CONTENTS:
The Way of PeacePrinciples of
the Islamic Way of LifeThe Pillars
of Faith in IslamNo Chosen People
The Qur'an
The Life of
the ProphetWomen in Islam
Spiritual Status
Intellectual
StatusRole as a Wife
Role as a Mother
Polygamy and
IslamThe Prohibited
in IslamHalal and Haram
Pork
Halal Meat
Christ in Islam
Jesus in the
Qur'anThe Qur'an Re-establishes
the Second Coming of JesusProphet Muhammad
in the Old and New TestamentsBiblical Verses
Testify That Jesus is Not GodThe Qur'an Speaks
Jesus is Not
GodMuhammad is
Not GodIs the Qur'an
the Word of God?The Authenticity
of the Qur'anScientific Discoveries
Conform with Qur'anic VersesSex Determining
Factor in the Qur'an and ScienceHuman Development
in the Qur'anIslamic Qualities
Ethics of Islam
Faith and Action
Inherent Purity
The Position
of Women in IslamEquality of
Mankind and the Brotherhood of IslamPersonal Judgement
Knowledge
Sanctity of
LabourCharity
Moral Teachings
No Priesthood
Forgiveness
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THE WAY OF PEACEGlory to God
Most High, full of Grace and Mercy. He created all including man.
To man He gave a special place in His Creation. He honoured man
to be His agent, and to that end, endued him with understanding,
purified his affections, and gave him spiritual insight; so that
man should understand nature, understand himself and know God through
His wondrous Signs, and glorify Him in Truth, Reverence and Unity.For the fulfilment
of this great trust, man was given a will, so that his acts should
reflect Gods universal Will and Law, and his mind freely choosing,
should experience sublime joy of being in harmony with the infinite,
and with the great drama of the world around him, and with his own
spiritual growth."Know that the life of this world is but play and amusement,
pomp and mutual boasting and multiplying, (in rivalry) among yourselves,
riches and children. Here is a similitude: how rain and the growth
which it brings forth, delights (the hearts of) the farmers: soon
it withers: you will see it grow yellow: then it becomes dry and
crumbles away. But in the Hereafter is a penalty severe (For the
devotee of wrong) and Forgiveness from God and (His) Good Pleasure
For the devotees of God and what is the life of this world, but
a matter of illusion".
(Qur'an, Al-Hadid 57:20)The average
Human Being lives for about sixty years. Twenty years of this life
is taken up by sleeping and approximately ten years in growing and
learning. Taking into account, another twenty years in working and
worry, we are left with a meagre ten years to enjoy the 'realities'
of life without the above 'prerequisites'. However, even with such
freedom one encounters physical pitfalls such as illness, anxiety,
and the natural process of ageing. Overall, the life of this world
may be summed up as a bitter-sweet game or test with no 'apparent'
purpose.Muslims believe
that the limited life in this world merely serves as a transition
toward life eternal, in Paradise. For those who strive in the right
path awaits a bounteous reward and for those who strive toward ignorance,
awaits a terrible punishment.Muslims also
believe that 'to be successful' in this world means to achieve one's
aims and duties for this life, and for the life in the Hereafter.
Muslims invest in the worldly life through commitment toward the
family and invest in the Hereafter through giving charity and poor-due.Muslims view
the pleasures of this world as being petty and restricted by our
own senses and imagination, whereas the pleasures of the Hereafter
are mind-blowing and boundless; as a gift from the Most Merciful,
the Most Kind.
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PRINCIPLES OF THE ISLAMIC WAY OF LIFEIslam means
absolute submission to the Will of Allah and those who by choice
submit to the Will of Allah are Muslims.(Note: Allah
is the Arabic word which means the One and Only God, who is Self-Subsisting;
Eternal; neither Slumber or Sleep overtaketh Him; the Source of
Peace and Perfection, the Supreme; the Exalted in Might, the Irresistible,
no vision can comprehend Him but He comprehends all; who begets
not and who is not begotten and there is nothing liken unto Him
that can be imagined. Such is Allah our Lord and your Lord; the
only One deserving of worship; worthy of all Praise.)
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The Pillars of Faith in Islam
The Declaration of Faith, which reads: la illaha illa Allah, Muhammad
ur Rasul Lul Lah (There is no other object worthy of worship but
Allah and Muhammad is the Messenger of Allah).
The Muslim also believes in:All the Prophets and Messengers of Allah, including Adam, Abraham,
Moses, David and Jesus. etc.All the revealed
Books of Allah of which the Qur'an is the last and perfect revelation.All the Angels
who are spiritual beings of Allah.The Islamic
doctrine that the power of actions proceeds from Allah and every
human being is morally responsible for his own actions.The Day of Resurrection
and of Judgement.Obligatory Prayers,
five times a day.Fasting during
the Muslim month of Ramadan. This fasting takes the form of basically
abstaining from all foods, drinks and sensual pleasures from dawn
to sunset.Zakat which
is an obligatory tax or 'poor-due' on certain assets above a prescribed
quantity.The Pilgrimage
to Mecca, if one has the means of performing it.
Islam is a complete way of life. It is the guidance provided by
God, the Creator of the Universe, for all mankind.Islam is not
a new religion. It is in essence, the same message and guidance
provided by God revealed to all His Prophets."Say: we
believe in God and in what has been revealed to us, and what was
revealed to Abraham, Isma'il: Isaac, Jacob and The Tribes, and in
(the Books) given to Moses, Jesus and the Prophets, from their Lord:
We make no distinction between one and another, among them, and
to God do we bow our will (in Islam)."
(Qur'an, Al-'Imran 3:84)The message
which was revealed to the Prophet Muhammad is Islam in its comprehensive,
complete and final form."Let there
be no compulsion in Religion: truth stands out clear from error:
whoever rejects evil and believes in Allah (one God) has grasped
the most trustworthy hand hold, that never breaks. and Allah hears,
and knows all things."(Qur'an, Al-Baqarah 2:256)
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No Chosen PeopleIslam rejects
the idea of Chosen people, making faith in the one God and good
actions the sole key to Paradise.
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THE QUR'AN
The Qur'an is the complete book of guidance for mankind. It is the
Sacred books for the Muslims and the main source of Law in Islam.
The whole of the Qur'an is from Allah. Each word of it is a revealed
word. It was sent down to Muhammad through the angel Gabriel. The
Qur'an is in the Arabic language. It was revealed, piecemeal and
completed over a period of twenty three years.No other book
in the world can match the Qur'an, even with respect to its recording
and preservation. The astonishing fact about this book of Allah
is that it has remained unchanged, even to a dot, over the last
fourteen hundred years. The Qur'an was recorded as soon as it was
revealed under the personal supervision of the Prophet Muhammad
.
The Qur'an exists today in its original form. It is a miracle, in
the sense that it has survived so many centuries without being altered
or tampered with in any way. The message of the Qur'an is a mercy
to mankind and is the final revelation from Allah to humanity. The
Qur'an addresses humanity and calls them to contemplate their creation,
the purpose of their existence and then to act upon the truth based
on proof.The Qur'an is
recited and memorised by Muslims all over the world everyday. No
variation of text can be found in it. You can check this for yourself
by listening to the recitation of Muslims from different parts of
the world.
Every word in it has been preserved intact.
Allah the almighty,
has Himself taken the responsibility of preserving the Qur'an and
He says:"Surely,
We have revealed this reminder and lo, We verily are its guardian."(Qur'an,
Al-Hijr 15:9)
The Qur'an is
a living proof of the existence of Allah, the All Powerful. It is
also a testimony of the validity of the Islamic way of life for
all times. Arabic the language of the Qur'an, unlike the languages
of other revealed books, is a living, dynamic and a very rich language.
Millions of people all over the world speak and use Arabic in their
daily life. This is further testimony to the unchanging character
of the Qur'an.The subject
matter of the Qur'an is MAN and HIS ULTIMATE goal in life. Qur'anic
teaching cover all areas of this life and the life after death.
It contains principles, doctrines and directions for every sphere
of Human activity. The theme of the Qur'an consists broadly of three
fundamental beliefs - TAWHEED, RISALAH AND AKHIRAH. Tawheed is the
basic theme of the Qur'an. All the Prophets and Messengers of Allah
called people towards Tawheed. The Qur'an gives a picturesque description
of Paradise which will be rewarded to the true obedient servants
of Allah. The severe punishment to be metered out to the evildoers
has also been depicted vividly in the Qur'an.The Qur'an urges
mankind to follow its guidance and teachings. The success of human
beings on earth and in the life after death depends on obedience
to the Qur'anic teachings. We cannot perform our duties as the servants
of Allah and His agents, if we do not follow the Qur'an. The Qur'an
urges us to work for the supremacy of Islam and for the removal
of all evils.The superb style
of the Qur'an has a tremendous effect on its readers. It totally
changes the pattern of the life of those who believe and practice
its teachings. It leaves a soothing effect on the mind of the reader,
even if he does not fully understand its meaning.
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THE LIFE OF THE PROPHETThe Prophet
Muhammad rose from an orphan boy (having lost his father before
his birth and his mother while yet a child of five) to be the greatest
force known to history for the moral, spiritual and social regeneration
of a fallen humanity. While yet a young man, he was known and respected
for his purity and integrity, being nick-named AL-AMIN which means,
the trustworthy. For thirteen years he and a small band of followers
were subjected to the worst persecution - ostracism, torture and
social boycott. Ultimately he had to flee Mecca along with his followers,
seeking refuge in Medina - at a distance of 250 miles. His opponents,
however, did not leave him alone there. There stirred up the tribes
against him and made attack after attack upon him in the distant
asylum, to put an end to what they considered to be a menace to
their inherited superstitions iniquitous hegemony. In the encounters
which followed, the superior morale of the Muslims of faith in a
noble cause triumphed over all the forces ranged against them.Unlike common
victors in history who inflict all sorts of punishments on the vanquished,
the Prophet Muhammad , in the highest spirit of chivalry, (which
Islam teaches towards a fallen foe) not only gave his blood thirsty
enemies a general amnesty, but extended towards them a hand of fellowship.
Thereby, welding the whole populace into a solid, compact brotherhood
inaugurating the new era, where morals and social justice reigned
supreme.From an orphan
to the head of state, the Prophet Muhammad saw life in all its vicissitudes,
and went through its manifold ups and downs. Through all these situations
he brought a lustre of his own, thereby blazing in this dark and
dismal struggle of life, the path of truth, honour and dignity to
seekers after truth in all walks of life. Above all, the sense that
he was a humble servant of God, which was the sum and substance
of his mission, never left him.Even as a ruler
of the vast domain of the Arabian Peninsula, he lived the life of
a simple man, washing and stitching his own clothes, milking his
goats, mending his shoes and lending a helping hand in household
work.In the Prophet
Muhammad were fulfilled the prophecies of both Moses and Jesus (peace
be upon them) as to the advent of a prophet who would bring a new
law and lead the people unto all truth:"The Lord
thy God will raise unto thee a Prophet from the midst of thee, of
thy brethren, like unto me: unto him ye shall hearken." (Deuteronomy
18:15)"I have
yet many things to say unto you, but ye cannot bare them now. How
be it when HE, the spirit of truth is come, HE will guide you into
all truth: for HE shall not speak of himself, but whatsoever HE
shall hear, that shall HE speak, and HE will show you things to
come." (John 16:12-13)
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WOMEN IN ISLAMSpiritual
StatusThe Qur'an provides
clear-cut evidence that woman is completely equated with man, in
the sight of God in terms of her rights and responsibilities.The Qur'an states:
"Every
soul will be (held) in pledge for its deeds."(Qur'an, Al-Muddaththir
74:38)
"Surely
for men who submit (to God) and for women who submit (to God), And
believing men, and believing women, for devout men, and devout women,
for truthful men, and truthful women, for steadfast men, and steadfast
women, for humble men, and humble women, for charitable men and
charitable women, for men who fast and women who fast, for men who
guard their chastity, and women who guard their chastity, for men
who remember God much, and for women who remember, for them God
has prepared, forgiveness, and a mighty reward."(Qur'an, Al-Azhab
33:35)And Again God
says :"Whosoever
performs good deeds, whether male or female, and is a believer,
we shall surely make him live a good life, and We will certainly
reward them for the best of what they did."(Qur'an, An-Nahl
16:97)Each of the
Five pillars of Islam: Belief, Prayer, Fasting, Poor-due and Pilgrimage
- is as important for women as for men, as there is no differentiation
of their rewards.
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Intellectual StatusThe Prophet
Muhammad said:"The search
for knowledge is a duty for every Muslim (male or female) and seek
knowledge from the cradle to the grave.""Knowledge"
for a Muslim is not divided into sacred and secular, and the implication
of these sayings of the Prophet , is that every boy or girl, man
or woman, should pursue his or her education as far as possible,
bearing in mind the words of Allah in the Qur'an."...Those
who truly fear God, among his Servants, are those who have knowledge..."(Qur'an,
Fatir 35:28)In Islam therefore,
both men and women are credited with the capacity for learning and
understanding and teaching, and one of the aims of acquiring knowledge
is that of becoming more conscious of God. It is considered, in
Islam that the more a person, male or female, studies the creation
and observes its workings, the more he or she becomes conscious
of the Creator, the Power who made and sustains the creation.
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Role as a WifeThe Qur'an clearly
indicates that marriage is sharing between the two halves of the
society, and that its objectives, beside perpetuating human life,
are emotional well-being and spiritual harmony.Its basis is
love and mercy.Among the most
impressive verses of the Qur'an about marriage is the following:"And among
His Signs is this: That He created mates for you from among yourselves,
that you may find rest, peace of mind in them, and he ordained between
you love and mercy. Verily in that are signs for those who reflect."(Qur'an,
Ar-Rum 30:21)According to
Islamic Law, women cannot be forced to marry anyone without their
consent. As, the women's right to decide about her marriage is recognised,
so also her right to seek an end for an unsuccessful marriage is
recognised.To provide for
the stability of the family, however, and in order to protect it
from hasty decisions under temporary emotional stress, certain steps
and waiting periods should be observed by men and women seeking
divorce.Besides all
other provisions for her protection at the time of marriage, it
was specifically decreed that woman has the full right to her Mahr
(dowry), which is presented to her by her husband and is included
in the marriage contract, and that such ownership does not transfer
to her father or husband. The concept of Mahr in Islam is neither
an actual or symbolic price for the woman, as was the case in certain
cultures, but rather it is a gift symbolising love and affection.The Qur'an states:
"They are
garments for you, while you are garments for them."(Qur'an,
Al-Baqarah 2:187)Prophet Muhammad
said:"The best
of you, is the best to his family and I am the best among you to
my family.""The most
perfect believers are the best in conduct and best of you are those
who are best to their wives." (Ibn Hanbal no 7396)Man in Islam
is fully responsible for the maintenance of his wife, his children
and some cases of his needy relatives especially females. This responsibility
is neither waved or reduced because of his wife's wealth, or because
of her access to any personal income gained from work, rent, profit
or any legal means.Woman, on the
other hand, is far more secure financially and far less burdened
with any claims on her possessions. Her possessions before marriage
do not transfer to her husband and she even keeps her maiden name.
She has no obligation to spend on her family out of her wealth.
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Role as a MotherApart from her
role as a wife, the Muslim woman has a very important role as a
mother. The status and value attached to parents in the Muslim world
is very high.The Qur'an says
:"Your Lord
has decreed that you should worship none but Him, and show kindness
to your parents, whether one or both of them attain old age, while
they are still with you. Never say to them 'shame' nor scold either
of them, Speak to them in a generous fashion. Protect them carefully
and say: Lord show them mercy, just as they cared for me as a little
child."
(Qur'an, Al-Isra 17:23-24)Allah also says:
"We have
enjoined man to respect his parents: His mother bears him with fainting
after fainting, While his weaning takes two years. Thank Me as well
as your parents; Towards me lies the goal."(Qur'an, Luqman
31:14)The Muslim mother
has consequently a great feeling of security about the type of care
and consideration that she can expect from her children when she
reaches old age. As the verse of the Qur'an quoted above indicates,
thankfulness to parents is linked with thankfulness to God.A man came to
the Prophet asking:"Messenger
of God, who is the most deserving of good care from me?"
The Prophet replied: "Your mother", The man asked again:
"Who else?"
The Prophet replied: "Your mother", The man said: "Who
else?"
The Prophet replied: "Your mother, then your father, then your
nearest relatives in order." (Related by Bukhari)In another narration,
The Prophet has said:"Paradise
lies at the feet of your mother." (Related by Bukhari)Thus, emphasizing
that Paradise awaits those who cherish and respect their mothers.
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Summing UpIn Islam, the
relationship between men and women is to compliment each other and
not to compete against one another. In conclusion; the following
rights have been given to the Muslim women, in the Qur'an some 1400
years ago, without any changes (whilst their "Western"
sisters have only recently gained some of the rights listed below.)
Spiritual equality.
Not, responsible
for Adam's sin.Right to choose
husband.Right to seek
divorce.Right to inheritance.
Exclusive ownership
of personal gains and acquired wealth.Right to education
(to any level).Right to seek
employment.Right to keep
maiden name.
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POLYGAMY AND ISLAMIslam is a practical
way of life, answering all aspects of human civilisation. Islam
allows, restricted polygamy - marriage to more than one woman. The
normal marriage practice is monogamy - one man married to one woman
- polygamy is the exception.Muslim men are
allowed to marry more than one woman, if, and only if, they are
prepared and capable of dealing equally and justly between each
of them.The fact is
emphasized in the Qur'an :"To orphans
restore their property (when they reach their age), nor substitute
(your) worthless things for (their) good ones; and devour not their
substance (by mixing it up) with your own. For this is indeed a
great sin.
If you fear that you shall not be able to deal justly with the orphans,
marry women of your choice, two, or three or four; but if you feel
that you shall not be able to deal justly (with them), then only
one, or that your right hands possess. That will be more suitable,
to prevent you from doing injustice.(Qur'an,
An-Nisa 4:2-3)As Islam prohibits
adultery and the keeping of mistresses, a man may take more than
one wife ONLY if he is able to be just to both wives, as opposed
to the western society which allows a man to have as many mistresses
as he wants without providing them with any rights or security.Some of the
reasons why a man may choose to take a second wife are as follows:When a wife
is barren and cannot bear children, but they wish for children,
but they wish for children. It is better for the man to have a second
wife rather than divorce the first, but the first wife may divorce
the man.If the wife
is chronically ill and she is unable to carry out her normal marital
and household duties, then the husband may marry an additional wife
and so help restore the family balance.Polygamy may
be an answer to a society which has more women than men. This happens
especially after the problem of war.
But, we remind
readers that a man does not have to have a reason to take a second
wife, but he must consider the effect that it will have on the other
wife and his existing family. In other words if he takes another
wife, it must not be at the sacrifice of the first. So it is something
that he has to think about seriously. He must also realise in the
end he is responsible to Allah for all his actions.An overwhelming
majority of Muslims are monogamous – they have only one wife.
The fact that only a minority of Muslims have more than one wife
has become a centre of propaganda against Islamic teachings and
undoubtedly such emphasis on a very minor issue can give a misleading
impression of the true Islamic way of living.
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THE PROHIBITED IN ISLAMHalal and
HaramThe Prohibition
of Things is Due to Their Impurity and Harmfulness:It is the right
of Allah, the One Who created the universe and bestowed innumerable
favours upon mankind, to legalise or prohibit as He deems proper.In Islam things
are prohibited only because they are impure or harmful. If something
is entirely harmful it is 'haram', and if it is entirely beneficial
it is 'halal'; if the harm of it outweighs its benefit it is haram,
while if its benefit outweighs its harm it is halal. This principle
is explained in the Qur'an in relation to wine and gambling:
"They ask you concerning wine and gambling. Say (O Prophet);
in them is great sin and some benefit for human beings, but the
sin is Greater than the benefit..."(Qur'an, Al-Baqarah 2:219)Another Islamic
principal is that if something is prohibited, anything which leads
to it is likewise prohibited. By this means Islam intends to block
all avenues leading to what is haram. For example Islam has prohibited
adultery, it has also prohibited anything which leads to it or makes
it attractive such as seductive clothing, private meetings and casual
meetings between men and women, the depiction of nudity, pornographic
literature, obscene songs, and so on.One of the beauties
of Islam is that it has prohibited only such things as are unnecessary
and dispensable, while providing alternatives which are better and
which give greater ease and comfort to human beings.Allah has prohibited
seeking omens by drawing lots but has provided the alternative of
istikhara, which is to ask guidance from Him in making a choice
between two conflicting decisions. He has prohibited usury but has
encouraged profitable trade. He has prohibited gambling but has
encouraged healthy forms of competition such as sport.He has prohibited
adultery, fornication, and homosexuality but has encouraged lawful
marriage.He has prohibited
intoxicating drinks in order that they may enjoy other delicious
drinks which are beneficial for the body and mind.And He has prohibited
unclean food but provides alternative wholesome food."O you
who believe! Do not make unlawful the good things which God has
made lawful for you. But commit no excess: for God does not Love
those given to excess."(Qur'an, Al-Maidah 5:90)
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Pork
Forbidden by Allah's Word in the Qur'an"Forbidden
to you (for food), are; dead meat, blood, the flesh of swine, and
that on which has been invoked, the name of other than God..."
(Qur'an, Al-Maidah 5:4)Forbidden
in the Bible:"And the
swine,...he is unclean to you. Of the flesh shall ye not eat, and
their carcass shall ye not touch; they are unclean to you."
(Leviticus 11:7-8)
The same command is repeated in Deuteronomy 14:8 and similarly in
Matthew 5:17-19.From the
medical point of view:Herbivorous
animals such as cattle and sheep eat of clean fresh fodder and cereals,
whereas the pig will eat waste animal products including offal and
carrion and even human flesh.Worms and Parasites:
As transferred from pig to man:- Trichina Worms, Tapeworms (taenia
Solium), Roundworms, Hookworms, Faciolopsis Buski, Paragonimius,
Clonorchis Sinosis, Erysipelothrix Rhusiophathiae. The above worms
and parasites are responsible for many diseases, many of them are
contagious, others are fatal.
These include
Anaemia, inflammation of the bowels, Pneumonia and serious diseases
of the liver and chest region.Uric Acid: Uric
Acid (known cause of heart disease and rheumatism) has an approximately
20% extraction rate from the kidneys of the pig. Herbivorous animals
have an 80% extraction rate. Hence, relative to other animals, a
high concentration of Uric Acid is found in Pork.Fatty Acids:
Pork Fat is very harmful to the body, being difficult to digest
and efficiently convert to energy. Pork Fat is absorbed by the body
and consequently accumulates in human tissue as animal fat. Herbivorous
animal fat is broken down by the body within the bloodstream resynthesising
the fat into a readily available energy source.
Note: Pork is
not the only meat which is prohibited, but the flesh of all carnivorous
animals is not allowed to be eaten, while that of herbivorous animals
is permitted.
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Halal MeatThe conditions
of Islamic slaughtering:The declaration
of the Name of God before killing:"Then eat
of that over which the Name of Allah has been mentioned, if you
believe in His Signs."
(Qur'an, Al-Anam 6:118)"And do
not eat of that over which the name of Allah has not been mentioned,
for truly that is impiety..."
(Qur'an, Al-Anam 6:121)The wisdom of
the Islamic method of slaughtering is to take the animals life in
the quickest and least painful way; the requirements of using a
sharp instrument and of cutting the throat relate to this end.
By using a sharp knife and cutting the windpipe, the gullet, and
the two jugular veins without severing the spine, the animal will
be subject to the least amount of pain. This method allows the animal's
heart to pump out blood; whilst the brain is supplied with blood,
instructing the heart to beat.Health-wise,
such a method is justified as it allows the minimum amount of blood
to remain in the flesh. In this way the high level of Uric Acid
found in the bloodstream is kept to a minimum. It is a known medical
fact that Uric Acid is responsible for most cases of heart disease
and rheumatism.The Islamic
method of slaughter is ordered by God and it is obvious from a medical
point of view that such a way is most beneficial for the health
of humans.
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CHRIST IN ISLAMJesus in
the Qur'anThe acceptance
of Jesus Christ (peace be upon him) by Muslims is a fundamental
article of faith in Islam, and that a Muslim can never think of
Jesus (peace be upon him) in any derogatory terms. A Muslim is happily
denied the liberty of defaming Jesus (peace be upon him) or any
other prophet of God.A Muslim's concept
of God, religion, prophethood, revelation and humanity makes him
accept Jesus (peace be upon him) not only as an historical fact
but also as one of the most distinguished apostles of God.Islamic beliefs
depict Jesus (peace be upon him) in a most respectable manner and
place him as high in status as God himself has placed him.The Muslim believes
that the greatness of Jesus (peace be upon him) arises from the
fact that he was chosen by God and honoured with His word; that
he was entrusted with the revelations of God and commissioned to
teach His message; that he fought hypocrisy and blasphemy; that
he was distinguished in the beginning at the time of his birth and
in the end at the time of ascension; and that he was a sign to the
people and a mercy from God.In fact, Mary
is the only woman mentioned in the Qur'an by name.Jesus (peace
be upon him) in the Qur'an:"Behold!
the angels said: O Mary! God gives glad tidings of a Word from Him;
his name will be Christ Jesus. The son of Mary, held in honour in
this world and the Hereafter and of (the company of) those nearest
to God."
(Qur'an, Al-'Imran 3:45)"She said:
O My Lord! How shall I have a son when no man has touched me? He
said: Even so; God creates what He wills when He has decreed a plan,
He but says to it, 'Be' and it is!"
"And God will teach him The Book of Wisdom, the Law and the
Gospel!(Qur'an,
Al-'Imran 3:47-48)"The similitude
of Jesus before God is as that of Adam; He created him from dust,
then said to him, 'Be', and he was."(Qur'an, Al-'Imran 3:59)
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The Qur'an Re-establishes the Second Coming of JesusAs has been
revealed in the Qur'an:Jesus Christ
(peace be upon him) will be returning to this world before the day
of Resurrection to become a leader of the Muslim Nation:"And (Jesus)
shall be a sign (for the coming of) The Hour of (Judgement): therefore
have no doubt about the (Hour), but follow ye Me; this is a straight
way."
"Let not
the Evil One hinder you; for he is to you a plain enemy.""And when
Jesus came to you with clear signs he said: I have come to you with
Wisdom and in Order to make clear to you some of the points in which
you differ; therefore fear God and obey me.""For God,
He is my Lord and your Lord: so worship Him. This is a straight
way."(Qur'an, Az-Zukhruf
43:61-64)Reproduced below are Verses 119 to 121 Surah Maidah, Chapter 5,
depicting the scene of Judgement Day, when God will question Jesus
(peace be upon him) regarding the misdirected zeal of his supposed
followers in worshipping him and his mother: and his response:"And behold!
God will say: O Jesus the son of Mary! Did you say unto men, worship
me and my mother as Gods in derogation of God? He will say: Glory
to Thee! Never could I say what I had no right (to say). Had I said
such a thing. You would indeed have known it. You know what is in
my heart, though I know not what is in thine. For You know in full
all that is hidden."
"Never
said I to them anything except what You did command me to say; worship
God, my Lord and your Lord. And I was a witness over them whilst
I dwelled amongst them; when you did take me up. You were the Watcher
over them, and You are a witness to all things.""If You
do punish them, They are Your servants: If You forgive them, You
are the Exalted in power. The wise."(Qur'an, Al-Maidah
5:119-121)
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Prophet Muhammad in the Old and New TestamentsThe Old Testament:
Isaiah XXI:7:
Translation:"He saw two riders one of them was a rider upon an ass and
the other a rider upon a camel, he harkened diligently with much
heed."
Isaiah saw in a vision two riders, one of them was a rider upon
an ass and the other a rider upon a camel. In our opinion the above
passage is the faithful rendering of the original Hebrew. In the
English Bible, however, it is thus translated: "He saw a chariot
of asses and a chariot of camels, etc".The Vulgate
has it as follows: "He saw a chariot of two horsemen, a rider
upon an ass and a rider upon a camel, etc".There can be
no doubt that of the two riders represented by the Prophet Isaiah,
as being the restorers of the true worship of the Godhead, the rider
upon the ass is Jesus Christ (peace be upon him), because he so
made his entry into Jerusalem, and that by the rider of the camel
is meant by the prophet of Arabia, of which country the camel is
characteristic of conveyance.
Soloman 5:16:
Hikko Mamittadim
Vilullo Mahamadim Zehdudi Vezem Raa. Benote Yapus Halam.
The English translation thereof is as follows:"His mouth is most sweet; yea, he is Muhammad altogether lovely.
This is my beloved and this is my friend. O daughter of Jerusalem."
King Soloman has named the Prophet: that was to come "Muhammadin".
In Hebrew the suffix 'la' is used to express respect as the term
'Eloha' which means 'God' is mentioned in Bible as "Elohim".
It is thus clear that Soloman has quite distinctly mentioned the
name of the Prophet Mohammed that was to come as "Muhammad".
But an error is made, intentionally, or unintentionally, by translation
of the proper name as "Altogether Lovely". Even the translation
'Altogether Lovely' is a befitting attribute of the Prophet , as
mentioned in the words of Hadith.Deuteronomy 18:15:
"The Lord
thy God will raise unto thee a Prophet from the midst of thee, of
thy brethren, like unto Me; unto him ye shall hearken".
The New Testament:The Gospel of
Barnabas:
Introduction to Barnabas.This part consists
of the prophecies and glad tidings about the advent of the Last
Prophet Muhammad as foretold in the Gospel of Barnabas, which was
accepted as a Canonical Gospel in the Churches of Alexandria till
325 AD In 383 AD the Pope acquired a copy of the Gospel which was
put in his private library.When Pope Sixtos
IX (1565-1590) became Pope, his friend Fra Marino saw the Gospel
of Barnabas there. He translated it in the Italian language, his
mother tongue.The Italian
manuscript was discovered by J F Cramer Counsellor to the King of
Prussia who in 1713 presented it to the Prince Eugene of Savoy.
In 1738 along with the library of the Prince it found its way into
Hofbiblyothex in Vienna. The manuscript in the Imperial Library
of Vienna is still there. This was translated into English by Mr
and Mrs Ragg in Oxford in 1907 and printed in Oxford, at the Clarendon
Press.Barnabas was
a Jew born in Cyprus. His name was Joses and due to his piety and
devotion, he was given the title of Barnabas by other apostles.In the Acts
of the Apostles, Barnabas is mentioned as follows:"And Joses,
who by the Apostles was surnamed Barnabas, which is being interpreted
(the son of Consolation), a Levite and of the country of Cyprus."
Barnabas understood the teachings of Christ better due to his close
association with Jesus (peace be upon him).Advent of
Prophet Muhammad as foretold by Jesus Christ (peace be upon him):Then said the
priest, "How shall the Comforter be called and what sign shall
reveal his coming?" Jesus (peace be upon him) answered, "The
name of the Comforter is Admirable for God have him the name when
He created his soul and placed it in celestial splendour. God said
'Await Muhammad, for thy sake I will create Paradise, the World
and a great multitude of creatures. Whereof I make thee a present,
in so much that whoso shall bless thee shall be blessed, and whoso
shall curse thee shall be accursed. When I shall send thee unto
the world, I shall send thee as my Messenger of Salvation and thy
word shall be true. In so much that Heaven and Earth shall fail,
but thy faith shall never fail. Muhammad is his blessed name.' "
Then the crowd lifted up their voice saying, "O God, send us
Thy Messenger! O Muhammad, come quickly for the salvation of the
world.""I therefore
say unto you that the Messenger of God is a splendour that shall
give gladness to nearly all that God hath made, for he is adorned
with the spirit of understanding and 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 had received from God three times more than he had 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 hath seen him; seeing that of his spirit God
giveth to them prophecy. And when I saw him, my soul was filled
with consolation saying, 'O Muhammad, God be with thee and may He
make me worthy to untie thy shoelace, for obtaining this I shall
be a great prophet and holy one of God' ".Conclusion:
This now is
a fascinating revelation of the private teachings not yet divulged
to the masses. The purity of the character of Jesus (peace be upon
him) gives boundless charm to the magnificence of a God-given wisdom
unto Christ (peace be upon him).The sacrifice
of Ishmael together with the further evidence of the prophecy of
Christ (peace be upon him) has been hidden behind a 'veil' - a veil
that is intermingled with strange interpretations of the present
day. This remains as a plain and simple truth without the 'touch
of allegory'. It is not susceptible to several interpretations.
It give the heretofore veiled incidents of the life of Christ (peace
be upon him). The untold secrets now remain for the public gaze.It is for any
challenger of facts to disprove that these amazing documents of
'Barnabas' are not in the Imperial Library in Vienna. The roots
for the liberty of our soul planted in the heart of the earth by
Saint Barnabas, is that he instinctively dispensed the knowledge
gained to the disciples to convey and carry throughout the ages.During the early
ministry of Christ (peace be upon him) he sought, trained and prepared
twelve disciples, amongst whom was Barnabas, to be spiritually worthy,
morally and ethically qualified, to perpetuate the knowledge that
Christ Jesus (peace be upon him) brought to earth, The exclusion
of these secrets during the Christian Era is a demonstration of
a knowledge, which could become the most potent and powerful influences
for the health and happiness of the nations. It has in the seed
of the gradual elimination of the national, international war and
strife, in an attempt to save humanity from error and sin - an attempt
that is the mother of the improvement of mankind.John 16:12-13:
"I have yet many things to say unto you, but ye cannot bear
them now. How be it when he, the spirit of truth is come, he will
guide you into all truth; for he shall not speak of himself, but
whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak and he will show you
things to come."
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Biblical Verses Testify that Jesus is Not God"Ye men
of Israel, hear these words: Jesus of Nazareth, a man approved of
God among you by miracles and wonder and signs, which God did by
him in the midst of you as ye yourselves also know." (Acts
21:22)"And I
fell at his feet to worship him. And he said unto me, see thou do
it not: I am thy fellow servant, and of thy brethren that have testimony
of Jesus (peace be upon him): Worship God." (Revelations 19:10)"For have
I not spoken of myself, but the Father which sent me. He gave a
commandment, what I should say, and what I should speak." (John
12: 29)"I can
of my own self do nothing - as I hear I judge. And my judgement
is just, because I seek not my own will, but the will of the Father
which has sent me. If I bear witness of myself, my witness is not
true." (John 5: 20-31)"…..for
my Father is greater than I." (John 14: 28)"Verily,
verily, I say unto you, the servant is no greater than his Lord;
neither he that is sent greater than he that sent him." (John
13:16)Jesus (peace
be upon him) saith unto her (Mary Magdalene) ... I ascend unto my
Father and your Father; and to my God and your God." (John
20:17)"But of
that day and that hour knoweth no man. No, not the angels which
are in heaven, neither the son, but the Father." (Mark 13:
32)"But now
ye seek to kill me, a man that hath told you the truth, which I
have heard from God." (John 8:40)
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THE QUR'AN SPEAKSJesus is
Not GodAnd behold!
God will say: O Jesus son of Mary! Did'st thou say unto men, worship
me and my mother as Gods in derogation of God?"He (Jesus)
will say:"Glory
to Thee! Never could I say what I had no right (to say). Had I said
such a thing, you would have indeed known it. You know what is In
my heart, though I know not what is in Thine. For You know in full
all that is hidden. Never said I to them anything except what You
did command me To say; Worship God, my Lord and your Lord..."(Qur'an,
Al-Maidah 5:116-117)
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Muhammad is Not God
"Say (O
Muhammad) to the people: I am but a man like you: It is revealed
to me by inspiration, that your God is one God: so stand true to
Him, and ask for His forgiveness and woe to those who join Gods
with God."
(Qur'an, Fussilat 41:6)Note: Some people
maintain that Muslims worship Muhammad , instead of God, and call
themselves "Muhammadans."The above verse
gives answer to such an allegation as Muhammad never claimed himself
to be God.He was a Prophet,
like any other Messenger of God. The word "Muhammadanism"
as applied to the Islamic Religion is a misnomer.Islam means
submission to the will of God, and its followers are called Muslims.
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IS THE QUR'AN THE WORD OF GOD?The Authenticity
of the Qur'anDr. Maurice
Bucaille:Maurice Bucaille
(Professor of Surgery, France) in his book, The Bible, the Qur'an
and Science mentions the following (quoting page 120):"What initially
strikes the reader confronted for the first time with a text (The
Qur'an) of this kind is the sheer abundance of subjects discussed;
The Creation, Astronomy, the Explanation of Certain Matters concerning
the Earth, the Animal and Vegetable Kingdoms and Human Reproduction.Whereas monumental
errors are to be found in the Bible, I could not find a single error
in the Qur'an. I had to stop and ask myself; if a man was the author
of the Qur'an, how could he have written facts in the seventh century
AD, that today are shown to be in keeping with modern scientific
knowledge?There was absolutely
no doubt about it, the text of the Qur'an we have today is most
definitely a text of the period, if I may be allowed to put it in
these terms. What human explanation can there be for this observation?
In my opinion there is no explanation; there is no special reason
why an inhabitant of the Arabian Peninsula should, at a time when
King Dagobert was reigning in France (629-639 AD) have had scientific
knowledge on certain subjects that was ten centuries ahead of our
own."Dr. Jacques
Cousteau:Captain Jacques
Cousteau, an eminent French Research Professor embraces Islam as
a result of reading in the Qur'an verses which 1400 years ago were
related to the result of his recent research work. That is, there
are phenomenal barriers at connections of certain oceans, and that
the waters of one sea do not mix with that of the other.The Qur'an clearly
states the above fact:"He has
let free the two bodies of flowing water, meeting together:Between
them is a barrier which they do not transgress.(Qur'an,
Ar-Rahman 55:19-20)
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Scientific Discoveries Conform with Qur'anic VersesDr Keith Moore:
Professor Keith
Moore (Anatomy, University of Toronto, Canada) describes the stages
of human development, in his book The Developing Human, clinically
Oriented Embryology:"Growth
of science was slow during the medieval period and a few high points
of embryological investigation undertaken during this age are known
to us. It is cited in the Qur'an, the Holy Book of the Muslims,
that human beings are produced from a mixture of secretions from
the male and the female.Several references
are made to the creation of a human being from a sperm drop, and
it is also suggested that the resulting organism settles in the
womb like a seed, six days after its beginning. The human blastocyst
begins to implant about six days after fertilisation.The Qur'an also
states that the sperm drop develops "into a congealed clot
of blood". An implanted blastocyst or a spontaneously aborted
conceptus would resemble a blood clot. Reference is also made to
the leech-like appearance of the embryo. The embryo is not unlike
a leech, or a bloodsucker, in appearance.""The embryo
is also said to resemble 'a chewed piece of substance' like gum
or wood. The somites do in fact resemble the teethmarks in a chewed
substance.""The developing
embryo was considered to become human at 40-42 days and to no longer
resemble an animal embryo at this stage. The human embryo begins
to acquire human characteristics at this stage."The Qur'an
also states that the embryo develops between 'three veils of darkness'.
This probably refers to:the maternal
anterior abdominal wall,the uterine
wall, andthe aminiochorionic
membrane.
Space does not permit discussion of several other interesting references
to human prenatal development which appear in the Qur'an."
(The Developing Human, Dr KL Moore, M.Sc, Ph.D, FIAC, FRSM)
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Sex Determining Factor in the Qur'an and ScienceChromosomes
X and Y:Many theories
have been put forward to explain how the sex of a child is determined.
Only recently when techniques for examining human sex cells were
developed did scientists come to basically understand the sex determining
factor in human reproduction.The human female
has 46 chromosomes in the nucleus of each cell, in the form of 23
matched pairs. Whereas the human male has 46 chromosomes, but only
22 pairs are matched; the chromosomes of one pair do not match exactly.
One is the same size as those of the twenty third pair in a female,
but the other is smaller. The larger is known as the (X) chromosome
and the smaller is the (Y) chromosome. Thus, a woman has two (X)
chromosomes in each cell, and a man one (X) and one (Y) chromosome.During the reproductive
process, when ovum (female sex cells) are formed, each cell contains
22 chromosomes and one (X) chromosome. However, when sperm (male
sex cells) are formed, one half of the sperm will contain 22 chromosomes
and one (X) chromosome whilst the other half will contain 22 chromosomes
and one (Y) chromosome.During the fertilisation
process if an egg is fertilised by a sperm cell being a (X) chromosome,
a female offspring will result. If an egg is fertilised by a sperm
bearing a (Y) chromosome, then the resulting offspring would be
male. Therefore, the sperm is a sex determining factor.The following
fourteen hundred year old verses clearly testify that the sperm
cell is the sex determining factor in human reproduction:"That He
did create in pair, male and female; from a seed when lodged (in
its place)."(Qur'an, An-Najm 53:45-46)"And God
created you from dust, then from a sperm-drop, then He made you
in pairs (the male and the female)."(Qur'an, Fatir 35:11)"We created
you from mixtures of germinal drop..."(Qur'an, Al-Insan 76:2)
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Human Development in the Qur'anDr. Maurice
Bucaille:"The Qur'anic
description of certain stages in the development of embryo corresponds
exactly to what we today know about it, and the Qur'an does not
contain a single statement that is open to criticism from modern
science.The implantation
of the egg in the uterus (womb) is the result of the development
of...formations (which) make the egg literally cling to the uterus.
This is a discovery of modern times."The act of clinging
is described five different times in the Qur'an, of which two are
shown below:"Read,
in the name of your Lord and Cherisher, who fashioned; who fashioned
man from something which clings."(Qur'an, Al-Alaq 96:1-2)""Was
(man) not a small quantity of sperm which has been poured out? Then
did he become something which clings; then God fashioned him in
due proportion."(Qur'an, Al-Qiyamah 75:37-38)"The Qur'an
informs us that the embryo then passes through the stage of 'chewed
flesh', then osseous tissue appears and is clad in flesh.""...We
fashioned...into something which clings...into a lump of flesh in
proportion and out of proportion..."
(Qur'an, Al-Hajj 22:5)"We fashioned
the thing which clings into a chewed lump of flesh and We fashioned
the chewed flesh into bones, and We clothed the bones with intact
flesh..."(Qur'an, Al-Mu'minun 23:14)"All statements in the Qur'an must be compared with today's
firmly established concepts. Throughout the Middle Ages, unfounded
myths and speculations were at the origin of the most diversified
doctrines; they persisted for several centuries after this period.
It was in fact, only during the nineteenth century that people had
a slightly clearer view of this question (human development).""More than
a thousand years before our time, at a period when whimsical doctrines
still prevailed, men had a knowledge of the Qur'an. The statements
it contains express in simple terms truths of primordial importance
which man has taken centuries to discover."
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ISLAMIC QUALITIES
HonestyPerseverance
Tolerance
Firmness
Punctuality
Courage
Generosity
Chastity
Justice
Forgiveness
Faith in One
God - Allah
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Ethics of Islam"Imbue
yourself with Divine Attributes" said the Prophet . God's attributes
form the basis of Muslim ethics. Righteousness in Islam encompasses
leading a life in complete harmony with the Divine Attributes.
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Faith and ActionFaith without
action put simply, is a dead letter. Faith on its own is unstable
unless translated into practice. Muslims believe that people are
accountable for their own actions in this world. Each must bear
their own burden, and nobody can expiate for another's sin.
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Inherent PurityMuslims believe
in the inherent sinlessness of man's nature. Gifted with the power
of reasoning, the human being is capable of apparently unrestricted
progress. They also believe that all people are born as Muslims
and that it is one's parents or guardians whom initiate the diversion
from or the cohesion to - the pure faith.Therefore, the
term 'born Muslims' refer to those who have remained as Muslims
after birth, and for those embracing Islam the term 'reverts' is
used in lieu of the misnomer 'converts'.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The Position of Women in IslamMan and woman
come from the same origin, possess similar souls and have been gifted
with equal potential for intellectual, spiritual and moral attainments.
Islam places man and woman under like obligations.
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Equality of Mankind and the Brotherhood of IslamIslam is the
religion of the Unity of God and the Equality of Mankind. Lineage,
riches and family pride are accidental things, virtue and the service
of humanity are matters of real merit. Distinctions of colour, race
and creed are non-existent within the bounds of Islam. All humans
are of one family. Islam has succeeded in welding the 'black' and
the 'white' into one fraternal whole. The strict rule of brotherhood
is set firm with the following saying of the Prophet Muhammad :"No one
of you is a believer in God until he loves for his brother what
he loves for himself."
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Personal JudgementIslam encourages
the exercise of personal judgement and respects the difference of
opinion, which according to the sayings of the Prophet Muhammad
, "is a blessing from God."
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
KnowledgeThe pursuit
of knowledge is a duty in Islam. It is the acquisition of knowledge
that makes humans distinct amongst all other creatures.
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Sanctity of LabourEvery form of
labour which enables man to live honestly is respected. Idleness
is deemed a sin.
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CharityAll the facilities
of man have been given to him as a trust from God, for the benefit
of his fellow creatures. It is a Muslim's duty to cater for others
needs and such services must be applied without any discrimination.
Charity in Islam brings one nearer to God, and has been made an
essential part of one's obligations. Every person who owns property
above a certain limit pays a fixed tax; levied on the rich for the
benefit of the poor."For those who give in Charity, men and women, and loan to
God a beautiful loan, it shall be increased manifold (to their credit),
and they shall have (besides) a liberal reward."
(Qur'an, Al-Hadid 57:18)
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Moral TeachingsIslam requires
the display of every quality that has been given to man, but makes
only one limitation - that it should be displayed on the proper
occasion. It requires a person to exhibit modesty as well as boldness
and courage, but each at its correct moment. The Qur'an teaches
the Muslims to be submissive without losing self-respect; it exhorts
them to forgive, but not in a manner as to embolden the culprits;
it allows them to exercise all their rights, but not as to violate
others. Muslims are also required to preach the faith of Islam,
but not by way of compulsion."Those
who spend (freely), whether in prosperity, or in adversity; and
pardon (all) men; for God loves those who do good."(Qur'an,
Al-'Imran 3:134)
"For God
is with those who are patient, and those who do good."(Qur'an,
Al-Waqi'ah 56:128)
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No PriesthoodIslam is the
way of Unity. Any association with God is direct and personal; without
the mediation of a priest."And those
who, having done something to be ashamed of, or wronged their own
souls, earnestly bring God to mind, and ask for forgiveness for
their sins, and who can forgive sins except God? And never obstinate
in persisting knowingly in (the wrong) they have done for such,
the reward is forgiveness from their Lord..."
(Qur'an, Al-'Imran 3:135-136)
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ForgivenessThe importance
of forgiveness for a Muslim is emphasized with the following verses
from the Qur'an:"Nor can
Goodness and Evil be equal. Repel (evil) with what is better; then
will he between whom and yourself was hatred become as it were your
friend and intimate!"(Qur'an, As-Saff 61:34)"Tell those
who believe, to forgive those who do not look forward to the Days
of God."(Qur'an, Al-Jathiyah 45:14)"Kind words
and the covering of faults (of others) are better than charity followed
by injury. Allah is Free of all wants, and He is Most Forbearing."(Qur'an,
Al-Baqarah 2:263)
We would like
to thank all the sisters who gave of their time and patience in
putting this article together.We pray to Allah
(Most Exalted is He) to bless them and their families (Amen), and
we would ask you to make du'a for them also.Unfortunately,
there are too many sisters to mention by name.
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