The Quran’s Challenge
“And if you doubt any part of what We have revealed, upon Our servant [Muhammad], then
produce a chapter of its like, and call upon any other than Allah to bear witness for you - if what you
say is true!” (Quran chapter 2, verse 23)
The Prophet Muhammad, the Last Messenger, was sent to the people as a mercy, a guide and a
warner. He came to affirm the noble prophets, who came before him, and their belief in the oneness
of Allah, and to abrogate, update and complete their messages to mankind. With Muhammad, as
with all of the previous prophets, many people would disbelieve in them, and deny the truth of their
claims. Allah sent clear signs with his messengers, as a proof against such false accusations that
would confirm the truth of what they brought. These proofs were miracles.
To Moses, who brought the way of Islam to the Israelites, Allah gave among other things the staff, with miraculous powers of turning it into a snake, causing water to flow from the rock, and splitting the sea into two. Likewise, Prophet Jesus, had the ability to speak whilst only a baby, and the ability to return the dead to life. A clear evidence to the people of his time that indeed, he was a messenger from Allah. Prophet Muhammad, the Last Messenger, was similar to his predecessors. He too, was rejected by many people, and he too was sent with miracles that confirmed his position beyond all doubt.
However, the prophethood of Muhammad was different to his predecessors, and so was the nature
of the main miracle that Allah gave to him. Muhammad was the final prophet for all mankind to
come – his message was complete.
His miracle was not temporary, like those of Moses and Jesus, which could only be directly believed in by those who saw them. Today, no Christian can bring the dead man back to life, and no Jew can
demonstrate the staff as a proof for their belief. Rather, we as Muslims believe in these miracles,
because they are narrated in the Holy Quran, which is itself the miracle that proves for all mankind
the truth of the message of Islam. In this way, the proof of Islam is complete for all time to come, for it lies in the Book itself.
The challenge has been made clear. If anyone denies that the Quran is true, all they have to do is
produce one surah (chapter) which is like it. If the Quran was not from Allah, then a person should be
able to bring another chapter that matches or betters the style, meaning and structure of the Quran
The Arabs at the time of Muhammad could not so, nor for 1400 years, has anyone ever done this.
The Quran achieves this unique and matchless expression of the Arabic language by developing its
own literary form, unique genre and employing an abundance of eloquent features unmatched by
any text, past or present. Furthermore, the Quran chooses the most perfect words, word order,
particle, pronoun and rhythm to enhance the intended effect.
This however is not directly witnessed by non-Arab readers. To appreciate the miracle of the Quran,
one needs to reflect upon its history. The Arabic spoken 1400 years ago was at its most pure, so if the
people at the time were challenged, and they failed – then who is the author?
This miracle of language is beyond the minds of men, which is proven by the fact that there is no
other similar text, even of the smallest size, in existence on the face of the earth. Furthermore,
compared to any prose or poetry in existence, the Quran is far superior in its depth, eloquence and
character. Indeed, throughout the ages, the Quran has been used as the measure and reference
against which all works of Arabic literature have been gauged.
This challenge of the Quran stands now, as it did at the time of the Prophet. In those days when the
mastery of Arabic language was at its peak, it was enough for the Arabs to just hear the recitation of
the Quran, and then embrace Islam, as did Umar ibn al-Khattab and others. Even the disbelievers of
the Muhammad’s tribe, the Quraysh, acknowledged this much; that the Quran was an unnatural
phenomenon. This way, we see that the proof of the Quran, the foundation of the way of life of Islam,
stands as a challenge for all mankind.
The opponents of Islam, are well versed in the history of Islam. But they resort to misinterpreting Islamic teachings, discrediting Islam, or physically oppressing Muslims. They know of the challenge in the Quran, yet they ignore it or cover it up, as they cannot match it. If indeed they were able to, they would have publicised it throughout the world, instead of spending so much time and energy in
suppressing Islam through other ways.
Friday 10 June 2016
Miracles: Mythical stories or signs of God?
Miracles: Mythical stories or signs of God?
Secular philosophy and science in modern times have increased the scepticism by which people
view stories of miracles. Natural explanations are sought for all things or else reports of the event are
mistrusted.
The Quran – like the Old and New Testament - informs us that different Prophets throughout human
history performed miracles. Muslims believe that miracles are only performed with Allah’s (God’s)
permission. By definition, it is beyond the ability of human beings to perform these miracles without
God’s permission. The miracles performed by Prophets in the past were a sign to their people that
their claim to prophethood was real. The miracle of the Prophet Muhammad, which proved to his
people that he was a prophet, is the Quran itself, a proof that is still with us today. Miracles are not like magic, in that magic is a trick that can be learnt. A miracle, on the other hand, is something that
should be impossible for a person to do, but is achieved due to Allah's intervention, i.e. when He gives that special power to a Prophet.
Examples of past miracles related in the Quran are many:
Yusuf (Joseph) could correctly interpret dreams and this was one of the proofs of his prophethood.
One of the most famous incidents was a dream he interpreted for the King of Egypt of seven fat cows
and seven thin cows: “‘Truthful Joseph! Tell us the meaning of seven fat cows being eaten by seven
lean ones, seven green ears of corn and others withered, then I can return to the people to inform
them.’ Joseph said, ‘You will sow for seven consecutive years as usual. Store all that you reap, left in
the ear, apart from the little you eat. After that will come seven years of hardship which will consume
all but a little of what you stored up for them; after that will come a year when the people will have
abundant rain and will press grapes.” (Quran chapter 12, verses 46-49)
During the time of Musa (Moses) the people believed in magic, so the miracle that Allah gave Musa
was to actually change things in reality from one nature to another. On the contest between the
magicians and Musa it is mentioned in the Quran: The magicians said “O Musa! Either you throw first or we be the first to throw?” Musa said: “No, you throw (first)!” Then behold, their ropes and their sticks, by their magic, appeared to him as though they moved quickly. So Musa felt an anxiety in himself. We (Allah) said: “Fear not! Surely, you will have the upper hand. Throw that which is in your right hand, It will swallow up that which they have made! That which they have made is only a
magician's trick, and the magician will never be successful, no matter whatever amount of skill he
may attain” So the magicians fell down prostrate. They said: “We believe in the Lord of Haroon
(Aaron) and Musa.” (Quran chapter 20, verses 66-70)
The miracles of Jesus were that, with God’s permission, he could heal the sick and bring the dead to
life: “Then Allah will say, ‘Jesus son of Mary! Remember My favour to you and to your mother: how I strengthened you with the holy spirit (Gabriel), so that you spoke to people in your infancy and as a
grown man; how I taught you the Scripture and wisdom, the Torah and the Gospel; how, with My
permission, you fashioned the shape of a bird out of clay, breathed into it, and it became with My
permission, a bird; how, with My permission, you healed the blind person and the leper; how, with My permission, you brought the dead back to life, and when I restrained the Children of Israel from you (when they resolved to kill you) since you came unto them with clear proofs, and the disbelievers
among them said: ‘This is nothing but evident magic.’” (Quran chapter 5, verse 110)
Even today these miracles could have no natural explanation. So these miracles were evidence to
the people of that time that the man claiming to be a Prophet truly was a Prophet of God. Those
miracles cannot be witnessed by people today.
The miracle of the Quran is that people cannot produce the like of it. Even today people can witness
its unique nature and this is the evidence that Muhammad who was given the Quran and claimed to
be a Prophet truly was a Prophet of Allah.
Secular philosophy and science in modern times have increased the scepticism by which people
view stories of miracles. Natural explanations are sought for all things or else reports of the event are
mistrusted.
The Quran – like the Old and New Testament - informs us that different Prophets throughout human
history performed miracles. Muslims believe that miracles are only performed with Allah’s (God’s)
permission. By definition, it is beyond the ability of human beings to perform these miracles without
God’s permission. The miracles performed by Prophets in the past were a sign to their people that
their claim to prophethood was real. The miracle of the Prophet Muhammad, which proved to his
people that he was a prophet, is the Quran itself, a proof that is still with us today. Miracles are not like magic, in that magic is a trick that can be learnt. A miracle, on the other hand, is something that
should be impossible for a person to do, but is achieved due to Allah's intervention, i.e. when He gives that special power to a Prophet.
Examples of past miracles related in the Quran are many:
Yusuf (Joseph) could correctly interpret dreams and this was one of the proofs of his prophethood.
One of the most famous incidents was a dream he interpreted for the King of Egypt of seven fat cows
and seven thin cows: “‘Truthful Joseph! Tell us the meaning of seven fat cows being eaten by seven
lean ones, seven green ears of corn and others withered, then I can return to the people to inform
them.’ Joseph said, ‘You will sow for seven consecutive years as usual. Store all that you reap, left in
the ear, apart from the little you eat. After that will come seven years of hardship which will consume
all but a little of what you stored up for them; after that will come a year when the people will have
abundant rain and will press grapes.” (Quran chapter 12, verses 46-49)
During the time of Musa (Moses) the people believed in magic, so the miracle that Allah gave Musa
was to actually change things in reality from one nature to another. On the contest between the
magicians and Musa it is mentioned in the Quran: The magicians said “O Musa! Either you throw first or we be the first to throw?” Musa said: “No, you throw (first)!” Then behold, their ropes and their sticks, by their magic, appeared to him as though they moved quickly. So Musa felt an anxiety in himself. We (Allah) said: “Fear not! Surely, you will have the upper hand. Throw that which is in your right hand, It will swallow up that which they have made! That which they have made is only a
magician's trick, and the magician will never be successful, no matter whatever amount of skill he
may attain” So the magicians fell down prostrate. They said: “We believe in the Lord of Haroon
(Aaron) and Musa.” (Quran chapter 20, verses 66-70)
The miracles of Jesus were that, with God’s permission, he could heal the sick and bring the dead to
life: “Then Allah will say, ‘Jesus son of Mary! Remember My favour to you and to your mother: how I strengthened you with the holy spirit (Gabriel), so that you spoke to people in your infancy and as a
grown man; how I taught you the Scripture and wisdom, the Torah and the Gospel; how, with My
permission, you fashioned the shape of a bird out of clay, breathed into it, and it became with My
permission, a bird; how, with My permission, you healed the blind person and the leper; how, with My permission, you brought the dead back to life, and when I restrained the Children of Israel from you (when they resolved to kill you) since you came unto them with clear proofs, and the disbelievers
among them said: ‘This is nothing but evident magic.’” (Quran chapter 5, verse 110)
Even today these miracles could have no natural explanation. So these miracles were evidence to
the people of that time that the man claiming to be a Prophet truly was a Prophet of God. Those
miracles cannot be witnessed by people today.
The miracle of the Quran is that people cannot produce the like of it. Even today people can witness
its unique nature and this is the evidence that Muhammad who was given the Quran and claimed to
be a Prophet truly was a Prophet of Allah.
How can Muslims say that God definitely exists?
How can Muslims say that God definitely exists?
The book that Muslims refer to for guidance, the Quran, encourages thought,
reflection and investigation. “Behold! In the creation of the heavens and the earth,
and the alteration of night and day, these are indeed signs for men of
understanding.” (Quran chapter 3, verse 190)
This includes reflecting upon and reasoning whether or not God exists! It prompts us
to study and examine anything and everything in the Universe – from the smallest
sub-atomic particle to solar systems; from the complexity of an insect to the
seemingly mundane such as the clouds and the rain. From reflecting on such things
we can reason that everything in the universe has a cause.
Were this not true, it would mean that the Universe had no beginning, no start point
or point of origin; that it would be infinite. The famous mathematician David Hilbert
stated that “The infinite is nowhere to be found in reality. It neither exists in nature nor
provides a legitimate basis for rational thought.” So, infinity is a theoretical idea that
we cannot sense in the real world. Those who apply it as an attribute of things in the
Universe have departed from reason and are irrational.
Everything we can sense, however different in nature, share certain qualities: they
are limited, finite and dependent on other than themselves. The earth may be very
large, but it still has shape, mass and volume that are of a limited size. The same can
be said of all planets and indeed stars, solar systems and galaxies. All are limited and
all, without exception, are subject to a system of natural laws from which they
cannot escape.
The nature of all these finite and limited things is that they are dependent on other
things. They are neither self-sustaining nor independent. The water cycle is
dependent on the sun, which is dependent on the gravitational laws and the
energy produced by nuclear fusion, and so on. Men – and all creatures - have
needs that require satisfaction in order to survive. Nothing is self-subsistent. So things
exist, but do not have the power of self-existence, nor can they control when they
die, change to become something else, or cease to exist.
If everything in the Universe, which is made up of lots of limited parts, has a start
point and is dependent upon other things, then what is everything dependent upon
for its existence? The proposed “Big Bang” would have been preceded by
something. What is that something? Another universe? If so, then what was before
that? The chain would continue until a true “beginning” was found.
So the beginning could only be caused by something else - a creator. But, if that
creator shared the same properties as the Universe - being limited and dependent -
then that creator would also require a creator, as this is the case with every limited
thing. So the Creator, which originated everything, must be different - uncaused or
eternal, unlimited and independent. This Creator is what we call God, or Allah.
The book that Muslims refer to for guidance, the Quran, encourages thought,
reflection and investigation. “Behold! In the creation of the heavens and the earth,
and the alteration of night and day, these are indeed signs for men of
understanding.” (Quran chapter 3, verse 190)
This includes reflecting upon and reasoning whether or not God exists! It prompts us
to study and examine anything and everything in the Universe – from the smallest
sub-atomic particle to solar systems; from the complexity of an insect to the
seemingly mundane such as the clouds and the rain. From reflecting on such things
we can reason that everything in the universe has a cause.
Were this not true, it would mean that the Universe had no beginning, no start point
or point of origin; that it would be infinite. The famous mathematician David Hilbert
stated that “The infinite is nowhere to be found in reality. It neither exists in nature nor
provides a legitimate basis for rational thought.” So, infinity is a theoretical idea that
we cannot sense in the real world. Those who apply it as an attribute of things in the
Universe have departed from reason and are irrational.
Everything we can sense, however different in nature, share certain qualities: they
are limited, finite and dependent on other than themselves. The earth may be very
large, but it still has shape, mass and volume that are of a limited size. The same can
be said of all planets and indeed stars, solar systems and galaxies. All are limited and
all, without exception, are subject to a system of natural laws from which they
cannot escape.
The nature of all these finite and limited things is that they are dependent on other
things. They are neither self-sustaining nor independent. The water cycle is
dependent on the sun, which is dependent on the gravitational laws and the
energy produced by nuclear fusion, and so on. Men – and all creatures - have
needs that require satisfaction in order to survive. Nothing is self-subsistent. So things
exist, but do not have the power of self-existence, nor can they control when they
die, change to become something else, or cease to exist.
If everything in the Universe, which is made up of lots of limited parts, has a start
point and is dependent upon other things, then what is everything dependent upon
for its existence? The proposed “Big Bang” would have been preceded by
something. What is that something? Another universe? If so, then what was before
that? The chain would continue until a true “beginning” was found.
So the beginning could only be caused by something else - a creator. But, if that
creator shared the same properties as the Universe - being limited and dependent -
then that creator would also require a creator, as this is the case with every limited
thing. So the Creator, which originated everything, must be different - uncaused or
eternal, unlimited and independent. This Creator is what we call God, or Allah.
What are the main things Muslims believe?
What are the main things Muslims believe?
A Muslim believes in Allah (the Arabic name referring to God); that nothing other than Allah is worthy of worship, and that Muhammad was His final Prophet. A Muslim does not pray to Muhammad nor believes that Muhammad was the son of God, nor that Jesus is the son of God. Muslims believe that Allah is above having a son. Allah is considered unique, without equal. His existence is realisable but His essence and nature is beyond human comprehension. He was not born, has no children, and does not die. Muslims do not believe that Allah resembles a man, nor that humans are made in His image. Islam is monotheistic – believing only in One God. Islamic belief in Allah - called Tawheed (absolute oneness) – is at the heart of the Islamic creed. Muslims believe in particular articles of belief. This is called Iman: to believe in Allah, His Angels, His Books, His Messengers, The Day of Judgement, that fate whether good or bad is from Allah. This Iman must be based on certainty.
Angels are beings from the realm of the 'unseen', 'created of light', taking different forms and who
do not eat, drink or reproduce. They have no free will and worship Allah without faltering. Some of
these angels are known by name, for example Jibreel (Gabriel) who brings divine revelations to the
Prophets.
The books revealed to the Prophets include the Tawrah (Torah) to Musa (Moses), the Zabur (Psalms)
to Dawud (David), the Injil (Gospel) to Isa (Jesus), and finally the Quran revealed to Muhammad.
Muslims believe in them all, but only follow the last book, the Quran which is the final and most
reliably transmitted revelation from Allah i.e. the Last Testament.
“We sent to you the Scripture with the truth, confirming the Scriptures that came before it and with
final authority over them; so judge between them according to what God has sent down. Do not
follow their whims, which deviate from the truth that has come to you. We have assigned a law and
a path to each of you. If God had so willed, He would have made you one community, but He
wanted to test you through that which He has given you, so race to do good: you will all return to
Allah and He will make clear to you the matters you differed about.” (Quran chapter 5, verse 48)
The Day of Judgement is when all humanity will be resurrected with new bodies to stand before
Allah for His judgment on their eternal fate. They will be shown whatever good and whatever bad
they did during their lives. Hence, Muslims believe we are all accountable for every action we do
and proceed through life conscious of that. Allah possesses all Mercy and all Power. Nothing
happens except by His Will, but He is not necessarily pleased with all matters. Allah has told us clearly what is right and wrong according to His divine standard. Allah’s Will is that humans should have free will in thoughts and actions. So some humans choose to abide by His laws and others choose to rebel.
Allah will judge every mature person on Judgement Day and by His Wisdom and Justice some
people will be sent to heaven and some will be sent to hell. Both heaven and hell are beyond our
capacities to understand except by how they have been described in the Quran and by Allah’s
prophets. Heaven is described as a paradise. Hell has many descriptions all associated with
unimaginable torment.
The Quran was revealed to Prophet Muhammad through Angel Jibreel (Gabriel) in the 7th century in
Arabia and starting with the verses:
“Read! In the name of your Lord who created: He created man from a clinging form. Read! Your
Lord is the Most Bountiful One who taught by the pen, who taught man what he did not know.”
(Quran chapter 96, verses 1-5)
Islam’s central message is summarised in the following Quranic verse:
“Say (O Muhammad): “I am only a human being like you. It is inspired in me that your Allah is One
God, therefore take the Straight Path to Him and obedience to Him and seek forgiveness of Him.”
(Quran chapter 41, verse 6)
A Muslim believes in Allah (the Arabic name referring to God); that nothing other than Allah is worthy of worship, and that Muhammad was His final Prophet. A Muslim does not pray to Muhammad nor believes that Muhammad was the son of God, nor that Jesus is the son of God. Muslims believe that Allah is above having a son. Allah is considered unique, without equal. His existence is realisable but His essence and nature is beyond human comprehension. He was not born, has no children, and does not die. Muslims do not believe that Allah resembles a man, nor that humans are made in His image. Islam is monotheistic – believing only in One God. Islamic belief in Allah - called Tawheed (absolute oneness) – is at the heart of the Islamic creed. Muslims believe in particular articles of belief. This is called Iman: to believe in Allah, His Angels, His Books, His Messengers, The Day of Judgement, that fate whether good or bad is from Allah. This Iman must be based on certainty.
Angels are beings from the realm of the 'unseen', 'created of light', taking different forms and who
do not eat, drink or reproduce. They have no free will and worship Allah without faltering. Some of
these angels are known by name, for example Jibreel (Gabriel) who brings divine revelations to the
Prophets.
The books revealed to the Prophets include the Tawrah (Torah) to Musa (Moses), the Zabur (Psalms)
to Dawud (David), the Injil (Gospel) to Isa (Jesus), and finally the Quran revealed to Muhammad.
Muslims believe in them all, but only follow the last book, the Quran which is the final and most
reliably transmitted revelation from Allah i.e. the Last Testament.
“We sent to you the Scripture with the truth, confirming the Scriptures that came before it and with
final authority over them; so judge between them according to what God has sent down. Do not
follow their whims, which deviate from the truth that has come to you. We have assigned a law and
a path to each of you. If God had so willed, He would have made you one community, but He
wanted to test you through that which He has given you, so race to do good: you will all return to
Allah and He will make clear to you the matters you differed about.” (Quran chapter 5, verse 48)
The Day of Judgement is when all humanity will be resurrected with new bodies to stand before
Allah for His judgment on their eternal fate. They will be shown whatever good and whatever bad
they did during their lives. Hence, Muslims believe we are all accountable for every action we do
and proceed through life conscious of that. Allah possesses all Mercy and all Power. Nothing
happens except by His Will, but He is not necessarily pleased with all matters. Allah has told us clearly what is right and wrong according to His divine standard. Allah’s Will is that humans should have free will in thoughts and actions. So some humans choose to abide by His laws and others choose to rebel.
Allah will judge every mature person on Judgement Day and by His Wisdom and Justice some
people will be sent to heaven and some will be sent to hell. Both heaven and hell are beyond our
capacities to understand except by how they have been described in the Quran and by Allah’s
prophets. Heaven is described as a paradise. Hell has many descriptions all associated with
unimaginable torment.
The Quran was revealed to Prophet Muhammad through Angel Jibreel (Gabriel) in the 7th century in
Arabia and starting with the verses:
“Read! In the name of your Lord who created: He created man from a clinging form. Read! Your
Lord is the Most Bountiful One who taught by the pen, who taught man what he did not know.”
(Quran chapter 96, verses 1-5)
Islam’s central message is summarised in the following Quranic verse:
“Say (O Muhammad): “I am only a human being like you. It is inspired in me that your Allah is One
God, therefore take the Straight Path to Him and obedience to Him and seek forgiveness of Him.”
(Quran chapter 41, verse 6)
What is Jihad?
What is Jihad?
Never has there been a word more misrepresented in the media than Jihad. Humans have been fighting and killing each other for millennia, developing ever more effective ways and enhancing technology to facilitate this killing. People fight to defend themselves, or to attack others. Wars are fought for land, tribe, nation, legacy, fortune, religion, independence, or resources like water and oil.
Today’s many wars are mostly fought over resources, like the US and UK fighting for securing 'their' oil in Iraq or Afghanistan, or for land and its minerals as in parts of Africa, or civil wars in South America.
Islam addresses fighting and warfare, laying down rules for when and how it should occur. Islam does not allow wars for material gain, taking other people’s resources and lands, or to convert people from their religion. Islam does not sanction the invading and pillaging of the past, nor the colonialism of the present, which all lead to enslaving and impoverishing the conquered people.
Muslims are required to follow the Islamic rules of warfare, if they were to go to war. Examples include: no killing of innocent people, no killing of women and children, no burning of crops or trees, only fight those that fight you, no wanton destruction. Jihad, then, is the striving of Muslims when they go to war and are governed by these laws. Primarily there are two types of Jihad. The first is when Muslims rally to fight and expel invading armies from their land. Examples are when the Crusaders invaded Palestine during the eleventh and twelfth centuries, or when the Mongols invaded Central Asia, Persia, Iraq and Syria in the thirteenth century. This defensive Jihad aims to protect the citizens and their land by pushing the occupiers out.
The other type of Jihad is only undertaken by an Islamic State*. Its aim is to eradicate ‘fitna’ (injustice and oppression) where it is exists in other places, and replace unjust and oppressive ruling with a just rule under the auspices of the Islamic State. There are three parts to it: first, to invite the people to accept Islam by explaining the Islamic belief and what Islam has to offer people. This is done by dialogue and discussion and maybe over some time. Secondly, the people are invited to unify with the Islamic State, whether or not they become Muslims, enjoying peace, justice, security and protection, thereby ending the injustice and oppression. Historically some non-Muslim peoples opted for this option, which is in exchange for a small yearly tax (taken as a token in exchange for their protection, since they are alleviated from contributing in other financial ways to the society, as the Muslims are obliged to do). The third and final course of action after the first two have failed is war. Such a war is called Jihad and it has its rules, like no wanton destruction or targeting of civilians. When an Islamic State goes to war, it can never be for money, land, or riches –unlike the current and past colonial occupations of the last two centuries.
Jihad is often seen by Western people as barbaric, as a result of the propaganda constantly pushed by the government and media to portray Muslims as bloodthirsty, massacring killers, bent on forcing the world to change their religion. They have even coined the phrase ‘holy war’ for Jihad to encourage this false opinion.
However, an Islamic State would commit to the Islamic foreign policy, showing the world what Islam really is and how Islam can truly make their lives and society better, even if they do not become Muslim. Jihad is a last resort in this process. The Islamic belief is never to be forced upon people once land is taken, with 1400 years of history bearing testimony to this.
When Western nations invade Muslim countries they destroy the infrastructure of the country causing more deaths than bullets and bombs. It is estimated that a million or so civilians have died in the Iraq war, which was launched ostensibly to convert the Middle East to following liberal democracy, yet was driven by Western greed for securing resources – their ‘vital security interests’. What further exposes the immorality of such warfare is that contracts are awarded to US and UK companies to rebuild the infrastructure, making the invaded country pay for it as well (Iraq as an example). Whilst neo-colonial Western powers wage war and invade for resources, places of strategic importance and further increasing their luxurious way of living, Islam expressly forbids that war be waged for such selfish reasons. Even when war does occur, Islam does not allow the kind of killing and destruction that the Western powers have perpetrated over recent years.
* Not referring to the group known by that name, but to the actual land ruled by an islamic government (otherwise known as a Caliphate/Imamate).
Never has there been a word more misrepresented in the media than Jihad. Humans have been fighting and killing each other for millennia, developing ever more effective ways and enhancing technology to facilitate this killing. People fight to defend themselves, or to attack others. Wars are fought for land, tribe, nation, legacy, fortune, religion, independence, or resources like water and oil.
Today’s many wars are mostly fought over resources, like the US and UK fighting for securing 'their' oil in Iraq or Afghanistan, or for land and its minerals as in parts of Africa, or civil wars in South America.
Islam addresses fighting and warfare, laying down rules for when and how it should occur. Islam does not allow wars for material gain, taking other people’s resources and lands, or to convert people from their religion. Islam does not sanction the invading and pillaging of the past, nor the colonialism of the present, which all lead to enslaving and impoverishing the conquered people.
Muslims are required to follow the Islamic rules of warfare, if they were to go to war. Examples include: no killing of innocent people, no killing of women and children, no burning of crops or trees, only fight those that fight you, no wanton destruction. Jihad, then, is the striving of Muslims when they go to war and are governed by these laws. Primarily there are two types of Jihad. The first is when Muslims rally to fight and expel invading armies from their land. Examples are when the Crusaders invaded Palestine during the eleventh and twelfth centuries, or when the Mongols invaded Central Asia, Persia, Iraq and Syria in the thirteenth century. This defensive Jihad aims to protect the citizens and their land by pushing the occupiers out.
The other type of Jihad is only undertaken by an Islamic State*. Its aim is to eradicate ‘fitna’ (injustice and oppression) where it is exists in other places, and replace unjust and oppressive ruling with a just rule under the auspices of the Islamic State. There are three parts to it: first, to invite the people to accept Islam by explaining the Islamic belief and what Islam has to offer people. This is done by dialogue and discussion and maybe over some time. Secondly, the people are invited to unify with the Islamic State, whether or not they become Muslims, enjoying peace, justice, security and protection, thereby ending the injustice and oppression. Historically some non-Muslim peoples opted for this option, which is in exchange for a small yearly tax (taken as a token in exchange for their protection, since they are alleviated from contributing in other financial ways to the society, as the Muslims are obliged to do). The third and final course of action after the first two have failed is war. Such a war is called Jihad and it has its rules, like no wanton destruction or targeting of civilians. When an Islamic State goes to war, it can never be for money, land, or riches –unlike the current and past colonial occupations of the last two centuries.
Jihad is often seen by Western people as barbaric, as a result of the propaganda constantly pushed by the government and media to portray Muslims as bloodthirsty, massacring killers, bent on forcing the world to change their religion. They have even coined the phrase ‘holy war’ for Jihad to encourage this false opinion.
However, an Islamic State would commit to the Islamic foreign policy, showing the world what Islam really is and how Islam can truly make their lives and society better, even if they do not become Muslim. Jihad is a last resort in this process. The Islamic belief is never to be forced upon people once land is taken, with 1400 years of history bearing testimony to this.
When Western nations invade Muslim countries they destroy the infrastructure of the country causing more deaths than bullets and bombs. It is estimated that a million or so civilians have died in the Iraq war, which was launched ostensibly to convert the Middle East to following liberal democracy, yet was driven by Western greed for securing resources – their ‘vital security interests’. What further exposes the immorality of such warfare is that contracts are awarded to US and UK companies to rebuild the infrastructure, making the invaded country pay for it as well (Iraq as an example). Whilst neo-colonial Western powers wage war and invade for resources, places of strategic importance and further increasing their luxurious way of living, Islam expressly forbids that war be waged for such selfish reasons. Even when war does occur, Islam does not allow the kind of killing and destruction that the Western powers have perpetrated over recent years.
* Not referring to the group known by that name, but to the actual land ruled by an islamic government (otherwise known as a Caliphate/Imamate).
Friday 27 May 2016
Sin, Repentance, Forgiveness, Gratitude and Love
Sin, Repentance, Forgiveness, Gratitude and Love
Commonly, non-Muslims fail to understand the role of these important concepts in Islam.
Islam is accused of being very legalistic, without much concern for spiritual matters.
Christians commonly think that Islam teaches that we can earn forgiveness by our actions.
So, when compared to their concept of the Messiah dying for our forgiveness, they see Islam
as inferior.
In fact, Islam teaches that there can be no forgiveness, except through Allah’s (God’s) mercy.
Muhammad said “No one will attain salvation by virtue of his actions.” The people asked,
“not even you, Messenger of Allah?” He said “Not even me, unless Allah covers me with His
mercy and blessings.”
A person must repent to Allah, asking for His forgiveness. He knows all the while that it is
only by Allah’s grace that he may be guided to the truth and so be successful. He is filled
with gratitude and love for his Lord and so becomes closer to and loved by his Lord. He is in
awe of Allah’s mercy, which is hugely more grateful than the mercy a mother has for her
child. Allah even shows mercy to those who disbelieve in and hate Him and have no
gratitude for all that he gives them, yet he still continues to sustain them. They have much
pleasure in this life, but in the next they will be the losers.
“And of mankind are some who take others besides Allah as rivals (to Allah). They love them
as they love Allah, but the believers are love Allah more. If only those wrongdoers could see,
when they see the torment, that all power belongs to Allah and that Allah is severe in
punishment.” (Quran chapter 2, verse 165)
“If you love Allah, then follow me (i.e. Muhammad), Allah will love you and forgive your sins.
Allah is oft-forgiving, Most Merciful.” (Quran chapter 3, verse 31)
It was reported that the Prophet stayed up all night, standing until his feet became swollen.
When he was asked “Why are you doing this, when Allah has forgiven all your past and
future wrong actions?” he replied, “Should I not be a grateful worshipper?”
A Muslim’s following of the Shariah is not merely like a worker working to earn their wage.
Rather, it is an expression of his love and gratitude for Allah, and it stems from his trust in
Allah’s solutions being the best way to solve his problems.
“And march forth to forgiveness from your Lord and to paradise as wide as the heavens and
the earth, prepared for the pious.” (Quran chapter 3, verse 133)
Prophets and Messengers
Prophets and Messengers
If a human being realises that all things in the Universe, including humanity, are created
matter – created by a Creator – that still does not explain how to live our lives.
Across the centuries and continents, human beings show a consistent instinctual
characteristic to worship and revere something else. Some people revere the earth itself,
others construct artificial idols as a focus for their worship. Historically, this latter form of
religion revolved around idol worship, but in modern times we have seen other men form
the focus for worship – the rich and famous, the Communist party, Marx or Lenin.
Realising that all things have been created does not solve how one worships the Creator or
indeed, whether or not the Creator would like people to live their lives in a certain way.
Without any guidelines people would have differing views of how to live and how to
worship; differing views of what’s good and bad, right or wrong. That, history tells us, proves
a recipe for conflict as one person’s views conflict with another.
So, we can see that there is a need for guidance from the Creator, and a need for guides.
These are Prophets and Messengers sent throughout history to guide humanity.
There were many such prophets and messengers sent to different peoples at different times.
Some are known to us from the Quran and include most of those known to Jews and
Christians as well. These include:
Adam (Adam)
Nuh (Noah)
Ibrahim (Abraham)
Lut (Lot)
Isma’il (Ishmael)
Is'haq (Isaac)
Yaqub (Jacob)
Yusuf (Joseph)
Musa (Moses)
Harun (Aaron)
Dawud (David)
Sulayman (Solomon)
Zakariyya (Zechariah)
Yahya (John the Baptist)
Isa (Jesus)
Muslims ask for God’s Peace and Blessings to be sent upon all the Prophets and make no
distinction between them in terms of conviction and respect.
The Prophet Muhammad was the last in this long line, and distinguished by the fact that the
message he brought was not for one tribe, nor one time, but the last and final testament for
the whole of humanity. The nature of the message he brought was such that it covers all
manner of human problems, and could be applied to the new and emerging realities over
the coming centuries.
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