be given the utmost care and be obeyed
even if she is not a Muslim.

*The rights of the divorced woman in Islam*

  The Faith of Islam has ordained certain financial and social
obligations in the event of divorce, so as to discourage people from
resorting to it.

  Islam ordains that when a man divorces his wife, he must pay her the
delayed dowry agreed upon in the marriage contract, in addition to the
expense of her maintenance of food, drink and living quarters for a certain
period of time, known as the " iddat ".

  The custody of the children is granted to the mother until they grow
up. In the event of her death or inability to look after her children, the
custody of her children is granted to her relations.

  The husband is legally and religiously charged with his children's
financial maintenance, and for wet nurses to breast feed them even if their
mother breast feeds them herself, as is stated in the following Quranic
verse "And if they suckle your (offspring) give them their recompense "[1]
[12]

*Rights of a widow*

   The whole of the Islamic society is responsible for financing her.

  Wi

The Quran – The Final Revelation to Mankind

2014-08-29 Thread EN ISLAM
The Quran – The Final Revelation to Mankind
What
is the Qur’an?
The Word of God
The Qur’an is the literal word of God, The Almighty (Allah in Arabic),
revealed to Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) through the Angel Gabriel.
“The revelation of The Book is from Allah, the Mighty, the Wise.” Qur’an
39:1
Guidance for Mankind

The Qur’an is *“a guidance for mankind… and the distinction (between right
and wrong).”*Qur’an 2:185 It provides direction to help mankind judge
between right and wrong, without which, man would surely be in loss.
The Final Revelation

The Qur’an is the last scripture revealed by Almighty Allah (God),
confirming what little truth remains in parts of previous scriptures and
refuting and correcting fabrications and additions which have crept into
current day versions of such scriptures.
“O you who have been given the Scripture! Believe in what We have revealed
confirming what is (already) with you…”Qur’an 4:47
How was the Qur’an Revealed?

The Qur’an was revealed to Muhammad (peace be upon him) and exists only in
the language in which it was revealed – Arabic. However, the translation of
the meaning of the Qur’an is available in many languages.

The Qur’an was not sent down as a complete book in one revelation; rather,
the revelation spanned over a period of 23 years.

For this reason, it is essential to know in what circumstances the verses
were revealed, in order to have a proper understanding of the Qur’an;
otherwise, its teachings could be misunderstood.
How do I know that it is from God?Preservation

The Qur’an is the only religious sacred text that has been in circulation
for a lengthy period, and yet remains as pure as the day it was revealed.
Nothing has been added, removed or modified from it, since its revelation
over 1400 years ago.
“We have, without doubt, sent down the Message; and We will certainly guard
it (from corruption).”Qur’an 15:09

Not only has the Qur’an been preserved in written form, but also in the
hearts of men, children and women. Today, millions of people have memorised
the Qur’an from cover to cover.
Scientific Miracles

The Qur’an does not contradict modern science but rather, supports it. One
of the most remarkable aspects about the Qur’an is that it contains many
verses which accurately describe natural phenomenon in various fields such
as embryology, meteorology, astronomy, geology and oceanography. Scientists
have found its descriptions incredibly accurate for a book dating back to
the 7th century.
“We shall show them Our Signs in the Universe and within their own selves,
until it becomes clear to them that this is the Truth.”Qur’an 41:53

In fact, many of the scientific miracles mentioned in the Qur’an have been
discovered only recently, through the modern advancement of technological
equipment. Consider the following:

   - The Qur’an gives a detailed description of the development of the
   human embryo. These details were unknown to the scientific community until
   recent times.
   - The Qur’an states that the astronomical objects (stars, planets, moons
   etc…) were all formed from clouds of dust. Previously unknown, this fact
   has now become an undisputed principle of modern cosmology.
   - Modern science has discovered the existence of barriers that allow two
   seas to meet yet maintain their own temperature, density and salinity.

These signs of God were clearly stated in the Qur’an more than 1400 years
ago.
Uniqueness

Ever since its revelation, no person has been able to produce a single
chapter like that of the Qur’an in its beauty, eloquence, splendour,
wisdom, prophecies, and other perfect attributes.
“And if you are in doubt as to that which We have revealed to Our servant,
then produce a chapter like it and call on your witnesses besides Allah if
you are truthful.”Qur’an 2:23

The people that rejected Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) failed this
challenge, eventhough they were extremely eloquent in the language of the
Qur’an. This challenge remains unanswered to this very day.
No Contradictions

When people write, they are bound to make mistakes such as spelling and
grammar, contradictory statements, incorrect facts, omission of
information, and other various errors.
“Had it been from other than Allah, they would surely, have found in it
(the Qur’an) many contradictions.”Qur’an 4:82

The Qur’an has no contradictions whatsoever – be it in scientific
explanations of the water cycle, embryology, geology and cosmology;
historical facts and events; or prophecies.
Couldn’t Muhammad have authored it?

The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) was known in history to be
illiterate; he could not read nor write. He was not educated in any field
that could account for neither the scientific and historical accuracy, nor
the literary beauty of this magnificent Book. The precision of historical
recounts of previous peoples and civilisations mentioned in the Qur’an is
also to

Women’s Rights in Islam

2014-08-01 Thread EN ISLAM
Women’s Rights in Islam


“And for women are rights over men, similar to those of men over
women.”Qur’an 2:228Women in Islam are thought to be subjugated, degraded,
oppressed – but are they really? Are millions of Muslims simply that
oppressive or are these misconceptions fabricated by a biased media?

Over fourteen hundred years ago, Islam gave women rights that women in the
West have only recently began to enjoy. In the 1930’s, Annie Besant
observed, “It is only in the last twenty years that Christian England has
recognised the right of woman to property, while Islam has allowed this
right from all times. It is a slander to say that Islam preaches that women
have no souls.” (The Life and Teachings of Mohammed, 1932).

Men and women all descended from a single person – the Prophet Adam (peace
be upon him). Islam does not accept for either of them anything but justice
and kind treatment.
Equal Reward & Equal Accountability

Men and women worship Allah in the same way, meaning they worship the same
God (Allah), perform the same acts of worship, follow the same scripture,
and hold the same beliefs. Allah (the Arabic word for the One true God of
all creation), judges all human beings fairly and equitably. Allah
emphasises the just treatment and reward due to both men and women in many
verses of the Qur’an:
“Allah has promised to the believers, men and women, gardens under which
rivers flow, to dwell therein, and beautiful mansions in gardens of
everlasting bliss.”Qur’an 9:72
“Never will I allow the loss of the work of any worker amongst you, male or
female; you are of one another.”Qur’an 3:195

These verses show that reward is dependent upon one’s actions and not one’s
gender. Gender does not play any part in how a person is rewarded and
judged.

If we compare Islam to other religions, we see that it offers justice
between the sexes. For example, Islam dismisses the idea that Eve is more
to blame than Adam for eating from the forbidden tree. According to Islam,
Adam and Eve both sinned, they both repented and God forgave them both.
Equal Right to Knowledge

Both men and women are equally encouraged to seek knowledge. The Prophet
(peace be upon him) said, *“Education is compulsory for every Muslim.”*

Also, great female Muslim Scholars existed at and around the time of the
Prophet (peace be upon him). Some were from his family and others were his
companions or their daughters. Prominent amongst them was Aisha, the wife
of the Prophet (peace be upon him) through whom a quarter of the Islamic
law has been transmitted.

Other females were great scholars of jurisprudence and had famous male
scholars as their students.
Equal Right to Choose a Spouse

Islam has honoured women by giving them the right to choose a spouse and
keep their original family name once married. Additionally, many have the
impression that parents force their daughters into marriage. This is a
cultural practice, and has no basis in Islam. In fact, it is prohibited.

At the time of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), a woman came to him
and said, *“My father has married me to my cousin to raise his social
standing and I was forced into it.”* The Prophet sent for the girl’s father
and then in his presence *gave the girl the option of remaining married or
nullifying the marriage.* She responded, *“O Messenger of Allah, I have
accepted what my father did, but I wanted to show other women (that they
could not be forced into a marriage).”*
Equal yet Different

While men and women have equal rights as a general principle, the specific
rights and responsibilities granted to them are not identical. Men and
women have complementary rights and responsibilities.

Aside from external and internal anatomical differences, scientists know
there are many other subtle differences in the way the brains of men and
women process language, information and emotion, just to mention a few.

A socio-biology expert, Edward O. Wilson of Harvard University, said that
females tend to be higher than males in verbal skills, empathy and social
skills, among other things, while men tend to be higher in independence,
dominance, spatial and mathematical skills, rank-related aggression, and
other characteristics.

It would be foolish to treat both genders the same and to ignore their
differences. Islam teaches that men and women have complementary, yet
different, roles because it is best suited to their nature. God says:
“And the male is not like the female.”Qur’an 3:36
“Does not the One who created, know? And He is the Most Kind, the All
Aware.”Qur’an 67:14
The Family Unit

God created men and women to be different, with unique roles, skills and
responsibilities. These differences are not viewed as evidences of
superiority or inferiority, but of specialisation. In Islam, the family is
of central importance. The man is responsible for the financial well being
of the family while the woman contributes to the family’s physical,

MISCONCEPTIONS ABOUT ISLAM

2014-07-09 Thread EN ISLAM
MISCONCEPTIONS ABOUT ISLAM



*What do you REALLY know?*
Islam is one of the world’s largest religions yet it is also one of the
most misunderstood. For various reasons – be they political, economic,
biased media or fear of the “other” – mistruths and misconceptions have
been spread about Islam. The key to understanding Islam and Muslims is to
resist stereotypes and examine each situation according to Islamic
teachings and authentic sources.

Misconception 1 – “Muslims Do Not Share Good and Noble Values with
non-Muslims”
*“The best among you are those who have the best manners and character.”* –
Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him)
Some people allege that Islamic values are somehow incompatible with decent
“Western” values. Such claims could not be further from the truth.
Muslims cherish noble and universal values such as:
· being honest and just
· keeping one’s word
· allowing freedom of religion
· respecting parents, relatives, neighbours, and the elderly
· being charitable, generous, and looking after the poor and needy
· not lying, cheating, swearing or backbiting anyone
Muslims are required to contribute positively towards society and to always
conduct themselves with the highest of morals and best of actions.
Misconception 2 – “Muslims Worship a New God Called Allah”
Muslims worship the same God worshipped by Prophets Noah, Abraham, Moses
and Jesus. The word “Allah” is simply the Arabic word for Almighty God – an
Arabic word of rich meaning, denoting the one and only God. Allah is also
the same word that Arabic speaking Christians and Jews use to refer to God.
However, although Muslims, Jews and Christians believe in the same God (the
Creator), their concepts regarding Him differ significantly. For example,
Muslims reject the idea of God having any partners or being part of a
‘trinity’, and ascribe perfection only to God, the Almighty.
Misconception 3 – “Islam Permits Terrorism”
The media generally portrays any Muslim who fights as a terrorist,
regardless of whether they fight justly or unjustly, or whether they are
oppressing others or being oppressed.
In war, the targeting of innocent non-combatants is a despicable act which
Islam clearly prohibits. In fact, Muslims are not allowed to destroy plants
and animals unnecessarily, let alone innocent humans. However, it is
important to distinguish between terrorism and legitimate resistance to
occupation, as the two are very different.
The Quran clearly demonstrates the seriousness of killing an innocent
person, and emphasises the value of human life.
*“If anyone murders an innocent person, it will be as if he has murdered
the whole of humanity. And if anyone saves a person it will be as if he has
saved the whole of humanity.”*Quran 5:32
Misconception 4 – “Islam Oppresses Women”
In Islam, men and women are viewed as equals before God, in terms of both
receiving equal reward and accountability for their actions. The only thing
that distinguishes people in the sight of God is their level of piety.
*“Verily the most honourable of you in the sight of Allah is the most God
conscious.”*Quran 49:13
This verse proves that real honour and status is not attained because a
person is rich or poor, black or white, male or female, but attained
through piety and devoutness.
Allah, the Creator of both genders, has assigned different roles and
responsibilities for each, taking into account their differences. Women are
given the utmost respect and honour, such as the right to equal pay, choice
of spouse, pursuit of education, and the right to divorce and inheritance.
Unfortunately, there are some Muslim women who are oppressed and not given
their rights. This is not the fault of Islam. The problem is that in some
countries, people follow certain cultural practices and traditions which
have nothing to do with Islam.
Misconception 5 – “The Quran is Just another History or Poetry Book”
The Quran is the divine literal word of God Almighty, revealed to Prophet
Muhammad (peace be upon him), through the angel Gabriel. It is a criterion
for the truth, containing guidance for humanity to live by. The Quran cites
lessons from preceding generations and the history of the Prophets in order
that we may learn from their experiences. It further teaches us about
ourselves and our Creator, as well as the purpose of our existence which is
to acknowledge God, worshipping Him alone.
God did not create humans to simply wander aimlessly. The test of one’s
faith is in using one’s intellect, free will and reasoning abilities to
contemplate and recognise God’s signs – one of the greatest signs being The
Quran.
The Quran contains within it many miracles, so that we can have no doubt
about its authenticity. The best way to discover what the Quran is actually
about, is to read it for yourself.
Misconception 6 – “Hijab is Oppressive”
To observe the hijab, Muslim women are required to modestly cove

Islam is not a Religion of Extremism

2014-06-21 Thread EN ISLAM
Islam is not a Religion of Extremism

Allah says:
“…Whosoever kills an innocent human being, it shall be as if he has killed
all mankind, and whosoever saves the life of one, it shall be as if he had
saved the life of all mankind…” Qur’an 5:32
Islam… an extreme religion?
“Islamic terrorists!” “Muslim fundamentalists!” “Extremists!” “Radical
Islamists!” These are just some labels that have been wrongly applied to
Muslims and certain Muslim groups in recent years.
The media’s portrayal of Islam often misleads those whose knowledge of the
religion is limited, into making negative assumptions about this very
peaceful and tolerant way of life.
Peter Manning, a journalist of over 30 years, states in his book, “Us and
Them”:
*“My experience tells me there’s a vast gulf between the realities of the
daily lives of Arab and Muslim Australians and how they are represented in
our [Australian] media.*

*In more than 60 percent of cases [from the coverage of 2 major
newspapers], the words ‘violent’, ‘death’, ‘attack’, ‘kill’, ‘suicide’ or
‘gunmen’ were in close proximity to the words ‘Arab’, ‘Palestinian’,
‘Muslim’ or ‘Islam’. ”*

Is it then, any wonder that most people associate Islam with terrorism?
The problem of ignorance is highlighted by a survey which revealed that
more than one in three Australians admit to knowing nothing about Islam and
its followers.
*“Those with the least knowledge and personal contact with Muslims were the
most likely to feel threatened by Islam,”* said Dr Dunn, who was
commissioned by the Australia-Indonesia Institute to carry out the study.
The prevalence of media bias and ignorance regarding Islam can be countered
by understanding Islam through its proper teachings. That means referring
to the Qur’an (which Muslims believe to be the word of God) and the
authentic sayings of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). Through the
proper understanding of these teachings, one will discover Islam to be
completely against any form of extremism.
How the Qur’an can be misunderstood
When reading through the Qur’an or the sayings of the Prophet (peace be
upon him), one must understand the context in which the wording applies.
The following verse of the Qur’an is a favourite amongst those seeking to
mislead people about Islam:
“And kill them wherever you find them, and expel them from where they
expelled you, as persecuting people to sway them from God’s Religion is
worse than killing. But do not fight them at the Sacred Mosque, unless they
fight you there. But if they do fight you, then slay them; This is the
recompense of the disbelievers.” Qur’an 2:191
On occasions, this verse has been dangerously trimmed down to the following:
“And kill them wherever you find them…” Qur’an 2:191
The obvious question is, “Kill who?”. To answer this question, one should
read the verses before and after verse 2:191.
“And fight in the way of Allah those who fight with you, and do not exceed
the limits, surely Allah does not love those who exceed the limits.“ Qur’an
2:190
The above verse mentions fighting as a means of self defence (i.e. with
those who fight you). The verse after 2:191 is:
“But if they cease, Allah is Oft-forgiving, Most Merciful.” Qur’an 2:192
These verses were revealed at a time when the Muslims had been expelled
from their homes on account of their faith. They endured more than ten
years of persecution and eventually had to flee to a safe land.
The above verses were referring to the Arab pagans of Mecca during the
Prophet’s time, who oppressed the Muslims and planned to attack them where
the Muslims sought refuge.
Hence, the above verse can only be applied in such circumstances.
This example demonstrates that verses in the Qur’an should be understood in
their proper context since verses were revealed in stages in relation to
particular situations, over a period of 23 years. It is also important to
note that the Qur’an was revealed in Arabic. Therefore, translations into
different languages may be misleading and/or inaccurate.
Permissible Warfare/Fighting
There can be no doubt that Muslims (like anybody else) have a legitimate
right to fight against aggression or when oppressed.
Islam teaches that warfare is permitted in order to preserve the wellbeing
of the community or to prevent oppression from spreading – this may be in
the context of defensive or offensive warfare depending on the particular
situation. Islam, just like any ‘way of life’ that wants to ensure its
survival, has the right to defend itself when war is declared against it.
In the Qur’an (22:39) we read:
“To those against whom war is made, permission is given to fight, because
they are wronged.”
However, when the enemy ceases its hostility, Muslims are commanded to
cease fighting.
“And if they incline to peace, then incline to it and trust in God; surely
He is the All-Hearer, the All-Knower.” Qur’an 8:61
Abu Bakr (may God be pleased with him), Prophet Mohammad’s clos

Science in Islam

2014-05-17 Thread EN ISLAM
Science in Islam 

*“We (God) shall show them Our signs in the Universe and within themselves,
until it becomes clear to them that this is the Truth.” Quran 41:53*

The Quran, the book of Islam, is the final book of revelation from God to
humanity and the last in the line of revelations given to the Prophets.

Although the Quran (revealed over 1400 years ago), is not primarily a book
of science, it does contain scientific facts that have only been discovered
recently through the advancement of technology and scientific knowledge.
Islam encourages reflection and scientific research because understanding
the nature of creation enables people to further appreciate their Creator
and the extent of His power and wisdom.

The Quran was revealed at a time when Science was primitive; there were no
telescopes, microscopes or anything close to today’s technology. People
believed that the sun orbited the earth and the sky was held up by pillars
at the corners of a flat earth. Against this backdrop the Quran was
revealed, containing many scientific facts on topics ranging from astronomy
to biology, geology to zoology.

Some of the many scientific facts found in the Quran include:
Fact #1 – Origin of Life
“And We (God) made every living thing from water. Will they not believe?”
Quran 21:30

Water is pointed out as the origin of all life. All living things are made
of cells and we now know that cells are mostly made of water. This was
discovered only after the invention of the microscope. In the deserts of
Arabia, it would be inconceivable to think that someone would have guessed
that all life came from water.
Fact #2 – Human Embryonic Development

God speaks about the stages of man’s embryonic development:
“We (God) created man from an extract of clay. Then We made him as a drop
in a place of settlement, firmly fixed. Then We made the drop into an
alaqah [leech, suspended thing, and blood clot], then We made the alaqah
into a mudghah [chewed substance]…”
Quran, 23:12-14

The Arabic word “alaqah” has three meanings: a leech, a suspended thing and
a blood clot. “Mudghah” means a chewed substance. Embryology scientists
have observed that the usage of these terms in describing the formation of
the embryo is accurate and in conformity with our current scientific
understanding of the development process.

Little was known about the staging and classification of human embryos
until the twentieth century, which means that the descriptions of the human
embryo in the Quran cannot be based on scientific knowledge from the
seventh century.
Fact #3 – Expansion of the Universe

At a time when the science of Astronomy was still primitive, the following
verse in the Quran was revealed:
“And the heaven We (God) constructed with strength, and indeed, We (God)
are [its] expander.”
Quran 51:47

One of the intended meanings of the above verse is that God is expanding
the universe (i.e. heavens). Other meanings are that God provides for, and
has power over, the universe – which are also true.

The fact that the universe is expanding (e.g. planets are moving further
away from each other) was discovered in the last century. Physicist Stephen
Hawking in his book ‘A Brief History of Time’ writes, “The discovery that
the universe is expanding was one of the great intellectual revolutions of
the twentieth century.”

The Quran alludes to the expansion of the universe even before the
invention of the telescope!
Fact #4 – Iron Sent Down

Iron is not natural to earth, as it came to this planet from outer space.
Scientists have found that billions of years ago, the earth was struck by
meteorites which were carrying iron from distant stars which had exploded.
“We sent down iron with its great inherent strength and its many benefits
for humankind.”
Quran 57:25

God uses the words ‘sent down’. The fact that iron was sent down to earth
from outer space is something which could not be known by the primitive
science of the seventh century.
Fact #5 – Sky’s Protection

The sky plays a crucial role in protecting the earth and its inhabitants
from the lethal rays of the sun, as well as the freezing cold of space.

God asks us to consider the sky in the following verse:
“We (God) made the sky a protective ceiling. And yet they are turning away
from Our signs!”
Quran 21:32

The Quran points to the sky’s protection as a sign of God, protective
properties which were discovered by scientific research conducted in the
twentieth century.
Fact #6 – Mountains

God draws our attention to an important characteristic of mountains:
“Did We not make the earth a resting place, and the mountains as stakes?”
Quran 78:6-7

The Quran accurately describes the deep roots of mountains by using the
word “stakes”. Mount Everest, for example, has an approximate height of 9km
above ground, while its root is deeper than 125km!

The fact that mountains have deep ‘stake’-like roots was not known until
after the development of the theory of plat

Why Islam? The Beauty and Benefits of Islam

2014-05-05 Thread EN ISLAM
Why Islam? The Beauty and Benefits of
Islam

Are all religions the same? How do I know which is correct? Why should I
choose Islam?

This pamphlet aims to discuss some of the beauties, benefits and unique
aspects of Islam as compared to other beliefs and religions.
1. Close Relationship with the Creator

At the core of Islam is the focus of an individual’s personal relationship
with God, their Creator. It encourages a believer to have sustained
awareness of God which is a key to lasting happiness.

Islam teaches that God is the source of peace. By focusing on this
important relationship and following God’s guidance, believers will be able
to acquire inner peace and tranquillity. Seeking lasting happiness through
other means, such as following one’s desires or the accumulation of
material possessions, will never fill the void we have. This need can only
be filled with the awareness of God.

True contentment is found in acknowledging and obeying the Creator: *“Truly,
in remembering God do hearts find rest.”* Quran 13:28

The primary reason for this close relationship is that Muslims have a
direct connection with their Creator. There is no intermediary, such as
praying to, or through, others, in worshipping God.
2. Positive Outlook on Life

Islam gives a person a clear perspective on the events that happen in their
life, both good and bad, as they are, in fact, tests from God. It
encourages a person to understand events in the context of the overall
purpose of life, which is to acknowledge God and obey Him. He created
humans with intellect and free will to test them as to who will wilfully
choose to follow His guidance. This life is an ultimate testing ground and
although we cannot control everything that happens to us, we can control
how we react. Islam encourages a person to focus on what is in their
control, to be grateful to God for blessings, and to be patient during
hardships. Patience or gratitude – this is the formula for a happy life.

Islam encourages the believer to remain free from the extremes of worldly
happiness that may cause one to forget God, and the extremes of sadness
that may cause one to lose hope and blame God. By not being overly attached
to the material world, a Muslim is empowered not only to better handle any
calamities, but to be beneficial and generous to society. This leads to a
more balanced and optimistic outlook on life.
3. Pure and Clear Concept of God

Unlike other religions, Islam is not named after its founder or the
community of its birth. Islam is an attributive title that signifies
obedience to God, the Creator of the Universe. One of its main beauties is
that it acknowledges the complete perfection, greatness and uniqueness of
God with absolutely no compromises. This is reflected in Islam’s pure
teachings of the attributes of God.

*God is One and Unique:*

   - God has no partners, no equals and no rivals.
   - God has no father, mother, sons, daughters or wives.
   - God alone is worthy of all worship.

*God is the All-Powerful:*

   - God has full authority and power over all things.
   - Obedience to God does not increase His Power, nor does disobedience
   decrease His power.

*God is the Most High:*

   - There is nothing above or comparable to God.
   - The attributes of God do not resemble that of His creation.
   - No part of God is present in anyone or anything.

*God is Perfect:*

   - God does not have any human limitations, such as resting on the
   seventh day after He created the universe.
   - God always maintains attributes of perfection and does not do anything
   to compromise this perfection such as “becoming a man” as claimed by other
   religions. God does not do ungodly acts, so if God became man and took on
   human attributes, he would, necessarily, no longer be God.

4. Emphasises Both Evidence and Faith

Islam is a religion in which faith is based on clear proof. It encourages
people to use their God given intelligence to think and ponder over their
life and the universe. Although this life is a test, God has provided
sufficient signs and guidance to people who are open-minded and sincere to
be able to acknowledge the truth.
“We (God) have certainly sent down Signs that make things clear: and God
guides whom He wills to the straight path.”Quran 24:46

Unlike other religions, there are many clear proofs, signs and miracles
that the book of Islam, The Quran, is from God.

*The Quran:*

   - Is free from any errors or contradictions, despite it being revealed
   over a period of 23 years.
   - Is preserved, word-for-word, since it was revealed in its original
   Arabic language, unlike other scriptures which have been distorted, changed
   or lost.
   - Contains a simple, pure and universal message that has a profound
   effect on all those who are sincerely searching for the truth.
   - Contains a unique and inimitable style of language that is universally
   known as the 

The Purpose Of Life

2014-04-03 Thread EN ISLAM
The Purpose Of Life


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wdhk2y6zFg4


*Thank you*

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Who Invented the Trinity?

2014-03-03 Thread EN ISLAM
*Who Invented the Trinity?*


1-How the concept of the Trinity was introduced into the Christian doctrine.
2-How the injected doctrine of the trinity remained part of the beliefs of
the Christians and how Islam defines God.



What is the source of the Christian concept of the Trinity?

The three monotheistic religions - Judaism, Christianity, and Islam - all
purport to share one fundamental concept: belief in God as the Supreme
Being, the Creator and Sustainer of the Universe.  Known as "tawhid" in
Islam, this concept of the Oneness of God was stressed by Moses in a
Biblical passage known as the "Shema", or the Jewish creed of faith:

"Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God is one Lord." (Deuteronomy 6:4)

It was repeated word-for-word approximately 1500 years later by Jesus, when
he said:

"...The first of all the commandments is, Hear, O Israel; the Lord our God
is one Lord." (Mark 12:29)

Muhammad came along approximately 600 years later, bringing the same
message again:

"And your God is One God: there is no God but He..." (Quran 2:163)

Christianity has digressed from the concept of the Oneness of God, however,
into a vague and mysterious doctrine that was formulated during the fourth
century.  This doctrine, which continues to be a source of controversy both
within and outside the Christian religion, is known as the Doctrine of the
Trinity.  Simply put, the Christian doctrine of the Trinity states that God
is the union of three divine persons - the Father, the Son and the Holy
Spirit - in one divine being.

If that concept, put in basic terms, sounds confusing, the flowery language
in the actual text of the doctrine lends even more mystery to the matter:

"...we worship one God in Trinity, and Trinity in Unity... for there is one
Person of the Father, another of the Son, another of the Holy Ghost is all
one... they are not three gods, but one God... the whole three persons are
co-eternal and co-equal... he therefore that will be saved must thus think
of the Trinity..." (excerpts from the Athanasian Creed)

Let's put this together in a different form: one person, God the Father,
plus one person, God the Son, plus one person, God the Holy Ghost, equals
one person, God the What?  Is this English or is this gibberish?

It is said that Athanasius, the bishop who formulated this doctrine,
confessed that the more he wrote on the matter, the less capable he was of
clearly expressing his thoughts regarding it.

How did such a confusing doctrine get its start?
Trinity in the Bible

References in the Bible to a Trinity of divine beings are vague, at best.

In Matthew 28:19, we find Jesus telling his disciples to go out and preach
to all nations.  While this "Great Commission" does make mention of the
three persons who later become components of the Trinity, the phrase
"...baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the
Holy Ghost" is quite clearly an addition to Biblical text - that is, not
the actual words of Jesus - as can be seen by two factors:

1)baptism in the early Church, as discussed by Paul in his letters, was
done only in the name of Jesus; and

2)the "Great Commission" was found in the first gospel written, that of
Mark, bears no mention of Father, Son and/or Holy Ghost - see Mark 16:15.

The only other reference in the Bible to a Trinity can be found in the
Epistle of 1 John 5:7.  Biblical scholars of today, however, have admitted
that the phrase:

"...there are three that bear record in heaven, the Father, the Word, and
the Holy Ghost: and these three are one"

...is definitely a "later addition" to Biblical text, and it is not found in
any of today's versions of the Bible.

It can, therefore, be seen that the concept of a Trinity of divine beings
was not an idea put forth by Jesus or any other prophet of God.  This
doctrine, now subscribed to by Christians all over the world, is entirely
man-made in origin.
The Doctrine Takes Shape

While Paul of Tarsus, the man who could rightfully be considered the true
founder of Christianity, did formulate many of its doctrines, that of the
Trinity was not among them.  He did, however, lay the groundwork for such
when he put forth the idea of Jesus being a "divine Son".  After all, a Son
does need a Father, and what about a vehicle for God's revelations to man?
 In essence, Paul named the principal players, but it was the later Church
people who put the matter together.

Tertullian, a lawyer and presbyter of the third-century Church in Carthage,
was the first to use the word "Trinity" when he put forth the theory that
the Son and the Spirit participate in the being of God, but all are of one
being of substance with the Father.
A Formal Doctrine is Drawn Up

When controversy over the matter of the Trinity blew up in 318 between two
church men from Alexandria - Arius, the deacon, and Alexander, his bishop -
Emperor Constantine stepped into the fray.

Although Christian dogma was a complete mystery to him, he did realize that
a unified ch

A Brief Introduction to Islam

2014-02-15 Thread EN ISLAM
A Brief Introduction to Islam

A brief introduction to the meaning of Islam, the notion of God in Islam,
and His basic message to humanity through the Prophets.


*http://www.islamhouse.com/426146/en/en/articles/A_Brief_Introduction_to_Islam
*

*Thank you*

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The Beauties of Islam

2014-01-21 Thread EN ISLAM
*The Beauties of Islam*



At this time in Islam’s history, when the entire religion is being judged
by the actions of a few, it is appropriate to step back from the glare of
the media spotlight and examine the beauties that infuse the way of life
known as Islam. There is greatness and splendour in Islam that is often
overshadowed by actions that have no place in Islam or by people who speak
about topics they only vaguely understand. Islam is a religion, a way of
life that inspires Muslims to try harder, reach farther and act in a manner
that is pleasing to those around them and most importantly pleasing to
their Creator.

The beauties of Islam are those things that are part of the religion and
make Islam stand out. Islam answers all of humankind’s eternal questions.
Where did I come from? Why am I here? Is this really all there is? It
answers these questions with clarity and in a beautiful way. So then, let
us begin our journey and discover and ponder over the beauties of Islam.
1.  The answers to all your questions about life are in the Quran

The Quran is a book detailing the glory of God and the wonder of His
creation; it is also a testament to His Mercy and Justice. It is not a
history book, a storybook, or a scientific textbook, although it does
contain all of those genres and more. The Quran is God’s greatest gift to
humanity – it is a book like no other, for it contains the answers to the
mysteries of life. It answers the questions and asks us to look beyond
materialism and see that this life is little more than a transient stop on
the way to everlasting life. Islam gives a clear aim and purpose to life.

“And I (God) created not the jinn and humankind, except to worship Me
(Alone).” (Quran 51:56)

Thus it is the most important book and Muslims have no doubt that it is
exactly the same today as it was when it was first revealed to Prophet
Muhammad, may God praise him. When we ask those most important questions,
we want to be sure that the answers we receive are the truth. Knowing that
the answers are coming from a book which is the unchanged Word of God,
gives comfort and solace. When God revealed the Quran, He promised to
preserve it. The words we read today are the same as those memorised and
written down by the companions of Prophet Muhammad.

“It is We Who have sent down the remembrance (i.e. the Quran) and surely,
We will guard it from corruption.” (Quran 15:9)
2.  True Happiness can be found in Islam

Rejoice and be happy, remain positive and be at peace. [1] This is what
Islam teaches us, for all God’s commandments aim to bring happiness to the
individual. The key to happiness is in understanding and worshipping God.
This worship serves as a reminder of Him and keeps us always conscious of
Him and hence we stay away from evil, committing injustices and oppression.
It elevates us to being righteous and of good character. By following His
commands, we lead a life that guides us to the best in all our affairs.
When we lead such a meaningful life, then and only then are we able to see
happiness all around us, at any given moment and even on the darkest of
times. It is even there in the touch of a hand, in the smell of rain or
newly mown grass, it is in a warm fire on a cold night or a cool breeze on
a hot day. Simple pleasures can make our hearts truly happy because they
are manifestations of God’s Mercy and Love.

The nature of the human condition means that amongst great sorrow can be
moments of joy and sometimes in moments of despair we can find an anchor in
the things that bring us happiness. Prophet Muhammad said, “*Indeed amazing
are the affairs of a believer! They are all for his benefit. If he is
granted ease then he is thankful, and this is good for him.  And if he is
afflicted with a hardship, he perseveres, and this is good for him.”* [2]
3.  In Islam we can easily communicate with God at any time of day or night

Every member of the human race is born innately knowing that God is One.
However those who do not know how to communicate with God or establish a
relationship with Him tend to find their existence puzzling and sometimes
even distressing. Learning to communicate with God and worshiping Him gives
life a whole new meaning.

According to Islam, God is accessible at any time and in any place. We need
only call on Him and He will answer the call. Prophet Muhammad advised us
to call on God often. He told us that God said,

*“I am just as My slave thinks I am, (i.e. I am able to do for him what he
thinks I can do for him) and I am with him if He remembers Me. If he
remembers Me in himself, I too, remember him in Myself; and if he remembers
Me in a group of people, I remember him in a group that is better than
they; and if he comes one span nearer to Me, I go one cubit nearer to him;
and if he comes one cubit nearer to Me, I go a distance of two outstretched
arms nearer to him; and if he comes to me walking, I go to him running.”*
[3]

In the Quran God says, “Remember Me and I will r

INTRODUCING ISLAM

2014-01-06 Thread EN ISLAM
*INTRODUCING ISLAM*



*I. ISLAM AND MUSLIMS*

The name of this religion is Islam, the root of which is Silm and Salam
which means peace. Salam may also mean greeting one another with peace. One
of the beautiful names of God is that He is the Peace. It means more than
that: submission to the One God, and to live in peace with the Creator,
within one's self, with other people and with the environment. Thus, Islam
is a total system of living. A Muslim is supposed to live in peace and
harmony with all these segments; hence, a Muslim is any person anywhere in
the world whose obedience, allegiance, and loyalty are to God, the Lord of
the Universe.

*II. MUSLIMS AND ARABS*

The followers of Islam are called Muslims. Muslims are not to be confused
with Arabs. Muslims may be Arabs, Turks, Persians, Indians, Pakistanis,
Malaysians, Indonesians, Europeans, Africans, Americans, Chinese, or other
nationalities.

An Arab could be a Muslim, a Christian, a Jew or an atheist. Any person who
adopts the Arabic language is called an Arab. However, the language of the
Qur'an (the Holy Book of Islam) is Arabic. Muslims all over the world try
to learn Arabic so that they may be able to read the Qur'an and understand
its meaning. They pray in the language of the Qur'an, namely Arabic.
Supplications to God could be in any language.

While there are one billion Muslims in the world there are about 200
million Arabs. Among them, approximately ten percent are not Muslims. Thus
Arab Muslims constitute only about twenty percent of the Muslim population
of the world.

*III. ALLAH THE ONE AND THE ONLY GOD*

Allah is the name of the One and Only God. Allah has ninety-nine beautiful
names, such as: The Gracious, The Merciful, The Beneficent, The Creator,
The All-Knowing, The All-Wise, The Lord of the Universe, The First, The
Last, and others.

He is the Creator of all human beings. He is the God for the Christians,
the Jews, the Muslims, the Buddhists, the Hindus, the atheists, and others.
Muslims worship God whose name is Allah. They put their trust in Him and
they seek His help and His guidance.

*IV. MUHAMMAD*

Muhammad was chosen by God to deliver His Message of Peace, namely Islam.
He was born in 570 C.E. (Common Era) in Makkah, Arabia. He was entrusted
with the Message of Islam when he was at the age of forty years. The
revelation that he received is called the Qur'an, while the message is
called Islam.

Muhammad is the very last Prophet of God to mankind. He is the final
Messenger of God. His message was and is still to the Christians, the Jews
and the rest of mankind. He was sent to those religious people to inform
them about the true mission of Jesus, Moses, Jacob, Isaac, and Abraham.

Muhammad is considered to be the summation and the culmination of all the
prophets and messengers that came before him. He purified the previous
messages from adulteration and completed the Message of God for all
humanity. He was entrusted with the power of explaining, interpreting and
living the teaching of the Qur'an.

*V. SOURCE OF ISLAM*

The legal sources of Islam are the Qur'an and the Hadith. The Qur'an is the
exact word of God; its authenticity, originality and totality are intact.
The Hadith is the report of the sayings, deeds and approvals of the Prophet
Muhammad. The Prophet's sayings and deeds are called Sunnah. The Seerah is
the writings of followers of Muhammad about the life of the Prophet. Hence,
it is the life history of the Prophet Muhammad which provides examples of
daily living for Muslims.

*VI. SOME ISLAMIC PRINCIPLES*

A. Oneness of God:

He is One and the Only One. He is not two in one or three in one. This
means that Islam rejects the idea of trinity or such a unity of God which
implies more than one God in one.

B. Oneness of mankind:

People are created equal in front of the Law of God. There is no
superiority for one race over another. God made us of different colors,
nationalities, languages and beliefs so as to test who is going to be
better than others. No one can claim that he is better than others. It is
only God Who knows who is better. It depends on piety and righteousness.


C. Oneness of Messengers and the Message:

Muslims believe that God sent different messengers throughout the history
of mankind. All came with the same message and the same teachings. It was
the people who misunderstood and misinterpreted them.

Muslims believe in Noah, Abraham, Isaac, Ismail, Jacob, Moses, David,
Jesus, and Muhammad. The Prophets of Christianity and Judaism are indeed
the Prophets of Islam.


D. Angels and the Day of Judgment:

Muslims believe that there are unseen creatures such as angels created by
God in the universe for special missions.

Muslims believe that there is a Day of Judgment when all people of the
world throughout the history of mankind till the last day of life on earth,
are to be brought for accounting, reward and punishment.


E. Innocence of Man at Birth:

Muslim believe that people are born free of sin. I

The Name of Our Religion Is Islam

2013-11-11 Thread EN ISLAM
The Name of Our Religion Is Islam

   - Publication Date: 9 Safar 1434 (12/22/12)

This article was written in response to the following question:

Your religion orders the worship of a man because Muslims are called
Muhammadans. How to handle this?

*The name of our religion is Islam*, and those who follow it are Muslims.
The name Muslim is given in the Quran (22:78) to the followers of Islam,
and never did the Quran or Prophet Muhammad (blessings and peace be upon
him) call the followers of the religion “Muhammadans”. Moreover, the
Muslims never used the word “Muhammadan” as a name or title to describe all
Muslims.

*Etymologically,* the name “Muhammadans” has been given to us, Muslims, by
the Europeans of the Middle Ages. This labeling may have been out of spite
and animosity, to imply that we are a cult of followers of one
man.[i] Some
may, also, have done that out of ignorance, or because they were
Christians, and being called after the Christ (blessings and peace be upon
him), they may have, through analogy, thought of us as “Muhammadans”.

*In the history of Europe during the Middle Ages,* the distortion of names
had been a common occurrence. The Europeans of the Middle Ages have, also,
called us “Saracens” and “Moors” amongst other more offensive names.

*The fact that Islam emphasizes the worship of God alone* and forbids, with
utmost condemnation, the ascribing of partners to Him, regardless of their
status, should be beyond debate. No serious intellectual or writer of our
times would contest that.

The Quran affirmed the humanity of Prophet Muhammad (blessings and peace be
upon him) in many verses, including the following,

( قُلْ إِنَّمَا أَنَا بَشَرٌ مِّثْلُكُمْ يُوحَى إِلَيَّ أَنَّمَا إِلَهُكُمْ
إِلَهٌ وَاحِدٌ ) الكهف/110 .

“Say (O Muhammad): I am only a man like you. It has been revealed to me
that your God is One God” [Quran 18/110]

“وَمَا مُحَمَّدٌ إِلَّا رَسُولٌ قَدْ خَلَتْ مِنْ قَبْلِهِ الرُّسُلُ
أَفَإِنْ مَاتَ أَوْ قُتِلَ انْقَلَبْتُمْ عَلَى أَعْقَابِكُمْ وَمَنْ
يَنْقَلِبْ عَلَى عَقِبَيْهِ فَلَنْ يَضُرَّ اللَّهَ شَيْئاً وَسَيَجْزِي
اللَّهُ الشَّاكِرِينَ” آل عمران/ 144.

“Muhammad is no more than an apostle: many were the apostle that passed
away before him. If he died or were slain, will ye 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.” [Quran 3:144]

The Prophet (blessings and peace be upon him) said,

‏( لاْ تُطْرُونِيْ كَمَا أُطرِيَ عِيْسَى ابْنُ مَرْيَمَ ، وَقُولُوْا عَبدُ
اللهِ وَرَسُولُهُ ) رواه البخاري . ‏

 “Do not exaggerate about me as was exaggerated about ‘Eesa ibn Maryam
(Jesus, son of Mary). Say: the slave of Allah and His Messenger.” [Narrated
by al-Bukhari, the mostauthentic collection of the Prophetic sayings.]

The Muslims didn’t betray that legacy of Prophet Muhammad, which was also
the legacy of Prophet Jesus (blessings and peace be upon them both.) The
first successor of the Prophet, Abu Bakr as-Siddeeq (Allah be pleased with
him), clearly highlighted this fact, upon the death of the Prophet
(blessings and peace be upon him), in his famous speechin which he said,

“من كان يعبد محمدا فإن محمدا قد مات ومن كان يعبد الله فإن الله حي لا يموت “.

“Whoever used to worship Muhammad, Muhammad has died. But he who used to
worship Allah, Allah is alive and never dies.” [al-Bukhari]

Allah, the Most High, instructed us to do and say the following,

“وَلَا تُجَادِلُوا أَهْلَ الْكِتَابِ إِلَّا بِالَّتِي هِيَ أَحْسَنُ إِلَّا
الَّذِينَ ظَلَمُوا مِنْهُمْ ۖ وَقُولُوا آمَنَّا بِالَّذِي أُنزِلَ إِلَيْنَا
وَأُنزِلَ إِلَيْكُمْ وَإِلَـٰهُنَا وَإِلَـٰهُكُمْ وَاحِدٌ وَنَحْنُ لَهُ
مُسْلِمُونَ”

“And argue not with the people of the Scripture (Jews and Christians),
unless it be in (a way) that is better (with good words and in good manner,
inviting them to Islamic Monotheism with His Verses), except with such of
them as do wrong; and say (to them): “We believe in that which has been
revealed to us and revealed to you; our God and your God is One (i.e.
Allah), and to Him we have submitted (as Muslims).” [Quran al-'Ankaboot
29:46]

I hope you will find, here above, an answer to your inquiry.
--

http://en.islamway.net/article/13957

thank you

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THE MORAL SYSTEM IN ISLAM

2013-09-19 Thread EN ISLAM
*THE MORAL SYSTEM IN ISLAM*

* *

* *

*Islam has laid down universal fundamental rights for humanity that are to
be observed and respected under all circumstances. In order to realise
these rights in one's everyday social life, Islam provides both legal
safeguards and a very effective moral system. In brief, whatever improves
the well-being of an individual or a society is morally good, and whatever
harms this well-being is morally bad.***

* *

* *

*Islam attaches great importance to the love of God and fellow human
beings, and discourages excessive formalism. We read in the Quran (what
means): **“It is not righteousness that you turn your faces towards East or
West, but [true] righteousness is [in] one who believes in Allaah, the Last
Day, the Angels, the Book, and the prophets and gives wealth, in spite of
love for it, to relatives, orphans, the needy, the traveller, those who ask
[for help], and for freeing slaves; [and who] establishes prayer and gives
Zakaah; [those who] fulfil their promise when they promise; and [those who]
are patient in poverty and hardship and during battle. Those are the ones
who have been true, and it is those who are the righteous.”** **[Quran:
2:177]***

* *

* *

*These verses give a beautiful description of the righteous and religiously
committed individual. He should obey salutary regulations but fix his gaze
on the love of God and the love of humanity. An individual's faith should
be true and sincere and he must be prepared to show it in deeds of charity
to other people and by living as a good citizen and supporter of social
organisations. Finally, individual faith must remain firm and unshaken in
all circumstances.***

* *

* *

*This is the standard by which a particular mode of conduct can be
classified as either good or bad. It also provides the nucleus around which
an individual's and society’s moral code should revolve. Before laying down
any moral injunctions, Islam seeks to implant firmly in man's heart the
conviction that his dealings are with God, Who sees him at all times and in
all places. While he may hide himself from others or deceive them, he
cannot do so with God.***

* *

* *

*Islam teaches that the objective of one's life is to live a life that is
pleasing to God. To make such a goal possible, Islam has provided humankind
with the highest possible standard of morality. This moral code, which is
both straightforward and practical, provides the individual with
innumerable ways to embark upon and then continue the path of moral
evolution. By making Divine Revelation the primary source of knowledge,
moral standards are made permanent and stable. However, this does not make
them inflexible, for there is room for reasonable adjustment and adaptation
when needed. The danger of moral relativism, now so widespread in many
societies, is thereby avoided.***

* *

* *

*Another benefit is the gradual internalisation of these moral standards,
for one seeks to obey them voluntarily to please God, not because some
government or people tell him to do so. An individual's belief in God, when
added to his belief in the Day of Judgement, is a powerful motivating
factor to live a highly moral life.***

* *

* *

*Islam does not seek to minimise the importance of traditional and***

*commonly accepted moral norms or give exaggerated importance to some and
neglect others.***

* *

* *

*The Islamic moral code incorporates all the commonly accepted moral
virtues and then endows them with a sense of balance and proportion, by
assigning each one a suitable place and function in the scheme of life. It
widens the scope of man's individual and collective life by dealing with
his domestic associations, civic conduct, and his activities in the
political, economic, legal, educational and social realms. It covers his
life from the home to the society, from the dining table to the battlefield
and peace conferences. In short, from the cradle to the grave - for no
sphere of life is exempt from the universal and comprehensive application
of the moral principles of Islam. It makes morality reign supreme and
ensures that the affairs of life are regulated by moral norms, and not
dominated by selfish desires and petty interests.***

* *

* *

*A major goal of Islam is to provide humankind with a practical and
realistic system of life by which he can conduct his life. It calls upon
humankind not only to practice virtue, but also to establish it and to
eradicate all that is harmful. It seeks the supremacy of the conscience in
all matters so that what is harmful cannot gain the upper hand either in an
individual's life or in society. Those who respond to this call are known
as Muslims, which literally means those who have submitted to God. The sole
object of the resulting community of Muslims or Ummah is undertaking an
organised effort to establish what is good and to fight and eradicate what
is evil and harmful.***

* *

* *

*Some of Islam's basic moral teachings are given below. They cover

WHAT DRIVES PEOPLE TO CONVERT TO ISLAM?

2013-07-07 Thread EN ISLAM
*WHAT DRIVES PEOPLE TO CONVERT TO ISLAM?*

*
*

The various aspects of Islam which drives people to convert despite its
negative portrayal in the media.


http://www.islamhouse.com/430052/en/en/articles/What_Drives_People_to_Convert_to_Islam?


thank yuo

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