http://www.khaleejtimes.ae/DisplayArticleNew.asp?xfile=data/opinion/2006/November/opinion_November35.xml§ion=opinion&col=
Why Islam satisfies your intellect and soul BY ABID ISHAQ 10 November 2006 DESPITE the relentless propaganda war against Islam and its followers, a great number of people today continue to embrace the religion. Among the new faithful are intellectuals, scientists, priests, and artists, young and old, from different parts of the globe. They are from among the fortunate who have educated themselves about Islam and refused to let the media and peer pressure cajole them into following baseless lies about their Creator and the relationship that He demands. Their testimonies however, only represent a drop in the ocean since every day hundreds of people are converting to Islam from all around the world. Each year, about 20,000 people in the United States alone convert to Islam, and this number is quickly rising. This is in addition to those who convert in prisons, according to a study conducted last year by the Council on American-Islamic Relations. And it's not just the West. The Islamic Center in Setagay-ku, a hub of Islamic activity in Tokyo, registered over 80 new members this year, the majority Japanese women. In a few years, Islam will be the religion with the largest number of followers on Earth, superseding Christianity. Yet, there exists a number of false widespread ideas about Islam. Often, these ideas are the result of ignorance, prejudice, or simple old-fashioned propaganda. Although anti-Islamic headlines greet us every morning, it is important for non-Muslims and Muslims alike to filter out the irrelevant. A person who is unfamiliar with Islamic teachings might be surprised to hear that Islam does not rely upon blind faith to make its case, but rather, encourages us to use our minds. For example, the Holy Quran invites us to ponder upon the wonders of creation, and challenges us with intellectual arguments. Further study of the Holy Quran demonstrates that sound reasoning and scientific knowledge confirm rather than contradict authentic revelation. Contemplating the Holy Quran and our surroundings, help us to distinguish truth from falsehood. Indeed, one of the many unique aspects of Islam is its ability to satisfy the intellect whilst bringing peace to the soul. And this is exactly why thousands around the globe are turning to Islam, simply because they are in need of their Lord. Allah says in the Holy Quran, "O mankind! It is you who stand in need of Allah, but Allah is Rich (Free of all wants and needs), Worthy of All Praise." (35:15). After reading this verse, the intellectuals realise that man can have no better guidance than that which comes from the One Who had perfected everything, and the One who has no deficiency in Himself and in His Attributes. The One Who is Ever-Living and Who does not die. There can be no one better than the One Who has no need for anything; the One Who is rich; the Giver; the One who, after all, controls man's soul. Man is so poor and in complete need of Him. He is Allah (SWT), the True and only God. Man does nothing but brings harm to himself if he seeks other than Allah for help. Allah is the One Who can help man drive away any harm for it cannot occur without His Will and His Power. Knowing Allah's Names and Attributes liberates man from worshiping any form of creation since we are weak and in need of The Creator, Allah. The knowledge about Allah leads man to know that he is created to live according to Allah's way as revealed to the last Messenger Muhammad (peace be upon him). This revelation contains a complete code of life. Everything that is beneficial or harmful is established so that man can centre his life on this Revelation. If man commits wrong and knows that Allah is Oft-Forgiving he would turn to Him and to Him alone seeking His forgiveness: "Know, therefore, that there is no God Who deserves to be worshipped except Allah; and ask forgiveness for your sins." (Qur'an, 47:19) The freedom and liberation that Islam provides has gained it millions of followers around the world. Muslims adhering to the teachings of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) are living testimony of the simplicity that an Islamic lifestyle brings about. Abid Ishaq can be reached at [EMAIL PROTECTED] +++ -------------------------- Want to discuss this topic? Head on over to our discussion list, [EMAIL PROTECTED] -------------------------- Brooks Isoldi, editor [EMAIL PROTECTED] http://www.intellnet.org Post message: osint@yahoogroups.com Subscribe: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Unsubscribe: [EMAIL PROTECTED] *** FAIR USE NOTICE. This message contains copyrighted material whose use has not been specifically authorized by the copyright owner. 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